randomwisdom.com

In the airport waiting to board the plane to Osaka.

I can describe it in one word: extravagant. The resort we stayed at treated us to a private dinner in an enormous room, about 12 meters each side. The meal was a traditional Japanese one, but larger than I'm used to. Imagine a 1 meter square table covered in small dishes; fish, vegetables, fruits, stewed meats... amazing. After that we lounged in the springs for an hour or so. It works wonders on sore muscles.

Looks like I got injured trying to snowboard. Was doing well then took a dive, landed hard on my chest, and heard a crack. Hope my ribs are just bruised. Doesn't hurt unless I bend back or fwd or take a deep breath.

Well, it turned out OK. No breaks. Now I know what a Japanese hospital is like...

This is from a pencil case I saw today.

Mom was wondering why I've been posting about nothing but parties and celebrations. Partly it's because it's that time of year where people bring in the new year. Really it's because I'm trying very hard not to think about what happened last year at this time. Those of you who don't know what I mean, I won't explain.

So I am surrounding myself with friends, and enjoying life while I can. I'm trying to stay positive, so please don't condemn me for it.

The same night, Saturday, a few friends and I walked to a candlelight festival being held downtown. It was cold and snowy, but the candles were still burning.

I probably won't be updating much the next few days. I'll be in Zao trying to snowboard over the 24th and 25th, then immediately afterward I'll be off to Osaka to spend New Year's with a friend. So look forward to some photos by phone, and maybe a little bit of text, if I'm feeling ambitious.

Saturday I got out of bed, and it was snowing! None had stuck to the ground when I went inside the gyoza shop for lunch, but when I finished an hour later it was several inches deep!

The children were out in force, after it stopped snowing.

These flowers only bloom in the winter, for some reason.