Wednesday, April 08, 2009

I am falling in love

The clear days brings with it a sense of something refreshing yet I cannot breathe clearly without feeling heaviness within me. I glance around the beautiful park as I sit in a small plastic chair slowly chewing the mixture of seaweed, rice and shrimp that I have somehow I learned to love. I smile as I feel my eyes begin to water. A small girl laughs as her dad chases her, two men bow and smile happily, a woman points to a cluster of flowers she likes and nods her head as her husband it picks up. A little boy tugs at his mom's skirt as he finishes his cotton candy. The men at the table next to us laugh loudly as they fill each other's cups with sake and beer. They call out to us in their broken English, asking us where they are from and if we like sushi. I laugh and look at my friend as she finishes her cotton candy and throws the chop sticks in the plastic bag. There is beauty all around me and I cannot hide my happiness. Flowers of all kinds are arranged in crates creating beautiful designs all across the muddy parking lot. The heaviness becomes almost unbearable as I look around this peaceful place and I close my eyes to keep them from watering more. I feel this way because I know I will have to leave it all too soon. It strikes me as mildly ironic on this soft spring day because even though I saw the beauty of this place when I got here, it wasn't until recently I finally realized how much I was truly feeling the beauty this place has to offer. We get up and tell the men we will not go to sushi with them as they call after us. I smile and wave, hoping they won't be bold enough to follow, even though I know they would never. We wander around the hundreds of flowers pointing at the ones that strike us, smiling and greeting the people around us. Children watch us with awe, some even come and say hello in English, shy yet excited. Walking across the park to the edge of the hill I am left breathless by the view. This town that was just a cluster of foreign buildings and narrow streets a mere 7 months ago has finally become something more than that to me; it has become my home. My friend points and in the distance I can see the ocean. I widen my eyes, for I am surprised at how close it truly is. How did I not come to this place before? The heavy feeling returns, I feel the pressure of time breathing down my neck.

We walk down to the park, taking in the beauty of the cherry blossom trees all around us, watching the petals fall like snow to the ground. The grass is covered in them, creating a white veil of petals in a ring around the trees. We find the large slide and I laugh as I watch a little boy make his way down it. He nervously holds on to the side and glaces back at his dad. His dad gives him a big smile, letting the boy know it is ok. He is suddenly unafraid as he loosens his grip for the rest of the ride down. I follow him laughing the whole way because the rollers tickle me and I am obviously the oldest one going down. We walk down to the monkey bars and smile now that we can touch them while standing on the ground. I swing my legs around frantically as my friend takes a silly picture. We have melted into former versions of ourselves, we have gone back in time. I do a handstand in the damp grass, laughing as I fall over all too quickly. It has been much too long. As I lay on my back I am again left breathless because of how unrealistically blue the sky is. I tell my friend it is like someone clicked on the saturation button in a picture program. It just doesn't get this blue in real life. The moon peaks through two green trees, still so white, like a pearl in the bottom of a deep, blue swimming pool. We find a teeter totter, a wooden one at that, the kind they don't make in the States anymore. I am all too quickly sucked into the past and we cannot resist trying it out. The mud at the bottom squishes between my toes and I laugh as my friend pushes up and lets my feet hit with a big splatter. When we finish trying the old teeter totter we wander around, finally taking a seat on the small tables lined up against the pound littered with Lily pads and fallen petals. I take too many pictures, desperately trying the capture the beauty that I feel all around me. I finally put my camera away, knowing it is impossible to do so. Being the hopeless romantic that I am I picture walking hand in hand with someone down the hill lined with cherry blossom trees, listening to the laughter of children as we talk quietly about our own childhood memories at the park.

After my friend and I have had our fill plus some, we walk back down the hill talking of the beautiful wedding we had been to the day before, the waterfall we had gone to in the summer, our first memories of this place and our first memories of each other, our fears of coming so far away, our comforts now, and our concerns about the future. I tell my friend I want to travel, I want to see the world, but I am left with a bitter taste in my mouth after I say it because I am seeing the world I don't want to leave this part of it. Not yet at least. I take a breath and remind myself there is still time. I have four months left in this place I have fallen in love with over and over again, and just because I have to go away does not mean that I won't love it forever. So I will do what I have set out to do and love it just as much if not more. I will love it for everything it is and everything it is not. I will love the people around me because they too have taken a hold of me, and that grip is stronger than any other force. It is something that will not let go and has changed me so I will never be quite same again. As the sun sets on this perfect day I will smile and hold onto what I have and greet another day in Japan with even more bliss than I did the day before because as a passerby once mentioned to me on my travels, "there are no re-runs, this is it", and it suddenly became all too clear--this is my one shot. I better make it good.

