Office

I never knew what to expect in the teacher's room at school, but I'm starting to slowly figure it out. There's always tons of fresh tea (if you don't pass out getting to it through the cigarette smoke), lots of delicious omiyage from all over Japan, and a neverending supply of pink chalk. Not understanding a word anyone says certainly keys you into roles around the office, too. Here is a run down of some of the typical personalities I deal with on a daily basis.

Women:
* In Charge Woman: Short and feisty, this lady has just as much clout as the men in charge, or it would seem. Too bad she has to serve them tea. Always gives you the leftover cookie.
* Sweet Teacher: Laid back, kind, and always helping out the moron who squirts half-empty milk cartons all over the table (that'd be me.)
* The woman who talks way too loud and repeats herself....constantly. One of my offices has two and they sit together.
* Stressed Out Lady: Too busy to do anything but be hurried and frantic all the time. Man, can she walk fast. She will get you whatever you need if you can flag her down.

Men:
* Kocho/Kyoto Sensei: These guys are in charge, typically really nice and straightforward. They usually like to try their English on you.
* Cocky Smoker Guy: Knows how to say, "You are so cute and young" in English and nothing else.
* Sweet and Helpful Dude: Usually a Social Studies teacher, always helping to explain things. Prolly feels sorry for you because the leader of your country is an idiot.
* Extra Shy Man: Never going to talk/look/glance/or even walk by the ALT. Typically young. Sweet when he has to approach you for something, though. (One of mine looks like the Japanese version of Napoleon Dynamite without the curly hair. He sounds like him too. I'm not kidding, just writing about him makes me giggle.)