jazz chants, mattresses and yoga

Blissfully exhausted. Today was an awesome first day of classes. I’ve probably never clapped so much in my life. At the beginning I want to review basic greetings, leave-takings and getting-to-know-you dialogues. But let’s face it, asking the same question (How are YOU? HOW are you? How ARE you?) 50 times in a 40 minute class is painful to say the least. So this year I’m using Jazz Chants, which is basic English vocabulary, conversation and grammar set to the rhythm of American jazz music. So using a four beat rhythm we’re learning a dialogue and having a blast. And it really helps them remember it and get the pronunciation and intonation correct. Otherwise they sound like a bunch of zombies. I told them as much too. They like my imitation of zombie/robot English student. Oh the things we do as teachers.

In other important life-altering news – I got a new mattress!!! Actually I should rephrase that to say that I got A mattress. Three inches of foam on 6 wooden slats is not a mattress. So unbelievably happy, grateful relieved etc. There had been talk of a new mattress last year but part of me was trying no to get my hopes up. Then when I got here my host mom was so apologetic explaining that they hadn’t had a chance to go buy the new mattress. Still was skeptical but semi-hopeful. Finally when I got back from orientation she said they’d bought the mattress but still had to pick it up. Two weeks, and many sleepless, painful nights later I was becoming distressed. Should I ask about the mattress? How much longer could I reasonable live without a good nights sleep? Then one afternoon it arrived! I all but ran into my room to tear the sheets and “foam” off. I felt like a kid getting a new toy who can’t wait to open it. All I wanted to do was lie on it. I could barely sit through dinner that night. Since then I’ve been sleeping better and not waking up with headaches or feeling like a 98 year old. You might think I’m being dramatic but if you’ve ever spent any time sleeping on a crappy or non-existent mattress you will understand the pure joy of this creature comfort.

Also feeling really motivated to do a bit of yoga each day since I have time in my schedule (less time spent walking too and from school) and more space in my room AND the house is generally quieter. Hope to keep it up. I’m really liking the new house for a lot of reasons though I do miss my old family and have lots of great memories from last year. Can’t wait to start visiting people in the afternoons!