afro.

Has this ever been ok?? The eclectic crowd exists even in Japan.

palace.

 Last weekend I spent a day in Tokyo with some friends. In the heart of one of the largest cities in the world, you find the beautiful grounds of the imperial palace. It was amazing to me to see the massive park of green grass and bonzai-like trees that lead up to the palace. We visited late in the day when it was very quiet on the grounds. It was incredible to see how you can find peace amongst all the chaos of the city.

 The peace I felt there was not unlike my life these days. I run around like crazy pretending like I semi have it together most of the day.... On occasion I will make my way topside or take my time walking home at sunset, and in those moments I find my peace. The quiet reflection in just those few moments can bring such peace and comfort amidst all the stress of the day.

I am learning how much the little things mean and just how much I can survive on my own. Sometimes the "me time" I never before desired is what returns my sanity at the end of the day.... it's during these moments that I think back on the day about all the opportunities and blessings that fill my life and make it all so worthwhile...

home.

Back in Yoko I have finally been able to set up and clean up my apartment. Here are a few pics of my japanese home:

entertainment center.... still needs a little love

living room... green curtains still to be replaced!

tatami room/dining room

shower...it's a whole room here!

bathroom

bedroom...excuse the laundry day mess!

extra bedroom/junk room

kitchen

kitchen pt 2

laundry...challenge to do with japanese instructions

dinner party.

Tonight I felt like a grown up.... I had my first little dinner party at my little Japanese dining table...

 
that is what qualifies you as an adult right??

two-four.

Today I turned twenty-four on the twenty-second. How odd to think about being a year older.... Someone asked me how old I was and I swear twenty-two came out of my mouth before I could even think about it.... I actually had to correct myself and remember that I am now twenty-four. Three years ago I thought that was so old, that I would have it all figured out by now. Ha! How wrong I was...

Now that I am twenty-four, I think that I have less figured out than I did back then....all but one thing: the fact that I cannot keep planning for the rest of my life; this is it.

I can't help but look back to a year ago from today and think how much has changed about me and my life in the past year. It has, at times, been a difficult one. But there has been a lot of learning and a lot of growing. One year ago, I was celebrating with my family while living at home waiting to figure out where I would go next. Now, I am living on my own half way around the world. That is quite a change and more than I ever would have expected.

Even from three months ago I am a different person. I never expected to learn so much, especially so much about myself. I have been low as ever and have climbed back up. No, I don't always love this place or being gone all the time, but I can see the positives and how much there is to gain from this small adventure of mine.

I am tougher than I thought, more loved than I ever imagined, and have the chance to work towards something greater than myself.... what a beautiful realization to give myself on my twenty-fourth birthday. There is only more to come before the next one...

accomplishments.

at last. small steps forward. one day closer to finishing what i came out here for. one day closer to home.

first comes love, then comes marriage.

My dear friend Cat got married yesterday (or there abouts as i am a day ahead). I wish so badly I could have been there celebrating with her, but I know she was beautiful bride! I wish nothing but the very best for Cat and Reeves! Sending you guys lots of love from Asia!

Next up: Molly & Paul, then Amy & Chris....hoping to be home!!

friendship.

The definition of good friends.... my friends. Words of love and advice...

"ALWAYS remember........'youve got a friend in me, youve got a friend in me, when the road looks rough ahead and your miles and miles from your own bed, just remember what your old friend said..youve got a friend in me...ohhhhh yes, youve got a friend in me'"

"Just remember to breathe (and don't let 'em see you cry. ha)."

 "i'd be over there in a heart beat w/ a huge glass of red wine if i could"

From across an ocean you guys are the best. I cannot wait to be home with my girls.