Hello Everyone!
I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted, but it really has been busy here. I’m thinking this blog may just come to have an update every month with “bonus” updates once in a while in between.
So, what have I been up to this month?! Well, first let’s start off with another list!
1) Inevitably in Japan teaching little children… I was felt up by a three-year old girl. The teacher (a woman) just laughed at the girls antics and proceeded to poke them as well, while pointing to her own saying, “switch!”. Definitely interesting.
2) Went to my first drinking party with my main middle school staff who always seem boring at school, but are nothing but! Supriiiising!
3) Found the home-center store (like a target) on the island. I think angels were singing as I stepped in. Blankets, cooking ware, and shelves, oh my!!
4) I got the best compliment on my apartment from a fellow JET. She said, for as long as she’s been on Yoron (going on her fourth year), she’s visited my apartment because she’s known the ALT here. But, she’s never thought of my apartment as homey, until now! Yes, the apartment she said that no ALT ever felt clean in, is now homey. Thank you mom and dad for your amazing cleaning, building, and fixing skills!
5) Typhoon parties are the only logical solution to an oncoming typhoon.
6) While I am an English teacher, my written English is worsening a little. I’m trying to read a lot of English book, while simultaneously studying for the LSAT, and studying Japanese.
This month I learned to scuba dive! One of the funnest things I think I`ve ever done. And, in two weeks time I’ll have my first boat dive—exciting!
I also participated in my town’s sports day (like the U.S.’s Track and Field day). One of my co-workers asked me to participate with her on her team. I was so excited she asked and enjoyed it tons! So, why was I so excited?! Because sometimes I feel a bit isolated, which makes sense living on an island, right? But, sometimes at work, being the only foreigner can be tough. While I am learning a TON of Japanese, there are still a good amount of words I don’t know. So, when I stumble on a Japanese sentence or ask someone to repeat something, my co-workers are getting into the habit of switching to English. Only problem, my Japanese is definitely better than their English, so I get left being more confused after they switch to English than before. I’m trying to circumvent this… studying tons of Japanese and taking my time with responses, but it’s a frustrating uphill battle with my Board of Education (BOE).
As well, my BOE is VERY quiet. Which is weird because everyone on their own is very talkative and fun to be with. Sometimes, I think it’s my supervisor, M-sensei who makes the place so quiet. He’s always so stern.
BUTTTT, I brought in some homemade banana bread and I may have started working on the office. Even my supervisor, who NEVER talks, commented on how good it was and had two slices. I feel that bringing in something homemade every few weeks will continue to win them over. ;)
I also hosted my first party at my place. I invited a few JETs from the surrounding islands over and we had a great time. Having to play tour guide and show people around was great. I didn’t realize how much I have grown accustomed to, nor how great I have it here until I had them over.
I was also the judge of a speech contest, which was pretty fun! All the kids at the school stared at me when I walked in—I pretty much felt like a celebrity!
And we had our first major typhoon ALMOST hit the island. A category 3-4. My BOE was definitely bracing for impact, going as far as telling me where the emergency shelter is, if need be—definitely not encouraging. But, as soon as the typhoon hit land near Okinawa, it bounced off and we just got the outlying winds… which was still enough of a racket to make all of my indoor doors rattle and shake.
I’d definitely becoming more accustomed to life here. While sometimes the teaching can be overwhelming (the kids are super-energetic), I am enjoying it here. I’m enjoying it so much that I believe I will recontract to stay another year. The prospect of learning more Japanese (I know some of you may think, jeesh shouldn’t you be fluent in it after a year… but the writing system is soo extensive with 3,000 characters that to be fluent enough to read the newspaper, let alone a book will take some serious time and practice), studying more for the LSAT (I plan to take it at Tokyo in October), and earning money to pay off loans is ridiculously enticing. Not to mention, I live on an island! Kind of hard to say no to that.
Ok, I think that’s all I have for now. I do have a video that I took of the typhoon as well as of the Sports Days… but I don’t know where I can upload it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated (I’d rather not upload on facebook!).
Miss and Love you all!!
Steph
P.S. My work computer only has spell check for Japanese, sorry for ridiculously horrible spelling mistakes.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Pictures uploaded!!!!
Pictures finally uploaded of Sports Day, at school, and scuba diving.
