Chicken!

T5B: 1) I was able to talk to Jerod today. 2) I got TONS of errands done. 3) I was able to ride my bike to get groceries. 4) I got to watch some episodes of Free! 5) I got to read.

basal temp: 36.23

Morning:
- woke up
- ate breakfast
- got up and showered, did dishes
- gathered my things and headed out
- walked to daiso, the bank, the post office, and then the office
- stopped by home to start a load of laundry and grab my bike

Notes: Today it was snowing and there was a SEVERELY cold wind blowing. Even now it's -2 but my phone says it feels like -9. (AGREED!) In any case, the streets were ice but the sun came out. The whole 2.5 hours that I walked around and did my errands it was snowing. HOWEVER, the sun prevailed. :D

Afternoon:
- went to the grocery store
- came back, put my food away
- put the drain cleaner I bought to the test (hopefully my shower drains correctly now!)
- ate lunch (including the popcorn Jerod sent - it was DELICIOUS!)
- messaged Jerod
- hung up my laundry up to dry
- read a little bit
- watched some episodes of Free! (anime)

Notes: It's crazy. Like I said above, the streets were ice but those couple hours of sun thawed enough space for me to be able to ride fairly safely. I couldn't take the back way I usually do, but the main sidewalks were clear. I was able to ride my bike MOST of the way there and then all the way back (save maybe 5 feet of snow in front of my apartment). It was good. I also saw Miyoko and Miho (my two lady friends who work at the supermarket). They're doing inventory right now. Joy! I grabbed my food and was really happy with what I got but then I remembered I forgot the ice cream. Sad day! It's cold, yes, but ice cream is always good! Either I'll have to go back or do without it.

Evening:
- had some panic attacks
- watched a little more Free!
- messaged Jerod
- turning in early ~ I am BUSHED!

Notes: Yeesh it was freezing today. I hope you all stayed warm and happy last day of the month! I can't believe it!! I've made it to my birthday month (tomorrow) and soon I'll be able to say, "See you next month!" to my family when I skype them! (Actually I will be able to do so since I will be talking to them on February 2nd!) XOXO, A (oh and the title because I feel like a chicken with its head cut off ~ running around all day ~ also the panic is for my new lessons next week and that my period hasn't started yet so that means more days TEACHING that I'll be on my period - it's all very discouraging for me -- then there's the dreaded Tuesday... DAH!)

blast from the past: I was substitute teaching (I think I told this story on my other blog, anyway) for Kelly Services in Utah. This included all sorts of schools, all different ages, and all different districts. At the same time I was part time teaching for Walden (so I had my own junior high and high school classes and would mention that to the kids in my self-intro.) One day I was covering a class of third graders. One boy had this little paint set and kept threatening to paint his friend. I told him, (in my classic I-learned-from-my-maman style) "You have two choices. That goes in your pocket, it stays there, and you keep it. Or I take it away." He quickly stuffed the set into his pocket. A few minutes later, the brush was out again. I walked up to him and held out my hand, "I see you've made your choice. Give me the brush. Mrs. X will return it to you later." "No, I'll put it back." "You already chose to give it to me. Give me the brush." Then his friend leans over and I hear him whisper, "Dude, you can't scare her. She teaches high schoolers!" It took everything to not crack up or smile. He handed it over, and I taped it to my sub report for their main teacher. Funny day. LOL

Get a-head in Japan! AHAHAHA! (This is at the DOLLAR STORE! But it's more expensive... still!)

My view walking home from the office - this is the big main street in Morioka

Scenes like this help me see old Japan - so cool how much rich history is all around me

Saved!

T5B: 1) Today's schedule was like M-W so the classes were 45 instead of 50 minutes. (It's only 5 minutes but those are long minutes when the majority of my classes are 45 minutes long so I plan for that amount of time!) 2) I got to message Jerod. 3) My lessons went really well. 4) I have tomorrow off! 5) I was able to work on some things for the exam in two weeks (I get to help!).

basal temp: 35.96

Morning:
- woke up 45 minutes early to find my lappy had died and my phone was almost dead, eep! (I needed both for today so luckily I had time to let them charge before I left.)
- got ready, got to the bus stop early
- made my last few copies and got my materials together
1st - taught 1.5, went very well
2nd - taught 1.1, went very well
3rd-4th - corrected worksheets, worked on preparing for the test

Notes: I'm glad that I get to help out! I was asked to make and map and cd for giving directions (the lessons we're doing right now for the first years). Turns out having a little teching skill helps everyone! (I record myself on my phone and then burn cds, TADA!!)

