The way home...
[Note: There was a little bit of dirt on the window, but it's been cleaned up, thanks
to yours truly and his new copy of Photoshop CS *brag* *brag* *smirk* *brag*]
Right now I'm sitting in my office near the waterfront in Miramichi. I made it back safe and sound. The last three weeks have been a whirlwind of tearing down, and setting up. Let's see what I can remember. Don't expect many more updates here. I am even going to redirect the domain names for "Fareasterner" soon. In a short while, it will become the homepage for my new business, to be named: "Fareasterner"... surprise. *grin*
If you're looking for a Korea-specific post: They impeached the president last Friday, and apparently the country is in chaos from what friends tell me. I also heard that they are keeping high school students in
The Final 24
Packing succeeded. I misplaced a couple of things, and some of the computer equipment was shipped off to find a new home. A lot of things were left behind as they were either owned by the school, or else I figured I could pass them off as being owned by the school (dishes, the T.V., an extra desk...) What the school will do with them is anyone's guess. I am not being replaced.
I hit the airport early on Sunday, to find that my flight was late. I passed the time in the lounge, was interviewed by some middle school students looking to practice their English conversation, and I bought some sandwiches for the flight-- knowing full well after last time that airlines have cut back on their dinner menu.
I took the above photo after reaching Vancouver and departing again for Toronto. If you look beneath the clouds, you'll see the Rockies. I had a window seat.
Pearson airport.
I stayed the night in Toronto at my cousin's place. Part of my planned activities now that I am home include finally working on some of those English textbooks I've been tossing around inside my head. My cousin's wife's brother runs a publishing company in Seoul. I'm thinking of sending some stuff off to him on spec.
Early Monday morning, Canada time, I flew out again on the last leg of the trip and arrived at Moncton Airport in time for lunch. A couple of hours driving later, and I was home.
Back to the snow of home.
Needless to say, it's a lot colder here, inside and out.
The hometown has changed. It changed last time too, but now I can see what it was changing into. When I was home over the summer, I noticed a lot of businesses were gone but those that remained were freshly painted and seemed a bit more prosperous than when I left. Now, those gaps left by the businesses that closed have been filled-- but with discount stores. There must be a couple dozen "dollar" stores and used clothing outlets. In fact, it's almost impossible to buy anything new anymore. Retail outlets are understocked and everyone goes to Moncton for their major purchases, or chops online. Both Future Shop and Staples offer free delivery for online orders and I took advantage of that also. After reviewing and deciding against a job at the newspaper, I had an office to set up.
It took me two weeks to get established. There's no high speed internet at home yet, so I've opted to move into an office in town. At least half of Water Street in Chatham is vacant. Three business are holding closing out sales as I type. As far as office space went, I am in the newest building on the street and am the only tenant on the second floor. The first floor is half-empty also. Street level retail space now runs at about $400 CAD a month, all incl. My office is costing me half that.
It's not big. It's about 120 sq. feet but it's perfect for a computer workstation and my drafting table. I've invested in new computer equipment. Half of my startup costs went on software however. Photoshop, pagemaker, etc. don't come cheap and I'm determined not to use pirated software for the business.
So what will Fareasterner be? ...um... that's a good question. I have my finger in a lot of different pies. I am hoping to make my income sustainable by not depending on any one thing-- or any one country. I see lots of business opportunities here. The problem with Miramichi isn't entirely the economy. Much of it is that older business, especially those that are unable to conform, are closing down faster than young people start new ones. Most of the young people are gone. Those that are left have been struggling so long that it seems many have lost their ambition. Word of advice: don't let anybody know you're an optimist or they'll eat you for lunch. I learned that lesson already.
It's good that my office doesn't have a window in the door for just that reason. My workspace has a nice level of privacy, especially with the other offices remaining vacant for now. (I did notice a familiar old face checking them out though. If my hunch is correct, I could be writing an interesting followup post).
I'm certainly continuing with the cartooning, even if I have decided against a full time gig at the paper. I'd like to expand toward some illustrating contracts also, but the main focus now will be to design some ESL textbooks and the like, for printing back in Korea. I'm also going to try my hand at online ESL instruction (to that end, I've already made news in two papers who think that such a business is rather innovative for these parts). I've also been handed some web design jobs and have been asked to do a little side-publishing on my own. The area is also without a local marketing/advertising agency and I figure that with my graphic skills and publishing experience, I could fill the gap once things are running more smoothly. Time seems to be my major limitation for everything.
I'm happy to report that my family is doing well. My aunt loved the violin I brought back from Korea so much that she asked to get one. Yeji helped her out and it arrived yesterday. She's tickled.
I didn't get down to Halifax yet. I had hoped to be there by now but I pursued the business start-up rather quickly and now that it's pretty much ready to go, I feel more like earning my first profits rather than hitting the road and spending my last savings.
Hmm...
Suppertime. I spent the day doing web design. I plan to spend the evening here cartooning. I have a great little water cooler with a fridge in the bottom. There's a sandwich calling my name right now. Let's leave it there.
