Food for Thought Friday: Limbo

Food for Thought Friday. I will give you something to reflect upon each Friday.

For the past almost year now, I have been in limbo. A nicer word would be in transition. No matter what spin I put on it, it never really feels comfortable. I am the sort of person who loves who expand my boundaries, but not having been employed for this long is unsettling as it is not of my own choosing. Yet, being out of my comfort zone often means growth and a deeper understanding of myself. 

I am starting to get that feeling that change is just around the corner. All signs seem to point forward, in a positive direction. I am in transition. I am trying to grasp the feelings that I have about where I am right now and remember it with fondness. It is only temporary. I must cherish all that I can while the moment exists. Limbo isn't so bad, it means change is just around the corner. 

The Rapping Rain

It's late and raining yet again. There are flood warnings in some areas here in Western Montana, but not too close to me. There have been few nice, warm days lately. Perhaps it is for the best as I will not get distracted by summery weather. Rather, I focus on my up-coming interview.

For me, the biggest obstacle has always been lesson planning. In order to be invited back for a personal interview, I must demonstrate a successful lesson. Thus, I am brain-storming for ideas and trying to remember the most successful lesson plans I used previously. As a perfectionist, the esthetics of my handouts are also important to me. 

I do have about 1 1/2 weeks more until the actual interview, but I want to prepare to the best of my ability. Additionally, I am nervous. In order to rid my anxiety, I need to prepare, practice, and revise. That's the plan. That's what I'm doing now. 

Wacky Wednesdays: Health & Wellness

Wednesdays are for talking about anything that's on my mind and not necessarily in the "usual" scope of this blog.

Health has been an overall concern of mine lately. If you do not have your health, then you cannot enjoy life let alone be productive. While I have not been seriously ill recently, I have been personally feeling the pinch of not having enough energy or being able to think clearly. It is a challenge. For others, it is much more serious than any of my petty issues, including a couple of people who are very close to me. 

Essentially I am learning lessons about health and its importance, from my own slight mishaps to more major issues from those around me. It reminds me of how grateful I am to be so healthy and vital as I (usually) am. I realize too that I should eat better (which I have been trying to do), exercise (typical issue for me), and appreciate what I do have. 

After some of these recent health matters, I hope to come up with a better action plan. I am a believer in that little things add up over time, including towards or against one's physical, mental, and emotional health. Thus, I hope to make minor changes that will add up into a lifetime of health and wellness. 

That being said, it's time for bed. 

Toastmasters: Becoming an Officer

Usually my Toastmasters Club meets every Tuesday, but in the summer it is only every other week. I missed last week's meeting due to illness and today there was not a meeting. Last week, I was asked to become and was voted in as the Sargent at Arms. It is the lowest level of office that one can hold in the club, but I still feel honored that I was asked and chosen to do this task as I have not been a member for too long. I set the expectation that I would not be able to finish the year as I am looking for a job and may move back to Japan soon. They understood. 

As a new officer, I attended a special district meeting last night. I meet a few people from the other clubs in town, which was pleasant. And I learned some things about Toastmasters. 

The meeting was basically an introduction of the positions as officers, including Sargent at Arms. It was interesting, but I should go through the PowerPoints just to make sure I didn't miss anything. I like to carry out my duty to the best of my ability in most all situations. 

And that is my Toastmasters update. I'm the new Sargent at Arms. Cool. 

Good News!

I finally have an interview. It is for another teaching position in Japan. The interview takes place in L.A. in a little over two weeks time. I therefore have a list of things to accomplish between then and now. These are the major points to complete:

• I have to prepare a lesson plan. Part 1 of the interview is a role playing exercise where I demonstrate the lesson I have prepared.
• I need to find frequently asked interview questions to practice.
• I should re-write my resume as the one I sent the firm is directed at international financial service positions and not teaching.  
• I need to arrange flights, transportation, and other logistics. 

If all works out, I think that I will return to Japan around September. The work visa apparently takes 2-3 months to obtain. I think that would be excellent timing. I could enjoy the summer with friends and family, finish some projects, and organize what I am leaving behind. 

Wish me luck!

Food for Thought Friday: At 71, Will You Be Moving Pianos?

Food for Thought Friday. I will give you something to reflect upon each Friday. 

Today is my dad's 71st birthday. I am thankful that I still have him around. In fact, my dad is still stronger than me. (He helped move a piano last year and still rips engines out of cars.) He rarely gets sick. (I'm still not over whatever virus I recently caught.) He's still "with it" and has a sharp tongue and wit. (He loves to make fun of me.) My dad continues to be the rock in my family. (He is supporting me while I find a job and does most of the chores, especially since my mom has not been feeling her best.) It is honestly hard to believe that he seems so young at 71, or that he actually is 71.

I am truly grateful to my father and all that he has done for me and my family. As an adult, I appreciate both my parents more than I did as a child. I can only hope to be as generous, industrious, and solid as my dad. 

I wonder how another few decades will treat me. It is hard to say, especially as I would never have imagined the last five years of my life going the way they have. If I play my cards right, maybe I'll be moving pianos when I'm his age. How do you see yourself in your 70's? 

More and more people are living into their 100's. My great-grandma died a couple of months shy of 103. The good don't die young any more. It's important to find your own path. Live life and enjoy it. We are in for the long haul. 

"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." --Carlos Castaneda

Wacky Wednesdays: Going Dark

Wednesdays are for talking about anything that's on my mind and not necessarily in the "usual" scope of this blog.

After those headaches, migraines, and general discomfort, I had a great weekend in my hometown, but that was followed by a fever. I sometimes think it is good just to unplug, get out of the house, and do something fun and/or different. It is also good to rest if you are not feeling well. Going dark is sometimes very necessary just for good mental health.

I have not felt even close to creative the last week or two. My energy levels have been zapped, and generally, seeing my friends restores my inspiration to write. Unfortunately, I seem slow to rebound this time. I see the dentist tomorrow, which I hope will cure my headache/migraine issue. Thus, I hope to be back on track and writing here 6 days per week.

Sorry for the lack of posting lately, but I am always trying to think about topics you may be interested in. I have not forgotten you.