Way back in May, 2001, when the economy wasn't AS bad, I was working for Rich at the multimedia bootcamp at the J-School. There, I met Janet Jarman, amazing photojournalist, frustrated multimedia developer. About halfway through a Flash session, she asks Nate and I if we had plans for September. Of course not, we don't have jobs, was our reply. Then came the kicker: "If I fly you guys to Japan, do you think you can teach me some of this stuff?" Nate and I took all of about 3 seconds to reply.
As time moved on, this thing kept getting pushed back further and further, for a variety of reasons. Through a series of emails, super long distance phone calls, dealing with 13 hour time differences, we finally found a date that worked. And now I have a plane ticket for February 5th. I come back March 5th.
The next question, of course, is what in the world are you doing there. The short answer is, building Janet a web page. A web experience, really. She's an amazing photographer and has millions of images, sound clips, video files. And it's all going on the web. Well, not all of it, but enough. I'm also supposed to help her get up to speed on a few things, like Flash and Final Cut Pro.
This will all be an AMAZING experience, with out a doubt. A whole month in Tokyo, working, exploring, teaching. I just have to figure out how to do all that now...
I'm incredibly jealous of Jim's upcoming experience. Visiting 3 different continents in one year... who has this life?! Meanwhile I sit in an office in NYC for 60 hours a week. But I'm not bitter... or so I keep telling myself.
Have a great trip Jims, and keep in touch!!
-Jess
Yo yo yo, this is my boy jim ray all up in da heazy baby with some mad display of coding skillz to hook up this bulletin board craziness
Posted by: Nate on February 2, 2002 01:41 PMI am always proud when you step out and do new things... especially when they are self supporting! I have a digital camera you can borrow if you can get it sometime real quick. Anyone going form A'ville to the Hill Monday? Have a great time. I wish you the best on your newest adventure. Tell Joe he can come to the mountains if he gets lonely. Have a great time! Love Ya, Dad
Posted by: Dad on February 4, 2002 12:28 AMThe weather in Japan looks like Atlanta is feeling today. You can handle it! I wish I'd reminded myself about the number of times you'll probably be shoeless in Japan. (Is this anything like "Sleepless in Seattle"?) I could have designed you some appropriate (and maybe some not so) socks! Oh well, next trip! Remember, you 'da BEST! (Or at least the best loved by your crazed Atlanta relatives!)
Posted by: Lani and Don on February 4, 2002 09:07 AMItoshigo
I can't believe that you are really on the other side of the world. Absolutely, blows my mind. This will be an amazing opportunity and Janet will end up with a class site!! Can't wait to read the first installment from your arrival in Tokoyo. I need to know if there is a discernable difference in Sushi in the Orient and Oriental Sushi!!! My Japanese is terrible but.....
koishii,
Mom