Afternoon:
- watched the clock so I would know when it was noon (when the seniors finished their testing) and gave them their origami (it was, thankfully, well received :D ~ though I didn't stick around long just in case!)
5th - taught 2.1, went very well
6th - taught 2.2, went very well
- corrected worksheets while the other teachers went to a meeting
- the heater on the way to school was roasting my leg, but home it was nice and perfect (mmm mmm toasty ;D)

Notes: SOO glad my lessons went well today. I needed that. :)

Evening:
- got home, gulped some dinner to make it on time for tutoring
- got to Tully's (where we meet) and find out she cancelled... lol
- went back home, warmed up, ate some chocolate, had horrific cramps
- Bruce stopped by and asked me to turn in receipts for him (he's going back home for his grandfather's funeral)
- talked a bunch to Jerod
- read a little bit (my new book is strange ~not the one Jerod send me, another one)
- played some games

Notes: SOO glad I have tomorrow off. I have some errands to run, but I can get those done in a couple hours. I then will have the rest of the day AND Saturday. Hallelujah! I plan to enjoy it and relax. (Especially since it's supposed to snow tomorrow.) Hope you all have a great end to your week as well! XOXO, A

blast from the past: I was the junior companion to Hna (Hermana) .. all I can remember is her married name now - Petersen. Anyway, our district leader was a native from Chile (he spoke no English) and he was kinda really rude. He treated us like we were lazy. When he called each evening to check in, he wouldn't say, "What are your numbers?" He'd say, "Did you even work tonight? Did you even do anything worthwhile today?" It made me SO mad and I wanted to (oh her name was Larson!) talk to him. Hna Larson said no as she knew I would tear him a new one. LOL In any case, one night he called and she was fed up with his attitude and treatment. So when he asked if we had even left she answered with, "No." I could hear him from where I was freaking out. "Qué!? No saliste!? Porqué!?" (What!? You didn't go out/leave!? Why!?) My comp starts with "Me dolía..." (Saying something was paining her) Since she faltered I supplied a word for her: "La bombacha." So she uses it and I can hear the elder freaking out even more and I'm already laughing. She covers the receiver and, eyebrows lifted, says to me, "What did I say?" "You told him your uterus hurt." And that's how I got my companion AND my DL mad at me at the same time. LOL In all fairness she had been present when we (I) learned the word, and he goes, "Hna Budge told you to say that didn't she!?" LOL She ratted me out. No shame. :) It's a good memory for me. :)

Rally

T5B: 1) I got through all my lessons (two went well). 2) I got to message Jerod some today. 3) I get to teach my music lesson again tomorrow. :) 4) Even though I had to go out into the freezing, I made some money! 5) I got to read extra scriptures this morning.

basal temp: 36.28

Morning:
- I had a hard time leaving my bed, BUT I got 86!
- showered, got ready, read extra scriptures, made breakfast
- got out the door (forgot my origami :c)
- my bus was PACKED, but I got a seat
1st - made my copies, organized my materials
2nd - taught 1.3, went well
3rd - taught 2.6, went very poorly
- had a rally and then lunch

Notes: During the rally the principal sang to our girl going to the Olympics (the rally was for her and there were TONS of news stations in attendance)! It was great! Everyone clapped. :) Everyone sang the school song later. I would have joined but I definitely did not know the words. -- 2.6 just stopped listening about halfway through and abjectly refused to do anything. It was pretty disheartening for me.

Afternoon:
4th - taught 1.2, went well (everyone was SO tired)
5th-7th - corrected worksheets, loosely planned two other worksheets for next week, made some copies, cleaning time
- got an email about finalizing my move out date
- made some list for myself re:moving out :D

Notes: --

Evening:
- got home and found a missed delivery slip (ARRGH!)
- as I was debating when to have it delivered as I was teaching tonight and I'm tutoring tomorrow, the guy randomly came back! I'M SO BLESSED!
- opened my package and messaged Jerod and ate dinner
- rode my bike OVER ICE! to get to work
- taught comparatives and superlatives :)
- got my money, rode back home
- read a little, messaged Jerod some more

Notes: Today was decent. I'm looking forward to tomorrow as it is the last day of the week. Thursdays are sort of rough because I have the most classes and they're longer. Still, I have some good lessons to teach and I hope all goes well. Hope you all are having a good week too. XOXO, A

blast from the past: One fateful day one of my siblings brought to me a piece of soap. It clearly had a huge bite taken out of it. It was almost comical the way it had those teeth marks on it. Jean-Michel had a taste for butter as a kid. We'd find bites taken out of cubes of butter all the time. After that soap, I never saw those bites of butter taken again. I think the "butter" betrayed him and that's when he stopped eating it whole-sale like that. LOL Poor little guy!

My box from Jerod!

0.o the motherload! And a birthday and Valentine's Day present! :) He said he wanted me to have a really good birthday this year. :) Mission accomplished!

I burned my hand tonight (it was more red in person - where my middle finger joins my hand) setting my mouthguard Jerod sent. The thing melted to the spoon! Then since it got stuck it poured the boiling water inside it into my hand! ARRGH! It's all warped and weird, but it'll do - I just want to stop grinding my teeth to dust!

