TOKYO -

For many of us, there comes a moment in our lives of such tremendous joy that we say to ourselves, “This is it. It does not get any better than this.”

If you’re an athlete, maybe you’ve just thrown the game-winning touchdown pass as time expires in Super Bowl XLIV.

If you’re an actress, maybe you’re receiving a standing ovation in Central Park after your debut performance as Lady MacBeth.

If you’re an average John, maybe you’ve just inhaled a fistful of cocaine in a bathroom stall at the Classy Cat.

Regardless of what the exact moment is, the Reaper could come for you at any time thereafter and all would be fine. You could leave this world without the faintest hint of regret, knowing that you’ve now lived a full and complete life.

This is a story of such a moment. (more…)

NEW YORK, NY-

1)  More pretending I’m a doctor.

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OTAKO, JAPAN-

It’s no secret that learning a foreign language is a challenging and painstaking process. (more…)

OTAKO, JAPAN-

So yesterday was Halloween and therefore our chance to give the kiddies a taste of authentic American culture.

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OTAKO, JAPAN-

Being pretty much alone in Japan has given me a lot of time for introspection, and what I’ve come up with over the past few weeks is a list of things about Johnny Box that makes my stomach sick.

So here it is: (more…)

OTAKO, JAPAN-

There are some aspects to teaching that I’m finding are really beneficial. While I can’t say that I’m really enjoying teaching (read babysitting (read spending 50 minute clips of my life trying not to get hit in the balls)),

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OTAKO, JAPAN-

Mr. Dave, our heavy-set, super-enthusiastic American supervisor,

(like this, but heavier)

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OTAKO, JAPAN-

The first week of September was my first vacation and it could not have come any sooner. In just my first 30 days I have already spent five of them teaching.

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NEW YORK-

This past Saturday, an oven-hot bastard of a day, I ventured into New York City to attend the BookExpo America at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

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OTAKO, JAPAN-

As part of my training, I observed Trevor tonight. It was my first time watching an 8^th grade class, which will be the 2^nd oldest group of kids that I’m to teach.

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OTAKO, JAPAN-

Kanazawa-san, my boss, took Trevor and me to Bero Bero, a Japanese restaurant/bar, for a welcome-to-Japan drink and for me to get a taste of first-rate traditional Japanese food.

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OTAKO, JAPAN-

Today was my 3^rd day in Otako and my 1^st day of training.

I woke up bright and early and hopped on my bicycle, which is surprisingly cool considering it has a basket attached to the front handle bars, a banana seat, and is neon orange.

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NEW YORK CITY-

The economy in New York City in early 2003 was in shambles and it was nearly impossible to land a job.

This was especially true if you had no skills, qualifications, direction, or desire to work.

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