While I can't say whether the "experiment" was a success or not - the writing has ebbed and flowed quite unspectacularly, as most blogs do - what I do know is that the experience has proved invaluable. And I'm not just talking about the blogging. Living in Japan has been an unbelievable experience, one that has constantly rewarded me and tested me and ultimately - hopefully - made me a better person. It was a dream that, unfortunately, has finally ended.
So what now? Well, I think it's an appropriate time to end the blog. That isn't to say I'm ready to stop blogging, but it's time to find a new outlet for my experiences. Whether that outlet ends up looking like this is still unknown even to me, but I can promise that the result will be exciting and, as always, honest. And as for a job, well, that I'm working on too. I can't say I know exactly where I'll be writing from next, but even with a daunting job search ahead of me I can say that I can't wait to find out.
I'm not typically fond of this kind of self-referential post, but I'd feel remiss if I didn't thank anyone who has read the blog over the past three years, as well as anyone who might have helped me out or given me constructive criticism. I know I've got a ways to go as a writer, but God and Tom Cruise willing I'll get there.
Finally, as I've left Japan for the greener pastures of Wisconsin, I'd like to end, appropriately, with a little cheese. I chose the name "The Long and Winding Road" when I started out because I hoped that my journey would lead me somewhere - to "your door" or elsewhere. I feel fortunate to have discovered quite a bit throughout the course of that journey, and so now I feel like it's a good time to end the blog because, well, I feel as though maybe I reached the of the road. It doesn't mean that I'm done searching altogether, only that I'll be choosing a new path.
I hope you'll come along with me.
Thank you, thank you, and sayonara.
-Jeff
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