First day of school for me, Second quarter for everyone else

My first day at school was SO scary.  I had no idea what to expect.  I sweat when I get nervous...but it was like a billion degrees plus a billion percent humidity, so i didn't have a chance.  haha  I couldn't stop sweating!!

This was the beginning of the school year for us Americans, but the second quarter for everyone in Japan.  I was the "new kid" in town...and had to suffer all of those consequences (actually weren't too many...i ate lots of sweets).  I did have to introduce myself to everyone in Japanese....but I also had to introduce myself to the students later on.  I prepared a short intro but would have to say it to everyone i met..meaning people would be hearing it more than once  haha  embarrassing (I was not brave enough to add anything.  And there was no way i could say stuff off the top of my head)  I prepared it and practiced it to make it look like i knew what i was doing...but this totally ruined my plans.

take a shower then put all of your clothes on without drying off...that's how much it sucks

This middle school is the biggest in Tsukumi.  It had about 300 students total.  Everyone stared at me when i went into the gym. I was really uncomfortable (don't forget sweaty!).  haha but still did my best.  I went to that school for the first week and started getting used to a Japanese school setting.  It is SO different than anything at home.

Throughout the school year I went to about 14 schools total.  All Jr High and Elementary.  Every day was different and mostly exciting.  Some days were a bit boring (I mostly studied for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test that i took in Dec and TOTALLY PASSED! whew) but elementary schools were almost always exciting.  I play with the kids at recess, eat lunch with them, and get to practice speaking a little.

In Jr Highs i usually eat in the teacher's room.  School lunch is pretty amazing (especially in Tsukumi...especially at my main jr high school)! they use fresh ingredients and whatever is in season and it's soooooooo good!  haha i think the kitchen is full of little old ladies.  they are amazing.  A typical meal is milk, rice(mwf)/bread (tth), a veggie (tsukemono, soup, cabbage salad, etc), some "main" dish (meat, curry, pasta) and dessert (fruit, cake, jelly (jell-o)).  The portions are usually too big and i think they are making me "round".  haha they are supposed to be balanced, but people always give me more because they consider me a "guest"