Snow Day

T5B: 1) I got to talk to Jerod. 2) I got my worksheets for tomorrow and Thursday done. 3) I finished off the ketchup rice - so no more of that for me! 4) Classes are 5 mins shorter tomorrow. :) We're having a (what was called "Cheer up" and I assume was meant to be called) rally tomorrow for our student who is going to the Olympics! 5) I found and printed some other good materials too.

basal temp: 36.77

Morning:
- I GOT 91%!!! I felt pretty great when I woke up!
- read the lesson for Sunday
- read some
- got to message Jerod
- worked on my worksheets

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- finished my worksheets and found other materials
- printed everything out for tomorrow
- got an email from Shin (Hashimoto-s) and was informed about tomorrow's rally
- made the rest of that weird ketchup rice for lunch
- had planned to go out but it was all snowing and icky out
- swept and cleaned my entrance stoop (outdoor space)
- ate and read and messaged Jerod

Notes: --

Evening:
- I read
- played some games
- talked to Jerod

Notes: It may not seem like a lot, but I got three original worksheets printed and ready to go for tomorrow plus finding VERY HELPFUL materials. God bless the internet (for once, lol). :) Hope you all had a productive day as well! XOXO, A

blast from the past: On the first day of school I wanted to make a nice impression. I dressed up semi-nicely and had on one of my favorite black shirts. Well, for lunch I would typically get a burrito and grab some milk. I don't care for milk (other than Japanese milk which is glorious) so I often would give it away or TRY to drink it. Anyway, so on this day I had gotten my milk, and opened it and set it to the side. As I was almost finished with my burrito I picked up my milk and started to shake it, forgetting that I had already opened it. DAH! Milk all over me! Knowing the smell of dried milk is ICKY, I ran to the bathroom and wet some paper towels quickly and tried to get all the milk out. Luckily since my shirt was black it didn't show the wet. Unluckily, it smelled bad STILL, AND left little white fluff balls stuck everywhere. Grrr. That's why I didn't use toilet paper! What the heck!? LOL So I showed up to my psych class like that on the first day. Good times. -- EARTHQUAKE! Whoa. :)

Ketchup rice with cheese

Snowing out (the droplets are condensation - the white things are snow falling from the sky! nooo)

The news... :(

A trip to the office

T5B: 1) I got to talk to Jerod today. 2) I have a lot of my exit paperwork done. 3) I got one of my lessons done for this week (just need to fine tune the other one). 4) I had a funny experience with Japanese food today. 5) I was able to clean my apartment.

basal temp: 36.09

Morning:
- woke up (ALMOST did it - 84%), read scriptures
- showered
- swept and mopped my floors, partially cleaned my bathroom and cleaned the kitchen sink
- ate breakfast (a banana and saltines with honey ~ didn't feel like cooking after that cleaning)
- let my hair dry
- got my lunch and laptop and biked to the office
- did as much paperwork as I could (some stuff I need to wait on)
- went home around 1215

Notes: The air at the office felt hostile to me. :/ I sent them an email letting them know I was coming, but I walked into a meeting so they were not happy with me. :/ Sorry. Other stuff too.. I am in trouble I guess. :< I try to be a good employee! And though I was asked to fill the paperwork out ASAP, I was treated like, "You want to do it NOW? You're inconveniencing us!" Maybe it was just me ... maybe they were putting out a different vibe. I don't know. I asked to eat lunch with them and I was told, "We eat lunch at 13:00, you have to wait." Well as I was finished and I felt like I was unwanted I decided to take my lunch and go home. It made me feel kinda lonely. :C Oh well.

Afternoon:
- made myself "chiken raisu (chicken rice)"
- messaged Jerod
- finished my book

Notes: DUDE JAPAN! So... I bought this "chiken raisu" mix at the store last weekend. I thought it was weird that the picture of the rice was red. I figured it was a type of spanish rice. Since I couldn't read the instructions, I cooked the rice my way. I heated some water and threw in the herbs. I then cooked the rice in the herbs and added the sauce when the water had all boiled off. ..... It was ketchup. STRAIGHT KETCHUP. And not only that it was more like CATSUP! (The very sugary ketchup) I was flabbergasted. No flavoring, nothing. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised as they send packets of "fancy sauce" (KETCHUP) with you when you buy pizza. I think the Japanese like ketchup better than soy sauce! It was INSANE. I put some cheese on top and the rice was.. ok. I asked Jerod if he wanted me to save the other packet for his arrival. An unequivocal no. Weird.

Evening:
- talked to Jerod some more
- played some games on my phone
- ate dinner (spice yakisoba)
- watched the Cowboy Bebop movie
- started another book :) (dang it I'm almost out now! lol - been through one library in the city and this is about all of the other one)

Notes: Hope you had a great Sabbath and have a great Monday! XOXO, A

blast from the past: I dated this military guy, Josh, for a couple weeks. The first time he was at my house, my Uncle Pascal and Aunt Laura were visiting and had some of their kids over. So practically my whole family is in the front room talking and catching up. Well my mom yells for Josué (loudly), "JOSH!" And Josh, my date, roars back, "WHAT!?" (We were in the office) I walk over to the front room and there's a room full of wide eyes. "He was just kidding!" Oh man... oh man... LOL Good thing I ended up with someone much more gentle than that!

