Phew! Peer observation over

At my Thursday university, S*ka, I have to be observed teaching once each semester.

Today was my second time and although I was a bit nervous, it went much better than the first time, and I almost enjoyed the process. My observer was another staff member at Soka, Helen Smith (hmmm...my arch nemesis's name....another Helen....but interesting!).

She is a lovely woman, originally from England but now settled in Australia (and presently teaching in Japan). She said that she gets bored after living in one country for about 2 years and that is exactly how I feel! Phew, there are other people like me. Now, I want to get to know her more - will hopefully observe on of her classes and also another teacher, Val, at some point soon.

The feedback I received was:

- My tasks were too challenging (not put in so many words, but this is the gist)

- I could try stepping outside the group and observing; using different pair systems and setting tasks for the third person, etc etc

There is a professional development meeting next week, and I would like to attend...just have to work out a way to wriggle out of Meisei responsibilities : )

Anyway, I have now had half a beer which went straight to my head, so I can't write many more coherent words, but because I have to reach 50,000 words, I will persevere.

My goal to do cooking has not worked out...I would have to cheat significantly now to catch up...let's see....I already wrote about making a cup of tea and putting flavouring on rice....now I can write about....opening a can of beer....cooking rice in a rice cooker....cooking Rai's instant porridge every morning....boiling soya beans....heating up leftovers....going to Mos Burger...buying dinner at a convenience store...yes, actually that last one is what I did today. Rai and I stopped in at Lawson's and got an onigiri and mochi for me and a mochi and caramel popcorn for Rai...that boy is headed for obesity at this rate!

Aaahhh...now I feel tired...it has been a long day....gotta go and lie on the couch and stop overusing full-stops...