I really hate this constant feeling of tiredness that's been going on with me lately.
I couldn't get up for the life of me this morning to go to the gym. I know I got enough sleep, but I just don't get why I always feel like I haven't slept in days! Starting back at work was bound to take it's toll but even though I go to bed around midnightish, apart from Saturdays (when I have to get up at 7.45) I'm not getting up until 9am! Which is more than enough sleep for me. I remember when I was living in Kyushu I was going to bed later and getting up earlier. Maybe I just need to get used to working again or something...there was a lot to take in last week so maybe that just knackered me out or something.
And then this week is all testing which I'm a little nervous about because I have to do EVERTHING. It's kinda crazy because there is so much that I have to remember, along with doing the listening and oral sections and then all the marking, feedback and certificates. On top of that I will need to find time to do all the planning for next weeks classes as well....looks like I might be taking work home with me this week! I always said that I would never do that with this job, but it's looking like I'm going to have to. Or I could at least do it during my commute - there's definitely enough time! I just have to be careful not to get everything mixed up. So crazy when you have like 7 levels and over 100 students to take care of.
I went to the ward office today to try and sort out this malarky with my pension. I was in there for an hour and a half but it was worth it because I just have to wait for some paperwork from my old BOE and then go back down there and I should then be exempt from paying for a few months. I just told them flat out that I couldn't pay it because I've only just started work. We'll see what happens with that...I hope it doesn't mean that they're just gonna add it on to my payments next year!!
So much paperwork. I just feel like my head is constantly filled with all these things that I have to do. And that list is getting longer and longer!
xx
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
*Yawn*
I am so tired!
I dragged my tired body to the gym earlier and nearly left one of my aero classes early because I just couldn't be bothered. But i didn't...I stuck it out. And now I'm just exhausted.
I think the craziness of my first week at work is catching up with me. So much stuff to take it and some complete nightmare kids to deal with. And I DO actually have to deal with them - no hiding behind a JTE and leaving all the discipline up to them - this is all me. And I have some serious little shits that I've shouted at already.
Next week all the classes have tests. Yes - even the babies. I'm working my way through their test papers as we speak. I had the same question you probably have - how the hell do you test a baby?!?! It's basically giving them instructions to point and touch things on the page to see if they remember words and stuff, and see if they know the actions to the songs. Weird, I know, but apparently parent really like seeing the certificate at the end of it all - to show off to other parents that their kid can speak English. Certificates that I have to write out and make all the evaluation comments on. For every single student.....I teach 6 classes a day, every day - where the hell am I supposed to get the time to do all the marking, make all the certificates and write all the comments?!?! And no way am I taking this work home with me - they can forget that idea as fast as they like!!!!
So much prep to do.
On a different note, I have this real urge to go and see come kind of contemporary dance show. I was watching this documentary, and the dancing on it literally made me cry - it was so beautiful. So if anyone knows of any good shows, then let me know!!
Cheers me dears!
xx
I dragged my tired body to the gym earlier and nearly left one of my aero classes early because I just couldn't be bothered. But i didn't...I stuck it out. And now I'm just exhausted.
I think the craziness of my first week at work is catching up with me. So much stuff to take it and some complete nightmare kids to deal with. And I DO actually have to deal with them - no hiding behind a JTE and leaving all the discipline up to them - this is all me. And I have some serious little shits that I've shouted at already.
Next week all the classes have tests. Yes - even the babies. I'm working my way through their test papers as we speak. I had the same question you probably have - how the hell do you test a baby?!?! It's basically giving them instructions to point and touch things on the page to see if they remember words and stuff, and see if they know the actions to the songs. Weird, I know, but apparently parent really like seeing the certificate at the end of it all - to show off to other parents that their kid can speak English. Certificates that I have to write out and make all the evaluation comments on. For every single student.....I teach 6 classes a day, every day - where the hell am I supposed to get the time to do all the marking, make all the certificates and write all the comments?!?! And no way am I taking this work home with me - they can forget that idea as fast as they like!!!!
So much prep to do.
On a different note, I have this real urge to go and see come kind of contemporary dance show. I was watching this documentary, and the dancing on it literally made me cry - it was so beautiful. So if anyone knows of any good shows, then let me know!!
Cheers me dears!
xx
Leona
I was watching last night's X Factor show earlier and it made me wanna go back and look at some clips of when Leona Lewis started her journey to international superstardom!
Since she won the show 3 years ago or something, not a single contestant has ever managed to come close to that calibre of talent. No way near. In all of the live shows, she gave a flawless performance week after week - her voice is truly incredible.
