Japan update 7ish
Sorry that I haven't been keeping up with everyone and writing these as much as I said I would. Life here has picked up speed since the nw year started. The end of the year is always easier then the rest of the year I guess. So far I am back at my same schools teaching. They requested my return since I did such a great job in the two months that I had worked. So far the students are being students. My Jr. High students are a lot more difficult this year since they seem to think that since I was around last year, that they can do what they want to. They seem to enjoy pushing my buttons also. It's a fun game of let's see who can make her tell us to stop doing something we are not suppose to do. To be honest, its mostly boys. Even in Japan the boys seem to be the ones who cause the most grief. Quite the opposite of my Elementary students. They are well angels. They do what I say and actually asks me over and over again when they get to see me next. I heard from a teacher that one student cried because I was on the opposite side that day (one of my elementary and my jr. high are in the same school so they are separated by a door.) and say me. They asked when I was going to be back and was heartbroken to hear that it wouldn't be for another two weeks. They student the came to the door and knocked on it until I noticed, opened it up and they gave me a hug and said they missed me. Its weird working with kids of two different age ranges. They are so well behaved when they are in elementary, but as soon as they get to jr. high they well, are no longer well behaved. I will say that my 1st years in jr. high (7th grade) are not as much of a handful because they were exposed to me at their innocent stage I guess. So they listen and are behaved. I wish the others would follow suit.
I got asked to do two interesting things this year already. The first was a interview of two students who wanted to go to New Zealand on an exchange program sponserd by the Board of Education. I had to make sure that they had a good knowledge of English and could hold a conversation for more then 10 minutes with out asking to slow down, repeat, etc. I overall got to just talk to them freely in English for about 45 minutes. IT was great and it was also in a way semi concerning. Well to me it was for the simple fact that here in Japan, Teachers are held a lot higher in respect then parents are. Some students tell you about their problems at home just to get it all out to someone. They never expect you to do anything. It's sad how this society is at times with repressing emotions and feelings, but then again this society runs like a well oiled machine. Another thing I was asked to do is come to work on a Saturday. Why? Well they have sports day, and I get to participate. Since I am the youngest girl in the teachers office I get to do the most enduring runs. I am not looking forward to this, but then again what else can I do. Its either come Saturday, or come Monday and be alone in the office. So I now get to start working out and trying to get fit before the 26th of this month. I think I may just fake an injury. Okay so I won't, but still they have me running, then one thing I am bad at doing. Also the final thing was I was asked to come to an open house at one of my elementary schools next month. They enjoy having us work on our days off. In a way I would whine more about this, but I get paid to come on those days so I'm not going to do much whining. At least this ways the parents can finally met me instead of looking at me like “Who is she and why is she here?”
On a more Japan news thins, we have had one to many mini earthquakes to make me feel comfortable. Last week we had two small ones. This resulted in us doing our earthquake/fire drill at my schools. I also have to stock up on earthquake materials and items just in case the worse happens. I don't want to think about this, I mean I knew I was moving towards the most active part of Japan, but I didn't think it was this bad. Speaking of moves I should be finally moving out of my guest house and into my own apartment. Yay!! Not like I don't enjoy the company of other foreigners and people who come to practice their ninja skills and such. However I like my sleep and my privacy and I seem to be lacking in both areas at this time. Also I just want to live in my own space for now.
Oh Japan has some weird people, and I do mean weird. I guess last week some guy was running around with a knife near the school. He ducked into a house and police were waiting outside for him to come out. I have no clue if they ever got him or not. However what boggles my mind is how long it took the police to respond and try to capture the guy. Way to long in my opinion. Then again they don't carry guns here, or swords for that matter. Just batons and pepper spray. (No wonder the yakuza have a stronghold in some areas.) I know bad joke, sorry.
The weather has been warming up here. At first it was cold, and dry cold. Now that is is Spring going on to Summer I now have dry heat with humidity. All I can say is that summer is going to be a lot of fun. Especially since I may as well kiss any hope of me getting into a pool goodbye unless I find a swimsuit that is the old fashioned 50's style. Tatoos are treated as though you are in a gang, no matter what race you are. Some places are fine, like rivers, beaches, the oceans, etc. Bathhouses, hot springs, etc, uhh not unless it's one of the special ones that are from what I heard Yakuza owned. Plus the idea of me getting into a shared tub with people I don't know still freaks me out a little bit. I get stared at way too much now. I don't need to attract a following.
I will be coming home sometime in July if my paycheck and ticket prices permit me to come home at a resonable rate. (Under $200.00) I will try to see as many people as possible, but I can't guarantee that I will see everyone. Especially since college will be out, people will be elsewhere and well I am coming near the middle of July. I have no choice of the days, this is when school is out. Winter time I may go to the UK to visit friends that I made here who are leaving and going back there. Next year I will come back home again sometime. I will keep you all posted on when.
On a more personal note that may or may not be relevant to things my boyfriend of 2 and a half years and I split during Golden week. Well the start of my Golden week, and the start of his vacation. Yeah. Its happens, thats all I can say. I'm dusting myself off and moving on. Well not into another relationship right now, but just keeping my mind off of that subject for a long time. Besides I think I scare most Japanese men and well men in general.
