After two weeks of no real Japanese use I found myself standing in a row with the rest of the teachers at the entrance ceremony. Black slacks and a nice denim button up, I didn’t quite meet the suits requirement. But then again, I’m not often told of these things ahead of time. The entire ceremony I bounced in my seat— unable to relax— as it always is for me with this type of stuff.

It’s in those moments where I wonder if I have some form of ADD or if it’s a mix of nerves and boredom. I got through my introduction to the parents and PTA without issue. Stepping back into the row and soon pulled into the gym clean up.

The day passed under an open blue sky. Occasionally high winds would whip through the athletic field and scream in the cracks of the windows and doors.

No classes due to the ceremony so I walked the grounds.

Later at my desk my head bounced like an unruly yo-yo as the teacher meeting lasted over an hour. Completely in Japanese and containing no pertinent responsibilities, I did my best to not head all the way into dreamland. The passages I wrote in my notebook showed the quick descent into scribble to prove otherwise.

The taxi ride home and the willful choice to immediately fall into bed after showed it wasn’t just post-carb fatigue or linguistic inspired cerebral duress.

The speakers rang for six pm and I returned to the world.

The stuck gum feel to my eyelids reminded me sleep deprivation shouldn’t be mixed with an immersive language experience. Not that either are within my immediate control.

As I pull out my mattress again for the night, I hope the walls remain quiet and my sleep sound.