This link brings you to various school related events/activities.
And, here's a link for Scuba Diving pictures. Unfortunately, no under-the-water pictures yet. They are on the way though!
I've also been trying to upload videos, but having some trouble. Anyone know of an easy way/place to upload videos?
Love you,
Steph
This link brings you to various school related events/activities.
And, here's a link for Scuba Diving pictures. Unfortunately, no under-the-water pictures yet. They are on the way though!
I've also been trying to upload videos, but having some trouble. Anyone know of an easy way/place to upload videos?
Love you,
Steph
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
September Update!
Hello Everyone!
First, I am so sorry that it’s been such a long time since I last posted.
School started and things got real busy, real quickly!
This week, my main school’s 2nd years (8th graders in US terms) are on their annual school trip around Kyushu. My co-teacher, Mr. I, is one of the chaperons and because I can’t teach a class by myself (liability and all), I get a week at the Board of Education.
What does this mean for you? Updates!!! Which I hope you’re excited about. I feel horrible neglecting to keep everyone up-to-date.
Anywho, this will be a skimmer of things that have happened. But, let’s start off with a list!
1) There are a lot of Jehovah Witnesses around here. I don’t ever remember one knocking on our door back in Ohio, but I`ve already had two here!
2) Strangers know my name… kind of makes me feel like a movie star.
3) I found a curry house!
4) Always pack extra sunscreen and a hat. Never know when the kids will beg to play jumprope. And, if I don’t go out protected, the teachers fret that I will burn/tan.
5) Cleaning the house is fun! <-- Maybe not, but not finding cockroaches on a daily basis sure is!
6) I have become buddies with the Laundromat ladies. Because I don’t have a dryer and it’s so humid here, I bring my washed clothes to the Coin Laundry to dry them. There’s always an Obaachan (old lady) sitting outside wanting to strike up a conversation. Only thing… I can’t understand the Obaachans at all! They speak the island dialect which is NOTHING like Japanese. I end up smiling and nodding and getting my cheeks pinched.
7) The students thought I was from Europe because I have brown eyes. Obviously, there are only blue-eyed, blonde-haired Americans ;)
8) Always arrive to the ferry port extra early. The ferry can and will leave without you (happened to me).
9) Also, the women are ALWAYS amazed that I can cook. Soon, I will be apparently hosting a pasta-making party at a restaurant.
10) Students are not talkative in class, but won’t stop talking outside of class. Interesting paradox…
11) If I am seen and or talk about a friend that is a man, he is obviously my fiance/boyfriend/husband… obviously.
12) Always have an extra game up your sleeve. Never know when a teacher will announce that you are teaching their class/going to teach at the elementary school/teaching 40 kindergartners. Always be EXTRA prepared and EXTRA genki (happy/excited).
13) Students believe that high-fiving me gives them super English powers. I won’t tell them it doesn’t if you wont!
14) At Sports Day (kind of like Track and Field Day in the States) be prepared to be asked to run/dance/bowl.
15) Make friends with the office ladies. They’ll bring snacks and invitations to go to concerts!
16) Vice-Principals are also the groundskeepers.
17) If your muffler happens to fall off while at a visit school, every male teacher will come out to inspect your car. Then, decide that attaching your muffler back up with wire is the best option.
18) Also, an American family recently moved to my island. The mother is originally from the island, but has lived in the States with her family for 20 years. They are absolutely lovely and often invite me over for pasta dinner. Plus, the dad is an Elvis impersonator. And apparently, not just any impersonator, but like number five in the nation. Pretty cool stuff eh? To top it off, they just bought the cutest puppy!
19) And, breathing underwater is a weird feeling. I began my scuba diving lessons this past weekend and loved it. Just a weird feeling to get over at first!
20) Best way to meet people: go to restaurants by yourself. Apparently I seem more approachable… or just really pitiful. But, I’m always making friends, getting recipes, and free fish!
Hope you enjoy that list! I swear, a day doesn’t go by without something interesting happening. Oh, like today. A building near my BOE caught on fire. Do you know that if you are in the nearby area where the fire is happening a pre-recorded voice will come over the loud speaker to explain that the building near you is on fire, but to please not panic, nor evacuate. Very interesting.
