Fattening Up For Winter (aka Happy)

Today was a fantastic (albeit, long) day. For a start, I feel so much better today - no longer drained nor full of cold. I also received 3 great e-mails, which made me smile.

I had two of the nursery schools this morning, so it was an early start, yet it's so much fun and a better wake-up call than coffee. My favourite of the three schools was first, as the kids have so much energy, tell me I'm (かっくいでしょう） handsome, and one of the girls that works there is beautiful; she puts a big smile on my face twice a month. The second nursery is also great but a bit more violent - when we stand in a circle, the children literally fight over who gets to hold my hand*. They all love the 'hokey pokey'. And so do I.

I saw a sharon-fruit in the supermarket, and found out that they're in season and very popular although, rather unfortunately, they're called "kakki" here. And in the crazy backwards world of Japan, they're half the price of apples.

After that, I started reading a new book about punctuation, by Lynne Truss - "Eats (,) Shoots and Leaves" (the panda joke). Who would've thought how thrilling a book about punctuation could be? I'm captivated; especially since the posters and messages from my bosses are so awful. Remember: we teach English**.

Then I had my half day at work - the first lesson was with three of my favourite older ladies. I try to show interest in the students, remember personal information and use it as the lesson plan - and their faces light up***. The second group was four chatty gossippy housewives that make me laugh and told me "they missed me"****, although I hadn't seen them for only two weeks. Then I had a slightly dull lesson, followed by a group kids class - six 8 year olds - who were full of life, and laughed and laughed. Finally, I was asked to do a strange lesson which involved a cram school teacher asking me to prepare her student for a University interview. Was a little apprehensive as I didn't know what to prepare or tell her, but I just told her things I was taught; such as if they ask your opinion, give it but also say "On the other hand...". She said it was perfect. And I got all my holiday accepted today for when Dad and Barbara come.

At this point, I was waiting at a traffic light and a man was stuck in traffic in his van. He made a huge yawn and I started laughing. He saw me and joined in. Very surreal, but I couldn't stop smiling. Just one of those days, I guess.

Afterwards, I had my Japanese lesson in the community centre in Musashi Kosugi. Run by some retired Japanese people, it's a laugh every Tuesday evening for two hours. I'm not sure how much I learn but it's great - they bring us food, and teach us about the culture too. I've come a long way since I started, and I owe them a lot of gratitude******. The funny thing is, I'm not in the beginner class anymore, only because a few beginners have started since I've been there; an incidental promotion!

Afterwards - told you it was a long day - I returned to Tsunashima, had conveyor belt sushi, and plucked up the courage to try a few new things. Maybe it's better not to share for the faint-hearted of you. And then I saw the holy grail. The man that sold いまがわやき / imagawayaki - fresh thick pancakes filled with either あずき / azuki (sweet red bean paste, delicious!) or custard - had stopped for the Summer, but tonight marked his return. At 50p a go, it's a bargain. But I'll start piling on the pounds again. I wish this blog could do scents as well as pictures and videos.

Oh, and I downloaded and listened to this hilarious album "Alright, Still" by the 'next best thing', Lily Allen (Keith Allen's daughter). It's both good and bad, gimmicky and catchy, but encapsulates all that's great and terrible about England at its present state. And who can resist such fantastic lyrics as:

There was a little old lady, who was walking down the road
She was struggling with bags from Tesco
There were people in the city having lunch in the park
I believe that it's called 'al fresco'
Then a kid came along to offer a hand
But before she had time to accept it
Hits her over the head, doesn't care if she's dead
Cause he's got all her jewelley and wallet

All in all, a great day. Very content.

*One boy cried for the whole 30 minutes because of this. Bless him.
**For example, in my 6 month report: "Your an excellent teacher". Bless him.
***One went to Canada last week and brought me sweets. Bless her.
****Bless them. Ok, this is getting ridiculous now.
*****Last one: Bless them.