Pearl Days

Right now, I suppose everybody is looking back 2008. So am I.


This date of a year ago, I was in Lafayette, a small city in Indiana, U.S.A, where I had lived for four years and a half.

In January, I was busy with making private photo books on line (I loved my publisher.com!) & saying farewell to my friends. My schedule was full meeting with my American, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, European, Korean, or Venezuelan friends.
Oh, my hubby and I went to Las Vegas to wish the year's (fortunately, lifetime long's )luck!

February, I still had some appointments with my English teachers. In spare moments from meeting friends, I packed my stuff to go back to Japan. ...I should be appreciate the Japanese moving company which did everything for us to move internationally!!

I still remember the last night in Lafayette. We stayed a nice hotel, but a guy who stayed upstairs played the guitar and sang loudly at the midnight. What we were surprised was he didn't seem to hesitate at all! It was like his recital.
I called the front desk to stop him, so he stopped singing... But we thought, "Ummm, it seems American! We may miss that! After we go back to Japan, people must be humble & reserved..."

Anyway, we arrived in Japan safely on February 10. We lived in a hotel in Tachikawa for awhile, and set up our new life. However, we didn't like our new apartment which my hubby's company assigned, so soon we started to look for a condo. The last Sunday on February, we found the one where we live in now, and almost decided to buy it. I visited my emcee office, and I flew to Sapporo to go to my cousin's wedding.

March, I flew back to Tokyo soon, and made a contract to buy the condo with my hubby and my parents-in-law. I prepared for moving and having the condo, met some friends, and had some interviews to do some part time jobs. Oh, the first job in Japan was an examiner of the TOEIC!

April, I observed some wedding parties for my job and had a meeting with my clients. My emcee training started. I still met some friends, and did some part time jobs. I was a staff of the school health check, so I met many cute boys & girls!
I had been taking paper exams & interviews of two English schools, and got job offers from both of them. My hubby and I moved in the condo on the golden week!

May, after we settled down, we drove to my parents-in-law's house. We stayed until the golden week ended. My training of the English school started. That was two weeks long. I stayed at the training center with my peers! Just after the training was over, I did my first wedding emcee job after an interval of five years!
The most exhausting days in my life...
Oh, I was assigned to work at "the" branch, so overlapping of my precursor teacher also started.

June, I met some friends before my work finally started.
On the second week of June, I started to do the English teacher job.
Almost at the same time, I decided to resign my wedding emcee office. But I still had a job, so I met my clients( a bride and groom.)

July, I did the wedding emcee job, and took the TOEIC the next day.
I was desperate to be a professional as an English teacher, but still, not so busy like now! I went to the follow-up training, and met many peers.

August, my hubby and I visited my parents' home.
We were like tourists in Sapporo! I met some friends there.
Also, we went to to the hot spring in Izu. They were very enjoyable trips!

September, I had a follow-up training for kids' English, and I learned a lot.
I met other teachers privately, and shopped English educational books together.
My friend, Ryo, visited my condo and stayed a few days. We shopped, had dinner and lunch... That was great refreshment in my busy life!

October, my responsibilities for my job had increased, and I started to teach at two schools. I took the first grade of the EIKEN (Step test) for the first time, and I failed!

November, I got a cold. In America, I had rarely had a cold... So, maybe I was careless, and it took a long time to recover it, especially coughing!
I went to the same hot spring as we stayed in August. I took the TOEIC again.

December, I started to take French lessons. I got the flu on the Christmas Eve!!

...There are so many things happening at my school that I omit them!

I want to close my last blog in 2008, quoting this from Anne of Green gables.

I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.

I wish you and I can have pearly days in 2009!!!

New Year Cards

Have you had the flu? No? You are so lucky or thorough enough to have had a flu shot!
Have you written new year cards? No? Same as me!

Even though I had over 38℃ body temperature, I could do regular household chore.
But...that was it!
Today, fortunately my temperature became almost normal one, so I finally started to make new year cards. I've done it!...just the content.
I should order address list, print them, write some messages, and send them.
It's annual thing, but...when can I finish that?
I have felt I'm quite lazy, more than before, this year. And the feeling would continue at the very last of the year... Amen!

Knockdown Christmas

Last Christmas, I was on the beach in Jamaica.
This Christmas...I was in a hospital in Japan! I got the flu.

Two of my co-workers got the flu. I tried to prevent it gargling and washing my hands a lot, but that was strong! I should have had a vaccination against flu...