Also, as you may have guessed in #17 my muffler fell off (well, partially fell off) at my visit elementary school about two weeks ago. And, I’m getting a new muffler today. Very exciting!
Okay, so now… a quick relapse of the past month. I-Se-No-De (Ready, Set, Go!):
So, at the beginning of September I planned to visit some fellow JETs on the island north of me for a weekend. But, two weekends in a row, I couldn’t either because of a typhoon (cool excuse, eh?) or my welcome party.
The second weekend in September, my favorite visit school, Shiragoake Junior High School (from here on, SJHS) had my welcome party. I love this school the most. I visit every Thursday and the students are all amazing. It’s a pretty tiny school with only 60 students and 7 teachers, but I think that’s what makes this school the best. Everyone’s so close!
My welcome party was a blast! We had a delicious dinner at a sushi restaurant. But before I could enter the restaurant two of the oldest teachers taught me an opening ceremony Island dance. And they asked for me to dance into the sushi restaurant. ((Luckily, we had rented the place out, so I only embarrassed myself in front of the people I’d be working with for the next year or so!)) After that, we had a quick welcome speech by the principal and I got to meet the English teacher I would be working with at SJHS. I’ll call him Mr. N and he is by far the coolest person I’ve ever met. He’s probably 65-70, but super genki (happy/excited/healthy). He actually attended SJHS back when it first opened. Isn’t that amazing! So, during the welcome party he sang their alma mater! Everyone was amazed that he remembered it. Also, his English is super amazing. He studied at Berkley way back when and the London School of Economics. Why he’s teaching English on Erabu, I have no idea, but I’m sure glad he is.
Anyways, after the welcome speech, the other teachers had created a quiz for us. If we passed, then we would be welcomed into the teachers room. It was an adorable quiz with questions like, what is the art teacher’s name, and what’s the best island in Japan. But, I loved it. Luckily, I passed! ;) About a week later, they gave me a certificate for passing. Which was too cute. Can you see why this is my favorite school. After the welcome party was over, the other women teachers and I went off in search of some sweets and ended up chatting for like three hours at a parfait shop. Too much fun!
The weekend after that, I finally went to the island north of me, Tokunoshima, for the Party in Paradise. I had amazing time and unluckily/luckily missed my return ferry so I had to stay another day. Luckily, my office was completely cool with it. I actually didn’t have English classes the day I missed, so it all worked out. I have pictures of the trip up on Facebook. It consisted of lots of snorkeling and fun!
That week after I only had one day of work. Monday was a holiday, I missed the ferry so had to stay on Tokunoshima until mid-afternoon Tuesday. So, I only worked Wednesday. Thursday was a holiday, and Thursday I headed off to Okinawa to visit a friend.
Okinawa is interesting. It’s a huge island and I only explored the most southern tip with Em (remember her, the JET on Yoron!). It’s waaaaay Americanized. With starbucks and McDonalds on every corner. While, I will say it was nice to read Marie Claire Magazine in English at Starbucks, it was surreal! I spent two nights and one day on Okinawa and I definitely plan to go back. While the cities are like any other Japanese city (except with a lot of American influence) the beaches and ocean are absolutely stunning!
I returned on Saturday, the 25th, and on the 26th both of JHSs had their Sports Day. For more information on Sports Day, check out this link!
In Sports Day, I danced a native island dance, bowled with the BOE, and ran a relay race. All-in-all, it was loads of fun. Though, I felt sorry for the kids under the sun for the whole day. ((the teachers got to stay under the tent)).
Last week, I also began tutoring a high school student for English Examinations into college. They are really hard and so we are studying a lot! I hope she will learn a lot under me.
This past weekend, I began my scuba diving lessons and if all goes well and I pass. Then in two weeks time I will have my diving certificate!
And, last night, I went to an amazing and free piano concert held by the culture center in China-Cho, the other city on the island. One of the office ladies at SJHS (my fave school!) invited me. We had a blast!
