Japan bound... stayin' positive

So I got the call on Friday morning. AEON had given me what they call a conditional offer. Now what that means is that I am pretty much on their waiting list, hoping that something will open up during the time I want to leave.

"We do want to hire you and for you to become a part of our company, we just don't have any positions open for when you want to leave..."

So, I'm on their waiting list. Waiting for a position to open up sometime between mid-August and December. I asked what the chances were for a position to open up, and he said that there obviously aren't any guarantees, but with the way things work, something should turn up. So yea, if all goes to plan and there becomes an opening during that time, I will be on my way to Japan at the end of the year... quite exciting, yea??

It still hasn't quite sunk yet. I go about my day and forget about it completely until someone brings it up in conversation, or if I see anything Japanese. For me, I feel it's the fact I am on that waiting list. Until I hear back from them giving me the final offer, I won't really have that full 100% feeling. Don't get me wrong though. I'm so very positive in thinking that there will be something that will open up.  Although I feel I am very optimisitic, I do have a pessimistic point of view on things at times. I feel that i'm right in the middle when it comes to these things, leaning more towards being optimistic. I do understand that shit happens and things don't always work out how you want them to be. But, quite honestly, if all else fails and AEON does not have an opening, I will just have to apply to another company. The fact that I got the call back from AEON telling me that they want to hire me, gives me so much motivation to the fact that everything will come together in the end... it always does.  

The whole process concerning AEON has got me thinking a lot lately, especially about how I live my life. I remember a time when I would criticize so many things. I had that "hater" mentality. Yea, i've still got it, but in no way am I remotely close to how I used to be. Someone once told me that in order to live a happier life, we must be glad/happy about the small things that come our way (i.e. a sunny day, having a productive day, spending time with friends/family, etc.). I never paid too much attention to that saying til a couple of weeks ago. The day of my personal interview with AEON was a happy day. I was happy simply because I was productive, it was sunny outside, and I was spending time with good friends. I didn't think too much about how the interview went, my own issues i'm dealing with back here at home, etc. I feel like i'm preaching to the choir by saying all of this.  I feel like we've all been told these things, and yet have never actually practiced this lifestyle. Why is it that people get soooo mad over shit that doesn't concern them, or if it does, why do they get so angry and hold grudges, or dwell in that moment? I understand that it is a part of a persons emotional well being to be able to express their thoughts and feelings. But, if those certain feelings make one become so ill-tempered, why do we tend to dwell in that state of mind for such a long period of time? Obviously it is easier said than done, but who says it can't be done? I'm sure there are certain rebuttles concerning this thought, but I can't think of one. I'm sitting here thinking of any type of situation where it would be adequate for someone to dwell in such anger, sadness, or bitterness for a long time. Basically what i'm trying to say is... really try to not dwell so much in negative thoughts/feelings/etc for too long. Because if you do, it will not only affect you, but those around you. In turn, take the necessary time to express your feelings, and move on. Saying "move on" I feel is such a harsh term when talking about situations where one would be sad. Switch those thoughts into something positive. I can assure you, that you will live a more pleasant life. I have. Trust me when I say I have my own fair share of issues and problems that I deal with. When I do think about that shit at times, it quickly brings me down and discourages me from doing a lot of things. It's simply amazing the power of positivity when its implemented into ones life...

A new realization i've had, is that being home is preparing me for my next step in life. I am learning so many more new things about myself. What I can and can not do. What I want to do. How I live my life. And plenty of other things. I continue to grow, despite not being around those who have helped me mature these past five years. I continue to use all of you for support and motivation.

Thank you Hannah and Heather. If it wasn't for you two ladies planting that seed of going to Japan in my mind, it would have never happened. Simply said, thanks for being a homie...

I think it went pretty well...

My interview to teach in Japan was this past weekend in LA. I had stayed up late, just about a week ago trying to finish an essay on "Why I wanted to live and work in Japan." Not even expecting any type of call back at least for a few weeks, I got one the next day asking me to make it to an information session/group interview that upcoming Saturday, the 17th. So next thing you know, i'm back in so cal. The intense information session was definitely something I was happy to see. They talked about so many different aspects with the job. They discussed everything in the contract stipulations, and five considerations to go through before deciding to move to Japan. A couple of the five considerations that I was very happy to hear them discuss was Financial and Family considerations. 