I thought I "can't" call in sick in the case of my job. So, I have been "no late, no absent" since I started this job... But the doctor said, "You need to stay at home at least two days after your high fever is gone. If you go to work, you "spread" bacteria of the flu!"

So, I called "in sick" my manager. She called all of my students, and arranged the time they could retake my lessons.
Therefore, now I can stay at home on Christmas days...
Is it a Christmas present from the invisible lord??
I might say, I'm happy in any ways!!

However, maybe I stay not only "at home," but also " in bed."
My high fever was completely gone once, so I cleaned my house today... Then, I got a rash!! I'll be back to my friend, bed...

Anyway, merry Christmas! and a happy new year, in advance, in the case I can't republish my blog in this year!!

Oh, I think my father-in-law read this blog... We'll visit your house, but might change the day when we go depends on my condition. I don't want to give the flu to you, mother, and grandmother! I'm sorry...but don't worry! I'll call you!!

Mercy, merry, Christmas

This morning, I was irritated.
Because of "the" bad result...I felt I couldn't welcome the upcoming new year, smiling.
Then, I got a call from my old friend.
She just wanted to know my new address, but we talked for awhile.

She has been sick several years. First, she took day offs, and then she quit her job.
I was worried how she was doing. Fortunately, she said her condition became much better, so she started to do job-hunting. But it's not easy for her to work full time, so she wants to have a part time job, she said.

Some of my friends has been under treatment of sick. Not serious ones, and they have husbands who can support them. However, today, I was reminded how they have been patient.
It doesn't mean I have mercy on them. I'm just amazed how they have been working hard!
I guess today's her call was a Christmas gift. I assume the God thinks I should be humble, appreciate what I have now, and keep learning from other people.

Speaking about Christmas present... today, my hubby and I had a small family (couple?) Christmas party (because on 24th and 25th, both of us have to work late!)
I gave him Christmas presents!
They are a shirt and...a wide stomach band(for warmth!)
Maybe I got a mercy to have a regular job & happiness to give him a present.
Christmas present from him? ...I don't know! Maybe I'll choose the one by myself soon!

Outrageous!

Even though I'm not a short-tempered teacher, today's his attitude was just outrageous!
"He" is Naoki, who is a 13-year-old private student of mine.
Now he is preparing for the pre-second grade of EIKEN. His mother is VERY demanding, so she said to me, "Let him pass the pre-second grade of EIKEN on this coming January. He has to pass the SECOND grade of EIKEN in a year!"

However, recently, he seemed not to prepare for my class.
I tried to be patient and convince him to preview. But today, his mini test(I always give him "a review test")'s score was really bad. I asked him same questions for three times, but he failed every time! He didn't look unfamiliar words up, yawned many times...I finally "erupted."
"You know what!? This is the time I should talk with your mother.
I'll give you one chance. If you don't change next time, I'll warn your mother about your unseriousness."

...But I also thought I should change myself, too! I should do something to make him motivated...

After I got home, I received the result of TOEIC that I took one month ago.
The result was...outrageous!! My reading score was the best, but my listening score was the worst in a few years! I used to get a full score of the listening test, but it was far from the perfect score. Maybe, I did something wrong?? I marked correct answers on wrong places?? I never know, but the score is unbelievable!!

This year, my work has been well (except for some troublesome students,) but results of test have always disappointed me.
Maybe I can't excuse. I should change my ways of studying.
That will be one of my resolutions next year...

Cleanup!

Have you cleaned up your house already for the "clean-cut" upcoming year?
Yes, the customary cleanup!
Fortunately, my hubby and I have done a lot today!

Just after we woke up, my hubby said, " Can I go to Kichijoji today?"
I demanded like a mother," Kichijoji? For what?"
He answered like a embarrassed child, "...For escape from the reality..."
Because I repeatedly said to him that we should make new year's cards and did cleanup before we visit my parents-in-laws' house, he felt some pressure!
"Certainly you can't!"
I said to him clearly, and our looong cleanup began.
But actually he is very good at cleaning thing, so everything has done(mostly) very well!

Just now, I selected this years' pictures for new year's cards.
I thought we didn't have enough pictures this year cause we seldom go out.
However, I remembered we went to Las Vegas on January, Jamaica almost one year ago, Hokkaido in summer, and Izu twice!
Looking those pictures, the memories flashed back and I felt really happy!
...Then, the making new year's cards hasn't progressed much...that's also customary happening at the end of year...

