No, Really, I Am an American

I’m taking a break from marking books (grading).

I had an awful day yesterday; I almost cried after my MacBeth class! It wasn’t because the students were being mean or anything like that, it was more the fact that I feel like I’m failing them. This group of students are Year 10, so that means they have their GCSE coursework coming up fast…as in it’s due in two weeks. They weren’t with it at all on Friday and it really bugged me. I felt like I was doing something wrong, the lessons aren’t engaging enough, etc. I’m glad that I didn’t cry, but I just felt awful.

Then there was my Year 7 class. Seriously. It was a rotten Friday. It was so bad I even stood outside with the ninjas (smokers). I didn’t smoke, though. Instead, to cheer myself up, I had a Pepsi. (Incidentally, the Pepsi here tastes better than I remember it tasting ten years ago. Maybe they changed the formula, or maybe it’s ‘cuz I’m drinking it from a can.)

I have decided chores and errands suck in England. Well, before I get ahead of myself, I went to the UniQlo here in Croydon to do a little shopping. Of course, the store is nothing like the ones we had in Japan, but it was still decent. I bought one shirt. I mean, much like every other time I’ve ever gone into UniQlo, I always see things that I like, but I refrain from buying ‘em. I always figure I can come back for them or something. It probably doesn’t help that I keep buying the same colors. Although, I’m trying not to repeat the pink cardigan thing (Darya knows what I’m talkin’ about).

Whilst I was out, I caved and bought an iTunes card so I could finally get some songs I’ve been wanting forever, like “So Says I” by the Shins and “Still Alive”. I also bought the Dr. Horrible soundtrack so I can stop annoying Toni with the same song over and over again. (Now I’ll have the whole soundtrack to choose from! Muhahahahah!)

After going to Shopping (that was intentional), I started finishing up my chores. Before I left for Shopping, I started up my laundry. I maintain that it’s a pain in the ass to do laundry in this country. I also had to go to the supermarket. It was the first time I would be going to the store for more than just a few items.

Yeah it sucked. Then again, I think I felt that way because the girl at the till just seemed so cross. And I don’t like pushing carts at the supermarket. That might have also factored into the experience.

I have seriously got to stop comparing my life here with Japan!

ETA: I remember something else I wanted to gripe about — why is it that America is the only freaking country that has folders?! Seriously. I just need a couple folders! Grrrr…