I know, it's been waaaay to long. Things have been going quite well, but I am still busy as hec! So much so, that I have decided to implement some drastic schedule changes at work. But first, I will explain what I actually do. Since judging by a few comments, some of you are beginning to believe I'm like Tommy on "Martin", "Tommy, you don't have a job mann!"
I am a headhunter also known as a corporate recruiter, executive search, etc. I work with multinational corporations entering the Japan market or already operating in Japan, and I help them find talent. I primarily recruit Japanese professionals (Native Japanese speakers) with English speaking ability and I specialize in the Digital Media and Mobile industry. My days are filled with e-mails, calls, meetings, and introductions.
I absolutely enjoy my job and I enjoy meeting so many new people and developing new relationships. It provides independence and a handsome monetary reward. But just like every other job in Japan, the work hours are fierce and I have been pulling 12 hour days M-F for the past 3 months. As a result, I have become pretty grumpy and haven't attended any new social events-- and I love attending social events, especially new ones.
One of the things I like most about what I do, is the freedom in scheduling. I literally run my own business, have my own clients, produce my own revenue, and I have the freedom to schedule my days as I see fit. So today, I realized that I have reached a point of "A Change is Gonna Come... Fast or I'm Going Crazy Fast". You'll I'm tired.
So, I'm changing it up- a sista needs some balance! The first change is.... I'm going to speak with my assistant about scheduling meetings after 7PM. I'm going to allow one day out of the week to have meetings after 7PM ONLY. That's it, only one day! Normally, I am meeting people from early in the morning until late in the evening (8:30PM or 9PM).
The 2nd order of business is my gym time. A few months ago, I traded my gym time for more personal /God time in the mornings. This is the very important time where I either read the bible, a chapter/lesson or something related to being a better woman of Christ and I talk with God. I have come to really enjoy these times so this can't change. Up til February, I was mixing my personal time with gym time (gospel songs while running on the treadmill) but it just wasn't enough. So, I swapped the times and now I just don't have the time to get to the gym anymore. In order achieve gym time, I'm thinking of an after work wind down run twice a week (30-40 minutes) and an early morning muscle-toning and abs twice a week. (30-40 minutes). PLUS-- a fun fitness time (maybe hip-hop, salsa, aerobics, or yoga) that is usually scheduled at my gym during the evenings. I MUST get my butt back in the gym, my body is feeling sluggish.
Change #3 involves cooking and grocery shopping. Growing up, we always had a lot of food in the fridge. Bare cupboards just don't feel like home. So..... [sniffle... sad face...] My place just doesn't feel like home with only a bag of potatoes in our fridge. (Actually, we have more than potatoes.. but not much.) Plus, it makes me feel pretty guilty to see my husband walk over the fridge, take a peek, and shut the door, then move on to the cupboards, look, and shut the door-- and repeat this process for about two minutes. We both laugh about it (he's in the same line of work that I am) but me being the wife-- it's not really that funny. I'm supposed to be filling my husband's tummy with food! I MUST get it together :). Soooooo, my goal is to cook something for my sweetie and I on the days I leave work early.
Change #4 blogging. I really enjoy blogging and sharing things and I have become more open to sharing more of my life in Tokyo via my blog. But, this too requires time.... Since I have finally purchased a new laptop (and it's cute too!) it's much easier to blog regularly. Plus, I truly understand the disappointment you get when following a blog and they only post once a month-- it SUCKS!
Oh! And today, my husband asked me when I wanted to have kids-- and he was serious! I told him after I was able to run 5K at the gym (this year's resolution... which I've only managed to get up to 2.5 so far). I want to make sure my body is in the best condition in order to nurture and support a little G&T.
And, I have a STORY to tell from the weekend about bar b q, guacamole, and double-dipping...
Alright guys, I'll be sure to keep you updated on my new schedule :). I should probably create it on paper to commit to it. And the picture above is from a formal ball at the Australian Embassy. G plans aussie rules football and they had a nice get together this past weekend.
--A Truly Blessed Sista in Tokyo
Wow, sounds like you and your hubby have nice jobs! I wish I could do something like that!
Nice to 'hear' from you! :)
Posted by: Lana | July 12, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Sounds like you've been busy. Always nice to see you back though=)
Posted by: Kali | July 15, 2008 at 01:35 AM
Sounds like you've been busy. Always nice to see you back though=)
Posted by: Kali | July 15, 2008 at 01:35 AM
omg How did you get a job like that?! I definatly want a job like that you should tell us that in your next blog!!
Posted by: brittanypooh | July 15, 2008 at 06:51 AM
Wow, your life sounds so fascinating. I wonder you get a job like that. I'm sure you have to know some Japanese. I took two semesters in college.
Posted by: Rainy | July 15, 2008 at 08:00 AM
ive always wanted to live in japan. im a sista too. ive been researching stuff about the country and i keep getting things about japanese people being super racist and hating gaijins.it really starting to scare me out of going to japan. do you ever have bad experiences like that in japan? is japan really that racist? please reply.
Posted by: emmiesaint | July 15, 2008 at 12:56 PM