Goodbye 20s… Hello NOW!

           Aaaaand just like that… another decade in my life-book has turned the page. Looking back at some of my prior posts on here and the thousands of pictures I’ve taken throughout my twenties… led me to ask myself what exactly has driven me to poor out so much of my heart, soul, and mind on here and other social media platforms throughout the last seven years… I mean… “SHIT SON!” 

I suppose that if I could sum up the answer into just one word, I would have to say: JOY. 

It’s all joy. UNBELIEVABLE JOY. The type that makes you scream out loud because you simply Can. Not. Contain. It. We all feel that joy at one point or another. Some simply are able to feel it more often than others. The truth is… joy happens aaaaaall the time. It’s ongoing! You can find it wherever and whenever, and it doesn’t require anything but your attention. 

Not gonna try to get all philosophical on you or anything… all I’m trying to tell ya is that my 20s have taught me that the best things in life don’t only happen in the “main moments” of our life, but in what happens in-between them. The stuff you just can’t plan out. The random and unpredictable moments which make you come to the realization that “HEY! LIFE’S ACTUALLY PRETTY FUCKING FAAAAAANTASTIC, AND I HAVE SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR!” 

I read a quote once which said: “The work will wait while you show the child the RAINBOW, but the RAINBOW won’t wait while you do the work.” Hope it speaks to you as much as it did to me then. 

The bottom line is, the last decade has been EPIC simply because I’ve chosen it to be. I’ve done a decent job at keeping in mind that LIFE IS HAPPENING NOW. Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. Not next month… nor five years down the road. It’s right now. Period. 

I really think the world would be better off if everyone just stopped for a second and took care of what matters most now (whatever that may be). 

Our 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s…. 90s… why care? It’s all right now anyway!  

Ride it! Savour it! Work it! Love it! Live it! Be it! 

The dusk will get here some day. 

2014: An Incredible Chapter

   

   Where to begin? Less than an hour ago, I had the unique opportunity to ring a massive bell at an 800-year-old Buddisht temple near my house and literally ring-in the new year. I’ve been wanting to do that for a few years now, and I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you and goodbye to one of the most incredible years of my life. What took me so long to go? 

   2014 was extraordinary in a number of unique ways which I will always cherish. First and foremost, it was a year in which my two children have not only grown up before my eyes at an incredible rate, but have also allowed me to feel incomparable joy. It was a year in which my daughter took her first steps, called me “Daddy,” used the toilet, and even sang part of the “Let it go” song… among other things. In addition, it was a year in which my son clearly developed a love for girls, cars, dinosaurs, food, sports, Christmas, Canada, and music. Not bad for a handsome little dude who turned three less than a month ago. 

   2014 was also the year in which I had the chance to take my family to Vancouver for the first time ever, introduce them to some of the many people that I love, and show them many of the places that helped shaped me into who I am today. Fortunately, it wasn’t only in winter that I was able to show them Vancouver; a summer trip was also in order - my first one in five years, and the unique opportunity to see my brother marry the love of his life by being one of his Best-men at the altar. 

   What made things even better was the fact that it was also a year in which both my brother and his beautiful wife (fiancé at the time) were able to come to Japan for the first time. Though their visit to Tsuruga was literally 24 hrs long, it was long enough to let them have a glimpse of the life I had built here over the last five years. Their timing couldn’t have been more appropriate given that I was starting to go through the motions of making the necessary changes needed to reinvent myself and what I intend to do here. 

   Indeed, 2014 was the last grain of sand inside the 5-year-sandclock which had allowed me to make a living in Japan. It was a period of transtition with a certain degree of incertitude and fear of not really knowing what came next. Nevertheless, as a chapter began to close, it wasn’t long before the pieces needed for my vision to become a reality began to come together. Options were weighted on, tradeoffs were taken into account, and in the end… everything just clicked.

   In many ways, 2014 gave me the opportunity to finally begin to see myself as the tree I’ve always longed to become. A tree which from a very early stage had always known that in the East is where it needed to be. It’s been a long-time coming, and a lot of lessons have inevitably had to be learned, but the last few months have allowed me to feel ready to let the roots grow deeper into the steady ground. I feel content and at ease with the marvelous views this place provides, as well as the rich and fertile soil of its surroundings. I can finally say that I now see a a lot more of the big picture, and that I truly believe in how bright it looks from here. 

   Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, 2014 was a year which allowed my wife and I to leave the safety of the harbour behind, and ship out into the unknown (beyond the transition period) by starting our own businness - a place of learning in which we both truly believe in. A place which in just four months has received an incredible response from people of all ages and professions. A place that has allowed us to see more than ever before just how much a student can grow and who it is he/she might one day become. A place that has allowed me to experience how glorious it is to feel free from a lot of bullshit. A place with the freedom to do things as I best see them fit. To do them with more passion, more dedication and a lot more love. To do them for the sake of doing them, regardless of whether or not there’s an audience looking on.

