A Pleasant Surprise

Today was a simple day and the very last day I had to myself before classes begin since the auditing process starts tomorrow (yay!). This morning I woke up slightly anxious and excited to teach my very first english lesson. I was going in without much of a plan, and because I tend to be a bit of an organization freak this was slightly disconcerting. Additionally, I was terrified of having posed as a teacher, when I really wasn't even sure if I had the ability to teach; I don't believe that this ability always comes naturally, and so I would soon find out whether or not I could fulfill such an ambitious commitment. Fearful that I wouldn't be a good enough 'Sensei', I remained optomistic. It was a big deal to walk in to a situation with my sole plan being to make a plan when I got there. Without any real conception of my student's level of english, I decided it would be best to feel things out and form a learning strategy together; in doing so I would be assured that she would be getting exactly what she wanted out of these lessons.

We met at a nice coffee shop in my neighbourhood. When I sat down, (still a bit nervous) she was extremely sweet and bought me a coffee. Obviously nobody wants to be instructed by a nervous wreck of a teacher (that wouldn't be too reassuring, now would it?), so while she was placing the order I took a deep breath, managed to collect myself and put on my game face. All the while, still racking my brain as to how to kick off my first english lesson. Essentially, I wanted to ask her "Okay, where do we begin? what would you like to learn?" - but then I just smiled to myself, thinking - what a stupid question. She wants to learn english, hence being unable to even respond to such a question. - Okay. think Tory....think. - So I took a look at the three books she brought with her, they covered everything from the grammar she was taught throughout elementary school and high school, to handbooks she had picked up in attempt to teach herself. I was glad there were some reference materials, but where would I begin?

Thankfully she showed up more prepared than I did. Just as I had suggested to her, she brought along a sheet of phrases she wanted to learn. They were typed in Hiragana (a writing style that I have only just started to teach myself in preparation for my Japanese language classes) so I would not be able to read or translate them. The phrases she sought to learn were those which she would use in her retail work environment to better serve tourists/foreigners. Although the initial plan was that I would have these phrases translated and ready to teach her by our next session, we managed to cover most of it in our first sitting. I looked at her typed work and asked just generally what they meant - yet another stupid question while I stalled for time. At this point she answered in english as best she could, and I was able to gauge her level of english. (Great idea Tory!) She knew a few words here and there, and (having plenty of experience working in retail) I was able to guess at what these phrases meant (with the help of her hand signals, gestures and drawings). By the end of the lesson we had covered most of the material she wanted to learn! I noticed that her writing in english is quite impressive and she told me that she could understand what I was saying far better than she could speak. She seemed extremely satisfied with how the first lesson went, stressing that she would be practising diligently before our next session. As it turned out, lesson number one was a big success.

I sat with her for a bit longer to chat while I finished up my cup of coffee. In talking and getting to know each other a bit, I mentioned to her that I am studying philosophy. I told her about how much I enjoyed observing Japanese culture, noticing in particular some of the radical differences in contrast with my culture. She said that she was reading a book, that compares Western cultures which are majorly based on Christianity, and Oriental cultures with their roots in Buddhism. Naturally, I took this opportunity to rant about some key philosophies in relation to the subject. While conversing this way took a bit more work (involving gestures, repeating and re-phrasing) afterward, she smiled as she told me that she had never had any kind of intellectual conversation in english - let alone, with a foreigner before; something about that warmed my heart. Today I discovered not only that I am able to teach, but also how truly rewarding it is.

I stopped to pick up some sushi on my way home. The weather was gloomy, a bit chilly with a cool mist - all I could think about was crawling back under my warm covers to get some of the sleep I lost last night (likely due to the nerves surrounding this first lesson). Needless to say, that is exactly what I did. Feeling restored I met up with a couple of girl friends to head over and explore Hiyoshi campus. Since our Japanese language classes would be taught over there, we though it would be wise to familiarize ourselves with the area and how to get there beforehand. With that mission accomplished we made a stop at the grocery store on the way home.

I'm not a huge fan of grocery shopping, so I didn't hesitate to stock up. In 21 years, I have never laid eyes on so many instant noodles. Of course I will need to sample them all... the curry and sea food flavours seem tasty. Then I got my hands on some insant miso soup...and some oatmeal. Basically, any meal that can be made by adding hot water (curtousey of my kettle) has an instant appeal (no pun intended). hahaha Then I grabbed a variety of teas and some instant coffee (surprise?) haha. I may have gotten a bit carried away (I don't even know if I like instant coffee...I'll get back to you on that one). AND THEN. -- I purchased what turned out to be my favourite item in that entire grocery store.

Gum. A jar of it. (I have this weird thing for gum in jars. I call it "Desk Gum", because it sits on my desk, and I chew it as I philosophize - Go ahead call me weird). I was rather excited to see that they had a decent selection of "Desk Gum" in Tokyo. Like your average consumer, I chose the flavour with the fascinating label. It made me giggle because it looks somewhat like the piece of gum is exploding with some sort of sparkling powder. (Ouuuu! this flavour must absolutely errupt in your mouth) You know it has to be good when it has "sparking mint flavor" - sparks you say? ok. sounds painfully delicious. (mind you, it happens to be sugarless. hmmm...?) Well whatever...the best is yet to come my friends...
So, I open the lid which looks as though it had been sealed in such a way that it could be launched in to space...only to find............................
POST-IT NOTES?!?! ...WHATTTTT?! Yes. Mini.........green........self-stick......post-it notes.
At this point...I laughed out loud. Really loud. - Life is good.

Just to reiterate...My "Desk Gum"... came with... Post-it notes. (!!!)

And That my friends......is what I call....... A Pleasant Surprise.

Yet another reason as to why I love Tokyo. On that happy (post-it?) note... I need to get some rest. Good night! (or Morning)

Much Love. xo