Dwindling Time

Hey,

So... it's been a long time hasn't it? I doesn't seem like too long ago I was just starting this blog and so many things have happened to me since then. I know I haven't updated it. Especially all those major trips I took. Right now I am packing to go home, not really much time to write about all the many trips I took, all the random things I saw or learned. There is so much to tell you but... I know I will write it all down.

It may be later, when I come back to America as I tell everyone of my experiences and remember I will probably post about them. Kinda like flashbacks maybe.

I want to share so much with you. I want to show you all I've seen. Even if it didn't happen at the same time there are things I didn't know then that I know now, or ways that time has changed my perceptions.

I will write about these things, I know once I am back home, things will fall into place once again. I won't be rushing around trying to accomplish seeing the world in a couple months.

Something I've learned here is that you can't.

There will always be something going on, somewhere you won't see. But something you can treasure is what is happening to you now. Whether it is relaxing at home on a rainy Japanese day with a cup of tea and a bowl of soup. Or you climbing a mountain in the hot Japanese Summer. Either way the things I have seen and experienced I will share, and I will tell and I will post.

And maybe even more. What has happened now is I've pulled the thread, that stitch is complete. It has brought together and shown me so many things about myself and my life. I've learned more about another language and culture, I've met people who have become close to me. I've found something very much close to a life here. Something I really treasure. Packing up is hard, leaving is hard. Seeing the faces on my friend's face as they realize I am leaving. As this class is my last class, it hurts. I even cried at the farewell party. However I think I have learned so much about myself.

I've learned to cook and eat healthier. I eat more vegetables now, and I actually like some good sashimi, whether I can find that in North Carolina remains to be seen. I love love LOVE Miso Soup which isn't all that bad for you.

Okra? Boiled and a bit of salt please. Asparagus? Garlic and some pepper and pinch of salt and roasted or boiled with a bit of spicy pepper. Green Beans? Boiled, and later sautéed with garlic and myoga. I even know how to make Risotto or a makeshift Spanish Rice.

 I haven't eaten too much beef since coming here... mostly chicken and eggs. Mostly my diet consisted of stir frys with a lot of onions a vegetable I used to HATE. Lord knows how many times my parents and grandparents had to deal with me picking every visible onion out of spaghetti sauces and chili. However now I eat it raw.

Or a form of chicken, sauce paired with rice or potatoes. Always enough to enjoy seconds. And amazingly delicious. And don't believe me on the health? I lost about 31 pounds here (According to a scale anyways). I want to preserve this habit.

Anyways I should get back to packing and letter writing. Love you all <3

See you soon America!

Nervous Energy

This isn't going to be a long post, although I suppose when I return to America I will continue to blog of all I missed including the crazy stories and memories I have made.

Overall I have been trying to study for the JLPT N3. My teachers expressed a concern.

"Oh but our textbooks we've been going through only prepare you for N4"

Ah yes, the N4 the one I probably should be taking but am not out of a wild attempt to get my major classes finished. And if I don't pass we'll see about sticking around for another semester.

I hope that doesn't happen. Overall I am happy with how things have been on this trip. I am probably going to be broke by the time I return to America. But it was money well spent!

The memories I've made on this trip are irreplaceable. And I know I will return to Japan someday. Anyways tomorrow will be rough

So off to bed I go.

Night