Monday, March 02, 2009

I Believe

Ok here it is. Actual evidence that there is some sort of something going on in my head! It is still a work in progress, but I thought I would post what I have so far.

I believe...
I believe in sleeping in, I believe in diving into a refreshing pool on a hot day, I believe in a cold shower after a hard workout and hot chocolate on a winter day, I believe in the smell of old fashioned things, gasoline, and fresh cut grass. I believe in movies that cover large chunks of time, the sight of pure and untouched nature, in the sound of crashing waves, in late night rain and cheering fan, the silence of a new fallen snow and the crunch of a crispy quesadilla. I believe in ice cream of any flavor and the warmth of a true hug. I believe in white noise and background music when I am doing mindless tasks. I believe in an arm around me, the air filling my lungs and spiritual understanding. I believe in mind over matter, and the power of sheer will. I believe in black nail polish, sweat pants, eyeliner, video cameras and goggles. I believe in the tranquility of being underwater, the calm of shade in the park, and the peace of mind right before I fall asleep. I believe in the chaos of school assemblies, the roar of a football stadium after a touchdown, the thumping beat of a good song, the ear ringing after a great concert, the scratching of a pencil on new paper, the excitement of a much anticipated event, a smile that truly means something. I believe in the sound of my name being called from far away and real, deep down belly laughter. I believe in a good journal, the buzzing of my phone, the three words “I miss you”. I believe in floss and perfume, in tampons and conditioner. Lots of conditioner. I believe in a good shave to make me feel sexy, a good book to make me think and a good movie to make me cry. I believe in a raised hand in a classroom, the sound of clinking silverware, an insightful question, an original dance move and a new crush.

I believe in passion and showing that passion, I believe in a good Colorado beer, a sweet crisp apple and anything with multiple flavors in one bite. I believe in jewelry, trampolines, scooters and SUVs. I believe in a good run on the ski slopes, a good serve on the tennis courts, a good start in a swim race and the view after a long hike. I believe in a familiar face in a sea of unfamiliar ones, a song that brings back memories, and pictures that make you yearn contently. I believe in fridge magnets, frying pans and dumbbells. I believe in e-mails and chocolate, in holidays and bar-b-ques. I believe in the sand between my toes, a full cooler on a summer day, and a good board game with lots of friends. I believe in the sweat after a long night dancing, the smell of cooking mushrooms and the initial ease into a hot tub. I believe in all day outside, discovering short cuts and roller coasters where your legs dangle down. I believe in the “teacher voice”, the look of pride, the accomplished feeling of a job well done. I believe in no regrets, in playing with kids, in making someone laugh and snow angels. I believe in a good sneeze, the stars on a clear night, the warmth of a sleeping bag, the unconditional love from dogs, the soreness after hard work. I believe in the downhill after the uphill, the spray of a waterfall, the crinkle of a wrapper being torn and the ringing of a doorbell. I believe in the feel of a good back rub, lotion on dry skin, stretching after a run and a much needed yawn. I believe in gum and snail mail, in long walks and the last bell of the day. I believe in keeping an accurate social itinerary, keeping in touch with the people I care about and keeping trinkets that tell a story. I believe in a good margarita, the gasp of a surprise, tears of happiness and the embrace after its been too long. I believe in healthy competition, a hilarious TV show and too much sarcasm.

I believe in pep talks and pump up songs, in scrap books and slideshows. I believe in trying to talk in accents and in constantly envisioning scenes for potential stories or movies. I believe in caramel apple pops and scavenger hunts, I believe that kindness goes a long way and humor goes an even longer way. I believe in coffee and pastries, in take out and in the take off of an airplane. I believe in self made mad-libs games, roasting marshmallows, skinny dipping and play dough. I believe in the respect for others, drink specials, karaoke and late night snacks with a good friend. I believe in spandex and festivals, in big thunderstorms and porch swings. I believe in a conversation that lasts much longer than you intended, dressing up, making silly faces and drawing silly pictures. I believe in fruit in my jell-o, mustard on my hotdogs, sugar in my coffee, salt on my eggs, parmesan cheese on my pasta and icing on my cake. I believe in writing stories, wearing costumes, seeing plays, watching races, designing assignments and decorating my house. I believe in playgrounds, class discussion, informative videos and spontaneity. I believe in road trips and random facts, in patience, nicknames, creativity, text messages and dryers. I believe in looking to the future, thinking about the past and newly, living in the present. I believe in trying new things, in driving fast, in meeting new people, in the elderly and in King Soopers. I believe in browsing book stores and in carpools, in coffee dates and weddings.

