Collages and Cleaning

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15

Rushed into work. It seems many teachers took the day off. I did a bit of work at my desk first. I organized my in-box, which has turned into a black hole of who -knows-what. I threw a lot of stuff out.

I had also brought a plastic paper-holder box with me that I'd picked up at the dollar store. Into this, I stuffed, nicely organized, the final versions (and some supplementary papers) of all my lesson plans. This, I'll continue to add to throughout the semester. The fact that it's a closed-off box will hopefully keep it organized despite whatever disaster my desk turns into in the meantime.

Then, I had to ask for tacks. See, we use tacks on the bulletin boards, but I'd used all mine. So, I waited for a break in Mustache-sensei's conversation, then politely inquired. He gave me the name for tack and was getting up to come with me when I said I could do it. He asked if I could do it in Japanese, looking rather skeptical. I asked, “Oshipin o kudasai?” He stared at me for a second then said that I was learning.

Sometimes I think I'm learning more than my students.

I got a big thing of tacks and went off to the classroom. The Wisconsin Tourism Board had send me a some magazines and promotional materials. Obviously, my students weren't going to read magazines, so I cut out the pictures and posted those. I'll have to get a picture, as it's quite impressive. It took HOURS.

After that, I printed out and put up grayscale pictures of all the US State Quarters above one wall, as there's a small strip of wall with peeling paint. I would have preferred color, but that's not an option. And this is better than nothing. That took a few hours.

And then it was time for me to rush out. Honestly, I was sad to go, as I was enjoying decorating. The room looks much better, although there's plenty of work yet to do.

Out and about, I rushed home to grab my passbook to bring with me to the bank, as it's not working (as you recall.) The bank branch where I use the ATM, however, doesn't seem to have a front desk section which leaves me terribly confused. By this point, it was after 5pm and the banks were closed. I looked online and have an idea where the main branch may be. I think it's on the other side of the station.

In my cleaning, I had found a slip for a package pick-up, which confused me, as I didn't remember ever NOT picking up a package, but it was clearly for me from my parents. So, I went to the post office. They took it, looked in back a bit, then showed me that it had already been picked up. They usually take the slip, but I thanked the lady, bowed, and was sure to throw it out when I got in so I didn't get confused again.

I also stopped in at the hyaku-yen store to get laundry detergent. And, of course, a few other items appeared in my basket. On my way out, I stopped to look at the new selection of winter hats and was drawn to the wallets. My wallet is in shreds. I've had it for several years – I got complimented on it in the Netherlands, so at least 3.5 – but money is now falling out and it's got to go. Plus, the coin pocket can barely hold three quarters and Japan loves coins.

I browsed around a while and eventually fell in love with a pretty black on with pink and white Sakura on it. It had a nice coin-pouch and was a bit bigger than I'd have liked, but much of that comes from holding coins. It was more expensive than I would have liked, too, so I dithered over it for a time. It was on sale, with a giant 3! but I wasn't sure what that meant. I asked a sales lady for a price check, wasn't terribly happy with the results, but, chatted with her some, looked around with her and decided to splurge. So, now I have a new wallet: it's gorgeous and I've nothing to put in it.

I also inquired about the kimono shop in the center, but it's closed for the season. I'm beginning to get worried about finding a yukata obi before spring.

Downstairs I grabbed a few groceries, then headed home. At home, I made leftovers for breakfast, despite craving french toast, which I promised myself I'd have for breakfast. I made up some rice to go with the stir fry and the tofu and put some barley in it. I can't even tell there's barley in it when its' done. Apparently it's healthy. It'd better be.

I did two loads of laundry, hanging them to dry outside, despite the cool temperatures and dark sky. I still had more to go, but no room to hang them.,

Chatted with several people while I cleaned. See, I had my furniture being delivered in the morning, so I had to make sure there was somewhere for the delivery men (this is Japan – they would be men) to put it. And that my house wouldn't embarrass me in the process. I did some sweeping and moved my Paris pantry out of the way.

Much of the organizing to be done was in the second tatami room. I sorted my papers and stacked them neatly on the far side of the room from where I wanted the new shelving. By this time, it was late, so I collapsed into bed, setting my alarm for 10:35 and praying the delivery wouldn't be early. My pajamas were out wet on the line, so I slept in my sweatpants and my old JL from rowing. I look like I'm at a regatta.