Circle

Tonight, we had a Christmas party at school.
Because it's Saturday in the busiest season of the year & we planned the party just recently... It was a small party that just party regulars got together.
Among them, there was one unfamiliar one...my private student, Shinjiro!!!

Shinjiro is a 60 year old entrepreneur. It has been a year since he became our student. However, he hadn't been motivated recently. He was saying, "I haven't improved in English at all. I still don't understand what native speakers were saying. Sometimes I wonder going an English school is meaningless for me, such an old guy!"
...Hey! You have started studying English just for a year! Even I don't understand what native speakers are saying sometimes!!

Actually, his improvement is remarkable. Just he believed he could be able to speak English fluently soon if he took English classes!
I know he is a nice, creative, and communicative man. So, I suggested him coming the party to talk in a relaxed situation.
He came! But at first, he looked awkward because he was only "a new guy."
I tried to be a "bridge" of him and other students...
Then, he talked a lot and became a "popular guy!!"
He talked to native speakers a lot in English, and asked other students how to study English & history of their improvement.
There were some students who have studied at our school over ten years.
They said in unison, "Shinjiro san! It's just ONE YEAR since you started to take a class here? You are in the approach run! Now, a loooong marathon will start. But it's fun! Don't worry about it. Just keep going!!"

...Thank you!! Shinjiro is a private student. Sometimes he needs to belong a circle!! When he left the party, he said he really enjoyed the party and would continue my class! He hadn't renewed our contract, so we worried about him... But it was a great result!
The manager was joking, "Shinjiro san, please sign the contract right now!"
Because he was so drank that he couldn't think about it calmly;)

Anyway, it was an intimate great party!
Shinjiro said, " I have thought I was going to quit this school several times, but I didn't because of Keiko sensei. She is so enthusiastic! Having a good teacher like her is a blessing of life. I'm grateful of having her."
He is such a sweet guy!!

I have worked for the school for a half year. Most of the students in the school have been there for a long time!! Just one kid student left the school, but other students I know have been very loyal!
Since I was 20 years old, I have wanted to help people by using my skills. When I was young, I couldn't make it come true because I didn't have skills...but as I get older, my dream was formed little by little. And I feel very "grateful" of having such nice people to accept my offers, like Shinijro.

Japanese Customer Service

A week ago, I went to the Anna Sui Big Sale and got a cute skirt.
A few days later, I noticed. The skirt had a big plastic tag! The tag was supposed to be removed when I paid because the tags are attached on clothes to prevent shoplifting!

I called the host department store, Isetan. I thought I should go to Isetan, but the person who got my call said,
"I am so sorry for your inconvenience. May the sales manager visit your house and remove the tag? He will visit whenever you are available."
I was surprised by her sincere reaction and said,
"Really? That is good! I was wondering if I had time to go to your store.
Well, Tuesday, from 3:00-4:00pm is the best for me."
"Certainly. He will visit your house. Again, we are very sorry for your inconvenience."

On Tuesday, the sales manager came to my house, removed the tag, and apologized deeply.
"We will pay much more attention not to have the same problem.
We are sorry to make you uncomfortable."
And he gave me two Anna Sui handkerchieves

...Well... It's OK!! The skirt was 70% off, just a cheap one! I understand the clerk forgot to remove the tag in the unusually crowded big sale place.
It's not a big deal like the sales manager should come to my house!

...But I also thought, "Hey! This is the Japanese Customer Service! Might be the best in the world!!"

Two month ago, when I went to an eyelash saloon to get a perm on my eyelashes, I mistakenly took the mascara( the shop's one) and went home.
When I applied a make-up after the perm, I borrowed the mascara...and mistakenly I put it in my porch, and went back home!

After I came back home, I noticed it. I called the saloon and said,
"I am so sorry!! I will send it back to your saloon."
But the stylist said, "It's OK! You don't have to give it back to us. Please take it!"
...Seriously!?? I was astonished by "the Japanese" generous costumer service!!

Today, I had a lunch at my favorite, the Afternoon Tea Cafe in Kichijoji.
When I paid the check, I accidentally dropped my change. One of the coins was running and running... And it was disappeared under the table of business men's group.
The waitress bent over to find the coin on the floor(instead of me), but she couldn't.
I was embarrassed and said, "It's just 100 yen! Thank you for your kindness, but don't mind!"
However, she said, "No! That is your money!! Could I get your cell phone number? If I can find it, I'll let you know."
I said she didn't have to...but she insisted.