   In short, 2014 was a year which showed me the inexhaustible potential we each have to take matters into our own hands and carry on moving forward. A year which showed that it’s okay to be who YOU want to be, rather than what someone else wants you to be. It was a year which showed me that sometimes you gotta take big risks and be a little crazy. And finally, 2014 was a year which taught me that the most important thing in life has little to do with what you do for a living, and everything to do with how it is you live it. 

   May 2015 be a year with just enough… of everything. A year in which you get to do more, explore more, learn more, think more, quesiton more, thank more, love more, and BE more. I hope it’s a year in which you wait less, and simply try to be more present. 

From Japan with love:

明けましておめでとうごだいます。

The 1st month and my first 28 years: A WRAP

   Today, marked the first-month anniversary since we opened the doors of Circle English Academy. I’ve been wanting to write so much about it since September 1st, but life has kept me occupied with other important things. Suffice to say that tonight, the simple act of locking the front door and bringing down the shutter... filled me with satisfaction. I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to finish off the last day of the 28 years I’ve been alive.

The 'D' was taken by the wind... a new one is on its way from Mexico!

　I'm not really sure what it is or how to go about explaining it, but I’m absolutely in love with what my wife and I decided to embark on together. There’s something about co-owning a business with someone you love and trust that is simply beautiful. The last 30 days have not only shown me that we indeed make a great team together, but also about the great number of possibilities that lie before us through our business. 

   I’m proud to report that we’ve already reached the half-way point of the total number of students which we had originally anticipated would sign-up by early next year. Thus, I feel fully confindent that what I had envisioned months ago is completely achievable. I’m particularly fond of each of the students that have joined our circle. Seeing them walk out of CEA smiling and feeling like they’ve definitely learned something useful and applicable to their life after each lesson is very gratifying. The hardest part is trying to get them to leave so I can get ready for the next class! The same is true all across the board, from pre-schoolers, kindergarteners, elementary/junior/high school students, all the way up to professional adults working in a variety of different fields. The diverse collection of perspectives and behaviours make the flow of each lesson not only engaging but also refreshing to me. 

   I could say so much more, but it’s only been a month. Bottom line is, that as our logo implies: there is so much room for improving and growing together like trees. In essence, our vision is non other than providing a fertile space from which each student can gradually develop a solid foundation on which they can grow confidently in thinking and expressing themselves in English. Having had the exprience of learning English as a second language throughout my childhood, and witnessing first-hand just how wide of a door it has opened for me to discover and explore the world, I feel confident in helping guide each student to reach their goals. From students who simply want to communicate with foreigners and form friendships… to students who intend to travel or live abroad; from students who see English as the next step in their professional development… to students who simply seek to better understand cultures different from their own. 

   It’s funny how life works sometimes. The fact that the experiences you’ve had in the past come in handy when you least expect them... at any given current or future point in time. Things as simple or complicated as spending a summer painting house exteriors, working as a counselor at a summer camp, playing team-sports such as football or rowing, coaching rowing, practicing martial arts, roasting coffee and making lattes as a barista, spending five weeks in China learning how to teach English as a foreign language, backpacking throughout Europe a few times, observing your parents treat people and manage their own stores and businesses, watching your brother work his ass off to realize his dreams, asking your uncles or friends in other countries to advice you on how to save money, getting your hands dirty cleaning school gymnasiums in the middle of 200 grade 9ers… for five years, public speaking in front of hundreds, wrestling with IKEA or ニトリfurniture, helping friends move, winning/losing at online auctions, watching random Youtube videos, coming across ridiculously useful websites when procrastinating in a libray, or making friends with total strangers on buses, trains, beaches, libraries, or wherever. The fact is, whatever it is you’ve done… ALL OF IT, comes in handy at one point or another. Particularly when you decide to start your own business. Guaranteed. 

   In any case, tonight… as I rode back the 4 km from CEA to our apartment by crossing a river and beautiful Japanese pine-tree-forest, I took a little short-cut. I wanted to head to Matsubara beach to make a quick stop and walk along the sand in total darkness. I looked up at the sky and saw the beautiful stars that have looked down on me since the very first day I took my first step in this city more than 5 years ago. There was barely any wind, and although the sea was quite calm… the sound of the gentle waves made it seem as though Tsuruga Bay was happy to see me. I didn’t stay long, but with a smile on my face I leaned down and felt like writing the word ありがとうon the same sand that has felt my two children take their very first steps in order to reach the sea. 

Suffice to say that this year has been nothing short of a spectacular collection of moments, memories, and the end and beginnings of new cycles and journeys. Frankly, I couldn’t be happier and prouder of where and how my 29th year of life is about to get started. 