Financial Consideration- AEON pretty much broke it down for you when they put everything on paper concerning the costs to get there. They suggest bringing about $1,500 USD for the first couple of months, because your first big paycheck won't really come until about a month or two after you arrive in Japan.  That money would of course be for rent and cost of living for the first few months. On top of that, they're talking about clothes, airfaire, etc. They added everything up, and pretty much it would cost around $2,500 for everything. They also mentioned debt. They had asked if I had accumulated any debt and if I would be carrying over that debt if I would have decided to leave for Japan. Uhhhhhh, yea I have debt. I did in fact think all of this over prior to deciding to even apply. I want to become financially situated before I leave. Yea, thats a lot of money. But it shouldn't be too hard to handle this financial dilemma of mine if this is something I really want to do. I told them that. I said that is why I would not want to leave until the fall, most likely the end of August beginning of September.  I want to get everything sqwuared away before I leave. Almost leaving with a clean slate...

Family Consideration- AEON explained the importance of having your family and friends support you in your decision to move across the globe into a completely different environment.  I am lucky to have great family and friends.  The few people who fueled this thought into my mind, to the family and friends who have continued to support me whenever I tell them. Positive motivation. They began to give examples and explain this importance because there have been plenty of people who have decided to go, and bailed on the company after a few weeks/months.  Not only does that affect the person, but the company as well.  The company spent a lot of time and money to help that person get the job and transition into Japan. The recruiters began to list several situations such as family arguments, running away from problems, family health issues, etc. When they expressed their concern about family health issues, they made it clear that it was not a good idea to go if someone in the family had a serious health concern. It is for the benefit of the person to be here with their family during their time of need. "AEON has been here for over 35 years since 1973, and will continue to be here for the next 35 years and beyond. The opportunity will always be here. Your loved ones may not be..." After that line, we took a break. i overheard two people speak with the recruiters saying that they would not continue for the rest of the day because of what they said. The recruiters obviously were very understanding, but the two people were ever so grateful.  One of the interviewees said that the thought was always in the back of her mind, whether or not she should go. She thanked the recruiter for breaking it down to her, and possibly making a mistake by leaving too soon. I have no doubt that the person will be back and make it to Japan one day. I saw it in her lesson plan demonstration. I saw it when I had talked to her throughout the day. She has the passion to teach and the love to travel. She explained her reasons on going, but never once did she mention anything that would hold her back. Best of luck to you...

My lesson plan demonstration I feel went fantastic. Everything went a lot better than I had planned. I'm just happy I practiced the lesson plan with Diana and Zo before we left that morning. Thanks for the tips yo! I was able to slow down the speed of my talking and continue to have the energy needed. But... apparently I don't smile enough. I guess that can be fixed. I feel way corny smiling all the time especially when there isn't anything funny or if in a dull moment. That's the only thing the recruiter said I could have done better, other than a few things that had to do with the lesson plan itself (all minor though). 

During the personal interview, the recruiter surprised me with a task. I had to create a lesson plan based on one of their handouts and give a five minute presentation, with only ten minutes to prepare. The recruiter was to leave during those ten minutes, then when he came back he would act as a Japanese student. That shit was hard yo... I am to teach Japanese children/adults conversational English. It is really hard when they don't understand you fully or you find it difficult to explain/demonstrate what certain words mean.  All while smiling and having a high energy. It's quite difficult to keep smiling and have high energy when the person you're teaching looks at you hella dumb, with a straight face, and answers back like I had done something wrong to them. I'm not sure if it was just me, but damn... It's gonna be a rough learning experience if I get this chance. All in all, I think the personal interview portion went pretty well. I answered all the questions with carefully and with confidence. I left that interview knowing I did my best, leaving everything on the table. 

This whole process has even further solidified my decision to go to Japan. I feel like everytime I write another blog, there is just something else to write about that helps with that decision to go. I am grateful. I am happy I am still able to continue a positive outlook despite certain things going on.  I continue to stay happy because of the support I have. I am pleasantly content...