At the evening, she called me.
"We shouldn't take your money. So, when you come to our cafe next time, please tell us about your coin. I'll let all stuff know about you."
...Well, well, she doesn't have to tell other staff about the stupid customer, but see?
It's the Japanese Customer Service that we should proud of!!

When I told my hubby about these stories, he said.
"...The stories are not about how the Japanese Customer Service is good, but how you are a troublesome customer! Not noticing a tag, taking a mascara, dropping money... Give them a break!"

...Yes, exactly....

Chance!

Here is a small, but a good thing occurred to me!
Shinjiro, one of my private students, hadn't been motivated to study English.
He was almost quiting!
So, I made a strategy for him. I corporated with native speakers, Bob and Eric.
I asked them to talk to Shinjiro a lot, slowly, clearly, but naturally.
I told them Shijiro's information as clues of talking with him.

Shinjiro didn't socialize a lot in my school. But recently, he had been getting enjoy talking with other teachers(I mean, native speakers).
I told him,
"Shijiro san! Everybody is amazed by your communication ability! To improve in English, being relaxed is important. You need to practice in relaxed situations!!
We have a party this coming Saturday. Why don't you come?
You can speak English a lot in a casual setting!"
Then he said, "Yeah, that's true! ...I think I would like to come the party!!

...Yeah! He is getting be open-minded!!
Shinjiro is 60 years old. One of my school's perks is having every generation.
I hope he enjoys mingling with people in many generations!
Oh, not only him, but everybody!!

Poor Sales Talk

My language school is a private school.
Therefore, we have to make a profit. We provide irregular classes, and sell self-study materials.
We should recommend them to our students.
Of course we should convince the students ( and make them improved)...but I'm not good at the sales talk!

Over 10 years passes since I tried to "sell" something.
When I was a college student, I promoted a law vocational school, beer, films, toothbrush, hair set goods, electrical appliance, etc, etc.
I loved the sales, but I became an officer.
I don't sell then, and after I became a wedding emcee, still I didn't have to get clients.
My boss did it, and I was just introduced his clients.

Today, I tried to convince two businessmen to take a new course...
But I don't think they were convinced!
I'm too sleepy what I said and how they reacted, but...

Maybe if I experienced a lot, the skill will come with...
But,. when?? Let's wait for it!!

First Farewell

I had been a temporary helper at my secondary school since October.
Today was the last day for me to teach at the school!
At my primary school, the students rarely quit.
So, today was almost "the first farewell" to my students!

Because of the busiest season, there were just my regular students in my class.
So, it should be a very relaxed & fun one...but the students and I were nervous, so the class went a little bit more serious than usual.

After the class, I talked with my students longer, and I was called by one of them, then...
In the lobby, every stuff and some students got together. They gave me a bunch of flowers!
I was surprised and said, "Wow! I didn't expect that! I'm sorry I have nothing to give you!!"
...Well, well, I'm an awful person to be surprised!
I should have reacted cutely....like, "I can't believe it! How long time since I was given such a beautiful bunch of flowers! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!" etc, etc...
Lately I tend to be too serious...
I should try to be funnier, and smile more!!

I was really comfortable at my secondary school.
I could continue to work there if I want...but for some reasons, I will reduce my amount of work.

What I thought after today's farewell was complicated.
I am completely happy, but sometimes I couldn't stop wonder what I don't have and which way I will proceed.
It's hard to explain... I should be determined more...

Returner?

Since June, I had republished this blog EVERY DAY except when I was leaving my house.
However, yesterday...simply I forgot!
I had a busy Sunday yesterday as usual. It seemed laid-back because I stayed home, but I did a week's worth of household chores? and since night, I prepared for classes and a trial lesson. I had seven classes to teach and one visitors today!!
At 2:00 o'clock, when I went to bed, I was reminded of my blog...but I was too sleepy to set up the PC!!
...So, I am a "returner" of this blog.

I also "have" a returner today. That was my trial lesson student. She is one year old.
Let me explain...
After a few weeks later I started to teach English at my school, I had a parents' observation week.
My first class was three-year-old class. There was just one student...Emi.
She was distracted a lot and talked different things a lot during the class, but I didn't care so much because she was the same when my predecessor taught her.

