From 18 to 28

Yesterday, I attended a closing ceremony of one of my schools for the summer vacation. While it was the usual plethora of (rather dry and incomprehensible) speeches, one part from the Principal's speech rocked my brain.

"Now you are 18 years old. Have you thought of what you will be 10 years later, when you are 28?"

It sent a chill down my spine as I was reminded of my impending 28 in 2 months.

Let's see, what was I thinking when I was 18? A levels was a really tough nut, then there was the incoming NS, then there was university application which was seriously the first time I have ever faced with making lifelong decisions primarily on my own. I dreamt of preparing myself for a job that allows me to move up a career of some sorts, finally with the power to earn money.

Now at 28. I've been in Japan for almost a year. I was teaching in a rather unconventional institution before this. Then there was university and there was NS. I am still teaching in another unconventional system, though I am starting to wonder if this 'unconventionalism' will pay off. However, while I am at it, looking at the bigger picture, everything seems to be a marvellous fit. Fate has really been kind to allow me to pick up whatever I endeavour to do, though during those particular moments of thinking about "what's next", they were not smooth sailing spreads of green grass but of anxiety. Probably I am short-sighted, impatient and having a keen sense of urgency which I should temper.

Have I dreamt of my situation now? Probably not from the vantage point of 18 where I had to make my own decisions. However, my life now mirrors the time whethe doors of possibilities first dawned. That era where one can be everything. That era called childhood.

Looking at yet again another 5 and 10 years later, which voice should I listen to? The voice of reason says get back to Singapore, climb the ladder, settle down. The voice of the child who got stuck at the top of a tall ladder in kindergarten and wailed and thought his life was over then seems to say, in a voice that grows increasingly fainter, the world is still big and wide and out there. Go walk a little, go eat a little, go contemplate a little. Probably with a companion and toddlers as big as that child.

Incidentally, before I left, I told an English teacher about this stroke of coincidence and she said, "I"m sure she meant something else."

Of course, that was for the kids. By some uncanny brush of fate, it was for me too.

5 things I am thankful for - 020309

. having fun with my last classes
. studied some Japanese
. lazed around and watched Final Fantasy videos

4 things I am thankful for - 010309

Experiencing a Japanese senior high school graduation ceremony for the first time
Going out for lunch with 3 other Japanese teachers and having a nice chat
Trying out Hi-Chew momo peach flavour sweet
Getting lots of little snacks from parents of graduating students

5 things I am thankful for - 280209

Going to Kairakuen and seeing beautiful nature - pretty ume blossoms
Entering the bathhouse near my place for the first time
Eating unagi-don for the first time in Japan (though it wasn`t nice)
The wonderful weather
Taking the train back from the temporary station outside Kairakuen

5 things I am thankful for - 270209

I read in another blog about this gratitude journal of sorts which sounds like a good and quick way to reflect about the day. Here it is, for today:

- today, kyoto-sensei asked me to try a mochi that is wrapped in a sakura/cherry blossom leaf. it tastes strangely salty
- today, HROK-sensei talked at length with me about some English material we were both reading
- today, everyone in the staff room got this corporate gift from the PTA except me. KSMR-sensei gave me hers, saying, "Oh it is the same as the one we got last year." She's always so kind to me
- today, snow (or rather ice pellets) once again descended in my town. I first heard of it from HROK-sensei during noon, to which I exclaimed, "So what are we waiting for? Let's go home and enjoy!"
- today, my only class (with 2-1) was an absolute breeze as they were active and attentive

There was such a strong rain yesterday that my new umbrella was blown to bits and just 10 minutes ago I experienced earthquake #3! The magnitude was 3.

Mulls over the future

Watching Obama's grand stroll into the White House, I cannot help but feel that there are so many wonderful things to experience in life. However, harsh realities of society and nature (age, health) often make us unable to proceed.

I remembered over the past few years I have been thinking about what to do over he next few years and I took this from my previous blog.

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Things I wanna do in my life
- master Japanese / JET (2 years)
- master English / CELTA (4 months)
- learn the piano / hobby
- learn French / ?

- long term career option / mass communications (US university, 2 years)
- long term career option / instructional design (US/UK/Australia university, 2 years)
- long term career option / education (US/UK/Australia university, 2 years)
- education / MOE (4 years)

I am now 25 years old!

26 - 2007 - RP
27 - 2008 - RP/?JET
28 - 2009 - RP-CELTA/JET
29 - 2010 - JET
30 - 2011 - ?JET/?RP
31 - 2012 - RP
32 - 2013 - masters
33 - 2014 - masters
34 - 2015 - MOE
35 - 2016 - MOE .etc.

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The plan still looks consistent, though I wonder what happens after JET. Masters seem a little tough given the need for a scholarship to fund my studies. MOE still remains as a long term career option.