In what could be some kind of cosmic karmic phenomenon, today the history teacher showed up with a giant pimple underneath his lower lip. If you missed yesterday’s entry, he made a big deal about a blemish I had on my forehead – asking if I was OK, and insisting that it was perfectly normal for people in Japan to comment on things like that.
He walked up today to ask me a question, and I couldn’t believe it. It was meant to happen! I said “Good morning! Is that a pimple underneath your lip? Are you OK?” He looked embarrassed but he knew he earned this one. I switched to Japanese just to make sure other people were understanding, and said what a shame to get a pimple, they are really no fun, etc. etc. I get the impression from his reaction that perhaps pimples are not really everyday conversation topics. He took it like a man, though.
In non-pimple news, I had only afternoon classes, so I could spend lots of time in the morning studying kanji. I wrote a listening test for next week, and just hung out and studied. Obara sensei, a part time teacher who is a friend of Kuniko’s came by and told me some bad news – our school isn’t picking up her contract for next year. That means that she needs to find a new job, and quick too. The new year is approaching fast. I get the impression that she didn’t have anyone to tell, so we talked about it in English. She is a really great person – I’m sure someone will pick up her contract.
In the afternoon I said goodbye to two more first year classes. Some students are confused when I say goodbye – a couple asked me when I leave for America – they assume that I’m not coming back.
After school two students were going through the boxes to see what grades I gave them on their homework. They both happened to get perfect scores, and they were really happy. Their homeroom teacher, Oki sensei, was looking on and he seemed really proud of them. Hopefully these students will take this encouragement with them to the next year and do well in second year English.
I had a lesson with Azusa this evening. She had spent three days in Korea, so she told me all about it. We also did a mini-debate, where I tried to get her to disagree, and I tried to disagree with her. Afterwards I explained what I was trying to do – there are a lot more vocabulary and expressions used in situations beyond what we normally do. Azusa brought me back some spicy Korean sauce, so I’m going to be in spicy rice heaven for the next week or two.
Finally, to top off my day I stopped in at Rikimaru, the kaitenzushi restaurant near my house. I ate nine plates of sushi and got out of there for just 1200 yen. What a deal! It’s not top quality sushi, but it does the trick.
OK, I’m off to bed. Tomorrow is another light day at work, and I’ve got to start thinking about packing for my trip soon. Kuniko messaged me and said she’s started her packing. Soon, we’ll be in the air headed to the USA!