However, after the mother observed the class, she told our head teacher Toshi,
"I want another teacher to teach my kid. Keiko is inexperienced. If it can't be, I will let my kid to go to another school."
...Customers are the "god..." So, we did what she wanted. Now, our head teacher Toshi has been teaching Emi.

By the way, Emi has a little sister. Her name is Mami. She is one year old.
The mother wants Mami to learn English lately, so she asked us to give her a trial lesson.
Toshi explained I (Keiko) is only one who could teach babies.
The mother asked us to give a trial lesson, and she said she would decide ii depends on the lesson.

...I read every material of the training in case the mother asks question a lot.
Actually, she is famous at our school as a claimer.
I prepared for the class, and had a lesson with the baby and the mommy...

The result is, it was successful!
The mother said, "I enjoyed your class! Mami is shy, cries a lot and distracted...
But today, she was concentrated on your English!"

Emi left my class since the mother wanted to change the teacher.
It was the first and so far the last time for me to get a claim from students.
But the mother sighed up for my class for Mami, the little sister!
Today...the claimer became a returner!

I felt very happy. But in baby classes, they learn English with the mothers.
So...every time, I am with the "claimer" in the baby's class!!
It could be scarely, but...maybe I could improve in teaching not to have a claim!!

Anna Sui Frenzy

I had been looking forward today, because...today is a big sale of my favorite brand, Anna Sui!
Basically, the brand's clothes are expensive for me. But I got two dresses at sales several years ago, and they have still been my favorite clothes!

The sale was held at a big building in Shinjuku.
I went there at 10:00am sharp, the opening time...but the venue was already packed with girls!
Sometimes I think, sales are like "women's wars."
However, today's one is...maybe one of the most aggressive wars!

I don't remember how often I was "elbowed" by other girls.
The truth is, there were not only girls... but also many middle-aged women and guys who accompanied with those women.

I think they shouldn't bring guys! It's like, "Don't bring girls and children to the battlefield!" as the guy's point of view...
Those guys must be their husbands and boyfriends whose roles are "porters."
But many girls(and women) almost forgot the porters once they entered the "battlefield."
The soldiers took the "prey" (I mean, the clothes, shoes, accessories, purses, pantyhose, and handkerchiefs, etc, etc) as much as possible they could...
I heard the conversation a few time,
"Hey, what did you get?"
"I even don't know! I just took what I saw!!"
Because of the eccentric atmosphere, many women were desperate to "keep" something!

An half hour later of the opening time, many of them sat on the floor, and spread "the prey" to evaluate which ones should be taken.
I saw a girl who spread twenty pairs of shoes, and a women who took the same quantity of dresses...

What did the guys think to see their partners who are sitting on the floor with handful of clothes???
Don't bring guys to the backstage of women!
I was relieved not to bring my hubby... He must have been scared to see the "soldiers" and suffocated by the frenzy!!

As a result, I don't think I lost the "war" even though I was not so desperate...
I got an very cute umbrella and a fashionable ( I think) skirt!

Whenever I dress clothes, I remember when I bought them.
Since today, when I have the umbrella or the skirt, I will be remind of today... the frenzy.
But for me, it's a good one!!

Cute Boys

I admit it.
As I am getting older, I tend to feel (much) younger boys are so cute!
Do I feel they are my idols? or might be sons!??? I don't know...

My most favorite one is a charismatic 17 year old professional golfer, Ishikawa Ryo!
He is cute, smart, polite, friendly, refreshing, and so talented...Perfect!
On my upcoming birthday, January 10th 2009, surprisingly, "the Monthly Ishikawa Ryo" is published! I'll definitely get it!

...Anyway, today, I found "another" my favorite!
He is...Kozuka Takahiko, a 19 year old figure skating athlete!!
Even though his face is not exactly my type( I know nobody is interested in my type, though..,) his humble comments always attract me.
Today, he made a perfect performance at the Grand Prix Final.
But he said, "I'm just happy to be here. I try not to get carried away. What I want to do is just concentrating on my performance. I don't care about the result."
What I was impressed is (I think) he REALLY thinks so.
Hey! He's cute & so modest!!

Check it out tomorrow's (maybe?) competition! Not only girls' one!

Wonderer

In my school, there are many college students who are juniors.
Now, they are job-hunting. Seeing "professional" them (I mean, they are wearing suits!) always brings deep emotion. I feel like I'm their mother!

