.So, last year, I took the time to reflect on my top moments of the year and share them all with you. I was planning on making another video this year– one better paced and less cringe-worthy for me to watch over and over again. And now that I’m better prepared with the time to do so… I find myself with no interest! Instead, I’ll present them to you in written form as follows:

10. UFO Catchers

“Time enjoyed wasted isn’t wasted time.” Back in the states I’d play on the claw machines, but with the arcades dying out you’d rarely see them. When I first came to Japan, I’d mess around with the UFO catchers (as they’re called here) every once in awhile. But, it wasn’t until I started hanging out a lot with the former PA before she left… when I saw how cray cray she’d go– man! It really just re-ignited the flame here.

Now just to clarify, I don’t really get caught up so much in cute stuff, moreso just the winning. And for me it’s justified since I don’t really drink or party that much. Check the goods here.

9. KPOP

Man, KPOP has come a long way. The first KPOP song I heard forever ago was the Wonder Girl’s Nobody

And it was catchy enough, but I didn’t really follow up with the genre at the time. Last year though, I was just dying for some new music. Rock has been letting me down for years. Rap has been pretty hit or miss.

Last year I was trance induced by KARA’s Mister

I was pretty pumped that they’d start promoting in Japan, cause hey! I’m in Japan! And a lot of KPOP peoples have been promoting over here too. They’re a little hit or miss when they get here though. Hrmmmmmmmmmmmmm

But, I have to give it to KPOP for making my jaw drop like it did with Dr. Feel Good

8. Podcasts

I think you can all tell with the recent string of posts there’s been a lot less writing and a whole lot more talking, and I dig it! I do some health talks with my best bud and some tiny bit of promotional work here and there. But really, it all kind of started with a way to deal with missing friends and family. People look at photos all the time to think about people back home. Think about how great it is to hear that person’s voice when you talk on the phone. With the podcasts, I have the chance to play back some of our best conversations over again.

We do talk about a lot of random stuff though!

http://snd.sc/tPitU5

I think I still have a way to go if I ever want to get into radio work professionally, with as much as I deadpan and stutter when I talk. But there’s definitely interest. And where there’s a will, there’s a way…

7. The Death of “Macho Man” Randy Savage

I wrote out a tribute here already. But just to re-tread, it sucks to hear a hero’s died.

6. Takaoka International Festival

The new Coordinator of International Relations (CIR) in Takaoka City is a pretty cool guy. He has things in order. He’s pro-active, creative, and musically- inclined. And because of that, he wanted to put together a little a capella group for the city’s festival. I offered to help, thinking I could use my PR expertise to promote it, help with the event planning… that sort of thing. But somehow, I got wrangled into actually singing and performing.

Still not really a stage person, but since then it’s really pushed me to get back into jamming on the guitar and make more music.

http://snd.sc/v2mb80

5. Anthony’s Graduation

Oh man, he’s a big boy now! A monumental moment in so many ways… Legalistically speaking, he’s now an adult. Off to carve his own name for himself… not that he would have it any other way before finishing high school haha. We have this weird flip flop of being able to think alike and agree so strongly on things, yet be completely off the rails and different on other aspects.

We also don’t really look alike, which causes a lot of people I show pictures to think that I’m adopted (why me?!).

This also marked my latest journey back home to the states… Cheers to everything you’ve accomplished and the more to come, brother.

4. The Man from Nowhere

My favorite movie of all time has to be Taken.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it. I’ve even played (select scenes of) it in my classes. I even get the urge to re-read the wikipedia and trivia articles on it even though I know them all by heart. One day, I saw someone recommend this Korean movie since I was a fan.

And as much as I like KPOP, I’m not so inclined to their films because they are messed up and depressing as hell.

But this movie looked promising.

And just like I thought, while having a similar rescue the girl storyline to Taken, this is much more messed up and depressing and just overall emotional. But the real reason why I rank it so high on my moments of this year is because it made me re-evaluate my perception on kids.

For the longest time, I’ve always thought to myself, I don’t want to have a daughter. I’ll be that over-protective a-hole Dad. And watching Taken only reinforced that. I would totally be the same type of father as Liam Neeson. But after watching the Man from Nowhere, I don’t have that feeling anymore. In fact, I’ve come to appreciate kids a whole lot more in general.

Instead of worrying and getting frustrated about those who might not appreciate my help, I find myself thinking, for any kid who doesn’t have that person who cares… the person who doesn’t have someone who really cares about their best interests… they don’t have to be alone in that. And when I do have kids, I’ll make sure they’ll never feel that way.

This movie gives me a lot of drive too. I like helping, and while education is important, I find myself wanting something even more hands-on now. Non-profit sector for children perhaps?

3. Being the Toyama Prefectural Advisor

Prefectural Advisor, what does that even mean? It doesn’t mean much. Or it can mean a lot. It’s really kind of both.