I've complained before about Japan being dusty - this is ONE WEEK'S dust! Not only that - I don't wear shoes indoors, so it's not like THOSE are tracking it around. It's insane! PLUS you can't see all the other dust I brushed out of the broom into the trash!

A funny I found online.

A rainy day

T5B: 1) I got to talk to Jerod and my family. 2) I have tomorrow and Tuesday off (well sort of ... I am on call but get to stay home ~ though I am going into the office tomorrow... anyway)! 3) I fixed the wifi on my computer (Jerod helped me a lot, thank goodness). 4) I read a little bit. 5) I made some yummy mac and hot dogs!

basal temp: 36.48

Morning:
- woke up an hour before my alarm, BUT I got 80%
- got ready for church
- biked to church as the roads are mostly clear :) (there were parts I had to walk my bike)
- church was nice

Notes: I had a distracted morning. It's 33 days until Jerod gets here and I keep thinking of all the fun things we'll do here and the cool stuff we'll see!

Afternoon:
- choir practice went well (I think the piece is great! - unfortunately I am unpopular or something as now only two wards memebers come to choir and the missionaries ~ I have FOUR tenors and one bass!)
- I got to skype my parents
- saw Jerod was on skype and so I got to talk to him for a half hour <3
- I rode my bike home
- I made myself lunch and messaged Jerod some more

Notes: --

Evening:
- I heated up my leftovers for dinner
- I talked to Jerod
- I read a little
- I picked up my place
- I put my laundry away (takes a couple days to dry)

Notes: I hope you have a peaceful Sunday as well. :) XOXO, A

blast from the past: This is a story I believe I forgot to write on my blog. One day I was rushing to leave the school to catch the bus. This was in December so it was already dark outside. The shoe area (to switch from indoor to outdoor shows) was very dark. I rushed over and grabbed my shoes and shut the locker. Nope. Not my shoes. Suddenly Toki-s comes in from his smoke break and I am opening lockers. "I'm stealing shoes! I can't see!" He laughed and then said, "Why didn't you use the light?" I didn't know there was a light! He turned it on, I grabbed my shoes and took off. That may have been the day I missed the bus. :/ So sad. Anyway, my mouth and brain worked a little against me that day! lol

My week's sleep

I found this at my store!! It was 118 yen ($1.25ish) BUT it's popcorn seeds! I got two.

I got proof I looked nice for church before going into the rain

This pigeon got VERY close to me - couldn't get my phone out in time (on the way to church)

Dang it you rain! LOL

Fb funny :D

Triumph!

T5B: 1) I got to talk to Jerod today. 2) My lecture went REALLY well! 3) I got some good stuff done. 4) I had a delicious dinner (spicy ramen). 5) I was able to ride my bike to Zenrinkan! :D

basal temp: 36.36

Morning:
- left myself almost 10 and half hours to sleep - my body took 6 and got me 73% :c
- read in bed for a little while (finished my book)
- finally got up and showered
- did laundry
- did dishes
- hung up my laundry
- got ready to go out

Notes: All that stuff took me a while - mostly because I kept trying to get back to sleep. So I got a lot done but my morning was crappy.

Afternoon:
- made a quick lunch while I messaged Jerod
- went to the bank
- went to Zenrinkan
- lectured for a little over an hour (tons of people showed up! :D)
- went to the grocery store, bought foods, cycled home with my goods
- put away my groceries
- messaged Jerod some more

Notes: I'm SO glad I made a detailed outline for today. I meant to leave 15 minutes for questioning. I only had 7 minutes by the time I finished everything and told them to go ahead and ask me questions. There was a lot of staring and blinking. DOH! Akeko finally asked a question and luckily I had brought my laptop for a presenation and was able to pull up iTunes and play French music for them. :)  -- Today it was 5°! It felt SOOO warm - it was wonderful!

Evening:
- talked to Jerod
- made myself some dinner
- read a little bit
- played a game or two on my phone

Notes: I got most of my stuff done today, so yay for that! :) I forgot yesterday to tell you about my classes though! My first class was with hs and the kid who has never participated in a full lesson participated the whole time yesterday! Even the JTE said she was surprised! :D I was ecstatic! :) He even wrote out what he did for winter vacation!! Way to go Y! It was a great success for us all I think! My second lesson was with the jhs kids. Oh man. We did a relay to practice time (What time is it?). They were excited but as it got harder it wasn't that fun anymore. :/ Sorry guys! Then we played a different game where they asked me the time (and I had clocks put up that displayed set times) and I would say one of the times. They had to run and touch the right clock. They really enjoyed that. :D Then my third lesson was with the elem kids. I showed you the pictures a few days ago from three popular anime series. They practiced asking about birthdays. So we went through the characters and then went and asked other teachers (for them to practice their English). I hope we're not a bother. I did it once because I needed to stretch my lesson and I thought it would be good for them to practice with people OTHER than just me and their regular teacher. Now the JTE puts "I want them to ask the teachers." I think it's a good idea - I just hope we're not a nuisance. :/ :) But that was my day with them. Such AMAZING students! Hope your Friday was awesome and your day was warm too! XOXO, A

blast from the past: When I was in hs, I took a Desktop Publishing course (mainly as a filler and because it sounded interesting). One day we had a sub. My unusual name was, obviously, learned by the members of my class so when she mispronounced it, the other students corrected her. She was told I was French (asking about my name). She then started to hover near me and overheard me talking to the friend next to me. Then she swoops in afterwards and says, in a raised voice and very slowly, "YOU HAVE VERY GOOD ENGLISH!" Me: ".... THANK YOU!" I wanted to say, "I should hope so after having spoken it for 12 years!" Sheesh woman! LOL

