Work has started and my life has been turned upside down by the change in schedule.  I feel like I’m relearning how I did my job in some ways.  For example I forgot what time I usually leave the house for each of my five schools.  That leads me to playing it safe… and making it to school 20 minutes early.  It’s been a good week overall, though, and I’m enjoying seeing the kids again after six weeks off.

Story from last week:  I’m sitting at my desk during my planning period when a teacher and a fourth grader come into the staff room.  The kid takes a long look at me and the following ensues (all in Japanese):

Kid (to the other teacher): Sensei, there’s a foreigner here!

Me: Yup, and I can speak Japanese, too.  Good morning!

Kid: ~stunned silence~

Other teacher:  Go on, greet her.

Kid:  G-good morning.

I hope that gives her pause next time she sees a non-Japanese out and about – we may not “look” like we understand Japanese, but sometimes we do.