As you can tell, I’m loving it here and really trying to throw myself into everything headfirst. I feel like my Japanese is increasing in bounds and leaps! Also, I feel like the students are really enjoying my lessons. When I first applied for the JET Program, I tried not to imagine where I would be placed (since I knew it could be ANYWHERE in Japan), but I never imagined I’d be on a sub-tropical island. I feel ridiculously thankful and lucky. Everyday is an adventure. People are ridiculously kind and generous! Once in a while, I feel homesick: I’d love to turn on the TV and hear an English commercial or hang out in the kitchen chatting with my mom or down in the media watching CSI/Trueblood/or the newest show with my dad. But, I’m learning a lot and trying tons of different things. I’m also growing as a person – I actually enjoy living by myself now… I just wish I didn’t have to do all the laundry.
As well, if you see me on skype, feel free to send a quick message. I may not be able to respond, but I usually have one to two break periods at school and love the chance to chat!
As always, I love and miss you all!
Steph
P.S. buying a plane ticket for South Korea over the winter holidays! Hello Laur and Justin, and Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow~~~
First, I am so sorry that it’s been such a long time since I last posted.
School started and things got real busy, real quickly!
This week, my main school’s 2nd years (8th graders in US terms) are on their annual school trip around Kyushu. My co-teacher, Mr. I, is one of the chaperons and because I can’t teach a class by myself (liability and all), I get a week at the Board of Education.
What does this mean for you? Updates!!! Which I hope you’re excited about. I feel horrible neglecting to keep everyone up-to-date.
Anywho, this will be a skimmer of things that have happened. But, let’s start off with a list!
1) There are a lot of Jehovah Witnesses around here. I don’t ever remember one knocking on our door back in Ohio, but I`ve already had two here!
2) Strangers know my name… kind of makes me feel like a movie star.
3) I found a curry house!
4) Always pack extra sunscreen and a hat. Never know when the kids will beg to play jumprope. And, if I don’t go out protected, the teachers fret that I will burn/tan.
5) Cleaning the house is fun! <-- Maybe not, but not finding cockroaches on a daily basis sure is!
6) I have become buddies with the Laundromat ladies. Because I don’t have a dryer and it’s so humid here, I bring my washed clothes to the Coin Laundry to dry them. There’s always an Obaachan (old lady) sitting outside wanting to strike up a conversation. Only thing… I can’t understand the Obaachans at all! They speak the island dialect which is NOTHING like Japanese. I end up smiling and nodding and getting my cheeks pinched.
7) The students thought I was from Europe because I have brown eyes. Obviously, there are only blue-eyed, blonde-haired Americans ;)
8) Always arrive to the ferry port extra early. The ferry can and will leave without you (happened to me).
9) Also, the women are ALWAYS amazed that I can cook. Soon, I will be apparently hosting a pasta-making party at a restaurant.
10) Students are not talkative in class, but won’t stop talking outside of class. Interesting paradox…
11) If I am seen and or talk about a friend that is a man, he is obviously my fiance/boyfriend/husband… obviously.
12) Always have an extra game up your sleeve. Never know when a teacher will announce that you are teaching their class/going to teach at the elementary school/teaching 40 kindergartners. Always be EXTRA prepared and EXTRA genki (happy/excited).
13) Students believe that high-fiving me gives them super English powers. I won’t tell them it doesn’t if you wont!
14) At Sports Day (kind of like Track and Field Day in the States) be prepared to be asked to run/dance/bowl.
15) Make friends with the office ladies. They’ll bring snacks and invitations to go to concerts!
16) Vice-Principals are also the groundskeepers.
17) If your muffler happens to fall off while at a visit school, every male teacher will come out to inspect your car. Then, decide that attaching your muffler back up with wire is the best option.
18) Also, an American family recently moved to my island. The mother is originally from the island, but has lived in the States with her family for 20 years. They are absolutely lovely and often invite me over for pasta dinner. Plus, the dad is an Elvis impersonator. And apparently, not just any impersonator, but like number five in the nation. Pretty cool stuff eh? To top it off, they just bought the cutest puppy!
19) And, breathing underwater is a weird feeling. I began my scuba diving lessons this past weekend and loved it. Just a weird feeling to get over at first!
20) Best way to meet people: go to restaurants by yourself. Apparently I seem more approachable… or just really pitiful. But, I’m always making friends, getting recipes, and free fish!
Hope you enjoy that list! I swear, a day doesn’t go by without something interesting happening. Oh, like today. A building near my BOE caught on fire. Do you know that if you are in the nearby area where the fire is happening a pre-recorded voice will come over the loud speaker to explain that the building near you is on fire, but to please not panic, nor evacuate. Very interesting.