Home again, home again

T5B: 1) I got to teach and see my Deaf kids!!! Man I love them so much! 2) I got permission from Sugita-s (of course I need to go through the office but I didn't want her to have no warning at all) to bring Jerod to visit! AAAAHHHH!!! I'm so excited! And the kids are SUPER excited to meet him. 3) I LOVE this school but I am glad I have next Friday off - I have a mountain of paperwork I need to fill out at the office. 4) I got some gifts of food and one gift from the VP (not sure what it is... a cloth of some sort - it's really beautiful). :) 5) Jerod helped me tweak and change my layout. :D (He got the background to a size for which I could upload it among many other things!)

basal temp: 36.60

Morning:
- read my scriptures from the warmth of my blankets (I love you iPhone and LDS scriptures app)
- tried to get ready quickly, still felt kinda harried rushing around
- straightened my hair
- rushed to the bus (had a stress dream last night that I missed it) and as I got there a bus was pulling out=heart attack (happy ending=it was not my bus, my bus had not yet pulled in)
1st - taught hs 1C, went super great
2nd - taught jhs 1a,2a - went super great
3rd - taught elem school 5,6 (grade) - went super great
4th - showed my elem kids a quick pp, talked to the teachers, corrected worksheets

Notes: Today was so amazingly awesome! It's an AMAZING blessing to teach here and I sincerely love it with all my heart!

Afternoon:
- M gave me some dango she made (it was SOOO good)
- lunch was good
5th - worked on a pp for my lecture tomorrow
- caught my bus with ideas of running errands, LUCKILY my phone reminded me of my dental appt
- went to the dentist, had some more sealant put on my teeth, got my teeth cleaned, was really worried about the price but Japan came through today! Less than $11!
- finally got home an hour and a half later

Notes: oops they're all above...

Evening:
- made myself a burger (mmm)
- the burger wasn't enough food so I made myself some wheat noodle chicken ramen with an egg dropped in it (also mmmm)
- watched the end of Cowboy Bebop GRRRR what the heck Japan!?
- got to message Jerod
- Jerod helped me fix my blog :D
- read a little bit

Notes: Oh!!! Guess what!? I got an email today informing me that they are changing my Monday and Tuesday to workdays! So I, essentially, have THREE days off next week! 0.o! I feel very blessed! Monday I will go in to the office to fill out my giant stack of exit paperwork. I feel kind of dumb - I should have learned my lesson by now: ALWAYS TAKE YOUR MATERIALS JUST IN CASE! So LUCKILY I told myself that and took the PLAN for my worksheet with me. I, however, left the other copies I made of ideas and maps I could use. *heavy sigh* And unless I make a special trip I won't have them in time. :/ That's ok. I have to be MORE creative. I will make my worksheets on Monday before or after or maybe AT the office. :) Hope you have an equally awesome Friday -- I am DETERMINED to get some good sleep tonight -- aw dang it! I just got nervous about my lecture tomorrow! Wish me luck! XOXO, A

blast from the past: One time I was watching a film with my dad (Foul Play) after my mission. There's a scene where someone appears in the bathroom mirror; I screamed. My dad, who wouldn't have jumped normally, jumped because my scream startled him. He got so mad at me. LOL Sorry Papa!

I think this is genius! (I took so many pictures because I was on the bus speeding by - but I liked them all, anyway) The Japanese put the wipers up at night so they won't freeze to the windshield. I'm ashamed to say I never though of that in Utah... EVER and it would have come in handy!

The slipper and shoe shelf I missed the first time I went to the dentist - but not today!

The outside of the office (Kamihara Dental Office)

Showing off my teeth cleaning

So pearly!

Eeh!?

The goodies I got from CS (the top right is that present from the VP - the other are omiyage).