¡Gracias!

Thank you!

&

ありがとうございました。

A Picture Perfect Summer Ends: A New Chapter Begins

   

   It's the last hour left of August, and it happens to be the first time I've had a chance to sit down and write since the start of summer. It's been an intense but absolutely beautiful summer spent in the company of my family. From closing a five-year-chapter of my life to working hard in preparation to begin a new one. From trying to take advantage of the great outdoors with my family here to spending two weeks in Vancouver celebrating my brother's & sister-in-law's marvellous wedding and catching up with family, relatives and friends I hadn't seen for half a decade! The only thing which could make this summer better is more time... but I like to believe we have utilized every single opportunity to do and see as much as we possibly could.

As August comes to an end, and September's first sunrise prepares itself to emerge, I feel delighted and excited to share with you all that Circle English Academy, the school and new chapter both Kaori and I have dreamed of getting off the ground... will officially open its doors to students starting tomorrow. There is so much I could say about it regarding our vision, philosophy, and all that we hope to accomplish through CEA, but I'm afraid it will have to wait for another post devoted entirely to it in the coming days. 

Suffice to say for now that I'm really fired up to run our own business and do things our way, something I've been longing to do for a very long time. Although I'm fully aware of the risks we are taking as well as the benefits and privileges we are forgoing, I'm also fully confident in our capacity to run a successful business which will not only provide us with a comfortable way to make a living, but will also provide our many students with the opportunity to flourish at their own pace through English. 

In closing, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has not only made this summer so memorable, but who has also supported our dream and vision. There's now way we could do this without you all! 

Closing Time: A Chapter Ends, A New One Begins

11: 52 PM. Rain and thunders outside my window; the perfect end to an emotional and gratifying day.

　I never truly knew where I was heading when I boarded the plane to Tokyo back in 2009. Nevertheless, I somehow already knew that wherever that place was, I would somehow find the right fit to something I had long longed for. Suddenly, the days turned to weeks, the weeks turned to months, and the months turned to years. Year after year, the plot of the journey I had set my eyes to embark on became better and better. Surprise after surprise, I became more and more convinced that whatever led me to this place, to this city, and to this school would continue to surprise long into the future.

　There is so much I could say about the way the last five years have transformed and given new meaning to my life thanks to this place. Fortunately, today... on my very last day at AWANO J. H. S., I had the unique opportunity to come-full-circle by bringing to a close a wonderful Chapter.

　I have always enjoyed public speaking. There is something about the way our words carry the message into the minds and hearts of our audience. It's a moment in time through which we can capture imaginations and at times even ignite in others the same fire that burns within us.

　Of all the speeches I have given before, none had mattered as much as today's did. In many ways, I think it captured what I had hoped each of the hundreds of students I had a chance to work with closely (this year alone) would truly take in and understand. The challenge, of course, was to deliver it in a way which everyone could truly understand it - in Japanese.

　It's hard to look back at the way things went earlier this morning. It was a hot and humid day to be in a gym packed with 800+ people for an hour. I honestly feels like a complete blur.... but as soon as I started receiving emails from many of the students who heard me speak today, it became clear that the message had been heard loud and clear.

　It is hard to quantify the value of the impact anyone can have in other people. Particularly when it comes to children, teenagers, and young adults. All I can hope for, is that the time and effort I put into my days at Awano will at least make a single student's life a little better one day.

　The clock keeps ticking and the time to close this Chapter seems right. So as this story ends and new one begins, I'll let the speech speak for itself both in English and Japanese:

みなさん、おはようございます。

今日は私だけでなくたくさんの他のALTの先生方が各校のステージでお別れのあいさつをしています。５年という長かったけれども充実した時を過（す）ごして、いよいよ私の番がやってきました。私のこのスピーチが他のALTの先生方と違うのはさよならを言うためでなく、むしろありがとうとまた近いうちに会いましょうというためです。

過去５年でたくさんのことが起こりました。私がここで働き始めた時は２３歳でした。今私は２８歳で結婚していて２歳半のかわいい息子と１歳３ヶ月のかわいい娘がいます。もし私が粟野中学校で働いてなければ、妻と出会うこともなかったでしょうし、家族も持っていなかったでしょう。多分２、３年日本で生活してバンクーバーへ帰って、違うことをしていたでしょう。ここでのすばらしい経験と皆さんの親切のおかげで、私は、もう１年、もう１年と長くいることを決め、その結果として私の人生はよい方に変わりました。

多分皆さんは私が日本中のなかでどうして敦賀にくることになったのか不思議に思っているでしょう。本当のことを言うと私は敦賀どころか福井について何も知りませんでした。私がここに来ることを選んだ訳ではなく、県庁の人によって決められたのです。しかし、私は敦賀に来た初日から、この場所は前から知っているような気がしてとてもうれしい気分になって落ち着いたのを覚えています。