However, Mayumi is different.
She is also junior, but she hasn't been job hunting. After graduation, she wants to get MBA. So, now she is preparing for the entrance exam of a graduate school.

The school is always crowded on Thursday's night, so I didn't notice she had been different lately.
Mayumi said to me, "Keiko sensei, what should I do? I want to go to a graduate school, but it's really hard to pass it. All of my friends have been job hunting. I'll also do it if I fail the entrance exam of the school...but in that case, the time lag will be disadvantage for me... I have been very nervous when I think about my future. That's why I was not nice to you last week. I'm sorry!"

...Oh, really? Weren't you nice to me last week? I wasn't aware that...
Anyway, she is a young wonderer!
I told her, "Don't think about "in the case you fail!" The pessimistic imagination might cause something bad to you. If you have time to "wonder," use the time to study! Even if you were to fail the test, you can get something if you work really hard. Excellent recruiters will notice the "thing" on you. You don't have to worry about it!"
Mayumi smiled, "Oh, I'm glad to here that! You know, I have a friend who are older than me. She is 25 years old. She said, if I "wonder" my life, I would "wonder" marriage. I mean, I'd hesitate to get married, she said. Actually, now I hesitate even to date with guys, too..."
"Oh! Don't hesitate to fall in love, young girl! The girl who are 20 something, too!You know, after you get married, you can't have a boyfriend! Date with many guys before you get married! You don't have to "wonder" it, too!"
Mayumi looked overwhelmed and said, "Ah... OK."

What did I teach her today???

Running Teacher?

In Japan, December's another name is "teachers are running" month.
Sounds weird...isn't it? It means "it's the end of year, so even teachers are running because of the busy days."

However, I think, the ones who are "running" are students!
Since December came, businessmen in my class have canceled the classes.
It has made me less busy than before.
Uhhh... what should I do?
Writing new years' cards for them??

Progress

I'm supposed to be a temporary helper at my secondary school within this year.
Today, the students who read newsletter of the school got to know "Keiko sensei will transfer to another school.(which is not true, though...)"
One of my students asked me in English, "Where are move?"
...??? "What does it mean?" I asked her again.
She wanted to ask me, "Where(which branch) are you going to move?"

It's good for students to use English as possible as they can, but let me think...
She is in the intermediate class. The higher intermediate.
She has been the school for five years.
I talked with her for awhile, and during the talk, I recommended a pronunciation DVD and CD for listening understanding. She said, "Oh, I had them! I've taken all the check tests!!"

...Yesterday, I found one of my private students had been the school for ten years.
But he said, his TOEIC score has risen 200. That's it.

...I want to insist... My language school is a quite good school!
My hubby (he was a student there!), and my friends had improved a lot learning in the school.
Even though it's true, the progress of improvement is quite different depends on a person. Why???

There are many reasons and I'm too sleepy to list up everything...
However, I think, there are three important elements to get the skill of something.
1. Do it everyday. Maybe you are busy to take a lot of time to do it, so 10 minutes or 30 minutes is OK. But, make sure to do it EVERYDAY!
2. Make the term when you concentrate on doing it.
Doing it everyday is important, but not enough to get the skill completely.
You need, for example, two years when you get so into it.,
3. Have a good teacher.
You need someone who guides you!

They, who have been the school for a long time but not improve very much, just need to take time more to study English...

Well, well, well, but I can't say it because I should be like a "Genie in a bottle" who can spell the magic to them!!

Gaps

This afternoon, I gave prospective kid students a trial lesson.
They were 6-years-old. They were friends, and their mothers were also friends.
This pattern is not so pleasant for us...because most cases, "duo" or "trio" mothers tend to be demanding more than "single" (I don mean "not married." I mean, "comes to school alone with her kid.") mothers.

After all, the mothers said to me, "Your teaching is good. But, we have to say two things. First, please don't add "chan" after the name. It's a Japanese way. Second, talk to our kids in all English even outside the class. We want to give them 100% English circumstance."
Ah....

First, adding "chan" or "kun" after a name is a Japanese custom, so some mothers don't want us to call them by their first names only, especially, in front of the parents.
Second, of course we, Japanese teachers, talk to students 100% English in class, but outside the classes, sometime we talk in Japanese. Because we want to communicate them! We want to get their information!

I explained I spoke to them in Japanese because I wanted to get along with them first, and calling was a delicate issue. But I wanted to satisfy them, so eventually, I said, "OK. I will do whatever you want."

I understand their opinion, but...they overshot, don't they??

