I ROCK! I UNDERSTOOD!
Yesterday the most amazing thing happened! I understood an entire conversation in Japanese! The conversation was between the Principle and Maemura Sensei.
Principle: Are the classrooms cold?
Maemura Sensei: They are a little cold but it was not too cold today.
Principle: Is there any room that is too cold?
Maemura Sensei: The bathroom is very cold.
Principle: That is ok because you are not in there for a long time.
Maemura Sensei: That is true.
I understood the entire conversation! Normally I only understand what the subject matter is but in this case, I understood every sentence and (almost) every word. What makes this a really big deal is that it was being spoken in fast Japanese (normal speed) and in short form! The only time I became lost is when the Principle realized I understood the conversation and was nodding during it, he then started speaking about my listening skills in rapid Japanese and lost me completely. But the point is that I understood the ENTIRE CONVERSATION!