日本でもっとも成功している芸術家や、アスリートや、ミュージシャンや科学者達を見てみてください。何が彼らを成功させていて世界中に名が知られているのか知っていますか？彼らはみんな英語を話すことができるのです。彼らは海外の人たちとコミュニケーションをとることができ自分の意見を伝えるだけでなく、日本や日本のすばらしい文化についても伝えることができるのです。

２つ目は、人生に価値を見つけてください。あなたが今できていることを当たり前だと思わないでください。世界中のたくさんの人々が、今あなたができていることを経験するチャンスすらありません。それは、すばらしい自然を楽しむことであり、敦賀や日本で行われている伝統的なお祭りに参加することなどです。

３つ目は、旅行を通して世界を見てください。日本国内でもたくさん見るところはあります。そしてチャンスがあるごとに楽しんでください。そしていつか皆さんが海外に行くことを望んでいます。世界にはすばらしいところがたくさんあります。それを一番良い方法で経験するのは、自分で行って自分の目で見ることです。その経験はあなたをびっくりさせるだけでなく、あなたのものの見方を変えるでしょう。

最後に、私は９月から敦賀駅の近くで英会話学校を開きます。私の妻のかおりと０歳から小学生、中学生、高校生、大人までの人に英会話を教える予定です。私達の学校の名前は『サークルイングリッシュアカデミー』です。私の目標は私の所に来てくれる人の英語を話す能力を引き出すことです。つまり、海外に行っても通じる英語を話せるようにし、生徒の夢をかなえるお手伝いをすることです。

本当ありがとうございました。

*****

Good morning! 

　Today is the day in which thousands of other ALTs are standing up here on the stage delivering a “sayonara speech” in front of their schools. After 5 long and fruitful years here at Awano, it is now my turn to do the same. The only difference is that the purpose of my speech is NOT to say sayonara, but rather to say thank you and I hope we get to meet again in the near future. 

　A lot of things have happened in the last 5 years. I was only 23 years old when I first started working here. Today, I’m 28 years old, am married and have a wonderful 2.5 year old son and a sweet 1.3 year old daughter. If it wasn’t for Awano, the truth is I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet my wife and thus start a family of my own. Perhaps I would have stayed in Japan for about 2 to 3 years, but then I would have returned back to Vancouver and probably started doing something else. Thanks to the wonderful experience and the kindness of everyone here, I decided to stay longer and longer, and as a result, my entire life has changed for the better. 

　Perhaps you have wondered why / how I ended up in Tsuruga of all places in Japan. The truth is that I didn’t know anything about Fukui-ken, let alone Tsuruga before I came. I didn’t choose to come here, it was decided for me by the Kencho and CLAIR; however, since the very first day I came to Tsuruga, I felt a sense of happiness and relief… for I somehow already knew that this place had something special in store for me. 

　Before I close, I would like to give you three suggestions which I believe will be helpful for you in years to come and perhaps for the rest of your life. The first thing I believe you should always be mindful of, is that making mistakes is an absolute necessity if you want to be successful in anything. This is especially true when it comes to learning a new language. I know that many of you find English interesting, while there are others who don’t. I’m not gonna stand here to tell you that I think ALL OF YOU should learn it no matter what, but I’m 100% convinced that if you take advantage and try to learn it as best as you can, many of your future goals will be better off if you have the ability to speak English (or any other second language). 

　Think of all the most successful Japanese artists, athletes, musicians and scientists. You know what's one thing many of them share in common that let’s them succeed and be known around the world? They can speak English. They can communicate with people from other countries, and in turn they can not only express their opinions but also contribute to the promotion of Japan and its wonderful culture. 

　This brings me to my second point, find the value in life. Don’t take for granted the little things you have access to, since many people around the world won’t ever have the chance to experience anything like you can. I’m talking about all the great nature and cultural festivals you can experience here in Tsuruga and Japan in general. 

　My last point has to do with traveling; with seeing the world. There is SO MUCH to see within Japan alone, and I would encourage you to embrace every chance you get to go experience it. Above all though, I hope you get to GO ABROAD someday. The world is amazing, and the best way to experience it and learn more about it is to do it firsthand and with your own eyes. I guarantee you that it will not only amaze you, but it will also humble you and make you see things differently. 

Finally… 

　For all those of you who wonder what it is that I’ll be doing from here on, I’d like to tell you that I intend to open my own private English school near Tsuruga Station during the last week of August. Both my wife, Kaori, and I will be teaching students from kindergarten, ES, JHS, HS, as well as adult conversation classes. Our school will be called CIRCLE ENGLISH ACADEMY, and my goal is to help anyone that comes… reach their full potential in speaking English. In other words, I want to help you become fluent enough to go abroad and make your dreams a reality. 

