it's not life that matters but the journey...

I couldn't believe it - today I went for a walk and it felt like spring - I was sweating when I got back and didn't need the heater all day.  even tonight I doubt we'll need much heat.  what a change! of course its still not February so we could still get more cold weather.

I actually studied Japanese today - but not Kanji.  I went back to basics - reviewed vocabulary and grammar to make sure that I could make sentences.  I realized how bad my speaking is when I went to dinner with the Suzuki's on Saturday (the couple I was teaching in Shizuoka).  I kept forgetting stuff that I was sure I had already learned!!  I'm going to keep on studying grammar and vocab a few times a week, and hiragana and kanji on other days.  don't want to get too confused!

also I realized its time for another haircut and color - I looked at the pictures from SAturday with the kids and my hair looks absolutely horrendous!  this is what happens when I cut it short though - it grows too fast and I have to cut it even more often or it looks frightening.

finally here is the message on the box of cookies I got from the Suzuki's (they bought them from the Century Hyatt Hotel):

"Just a single, perfect confection can bring together interesting and sympathetic minds.  Congenial conversation flows; one's circle of friendship grows.  We think of our confectionaries as Century Hyatt's exquisite little messengers." 

ok - whatever you say!

and this is what they say about the taste:  Various flavors are sub tly blended leaving a most pleasant aftertaste.

Whew!  I was worried they would have a terrible aftertaste, just like beer!