I believe in my ability to ease any situation, easy to read charts, tradition, tours, family dinners and the sound of running water. I believe in beautiful art, in historic sites, field trips, fudge, bunnies, sunsets, bus rides and kissing. I believe in bug spray and zipper pockets, in air conditioner and in my i-pod. I believe in modern science, dirt roads, cowboy boots, the internet and my imagination. I believe in my family, I believe in my grandma and her amazing strength and unfaltering love, I believe in my mom, I believe she is my biggest inspiration. I believe I would not be who I am without my brothers or my cousins. I believe in my friends and their ability to help shape me, I believe I am truly blessed to know each one of them. I believe in the English language and its power. I believe in different ways of doing the same thing, in different cultures, in different foods and in different people. I believe in staying up late, going home early and getting in line first. I believe in knowing where you come from, in the more the merrier, a nice patio dinner and in ‘jumping’ pictures. I believe in sleepovers and bike rides, I believe in fried chicken and brownies, I believe I would like to open a restaurant combing those two things. I believe in sandboxes, karaoke, high dives and a good game of tag. I believe in palm trees and slippers, in telling and hearing good stories, in scars and windows, in sushi and bingo. I believe in teaching and sharing, in mirrors and flirting. I believe that food tastes better in small bites, I believe that eating something with a spoon upside down is more effective and that all drinks taste better with straws.

I believe that dreams mean something and that everything happens for a reason. I believe in karma and cheese, in Frisbee and poems. I believe in teachers and coaches, in good advice and good examples. I believe something big is coming for me and that I will be deserving of whatever it is. I believe I act too much like my dad and think too much like my mom, I believe I will never do something because others are doings it. I believe in all forms of entertainment, harmless bets and phrases like “globe trotting”, “trip the light fantastic” “sally batch” and “genki-fied”. I believe in appetizers, and water bottles, in picnics and bare feet. I believe my good intentions to be productive always fall by the wayside because of my social tendencies and I believe I am the best procrastinator I know. I believe you don`t realize how important someone was until they are not around anymore and that missing someone is one of the worst feelings ever. I believe fear can only consume you if you let it, I believe in the beauty of flowers and newborn babies, the strength of just one look, literature, roller blades, block parties and surprises. I believe in western toilets, eastern food and southern living. I believe in peace and affection, in Christmas lights and balloons. I believe in the power of mankind and the ability for us to be great in terms of destruction and creation. I believe in the good of bees and spiders and I have an immense appreciation for lane ropes, airplanes, good handshakes, telephones and cheesecake. I believe there is something more than just this world, I believe in the courage it takes to hold that belief. I believe in life and everything amazing that comes with it and, after all this time, I am finally beginning to believe in myself.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

It's all HAPPENING!

Question: Why did the dinosaurs get so big?

Answer: It all boils down to their diet, the temperature of the air versus their bodies and most importantly, the fact that they had millions of years to evolve. And nothing in this present day and age has had that time. In a nutshell.

More important question: Why am I reasearching dinosaurs?

Answer: I can only have so much self motivation to study. Then I need to do some sort of brain activity to keep it from slowly rotting away.

Truth: I am not going to learn Japanese. I will keep trying to think I want to...But let's face it, it's been 7 months and I have yet to do much of anything.

Annoucements:
"It's all HAPPENING!" (A quote stolen from a great movie. If you don't know then you don't deserve to know)

What might be the happenings one might ask? Well I will name them.

Feburary is almost over marking the end of a few things:
1. The "coldest month in Japan" (I argue that)
2. Sobriety for yours truly
3. Lack of classes
4. Lack of motivation
5. Chocolate addiction

And March begins! Which marks the beginning of these things:
1. Eating well and working out
2. South Korea!!
3. Nice weather
4. Cherry blossoms everywhere!
5. Concern for my future

Mostly good things happening. And more brain activity seems to be going on lately which is very exciting news. I can't say if this will spark some sort of interesting writing, but I think it's coming. I can feel it.