Making the best of nothing

T5B: 1) I had no classes today and was able to make and get materials for the rest of my lessons tomorrow. 2) I had a Japanese lesson! 3) I got to talk to Jerod. 4) Oikawa-s offered to drive and show Jerod and me around Hiraizumi in March! :D 5) It was "warm" today (0° C outdoors and 25° in the teachers room) and the sun melted a bunch of snow! :D

basal temp: 36.23

Morning:
- I was reluctant to roll out of bed so by the time I got moving I was worried I would be late (77% :/)
- put on the jets and was able to have a few minutes to think and make I had everything before I left
- had to stand on the bus at first but got a seat pretty quickly, thank goodness
1st-2nd - worked on making worksheets
3rd - Japanese lesson
4th - finished making worksheets and working on materials

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- lunch was great! I decreased the amount of rice I brought by at least 1/3, maybe 1/2, and added miso! Great idea!
5th-7th - did some planning and killed some time

Notes: I have a couple worksheets to make for next week, however I have both Monday and Tuesday free so I want to leave things to do for next week. Also I have a hit a wall after all that morning productiveness. (The exhaustion wall) So Monday we only have the first two period classes - I have no classes at that time! HA! Also Tuesday all day they are bringing in potential applicants to the HS and testing them (written test and performance/athletic tests). Kinda cool! So the students are required to leave after the first two periods Monday and then preparation for Tuesday will begin. I'm not sure yet if I will be required to show up on Tuesday or not. Still, that means that I have another break from my roughest classes! :D!!! Also testing is coming up!! So I will see them 3 more times! And there are only 7 weeks left of work! :D!

Evening:
- ate some quick dinner when my phone reminded me I was supposed to talk to Ann this evening
- had a nice chat with Ann where she scared the crap outta me: apparently the city tax is $1200! :/
- got to message Jerod
- read a little bit
- printed materials for my lessons tomorrow

Notes: I forgot to mention that yesterday in 1.3, EVERY SINGLE STUDENT did their worksheet. This is of what a class of champions is made!! :D Hope you had a productive day too! XOXO, A

blast from the past: One day I was playing SNES and Nadia was watching me (Lufia for anyone who cares). Then we were visited by other siblings. Someone said the word condom (not very common in my house) and Nadia gasps and says, "I know what that is!" (At this point she is probably 8-9 years old.) "Oh really? What?" She gets close to me and whispers, "Isn't that a place where people live together who aren't married?" :D Good times. And yes I told her a condO is for more than just unmarried people. :)

Materials for tomorrow - characters from the popular anime series' One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Pocket Monsters. (Isn't that crazy that we use the abbreviation of two English words [Pokemon]!?)

The day I learn to use a soap dispenser

Happy birthday (to my niece) Maycie! I love you and sorry I can't be there!!

T5B: 1) My classes went really well (inspite of VERY HOT/HUMID classrooms). 2) I have one class's worksheet and materials done for Friday. 3) I have tomorrow to make the rest of my worksheets (I need to make three more for next week). 4) The VP put me in charge of cleaning time. :) 5) My students make me laugh. :)

basal temp: 36.22

Two forgotten tales: Maybe two months ago, the lady teaching RS went out of her way to make English cards for our (mine and the missionaries) use. Some of the translations made us wonder. The funniest one for me was: "I love me as so other." You what now!? It was very sweet of her though and I appreciate her trying to help us. :) -- The other story is from yesterday. I played Scattergories with 1.6. The first category I gave to them was "summer sports." One row wrote "skirt." LOL I don't even know what they were thinking. I turned to them and said, "Skirt!?" and motioned what a skirt was. The class busted up. Good times. They have a good atmosphere in that class (teasing is ok). :)

Morning:
- woke up A LOT during the night - dropped down to 76%, dang it
- got ready for school, opted for pigtails
- got to the bus stop late (just not keeping track of time), luckily the bus was late
- got a nod from a student on the bus :D
1st - made copies, got my materials together, laminated some materials for next week
2nd - taught 1.3, went SO well!
3rd - taught 2.6, went very well
4th - taught 1.2, went very well

Notes: So this morning, two of my boys and I had to stand on the bus. It's not so great. Our bus passes another school and typically a lot of students get off there. So I watching for a seat. One opened up and I took it. Across from me, two of my girls had been riding in bench seats with one other woman (two to a seat) so when their friend from the school at which we stopped got off, the girl sitting next to the woman moved to sit closer to her friend. That left one of my male students sitting, an open spot next to an unknown woman and my other male student standing by his friend. I quickly got up, said, "Suwate, suwate" (Sit, sit) and sat next to the woman. The friend who was already seated gave me a nod. It was a moment. Usually my students don't acknowledge my existence AT ALL on the bus (which is fine). So that's why it was a moment. :D -- I have a funny from 2.6 posted below. -- A boy, N, in 1.2 cracked me up. I was telling him (and the girl sitting next to him) how I was starving. I said it in Japanese and told them the English. He latched onto it for his required production of writing two sentences (one futeishi [infinitive] one domeishi [gerund]). He then writes, "I want to starv." [sic] Me: "Gasshi shitai!? Shinitai?" (You want to starve? You want to die?) "No, no, no!" And that's the story of how I learned to say "don't want." I asked them, "Shitai no hantai?" (The opposite of want to do) "Shitakunai." I told N that what he wanted was "I don't want to starve." :) Good choice.

