DECEMBER 2021

Last blog of another forsaken year. While things might have been great on a personal level, the world is in a state of flux. And I have no more flux to give. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Doja Cat’s “Ride” from her album, Planet Her. THANKSGIVING RECAP After nearly 2 years, I […]

NOVEMBER 2021

This week gave me whiplash, leaving me readier than ever for a break. Lectures, meetings, interviews – oh my! SONG INSPIRATION This week’s blog is inspired by Doja Cat’s track – All Nighter – from her 2018 album, Amala. THANKSGIVING 2021 If you ask me, I’m ready. It’s been 2 years since I’ve been home […]

October 2021

Here we are again – on a path toward good times and grievances. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by Megan Thee Stallion’s “Cognac Queen”. A BEACH OF MIND Folks, I got some much-needed R&R on a beach in the Yucutan. I’d dreamt about sitting – well, lying – idle on a beach under […]

SEPTEMBER 2021

In the last month, I’ve rediscovered good sleep, dry heat, and how to drive on a freeway. It’s always a mixed bag during societal and environmental collapse. Let’s get into it. SONG INSPIRATION This month’s blog is inspired by a throwback, Bow Wow’s 2005 “Let Me Hold You”. Completely forgot this song existed, but immediately […]

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 […]