I would just like to say I just put my i-tunes on shuffle and there has been nothing but good songs. Which should be the case usually, but I had some sneaky family members (ahem Hillary) put some terrible music (ahem Hannah Montana) on there and I become enraged everytime it comes on.

Besides the listed happenings, there is a lot of thought going on for the rest of this year in terms of friends, work, working out and traveling. I am battling with a lot of conflicting feelings about leaving in 5 months which I'm sure will be more intense come time to actually go. I have also been doing a lot of thinking about what I am going to do when I get back...Which will also become more instense when it is closer too. Jobs are looking slim. Which isn't a surprise, but it might be when I find myself living with my parents and working at the local Hobby Lobby. Ok will not work there no matter what. Not even if I was dirt poor and living in a box by the river. WITH my parents. That's how much I would NOT work there. Gah that place. Horrific yet necessary establishment.

So there are the happenings! I will be back with a writing piece in the next few days.

Cheers.

It's Almost Famous by the way. I really hope you knew that. And if you haven't seen it I don't wanna hear it.

P.S. Best blog ever----> www.fuckyoupenguin.blogspot.com

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Good times in Kumamoto!

J party! Some of the dress choices for Suzy's wedding!

Monday, February 02, 2009

All the rage

25 random things about me:

1. I try to have a dance party regardless of time or place at least 3 times a week

2. Although I am going to be an English teacher (hopefully), I am the worst speller you will ever meet and grammar really confuses me.

3. When I am not listening to someone I repeat the question they asked in a bit of a different tone so I can actually think about what I wasn’t listening to

4. I often picture myself performing in a hit Broadway play or in Lord of the Dance

5. I regularly read books while walking

6. I make sure not to be on time to big social functions

7. No matter what I do or how hard I try, I will never be a morning person

8. I often ride my bike with no handle bars so I can finish putting on my jacket, backpack, my i-pod or eat or drink something

9. The longest story I have ever written was 56 pages with the rest ranging from 20-45 and I have at least 10 unfinished attempts at some sort of story

10. If I like a song I play it on repeat until I know all of the words

11. I can do the worm (backwards)

12. I have not watched any TV, driven a car or taken any medicine in 6 months

13. I often have full on conversation with two imaginary characters out loud with myself

14. I think I am truly addicted to Facebook

15. I had the skin that connects your upper lip to your gums cut in high school

16. I have never had a cavity or broken a bone

17. I believe all drinks are better with straws

18. I can’t sleep without holding a bundle of something soft (blanket, pillow, sweatshirt)

19. I have been biting my nails since I was in 5th grade. Therefore I have not cut my nails since 5th grade.

20. I am anal about my teeth yet I rarely brush my hair

21. I really loathe shopping

22. I am completely and utterly captivated by REAL old fashioned things

23. I love surprises in any way, shape or form

24. I played with Barbies until I was in the 8th grade and I danced with friends in front of my video camera until I was a senior in high school

25. I frequently dream of co-existing with water dwelling beings or exploring places like the ocean, space or haunted houses and I often feel the need to tell anyone who will listen about them.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Local English Teacher Catches Common Cold

LOCAL ENGLISH TEACHER CATCHES COMMON COLD

Matsubase Japan—January 29th, 2009-- Due to a series of unfortunate events, local English teacher, Jessica Dawkins, has fallen victim to the merciless and unforgiving common cold. Dawkins, 23, was reported to start showing symptoms after a weekend of utter debauchery and ridiculousness in the name of the well known "Australia Day" holiday. The cause of these symptoms is still unknown although her lack of sleep and the sharing of drinks are reported to be suspicious causes. Dawkins` friend, Lander Sims, claimed that she shared a few drinks with him at the party the previous weekend after he himself had been experiencing cold-like symptoms. "I don`t think we thought it through" Sims told Moto weekly "It just kind of happened". Although Dawkins has not said much about the direct link to Sims, she has been quoted saying it was "probably not a good idea".

