Q&A with my students.
Q: How's the weather? A: It's snowy!
Where is the time going? I'm staying present, I'm engaging, and still, it is flying by. This week I finished my 1st contract year at one of my JHS's. It was unbelievably sad and difficult to say goodbye to the faculty, staff, and students. I teared up and had that lump in your throat feeling more times than I could count. For about 7 months I have spent the majority of my time at school working. These people and these students have been my life and I am so grateful to know them. They've all left impressions on me in some form and I will carry these memories with me for years to come. Even though I know that all things must come to an end, it still doesn't make these endings any easier.
Some of the "Thank You" gifts I prepared for the staff.
My students surprised me with a scrapbook full of handwritten English notes. Tears definitely fell when they handed it to me. The school also gave me a bouquet of flowers during the morning meeting. I cried then, too.
[Spoiler alert - It's not 100 percent, but I'm pretty sure I'll be teaching again next year.]
I'm finally starting to function normally with not having wifi in my apartment. This week I stayed busy with school work and crossed things off my to-do list that I've been dreading. I know I probably sound like a broken record -- no wifi -- no wifi -- no wifi -- but seriously, try going without internet access on your phone and see how you function. It's honestly like breaking an addiction. I have withdrawals and find myself pining for it. I've broken multiple times and turned on my cellular data. This is a problem because I have an international phone plan which has a reduced and very limited amount of data available. If I go over my allotted amount, there is a hefty charge. I'm anticipating that I'll be paying extra this month. [Let's talk soon Dad.] The charges I'll be incurring are definitely helping expedite my ability to cope with this new reality.
What I've decided to do now is to make having internet connection on my phone a special occasion. Last Sunday and this Sunday, I went to Starbucks, ordered a tall latte, did some journaling, and happily logged into the wifi. I downloaded enough podcasts for the week and a couple new US Top 40 songs on Spotify. I binged on Snapchat, and made an Instagram post. I'm pretty sure I let out a sigh of relief when I had caught up on all my social media accounts. I'm laughing at myself because I realize how ridiculous that is, but it's the truth. I like social media and I like feeling like I am connected to my friends and family stateside. Since I cannot see them in person, social media helps fill that void.
In case you were wondering: The TED Radio Hour podcasts Screen Time Part 1 & 2, have really opened my eyes to how mobile applications and mobile ability are affecting the way people function, act, and make decisions. I find it fascinating and worrisome at the same time. It's giving me a new perspective. Click here to listen to them.
This weekend I went to see Cirque du Soleil - TOTEM with my friend R from Japanese Conversation Class. I had never seen a show before. It was completely mesmerizing. I cannot wait to go to another one. Since I'm having a hard time putting into words how I feel about the performance, here's the LA Times,
"Totem is the celebration of sheer human achievement and audience appreciation is simply thrilling. It's why we love Cirque du Soleil, and always will."
So here's how we spent our day in Fukuoka:
Hakozaki Temple, Fukuoka, Japan
Hakozaki Temple Gardens, Fukuoka, Japan
TOTEM by Cirque du Soleil - とても楽しかった
"Let's enjoy!" - 楽しもう
Hakozaki Seaside Park, Fukuoka, Japan
I'll never say 'no' to being at the beach. 40 degrees on the coast is OK with me!
Sushi-Go-Round, Hakozaki, Fukuoka, Japan
Sushi-Go-Round, Hakozaki, Fukuoka, Japan
[salmon, eel, shrimp tempura, ramen, Mont Blanc dessert, ... etc.]
Yellow Tail fish & black ramen
Mont Blanc dessert and matcha
Hakozaki, Fukuoka, Japan
Today was one of those magical days. The kind of days that come when you least expect them. Today was more than enjoyable, it was forever memorable. I'm looking forward to the days ahead, but I'm also preparing myself for the sad goodbyes. 10 more days.
BIG NEWS!
I'm coming stateside for a vacation! I'm not sure when, but I know I've got a trip to plan. I'm so excited I've made myself homesick. I keep thinking about HGTV, Costco, Starbucks, driving my car, using my credit card, and ... speaking normal, American English.
Family and friends, I can't wait to see you!
