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

Hello! Yes, I'm still alive, and I am still in Washington state. I can't believe that I've actually been here for over a week already - time has flown. It's been a bit of a strange trip so far, but mostly it's been great just to be back in the U.S., and back with my family again.

Let's see if I can sum up what's happened so far:
( a week in review )

Of course I have taken some pictures since I got here, mostly of my niece and nephew and on our boat tour of the strait and the island - but since I didn't bring my laptop, they won't be posted until I get back to Japan on the 26th. Sadly we've decided against visiting my family in Sacramento, California. I just realized how fast time is flying, and how little time I would really have to spend with family and friends if I went down there. Also, since we have to fly stand-by with my brother-in-law's Alaska Airlines benefits, I am afraid that I might have trouble getting on a flight back to Seattle in the peak summer traveling season - and if I can't get back to Seattle, then I'd miss my flight back to Japan. So instead of going to California, I'm going to spend lots of time here in PA with my mom, and also have additional time with my aunt and uncle here, and my cousin Lynn. My sister is also planning to come back next weekend and stay a couple days, then drive me back to Seattle to catch my flight. I haven't seen much of my brother on this trip - he's been keeping to himself. And additionally I'm having a bit of drama with my husband, who is wondering if he should come back here before the end of the month to get a re-entry permit so that he doesn't lose his green card. He is now considering moving back to the U.S. again.... It's a long story and one for another day!

So good night. I hope everyone is doing good, and I hope to catch up on your lives soon! I'll be back in a few days with more news and updates.