Researchers think that the three hours of sleep on Saturday night leading up to the holiday contributed to Dawkins unfortunate circumstances. Rhonda Dwight, co-head and part time research-assistant director of the notorious magazine, 'Colds Blow', claims that Dawkins has "not been sleeping well or giving herself enough rest, which almost always leads to this problem". Dwight failed to comment on the beer drinking incident, saying it was "none of her business". Dawkins did admit to lack of sleep before the party and when asked why she claimed that she "was too cold to fall asleep". After extensive testing researchers did find out that Dawkins was in fact more cold than usual on Saturday night and eventually Dawkins did admit that she had a lot on her mind which prevented her from a peaceful sleep. Along with a stuffy nose and a slight cough, Dawkins reported dreaming of "birthdays, spiders, mice, submarines, underwater exploring, basketball and kidnapping psychos, roller coasters and swimming with marine creatures", which are all related to fever-like dreaming. Although Dawkins claims that the mice and spiders were the only thing out of the ordinary and she proceeded to wake up in a cold sweat directly after those particular dreams.

Other suspicious contributions to Dawkins receiving this menacing annoyance are certain sick students and teachers she woks with, a few sick friends aside from Sims, (rights and claims to said individuals are protected under law and are thereby subject any sort of disclosure about their biological surnames as well as whereabouts although this newspaper does not submit them directly) and the weather. "Weather is a big one" Dwight told Moto weekly. "It can really effect a person's well-being" Dawkins dismissed weather as being a main cause of her sickness, although it was reported she was seen riding her bike in the rain on Tuesday January 20th at 6:45 pm, Wednesday January 21st at 6 pm, and Thursday January 22nd at 7 pm. Dawkins' only comment on this was that she has no other way of getting around. What she was doing in the rain at that time has not yet been confirmed. It was reported that she was seen leaving the local swimming pool late Wednesday night.

Dawkins hopes to be better after this next weekend because if nothing else she would like to stop wearing the ]hideous] as she puts it, sick mask. Dwight tells Moto weekly that Dawkins should be better after this weekend if she gets lots of rest and Vitamin C. "She is young and strong so she should bounce back in no time" Dwight reportedly told her worried research team, and Dawkins seems to agree. "I think I am just going to go to bed early and sleep in a bit," She claimed after being questioned about her intention to get well. "I just am sick of being sick!" When asked if she intended to engage in anymore parties like that of "Australia Day" anytime soon she simple groaned and said "Not for a long time". Dawkins has seemed to understand the causes and is reported to be back to normal health within 3 to 4 days. It is not said at which point she will begin her domination of the current universe, but officials feel that this will have no play in delaying it and she will be able to conquer at her scheduled date for May 1st, 2009.

Moto weekly wishes Dawkins a speedy recovery.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

I love my friends



My ALT friends thew me a surprise birthday party. Gotta love that! :)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

In with the new

2009. What? I was just getting ready for the turn of the millennium and now it's almost a decade later. I am starting to feel old.

Which actually isn't that far off the theme for this week: my birthday! Where I will surely be turning another year old and most definitely another year wiser (not an arguable point). Looking back to one year ago I cannot believe how fast it has gone, yet I cannot believe everything that has happened in just 12 months. If you would have told me I would be where I am today one year ago I would have eyed you skeptically and then thought you were weird for coming up and telling me my future. And don't even get me started on what I would have done when it came true! You freak.

So yes, here I am on the other side of the world trying to make sense of it all. And failing miserably. I am sitting in my small apartment with nothing but the sound of the keyboard rattling away, and I wonder, what the hell did I get myself into this time? Initially I thought it was way more than I could swallow. But when you take smaller bites it all goes down nice and smooth. So that's what I have been doing and it's gotten me this far. I'm still alive! What a miracle.

My brain activity has not just slowed down lately, it has come to a ugly and unpleasant stop. It's kinda just slowed down and then crashed and burned into a pile of old Japanese trash (the burnable trash--it's not recyclable matter anyhow). So with a new year comes new goals and yadda yadda yadda. But digging deeper has never really been on the menu for the year's feast, but somehow I find myself parched of something thick. So it looks like I know what to order. Now, how to create it is another matter altogether. Too bad I don't have my own personal cook. I can't even think about that because then I get all excited and for what? Nothing. Because at the end of the day it's me, my skillet and some cold salmon. Quite literally. And in other words, me, my thoughts, my observations and the missing glue that is supposed to link them together. In some mysterious way.

Well here I go again, making no sense, not even to myself. I guess what I am trying to say that instead of venturing across the globe to find the answers I have ventured and found nothing but mountains of questions. Mountains I tell you! And no answers for miles. I am really on a roll with these metaphors tonight. Although, ideally you would want them to make sense...I'll work on that.

