first day of school

Today marks the first full day at one of my schools. So far, things have been going smoothly. I got here around 7:45am with my suit and messenger bag...right away the principal came outside when he saw pull into the school's driveway on my bike. I went and changed into my nice clothes (even though I was told that I didn't need to) and had a second to catch my breath before introducing myself to the staff. This was only a short speech so I gave it in Japanese. The teachers seemed to appreciate the effort. Then, I was escorted into the gym where all of the students (around 350) were lined up in rows facing the main stage. After a brief song, everyone stood up and the principal addressed them. I was told that a student was going to introduce me but I think the gym teacher ended up doing it. I gave my speech to the students and was surprised by how easy it was to do...not that I'm unfamiliar with public speaking, but this was my first time doing it in Japan. I did, however, forget to bow after both of my speeches. I actually apologized to the principal after coming back into the staff room but I'm sure I really didn't need to. The rest of my time here today will be spent eating lunch with the students, 'settling in' a bit, and then coaching a student in a speech contest after school. Tonight I think I'm going to ride my bike to a food co-op that Jill and I went to last night and then get another pair of school/work pants at a nearby store. Today is also my first payday so I'm feeling very good about that. Oh, one other thing to mention is that while one of my supervisors (Miyamoto-san) and I were talking we discovered a shared love of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young...I think he wants to hang out this weekend and watch a Neil Young DVD. I guess you never know what people are into unless you ask.