Jogging

The weather has been so nice here in Japan and I am able to go jogging outside. 

 ...Yes I jog towards Mt. Fuji, next to the river.  It's actually quite peaceful and only old people with dogs use this particular path.  This kind of weather is unthinkable in Iowa, especially in January.  The only snow I have seen here so far is a very light dusting in the shades of buildings for about an hour, until it all melted away.

There are tons and tons of pigeons here.  And apparently they like to live dangerously...like taking naps on a wall.  Very talented. 

Surprise in a Box

To start off the new year with a bang the retail stores here came up with the greatest idea on the face of the planet.   The "fukubukuro".  Translation:  happiness in a bag.  These happy bags are for sell for a very low price ranging from around approximately 10 dollars to 100 dollars.  But here is the best part.  The contents of the bag are worth ten times more than what you pay for, you just don't know what's inside.

 Here is a "happy" box I bought for 3000yen.  (about 30 bucks)

 ....annnd surprise!!!  Tons for goodies worth 10000yen! (about 100 dollars).
Contents included:

Micro fiber blanket and cushion
2 small plates
2 larger plates
2 glass tumblers
2 very cute bunny mugs
2 bath towels
Bubble bath in a champagne bottle
Loufa

I am very satisfied with my purchase :)

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I was fortunate enough to welcome 2011 earliest out of anyone in the world!

The "International Bar" had a major New Year's eve blow out which included champagne (ended up mostly on the floor) and sparklers (someone decided it was a good idea to do them indoors. Resulted in burnt marks in the chairs)

Everyone was dancing in the kitchen and it really was like a club. So much fun ヾ(＠°▽°＠)ﾉ

I woke up around 6 am to find myself cuddling my laptop for warmth and television was on with a count down to the first sunrise of the year.

The sunrise was expected to happen around 6:50. I decided that I was going to muster up all of my strength and will power to stay awake until then. I was going to start the year off on the right foot! No more procrastinating! No more being lazy! No more excuses!

I got my camera on the ready. Stepped out to my balcony (the cold air was strangely refreshing to my hung over self). To take a picture of the first sunrise for the year 2011. It was going to be magnificent.

And here it is! Hello Mt. Fuji. A Happy New Year to you! I really didn't actually get to see the sun rise...there is a gigantic apartment building in the way. But I did see the sky get lighter.

So now here is to the year 2011. I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!

I wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope it is filled with happiness and success ♪(*^ ・^)ノ⌒☆