T5B: 1) My classes went very well today. 2) I got to message Jerod more today. 3) I'm ready for my lessons tomorrow (as ready as I'm going to get that is). 4) It's not cold enough yet that I have to empty the pipes (thank goodness). 5) I forgot to make the rice for my lunch but had enough odds and ends to scrape togther a lunch and not have to spend extra money purchasing a school lunch.
basal temp: 36.48
Morning:
- I got more sleep!!! YATTA!
- got ready kinda slowly (more sleep helped a lot but I have a lot of time for which to make up and am still tired)
- still got out the door in time and got rid of my plastic trash (hallelujah - I missed the last plastic day so I had a bunch! :/ - it's only once every two weeks!)
1st - taught 1.5, went great
2nd - taught 1.1, went great
3rd-4th - checked over my worksheets with the intent to change them, too tired and said they're good!
Notes: Some funny stories from class: When I walked in I was all full of energy and said, "Aaah!" While shaking my head to show them how excited I was about Infinitives 3. A bunch of the boys imitated me so I did it again to even more laughs. I wasn't trying to be funny - I'm genuinely excited to teach. 2) My voice cracked during class. This class was funny about it. They sort of collectively gasped and I laughed. A boy up front said, "Hazukashii" (embarrassing) and I told him no and that I wasn't embarrassed. I don't know if they believed me, but I thought it was funny. Especially their reaction. Guys, no biggie. Seriously. I think the JTE was embarrassed for me too. After class he told me I needed to rest my voice and get better. LOL I would love to get better. I don't care if my voice cracks. -- In 1.1, they are very good at being on task, so a lesson that took much longer for another class was really easy for them. So we had ten minutes left. No worries - I planned a game already and was thinking of several other things we could do. Well, they loved the first game so much (fruit basket), I didn't end up switching.
Afternoon:
- my lunch I threw together: two mikan, a sausage (dried meat), raisins, and a kiwi yogurt. Decidely not Japanese (in style - obviously the food was all purchased here), but hey it's food and I got lunch!
5th - tried to brainstorm, mostly spaced out
6th - studied Japanese with Oikawa Koichi sensei :)
- K taught me a new word during cleaning time (a student)
- corrected worksheets for another teacher (I can do it much faster than they can :D)
- missed my bus
Notes: So, I ran out of time last night to tell you I missed my bus home. That was a NOOOOOO moment. I missed it by THIRTY SECONDS. A teacher was talking to me and I didn't want to be rude and hurry him. :/ Dang it. So I power walked (did a twenty minute distance in thirteen minutes) and LUCKILY that bus was a few minutes late. By the time we got near the bus center, we were behind my bus. I was feeling really great about that... THEN we couldn't get into the bus center. My bus turned the corner and let people off in front of the huge department store. The bus I was on, gridlocked. FINALLY after nine minutes of not moving, the bus driver said something about it being forbidden BUT he let us off the bus. We were a whole 50 feet shy of our destination. I'm glad he let us off!
Evening:
- got to message Jerod
- made dinner
- cooked rice
- tried to get ready for bed in a timely manner
- printed worksheets
- got all busy and didn't have time to finish my blog :/ Sorry
Notes: Well, I could have finished but been in bed really late. Also I had a RAGING migraine even though I took half a migraine pill (it was my last half - I was trying to stretch that medicine as I was given THREE PILLS ~ you know, because people only have three migraines after their doctor gives them medicine :/). In any case, my uterus/ovaries have been acting up and in a TON of pain so I was eager to be in bed. Still love you all! XOXO, A
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Silly Students
T5B: 1) I have funny students who help to brighten my day. 2) My "straw" seems to be relaxing, thank goodness. 3) I will finally have someone sitting next to me! (This is the first time EVER at work - well here in Japan). 4) I got a little extra money for teaching tonight. 5) I made a couple new powerpoints.
basal temp: 36.64
Morning:
- got so little sleep, worst so far
- got out the door a little early
1st - prepped for classes, was feeling AWFUL (cried at work :/)
2nd - taught 1.3, went wonderfully
3rd - taught 2.6, also awesome
4th - taught 1.2, beautiful!
