Thanks boss

Though classes wont start again until the 10th, my contract required that I "work" several days at the Board of Education office during the winter break. I say "work", as I have nothing to do except sit at a desk and put in face time. Wednesday I attempted to do some studying and write some letters, but the internet kept distracting me (for seven hours straight? is this possible?). It wouldn't be so terrible, but the BOE employees are not exactly what I call engaging / warm / friendly. Oh sure a few of the women serve me tea and coffee and ask what I will have for lunch (always a point of curiosity at my schools as well) but most (especially my direct supervisor and the head boss/superintendent) are cold and quiet. The boss has spoken a total of perhaps 4 words to me since our initial meeting in August (and we played 18 holes of golf together!).

Last Wednesday, shortly before I fulfilled my face time quota for the day, my supervisor invited me to the BOE 2006 New Year Party, to be held that evening. I begrudgingly accepted, expecting a rather boring evening, but feeling rather obligated to attend. Yet, the "enkai", or office/work group party, is where Japanese let their hair down a bit, so I supposed it might be a chance to get to know some of them better.

In fact, my expectations were correct and I spent the most of the evening ignored by the others. With the exception of the tea/coffee-pouring-office lady sitting next to me, who was kind enough to talk to me about all 14 of the courses in front of us, and the pre-school teacher who thanked me for playing Santa Claus, for most of the meal no one said much to me. Not one to waste an opportunity, I feasted continuously for about 90 minutes, deftly managing my chopsticks with sashimi, nabe, tempura, oysters, fish, osechi, Japanese pudding (Ive forgotten the name), rice, miso soup, and more.

As the winter weather was quite severe and many had to drive home, the party ended, thankfully, quite early. Near the end though, one spirited gentleman came over to say Happy New Year and pour me some sake. I of course accepted, we chatted briefly, and then he went back to his seat. Minutes later, I decided to return the favor (the custom in Japan is to never pour for yourself, as it makes others feel bad for not noticing your glass is empty; when you've had enough, you leave your glass no less than 3/4 full). After I had filled his cup several times, our talk turned to fishing and he got very excited, and quite friendly. Assuming I had had as much as him, he said "tomorrow, hangover eh?". I replied that I was in good shape and that tomorrow would be work as usual for me. I am not sure of his position, but he must carry some weight, because he immediate called over to the superintendet, also drinking heavily, and said matter of factly, "Hey, Mr. Michael is taking the day off tomorrow." The boss, without really agknowledging me, agreed to it and went about his sake. Arigatou Gozaimasu.

Anyway, the next day I spent holed up in my apartment surfing the internet.