Time flies when you’re busy and exhausted all of the time.
SONG INSPRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Megan Thee Stallion’s “Cry Baby”.
JAPAN – UPDATES
Another 4 weeks in Japan means another 4 weeks of teaching elementary and middle school and students English. The job remains engaging and my primary JTEs (Japanese Teachers of English) have treated me wonderfully. Plus, the school lunch is bomb (partly because I’m eating <1800 calories per day and everything tastes amazing). That said, monotony is setting in. While this job is teaching me a lot about teacher-student interactions, secondary education, and my role as an educator, it is also teaching me a lot about my employment preferences. I’m learning what type of work I enjoy, what type of work environment(s) I prefer, and what I want to do next. I know I couldn’t do this job (or similar jobs) for multiple years – it lacks certain flexibilities and freedoms that are more available at the collegiate level. Regardless, I’m grateful to have this experience, which has provided the opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese culture and spark some internal reflection.
Japan continues to live up to my expectations. I love the public transportation, the food, the people, the history, and many aspects of the culture. I’m hoping to travel a little more as cases continue to decline and vaccines roll out. That’s already easier here due to near universal mask wearing. The school year ends in two weeks and then we have a two-week break. A perfect opportunity to do some relaxing, writing, and ‘sploring (Rugrats reference anyone?). My social life has also improved in the last month. As expected, I’ve found a few people to connect with and I’m hoping to nurture those connections in the coming months.
MANUSCRIPT (THE SECOND)
I’ve submitted the first round of revisions for my second manuscript (the first of my three dissertation chapters) after two months of grueling progress. While I do expect to receive some additional feedback, I think I’ve addressed the major concerns and suggestions. I still have two more manuscripts to submit, but I’m awaiting edits from my co-authors. So, I’m taking the next few weeks off. I’ll resume work on my third manuscript over spring break.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND FRUSTRATION
One of the issues I’ve encountered in the last two years, especially since we’ve been in a fucking panini, are the negative side effects of social media, specifically Twitter. I joined Twitter over a decade ago and largely ceased activity at the start of grad school 8 years ago. I rejoined as grad school came to an end and I began the job search. While I’m largely in agreement with the people I follow, academic twitter can be a negative, whiny, and soul-crushing place. It’s great to be aware of the injustices in the world and fight for social issues, but when it comes at the cost of your psychological health maybe it’s time to reassess. The incessant need to post every detail and thought no matter how personal or negative has never sat well with me. When added to the existential crises of a global panny, utter absence of human compassion, and rise of fascist stupidity, it’s enough to drive a preacher wild. Sorry, Contagious reference. I’ve decided this is a perfect time to severely reduce my Twitter usage and prune my social media. The amended adage proves true – a little ignorance is bliss.
All of this is driving a lot of frustration. But it’s spurred some much-needed self-reflection. There are behaviors and habits that I’m losing patience with especially as my priorities, and resulting world view, change with experience. When I return to America, I don’t expect myself to have the same perspectives as when I left. I do expect, however, to return with a greater understanding of what makes me tick, who I am as a person, and what sort of people (and perspectives) I value.
CURRENT SHOWS
Recently finished: B the Beginning (s1); Bob’s Burgers (s6-7); Knightfall (s1-2); Ratched; Special
Currently watching: Bob’s Burgers (s8); Terrace House 2019-2020
Thank you for reading! My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, April 8th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 