Wow! I am living in Japan!

A lot has happened since my last post. I have finally finished my 10-day training and have been awarded the "you-are-now-an-official-teacher-pin" by my district director (honbucho) to put on my suit jacket. Most of everything here have some form of ceremony or formality.

My work started yesterday and I have already taught a class today. It went well but I still need more practice but I think the students were happy. I actually started at a good time of the year because it's like dead week next week so I get to teach a few special lessons. There is this one called "Hello Tiffani" where the students will present some information on Japan and I get my plan my lesson around it. There is also a karaoke Christmas songs class but luckily, no one has signed up. Otherwise, I would have to learn all the Christmas songs and practice my singing in the shower. After next week, we get 1 week off for the winter holiday so I will start anew with my students in January.

I have also moved into my apartment yesterday. It's definitely a shoe box but it's a really cute, modern place. It has a balcony and a tiny loft where my futon is so I need to climb up to my bed. I get home really late each night so I haven't really unpacked. Once I have settled in and decorated a little bit, I will post a grand tour here. I will also post some new photos soon, probably during the holiday. My apartment is about a-10 minute train ride from downtown and it still has lots of traditional Japanese neighborhoods and homes in the area.

Walking home from the train station tonight, it daunted on me that "wow, I am really living in Japan!" Though I am not studying much, I can understand more Japanese than last week. Once in a while, I would surprise myself that I actually understand that the cashier is asking if I have one of those club cards or if I want chopsticks. Speaking of chopsticks,I am eating Japanese food everyday, grabbing bento boxes for lunch and dinner at convenient stores or supermarkets at different department stores. Oh...and I even take off my shoes when I enter my apartment. I find my gradual adjustment and transformation fascinating. It's like my brain and mind have decided to magnify my life.

Before I end the blog today, I want to pay homage to someone that has changed my life. Susan Cortez, my old boss, and the best boss I ever had passed away suddenly last Saturday. I still can't believe she is gone. Since I heard the news, I have been wondering if I would be here in Japan without her. I still remember the interview she gave me with Marine (my other supervisor and friend) at Fielding. She was so easy to talk to, so warm and kind. Then in 2005, she suggested that I apply for the Events Coordinator position and in 2007, she encouraged me to run for the staff representative position at the Fielding Council. It was her trust in me and her mentorship that I was able to build a successful career at Fielding. Other than work, she was also just a wonderful human being. I loved talking to her about gardening, figure drawing, and the love of cooking. I will miss her and I hope she finds peace wherever she is.


Wendy Susan Cortez
August 31, 1944 - December 12, 2009