Once again, I’d like to say THANK YOU all for the last 5 years. 

It’s been a wonderful experience, and I hope to see you all again one day. 

******

　Awano, it's closing time for me, but I will always remember all that I learned and experienced within your classes, hallways, library, gym, and staff room. 

It's been great ride. 

Time for the next Chapter to get started... 

The Final Countdown: 3 weeks till the end… of the Beginning

    As June comes to an end and millions of Canadians get ready to celebrate Canada Day on July 1st, reality has begun to really sink in for me. The next 3 weeks are a time to come to terms with the culmination of the incredible five-year-journey that has changed, moulded, and helped define the rest of my life. There’s no doubt about it, applying to the JET Programme and moving to Japan has been THE most significant decision I’ve ever made, and as this chapter begins to close, I look ahead to making another dream a reality. 

   All across Japan, there are a few hundred (perhaps a little over a thousand) other ALTs who are also in the same boat. The only difference is that most of them are getting ready to say sayonara and “break up with Japan” to head back to their respective countries, while I’m getting ready to extend my stay here by launching my own business and helping this city and its surrounding communities in the best way I can. 

   It seems worth noting that ten years have passed since I graduated from Vancouver College high school. I remember sitting in one of my classes writing an assignment about where we saw ourselves “ten years from now”. While I may not remember exactly what I wrote then, I do remember mentioning that I simply wanted to “follow the signs” and enjoy the journey without any particular destination set in mind. I was concerned with first-hand- experiences, with seeing more of the world and gaining a deeper understanding - the type you can’t get from traveling or reading books alone. In short, I wanted to make sure to leave the safe harbour behind, and venture out into the unknown. 

   Somehow, those signs led me to 日本, and although I now feel ready to turn the page after five years working as a “public-servant” here, I feel grateful for having had the chance to experience what it feels like to question what I thought I knew, to humble myself, and more importantly, to help me realize just how much more there is to learn. 

I cannot think of a better way to have spent most of my 20s, and as I look ahead I feel confident that this experience will continue revealing new ways to grow and enjoy life just as I had pictured it ten years earlier. 

Time to finish off this chapter in a strong note and look forward to my next decade in the Land of the Rising Sun. 

Countdown mode. 

PS - I'd like to thank you for showing interest and reading all the posts that have helped me document how my life has changed over the last five years here. It's been exciting for me to be able to share part of this journey with people from so many diverse countries and cities. I hope one day I get the chance to visit all of those places in order to experience first-hand a part of the wonder that each place has to offer. Although 13,000+ page views don't seem like much in the grand scale of things, it certainly has helped me see how connected we all really are. At the end of the day, we are all in it together; we are all part of the same crew.

 ¡Muchas gracias!

Three Years Together: Grateful

    Earlier today I had a quick read through an old post I wrote back on May 5th, 2012 entitled: "Cinco de Mayo: Why I Now Have Better Reasons to Celebrate It", and it brought a big smile on my face. :)

How much my life has changed since the first year Kaori and I celebrated the completion of our very 1st year of marriage. Two years later and I find myself sitting once again here, looking back at all the great moments and many memories we have made together with our beloved Kai and the newest member of the family, the lovely Hikari. Some chapters are coming to a close, while new ones are being written.

May I never lose sight of what's important and what isn't.

Grateful.

Bad timing... but it speaks loads about the great day we had earlier.

Hikari Turns 1

My dearest Hikari, 

It's been exactly a year since I sat here and wrote this letter to welcome you into our life and family. 

I cannot begin to tell you how much I've adored seeing your light make us so much more joyful and full of life than ever before. Your brother's love for you is an absolute delight to witness, and hearing your continuous and uncontrollable giggles of joy and laughter for all the silly things he does... is just pure AWESOMENESS. You both make a great team and I feel so grateful for having the privilege to continue seeing you grow in such a beautiful way from day to day. 

It's been an AMAZING year for our family, and all I can tell you is that I feel ecstatic and so so proud after seeing you take your very first steps on your own yesterday! 

What a perfect way to begin the second year of your life-journey.

Keep those smiles, giggles, and milestones coming babe! 

We absolutely LOOOOOVE YA! 

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!!! :)

Your biggest fans, 

                                - Dad + Mom & Kai 

Graduation Day: My Fifth and Final at Awano

     

     For the past four and a half years, around the middle of March, I've had the great pleasure of witnessing a graduating class of about 240 junior high school students walk out of Awano JHS gymnasium's doors and commence the next chapter of their young lives. Today's ceremony was particularly special given that three years ago, I was fortunate enough to welcome each of those students on their very first day of junior high school. Furthermore, it also happened to be the very last graduation ceremony that I will take part in as an assistant language teacher at this school.

