I hope this post find you all in good health, happy, and motivated to have a great 2009.
First order of business-- God is really working in my life and I must say, if you don't believe, try him. Take a moment to really try to connect with God and believe- if only for a day. The past few months have been filled with busy schedules, low motivation, traveling home to Alabama for Thanksgiving, snowboarding, and of course working. (Business is still good in Executive Search here in Tokyo, especially in the online media, web services, and e-commerce areas.)
This past weekend I took some time to reflect on 2008 and there were some things I was disappointed with that I must fix ASAP- for 2009. Mainly, my lack of consistency with this blog, my addiction to iTunes TV Shows and downloads, and my poor relationship maintenance with friends and family back home. I used to love sending e-mails to people-- now it is something that I absolutely dread. (I think it's because I receive so many e-mail at work or my schedule doesn't have room for it) Whatever the reason, I am working on fixing these as we speak. The word of the year for SiT in 2009? DISCIPLINE!
Second Order of business-- Guest Writers and Submissions! Wowsers!! (A new word that I have adopted and loving to say, so corny I know). What a great and somewhat overwhelming response to the call for writers. I am in the process of reviewing all sites and potential writers this month. In February I will contact each of the guest writers and you will begin to see new faces and perspectives on SiT, in addition to my own. More details forthcoming.
Also, thanks Mr. Dixon for the simple message sent from your iPhone titled, "Where is my SIT?" I appreciate that. You guys, I appreciate all message sent to me- you just don't know how wonderful reading mail from SiT readers is-- especially when my motivation is lacking.
Finally- thanks to all of you for checking out the Black Professionals in Tokyo Network. We are planning great prfessional events this year in 2009, I encourage you to come out and continue to check it out online. Please see the badge (rectangular box) on the right column for details.
-SiT
Love your blog, which I'm just now being introduced to. I, too, am a Black woman living in Japan. It's my second stay, the first having taken place from 1996-1997, when I was Rotary Exchange student-- a couple years before shipping off to-- where else-- Howard. Before classes began in August or September of 1999, I'd exchanged many, many emails with Professor Logan (Arts and Sciences Dean-- is he still there?) regarding the reimplementation of a Japanese course of study. My wish was granted, and I was thrilled that my interest in Japanese was-- and still is-- shared by many other students. I even went on to teach the Japanese language course for the Bunche Center International Studies program for high school students.
You didn't happen to study with Professor Tritt, did you?
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments to date-- and on all those to come! 明けましておめでとうございます!
I would love to guest blog, but I leave in a week! Perhaps a farwell/ode to the lovely country to which I have become inextricably tied to?
Posted by: Sadia | January 08, 2009 at 01:53 AM
Seasonal greetings and Happy New Year to you and your dear husband, nice to know that you are back. Look forward to reading your blog.
Posted by: Valerie | January 17, 2009 at 07:09 AM
Hi,
Only a few words to alert about the new blog directory for people living abroad, travelers and expatriates: BlogExpat:
http://www.blogexpat.com
This free blog service has become a directory of expat blogs, open to any blog of people living abroad. This is an exciting new feature and you can immediately add your expat/travel blog in the BlogExpat directory and help us grow the community:
http://www.blogexpat.com/en/register.htm
You will get a personal page for the profile of your blog with its latest posts and will be able to reach easily expat, travelleurs, targeted visitors and neighbours who can find you thanks to our Google Maps.
We hope to see you soon on www.blogexpat.com.
PS: you can also add our logo with the appropriate colours to your blog here:
http://www.blogexpat.com/en/links.htm
Posted by: Blogexpat | February 13, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Right About Now I'm Missing Your Blog About Living in the Crazy city of Tokyo?
Are you okay?
Posted by: NooniPoo | March 08, 2009 at 11:05 AM