Notes: So, stories from my classes. 1) Mr. Hashimoto thought we were teaching a different class today so he disappeared into a classroom. The students kept all saying, "Chigau! Chigau!" (Wrong! Wrong!) LOL 2) I overheard one of my students in 1.3 say, "I want a class to eat... ah chigau! To teach!" LOL 3) When correcting worksheets from that class, one student had written, "I have a plan to play tennis IN my friend" (emphasis added). Me: 0.o Whaaa? 4) The student I consider my brightest English student wrote today, "I have a plan to shift the world with my friend." So cool! 5) In 2.6 after our first game, they wanted the last kid to have to answer twice. So they started yelling, "One more! One more!" "One more time?" "Yes! Yes!" So I started the whole game over and they all had to play again. They groaned but they laughed. LOL 6) In 1.2 when I walked in, one girl burst into excited applause. 7) Also in 1.2, Mr. Suzuki used his hands like a bull horn and I excitedly said, "Me too!" And started shouting silly things to the class, much to our mutual amusement. 8) When I finished that class (1.2), Kanamori-sensei found me at my desk. 2.6 had double English today. 3rd with me, and 4th with Kanamori-s. She kept saying what bad students they were. (And MAN I had it rough with them the first two months) But I told her, "They're great! You just have to add a couple extra games!" This poor woman comes up to me and says, "When I tried to teach them they all started yelling, 'Ann's class is fun! Your class is boring! We love Ann!'" Awww! And I felt badly for her too. But I'm so glad we like each other now - even my initial non participators are participating in class! Only ONE student didn't do their work today! :D!!! 9) Also (! I forgot earlier,) I showed off my flexibility to one student. He was asking if I could box, I said I never tried it but would probably be so-so. He does gymnastics (and is really good) so he asked if I could do them. I said a little bit. He was very skeptical and I responded, "I'm very flexible!" He had no idea what that meant, so I quickly held my foot over my head and showed him. Gaping all around! :D I shouldn't have let him egg me into doing it - but only him and his friend saw me. LOL He tried to show everyone what I did but, ironically, he couldn't do it.
Afternoon:
- lunch was great
5th-7th - corrected wksts, worked like a fiend on the last minute SLP I got again :/
- cleaning time was fun, though I had to be told to put the vacuum away (I'm very thorough!)
- the sun set at something like 1611!
- Sato-sensei (fukukouchou-sensei ~VP) told me that I'm getting a friend! (Someone is going to sit next to me)
Notes: I HATE getting my SLP so late. Thursdays are my busiest days and I don't have a lot of time to spare on making worksheets and lessons. So I'm pretty frustrated that I got my SLP so late AGAIN and don't have adequate time to prepare. :< I did the best I could. There better not be any complaints!!!
Evening:
- got home
- made and ate dinner (pasta)
- went to teach (that went well though only one student showed up)
- went home and got to talk to Jerod for a bit
Notes: I read a wonderful conference talk this morning. I read Elder Bednar's talk on tithing. It struck me when he talked about subtle blessings. I think I have had a lot of those and I wish I had been more vigilant. The fact that I have made it alone this long is a HUGE testament to that. I worked alone for 8-9 hours a day and it ended up being a really bad situation for me and I had to quit. So, I testify that I have had those subtle blessings and I am very grateful for them. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday! XOXO, A
basal temp: 36.64
Morning:
- got so little sleep, worst so far
- got out the door a little early
1st - prepped for classes, was feeling AWFUL (cried at work :/)
2nd - taught 1.3, went wonderfully
3rd - taught 2.6, also awesome
4th - taught 1.2, beautiful!
Notes: So, stories from my classes. 1) Mr. Hashimoto thought we were teaching a different class today so he disappeared into a classroom. The students kept all saying, "Chigau! Chigau!" (Wrong! Wrong!) LOL 2) I overheard one of my students in 1.3 say, "I want a class to eat... ah chigau! To teach!" LOL 3) When correcting worksheets from that class, one student had written, "I have a plan to play tennis IN my friend" (emphasis added). Me: 0.o Whaaa? 4) The student I consider my brightest English student wrote today, "I have a plan to shift the world with my friend." So cool! 5) In 2.6 after our first game, they wanted the last kid to have to answer twice. So they started yelling, "One more! One more!" "One more time?" "Yes! Yes!" So I started the whole game over and they all had to play again. They groaned but they laughed. LOL 6) In 1.2 when I walked in, one girl burst into excited applause. 7) Also in 1.2, Mr. Suzuki used his hands like a bull horn and I excitedly said, "Me too!" And started shouting silly things to the class, much to our mutual amusement. 8) When I finished that class (1.2), Kanamori-sensei found me at my desk. 2.6 had double English today. 3rd with me, and 4th with Kanamori-s. She kept saying what bad students they were. (And MAN I had it rough with them the first two months) But I told her, "They're great! You just have to add a couple extra games!" This poor woman comes up to me and says, "When I tried to teach them they all started yelling, 'Ann's class is fun! Your class is boring! We love Ann!'" Awww! And I felt badly for her too. But I'm so glad we like each other now - even my initial non participators are participating in class! Only ONE student didn't do their work today! :D!!! 9) Also (! I forgot earlier,) I showed off my flexibility to one student. He was asking if I could box, I said I never tried it but would probably be so-so. He does gymnastics (and is really good) so he asked if I could do them. I said a little bit. He was very skeptical and I responded, "I'm very flexible!" He had no idea what that meant, so I quickly held my foot over my head and showed him. Gaping all around! :D I shouldn't have let him egg me into doing it - but only him and his friend saw me. LOL He tried to show everyone what I did but, ironically, he couldn't do it.
