Anata wa amerika-jin des ka

If I take a step back and look at my behavior objectively, I recognize that what I am about to say fits a regular pattern for me: I start something new, overcome lots of new challenges, get bored after a while, and to spice things up, I think about what I could do next, which makes me really excited. Rinse and repeat, until I have "decided" on about seven major life changes, none of which I can reasonably do simultaneously. So all of these major "decisions" become nothing more than options once the initial excitement has worn off. But I recognize and own this pattern, which according to US-American mentality frees me up to go right on my merry way with this behavior, does it not?

So, now that I have gotten the caveat out of the way: I am going to the land of cherry blossoms and ice-cream vending machines and elegant ceremonies and all things tofu! (Ahem. You know, maybe, if nothing better comes up in the meantime.) I was just thinking today about what my near future will look like (OK, I admit it, it has become a bit of an obsession since I realized that I am only here a little over one more year, instead of 1-1/2 years, which for some reason is making an enormous difference to me right now), and what sort of job (read: adventure) I want to have. And it occurred to me that I really do not want to work in an office again. It's just not my ball of wax, at least not while I am young and energetic.

So what is the opposite of an office job? My brain did not immediately come up with a logical conclusion like construction worker or truck driver or whale trainer... no, it decided on teacher. And the thought that followed on its tails was a realization the magnitude of which should have warranted it a bright cartoon light bulb with bells and whistles: I really wouldn't mind teaching ESL! As I was applying for this job, I said on the application that I would do just about anything, except teach English. It just seemed so... cliche, guess. Or still vaguely imperialistic, which it is, in a way--linguistic imperialism if not directly political--but I do recognize the practical need to give everyone equal chances in the world job market, which is based on English, like it or not. And I did have a really good time teaching English last time I did it. And I love languages, and non-office jobs. So why the heck not? Plus, you know what they call Japan in Japanese? Nippon. Get it? NIPP-on. It's a sign.

There is this marvelous program through my church, where you go to Japan, receive six full months of language training (bliss!), and then work in a Lutheran congregation and as a high school (or junior high) English teacher for two years. It sounds dreamy, no? Woo-hoo, I'm there!