I never took the Japanese Language Proficiency Test when I was in college, nor did I attempt to take it when I was living in Kitakyushu, on the heels of my JET Program experience.

The JLPT is one of those de-facto standards that are considered. Levels run from 4 through 1 (beginner to master). If you can do Level 1, chances are you should be working and living in Japan well.

I would say that with some dedication and motivation, I could probably pass Level 3. At first I thought about taking Level 4. Stress free test-taking and minor kanji brush up. But after consulting with some friends, Level 4 would be a waste of time… similar to taking an elementary school math test perhaps. I think I can do better.

Level 3 is what I’m shooting for. I have about 97 days left until the test date. If I can review my texts for grammar and look at last year’s tests (on sale and already ordered on line), I think I’ll be okay.

Sissie asked me why I was taking it now. “Personal reasons slash closure,” I told her. “I guess I just should have taken it awhile ago, but now I’m actually going to take it.”

90 days isn’t much. I’m not too comfortable. But I’ve started studying this evening and I’ll keep on going until I take the test at the Los Angeles location.

In other news, I’m 15 Lessons through a 16 Lesson Final Cut Pro book. My other goal, since I am still having hard time finding work, is to get Level 1 FCP Certified. It’s rather expensive: it costs $150 to take the test. But at the same time, I’m spending my unemployed time pretty well. Using FCP, reviewing my Japanese, and still searching and creating.

I think the only really unproductive (but therapeutic day) I had was Sunday of last week: I played The Sims 2 literally all day. It was too hot to do anything else. Really.

My latest video is complete and in the hands of a CG artist. There’s a missing element in the video I’d like to have. So until that’s done, the video is on a holding pattern.