The elementary school I work at here in Tokyo has a cafeteria. That’s a bit of a rarity as many schools just have their lunches in the classroom. Sometimes I bring my own lunch and eat in the staff room, but most days I opt for the school lunch. I’m not a fan of all … More Little Lunches
When I was growing up one of the last things I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a teacher. It both was and wasn’t surprising. After all, not only is my mom a teacher, and a wonderful one at that, but a majority of my extended family either are currently teachers, involved … More A Downside of Teaching
I’m sitting on a train cruising through Tokyo. There is a mist of rain falling and even that amount can cause trains to slow down. I’m using that time to continue to ponder how to make this year a more successful year than the last. This isn’t a slight against what was earned last year, … More Keeping Plans Moving
To celebrate my first day back at my regular job, let’s take a look at a card that essentially revolves around teamwork. 3 of Pentacles When drawn this card indeed suggests that the way forward lies in teamwork, but in order to make use of that teamwork you also need both skill and planning. Great … More Tarot Tuesday: 3 of Pentacles
I am unbelievably late to this party. Generally speaking I try and see the Marvel movies soon after opening. I made sure to see Endgame its opening night. It helps to avoid spoilers and all that. But, for a few reasons I did not get around to seeing Far From Home for ages. In fact, … More The One Thing About Spider-Man: Far From Home I didn’t Like
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you might have seen that 2020 has not been off to the best of starts. Some of those issues have been resolved. Others are still out there baring their teeth, But, despite that I am constantly reminded that I am very fortunate. I write this after … More The Center Holds
One of the things I like about writing fiction, is that you are never quite sure where it is going to take you. Case in point: several months ago I finished the first draft of a new novel. I liked it, but didn’t love it. I knew it had some problems, but sent it out … More Writing Detours
On a personal level, 2020 has not been the smoothest year to enter. Basically from the moment the year started both of my darling children came down with the flu. The good parent in me is just happy that all things considered it wasn’t that heavy for either of them. It could always be worse. … More Keep Positive, Me.
Almost every day I fight the the good fight of turning a blank page into one covered in words. In my head I refer to it as the battle to turn blank to black. Sometimes I win this battle. Some days I just can’t find the time and the blank page wins. It feels like … More Take Writing Risks
I’m not sure if the following anecdote is an insight into life in Japan or not. It happened here in Japan, and it does feel like something that belongs here. But, then again, as it get older and deal with my kids I enter grounds that I have no point of reference for. Maybe the … More The Paper Chase
