Japan Diaries 4: Week 111
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Week 111: December 11 – 15, 2023
Day 770: December 11, 2023
Monday – Sick Leave D1
Today started on an unexpected note as my family and I were hit with a wave of illness, marked by fever-like symptoms. Recognizing the need to prioritize our health, I promptly informed my supervisor, Matsuda-sensei, about my absence due to illness.
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| Rumoi Municipal Hospital |
Following breakfast, we embarked on a trip to Rumoi Municipal Hospital for a thorough check-up. Upon our arrival, it became evident that many others were seeking similar medical attention. Surprisingly, the other ALT, Joshua, was among the familiar faces in the bustling hospital.
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| Ella and Kai are both down with a fever |
Our hospital visit extended beyond half of the day, with the results revealing a mix of relief and concern. Fortunately, our daughter, Ella, tested negative, but our little Kai, unfortunately, tested positive. Thankfully, it wasn't COVID. Given the circumstances, my wife and I opted out of testing, considering the prolonged duration it would entail and the increased risk of exposure.
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| Nishimatsuya - Rumoi |
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| We bought food at 711 Minamimachi before going back home |
Post the medical procedures, we swiftly made our way to Nishimatsuya to secure essential supplies for Kai. The thoughtful purchase of baby food, meant to facilitate the administration of his medicine, was an essential part of our plan. In an attempt to simplify our day, we grabbed a quick late lunch from the 711 at Minamimachi before returning home.
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| These are the medicines that we got |
Given our ongoing health concerns, we decided to call it an early day. However, before doing so, I responsibly informed Matsuda-sensei that I would be extending my sick leave to tomorrow. Both my wife and I are "presumed positive," warranting another day of rest and recovery.
Day 771: December 12, 2023
Tuesday – Sick Leave D2
It’s a cloudy -4-degree day. I’m on another sick leave today as I’m still feeling unwell. That morning, my supervisor called me to ask how I was. I told him that I would go to Rumoi Municipal Hospital to have myself checked “for peace of mind”.
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| Second visit to Rumoi Municipal Hospital this week |
Hence, after eating breakfast, I drove alone to Rumoi Municipal Hospital. Like yesterday, there were a lot of people seeking medical attention. Thankfully, I was one of the first to arrive, hence I was able to see the doctor earlier compared to yesterday.
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| Headed to MaxValu to buy some food |
Like my children yesterday, I wasn’t spared from the swabbing. I had to wait for about 30 minutes for the result. Thankfully, it was negative. Before heading back home, I made a brief stop at MaxValu to buy some food.
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| Medicine time for Kai |
When I got back home, I spent the afternoon sleeping. I only got up to eat dinner, bond with Ella and Kai, and then take a shower before sleeping again. Hopefully, I’ll be in tip-top shape tomorrow for my school trip.
Day 772: December 13, 2023
Wednesday – Obira
It’s a snowy Wednesday morning. I woke up without any symptoms of the flu, and since I tested negative yesterday, it only means that I’m fit enough to report for work. For today’s school visit, I’m heading to Obira Special Needs School. It’s my first visit for the School Year 2023-2024. For this trip, I paid in cash.
A visit to Onishika Itsukushima Shrine
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| Obira Itsukushima Shrine |
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| Obira Special Needs School 12.14.23 |
Before going to school, I made a quick stop at Onishika Itsukushima Shrine to offer some personal prayers.
Here’s my workload for today:
3rd period – Christmas in the Philippines @ 3rd year of Okubo-sensei
5th period – Food of the World @ 2nd year of Tomoki-sensei
6th period – Christmas in the Philippines @ 1st year of Saito-sensei
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| Thank you for the Christmas gifts! |
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| I also got a personalized wooden ID from Obira Special Needs School |
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| Here's my lunch for today |
Today’s visit was extra special as my students gave me an early Christmas gift, which is plates and a specialized wooden ID that they made in school. Aside from that, the 1st year students also gave me Christmas-themed origami as a gift.
Day 773: December 14, 2023
Thursday – Embetsu
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| Embetsu Agricultural High School 12.14.23 |
It’s a very windy day today. Although it’s just -3 degrees, the wind made it feel super freezing. While walking to work, my ears were so numb that I thought that they had already fallen out. Speaking of work, for today’s school visit, I’m heading to Embetsu Agricultural High School. It’s my 21st visit for the School Year 2023 – 2024. For this trip, I used my 2-day Moekko Free Ticket.
Here’s my workload for today:
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| Project presentation from the 2A class |
4th period – Project Presentation @ 2A & B classes of Sasaki-sensei
6th period – Listening Activity @ 3rd year of Sasaki-sensei
That evening, Matsuda-sensei drove to my place to give me some files related to my house rent.
Day 774: December 15, 2023
Friday – Tomamae
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| Tomamae Commercial High School 12.15.23 |
Just like that, it’s already the last day of my work week. Like the majority of my Friday school visits, I’m heading to Tomamae Commercial High School. It’s my 23rd visit for the School Year 2023 – 2024. For this trip, I used my 2-day Moekko Free Ticket.
Here’s my workload for today:
2nd period – Treasure Hunt: America @ 2nd year of Matsushita-sensei
Overall, after several days of being sick, I'm finally back to work. It's the first time in my history here as an ALT that I didn't visit Rumoi High School during a work week. Regardless, I was able to visit Obira Special Needs School, Embetsu Agricultural High School, and Tomamae Commercial High School.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 111
Moekko Free Ticket 15th Season
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Japan Diaries 4: Week 110
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 110
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Japan Diaries 4: Week 112
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 112
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