    As I sat there today and listened to the many speeches which seemed to turn on the waterworks for various students, teachers, and parents alike, there were many thoughts which unexpectedly came rushing into my head. There is a certain beauty in being able to become a participant observer of a group and culture through the exposure and involvement in their day-to-day activities. At one point, I began to imagine that I could probably write a detailed ethnographic account out of my time working at Awano based on all of the things I've learned and seen over the last few years. Nevertheless, I've come to realize that through my own observations and brief participation in the lives of so many students (well over 3,000 by now...), I no longer see myself as an outsider trying to 'make contact' in the midst of it all.

   Suffice to say that as astounding as it has been to witness the various changes that so many of these teenagers undergo on a sometimes daily basis, I have also become aware of the abundant ways in which I too have changed (in part thanks to them). And so as they get ready to turn the page of a very colorful and important chapter in the story of their lives, I too begin to cherish all that I've learned and changed in preparation to turn the page and begin a new one as well. 

Thank you Class of 2014, and "may the road rise up to meet you" now and always.

おめでとうございます！


Read last year's post by clicking here. 

My family’s 1st time to Van: A Refreshing Start to 2014

First post of 2014, and over two weeks have already flown by since we returned to Japan from our  trip to Vancouver. Although the jet-lag and long plane rides inevitably took a bit of a toll on the little ones up until last week, it’s a small price to pay for the satisfaction that was taking the whole family to Vancouver for the 1st time ever. 

Interestingly, it was also my first time back in 3 years, back when the last thing on my mind was getting married and starting a family of my own. Little did I know then than just a few months later, I would not only tie the knot with a splendid and beautiful woman, but also become a Father to an intrepid little boy and a delightfully enchanting little girl. That’s how Life happens; unexpectedly surprising us without warning in unforeseen ways. 

Suffice to say that it was a great pleasure for me to see both of my kids and wife finally meet in person so many of my friends, loved ones, and acquaintances in Vancouver. In addition, being able to show them many of the incredible places, restaurants, and natural wonders that Van has to offer, along with the places I grew up in, made the trip that much more enjoyable. 

Overall though, I think watching both of my parents fully embody their role as grandparents, and my brother and his fiancé their role as an aunt and uncle, was an absolute delight to witness and experience first hand. 

Having gone from house to house, party to party, restaurant to restaurant, and coffee shop to coffee shop across Vancouver, it became pretty evident to me that in so many ways, despite how much my life has changed since I left Van to start a new chapter elsewhere, being there makes it feel as as though I never really left it. Whether it was catching up with friends and people I hadn’t seen in years, or simply walking on the very familiar streets and beautiful Stanley Park and UBC campus, it felt as though Japan was just a dream I had the night before from which I had just woken up. I suppose it’s the same feeling I get when I visit my homeland, Mexico City; it's as if the song was left on pause waiting for your return in order to continue playing right from where you left off. 

I’m not sure if that’s the same way most people feel when they return to a place where they have spent a great deal of time before, but I suppose it goes to show how the places that shape us into who we are become so ingrained into our identity, way of living, and way of seeing the world around us. You never really feel out of tune with the rhythm of that place regardless of the length of your absence. Vancouver will always be one of the places I call my “home”, and it was refreshing to relive what it’s like to be there. 

Not surprisingly, one of the questions that often came up while we were there, had to do with whether I see myself (along with my family) staying here in Japan ‘forever’. My reply was the same time and time again: I don’t take the words “never” or “forever” lightly. All I know is that time will reveal what lies ahead, and although there are things about Japan that I’ve truly come to dislike after 4.5 years, there are also many others that I still (and always will) love. In addition, I think I owe it to Kai, Hikari, and Kaori to soak up the culture, language, and great customs that their country of birth has to offer. I know for a fact that preventing them from enjoying that would be something I would deeply regret later in life. 

In a sense, it’s just like the story of my life while growing up. Having spent my early childhood years in Mexico City, it’s clear to me that had my parents removed my brother and I from that environment, we certainly wouldn't be as well rounded as we both are today, nor would we speak Spanish. Bottom line is, we got the best of both worlds, and now I have a chance to offer the best of a completely different world to them throughout their own formative years. So whether it’s 5, 10, or 15+ years, Japan is where we’ll be until the proper time to move elsewhere arrives. 

As mentioned in previous posts, this year will bring an end to my fifth and final year JET Programme position. Although there is currently a certain level of uncertainty on what comes next for me, I am also excited to close this chapter and begin a new one elsewhere. I’ve learned a lot about Japan, teaching, and myself in the last few years; thus, the prospect of doing something different is refreshing and very much appreciated. All should be decided in the coming months; for now, I remain assured that everything will work itself out. It always does, especially when you know how to be open and follow the signs. 