I should hear back in about two weeks...

"I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Hoping for the best... update

So it's been a few weeks since i've updated or put anything on this here blog. There have definitely been those moments these past few weeks where i've thought about putting what I was thinking into my next blog update. So here goes, another entry that should be pretty long and jump from here to there. 

A lot has happened. Christmas here in Sacramento for the first time in a long time, New Years in Irvine and a week long vacation down there, applying for Japan, and starting my new job as a tutor at a local middle school.  Christmas just didnt' feel like Christmas. Actually the holidays just didn't seem like the holidays. Couldn't really put my finger on why it felt that way, but it just did. I realized that I don't think i'll ever have the same excitement as I had when I was a child growing up.  I used to look forward to my cousins coming a day or two before Christmas and spending that time with them. Having the house full of family for several days where at the end we would almost get sick and tired of each other. No more. We all meet the day of now, see each other for a few hours then everyone seems to go on their way.  Fortunately for me, the cousins know wassup. We're all down as fuck and kick it whenever possible. It was a good thing to hear from my Grandma and aunties that they were happy we all were very close. There are 13 total grandchildren on my father's side.  The six eldest are all one year apart, i'm the second eldest. So growing up, we've always called ourselves "the six". Having my grandma and the rest of the family say how happy they were, how they hoped it never changed, and how it has influenced the younger cousins to be just as close was very uplifting.  It was the first time in a long time the six of us were able to kick it, largely due to me living in so cal for the past five years.  Overall, Christmas wasn't the same, don't ever think it will be, but definitely one to remember.

Then came the vacation. Luckily for me, Ray and Errol were nice enough to swoop me up in Sacramento from Union City before we headed to Irvine. Very grateful, thanks again homies!! Not only did I have a great New Years, but a much needed visit down there in Irvine.  It brought closure.  Although I have stated in the past that I know that I moved up here for me and all that shit, after visiting down south, it was made very clear to me.  I felt like I binged when it came to chillin. I commend those who are able to maintain their lifestyle while still working hard.  I myself am very capable of doing such, I think I just lost sight on that aspect for awhile.  Being back home has definitely put things into persepctive and because of that, I feel I am the most motivated and productive than I have been in awhile.  I was very glad to see all the people I was able to see while I was down there.  If I wasn't able to kick it w/ you while I was down there, no need to worry. It's not like I won't be making it down there again.  Rest assure, I will make plenty of trips down to so cal, and we will have plenty of other times to kick it.  This trip has also reaffirmed my belief in having good friends and surrounding yourself with positivity.  I really like how it felt like I hadn't even left. My homies were still my homies, not treating me any different just because I was gone. Some may say how is that possible? Believe me it is. I am thankful to those of you who were very understanding when we weren't able to meet up or see each other. Just because we weren't able to kick it, does not mean in any way I was trying to diss you, ignore you, etc. please believe that. I found it hard to believe that someone actually would say things of that sort just because our schedules didn't match, or I missed a phone call, or something else happened. blah blah blah... writers block.

I had just finished my essay for Japan. "Why do you want to live and work in Japan?" Broad as fuck when it comes to an essay prompt I feel. When I first started to write it, I was thinking about how difficult it may be trying to answer that question only with 500 words, hahaha... why did I end up with a lot more than the minimum?? I just kept typing and typing. Although I am finished, I feel like there is still plenty for me to write. I wanted to put everything into that essay to make them realize that by not picking me, it would be detrimental to their company. I'm just confident, ya feel me?! This is a reality. No longer is it a "i think i'll do it" thought, this is by far one of the most definite things in my future. Whether or not it is the program I am applying for now, I'm going to get there some way some how, straight up... I feel it is imperative to my well being for me to get there. 

I started tutoring last week. I had a great time. I tutored two 5th graders in math and reading comprehension. I was able to use Kung Fu Panda as an example to relate some of the material. When doing so, the two 5th graders were so excited and even told me the next day that it was something they remembered and shared with their classmates.  It is very rewarding to see things that I have taught to others being utilized. I am very excited to get this going for the next couple of months.  So far so good, things look promising.

Hoping for the best. Continue to stay positive.