When one doesn't actually update all that often, it really makes one stop and think what is worth actually putting up. I usually don't post when the big things happen, so does something have to fall into the realm of amazingly fantastical in order for it to merit posting? No ... no not really. So hey, here's something that doesn't fall into the realm of amazingly fantastical.
Spring has arrived in Japan, and while I was never particularly fond of the season in Nevada, I definitely have developed a warm spot for it here. Instead of gusts of wind and occasional days of warmth followed by fairly random freezes through late May, Japan tends to just warm up gradually and I actually have been able to observe the mythical season known as spring that seems to be so popular with people in the know.
As a result of my new-found appreciation for this time of year, I don't think it's possible for me to love the concept of hanami anymore than I do now. It becomes desperately vital to schedule time before the cherry blossoms fall away to sit down and enjoy them. For hours. This year I was able to go twice, and on one of the days actually spent 8 plus hours at the park just talking with friends, relaxing and enjoying the blossoms. Life is passing by, and you can see it with each petal that floats by on the breeze. It's beautiful, peaceful, and direly important to stop and appreciate it while it's there.
The flowers are almost completely gone now, they only last about a week really, and classes have started up. I have multiple part-time jobs, a full credit load, and 4 different clubs that I am involved with (soon to be 5 perhaps!). I often feel a strain in classes that are taught in English, and with a few exceptions I prefer the ones that are taught in the teacher's native language.
Things move along much more smoothly then, and if there is something inhibiting my learning I am solely responsible for it at that point. Don't understand? Study harder. I am in Japan, and it seems much more natural for me to try and learn things in language of the area I'm in. I often think that American students really don't comprehend how many opportunities are afforded them by being born into a native English speaking country that people from all over the world attend for education.
I think I'll wrap this up for now, but it was nice to pause and appreciate the things I have now while they're here. Maybe I should do that a bit more often.