After all, everyone’s current safe boundaries were once unknown frontiers. We can never (should never) stop EXPLORING what’s around us. 

In closing, I just want to say that it was truly wonderful catching up with so many of you lovely people, who read this Blog regularly, and have actively followed my family’s journey here in Japan since day 1. It was so great to see how successful and happy all of you are in your respective professions and ways of living. I think I can speak on behalf of the whole fam when I say that we are so looking forward to heading back to Van in August and see my bro and his wonderful fiancé tie the knot in the company of so many lovely people. 

I hope 2014 has been off to a great start, and I send you the best vibes and wishes for all that’s ahead. 

Sincerely, 
                  - アイカー

2013: A Monumental Year

    Well... with just a few minutes to go till 2013 comes to an official end here in Vancouver, I think it's safe to say that this year was nothing short of extraordinary.

Since everything has pretty much already been said in prior posts, I just want to express my gratitude once again to my beautiful family, friends, and the Universe for all the blessings this year brought along with it. 

So excited for all that is yet to come in the year ahead. 

Wishing you all the very best for 2014,

The Gomez Family from Aaron Nathanson on Vimeo.

PS - I think this beautiful video really captures and comes to highlight why this year has been so special for our family. I will forever be grateful to my good friends, Aaron Nathanson and Lindsay Naito, for all the dedication, time, and love they put into this.  

Photo by Lindsay Naito. 

Kai Turns 2.

The Beauty of Time

    Lately, it has taken me a while to sit down and write. I’ve either kept myself busy doing fun things with the family, enjoying the great outdoors on my bike or boat, or have felt like taking a step back and do nothing. I can’t recommend the latter enough; just stop thinking and let things be for a change. Still, when I do manage to sit down and start writing, sometimes it’s difficult to stop. I never really establish in advance what it is that I want to to write, but once the pen begins to move, the picture of what I want to communicate slowly let’s itself be seen. 

The past four months have been something very special (for lack of a better way to describe them).  This largely has to do with the fact that I’ve had the fascinating opportunity to witness two inside-out-gorgeous and just straight-up enchanting little human beings develop at an absolutely astonishing rate. Now, let me be clear here… even if I didn’t have the great fortune of being their Dad, these two would never cease to take my breath away. I don’t know, perhaps that’s precisely the same way every single parent out there feels about their own kids (as they should)… but it’s a feeling that’s quite hard to capture on paper. 

Right after taking this pic,
Kai asked me: "Dada,これはきれいね?"
"Dad, it's beautiful isn't it?" :)

In just a little over two weeks time, my son, Kai, will be turning 2 years old. That’s about 730 days (although technically it’s over a thousand if you count the days he spent inside developing, quietly listening to the outside world, and practicing kicks and punches within his mom’s belly), but when you really think about it… whatever the exact number… it  doesn't seem like much. Be that as it may, the changes that take place throughout that time in a kid’s life are simply… jaw-dropping / mind-blowing / whichever other adjective you can think of which expresses that something is overwhelmingly impressive. 

For Kai, one of the things that stand out most is his ability to pick up words from simply hearing them ONCE and somehow figuring it out exactly when and how to use them (within minutes). This makes me feel very hopeful given that one of the greatest legacies that I know I can & want to pass on to both him and his sister, is the opportunity to speak at least 3 languages proficiently. Not surprisingly, his Japanese vocabulary continues to grow exponentially each day he goes to Kindergarten, but each time I try to pen down all of the words he uses most often (be it in Japanese, English, Spanish, or his own language…), the numbers are hard to believe.

In addition, his personality has really shined through by now (well, actually since day one…haha). Not only does he really seem to be sure of himself, but he is also well aware of what he can and cannot do (yet…). He loves testing the limits of yours truly… and is extremely well aware of the important role he now plays as a Big Bro to his sister. He loves looking at books, throwing balls around, running outside, taking the time to observe the little things in nature, signing and dancing to music, swimming, kayaking, riding his tricycle, showing off drama skills, drawing on walls, using LEGO, playing the piano or drums on the iPad, taking pictures with an iPhone, using a Go Pro, seeing dogs, cakes, and Jack o’lanterns…, and eating whatever type of food is put in front of him (or in close proximity). The latter is particularly worrisome when we go out to restaurants (at least once a week), since most of our meals (even if he has his very own) end up being devoured by him… 

His sister, Hikari, has been the most amazing baby girl I have ever met (and again… it’s really not because I’m her Dad). She has been a sleeper since day 1 and has never ever had one of those uncontrollable cries, which you have no idea what in the world is going on and how you can make it stop. THANK YOU UNIVERSE. She’s always smiling and in a good mood regardless of the fact that we have been treating her as if she was a couple of years older when we go on highway trips to Kyoto and walk around all day. In other words, she knows how to adjust really well to our active lifestyle and is simply a joy to be around. Although she is currently less than 200 days old, she has already started to crawl the way most babies crawl around their eight or ninth month (or later) of life… and she also LOVES talking/singing in her own language. 