She deserves all the success that she's had since winning that show. And she is the reason why I watch reality shows like this one...because they discover pure talent. She is just so amazing - I never tire of hearing her voice.
And if you haven't heard anything of her new album, Echo, then check it out!
xx
Since she won the show 3 years ago or something, not a single contestant has ever managed to come close to that calibre of talent. No way near. In all of the live shows, she gave a flawless performance week after week - her voice is truly incredible.
She deserves all the success that she's had since winning that show. And she is the reason why I watch reality shows like this one...because they discover pure talent. She is just so amazing - I never tire of hearing her voice.
And if you haven't heard anything of her new album, Echo, then check it out!
xx
Thursday, 26 November 2009
So Sad
One of my favourite people that I have met here is gonna be leaving Japan soon.
And the worst bit about it isn't just the fact that he is leaving, it's that I don't even get to say goodbye.
=(
It's weird because when I was back in London, I always thought that I knew nice people. But since being in Japan, I have actually discovered GENUINELY nice people. And this guy is just fabulous! He's funny and so great to hang out with - not that I got to see him as much as I would've liked, but the times that we did hang out were always so much fun and I'm really, really gutted that I don't get to see him one last time just to give him the biggest hug in the world!
And braid his hair! Hehe!!
Gonna miss you lovey!! Safe trip back home and make sure you stay in touch!! I'll mail you my skype...if you don't have skype - GET IT!!
Love ya babes!!
xxxxxxxxxxxx
And the worst bit about it isn't just the fact that he is leaving, it's that I don't even get to say goodbye.
=(
It's weird because when I was back in London, I always thought that I knew nice people. But since being in Japan, I have actually discovered GENUINELY nice people. And this guy is just fabulous! He's funny and so great to hang out with - not that I got to see him as much as I would've liked, but the times that we did hang out were always so much fun and I'm really, really gutted that I don't get to see him one last time just to give him the biggest hug in the world!
And braid his hair! Hehe!!
Gonna miss you lovey!! Safe trip back home and make sure you stay in touch!! I'll mail you my skype...if you don't have skype - GET IT!!
Love ya babes!!
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Back In The Classroom
Today was my first day back in the classroom....
...and man, have I got some nightmare children!!
Teaching babies is actually pretty incredible. Their comprehension of what you are saying is amazing, even if they can only say a few words back. Not to mention the fact that they are ADORABLE!! Sooooooo cute!! Infant classes have a lot of little shits in - kids that just can't keep still and never shut up. They are definitely going to be a handful.
Elementary kids and above are definitely in my comfort zone, but there are some really difficult kids in those classes as well. As for the JHS class I had today - what a load of attitude!! But I am hoping to change that as time goes on.
But one thing that all the classes have in common is that the level that they are working at has absolutely stunned me. I can't believe that a 2 year old can write in English, that a 4 year old can answer questions in short sentences and an 11 year old can do the same grammar (but not well!) as a 3nensei JHS kid.
And it's all thanks to these pushy mummies. So many of them were watching the class through the window - probably because they want to grab a peek at the new teacher but more than anything, they want to make sure that they are getting their money's worth.
I've started at a really busy time. Next week, all the classes, including the babies (?!?!?!), have a test. The week after that I have to do all the Christmas classes. It's all quite overwhelming because I have to get my head around all the books and CDs and everything and there are so many of them for each level, it's really confusing.
Over to my second school tomorrow!
xx
...and man, have I got some nightmare children!!
Teaching babies is actually pretty incredible. Their comprehension of what you are saying is amazing, even if they can only say a few words back. Not to mention the fact that they are ADORABLE!! Sooooooo cute!! Infant classes have a lot of little shits in - kids that just can't keep still and never shut up. They are definitely going to be a handful.
Elementary kids and above are definitely in my comfort zone, but there are some really difficult kids in those classes as well. As for the JHS class I had today - what a load of attitude!! But I am hoping to change that as time goes on.
But one thing that all the classes have in common is that the level that they are working at has absolutely stunned me. I can't believe that a 2 year old can write in English, that a 4 year old can answer questions in short sentences and an 11 year old can do the same grammar (but not well!) as a 3nensei JHS kid.
And it's all thanks to these pushy mummies. So many of them were watching the class through the window - probably because they want to grab a peek at the new teacher but more than anything, they want to make sure that they are getting their money's worth.
I've started at a really busy time. Next week, all the classes, including the babies (?!?!?!), have a test. The week after that I have to do all the Christmas classes. It's all quite overwhelming because I have to get my head around all the books and CDs and everything and there are so many of them for each level, it's really confusing.