Well it's January folks and it is cold. Which is not something new for January, unless of course you are from somewhere like Australia and then it is usually 30 Celsius and you are going to the beach...But yes, cold. So I am used the the cold. Being a Colorado native I actually thrive in the cold. I enjoy skiing, I am warm blooded--ok I know--HOT blooded. I get hella hot fast. Ask anyone! They will agree. So even though I am from a cold place, I don't LIVE in a cold place. We turn the heat on, we wear jackets, we drink hot cocoa, we enjoy the warmth of warm. So that is why I realized I am not cut out for cold. The Japanese haven't quite figured out insulation in housing, so if you aren't closing off rooms and blasting the heat (which isn't really true heat), then it is as cold in your apartment as it is outside. Needless to say when I venture to any other part of my apartment I put on my gloves, another jacket, pull my sarf tighter and put on my headband. It's not really a comfortable living situation. I can't really say this is complaining though, it's just how it is I guess. The complaining will come when it's hot, that I can guarentee. You will never hear the end of it. Because there is always a way to get warm (well, usually) but when you are hot and you want to cool down...good freaking luck.

Anyway, it's cold and I don't like it. Besides the miserable cold, the teaching is just about the same. Friends on the other hand are wonderful as always and I am looking forward to future adventures with them. Looking way ahead I am beyond excited for this summer. And looking back I had an amazing time in Thailand and my adventures thoughout Japan. A truly beautiful experience.

Well it's late so I am going to hit the futon. Next time I write I will be 23! Ah!

And I hope I make more sense when I am 23.

Goodnight.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Saynora '08!

Well it has been a while, but that doesn't mean I don't still think about you, old blog. I have been seeing a newer blog, and even though I don't write, I still like you better than the new blog. It is just surface level, we never discuss my feelings. I can do that with you. Please forgive me! I promise I will come back to you and only you in short time!

Ok, yes, it has been a while. But I have been doing a lot around these parts of the world like saving babies and giving money to the poor. That's just during the day. At night I am drinking, smoking and popping pills. No one will ever know my duel identities! Muahaha.

Although that is obviously not true, the truth doesn't fall far from the exaggeration. I teach kids English at day and at night I reek havoc through the city with my friends. Which may or may not include crawling around train stations and taking naps in public places. Don't worry, my new year's resolutions should clear up any issues I may or may not have and I should be on the road to recovery in no time!

Looking back on this year has made me somewhat reflective, although mostly in awe. In awe of the power of time is mostly what it is. I have done a lot of reflecting these past few months, more than I ever have and I have failed to come to any sound conclusions about the awesome confusion life brings to us. It's been quite a ride 2008 and I shall never forget you. I did have a list of things I have done in this grand year including graduating college and moving to Japan...but snore! Boring! So I thought that writing and answering a little questionnaire for myself would provide for more insight and excitement into the my wild and crazy thoughts (remember the show, "Wild and Crazy Kids?" What a classic).

So here goes:
1. What was the most exciting thing you did this year?

Overall moving to Japan and immersing myself in a new and foreign culture. In particular I would say it hasn't happened yet. But next stop: Thailand. ONE DAY. So I think that will be pretty damn exciting.

2. Look back exactly one year ago. What were you doing this week 2007?

Humm, good question! I was probably recovering from getting dropped on my face. I was nursing that black eye and puffy lip.

3. What are 3 important realizations you have come to in the last year?

1. We won't be young forever, so live it up while you can

2. No matter where your friends are and whether they come visit you or not or whether they write to you once a week or once a month does not matter. Your friends are your friends. Period.

3. It's a big world out there and I have not seen any of it. Time to explore.

4. What are some small accomplishments you have experienced this year?

Small? Probably getting used to sleeping on a futon on the ground and doing laundry with no dryer. Maybe doing the dishes with no washer. Relying on my bike, public transport and my friends to get everywhere. Dealing with the weather and all of the lovely things that come with it like BUGS, mold, mildew smelling clothes.

5. What has been something that you have struggled with this year?

The dreaded question of what will I do with my life? As well as the struggles of teaching, coaching, post college depression, culture shock and growing up. Mostly the "next stage" of life issues.

6. What are 3 things you regret from 2008?
1. Being lazy
2. Losing touch with people
3. Not saying thank you enough to the people who truly deserve it

7. What are 3 things you are proud of from 2008?
1. Well the obvious of graduating and moving to a different country
2. Living by myself
3. Dealing with the "little things" that are always a constant battle here. In a nutshell, flexibility.