Afternoon:
- lunch was great
5th-7th - corrected wksts, worked like a fiend on the last minute SLP I got again :/
- cleaning time was fun, though I had to be told to put the vacuum away (I'm very thorough!)
- the sun set at something like 1611!
- Sato-sensei (fukukouchou-sensei ~VP) told me that I'm getting a friend! (Someone is going to sit next to me)
Notes: I HATE getting my SLP so late. Thursdays are my busiest days and I don't have a lot of time to spare on making worksheets and lessons. So I'm pretty frustrated that I got my SLP so late AGAIN and don't have adequate time to prepare. :< I did the best I could. There better not be any complaints!!!
Evening:
- got home
- made and ate dinner (pasta)
- went to teach (that went well though only one student showed up)
- went home and got to talk to Jerod for a bit
Notes: I read a wonderful conference talk this morning. I read Elder Bednar's talk on tithing. It struck me when he talked about subtle blessings. I think I have had a lot of those and I wish I had been more vigilant. The fact that I have made it alone this long is a HUGE testament to that. I worked alone for 8-9 hours a day and it ended up being a really bad situation for me and I had to quit. So, I testify that I have had those subtle blessings and I am very grateful for them. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday! XOXO, A
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Coughing Day
T5B: 1) My sleep was a little better. 2) I only had one lesson to teach today. 3) I made three new worksheets and made other materials for next week. 4) I learned some more Japanese! (And a couple new kanji!) 5) Kanamori heard me coughing and gave me some candies to suck on (so I could keep my throat wet).
basal temp: 36.57
Morning:
- woke up and it felt like my throat swelled to the size of a straw (hard to breathe)
- got ready
- forgot my lunch, dashed back for it
- still made my bus (insert baby meme - I will include it below)
1st-3rd - prepped for next week, planned
4th - studied Japanese, read a book on Japanese children's stories (famous ones)
Notes: Now I know the story of Momotaro! And the play I saw at CS finally makes sense! ;) (They did a different story, but I read that one as well. I'm glad to know the stories all Japanese people know now.)
Afternoon:
- lunch was good, wished I had brought more
- coughing fits :/
5th - taught 2.5, went well
6th-7th - made my worksheets
- learned a student's name during cleaning time (he taught me a word yesterday)
Evening:
- ate dinner
- read a little
- felt super nasty :/
Notes: Hope you all are staying happy and healthy! My throat has felt the size of a straw all day which is why I think I kept coughing so much. I got these atrocious throat tickles all day and I think it was the other side of my throat touching itself (if that makes sense - the straw pinching shut). Miserable stuff but hopefully tomorrow is better! Oh mom! I ate those chocolate chips for dinner (probably a factor in not feeling well) - they were delicious! :D XOXO, A
basal temp: 36.57
Morning:
- woke up and it felt like my throat swelled to the size of a straw (hard to breathe)
- got ready
- forgot my lunch, dashed back for it
- still made my bus (insert baby meme - I will include it below)
1st-3rd - prepped for next week, planned
4th - studied Japanese, read a book on Japanese children's stories (famous ones)
Notes: Now I know the story of Momotaro! And the play I saw at CS finally makes sense! ;) (They did a different story, but I read that one as well. I'm glad to know the stories all Japanese people know now.)
