Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Love and Laundry
Everyday gets better. This morning I had a big breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice (for you, Daniel) and a banana! I certainly wasn't going to starve like I did yesterday. Today at work, well, first of all I didn't have to wear a suit! And Hatake was not so busy so we just talked a lot and he helped me study some Japanese kanji, use school internet, and figure out the school schedule. He brought his apple computer (a Powerbook G3, Pismo) and we computed together, showing pictures from iPhoto and learning how to write kanji with my keyboard! I ordered a lunch at the school and it was really good!
I got to check my email and DT had written a beautiful message that made me all teary-eyed. It was a bit embarrassing as I was in the teacher's room so I tried not to sob, but the tears were flowing freely. Whenever I see pictures, read sentimental emails or just think about home too much about home I get teary. I also got an email from Harald and James (a second year Irish ALT who lives on Naru, planning the get together this weekend) but NOTHING from my mother or sister! It's been days now since I heard from them and it makes surviving really hard. I sent them a dramatic email, pleading for some support so hopefully I'll get a response soon.
At the end of the day Hatake took me to Wakamatsu (the neighboring island that I'll be going to twice a week to teach junior high school) Post Office and we got my inkan. It says シエラ ケニー which, directly translated is "Shiera Kenee."
I got to check my email and DT had written a beautiful message that made me all teary-eyed. It was a bit embarrassing as I was in the teacher's room so I tried not to sob, but the tears were flowing freely. Whenever I see pictures, read sentimental emails or just think about home too much about home I get teary. I also got an email from Harald and James (a second year Irish ALT who lives on Naru, planning the get together this weekend) but NOTHING from my mother or sister! It's been days now since I heard from them and it makes surviving really hard. I sent them a dramatic email, pleading for some support so hopefully I'll get a response soon.
At the end of the day Hatake took me to Wakamatsu (the neighboring island that I'll be going to twice a week to teach junior high school) Post Office and we got my inkan. It says シエラ ケニー which, directly translated is "Shiera Kenee."
Usually inkans just have the family name in kanji, but I think mine is kind of cute. It's a mix of Western and Japanese culture. It's costing me almost ¥5,000 ($50) but I'll need it to open my bank account, get a car, and sign in the attendance book at school each morning to name a few. As we get these things accomplished, I feel more and more like I can make this my home for the next year. Better go get my clothes off the line...
Love and laundry,
Sierra
