Ho hum

I have seriously been sitting here at school the last couple of days racking my brain for something interesting to say. As I haven't done anything exciting like go through labor, I am struggling.

School started up again this week and the first-years made their appearance on Monday at yet another ceremony. I thought they'd just show up, the principal would say some words, and that would be that. Imagine my surprise when I showed up to the gym to see it decked out with banners and flowers, parents with cameras, a balloon arch, and one hour's worth of boredom. Plus, I realized that any hopes of a great incoming class were probably not going to come true since all the students walked in like their dogs just died and they were being forced by gunpoint to show up for high school in the first place. I think some of them were asleep during the ceremony. It's going to be a great four months.

My desk is now out in the Barracks and I was without internet last week, but finally have access again, although it is slower than molasses. The teachers in the English department are spread throughout buildings and floors and I have found tracking them down to be next to impossible. One teacher was telling me today that she is waking up with sore legs each day because of all the stair climbing involved now. We have five new English teachers, although I hardly see them at all and have only really chatted with Seiko. And I must say, it is so peaceful out at my desk thanks to a serious lack of snorting! YES! It's quite funny to see the newbies with their high expectations (because they are coming from good schools) and I hope their fall won't hurt too much once they try to actually get kids to do the activities they have planned. We have a welcome party tomorrow night so maybe there will be some departmental bonding over plenty of food and beer.

I met with the Gym Girl on Sunday which actually consisted of me standing around the reception desk where she works. She seems completely normal and the conversation flowed smoothly. But then a cleaning lady came up and said, "You come. Speak English. Teach me." Another Scary Gym Lady lurker. Exactly what I must avoid for my sanity.

My job search is not going well. Imagine having 75 applications in front of you for one position and although this Japan lady looks qualified, you'd have to deal with the hassle of scheduling a phone interview and then if she seems normal enough, hire her blindly. I have realized that it isn't going to happen, so I will most likely be scrambling in August. I am trying not to panic. Ken sent me an IQ test to take and it suggested that I become a chess player. Will that pay the bills?

And that is life in Okinawa. Today as I was debating whether to climb out of bed on this beautifully sunny day, I thought, "Oh, Diane Sawyer is in Saudi Arabia today! I better catch that segment!" and then hopped out of bed. Or technically sort of flopped/rolled out of my futon. I am living on the edge of excitement these days.