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.

Hello friends, Dogentricks.com here. I just finished my JET interview. ナイス！

When I signed in to the Japanese consulate, the receptionist quickly asked me,
“are you the one with the website?”

A bit surprised, I modestly responded, “Haha, yea!” Though I really wanted to say, “Why yes, I am Dogentricks.com!”

I nearly exploded with laughter just thinking about saying something so ridiculous. I bit my tongue and suppressed the hypothetical humor into an inaudible stomach implosion. I took out the required forms and smoothly passed them across the table, earnestly trying to display my professionalism.

She continued, “Yea, we were wondering about that…the essay you wrote on your website and the essay you turned in are completely different.”

Oh noes. After having one of my fantastic professors proofread my original essay (the one posted on the website), I ended up rewriting almost the entire thing. “This essay is interesting and creative, but not what a few Japanese people sitting in Washington are going to want to read; it’s too abstract.” With that in mind, I completely redid my essay. It didn’t occur to me the incongruity of reality and the world wide wealtiy might come back to bite me in the rear.

Well, it did. But it was a nice bite – like the kind of bite you have when you’re chomping into a pancake with just the perfect balance of butter, hot maple syrup, and just cooked batter. I ended up talking with the kind receptionist for about 15 minutes, and eventually even showed her some tricking videos. Two other people waiting to be interviewed nudged over and began watching as well. “I’ve always wanted to learn this stuff!” one of them said. “What is this site again?” At that point I realized,

“This is the second major job interview I’ve had in which I watched Quad Tricks VI” I shook my inner mind in disbelief while ginning from ear to ear.

Finally, the time came. “Kevin,” said the receptionist, “they are waiting for you in Room A.”

Anxious to get things started I walked straight into the room, completely forgetting everything I had learned in Japan. The receptionist literally laughed out loud and in a classic whispering to your friend across the classroom voice, stopped me. “Knock!!” I quickly jumped back outside the room and pulled the door shut. Then, I knocked. Unable to hear anything from on the other side and now slightly out of my groove, I waited breathlessly for 4 seconds and then once more entered the room.

Overall the interview went smoothly and turned out to be a great experience. I actually love the high energy and tension of a serious job interview – it’s the one place where you really see your strengths and faults. I thank the Seattle JET desk for providing me with an incredible opportunity, and everyone else who has supported me thus far; hopefully I’ve have good news for everyone this April!

Train hard.