Hikari didn't need to say anything...
 it's pretty self explanatory. :)

In so many ways, I think the reason why she seems to be reaching milestones much quicker than her brother did, is simply because she gets to observe and learn from him on a daily basis. Above all though, hands-down the greatest thing that both their mom and I get to see often, is the genuine love they have for each other. They often laugh together, they play together, they wrestle together, and they even complain together… just delightful. The bottom line is that their relationship as brother and sister continues to find a way to surprise us, and there’s no doubt in my mind that they are bound to become best friends for life. As parents, I don’t think there’s anything greater that you could actually ask for. 

Given all the amazing things we’ve managed to observe and learn in such a short time as parents, there is something that as of late, I’ve given much thought to: time. As it turns out, there is an online video I came across on FB last week that visually portrays most of what I have been thinking about; thus really bringing the point home. It is entitled: The Time You Have (in Jelly Beans) (see below). As its description suggests, this isn’t one of those videos that looks to change you in any way; it merely brings your attention to the one thing each us not only has a limited supply of, but often takes for granted: time. The explanation given is simple… yet the message behind it is brilliant, powerful, and at least in my mind… universal.

Long story short, the video uses jelly beans to show how much free time an average human life really has. A single jelly bean represents one day of our lives; thus, 76(ish) years equal approx. 28,835 jelly beans (days). From there, the narrator explains how many days of our lives are used up doing certain mundane activities such as sleeping (hopefully along with someone we love), commuting, watching TV and its ridiculous adds…, work (hopefully doing something that fulfills you), caring for friends and family, doing basic chores at home, grooming, shopping for food and other things we think we need, cooking/eating, etc. Note that the message isn't saying that any of these are a waste of your time or can't be fulfilling, they're just the ones that take out the most of the time you have. 

Little by little, the total amount of jelly beans on the top right corner of the screen begins to diminish. Suddenly, after subtracting all the time it takes to do all of the things mentioned earlier, an approx. number appears showing you how much free time you actually have left to do all of the things you love/enjoy doing such as playing sports, practicing a type of art, meditating, reading, writing, studying for mere interest, enjoying the outdoors, catching up with friends, traveling, playing an instrument, teaching yourself something new, meeting new people, volunteering, checking FB… or whatever it is that you’re into.

To my surprise, out of an average 76+ years lifetime, there is an approx. grand total of 3,500 days of free time to enjoy doing most of those activities. To put it in perspective, that’s only about 9.5 years of your life combined. Interestingly enough, after considering it for some time, I came to realize that most of those days actually take place within the first five years of your life, when everything is not only new and exciting, but our own cultural biases and judgmental attitudes have not quite taken root in our psyche.

I’ll stop right there, but essentially the video suggests that in reality… the average person can only count with about 3,500 days of a lifetime to do the things he/she truly loves to do. Of course, that is assuming he/she actually lives to 80 or somewhere around there… but since none of us can know for certain how much time we’ve actually got left… well, the entire realization becomes even more astounding.

So… nine and a half years of free time. What can one do with something so priceless? Simple. One does what one must to enjoy them. One stops pacing the aisles and counting the miles. One starts climbing more mountains, swimming in more rivers and oceans, and watching more sunsets. One lets go of comparing what you have and what you don’t have with others, and take the time to worry less and laugh more. One stops simply waiting for the things we really want to do or want to try, and instead go out do them once and for all. 

One stops caring about living a life according to how a society expects you to do it, and instead goes out there to live life according to what you want, what you value, and you believe in. There will always be people who don’t get you, and there’s little one can do to change the fact that they will always act in a certain way… More often than not though, having the right attitude is the best way to tell them all to “beat it”. 

One starts understanding that there is no such thing as a perfect plan, and that every attempt discarded is actually another step forward. One stops the obsessive necessity to find out the WHY about everything instead of simply enjoying the questions themselves; the answers after all, have a tendency to change soon enough anyway. In short, one stops merely pursuing and instead starts bringing symmetry into one’s life. You don’t always need to go far to know who you are... and in the end, it may just be that life is about making the most out of it while trying to make memories. 

1 day? 2 days? 28,000? 

How long have you got left? 

Whatever the number is…

Value it for what it is:

 p o s s i b i l i t y.  

As Robert J. Hastings once put it, life after all… 

“must be lived as we go along,

The station will come soon enough.”