The Magic Pebble

I live in Tokyo, one of the most urban locations in the world. Yet, somehow, I always manage to get a pebble in my shoe every week or two. I live near neither a park, sandbox, gravel road, or construction site. How is this possible? Can pebbles be created out of the accumulated dust and dirt with the heat and pressure of my foot? I have no idea, and it's bordering on annoying and minor nuisance.

On another note, a "Penman" is someone with with skill or merit. So when you practice penmanship, you are practicing to become a person with class and ability. They never told me that in school!

つづく

(Continue to Full Post)

New Things

April first marks the start of many things in Japan. It is when companies start their fiscal year, new university graduates start work, TV shows change their regular staff and students begin the next grade in school. In my case, the end of April marks when my three month evaluation period ends. Will my contract be terminated or extended to full-employee privilege? Only time will tell, but my intuition tells me I will be fine.

Today I had a first in teaching: my first greenhorn, level 1, no experience group. One student has repeated level 1 two times before, another student is just starting, and one student was just doing a trail lesson. One student wants to complete level one in 24 lessons, and another wants to finish in 48. Truly one of the most difficult, but entertaining classes I've had.

Tomorrow I will be attending Sanami's acceptance dinner party for her job at the American Club. We'll be eating Korean food at a restaurant, something I haven't done in about two years!

つづく

(Continue to Full Post)