Afternoon:
- lunch was good, wished I had brought more
- coughing fits :/
5th - taught 2.5, went well
6th-7th - made my worksheets
- learned a student's name during cleaning time (he taught me a word yesterday)
Evening:
- ate dinner
- read a little
- felt super nasty :/
Notes: Hope you all are staying happy and healthy! My throat has felt the size of a straw all day which is why I think I kept coughing so much. I got these atrocious throat tickles all day and I think it was the other side of my throat touching itself (if that makes sense - the straw pinching shut). Miserable stuff but hopefully tomorrow is better! Oh mom! I ate those chocolate chips for dinner (probably a factor in not feeling well) - they were delicious! :D XOXO, A
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| "Yes" baby |
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| One more photo I took last night because - awesome hair! |
Monday, December 2, 2013
Sheer Exhaustion
T5B: 1) I had a TON to do today, but I got it all done. 2) I made a new worksheet (well lesson). 3) I stayed awake at work (that was HARD)! 4) My classes went really well today. 5) I got to message Jerod.
basal temp: 35.87 (I accidentally got up :/ - so it rose!)
Morning:
- I had an awful night
- got ready for school
- had forgotten my notes for changes Hashimoto-sensei wanted me to make for the worksheet today so prayed and winged it, talked to him this morning
1st-3rd - made a new lesson and materials (for next week)
4th - taught 3.7, went very well
Notes: Man last night SUCKED. I went to bed EARLY because I was so exhausted. I then proceeded to lay awake/toss and turn for an hour. When I finally fell asleep I couldn't stay that way. I'd wake up to cough, to turn over, to feel delirious, to panic, because I had a nightmare... Feels like I was awake ALL night. And I felt so delirious the whole time (like sick sleep where you dream of water OVER and OVER and OVER and keep waking up thirsty but you're too sick to move and know if you drank the water you'd puke it up anyway). Being so exhausted makes me job ten times harder. I fell behind a little bit with planning (don't even yet have the worksheet I need for tomorrow finalized :/) so I cancelled tutoring (possibly rescheduling for Thursday). -- I do have one good thing to report from this morning! When I showed Hashimoto-sensei my changes, he was really impressed and actually really happy with them. (I did something other than what he suggested, but) I tied this worksheet to the last one and inadvertantly (well led by the Spirit) am practicing something that the students have a hard time knowing how and when to use. :D Win! -- In 3.7, the first person to get a bingo in our game was a boy. I checked his card and gave him a sticker. He went FLAMING red. Poor guy. LOL The students (as this is a sports course) razzed him a little, but they tried hard for those stickers. :) -- ALSO 3.7 got a kick outta me today. I'm getting another cold (:c) and I'm losing my voice. So my voice kept cracking and they thought that was hilarious. That's ok, I did too. We kept laughing at me all class.
Afternoon:
- lunch was great
5th-6th - Koichi (Oikawa-sensei the math teacher not to be confused with Oikawa-sensei with whom I taught 3.7!) tutored me a little bit in Japanese :)
7th - taught 1.4, went great
- keeps getting darker earlier and earlier! We're in the teens of 1600 currently!
Notes: Koichi taught me a little bit about being a teacher here in Japan. One is required to spend ten years teaching on the coast, then you get moved inland for another twenty years. Teachers here are government employees which is why the government gets to choose where they teach. It was very interesting and I learned some new words. :)
Evening:
- got myself a pastry, because
- did some work
- messaged Jerod a little bit
- felt EXTREMELY gross (sick) :/ dang it!!!
Note: Love you! Have a great night/day! XOXO, A
basal temp: 35.87 (I accidentally got up :/ - so it rose!)
Morning:
- I had an awful night
- got ready for school
- had forgotten my notes for changes Hashimoto-sensei wanted me to make for the worksheet today so prayed and winged it, talked to him this morning
1st-3rd - made a new lesson and materials (for next week)
4th - taught 3.7, went very well
Notes: Man last night SUCKED. I went to bed EARLY because I was so exhausted. I then proceeded to lay awake/toss and turn for an hour. When I finally fell asleep I couldn't stay that way. I'd wake up to cough, to turn over, to feel delirious, to panic, because I had a nightmare... Feels like I was awake ALL night. And I felt so delirious the whole time (like sick sleep where you dream of water OVER and OVER and OVER and keep waking up thirsty but you're too sick to move and know if you drank the water you'd puke it up anyway). Being so exhausted makes me job ten times harder. I fell behind a little bit with planning (don't even yet have the worksheet I need for tomorrow finalized :/) so I cancelled tutoring (possibly rescheduling for Thursday). -- I do have one good thing to report from this morning! When I showed Hashimoto-sensei my changes, he was really impressed and actually really happy with them. (I did something other than what he suggested, but) I tied this worksheet to the last one and inadvertantly (well led by the Spirit) am practicing something that the students have a hard time knowing how and when to use. :D Win! -- In 3.7, the first person to get a bingo in our game was a boy. I checked his card and gave him a sticker. He went FLAMING red. Poor guy. LOL The students (as this is a sports course) razzed him a little, but they tried hard for those stickers. :) -- ALSO 3.7 got a kick outta me today. I'm getting another cold (:c) and I'm losing my voice. So my voice kept cracking and they thought that was hilarious. That's ok, I did too. We kept laughing at me all class.