Afternoon:
- I added miso soup to my lunch, it was delicious
- bathroom break where I figured out the soap dispenser
5th - corrected worksheets
6th - Japanese lesson with Oikawa-s
7th - finished correcting worksheets, made a pp for Friday
- I was put in charge of cleaning time :D we did a great job (though some boys took off :/)
- it was snowing as I waited for the bus (I don't know how my students aren't freezing to death)

Notes: Ok so the soap dispensers: they have these little knobs (sort of shaped like a elongated water droplet) that hangs down. I guess I assumed they worked the American way and would just push the knob forward or bath and some soap would leak into my hand. Well today in the bathroom I just reached down and happened to press the whole thing UP and WHOOSH! Well there we go! It only took me 10 months and one day to figure it out! That's not too much... is it?

Evening:
- got home and was starving
- ate dinner (yum)
- watched an episode of Cowboy Bebop
- had a really crappy, depressing night (man I need sleep)

Notes: Hope you enjoyed the stories - I gotta try to get some sleep, I am really hurtin here. Hope you have a great Wednesday. XOXO, A

My cough drop gave me a pep talk this morning - "You can do it and you know it." Thanks cough drop!

AHAHA the newest instrument: fruit (flute) :) This was one of two sheets that had it

Yeesh but yay!

(Sorry about all the messing around with my blog - I'm trying to make it readable! And relaxing/peaceful. I think I've finally got it fixed!

T5B: 1) I got to talk to Jerod! :D 2) My last class was AWESOME. 3) My hardest classes are done for the week. :) 4) I had a nice, juicy burger for dinner. 5) I started a new book.

basal temp: 35.67

Morning:
- I GOT 86%!!! My hair still hurts but YAY!
- got ready in the freezing
- read on the bus
1st-2nd - made copies, made some materials for class
3rd - taught 2.5, went ... at most "ok"
4th - corrected worksheets, some planning

Notes: It was PULLING TEETH with them. The class resisted nearly all my instructions. It's painful and so frustrating. The JTE didn't help either. Grrr!!

Afternoon:
- lunch was nice (although I opted to read instead of focus because I was so frustrated still about the morning and dreading the next two classes
5th - taught 2.4, AARGGGHHH!!!!
6th - taught 1.6, IT WAS AWESOME!
7th - corrected worksheets
- cleaning time, started making a worksheet for CS

Notes: Man 5th was even worse than 3rd. GRRR! It started poorly and ended poorly. :/ This JTE tried to help me, but they ignored her too. *heavy sigh* ARGH! HOWEVER, only 5 Tuesdays left to go! (Scheduled teaching time - Feb 11th is a holiday and I have a workday in March.) -- And I want to say that 1.6 was AMAZING today. They really listened and TRIED. It was fabulous!

Evening:
- read on the bus home
- made a burger
- got to message Jerod
- read a little bit

Notes: Today I found out that the 3rd graders don't have to go to school in February at all! 0.o That's why I won't be teaching them anymore. They get a month off before graduation. I'm glad I found out so I can bring them their origami before they take off! Hope you have a nice Tuesday. :) XOXO, A

blast from the past: When I was still a young teen I used to babysit for some neighbors named the Heaths. I loved that family (love - they're not dead or anything)! Anyway, the very first time I babysat for them I came home and told my mom, "Man Matthew talked to me ALL night!" "Really!?" "Yes. Why?" "Well Cheryl has been trying to get Matthew to talk to her for MONTHS and not a peep." LOL That cracked me up. (Cheryl is a woman who worked with my mom teaching the neighborhood kids in a church group.) LOL Take that! I didn't even try. Made me laugh. Still makes me smile. :) I'm like a kid-whisperer! (Actually if anyone is that would be my dad!)

Kanamori-s gave me hers :)

Part of my music lesson

LOL uh.. recorder... and sax

One of the VPs gave me this fruit cake - the students made it :)

This made me laugh because my dad says that too!

Waiting to cross the street and walk home - this is my bus stop and the front of Nanak :)

5/6ths in the bag

I miss my oneechan!! :c

T5B: 1) I got to message Jerod today. 2) My classes all went well. 3) I get to teach a music lesson tomorrow and I love playing my music for the students! 4) I am caught up on my correcting. 5) One girl wrote on her paper that she wanted to talk to me. :) I thought that was sweet.

basal temp: 36.15

Morning:
- ALMOST did it! 84%
- also almost fell back asleep *stricken face* that would have been VERY bad
- straightened my hair
1st-3rd - made materials for my classes and copies
4th - taught 3.7, went well

Notes: That may be the last lesson I have with that class. I'm glad it went well.

Afternoon:
- lunch was great ~ I ate while distracted though :/ I think the Japanese and French way is better - focusing on your meal and enjoying it
5th - taught 2.3, went really well
6th - corrected worksheets
7th - taught 1.4, went really well
- the bus was only 1 minute late! Last Thursday is was 17 mins late and it was FREEZING!

