Monday

2011.10.10

I actually woke up early today. It was rather odd for me who is usually hopping out the door with breakfast in one hand and my shoe in the other. Not that I don't plan my mornings out, I just tend to fall back asleep very easily. I had to leave my laundry hanging overnight because I got back from Motoyama so late and got distracted talking to Kim out on my balcony like an old crone. So I kept running into the lines as I tried to get ready to go and almost knocked myself out twice. One thing that has not improved in Japan is my klutziness.

The other day I was trying to think if I had matured or changed since coming to Japan. At first I said no, but the more I really considered it the more I realized that I had changed. Coming here has forced me to become more self reliant, out-going, and organized. When I first came here I was sure that i could handle anything thrown at me, but as things started to pill up, I panicked. Then I stopped and took a few days to just float. Now I feel like I am becoming more of an adult and less like the child I didn't realize I still was.

Anyway, I had Oral and N5 Grammar classes today with my favorite sensei. Oral class is difficult because it makes me exercise listening comprehension and speaking which have always been my weakest points in Japanese study. Plus, even if I know a word I'm more likely to stutter and stumble over it in front of actual Japanese people. Grammar is an old familiar friend that just got new accessories so I'm more relaxed and can really enjoy that class. I got to see one of my Japanese friends that I met on the Tohoku volunteer trip so I was very happy and THERE WAS KURRY RICE! (always a mood lifter)

Tomorrow I should start my volunteering in the language lounge of my school and on Wednesday I get to go volunteer at the local orphanage. I'm so excited!