Author Archives: MThomas

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About MThomas

Long ago, I gave up my high school dreams of becoming the next Carl Sagan and instead wound up working (in order) at McDonald's, a '60s-themed restaurant, a video rental store, a used bookstore, a computer seller, Kinko's, a Jewish newspaper company, and an HR firm. I eventually became a teacher of intercultural communication in Kyoto, where I vainly attempt to apply quantum mechanics to language teaching, practice martial arts and Zen Buddhism, and always keep one eye on the sky. And yes, I know my profile photo's backward. I just think it looks better this way.

Doctor, Doctor?

Posted on April 9, 2010 by MThomas

This past Monday I experienced bringing my daughter to the doctor’s office for the first time. The first time by myself, I mean. I’ve been present at most of my daughter’s immunization shot visits (my wife and I arranged these … Continue reading →

Posted in health care, sickness | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Leave Starts

Posted on April 1, 2010 by MThomas

It’s official. Today I have become the first male worker ever at a Japanese National College of Technology to take Child Care Leave. I have been granted official leave from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. The term in … Continue reading →

Posted in parenting, Paternity leave, roles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Suku-suku So-dan

Posted on March 25, 2010 by MThomas

Yesterday, my wife and I took our daughter to a city-sponsored health check slash child care consultation (suku-suku so-dan, meaning literally “quick consultation,” from the idiom suku-suku sodatsu, grow quickly or thriving). The event was free of charge for all … Continue reading →

Posted in baby toys, parenting | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments