Japan and Me, Here and Now...

It's 2005 in rural Japan. The big thing at McDonald's is the addition of a TOMATO to the chicken sandwich (there are 2 separate value meals for the Chikin-firee (chiken-filet) sandwich and the tomato-chikin (tomato chicken) sandwich and its costs an extra 20 yen... just bring your own tomato, you know?). A special congress is being held to perhaps allow a woman to inherit the monarchy seeing as there are no male heirs at present. The President of NHK, the TV network powerhouse in Japan, is stepping down after massive embezzlement scandals broke. Ocean's 12 is the big new movie.

My 3rd years are about to Graduate in just over a month. This is especially emotional for me since these were the kids who were freshman when I arrived and have been with me the whole time. I might even cry... (testosterone where are you!?) NOT! (well, maybe a little...).

My birthday was this past Friday, the 21st of January, and I thought nothing of it, but I find I'm thinking of things like family, kids and health benefits. I've had my first official back pain (I wish I could say its from working out, but most likely from slouching at my Powerbook...) .

But all in all, I can say I think I'm doing pretty well for 25 years. I've seen cool stuff, visited several foreign nations, met some wonderful people... geez, I'll have to find something to make me angst-ridden again!