Time warp

It's crazy how so much time seems to pass so quickly. I check in here and realise that it's been more than 3 weeks with no post. Shame! Truthfully, I feel like I don't have a whole lot to say most days. I am back into a routine like back before I left for Korea, work, school, Japanese lessons, the gym and running seem to take up almost all of my time. Throw in an occasional night out at karaoke and that pretty much sums me up these days. It's good to feel the focused though, like I have found some kind of balance to my life. It's funny, but lots of people are always waiting for the next fabulous adventure story, when the truth of it is that when you live abroad, the adventurous bits are just as few and far between as when you're at home. The only difference is I get a lot more holidays here to enjoy. The next one is about a week from now when I'll be on my way up north to get in some quality time with my sorely missed monsieur. The 29th can't come soon enough.

I am also happy to say that with one goal accomplished, I have decide on the next one. I will be running 10K #2 on May 10th, in Susono, which is near Mt. Fuji. I am hoping my girl Courtney will be able to join me to enjoy the hot spring action afterward. Nothing like a good hot soak to soothe the sore muscles after a hard run. I am very much looking forward to that.

On the weight loss front, I was happy to break a 3 week plateau this week with a 2 kilogram weight loss. I have been feeling kind of down on myself lately. Though I know I've come a long way, I can see I may never get into bikini shape, and that makes me feel discouraged. I am working on being kinder and more forgiving to myself though. I have worked very hard to get here and I have to stop expecting perfection. It's hard. I am my own worst critic, and this is the area where I give myself the most grief.

Otherwise, I am happy that spring has finally sprung and am looking forward to getting outside more and enjoying more of what Japan has to offer. I will check in with some more interesting updates (hopefully) after my vacation up north. Until then, I will leave you with some pictures of the gorgeous cherry blossoms. They are only here for a short time, but they are absolutely incredible to see. Mata Ne!




My bike ride to work...awesome!



At the park



Close up...the camera doesn't so them justice really...it's no wonder the Japanese go crazy for them.