Hello friends, Dogentricks.com here.

I graduated from college. I graduated from the University of Washington with a 3.68 G.P.A. and now hold a bachelors degree in Japanese linguistics, which makes me a little bit sad because it gives me no more excuses for not being great at Japanese.

Until now, I’ve been able to get away with looking like I was better at Japanese than the time I put into it. When someone asked, “How long have you been studying?” I could say, “1 year at college, 1 year in Japan, and some time by myself,” and their jaws would typically hit the floor. The only thing I can say now is that I majored in Japanese, essentially raising the expectation bar to fluency one sentence into conversation.

But, I’m thrilled to be done with college and extremely proud of the work I have done. Four years ago I couldn’t have imagined the amount of knowledge and ability I acquired through study. My Japanese, more than anything else, has improved to a level I am extremely happy with. Besides that, my writing skill in both English and Japanese, has sky-rocketed. My ability to communicate as a whole is in an entirely different league than what it used to be. I’m happy to be the person I have become.

In other news, I’m leaving for Japan in four weeks–excellent. Before that I’ll be getting a motorcycle license and saving up some money so I can get a new Kawasaki Ninja 250 R. Just finished JET basic training.

FINALLY and most importantly I had a fantastic tricking gathering the other day and will be putting up a new sampler soon. Thanks to everyone that came out, I had a blast with you all once again. Tricking in the rain for and hour and the sun for two was ridiculous–I’ve never been so sore.

or so happy.

NICE.

Hello friends, Dogentricks.com here. How has everyone been? It’s been a bit since I last blogged, so here is the scoop:

I have been assigned my placement in Japan. I will be going to Bungooono-shi, Oita-ken, Kyuushuu. I’m absolutely sure none of you know where that is, so here’s a map for reference.

The big red arrow that got cut off due to my impatient image editing indicates Bungooono-shi. Quick Japanese geography lesson: Ken is akin to state, shi is city, and mura is small town or village. I’m, again, in Bungooono-SHI. But, according to everyone that knows it, which is only one of my many Japanese friends, the town is in the middle of nowhere and probably has absolutely nothing. One of my friends looked me straight in the eye and told me there were probably more snakes and bears than people. I laughed, then cried when he told me it wasn’t a joke.

In all seriousness, I’m extremely excited about my placement. My number one pick was Oita city, the capital of Oita-ken. Bungooono-shi is only thirty minutes by car, but small enough for me to experience a lifestyle I know nothing about. The change in scenery and surroundings will no doubt have a profound affect on my life; I have faith it will all be for the best.

In other news, my life as a student is over. My last day of class was yesterday and my graduation will be this Friday. Between now and then, I have a final in geology, American pop song, music theory, and a short story to write. I’m not worried about any of my classes, but am a bit anxious about the short story. I’ve been working on it seriously for the past week, everyday putting at least two hours of solid work into nothing but writing. I walk to the library each day at 7:45, arrive at 8:00, and write until the doors close at 10:00.

It is my first serious attempt at fiction, and I am glad to say through practice I have only gained confidence in my ability to write for a living. When I sit down at the computer, I feel like I’m watching the story construct itself rather than writing it. I’ll post the whole thing up here once I finish things.

Finally, my tricking career is coming to a close, but I am training everyday and looking forward to the small gathering later this month—hopefully my back with be in shape.

Thanks for the support, and train hard.