The Real Ghostbuster

Originally I had planned for this latest blog entry to be more of a recap post. I was going to fill you in on something I had done or seen during my year long hiatus. But in the past week something more important (albeit sad) has happened.

Harold Ramis, the incredibly funny writer/director/actor, passed away on February 24th 2014.

I must admit that, before his death, I knew Ramis only as "Egon the ghostbuster". Maybe it was happenstance, ignorance, or the fact that I was one year old when Ghostbusters 2 came out; but I knew very little about his career. I had no clue that this was the same man who  wrote Ghostbusters, yet alone, wrote and directed many of my favorite comedies growing up (Caddy Shack, Groundhog's Day, Animal house, Stripes, etc...). I had even failed to recognize him in his later acting appearances such as Orange County. I was floored that I knew so little about this man who had helped me to fall in love with movies.

As a child, I loved the ghostbusters. I mean, what young boy doesn't want to drive an unnecessarily loud car and strap a ghost-capturing particle accelerator to their back? They appealed to everything whimsical in my tiny heart. The ghostbusters went against everything society told us to do. Instead of listening to everyone around them, these childhood heroes did what no one else thought possible and succeeded. This gave me hope that I may one day succeed in accomplishing my dreams (no matter how ridiculous they may be).

All of Ramis' movies have similar themes to this. They taught us never to be afraid of being ourselves and to value our imagination. I am reminded of Animal House, Caddy Shack, and (of course) Ghostbusters. Those films were not only about being different but embracing those differences as strengths. He made it easy to root for the college misfits in their quest to be themselves, or the man-children who saved New York from a giant stay puff marshmallow monster. I felt a sense of pride when caddies triumphed over country club owning elitists. Their victories were my victories, and I was made stronger by each one.

These messages throughout his movies along with his unique sense of humor and wit, would go on to change the landscape of American comedy. Without Ghostbusters and films inspired by it, I'm not sure if I would have found the courage to be myself and follow my dreams. I would probably still be sitting in a cubicle in Oklahoma instead of a classroom in Japan. I'm sure there are many others like me who were equally inspired by this man. To that end I would like to say,

Thank you for the wise and comical teachings, Harold Ramis. The world is a lesser place without you in it.

art by ninjaink

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Wow... That Was a Long Nap

First of all, thanks to everyone who is still following this blog which has been inactive for over a year (you all get a free cyber hug). 

Last year was a crazy one and I plan on filling you in on it (little by little). In that time, I have experienced both amazing highs and horrible lows. I have been broken and built back up. These experiences have changed me in ways that I can't even begin to describe (though, I will try). 

When I first came to Japan I was scared, bewildered, excited, and naive... I guess I'm still all of those things, yet, I am different somehow. I've learned so much but still feel like I know so little. That may sound negative, but it is very much a good thing. Sometimes, it's important to recognize how little we truly know. It can be humbling and scary not knowing all the answers, but that is how real learning begins. I am a full time teacher yet Japan continues to teach me (wether I want it to or not). I came to Japan as a tourist, became a teacher, and was made a student.

Originally, I wrote this blog to show family and friends a country they may never get to experience (see: really lame YouTube videos in previous posts). While that is something I still hope to deliver, it's not all I want to accomplish. I have been to many vastly different places and met people from all walks of life. I revived this seemingly dead blog to tell you about those people and places. I want you to gain something from my experiences, and I want to grow and learn with you. 

If you have any questions for me, please leave them in the comments section below. If you enjoy my posts, like and subscribe to this blog. Be sure and share it with your friends. You can also follow me on twitter @SenseiTrey. 

Thanks again for all the love and support. Cyber hugs all around!