Today is my 30th birthday! I thought it wouldn't feel any different from other birthdays, but at midnight last night, when H-- wished me a happy birthday, I did have a moment of reflection that was like, "Whoa!" I do think I'm much more mature and together than I was at, say, 25. And the last year of my life has brought so many changes that it makes sense for this birthday to feel different.
Anyway, happy birthday to me!
Anyway, happy birthday to me!
Things are going well. I'm still happy with H--. My job is seriously rocking, and I'm making a good reputation for myself in the company. So, yeah. I'm happy I moved.
Of course, I miss my friends in New York, but I do email everyone and Skype with my family. I miss my cat, but my parents are taking good care of him, and they bring him to say hello on Skype whenever we talk.
I don't have much to report, really. I hope you're all doing well out there!
I'll only be active on the site for a couple more weeks, which is strange. I've been on SG for years. But all good things must come to an end.
Of course, I miss my friends in New York, but I do email everyone and Skype with my family. I miss my cat, but my parents are taking good care of him, and they bring him to say hello on Skype whenever we talk.
I don't have much to report, really. I hope you're all doing well out there!
I'll only be active on the site for a couple more weeks, which is strange. I've been on SG for years. But all good things must come to an end.
Today feels like pretty much the best day ever. My knee has been feeling better bit by bit, so I tried to do a couple of basic Taekwondo forms-- and I could do it! I'm one step closer to being back in fighting shape.
Once I'm fully recovered (which I honestly estimate will be a few more months), I'm going to study either Aikido or Karate here in Japan, and my ultimate goal is to compete like I was doing in the States.
Once I'm fully recovered (which I honestly estimate will be a few more months), I'm going to study either Aikido or Karate here in Japan, and my ultimate goal is to compete like I was doing in the States.
I might be taking a vacation to Seoul in May. This is amazing for several reasons:
1. It's such an easy trip (from Japan) when formerly it was so far away (from New York).
2. I have a job from which I can take time off without losing money.
3. I have a job that pays me enough to be able to afford a trip.
Yay!
If anyone has been there and has recommendations for places to see or things to do, fill me in!
1. It's such an easy trip (from Japan) when formerly it was so far away (from New York).
2. I have a job from which I can take time off without losing money.
3. I have a job that pays me enough to be able to afford a trip.
Yay!
If anyone has been there and has recommendations for places to see or things to do, fill me in!
New Year's, Japanese style.
Toshikoshi soba, traditional noodles for New Year's Eve.
Boiling mochi f(sticky rice flour) or breakfast on New Year's Day.
Mochi, anko (sweet red bean paste), and kinako (soybean flour) breakfast.
Nagaoka Tenmangu, the shrine nearest my apartment.
Toshikoshi soba, traditional noodles for New Year's Eve.
Boiling mochi f(sticky rice flour) or breakfast on New Year's Day.
Mochi, anko (sweet red bean paste), and kinako (soybean flour) breakfast.
Nagaoka Tenmangu, the shrine nearest my apartment.
Japan goes all out for Christmas. It is an enormous, no bones about it commercial holiday here-- there are very few Christians, but there are a hell of a lot of shoppers and people dining out. Basically, it's a holiday for couples and good friends to get together and enjoy spending time with one another. Below, some pictures of the fun.
I'm back in Kyoto and have been living with H-- for about a week now. It's good. It's been a long time since I've lived with anyone else, but I think it's nice so far. I have no deluded expectations that it will be perfect or anything like that, but I'm happy.
It's exciting that we get to start our lives together like this, and the world feels like such an adventure.
On Christmas morning we'll Skype with my family, then we'll go to a German Christmas fair (gingerbread!) in Osaka, then we'll see some illuminations along a river there. We both have off of work Dec. 28-Jan. 4, and I'm not sure what we'll do then. Maybe visit my friend in Tokyo. There are lots of places in and near Kyoto we could explore, but it's getting cold enough that it's not enjoyable to be outside for too long. And I don't mind being a homebody.
One of few belongings I've had shipped to Japan has been my collection of Buffy and Angel DVDs. H-- and I started watching Buffy, and I'm happy because he really likes it.
And I think there's a decent chance I'll let my SG membership expire at the end of February. I'm not sure. I enjoy being around here, but it would do some good to save a little money, and I know how to keep in touch with those I want to.
It's exciting that we get to start our lives together like this, and the world feels like such an adventure.
On Christmas morning we'll Skype with my family, then we'll go to a German Christmas fair (gingerbread!) in Osaka, then we'll see some illuminations along a river there. We both have off of work Dec. 28-Jan. 4, and I'm not sure what we'll do then. Maybe visit my friend in Tokyo. There are lots of places in and near Kyoto we could explore, but it's getting cold enough that it's not enjoyable to be outside for too long. And I don't mind being a homebody.
One of few belongings I've had shipped to Japan has been my collection of Buffy and Angel DVDs. H-- and I started watching Buffy, and I'm happy because he really likes it.
And I think there's a decent chance I'll let my SG membership expire at the end of February. I'm not sure. I enjoy being around here, but it would do some good to save a little money, and I know how to keep in touch with those I want to.
I'm leaving Osaka to go back to Kyoto in a couple of days, but the culture shock continues.
Because I know you want to see pictures of the weirdness that is Osaka.
Why is this the mascot for a medicine shop?
Why does the grocery store look like an acid trip, but with more neon?
Why is this English so awesome?
Why are these undies in existence?
Why is this shrine in the middle of a mall?
There is so much more to come.
Why is this the mascot for a medicine shop?
Why does the grocery store look like an acid trip, but with more neon?
Why is this English so awesome?
Why are these undies in existence?
Why is this shrine in the middle of a mall?
There is so much more to come.