The characteristic demanding mothers have another common point...
Today's mothers added, "Talk to our kids in English. But, don't talk to us in English. We don't understand it."

...Yes, mothers who don't speak English expect too much kids English classes!!

Mothers, why don't YOU start learning English???
I think you need to do it as much as your kids need to!!

Burnihg the midnight oil

Every Sunday nights, I'm burning the midnight oil...

On Mondays, I have six classes to teach, so I need to prepare for them. Especially, I will be busier tomorrow.
I have two groups of students to give them trial lessons!
One is a female adult student, another is a duo of 6-year-old kids.
I have rarely given trial lessons, so I'm nervous because most students decide whether they come to our school or not depends on the qualities of trial lessons!

Also, I have some documents & letters to write.
Should I did them in the daytime? Yes, but every Sundays, I pressed a week's worth of my & my hubby's clothes. And I cook for a few day's worth of food cause I'm busy through Monday to Thursday!

So, why don't I do the preparation for Monday classes on Friday & Saturday?
Yeah, right... I just want to be relaxed & study for myself!

Well, well, don't complain! I'll continue the work for awhile...
Good night!!

Novice

Today, the beginner class of my condo's French circle started.
There are just two students including me. The other girl, Mari, is a complete novice.
I have experienced learning French, but...

I felt embarrassed! Maybe because I hadn't previewed at all, even French alphabet was difficult to me. I had a hardship to recognize "e" and "u..."
When I learned French from an American teacher, I also couldn't pronounce it!

I could understand the feeling of novice English learners.
Hahaha! But I know if I study little by little, I can improve it.
Just day by day!!

Circulation

Please don't think I'm a nerd.
I think I told you there is a Karaoke room (basically, it's a theater room, though) in my condo.
Today, my hubby is not here because of a business trip...so, I went there alone!

When I applied for the room, a custodian said to me.
"It's good to sing Karaoke on such a rainy day! How many of your friends do get together? Ten?"
I answered, "Well, actually.... two. Just my husband and me."
I lied to him!!

When I was in America, I lived a house in suburb area.
I had two Karaoke machines (the Japanese one and the American one), and singing songs by using them is really...how can I say, "releasing!"
Especially, when I stressed out, it worked for me more than taking therapies(I have never taken them, though...) maybe.

Today, I song alone for three hours.
Three hours... such a short time! I sang Japanese new pops, and my favorite American singers' numbers.
Now I feel, my circulation gets better! ( no medical evidence!)

...I think I'll do it again...

Complaint

I don't want to "complain" just two days after I wrote about "compliments," but I do!

One of my private students, Tokijoro, is 60-year-old entrepreneur.
He has been taking our private lessons for one year and a half.
He went to Australia a few weeks ago, and came back to my lesson today.
I was looking forward to listening to his English experience there, but...

Tokijiro said, "Keiko sensei! In Australia, I felt miserable! I have been learning English for one year and a half, but I couldn't understand what they were saying!"
I tried to comfort him, "Well, I'm sure you have improved! You could understand some, and you could say what you want to tell, right?"
He nodded but still doubted, "Yeah, you're right... But just a little improvement! I haven't been motivated lately. I don't think I can become a good English speaker someday. What can I get as the outcome? When I finish this textbook, how much will I have improved?"

Well... Frankly speaking, it's very long way for him, an English beginner, to be able to understand everything what native speakers said & say what he wants to in English fluently.
Even I haven't reached that level!!

I explained what we aim to use that textbook. I assimilated language learning process to climbing Mt.Fuji. If you look at the summit from the roots, you would think it's impossible. But it's not so hard to get the first stage if you keep climbing...and just keep doing it day by day! Someday, you will be surprised how you have climbed such a high place!

I talked with him for one hour, and recommended some ways of studying.
But he wasn't convinced. Some people become very pessimistic even they haven't tried!
Tokijiro said he had been working hard. However, to me, it's not enough if he aims such a high level!
As he studies hard, I can guarantee he will get an "English sense."
But he is impatient! He also complained how he became a slow learner lately because of age. I understand his frustration, though...

The most difficult thing for English teachers is not how to teach.
How to motivate the students!!

Cummunicative

From my point of view, there are two kids of teachers.
Communicative ones and realistic ones.
After all classes were over, "realistic" teachers left the school immediately.
They think, "I'm not gonna get paid even if I take time to speak with my students. Get home!"
On the other hand, communicative teachers enjoy talking with the students, and try to get their information as possible as they can.

