Well, 12 hours ago it was thunderstorming. Now, it's bright and sunny outside, and I'm taking this opportunity to air out my futon. FYI, I don't have a bed, I sleep "Japanese style" on futon. It took a while to get used to, but now it's okay.

Interestingly, "Do you have a bed?" is one of the questions that people ask me when they meet me for the first time. It's right up there with "Can you use chopsticks?" as a conversation starter.

It's kind of entertaining when someone new is rotated into our office. Having never worked with me before, the new person assumes that I know nothing about Japan, and treats me as such. He directs questions through a third person, is surprised when I demonstrate knowledge of customs and culture, etc. Of course, I don't really know all that much about Japan, but it takes about a week or two for new people to realize I'm not totally helpless. Just mostly helpless. Business as usual, I guess!

Every summer, the people in my office recieve three extra days of paid leave, to be used during the summer only. I was going to take mine in mid-August, but since I'll be at class every day, my supervisor suggested I take them now. So, a short break before I dive into nihongo studies.

R.