J'aime mes étudiants: Retroactive Post

I had a sorta crappy day at work yesterday, mostly because I had my last class with 25HR for the school year, but rather than feeling a sense of closure, it felt anti-climactic, disingenuous, and ultimately unsatisfying. But today more than made up for it, when I got back my ninensei students' last assignments. I had wanted them to either write an essay in English or make a poster about their reflections and memories of this last school year and their goals for the next one, and they just blew me away. Sure, the English isn't perfect, but these kids are absolutely amazing. It makes me happy to know that I'm was their teacher. Now, on to the next set of kids...

International Thoughts: Retroactive post from LiveJournal

Prompted by reading Time, BBC, IHT, and NY Times articles for the last few days, I've been struck by a few differences between America and the rest of the world. I'll preface this by saying that I've only recently moved from the US, and while I wouldn't say that I'm anti-American, I've realized that it is not the place I plan nor even want to live for the next big chunk of my life.

So today, I read a few articles about the economic growth of certain Chinese cities and the dissatisfaction that many Japanese people feel despite the economic growth in it's country. They reminded me of the shortcomings of capitalism in creating happy citizens, something that I've read time and time again. I think another ideological battle is due in the future, it doesn't surprise me Islam is growing at the rate that it is. People are looking for other alternatives for their lifestyles.

I'm not saying that I don't participate in the capitalist cycle, just saying that it makes me want to be more aware and active in making a change. The other thing that struck me was that in America, we focus so much on one another's race, even if it is in a positive sense, whereas in other countries like China for instance, the emphasis is placed on wealth. The more material wealth you display determines how people behave and react around you. Obviously this makes sense, because the level of ethnic diversity is much greater in the US than in countries like China or Japan.

Anyway, not necessarily sure how I feel about that, just thought it was something to note.

My Book Recommendation: Retroactive Post

So today, I caught a glimpse of this headline in the NY Times: "Not Enough Snow for You? Do-it-yourselfers with snow machines are taking the weather into their own hands." and immediately thought of Ishmael, a book I've reread several times in the last seven years. If you've never read it, here's a link to a good review of it. Ishmael Review. Once you read it, you'll understand exactly why this headline made me think of it.

I guess I'm writing this because I'm worried about the state of things in the world. This headline might not seem like a big deal, except that you link it to the obvious changes in the weather patterns all around the world due to increased global warming and you realize that we're buying into the 'myth.' Luckily articles about how the EU is pushing to make cars reduce their carbon emissions and incentives for being Hybrid car owners show that of us are starting to wake up and decide that they want to change. Anyway, I don't want to sound like I'm preaching, just taking note that sometimes we need to reassess our priorities every once in a while. And if you're interested, here's a great book to read in your spare time.

My Love City: Retroactive Post

God, I love being in Nagoya. I came here yesterday right from work and the minute that I got onto the platform at Nagoya station, I could feel this overwhelming sense of relief pass through my body. Like this is where I belong. It's like that every time I go back. I thought that that would be how I felt when I went back to Seattle this Christmas break, but I didn't. I guess that reinforces my recent realization that Seattle no longer feels like home. I mean, don't get me wrong, I still love that city and being with my friends and family is awesome, but it's no longer the same. I don't see it with the same eyes anymore. It just makes it easier to decide to move to Europe after this.

Anyway, I came out here because I wanted to see Chika before she heads out to Europe tomorrow morning for a month, but I now, I feel like I wish I hadn't, because it shows me just how much I love being here. Everything is familar in the way that Seattle is, but it's also still very foreign. Add to that that not only is one of my best friends here, but my aunt and uncle. Tonight, we had dinner and were drinking together with some of their friends, and it felt just like hanging out with my own friends at my house. I really love my Tita Elvie and Otosan. It almost makes me regret signing my contract for another year. I wish I could spend more time here than just a couple days at a time. I would give anything to be able to live in this city for another few months.

*Sigh* Oh well, the world changes and you've just got to roll with the punches, right? Here's to the future...