strength.

"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength."

                          Oprah Winfrey

well said, lady. 

free.

FINALLY free from inspection times...for now. I have rejoined the part of society that sees the sun when it is up and does slightly more than just sleep at their home. As much as I enjoy my endless hours on good ship 85, I definitely enjoy the time away.

To make the lack of a seven day work week EVEN better, J came back to the land of the rising sun! :) 

We had the best time walking in the rain for hours on end, squeezing onto crowded trains, and getting lost...way lost when I was navigating. Needless to say he his better at punctuality, planning, and navigating.... I am really only around to get us lost and people watch on the trains...and pick out places to stop and shop. The shopping part I am very good at. The only downside is that my feet are way too big for Japanese shoes.

J and I discovered shrines and castles, shops, food stands, light houses, big cliffs, and even Octoberfest in Japan in April. What a Japanese adventure we had!

beauty.

this has got to be the most beautiful thing i have ever seen. the picture does it no justice.

I have never seen such a beautiful and peaceful place. Everything was perfect and just incredible to witness.

stupid.

i totally mean that... with love, of course   :)

stronger.

the best package showed up during a really really really long week.... my sweet mom sent me a great package with a bright pink note, chai tea pods, and a new cd with a post-it note telling me which one to listen to first because it always made her think of me....

so what if it made me cry?? so lucky to have such a great mom who knows just what to say exactly when i need to hear it.... even from a million miles away  :)

work.

I do apologize for the language. But, man does this describe the way I feel about the j-o-b some days...

therapy.

Sometimes just venting is all the therapy we need. I am so thankful those willing to listen... or at least pretend to listen. Love my friends and family more than words. :)