Also, as you may have guessed in #17 my muffler fell off (well, partially fell off) at my visit elementary school about two weeks ago. And, I’m getting a new muffler today. Very exciting!
Okay, so now… a quick relapse of the past month. I-Se-No-De (Ready, Set, Go!):
So, at the beginning of September I planned to visit some fellow JETs on the island north of me for a weekend. But, two weekends in a row, I couldn’t either because of a typhoon (cool excuse, eh?) or my welcome party.
The second weekend in September, my favorite visit school, Shiragoake Junior High School (from here on, SJHS) had my welcome party. I love this school the most. I visit every Thursday and the students are all amazing. It’s a pretty tiny school with only 60 students and 7 teachers, but I think that’s what makes this school the best. Everyone’s so close!
My welcome party was a blast! We had a delicious dinner at a sushi restaurant. But before I could enter the restaurant two of the oldest teachers taught me an opening ceremony Island dance. And they asked for me to dance into the sushi restaurant. ((Luckily, we had rented the place out, so I only embarrassed myself in front of the people I’d be working with for the next year or so!)) After that, we had a quick welcome speech by the principal and I got to meet the English teacher I would be working with at SJHS. I’ll call him Mr. N and he is by far the coolest person I’ve ever met. He’s probably 65-70, but super genki (happy/excited/healthy). He actually attended SJHS back when it first opened. Isn’t that amazing! So, during the welcome party he sang their alma mater! Everyone was amazed that he remembered it. Also, his English is super amazing. He studied at Berkley way back when and the London School of Economics. Why he’s teaching English on Erabu, I have no idea, but I’m sure glad he is.
Anyways, after the welcome speech, the other teachers had created a quiz for us. If we passed, then we would be welcomed into the teachers room. It was an adorable quiz with questions like, what is the art teacher’s name, and what’s the best island in Japan. But, I loved it. Luckily, I passed! ;) About a week later, they gave me a certificate for passing. Which was too cute. Can you see why this is my favorite school. After the welcome party was over, the other women teachers and I went off in search of some sweets and ended up chatting for like three hours at a parfait shop. Too much fun!
The weekend after that, I finally went to the island north of me, Tokunoshima, for the Party in Paradise. I had amazing time and unluckily/luckily missed my return ferry so I had to stay another day. Luckily, my office was completely cool with it. I actually didn’t have English classes the day I missed, so it all worked out. I have pictures of the trip up on Facebook. It consisted of lots of snorkeling and fun!
That week after I only had one day of work. Monday was a holiday, I missed the ferry so had to stay on Tokunoshima until mid-afternoon Tuesday. So, I only worked Wednesday. Thursday was a holiday, and Thursday I headed off to Okinawa to visit a friend.
Okinawa is interesting. It’s a huge island and I only explored the most southern tip with Em (remember her, the JET on Yoron!). It’s waaaaay Americanized. With starbucks and McDonalds on every corner. While, I will say it was nice to read Marie Claire Magazine in English at Starbucks, it was surreal! I spent two nights and one day on Okinawa and I definitely plan to go back. While the cities are like any other Japanese city (except with a lot of American influence) the beaches and ocean are absolutely stunning!
I returned on Saturday, the 25th, and on the 26th both of JHSs had their Sports Day. For more information on Sports Day, check out this link!
In Sports Day, I danced a native island dance, bowled with the BOE, and ran a relay race. All-in-all, it was loads of fun. Though, I felt sorry for the kids under the sun for the whole day. ((the teachers got to stay under the tent)).
Last week, I also began tutoring a high school student for English Examinations into college. They are really hard and so we are studying a lot! I hope she will learn a lot under me.
This past weekend, I began my scuba diving lessons and if all goes well and I pass. Then in two weeks time I will have my diving certificate!
And, last night, I went to an amazing and free piano concert held by the culture center in China-Cho, the other city on the island. One of the office ladies at SJHS (my fave school!) invited me. We had a blast!
