quiet goodbyes

I usually attend calligraphy classes on Sundays but since this last week I didn't have to work I made a point of going to a Wednesday night class. It was the last class I could attend and I practiced my butt off. It was a really quiet class and when I said goodbye to my teacher it was really normal like I'd see him on Sunday for another class (I was having dinner with is family on Friday but this was the last classroom encounter).

After shodo I met up with my workmates, one being the substitute teacher, Iris, who came down to cover my classes for a couple of weeks. I'd actually met Iris the very first day I arrived in Japan. She picked me up from the bus station as I'd arrived on an airport bus. It was great to catch up with her again and have her meet my students because I'm always asking her advice on how to control and entertain my kids.

Work can really suck on many occasions but having a good relationship with your work buds always helps you get through those crappy days. This is only have the guys in the Sanda GEOS crew but they've definitely made a difference in making my time at work a more enjoyable experience.