all work and no play makes jack a dull boy

Today I worked at a brand new branch, one that opened just last month.

I was the only teacher working there today. It was pretty empty. As in: although I did about 50 minutes worth of work introducing new students, I spent no time actually teaching. This might have something to do with the fact that, of all the student files I could find, the highest was labelled "5". (In case you're wondering, they start at "1".) And even then, I think someone might be padding the numbers, because I found no evidence of a file for student #3.

This isn't to say that it was the best of all possible days. I noticed that new English conversation schools have a characteristic smell, much like the smell of new cars, which I hate. Also, a very good way to develop a healthy appreciation for the services of radios, CD players, and the like, is to spend 6+ hours doing mostly mindless busy work without any musical accompaniment. (The background tunes at reception included a muzak version of Bohemian Rhapsody, which made me very happy, but it was sadly inaudible from the teacher's room.)

And it was lonely, so very lonely.

Of course, I get to repeat this every Saturday. I wonder if the receptionist (who is named Mika) would notice if I replaced myself with a blow-up doll (not particularly difficult to acquire in Tokyo)?