First Days of Work
Trip Start
Sep 25, 2002
1
5
40
Trip End
May 15, 2004
Osaka,
Japan
Monday, October 21, 2002
++Late add: Craig brings home this guy named Darren from Australia that he works with, cool guy, a little naïve, but a cool, funny guy. Ironic/funny that the first thing I noticed was his tie, because it was short-tied and ended away above his waist. After hanging out for a while, it comes out the Darin has never had a corporate job before and has no clue as how to tie a tie. So Craig and I try to teach him how to how do tie it right, but he just can't get it. He's got this huge Windsor knot and the thick end of the tie is only about 2 inches long while the skinny end goes almost to his knees! Needless to say, Craig and I tie a few ties for him before sending him on his way...just thought that was funny, maybe you had to be there. By the way, Craig has helped make this tough transition immensely more bearable. I feel that I definitely got lucky in getting matched up with him as a roommate...here's hoping that the third roommate is just as cool.
Day 7 - 10.22.02 (Tue) Work - Ready for a shocker?! Scratch that, ready for two shockers? I got lost again today and I'm happy that work is starting! OK, so I guess the getting lost thing isn't that big of a shocker, but me wanting to work? I've always liked teaching people and maybe it will be, as stated earlier, just a way to occupy my mind and time, but, nonetheless, strange things are a-brewin' over here!! ;) So, I had my first day of on-the-job training and, other than getting lost (bad directions), it was pretty interesting and fun. After finally arriving, we went over a few basics and then headed off to observe a lesson. Fairly simple stuff, you just have to maintain control of the room, remain calm, and let them do all the work...you just guide and correct them. We then ran through a few practice lessons and were given the first part of a class to run, with an instructor in the room. I did great! No nervousness or lapses, I helped a bit too much and could simplify things a little, but overall, I did great. It's not difficult at all...by the way, the apples here are huge and quite delicious, maybe I just haven't had an apple in a while...but then again I don't really have a problem controlling a situation or group. After that we did some more lesson planning and practice drills and called it a day. I was a little disappointed because I was all set to email everyone tonight after work, but when I got to the internet café it had already closed. Guess I'll leave early tomorrow and do it before work. Lastly, I talked with Brady and Liz, the couple from Boston, and tentatively made plans to go see a temple and maybe check out this semi-national park just north of Osaka...hopefully it will be good weather.