Over to my second school tomorrow!
xx
Sunday, 22 November 2009
No, No, No!
I will not think about how I'm supposed to be partying it up tonight in ageHa listening to Armin van Buuren, Dj Yoda and Glenn Morrison...instead of being stuck at home with some 'maybe' plans!!
*SOB*
*SOB*
頑張ります！
Since I have been so slack with studying this year, recently I've found myself trying to translate English quotes into Japanese. I'm not sure why - one day when I was looking for my 'quote of the day' I found myself wondering how I would say the same thing in Japanese. Obviously the Japanese have their own 諺, but I wanted to use English ones to see if I could try and convey the same meaning in Japanese.
And to be honest, I have no idea how I'm doing. I'm careful with which ones I post up on FB because I don't want to offend anyone with bad translation!
It's really hard as well, but I'm gonna keep at it. Especially since I haven't done any studying this year - it kinda makes me feel like I'm doing something!
xx
And to be honest, I have no idea how I'm doing. I'm careful with which ones I post up on FB because I don't want to offend anyone with bad translation!
It's really hard as well, but I'm gonna keep at it. Especially since I haven't done any studying this year - it kinda makes me feel like I'm doing something!
xx
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Intense
I finished the training for my new job today...and boy, it was INTENSE!!
So much new information, so many rules and regulations to follow - it couldn't be a world further away than that of an ALT. It's not until you leave JET that you realise just how damn EASY you had it. That's why it drives me mad now to hear JETS complaining that they have nothing to do, that they're bored, blah, blah, blah.
Well let me tell you, it's better than having a jam packed schedule like mine - that doesn't even end with the teaching. No free periods, a mountain of paperwork, time logging, discipline, marketing, recruiting, model lessons, planning trips, meetings, summer and winter school, constant planning, socialising with the parents...and a hell of a lot more. And none of this you can get away without doing. It's all mandatory.
I kind of like the challenge though. At least I know that I will be well utilised. Not to mention the fact that private eikaiwa = heated classrooms! No more wearing 5 layers, a scarf and a coat in the classroom...and looking a hundred sizes bigger. All the schools are located within shopping centres so it's all toasty inside! I'm looking forward to getting started, even though I know that I'm gonna be mad busy, it's better than sitting on your arse all day at school with nothing to do. Although to be fair, that never really happened to me that often because I had so many schools on JET.
But these 3 days of training have knackered me out. I was supposed to be out on the town tonight but I've cancelled my plans. It's not even just because I'm so tired, I can't afford it. Finding out that I do actually have to pay all these pension slips and health insurance that were sent in the post to me (and that I ignored) has really screwed my financial situation and I just can't afford to do anything. I have a backlog of payments now and it's just going to be a constant struggle from here on - to catch up with those payments whilst staying on top of my rent and bills and my gym membership. A lot of money....which I just don't have.
Looks like I'll be staying in for a while!
xx
So much new information, so many rules and regulations to follow - it couldn't be a world further away than that of an ALT. It's not until you leave JET that you realise just how damn EASY you had it. That's why it drives me mad now to hear JETS complaining that they have nothing to do, that they're bored, blah, blah, blah.
Well let me tell you, it's better than having a jam packed schedule like mine - that doesn't even end with the teaching. No free periods, a mountain of paperwork, time logging, discipline, marketing, recruiting, model lessons, planning trips, meetings, summer and winter school, constant planning, socialising with the parents...and a hell of a lot more. And none of this you can get away without doing. It's all mandatory.
I kind of like the challenge though. At least I know that I will be well utilised. Not to mention the fact that private eikaiwa = heated classrooms! No more wearing 5 layers, a scarf and a coat in the classroom...and looking a hundred sizes bigger. All the schools are located within shopping centres so it's all toasty inside! I'm looking forward to getting started, even though I know that I'm gonna be mad busy, it's better than sitting on your arse all day at school with nothing to do. Although to be fair, that never really happened to me that often because I had so many schools on JET.
But these 3 days of training have knackered me out. I was supposed to be out on the town tonight but I've cancelled my plans. It's not even just because I'm so tired, I can't afford it. Finding out that I do actually have to pay all these pension slips and health insurance that were sent in the post to me (and that I ignored) has really screwed my financial situation and I just can't afford to do anything. I have a backlog of payments now and it's just going to be a constant struggle from here on - to catch up with those payments whilst staying on top of my rent and bills and my gym membership. A lot of money....which I just don't have.
Looks like I'll be staying in for a while!
xx
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