Not so bad actually – Monday is a heavy teaching day for me. I had four classes, but they were introduction classes for the most part and not so difficult. It’s always fun to meet the new students and talk to them a bit. Sometimes it is the first time that a foreigner has ever looked them in the eyes and said hello, and so you get some strange reactions sometimes.
One student came into my class, walked right up to me and started speaking English to me right away. The scary part was that he had an American accent – he was good! I found myself talking at regular speed with him but I could tell I was losing him now and then. Still, an outstanding student – I’m hoping that he will keep up the studies. I’m guessing that he’s been taking conversation classes at a local English school.
Mr. Hayashi was pretty busy today as well, but around lunchtime we managed to find time to sit down and look through the paperwork that I had edited for him. We made a few more changes and then he was going to send out the document again. Someday there will be money for this he assures me, but it’s really not that big of deal. It’s easy for me to do and I don’t have a lot of other pressing issues.
I asked Mr. Hayashi for some names for a Japanese tutor – I want to take Japanese lessons twice a week if possible. He offered to do it for me for free – I think lately he’s taken an interest in my Japanese skills and has quizzed me a couple times on my flashcards. We’re going to get started soon after the big holidays coming up – it’ll be nice to get into a rhythm and learn from a native speaker.
I snuck out early to be home for my Costco delivery, and at 5:15 a big truck pulled up and the guy lugged up the two boxes and brought them in for me. I signed on the dotted line and opened the boxes. They had packed everything securely, wrapping the breakables in bubble wrap and organizing everything efficiently. The service only cost $6 for the two boxes – a great deal!
A big storm is approaching, and the wind is blowing around outside pretty well. I’m expecting a big downpour tomorrow and the next day, but hopefully things will clear up for Thursday – it’s a holiday, and I’m hoping to get out and about a little bit after hunkering down for this storm.
Also, things are coming together for the big poker game on Sunday. So far the players are me, Antoine, Struan, and Regina – a ringer that Struan bumped into a while back. I’ll be spending the weekend getting ready for company – it’ll be a good time.
