nude highway driving

I know I haven’t been very prolific the past few weeks, and I know I seemed a little drama-like when I tried to explain my sudden drop-off in Tokyo posts, but there is a good reason for my stress and preoccupation.

I’m moving to Tokyo. In less than five weeks.

No, really.

I had to make my decision about the job while I was out there, and for personal reasons it was a rough one for me. Those last couple weeks of my visit mostly were filled with me curled up in a ball of stress, trying to make sure I was doing the right thing. Once I made my decision work flew me back early so I could begin the process of major life upheaval.

The job is a step up in responsibility and will force me back into writing. I’ll do more of the editing I like to do (working closely with the reporters I oversee, shaping our editorial direction) and though I’m a little intimidated it will push me past this big-ass wall I keep hitting after so many years of copy editing. I’ve always wanted to live in another country, and now I’ll be doing it rent-free (one of the kick-ass perks). The cultural experience is something on which I thrive, and I already know I love Tokyo and its adventures. There will be much traveling (some for work, lots for myself). Best of all, almost every day of my life will begin with the heated toilet seat.

Somewhere deep down I’m really, really excited. Right now I’m too busy freaking out to notice. My short-term goal is to make it to Tokyo without exploding.

I’ve decided to throw it all away and become an alcoholic nightclub owner in Roppongi.
Please come by for scary-ass shots.

Actual tag found on every hat bought from a groovy little hat store off Omote-sando (big shopping street) in Tokyo. Reason #1,989 why Japan is cool.

Words will return here soon. I apologize for my absenteeism — the last three weeks in Tokyo were filled with suck-ass stress, plenty of second-guessing, sorry attempts at soul-searching and even a few chest pains. Big-ass decisions either inspire me or force me into a fetal position on the floor. I’ll elaborate after I tie up some loose ends.

I flew back a little early (Monday), and have been sleeping the jet lag off or shopping for comfortable shoes since my return. The flight wasn’t as painful this time because I changed planes in L.A., which is a mere 8 1/2 hours from Tokyo … slept through everything except the meals. Going through LAX security in Doc Martens made me pissy bitter, hence the search for new comfortable (and slip-on) shoes. America has gone insane. You have no idea how bad I want to strip naked in the security line next time I fly.

D.C.’s Monday night cold was a shock to the system, but it looks like the sun is catching up with me. Maybe it had a few last-minute gifts to buy in Shibuya. It happens to everyone.