I always try to be a later one.
However, if I talk a lot with my students after the class... Rightly, I leave the school late, and I get home late!

Usually, Wednesday's night is very busy.
My last class (from 8:10-9:00) is full of fun students. However, today, coincidentally everybody was not available, so...my last class was canceled.

After other teachers' last classes were over, there were some students whom I knew.
They were talking with other teachers. Maybe I should join the talking, but..
I thought, "I want to go home early sometimes!" So, I just left the school.

However, still I felt guilty a little. ...Should I stay there to talk with everybody??
As I was thinking, I rode on the train. Then, a girl across the row talked to me.
"Keiko san! What a coincidence!!"

That was...my friend, Saki!
We just met a few weeks ago, and had a girl's talk.
She said,"Guess what! I just would let you know, but...now I'm telling you.
I started seeing the guy whom I was talking to you!"
I celebrated her first, "Congratulations!! That was great! Bye the way... which guy?"
Saki smiled, "Oh, the guy who is older than me! Actually, your advice really worked to me. I told what you said to my girlfriend. She said she wanted to meet you!"
...Well, Saki, that's because not I'm an expert of love stuff, but I'm just ten years older than you!

...Anyway, I may be not a "good communicative" teacher today, but as Saki said, I'm a "good communicative" friend to her!
That may be nice!!

Compliments

Just after we said goodbye to the last student, our head teacher, Toshi, told me.
"The lady, Yoko, has improved English a lot recently. She said,"Since I've grown up, I rarely have COMPLIMENTS a lot. But the teachers praise me if I study hard here, I'm just glad about it!" Isn't she nice to say so?"

Sure! I agree with Toshi!
Especially, Toshi is the one who is always paying everybody compliments.
He always notices when someone gets a hair cut, changes the hair style or hair color, and wears a new suit. He always praises our hard work, and makes nice comments about our personalities & teaching abilities, too.
Because of Toshi? our school's teachers always try to say compliments to students.

And the students who are positive, like Yoko, accepts our compliments as the way we say. They work hard as we suggest, and improve in their English much earlier than those who are sarcastic.

We, Japanese, tend to be too humble to thank for compliments straight.
However, why don't we forget our strictness sometimes and feel pleasure like a child when we have "compliments?"
In this bitter world, daily compliments could be sweets of our lives.

Shall we start? You can be the one who can give the "sweets!"

Staying up

Tonight, my hubby is not at home because of a business trip.
After I worked hard for 10 hours( because it 's almost the end of year? There were many customers(prospective students) visiting the school! I was quite busy today!!), I felt "released" on the way to home.

I rented many CDs, listened to them, and took a bath for a looong time...
And now, it's already 3:00am!
I love "staying up late" since I was a young girl.
When I was quite young, I prefer to go for a drink or Karaoke with my friends.
But as I get older, I tend to neglect to contact someone to have time together.
I just enjoyed being myself in my favorite condo, and...now, I don't think I can "stay" up anymore!

Good night! Sleep tight!!

Drive

Today was the TOEIC day.
I used to take the TOEIC very seriously. Because I took it once a year to measure my annual English improvement when I was in the U.S, it was like my grade of the year.
If the "grade" was not good, I felt..."what I have done in the year? Nothing!"
I didn't work, so I was like a student who needed to get a good grade.

However, now... I have a stable job. What I am required first is taking care of my students well, providing good classes, getting the "results" as business perspectives, and being a team-player. Having a full score of the TOEIC and the first grade of the EIKEN is desirable, but not necessary.
Also, since I started to work, I would rather to be "relaxed" than "work hard" for tests in my free time...
Additionally, since I came back to Japan, I worked hard the day before the tests coincidentally, so I was tired when I took them!

I know, all of them are excuses for the fact "I lost my DRIVE for some of my resolutions."
Today, I was so sleepy that I lost my consciousness ( I mean, "felt asleep") during the listening test!

After I got home, my hubby said, "Hey! I have some errands in the neighborhood. I'll go by car. Will you come with me?"
I said, "No...thank you."
He was still saying," Hey! You have rarely driven a car since you came back to Japan! In the case when you have to drive, why don't you practice today?"
I said reluctantly, "Well... I'm tired. I want to grab a bite and be relaxed at home!"

Apparently, I've also lost my "DRIVE for DRIVE."
What can I do??