Although I'm too clumsy to juggle actual objects, I continue my juggling lifestyle. I did not obtain a classroom position this year, so I will work as a contracted sub for a local school district. The first day of school is Monday. I continue to do freelance work as the opportunity arises. If you're interested, here are links to a couple of recent articles.

I enjoyed writing a review of District 9. You might be wondering how I came to write for Columbus' indie paper if I live in Cincinnati. Last year, an L.A. film publicist I got to know through Finishing the Game asked me to review a film that played in Columbus. I didn't even have to drive--he sent me a screener. For District 9, I attended a press screening in my own city. Ah, the wonders of turning in work via email. That reminds me--anyone seen that Gonzo doc about Hunter S. Thompson, and the scene where he smashes that primitive fax-machine thing he used to turn in articles?

I've also done some work for a Cincinnati webzine called Soapbox--mostly short articles on business news. The feature I did on Asian Community Alliance" target="_blank">Asian Community Alliance was really enlightening. ACA addresses the needs of Asian immigrants in our city, which has a small but growing Asian presence. The two community organizers I interviewed were fascinating to talk to.

I feel blessed to meet so many interesting people and ideas through my writing. Teaching has similar benefits. Makes me wonder what this year will bring. I'm up for anything--I have to be.

By the second week in July, I'd hoped to be able to report a new job as a music teacher. No dice. I am trying to stay focused on the positive....planning some additional sources of income in case I have to substitute teach again.  I'm continuing to write for Soapbox Cincinnati, and I may also teach some private voice lessons.

My hubby Jeremy, however, has some great news. KoreanPianist (as he's known here on AnD) is recording a CD. Full details here:

http://www.alivenotdead.com/koreanpianist/My-first-CD-underway--profile-694787.html?newcomment_1#comments

Let's all show Jeremy some love!

Let me know what's going on with you all.

Kiva does micro-loans. I do micro-blogs.

On the writing front, I am starting my first freelance piece for Soapbox Cincinnati on, of all things, the Asian Community Alliance. Looking forward to it. Soapbox is a business publication that highlights the positives of our city. I'll be sure to link. I am still working on the second draft of Territory, but I'll be able to devote more to it when the matter below is resolved....

On the teaching front, I have two job interviews in the next week. Tomorrow, I have a first interview for music teacher at an inner-city elementary school. Tuesday, I have a second interview for a choral directorship at a rural/suburban high school.

The high school position includes show choir. Anyone seen the teaser for the new Fox series, Glee? I am gleeful about this series. It would be trippy to be living out the show like this. Below is "Tina," an interesting Asian character.

I would be happy with either position. I can see artistic and personal advantages/disadvantages to both. Wish me the best.

North Korea's always in the shadows of my mind, but I am especially concerned about the two female American journalists being held hostage since March.

Here on AnD, Teddy Zee is organizing a candlelight vigil for these two. Check out his page and/or the Facebook page that's keeping people updated.

Here in the U.S., journalist Lisa Ling appeared on ABC News Nightline to talk about how hard it is to be without her sister. "She's very scared," Lisa says.

What's really heartbreaking is that the journalists were reporting on trafficking of North Korean women to China--the latest grisly consequence of China's one-child policy and North Korea's brutal treatment of its people. For more on trafficking, you should check out Pastor Eugene Cho's bold statement on his blog. It's so hard to talk about, but we all need to be aware.

The courage of these two women, speaking out on behalf of other women, is just incredible. It's really got me thinking about the risks writers take to do what they're called to do. "Who knows, but that you were born for such a time as this."