I’m getting settled in rather slowly, but I hope you’ll feel at home.

A girl I instant messaged with for like two minutes back in junior high school asked me what (one) label I would give myself. Was I skater, a punk, a preppie, a jock, a nerd? I knew to block her immediately. If you can define yourself in one word or one sentence, you’re doing life wrong.

Mostly, I teach English in Japan. That’s my day job and I love it. Working with students most days of the week is one of the most rewarding things anyone can do. The rest of my office hours are spent doing research or writing for academic publications. Teach, then shape the debate in education. Always in that order.

Then I write fiction. I have a novel that is just dying to be discovered, called Vampire Meets World. I’ll tease it and its characters and story universe as we go along. Remember to provide feedback, it only makes me a better writer!

I comment on politics too, but my takes are too hot for public consumption. Don’t be Curt Schilling.

Finally, I like to cook, travel and jog. These are all connected. I go jogging, then travel to compete in marathons and reward myself with a big bowl of pasta afterward. I feel no shame in this respect.

Let’s get to know each other here. I’ll be as respectful and open as possible. I got onto the Internet at the age of twelve to make friends. Twenty-two years later, the goal’s still the same.