Afternoon:
- lunch was great
5th-6th - Koichi (Oikawa-sensei the math teacher not to be confused with Oikawa-sensei with whom I taught 3.7!) tutored me a little bit in Japanese :)
7th - taught 1.4, went great
- keeps getting darker earlier and earlier! We're in the teens of 1600 currently!
Notes: Koichi taught me a little bit about being a teacher here in Japan. One is required to spend ten years teaching on the coast, then you get moved inland for another twenty years. Teachers here are government employees which is why the government gets to choose where they teach. It was very interesting and I learned some new words. :)
Evening:
- got myself a pastry, because
- did some work
- messaged Jerod a little bit
- felt EXTREMELY gross (sick) :/ dang it!!!
Note: Love you! Have a great night/day! XOXO, A
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| My blueberry pastry |
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| Me after work - had a great hair day! :D |
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Heavy Day
T5B: 1) I got to skype a lot of my family. 2) I got to message Jerod for a little bit. 3) My home teachers came over. 4) Three weeks until winter break! 5) I am ready (paper wise, but emotionally nervous) for the week!
basal temp: 36.47
Morning:
- got up (EXHAUSTED), had bad dreams :/
- church was pretty good, but I was worried about my friend
Notes: My friend told me that she was on her way to the ER. I have been praying for her all day.
Afternoon:
- choir practice went very well, we're singing next week :D
- I got to skype Maman, Papa, Nadia, Fan, Lynds, Simone, and Andy! :D
- I got to message Jerod for a little bit before he went to bed
Notes: I found out my cousin has cancer, and my friend had a bad time at the hospital. (And my dear friend, I am praying for you and have lots and lots of hugs stored up for you. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you. I love you immensely!)
Evening:
- my home teachers came over, and I ended up giving a message
- I ate a bunch of sunflower seeds (thanks mom!) but kinda made myself sick :/ lol
- took a hot shower
- made dinner
Notes: Today has had some really good moments. Today has also been very heavy. It's so hard to be so far from my family when I feel like at least my presence could do some good. I have healing hugs, I'm sure of it. At least I can help a small degree in someone's heart. I feel so far away from everyone. :c Everyone just HOLD ON, I'll be home in four months (give or take)! Please be safe, and PLEASE PLEASE know that I love you all and pray for you all. XOXO, A
basal temp: 36.47
Morning:
- got up (EXHAUSTED), had bad dreams :/
- church was pretty good, but I was worried about my friend
Notes: My friend told me that she was on her way to the ER. I have been praying for her all day.
Afternoon:
- choir practice went very well, we're singing next week :D
- I got to skype Maman, Papa, Nadia, Fan, Lynds, Simone, and Andy! :D
- I got to message Jerod for a little bit before he went to bed
Notes: I found out my cousin has cancer, and my friend had a bad time at the hospital. (And my dear friend, I am praying for you and have lots and lots of hugs stored up for you. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you. I love you immensely!)
Evening:
- my home teachers came over, and I ended up giving a message
- I ate a bunch of sunflower seeds (thanks mom!) but kinda made myself sick :/ lol
- took a hot shower
- made dinner
Notes: Today has had some really good moments. Today has also been very heavy. It's so hard to be so far from my family when I feel like at least my presence could do some good. I have healing hugs, I'm sure of it. At least I can help a small degree in someone's heart. I feel so far away from everyone. :c Everyone just HOLD ON, I'll be home in four months (give or take)! Please be safe, and PLEASE PLEASE know that I love you all and pray for you all. XOXO, A
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| My basal temp chart, as promised -- look at that craziness the Lunabell causes! |
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| That home made broom is SO common. This is in the construction stuff at the church. They LITERALLY use these brooms. Everywhere. I saw park workers using them to clean the leaves out of gutters. Cool stuff! |
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