Dedicated Decorating

MONDAY, AUGUST 23

I woke up and managed to be running late to work. I frantically biked in, surprised by how many students were around. Obviously, I'd hit the right time. I parked and walked into the teachers room where I was met by.... a FULL TEACHERS ROOM! Oh, jeeze... it was shocking, loud, and energetic. Mustache-sensei caught me even before I got to my desk and explained that all of the teachers and students would be at school today for cleaning day. We'll get to that later. But, as the teachers were here, we would have a short meeting and he'd like me to do a speech. When? Oh, about now.

So, the meeting started and it was all in Japanese. I had no idea what was going on, but I do know key phrases for when people are talking about me. “Magda” or “Magdalene” or “ALT”are obvious. Often “eigo” (English Language) or conversations with “Parker-san” are tied to me. So, when they mentioned Parker-san, I knew they were introducing me for my speech. It was a brief “my name is...” I am from...” “That is in the north, next to Michigan.” “I don't speak Japanese.” “It is nice to meet you.” bow. Bow. Then Kyoto-sensei talked some about me. I didn't know what, but all of a sudden all of the teachers started laughing and I resolved to figure out what was said. A few other teachers were introduced then there were other announcements. Many teachers started looking through desks, working, or even talking, but I paid strict attention although I understood not a work or even vague concept.

Today was cleaning day. Here's how it works. It's summer vacation, but students come to school, in their school uniforms, and clean the school. Got it? There is no way that would fly in American schools. Oh, and the teachers help. I went to help clean the English room and chatted with a few students along the way and there. They like to say hello, but don't want to talk too much. It's too hard for them. I cleaned windows and got complimented on being tall, as I could reach the cobwebs at the top.

I spent most of the afternoon decorating the room. Mom had sent me a AAA map of Wisconsin and one of the US. So, I ripped down the (very old) New York map, which didn't even have long island on it!) and put up Wisconsin. I also put up the small map of Madison. Cut out letters for each. Hung the US map in the back and used clip art to find pictures of the capital, green bay packers, etc. and put those images on the map to give it more character. Finally, I put up football helmets for Packers so I can post the score each week. Right now, the Eagles helmet is up, ready for the first game of regular season. Speaking of Packers, if anyone can help me figure out how to get the games here, I'd be most appreciative.

I ended up working two hours late and left to find that I had been locked into the building. I made it out, but was locked out of the other building and had to circle it to get back in. Most of the teachers were gone, but a few did see me. I'm glad. Japanese teachers are famous for being work-aholics and I want them to see me putting in extra time, too.

I came home and spent what little of the evening remained coming up with a mixed playlist for the students to lighten the mood before class and hopefully get them into the swing of things. This took a few hours to make and a few more to burn, due to difficulties. I also had iPod problems, including deleting the songs off my hard drive and other distastes. I don't think it's back to normal, but it's better than it was.