Thoughts, life, jobs, etc

Quite a lot of things tend to happen lately. Things that excite, things that bore, and things that defy themselves.

Recently, the tax college has started to go well. I'm finding a rhythm, the students are used to the class, and we're all getting along. The course finishes in two days, and we're going out for a party tomorrow night.
You would assume that teaching tax English to tax officers would be dull as hell, but, it has actually turned out to be a fun experience - and, of course, very well paid. More money in 6 days than I have previously managed in a whole month of acting.
I've also realised, again, that I am actually a very good teacher - in so far as I can keep the students interested for a good 90% of the lesson. I don't know why, but I do tend to grin and smile throughout teaching. It's a cheeky grin, because I know that I can abuse my power, and the students find it funny when I do. If it looks like you are having fun, then it projects onto your students.
I will be the first to admit that I'm not the best at actually teaching language points, and getting students to memorise grammar. But, that's not really what I'm here for. Japanese students are very good at this by themselves. What they need is to increase their ability in speaking situations, so I just try to get them talking as much possible - nonsense is fine. You'd be surprised by some of the funny shit they come up with. One of my students loves the word hate. Hate is a fairly hilarious word really, when you think about it. He uses it with reckless abandon. We laugh. You would probably laugh too.
For the record, the main reason that I don't like teaching is the preparation - and preparation is key in this industry. I just can't concentrate when I have to pre-read the texts, note possible language and vocab points, think of exercises and fun, original games...
So, they've asked me about another course running in January, so I may do that too. The thing is, several things seem to be starting to rotate now.
On Thursday, I have an interview with a video game localisation company to help proof-read translated games. If I want a career in the game industry, I'm sensible enough to realise that this would be a very valuable experience. The money is pretty crap - but thats not the intention.
Also, in January, I will have an audition for a Motion Capture job for a video game. This would be a great job to get. Experience and money wise.
On top of this, there is the (shrinking) possibility of the Thailand movie job in February. It's all enough to make me think that, well, my visa expiring in March is a bit of a damn pain.
Oh, and, also, there was a brilliant sunset today from the classroom - the sun set behind mount Fuji, searing it's outline a reddy-gold. I stopped the class to check it out. I didn't take a photo for you though, sadly. So I stole this similar one instead:

I do, however, promise to scan in some of my tax textbook soon - so you can see what I have to play with :-P