Notes: I'm so glad my classes went so well today. :)

Evening:
- got home in good time (enough to eat quickly)
- went to tutoring and spent an hour speaking in French to help Mina prepare for her French OPT
- it started snowing again (it snowed most of the day :/)
- ate some dessert
- finished my book
- watched some Cowboy Bebop
- messaged Jerod

Notes: I'm sad I don't have a funny story from my classes today! I'm happy they went well though. :) I keep thinking it's the end of the week. Grr - probably because last week I only taught 3 days so it feels like today should be Thursday instead of Monday. Dang it. Anyway, hope your Monday goes well! XOXO, A

Blast from the past: LOL I remember one time I slept over at a friend's house. We slept in the basement living room. Her older brother's room was off the the living room and he had to pass through to go upstairs. Well in the morning he passed through and I figured her was up and gone for the day (he was rarely home) so I thought I would put on my bra that I had removed to sleep. So I'm trying to do it all sneaky like junior high girls do (without taking off my shirt). Well I start doing this and I can hear him coming through the kitchen. I frantically am trying to finish and in my panic I get all tangled and stuck. I was DYING and he's coming down the stairs! I did the only thing I COULD do, hunched over and tried to make myself invisible. I asked him several years later if he had noticed anything - not at all. Didn't even realize I was up. LOL WIN! One more story from that same friend - one night we were having a sleepover (same room) and I stopped suddenly and said, "Sara, I think your fridge is broken." She listens and says, "Oh no that's my mom snoring." Me: "No, that's your fridge and it's broken!" Ya... it was her mom. Oops. LOL

(The video is of me walking to the bus stop this morning while it was snowing)

Omiyage on my desk this morning :)

A second apartment (the church!)

(5/6ths tonight!!)

T5B: 1) I eventually got home from church. 2) I got to talk to Jerod and Dre today. 3) I got to skype with my parents and Anjo & JT. 4) I had a yummy dinner. 5) I put my laundry away.

basal temp: 36.23

Morning:
- didn't sleep so well :/ ~ 73%
- got ready for church
- messaged Jerod and Dre
- left early so that we could pick up another person
- took my comp to church (since we were early), did some updates
- no translator for me so I didn't catch much of sacrament meeting :/
- RS was good - we talked about Heavenly Father and his attributes :)

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- I declined to be in a picture because I felt really crappy
- everyone was gone forever and choir got started REALLY late - then only 6 people showed up
- we practiced
- my hometeachers visited with me and I shared a message with them (they weren't really prepared - but that's ok :>)
- skyped my parents and got to talk to my Papa for quite a bit :)
- messaged Jerod
- finally got home

Notes: The lady who give me a ride is now the RS pres so she has to stay at church for a while. I was there almost 8 hours. :/ Yeesh.

Evening:
- made myself food! (I was starving) -- spam mac & cheese (essentially) - it was good!
- watched some Cowboy Bebop
- messaged Jerod
- felt sick (most of the day plus a migraine :c)
- killed a spider on the wall by my bed :/ At least it's dead but COME ON!!
- put away my laundry

Notes: I forgot to mention yesterday I accidentally spilled a pot of boiling water on my hand and foot. My foot was protected by a sock, thank goodness, but my hand throbbed for a while. Looks ok now! Hope you all are being less clumsy than me! XOXO, A

blast from the past: This story isn't so much funny as a comedy of errors. When I first met Jerod (we met on an internet dating site), I was reticent to make the 45 minute drive to where he lived. It felt really far and thus unsafe. He was very kind about it. He said he would take buses down and at first we arranged for that but I chickened out and called it off. He was very sweet about my fears and patient. In any case, I finally settled on a day and printed out directions from google maps. He'd told me he lived with his brother and I got it in my mind that his brother was married and had a wife and kids and a house. Anyway, google maps SUCKS but luckily I'm good with directions. I found where the address SHOULD have been and it was an apartment building! I was confused and thought I was at the wrong place. So I called Jerod. He didn't pick up. I was supposed to call when I got there and we had also arranged on a time.. aaaaand nothing. I felt sick to my stomach and really confused. Did he send me on a wild goose chase? Was he standing me up? He had been so sweet up until that point... So I decided to stick it out. I had my mp3 player with me. I got it out, turned it on and started to sing in my car and watch my rearview and sideview mirrors. About thirty minutes later I see this VERY handsome guy rush behind me (I saw him in my sideview mirror). I turned my head but he was already gone. I thought it had looked like him. Sure enough a few minutes later he called me panicked, "Did you leave already? Are you still here?" I told him I was outside and that I thought I had just seen him. "Red hat?" "Ya that was me!" Come to find out: his phone died, he missed the bus, and he got a flat tire on his bike. The universe conspired against us but we needed each other so we found a way. Even now, we've found another way aroud the brambles and thickets of trial and pride. :)

My sleep graph for the week

In Morioka (on the way to pick up Rika-s and go to church)

See this dude riding in the snow? TONS of people do that! I may or may not have also done it... but with much less snow on the ground!

We had to have this guy move so we could get by - then again when we went out!

Rika-s's building

One of the three rivers in Morioka

My Papa and me talking :)

Spam macaroni dish! Mmm!