Japan so far.

Sorry I haven't blogged about Japan yet.. but I've been concentrating on understanding my surroundings and getting acclimated to my environment. Luckily, I missed the worst of summer and Fall is arriving. The humidity has subsided and the cicadas have gone back into hiding (kinda).

I'm finding my place at Ichikashi. The teachers treat me like a colleague instead of a college student. I'm handling 2 and 3 year classes in tandem with the other ALT Geoff, but I see myself killing time in our office for at least half the day. I'm using the time, however, to grow and learn everyday. I see myself doing a lot more reading and planning. I love that.

As much as I miss home, I love the fact that I have my own place. My own kitchen. My own furniture. My own bills. I'm free from distractions and addictions and finding this solitary lifestyle refreshing from the pace of college life. It gives me time to tinker with my toys (currently: my d90 and my newly acquired mpk25). It forces me to learn how to cook (I love the food here). It allows me to plan out my days, my weekends, and any future endeavors. Even the convenience of a dryer is gone, and now I have to gauge what day of the week the sun will be the brightest.

As the weeks pass, I grow to appreciate my family, my girlfriend, and my colleagues. I love all, but trust few, nowadays. Actions speak louder than words in most cases and I'm trying to live with that in mind, for myself and for others.

Time is passing quickly, and I'm trying not miss a step. One at a time, and hopefully I'll reach the end of the staircase.