As you can tell, I’m loving it here and really trying to throw myself into everything headfirst. I feel like my Japanese is increasing in bounds and leaps! Also, I feel like the students are really enjoying my lessons. When I first applied for the JET Program, I tried not to imagine where I would be placed (since I knew it could be ANYWHERE in Japan), but I never imagined I’d be on a sub-tropical island. I feel ridiculously thankful and lucky. Everyday is an adventure. People are ridiculously kind and generous! Once in a while, I feel homesick: I’d love to turn on the TV and hear an English commercial or hang out in the kitchen chatting with my mom or down in the media watching CSI/Trueblood/or the newest show with my dad. But, I’m learning a lot and trying tons of different things. I’m also growing as a person – I actually enjoy living by myself now… I just wish I didn’t have to do all the laundry.
As well, if you see me on skype, feel free to send a quick message. I may not be able to respond, but I usually have one to two break periods at school and love the chance to chat!
As always, I love and miss you all!
Steph
P.S. buying a plane ticket for South Korea over the winter holidays! Hello Laur and Justin, and Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow~~~
Monday, September 6, 2010
Some observations
In lieu of actually writing a post, here is a list of some things I thought you all might find interesting. A post will come soon, I swear!
So, a few observations while I have some free time at work:
(1) Japanese classrooms are not air-conditioned
(2) Snack and Tea time is at 10 and 3 respectively, bring your own cup and fend for yourself
(3) It’s hot
(4) I have never loved the wind more than I do on the island
(5) My clothes never dry because of the humidity, but I’ve found a coin laundry!
(6) Teaching is fun, but exhaustin
(7) I’ve joined a gym/pool you have to wear a swim cap in the pool
(8) There are a lot of old people on my island and they have fierce island pride and a crazy sense of humor
(9) Students are ENERGETIC
(10) Free time at school is sacred
(11) There is a button on the tv remote that will change a show to its original language. So, if a dubbed movie is playing, I can press this button and it will play in English! Have, so far, watched Night at the Museum, Harry Potter, and some end of the World Movie
(12) Also, they have desperate housewives here. I can play it in English, but its so crazy to listen to it in Japanese
(13) I caved and bought an air mattress. It is lovely!
(14) Food is expensive here!!
(15) I still don’t know how to work the ATM
(16) I am learning how to play the sanshin (it’s a three stringed instrument brought to Okinawa and the Ryukyu islands by way of China). It has a really interesting sound. AND, right after I had my first lesson with the teacher she told me that in Three Weeks time, I should be ready to play in front of the whole school!
(17) I found the dehumidifier function on my air conditioner!
(18) I also found the electronics store!
(19) Ferries stop running during bad weather, so wasn’t able to visit friends this weekend.
(20) I really love this island! Found some Erabu shirts, can’t wait to send some home!!!
Miss you all!!
So, a few observations while I have some free time at work:
(1) Japanese classrooms are not air-conditioned
(2) Snack and Tea time is at 10 and 3 respectively, bring your own cup and fend for yourself
(3) It’s hot
(4) I have never loved the wind more than I do on the island
(5) My clothes never dry because of the humidity, but I’ve found a coin laundry!
(6) Teaching is fun, but exhaustin
(7) I’ve joined a gym/pool you have to wear a swim cap in the pool
(8) There are a lot of old people on my island and they have fierce island pride and a crazy sense of humor
(9) Students are ENERGETIC
(10) Free time at school is sacred
(11) There is a button on the tv remote that will change a show to its original language. So, if a dubbed movie is playing, I can press this button and it will play in English! Have, so far, watched Night at the Museum, Harry Potter, and some end of the World Movie
(12) Also, they have desperate housewives here. I can play it in English, but its so crazy to listen to it in Japanese
(13) I caved and bought an air mattress. It is lovely!
(14) Food is expensive here!!
(15) I still don’t know how to work the ATM
(16) I am learning how to play the sanshin (it’s a three stringed instrument brought to Okinawa and the Ryukyu islands by way of China). It has a really interesting sound. AND, right after I had my first lesson with the teacher she told me that in Three Weeks time, I should be ready to play in front of the whole school!
(17) I found the dehumidifier function on my air conditioner!
(18) I also found the electronics store!
(19) Ferries stop running during bad weather, so wasn’t able to visit friends this weekend.
(20) I really love this island! Found some Erabu shirts, can’t wait to send some home!!!
Miss you all!!
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