youtube So, for all of those who are subscribed to my YouTube and looking forward to new videos, I have some, well, let’s call it semi-bad news. Since it’s not the worst that can happen.

Yes, I did promise and HD camera. Yes, I did buy an HD camera that works really well. And yes, I delivered some HD quality movies. But no, I cannot find a solution for my conversion problem.

Here’s why I originally bought it in the first place: I wanted my next stay in Japan to be recorded in HD quality so I’d be able to share it online with you, friends and family. I still don’t know the status on my ALT job for JET yet. I have to wait until December to see if anything at all is happening or not since I got waitlisted. However, I do have another plan in case all else fails.

If JET doesn’t have a space for me come December or before then, I’m packing my bags anyway and leaving for New Year’s. I’m already asking my friends and professors for contacts that they know of in Japan. It seems they’re all leading to a teaching job. So with that in mind, I’m going to have to take a TEFL course and get 100 hours certified for my studies. Additionally, I don’t want to remain a teacher forever (but if I’m going to have to start out as a teacher, I might as well be certified so I can be well paid) so I’m also going to take the JLPT Level 2. I’ve heard that if I pass it, I’m certified to have almost any job in Japan since it’s a certificate of my fluency. If I pass the JLPT Level 1… I might as well be native!! But, I’m not there yet.

However I get to Japan, the HD camcorder is coming with me. When that happens.. THEN I’ll be more willing to shell out some money for high quality conversion programs so I can get the necessary updates. You guys will be able to see Japan where ever I decide to live.

Oh yea, where I’ll be living… I do want to live in Tokyo since all my friends live there. But I realize that Tokyo is expensive to live in. I should know, I’ve done it already. So instead, I’m thinking I should arrive in Tokyo, stay there for a few weeks to see my friends, and then apply for jobs that are in the country. The country is soooo much cheaper than Tokyo. Compare this: $600 a month for a tiny tiny apartment space, about as big as a small office, with thin walls so you can hear your neighbor russtling. Then, a $600 a month HOUSE with 3 bedrooms each with their own closets, a living area with a combined kitchen, and a full length bathtub and separate room for a toilet. Muuuuch better.

The country is a great place to raise money for my desired future. Plus, I have some friends in Gunma and Tohoku! However long it takes, I’m hanging out in the country until I’m secure in a job in Tokyo.