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Another work drama

So, again, work drama happened.   It started on Friday. In the morning, the program director called in sick. He wasn’t feeling well because of his treatment. He called in another teacher to cover his morning class. That was that.   The problem was that there wasn’t anyone who could cover his afternoon classes, which he had two. We were asking other teachers to see if they could come in and cover his classes. Nobody was available cause it is last minute. That is understandable.   So, the lady who handles all the documents texted him and asked if he could come in only for the afternoon. In the text, he could come in.   Then, as soon as he came in, he went to the office and asked why she didn’t cancel the classes. Based on my own experience with him, his tone of voice or body language spoke louder than his actual words. He raised his voice at her. He even compared his illness to other people’s illnesses. That we all understand. She was just doing her job and asked him j...

Poor communication (and planning) but execution without a hitch

     So, it was a long Saturday.       In the morning, I had First-Aid training, which I wanted to attend to refresh my memory (I got certified last year).       A background story is needed here.       A few weeks ago, the person, whose position had only received a name makeover, wanted to have a training session without consulting anyone. That is fine. It is a good chance to learn from each other and discuss more about our programs. Then he sent an email about BBQ. In the beginning, everybody thought it was only for the staff, where we would casually hang out and get to know each other better. Then he sent another email saying that we are going to open up the BBQ to our students and their parents. It got escalated quickly because he decided he wanted to do it. Then he complained about the menu item, which he wanted to cook a burger. Also, he was second-guessing (or more like doubting) the lady who is working wi...

Going out is a hassle.

 Today, I had a dental appointment. Going out in this heat, I didn't want to but I had to.  As soon as I open the door and step out, the humidity and the heat hit me. I immediately start sweating, and I can feel that my cap is getting wet. I was worried about my body because my stomach was weird last night which made me vomit.  Then as soon as you step into a carriage of the train, it is cold. I felt cold. The extremes of hot and cold affect my body. It sounds weird, but I usually get cold during the summer in Japan because of this.  My dentist got a new chair, and it looked very fancy. She told me that I need a small-headed toothbrush for my molars because my Oral-B head is not small enough to reach back there. So, I got one. On the way home, I stopped by the supermarket. Purchased avocados to make a toast. It was yum.  Right now, I am sitting and finishing my last assignments of a course I am taking online, and sweating.  Oh, I restarted my fasting and di...

Work drama 2

 Work drama 2 Here is what happened.       At the beginning of the year, several structural changes were implemented. At least, they are in work-in-progress. My position didn't change but got the official recognition of the work that I was doing for the last 5 years.       We had a head teacher. That person became the English School Director, which is basically the same position but a different name. Because he is in this new position, he thinks he has to butt in everybody's job. According to his new job description, he has to know everybody's work and schedule. However, he is not doing a good job of it or demanding the position responsibilities from the lady who does all the things aka my supervisor. It has been years since he only has a title and she does everything because she is Japanese. He can't speak Japanese even though he has been living here for more than two decades. I understand it is very easy to live in a bubble where you don't ...

Stinky Japanese

     Every day has been over 30 degrees Celsius. During this heat, it is smelly if you are riding trains like me. don't think Japanese people realize that they stink.       Imagine this: you are standing next to a guy whose arm is stretched to hold on to the rail. You get a whiff of his underarm smell, and you must stand next to him until he or you get off because the train is packed. After all, it is rush hour. OR… you finally get a seat next to a guy. That guy is talking to someone that is sitting next to him. Every time he opens his mouth, you get the smell of someone who is not in the habit of brushing his teeth. Again, you must sit next to him because the train is packed. AND…you wish you had a mask to put on.       I don’t think Japanese people realize that they stink or don’t care about personal hygiene. Sounds ironic. Japan is the land of onsens and public bathhouses.       The majority of the time, you w...

Japan has a sweaty season.

     It is mid-June, and it is starting to get hot. We are still rainy season. However, it is hot when it is sunny.      Japan has a lot to see if you are traveling. On top of that, if you like the summer season, I applaud you.       I don't like the summer season. It probably is my least favorite of the seasons. Japanese summer, I would call it, the sweaty season.       If you are like me who sweat easily, the one you sweat through the crack of your butt, you will not like Japanese summer.       So, the sweaty season of the year has started. At this moment, it is tolerable. There will be a nice breeze, like today, once in a while. I feel overall okay when going out (of course with my hat and sunscreen).        Once July starts and rolls over to August, that is when it becomes unbearable. I would sweat just sitting still. I felt that last year when I broke bones in my foot ...

Test run

I always wanted to create stuff. I use and create a lot of slides and worksheets. I thought I would share my creation here.  There is a little voice telling me "There are better creators than me." Then there is another voice telling me "Go ahead, you will get better." Before, I might have listened to the first voice, but I am learning to listen to the latter.  Here we go. We cook several times a semester. This is the first one that we made. I have read several recipes and adjusted the ingredients based on my students' allergies.  PS: I forgot to take a photo of our finished product. So, I used a photo from MySpiceTrunk.com.  Korean Pancake  

Deciding on emotions?

     I always wanted to own a house of my own. Since returning from my vacation, I have been seeing properties along with my cousins. Up until now, there wasn't any property that I liked. However, yesterday, we saw a property that I liked that everybody liked. Right then, I thought I would go for it.       So, after seeing the property, I applied for the mortgage. After sending my application, there was a feeling and thought that I might have decided on my emotions instead of rational thinking.       Right now, my mind is trying to justify the decision that I made yesterday. Other factors that affect whether I will get the house is getting approval for the loan. We will have to wait and see.