I would like to propose a "Best ____ in Okayama" contest. I would then nominate my supervisor and kyoto-sensei and I would proceed to win. So it seems that next week there are no classes and there are a few days dedicated to JHS entrance exams. Hundreds of 14-year-old kiddies are coming to write an exam and hope that they will be one of the lucky 224 students admitted. The rest, well, they might be relegated to "commercial" or "technical" high schools. It seems that I cannot help in the proctoring or marking process. So I've been nicely told to go away. By "nicely," I mean that my supervisor asked, and my VP was in a good mood, and they are gifting me 4 days off. I am to show up for work on Friday, and follow that with another weekend.

I know everyone in Okayama reading this is probably crying bloody murder, but on the other hand, I just view it as accumulated daikyuu (time off in lieu). I mean, I work overtime most days, sometimes up to an hour and a half more than my contracted hours. So really, my school is just great because they recognize the work that I do.

The other day, one teacher actually admitted that perhaps I was "chosen" for this school rather than randomly assigned, since I have a background in linguistics and teaching. It was nice to hear, and I really feel appreciated at my school. I realize that it's probably not a "Japanese" thing to do (it's certainly not a "Chinese" thing to do) but a number of staff go out of their way to compliment me and let me know that they appreciate my efforts. *sniff sniff* awww, shucks...

I often think about my daily life here, and I really do love it! Most days I think that I could do it for another year, especially now that it's pretty much spring time. I do love my school, my job, my city, and most of the people I've met. I went biking last weekend and found a beautiful stand of blossoming peach trees by the river, and just thought, "wow." When I discover new and beautiful things about Japan, I always think of John and wish that he were here to see it too. It's really not the same when I think "wow" to myself...and then go home and have to wait until our next calling time to tell him about my "wow" moment.
Plus...there's also that looming possibility of a victory lap. Yes, perhaps in a few years, the title on my business card will be longer than my name. Oh wait, it already is. I guess I have a short name and/or a long credential name. I had a conversation with Phill about this today: does it look impressive, or does it look pretentious? (sorry for the crummy-looking ascii-ish "business card" but it doesn't format well) Please leave your votes in the comment box!

___________________________________
|Suzette Lee (maybe Cheng)
|B.A. Hons. LALS, (M.A. LALS), CTESL
|___________________________________|

Life's been good lately. The days are getting longer, and spring is indeed here. Thursday was graduation day at my school, and I must say graduation is different here. Lots of speeches, songs, and whatnot, but no individual recognition. No acceptance of diplomas or anything. Everyone just walked in together and later walked out together. Of course some people were bawling, but not I. I don't teach any of the graduating students, so it didn't affect me much. That night, we had an enkai. Another fifty-dollar dinner not worth it for the food, but certainly worth it for the entertainment value. Memorable moments include: someone sticking a mic in front of me while we sang the school song (I was told that I hummed admirably), teachers throwing each other up in the air after the song, and seeing my vice principal stagger out of the washroom where I'm sure he purged himself of the expensive dinner we'd just partaken in.

I must say, THE single most funny moment came at the end of the night. I was outside with 2 other teachers (N-sensei and T-sensei) and the office-guy. N-sensei suddenly went back inside, and I asked T-sensei if he'd forgotten something. T-sensei tries to tell me in English and said, "nature calling!" So we laughed and the 3 of us chatted outside. Time ticks by, and T-sensei keeps asking where N-sensei is and is starting to think that perhaps it's due to "unko" (poo). As N-sensei is gone longer and longer, T-sensei keeps rambling on about how it's "zettai unko!" (certainly or absolutely pooh!). We can't help giggling over this, and office-guy muses about how we're like elementary school kids laughing about unko. To top it off, T-sensei tries to tell me in English by translating his comments as "HE IS UNKO!!" I was giggling too hard to even try to tell him in Japanese what he'd said in English. I'm still giggling while I type this. Proof that pooh is always funny!

I had Friday off partly because my school is weird (switched Friday classes to Saturday!) and partly because my supervisor is AWESOME (he told me not to bother coming on either day!). So I had a leisurely day cleaning my apartment and then biking to Aeon. I did some groceries at Jusco, and found a durian marked down to only Y500!! They're normally like 2500!! The shell was a little cracked, but I sure as heck didn't care, as I quickly yanked it into my basket before someone else made off with my deal! I was going to wait until Saturday to open it because Bethany would be here, but I called Uncle that evening to ask how to open it, and he said that since it was cracked, I had to open it right away. He was impressed with my score, as was my sister. YEEEAH!! So I opened it up and immediately tossed the shell and stuff, because I don't want it smelling up my apartment! I must say...I think I've decided that it smells like if Death farted and lit it on fire. Yeah, if Death did a blue angel... But it sure tasted GREAT! And Bethany liked it too! It's probably the best durian I've ever had, considering it wasn't pre-frozen, like the ones we get back home. :( Can't wait until I go to HK and try some in prime season! mmm...