an entry somewhere else

The semester finally began this week albeit in a limited form. In addition to the classes I teach at the language center, I was scheduled to teach three other classes this week. I taught one of the three due to unforeseen circumstances. The Applied Linguistics class I was to teach is an elective and merely an extra class and extra work for the students. No one showed up. My native language ‘assistant’ or co-lecturer went to the first meeting and waited for 45 minutes before sending me an SMS regarding the turnout. We’ll try again this week. The reading class I was to teach was cancelled due to a seminar called by the Chair of the English Department. Evidently, a famous Indonesian author was speaking about something. I did sit down in the room for a bit but left after 15 minutes. My Indonesian isn’t good enough for that. The Teaching Methods class was interesting. About 35 students showed for the first day. I recognized a few from other classes and had a crazy time the first day. The levels of the students was higher than I had expected. There were a few really great questions and I have a great feeling about the class this semester even though there is an abundance of Friday holidays. This semester.

Friday also marked the day of my helmet being stolen. I was simply following the example of my workmates and leaving my helmet with my motorbike when not in use. I was an easy mark. Following this, I admit to unleashing the filthiest English words that I have used in a long time. The Indonesian staff who recognized the words laughed outright at me. The entire office staff, each in their own way, then told me I should not leave my helmet with my motorbike. Yeah, I figured that out. I bought a new helmet today and the owner recognized me and asked about the helmet. I told him it was stolen and he told me not to leave it with my motorbike. I think I learned my lesson one second after realizing it was stolen.