Bucket List

Long time, no see! The last few months have flown by in a flash, with hardly any time to spare. Between work and life I have had my hands full.

I can't believe it's already December! There are two more (busy) weeks until winter break and then 2013 will be upon us. Now that I have decided that I am moving back to Seattle in March my remaining time seems so short. But looking back on how I felt when I came here I feel that I have accomplished most of what I set out to do. After some consideration I have made a short list of the things I still hope to accomplish in my last 3 and a half months (wow!) living in Japan. So here, goes!

• Universal Studios Japan -- Similar to Disney, USJ is a theme park, but instead of Mickey and Co.  USJ is the home of Sesame Street, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Dreamworks and more. I would love to go during Christmas or Valentine's Day and see the park all decked out. 
• Tokyo Disney Sea -- This summer I went to Tokyo Disney and had a really good time. Although I've been to theme parks in the states, Disney in Japan is somehow still very Japanese. It's quite an experience. I've heard that Disney Sea is more suited for adults so I'd like to try to go. 
• Visit the temples in Kyoto again, especially Arashiyama -- I live so close, why not! I now have a temple book, which I can get stamped and marked with calligraphy at any temple that I visit. I would really like to revisit some of the famous temples and have it signed. 
• Go to Moku Moku (the local hot spring) at least once more. 
• Go to Nagano and see the Monkey Onsen -- I've been meaning to do this one for a long time. Winter seems like the best time to see Monkeys in hot water, so I hope to go soon!
• Go to an Opera -- This one might prove trickier, but I will succeed eventually! If it takes me 20 years, I WILL see an opera in Japan!
• Eat at the two restaurants closest to my apartment -- There are two semi-expensive looking Japanese restaurants within a 10 minute walk of my house. Somehow I have gone two years without visiting either of them once. This is silly. Before I leave, I promise I will go.
• Hokkaido -- I don't know if I will end up fulfilling this one, but I would really like to visit Japan's most northern island, Hokkaido. Climate-wise and culturally it seems very unique. 
• Okinawa -- I also would like to visit Okinawa, the southern island. I am pretty sure this won't happen before April, but someday. I have heard the climate reminds many people of Hawaii. American stores and brands are also more common here. Also, some of the longest living people in history have lived in Okinawa! They must be doing something right. 

That being said, I have a lot of great things planned in the next month or so. I am excited to enjoy a Christmas in Koka and New Year's in Korea!! I will be staying with my friend Belinda in Seoul from December 26 - January 3. I am really looking forward to experiencing Korea and to seeing Belinda. It's going to be very nice to have two weeks off to relax.

If you can think of anything else I should add to my "bucket list" let me know! I am going to take advantage of my time to do as much as possible, so the more the better! 

Resolutions for the New Year

明けましておめでとうございます。

Happy New Year! 

We made it to 2012!

It's crazy to think that this time last year I was living in Vermont and working at City Market Co-op. I didn't know whether or not I'd have a job come the end of February, and if I did I wasn't sure where it would be. I spent the holidays at home in front of the fire, away from the winter weather. 2011 was a good year. A lot has happened and many things have changed.

• I left an old job and started a new one. 
• I moved to a different country.
• I travelled to places I'd never been before. Spain, China, and Australia.
• I began to live alone for the first time.
• I made amazing friends.
• I had some fantastic adventures.
• I found a new home. 

There were definitely times when I wasn't sure I was making the right choices. Not everything turned out the way I expected it to. There were a few months that I knew virtually no one and drove myself a little nuts. But sitting here and writing this now, I wouldn't want it to have happened any other way.

Thank you, 2011!

I spent this holiday in the best way possible, with my family! I had a phenomenal time in Australia, and I was so sad to say goodbye... I know I will see you soon, guys, but I miss you! Until then, I am rejuvenated and re-inspired to work hard and try to be my best, both as a teacher and as a person. You guys keep me sane. Thank you! :) 

During our trip in Australia we explored all around the downtown Sydney area, as well as spending a few days in Cairns. We saw the Sydney Opera House (and "The Magic Flute"!!), the Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens, THE FIREWORKS, the Harbor Bridge, the Quay.... we saw kangaroos and koalas, we ate crocodile and kangaroo(!)... we swam in the Great Barrier Reef... we saw a movie in 4D!!!!!...

But really, we hung out and were awesome, 'cause that's the way we roll. 

If you don't believe me, check out these photos. Password is "happynewyear".

Cheers!