AUGUST 2021

A lot can change in a month. Let’s get into it. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by another track from Doja Cat, Get Into It (Yuh), from her new album Planet Her. ADJUSTMENT – UNDER THE SONORAN SUN Three weeks. That’s how long I’ve been back in the Western hemisphere. While that may […]

JULY 2021 – PART II

Welcome to July Part II! Less than a week until I return to America and I’m consumed by a maelstrom of competing emotions. What else is new? SONG INSPIRATION This blog is inspired by Doja Cat’s “Roll with Us” from her album, Amala. LEAVING / RETURNING It doesn’t feel like I just left America. I […]

JULY 2021 – PART I

Ah, I’m feeling refreshed after taking last week off from work. July heralds the last leg of my journey as an assistant language teacher in Japan. I can’t believe this wonderful life experience is already coming to an end. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Doja Cat’s “Streets (Stilettos Remix)”. JAPAN – ONE […]

JUNE 2021

Another month, another state of emergency. Unfortunately, there’s an increase in covid cases in Japan and much of Asia. As a result, things are pretty restricted at the moment – malls closed, entertainment venues shuttered, no alcohol served, and restricted restaurant hours. Thankfully, mask wearing continues to be universal. And this month’s blog is short […]

MAY 2021

What in tarnation? On the one hand, I can’t believe it’s been another month. On the other hand, it feels like it’s been two months. Heads up – today’s subjects are heavier (and more abstract) than usual. I apologize if my thoughts aren’t conveyed as concise as I’d like. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is […]

APRIL 2021

After a two-week break, I’m feeling refreshed. The weather is warming up, the cherry blossoms are blooming, and spring is in the air. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Regardless by Mansa from the Cannon Busters soundtrack composed by Bradley Denniston. NEW SCHOOL YEAR New school. New year. The Japanese school year runs […]

March 2021

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 […]

February 2021

After months of delays, bureaucratic red tape, endless packing, and a frantic dash across the sea, I’ve finally started losing quarantine pounds. Wait. No. I’ve finally moved to Japan! Long blog alert! SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by “Feel A Way” by H.E.R. JAPAN – THE FLIGHT The 3 connecting flights to Japan […]

JANUARY 2021

I struggled to write this. Not because of the state of the states, but because it’s unclear where I will be in my life when I post this. Warning: this is a reflective blog. Onward! SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Monica’s “Everytime Tha Beat Drop”. 2021 We can cancel the free trial. […]

DECEMBER 2020

Ho ho ho! Merry whatever-the-hell-this-holiday-season-is. Let’s jump right into the final blog of the year. SONG INSPIRATION The inspiration for this blog is NOT a holiday related song, but instead My Hood by Ray Blk (ft. Stormzy). CHRISTMAS 2020 I know many of you celebrate other holidays this time of year and some may celebrate […]