A conference call (in Japanese??!)

Tonight I joined an online conference call with another ALT and our Japanese friend/tutor. At first, I mostly listened as they spoke in Japanese about their day and plans for the weekend. (I'd say I understood 90% of what they said!) Then I put in my 2 cents (about my isogashii (busy) day, what I ate for dinner, and that I'm preparing for next week's conference in Tokyo for all the JETs staying a 2nd year.) I was so encouraged to realize that yes, I have learned a lot of Japanese since arriving ten months ago. Experiences like tonight help balance out days like Tuesday when, at the coffee shop, I almost walked out in tears because I couldn't understand the woman asking, "For here or to go?" and "What would you like to drink?"