8. What is one major resolution for next year?
BE MORE DO MORE. I need to explore this country more, I need to explore myself more, I need to push myself farther than I feel comfortable doing. I need to really just go and not look back!

Ok, that was better than whatever else I was going to do. I'm sure I could go on for a while, but those are the main questions that have been circling around my head just waiting to be written down. So goodbye 2008, you were a great year! Hello 2009, I hope you prove to be just as good if not better. I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to, and I am very fortunate to live the life that I do.

I will be welcoming the new year having freshly returned to Japan from Thailand and I am excited to welcome it in a different country. Yet another story for the grand kids.

Wishing all out there a happy holiday season and a great new year! Saynora 2008, Konnchiwa 2009!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

MIss them :(

This was the last sightings of my fam. It's been oh so long. Grant was MIA that day but I miss him too.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

The Grey

So here's the thing. I should most definately be in bed right now. Especially considering I have to teach a poopton (I am trying to sensor, you know, for the kids) of classes tomorrow about Presidents and gestures. I like how I make things relevant to one another in my lessons? I guess it could work, presidents use gestures. They are people too ok?! Geeze.

Going back to the thing, I should be sleeping. But I can't sleep on account of the fact that I am still full from dinner. My friend and I have been having a "Firefly" (the TV show, you've never seen it because it's on Scifi, and it was cancelled, great show though) marathon this whole week and we have been cooking ourselves glorious feasts every night to accompany these lovely viewings. So much for thinking I could lose weight in Japan. Ha. Hahaha. I laugh at the thought now.

So as dorky as that sounds, it is! I have also been reading and writing and trying to study Japanese. All I need to start doing is watching animae and I am a certified dork! Not that there is anything wrong with that, I respect dorks of all kinds. They really add a lot to this world. Oh! And I turned down an invitation to go out and celebrate our new president's victory last night. My reason was laziness. So I stayed home and took a bath. I am really living the life here, obviously.

Aside from my crazy life of scifi show watching, story writing and bruning the midnight oil blogging, I have been working hard at trying to spend a good amount of hours on skype and facebook. Now if that doesn't sound exciting than you have lived a life I can hardly imagine. Besides studying always being "something to do", there is not much else I absolutely HAVE to get done (minus paying bills), so I am pretty much basking in that. No, I am radiating in that. If that is possible. Although there are times, more frequent as of late, that I feel like an utter shithead, most other times I am taking full advantage of it. Today I spent some time thinking about how I am going to be running around like a chicken with their head cut of when I get a real job and I got a bit nervous. I have had a bit of anxiety for no reason, so maybe that is why. For my job I will eventually have. In a year. Wow, that's when you know you've really gone looney. So there is radiating for ya. Take it for what you will.

I really wish I could riverdance. That would be amazing. I would bust it out at every party and every bar and people would chant for me. It would be even cooler than break dancing I think. Break dancing is starting to turn into a fad. I mean, everyone is doing it, so what is the fun in that. I don't think I have ever seen anyone break out into a riverdance at a party. There are probably reasons beyond my knowing for that, but I like to think they have their own parties. Wish I could be with you river folk. Wish I could. I freaking love that music too. Just Irish music in general is the bomb.com. Yeah, I said it. I need some on my ipizzle. I must find a way.

Well let's see...It is November. Remember remember the 5th of November. I shant forget for it was a glorious day. And I wish I was in the streets of America to celebrate. Actually, had I been feeling the same way as I was in Japan than I probably would have taken a bath at home too. No, I take that back, I have never taken a bath at home. So maybe I would have just read my book. Anyway, it was good. Now I hope Mr. O isn't all talk and we can get things up and moving again. Eventually. Besides the new President news, I am excited for this month for various reasons which I will now list:
1. A lot of short weeks
2. Dan comes at the end of the month

That's all I got for now. But because of those short weeks the month should go fast meaning good old Dum Dum himself will be arriving soon. Can't wait to have a visitor, it's gonna be cramped as shit-er I mean, poo...kids. Sorry. But yeah, that will be interesting.

Since I am sounding worse than worse I am going to end this and the torture I am putting myself through as I cringe through this post. This is why I have stopped writing on here, it is just soudning like goolash. I don't even really like goolash. So there.

Fly you fools!

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

OBAMA 08


Its about time.

Monday, October 27, 2008