I started my first day in second class today. The teacher is very young, her name is Miss Rankin. The kids were cute and I had a good time. Miss Rankin offered to let me teach a few lessons this week! I found out some very exciting news! The teachers have no dress code! Miss Rankin was even wearing a "track suit." You best believe I'll be wearing jeans tomorrow. She said as long as I wear something "smart" I'll be fine. This expands my wardrobe a great deal, which is lovely because I have a limited amount here.
Second class also gives "news" each day. The kids each go around and tell a story about their weekend. I can't believe they allow the students to do this, it takes up so much time (about 30 minutes) and they already go to school for quite a bit less time than I'm used to. School is about 5 and a half hours long here. One of the boys' news today was that his hockey team lost this weekend "7 to nill." Another boy mentioned that his grandparents who live on a boat came to visit. He said they don't have a house, they just live on a boat. I've never heard of this. Another student said he celebrated his grandfather's birthday this weekend. Miss Rankin asked, "Is he old," and the boy answered, "I prefer the word ancient. He's 80!" I thought that was hilarious. Even funnier when you add the accent with it.
I learned today that the form of cursive they use is quite a bit different than ours. I'll have to take some pictures and upload them.
Some kids were talking about loose teeth today. One girl's was on the verge of falling out, I totally wanted to do it for her but she wouldn't let me. She didn't even want to speak of it. They call them "wobbly" teeth.
At the school they have two "lunches." One break is about 15 minutes long. They take one "piece" of lunch outside with them. Then they have class for another hour and a half, then they go back outside to play and eat the second half of their lunch. This break is 30 minutes long. It is very interesting.
The kids have a second set of uniforms I didn't know about. I totally wish I could wear them because they look delightfully comfy. There wear navy hoodies with yellow stripes down the sleeves, and navy sweatpants.
Some interesting names in second class:
Girls: Hazel
Boys: Daragh (D-air-a), Maximus, Declan, Oisin (Oyshin)
The kids were talking today about how they want to teach me some Irish. I would love to learn! Each time they are having their Irish lesson I feel totally worthless because I am able to provide zero help.
We actually got out an hour early today because the girls hockey team had a big game. I had planned to go to the post office, the library, and I was just going to piddle around for a couple of hours, but right as school got out it started raining again. I decided to catch the bus, and I almost missed it! Yes, I was that girl running to the bus stop. The bus almost pulled away, but a nice young boy held the bus door open and let the bus driver know I was coming. Phew, he saved me 45 minutes in the rain. What a nice boy. As I was running I was dropping change and my umbrella was flying everywhere. Am I allowed to feel sorry for myself?
When I got home I had TWO letters that had come in the mail! They are from two of my Indiana students. If you're reading this, thanks girls! You really made my day:)
Steve had just made a pot of tea, so he prepared some for me. I don't know what it is, but he prepares the most delicious tea there is.
Right now I want to relax and watch Jason and Molly's wedding (Bachelor), but apparently you can only watch it if you are in the United States. Darn. It isn't raining anymore, so I could go out and do something, but I'm feeling lazy today. My feet and legs hurt terribly due to all the walking I did this weekend. I think I just want to stay in and curl up in a ball.
Things I learned today, and some randoms:
-A person with a typical job in Ireland receives 40 days of break each year! That must be so nice. Things here are at a much slower pace and people seem to relax and enjoy themselves more.
-"That's smashing!" is a common term for teachers to use when kids do a great job
-"Not to worry" is a common phrase here
-Instead of calling it a "last name" they call it a "second name"
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