Sort of like how JET Program people aren’t quite real teachers, becoming the Prefectural Advisor is sort of not quite being a manager. Taking up the position, I’ve kind of changed everyone’s perceptions from being the hermit guy who doesn’t go out to anything to the hermit guy who doesn’t really go out to anything who’s now in charge of all the meetings haha!

Well, actually, I do go to way more events these days.

It’s given me a lot of personal growth. When I started, someone told me, “It’s now more important than ever for you to take care of yourself.” And it’s funny to think, it’s always when we’re given responsibility we have to be reminded of that.

In this time, I have seen some of the worst in people, but on the flipside, I’ve had the opportunity to bring out the best. My goal is to ensure that no one ever feels like s/he has no one to turn to.

2. Achieving Welterweight

Yes! Physical goal! I’ve made some wicked weight loss in Japan, and I’ve been on the road to pack it on albiet muscle. It was my New Year’s Resolution to get to 170lbs. I’ll upload pictures and a promo later.

1. Not Re-contracting with the JET Program

Probably the least interesting point on the list, but definitely the hardest hitting.

I’ve made the decision that this will be my last year with the JET Program. Nothing against the job. Nothing against my new position as the PA. In fact, I think it’s because I’ve been able to have new responsibilities as a leader that I find myself yearning for something more.

A really tough call since this job is so stable and secure. Moreso, right when I really feel like I’m starting to get used to my surroundings. I feel at home and peace here.

But what can I say, I’m greedy.

We’ll see what the next chapter has in store…

http://www.hulkshare.com/embed_mp3.php?id=5241112&type=4

(Verse 1)
Exhale, see my own breath in front of me
Cold, man the winter came so suddenly
December marks the end
Time for New Year’s Resolutions
But my mind a little cloudy
Tryna to do any type of choosin’
Though the time to hit it off
To kick it off now with a bang
I got the memories of my fam,
An’ my friends wantin’ to hang
I could front it, I could play it,
Walk it off now like a gangsta
But it’s really kinda rough on the holidays
Without none of ya
I try to live a good life
Do the stuff to make ya proud
I bust it on my job
Yeah you know that’s what I’m all about
I work that grind, I get that bank
Tried to save up the dough
To front a round trip gas tank
But it ain’t enough…
Got some de ja vu
Even miles away
You know I’m thinkin’ of you

(HOOK)
Everywhere I go
These thoughts of you keep coming to mind
This winter we’re apart a second time
It ain’t the same, no Christmas cheer
Cause I’m stuck out over here

(Verse 2)
An’ here ain’t home, no
Yeah I know that much is clear
But, uh, no matter where I’m turnin- huh
I’m seein ya everywhere

All the billboards above
All the signs on the walls
All the happy family smiles
In the shoppin’ malls

An so I’m walkin all by my lonesome me
Thinkin’ bout my homies round the Christmas tree

Now that don’t kill me
Can only make me stronger
I wish I had ya’ll with me
Cuz I can’t last much longer

I know I got to be tough now
Start writin’ up next year’s wishlist
This year’ll be the second and the last time
I’m homeless for Christmas

Definitely been awhile since I’ve posted anything substantial on here, but I think that’ll change with this upcoming year.

Back to that de ja vu point where I say “wow, it’s December already”. To commemorate the season’s greetings, I’ve recorded some Christmas tunes with a friend.

BlackJackJonny (Feat. ToleiMolei) – Christmas Don’t Be Late (COVER) by DoctorBlackJack

A lot of fun and good practice for me– they give me a good laugh, but they do make me a little sad at the same time. This’ll be another Christmas holiday I spend away from close family and friends, but I tell myself this will most likely be the last time to go through it.

BlackJackJonny (Feat. ToleiMolei) – All I Want for Christmas is You (COVER) by DoctorBlackJack

I guess the big “announcement” to share is I’ve decided not to re-contract with the JET Programme. I’m really thankful for the time and opportunity it’s given me to grow, but at the same time I know it ain’t “thanks” to JET I am who I am. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to hear me brag about everything when I record another video.

Just like last year, I plan on doing a top 10 of the year list. So stay tuned, I got lots of surprises for ya!

Aside from normal workout routines, Chase and I have started sharing attitudes and mind sets when it comes to fitness.

ENJOY

Another podcast to follow up Cory:

Be sure to check Kyla’s website for more pictures.

Cory himself:

The temple:

The temple guards:

The Kurobe Gorge:

You can check more of Cory’s adventure’s here and photo gallery here

So I been zoning out on youtube, checking out this chick’s guitar vids. Obviously, she has some mad skills. Not to mention pretty good taste in rock, so it’s been fun browsing the rest of her uploads for new leads on music (since it’s practically all covers).

It even made me start thinking to myself, maybe I do need to find a girl who has the same appreciation for rock like I do.

But I’ve had some bad juju the more I learned. I mean… it’s happened twice before.

Once with Kayo Sato, pictured here:

And another with Ai Haruna:

When I was reading this chick’s youtube profile I saw the name… Shotaro Nakamura! That ain’t no chick!