That is really all I have to share at this point. I will send photos of places I have seen and of me for an updated photo. (I lost a little weight, all I seem to eat now is tofu, fish, rice, some beef and chicken, egg, seaweed and lots of other Japanese staple foods..Yum) And yes my hair got longer, its not mine, I got it braided. The humidity made my hair go afro ultra poof. So I looked and finally found a women who braided it for only the cheap price of $160.00. This is versus the salon price of $500.00. I miss everyone, I miss home a lot, but I am going to make this work for me as long as I can. I may also go to other countries and explore my work options there. I can't promise that I will come home and stay and live, but I can say that I will come home for visits and to see those that I care about, miss, and love. I treasure all your supporting words and I am going to make a blog page and post my updated there. ( I had one, but it got canceled due to lack of use..) Anyways I am off to work now. If you know anyone who may want to hear how I am doing, send this to them. Besides that take care.
Best wishes form the land of the rising sun
Tanyisha Grant
タニシや グラント
I got asked to do two interesting things this year already. The first was a interview of two students who wanted to go to New Zealand on an exchange program sponserd by the Board of Education. I had to make sure that they had a good knowledge of English and could hold a conversation for more then 10 minutes with out asking to slow down, repeat, etc. I overall got to just talk to them freely in English for about 45 minutes. IT was great and it was also in a way semi concerning. Well to me it was for the simple fact that here in Japan, Teachers are held a lot higher in respect then parents are. Some students tell you about their problems at home just to get it all out to someone. They never expect you to do anything. It's sad how this society is at times with repressing emotions and feelings, but then again this society runs like a well oiled machine. Another thing I was asked to do is come to work on a Saturday. Why? Well they have sports day, and I get to participate. Since I am the youngest girl in the teachers office I get to do the most enduring runs. I am not looking forward to this, but then again what else can I do. Its either come Saturday, or come Monday and be alone in the office. So I now get to start working out and trying to get fit before the 26th of this month. I think I may just fake an injury. Okay so I won't, but still they have me running, then one thing I am bad at doing. Also the final thing was I was asked to come to an open house at one of my elementary schools next month. They enjoy having us work on our days off. In a way I would whine more about this, but I get paid to come on those days so I'm not going to do much whining. At least this ways the parents can finally met me instead of looking at me like “Who is she and why is she here?”
On a more Japan news thins, we have had one to many mini earthquakes to make me feel comfortable. Last week we had two small ones. This resulted in us doing our earthquake/fire drill at my schools. I also have to stock up on earthquake materials and items just in case the worse happens. I don't want to think about this, I mean I knew I was moving towards the most active part of Japan, but I didn't think it was this bad. Speaking of moves I should be finally moving out of my guest house and into my own apartment. Yay!! Not like I don't enjoy the company of other foreigners and people who come to practice their ninja skills and such. However I like my sleep and my privacy and I seem to be lacking in both areas at this time. Also I just want to live in my own space for now.
Oh Japan has some weird people, and I do mean weird. I guess last week some guy was running around with a knife near the school. He ducked into a house and police were waiting outside for him to come out. I have no clue if they ever got him or not. However what boggles my mind is how long it took the police to respond and try to capture the guy. Way to long in my opinion. Then again they don't carry guns here, or swords for that matter. Just batons and pepper spray. (No wonder the yakuza have a stronghold in some areas.) I know bad joke, sorry.
The weather has been warming up here. At first it was cold, and dry cold. Now that is is Spring going on to Summer I now have dry heat with humidity. All I can say is that summer is going to be a lot of fun. Especially since I may as well kiss any hope of me getting into a pool goodbye unless I find a swimsuit that is the old fashioned 50's style. Tatoos are treated as though you are in a gang, no matter what race you are. Some places are fine, like rivers, beaches, the oceans, etc. Bathhouses, hot springs, etc, uhh not unless it's one of the special ones that are from what I heard Yakuza owned. Plus the idea of me getting into a shared tub with people I don't know still freaks me out a little bit. I get stared at way too much now. I don't need to attract a following.
I will be coming home sometime in July if my paycheck and ticket prices permit me to come home at a resonable rate. (Under $200.00) I will try to see as many people as possible, but I can't guarantee that I will see everyone. Especially since college will be out, people will be elsewhere and well I am coming near the middle of July. I have no choice of the days, this is when school is out. Winter time I may go to the UK to visit friends that I made here who are leaving and going back there. Next year I will come back home again sometime. I will keep you all posted on when.
On a more personal note that may or may not be relevant to things my boyfriend of 2 and a half years and I split during Golden week. Well the start of my Golden week, and the start of his vacation. Yeah. Its happens, thats all I can say. I'm dusting myself off and moving on. Well not into another relationship right now, but just keeping my mind off of that subject for a long time. Besides I think I scare most Japanese men and well men in general.
That is really all I have to share at this point. I will send photos of places I have seen and of me for an updated photo. (I lost a little weight, all I seem to eat now is tofu, fish, rice, some beef and chicken, egg, seaweed and lots of other Japanese staple foods..Yum) And yes my hair got longer, its not mine, I got it braided. The humidity made my hair go afro ultra poof. So I looked and finally found a women who braided it for only the cheap price of $160.00. This is versus the salon price of $500.00. I miss everyone, I miss home a lot, but I am going to make this work for me as long as I can. I may also go to other countries and explore my work options there. I can't promise that I will come home and stay and live, but I can say that I will come home for visits and to see those that I care about, miss, and love. I treasure all your supporting words and I am going to make a blog page and post my updated there. ( I had one, but it got canceled due to lack of use..) Anyways I am off to work now. If you know anyone who may want to hear how I am doing, send this to them. Besides that take care.
Best wishes form the land of the rising sun
Tanyisha Grant
タニシや グラント