Weekend

It’s been a good weekend.  I went to church last night and met some cool people.  Some of the people from the church play Ultimate Frisbee sometimes.  They’re going to invite me the next  time they play.  I don’t know how often they play in the winter, but when it gets warmer there should be some good opportunities to play.  I went shopping today (monday) and stocked up on a bunch of food items.  Hopefully, I’ll be pretty well set for a while.  I’ll still have to pick up perishables, but I’ve got most of the other things that I need for a while… I think.  I spent a lot of money anyway.  The peanut  butter at the international grocery store was on sale so I bought a bunch of it.  That should last about 4 weeks or more.  I did some calculating today and I should be well within my means for paying for the upcoming vacation.  I get paid in three days as well, so that’s going to be even better.  Now that I have internet, I stream MPR news constantly when I’m in my apartment.  It’s so nice to hear those familiar voices and to be updated on the news.  I felt like I was in a tunnel before I got the internet.  It’s weird that it’s only 4 days until X-mas and it feels nothing like it.  I am anticipating extreme sadness on the 24th and 25th as I realize what I will be missing at home.  On the 24th my house will be warm and the food will be delicious.  Koda will probably be sleeping or acting nervous.  X-mas day everyone will be at Mike and Cathy’s house.  I think one of the things I will miss the most is the hugs.  People in Japan don’t really touch each other very often.  I’ve had  very little physical contact with anyone since  being here.  Except for infrequent handshakes from fellow Gaijin (foreigners), there aren’t many opportunities for human contact.  That and holding hands with children for games in class…but that doesn’t really count.  Today at the grocery store, there was an American guy who was about 6’2’’ and moderately overweight.  He walked straight up to me and offered his hand, which I shook, and he said “Merry Christmas.”  He had very large and strong hands.  It was a kind gesture.  I hope his holiday season is exceptional this year. 

This evening I’m going to watch a movie (rented from i-tunes), and do some research for my New Years plans in Tokyo.  I’m going to use the holidays as an excuse to get as many hugs as possible.  I’ll try to remember to keep a tally.

If you’re reading this.  I probably miss you. 

Be well.