Today I . . .

Today I . . .

Slept in

We stayed out really late last night because 1) Julia was in town (she is Sam’s prediceesor) and we wanted to say hi 2) because people were fun to talk to 3) because the bar didn’t kick us out 4) because we could. We’re still on summer holiday, so I could have done the early shift or the late shift. I cam in about 30 min before lunch because I thought I had to cooridinate with Jonathan, but I found out later I didn’t. So I got there a bit early and spoke to people before they left for the day. It was good because I actually wanted to get some work done.

Ate lunch at the iinkai with a bunch of Japanese people and spoke with them a bunch

I’d figured I’d be late and we’ve been spending sooo much money lately I stopped by a conbini after the party last night and got some bento (premade lunch). It was kinda pathetic, but it looked okay. So at lunch I found out that many people just bring their lunch and share with everybody. I tried some burdock salad (wasn’t called that, but I don’t remember the Japanese name. Some mishuyo (or something like that) that goes on your rice), some lotus root, which I love and they gave me a parfait, even though I did the polite 3 times I didn’t really need it. I was so stuffed, I’d only eaten breakfast an hour before. But it was really nice to talk to them in Japanese and try to get to know them a bit. I can’t remember their names for the life of me, but they don’t know mine either, so I think it’s okay.

Dealt with my apartment contract

After lunch Jeff, who passed his driver test today, woo hoo, went with me to the rental place and helped me turn in my paperwork, pay for this month’s rent a little early, and tell them to tell the landlord that the toilet runs constantly. He was really nice to help me.

Found a lost package

He also went with me to the post office to try to find a package that I didn’t get any notification about (when I was cleaning Justin’s apartment later I found the slip in his mailbox). Lucky that it was still there, and that Mom had sent me the custom’s tracking number. The first time they looked they said they didn’t have it. Woo, I have sunscreen.

Actually did work at work.

After post office we went back to work for a half hour, for appearances, you know. We were suppose to be there for 3 hours and we’d left early to do stuff so going back was The Right Thing to Do. And because I actually wanted to go through my schedules again and see how many classes I’m set to teach each class, decide how quickly I’m gonna go though the syllabus, which classes I’m going to skip over stuff because I feel like later stuff would be more important. Some classes I’m meeting with 20 times, some classes I’m meeting with 4. Big difference. I didn’t get finished for about an hour and a half, to the point when they asked me, aren’t you suppose to go home now? And I replied that I wanted to finish what I was working on. Or kinda, I think I got my point across anyway. I knew I wouldn’t do it if I’d gone home. It’s really nice to work in the morning with everyone else, but it’s also nice to be there in the afternoon when it’s quiet and you can actually work on stuff.

Went out and had sushi and tempura, Japanese style

By the time I got home, I was soooo not hungry, but Amy and Kirsty called and invite me out, and I really want to spend time with people. Try to get to know them. Prove I’m not as weird as I seem. (although maybe by spending more time I’m doing the opposite) And it was good food. Instead of getting the massive meals they have at Wafute (the only Japanese food restaurant in Miyako) I ordered some little things from the back and ended up with an order of omelet sushi (Mom, even you would love this sushi. A sweet omelet over rice. And that's all). And some tempura. They gave me some fish, shrimp, pumpkin, some kind of meat, and that really nice leaf that we had in Tokyo. Jeanelle, do you remember it’s name? It was just enough food, and really tasty.

Went over and really cleaned Justin’s apartment

I’d lived there for about 2 weeks when I first got here, remember? And when I moved out I totally didn’t feel like cleaning, so I just did it today because he’s coming home tomorrow.

Took a 45 minute shower

Heaven.

Am about to go out for a farewell party for Atsuyo and Alan.

Written yesterday.