Happy New Year!
We got back from Mexico on December 30 and headed to eastern Washington to Cle Elum on December 31st where we rang in the New Year with friends Barbara and Denise at their brand new cabin. The highlight of today was spending time with them and snow shoeing in a winter wonderland. The contrast of sunny 80 degree Mexico to overcast 30 degree snowy eastern Washington is huge! From swim wear to snow shoes, I enjoy it all.
25 years ago today, I did something that changed the course of my life forever. 25 years ago today, I landed in Japan where I lived for 3 years and 3 months teaching English. Yes, I left behind a bad relationship (a negative very short-lived first marriage) and courageously moved to Japan alone to start anew. I left the states on December 31, 1987 and landed in Japan on January 1, 1988. I had very little self-confidence, but I felt I had to make a drastic change in my life. The owners of the English school picked me up at Narita Airport and took me to their home for a few days. From their house, I braved the trains (all signage was written in Japanese and I couldn’t read or speak Japanese) and went into Tokyo alone. I spent one of the coldest days of the year admiring frost-covered temples and frosted Japanese gardens and walking near the Imperial Palace. It felt surreal. I didn’t care if I got lost, but I didn’t get lost. I just walked and walked. At the end of the day, I miraculously made my way back, using the subway maps, to the Otake’s home.
It was 25 years ago in Japan that I met Rick and April marks 25 years of our being together. That was nearly half my lifetime ago! August of 2013 marks 20 years of our marriage.
2013 marks a big year for big numbers. I am always excited by the New Year and by the unknown promises it holds. I hope this year brings you much happiness and peace. May it be a great year!
Here are some photos from today, January 1, 2013 (New Year’s popovers and snow shoeing in Cle Elum, Washington):
Rick and Fran with giant icicle
Happy New Year Fran
your Japan trip sounds like a Hero’s journey to me 🙂
Stephanie, You are so right! The Hero’s journey. I didn’t get lost on my first trip in to Tokyo and I didn’t get lost in Japan…in fact, I seemed to have FOUND myself and I am forever grateful for my Japan experience. Happy New Year to you!
don
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