We’re at 48 as we speak. For you Celsius-ers, we’re clockin’ in at 8.89 degrees. It doesn’t even matter that it’s misty, cloudy, and damp. Do.Not.Care. It’s far above freezing and I didn’t have to wear my parka. I’m obviously sporting my new purchase too. That’s an A+ day in my book. It doesn’t hurt that I don’t have to be to work until 9a.m. either.
Rewinding back to last night. I finished up at the office, helping Ms. ni-nensei who is now going to be referred to as ichi nensei, since she is now teaching 1st grade (ichi). And the 2 other new English teachers will be called Ms. ni-nensei and Ms. san-nensei, respectively. The two other English teachers have packed their bags and got settled at their new schools. Sad day 😦 But I’m excited for the new year, commencing today, April 1st (Classes resume April 7th). Ok, I’m off-track, but I’m not quite rewinding to last night. At school, I helped Ms. ichi-nensei clean out the current 2nd grade teachers office, packing her things and loadin’ up the dumpster (More on the Japanese education system next time, kind of interesting). We were carrying 3 big garbage bags downstairs as well as three big stacks of text books. I was fine with all the trash bags, yet she was struggling with the heavy books, so I suggested we trade. On our way out the door, Ms. ni-nensei took about 5 stops to rest. I thought I was trading her for the heavier load! We started laughing, because I said she needed to get bigger muscles. She confessed that she was a member of the gym before, but then she said she didn’t want to make that commitment, so she quit. I of course laughed, because she’s this cute little teacher with very minimal English, and when she had me feel her bicep, there was literally nothing there but squish. Then we laughed some more, and it was a hard, belly-aching laugh. You probably had to be there. But moral of the story, it was a really fun day. (Deep down I think it’s because the old V.P. has packed his bags, the whole mood of the office is lightened).
~~~
So after work, being that it was probably in the low 40’s (but really windy), I decided to bike on my one-speed granny bike to Hirosaki (about 7-8 miles away). Perfect workout 🙂 Little did I know, I’d be sprinting with Rach to get to the bus station to order her tickets a little later.
I hustled and bustled to get ready for my night out with 4 of the teachers from O.J.H.S. (3 of which are leaving 😦 ) We had a blast, despite most of the night being conducted in Japanese- I surprisingly understood a fair amount though!
The eats were a kick in the mouth. It was about a 7-course meal, luckily small portions so I didn’t explode. A few of those items:
I enjoyed a little vino, while the rest of the crowd sipped on their beers. I’m no connoisseur, but it was delish.
And the biggest hunk of the freshest Parm cheese known to man. So scrumptious. I love cheese. Yum.
We spent about 4 hours chatting away, enjoying dish after dish, and the most fabulous Tiramisu that I didn’t even have time to capture, it was gone so fast, but after filling up my tummy and sharing my parting gifts for the teachers, I was spent.
I told myself I’d be going for a run in the morning, but since I failed to prepare my breakfast and lunch for the next day, that idea went out the window real quick. Luckily I have time after school before I move the rest of my belongings to Hirosaki! Then I’ll be an official resident!
Too bad the Japanese don’t celebrate April Fool’s Day, because I would surely be saran-wrapping the toilet seats. That’s the only trick I know. Lame I must admit, and pretty sure it doesn’t work. 😛
Back to cleaning out my desk. I’ve procrastinated enough. 😀
~Molly
A Minnesota Life 
