Trusting That Which Is Insane.

2013 came to a nice finish this year in a far different way I would have expected maybe a year or two earlier.  Instead of going to a club or bar for all the fun shenanigans like I used to, I spent it with my Hama-Family. Reserving almost an entire pasta restaurant for all you can eat carbs in a family style setting over good conversation is quite different from the loud deafening noise we try to hear the strangers we find ourselves talking to in maybe slightly more lively, colorful, intoxicating places.  After our dinner we rushed out to see the fireworks only to be a bit too late. We ended up getting a not so spectacular view from afar.  But having already seen them last year, i wasnt so disappointed.  Going to starbucks with 20something people and chillin till 4 wasn't all that bad... a very sober yet not at all depressing new years.

It might not have been as crazy as I hoped... but the snowboarding trip I was about to take the next day was everything I could not have imagined asking for as a great start to the new year.  Leaving Monday night on a bus to Nagano with 10 other friends to arrive at an amazing ski resort for two full days of powder in my face, soar muscles, and feeling like a champ was only possible with the great friends I have. Lodge, Dinner, Breakfast, 2 days lift ticket and ski equipment included was one of the best uses of 16,000 yen I have ever made. 





It wasn't just about the vacation, the magical feeling of going on an adventure with friends, or doing something Ive never done before.. but it was a real faith builder for me. Falling and falling, over and over, each time getting up while looking down the steep slopes probably past my ability was like a leap of faith.  Whoa, am I glad I watched youtube videos on how to fall properly and turn my board correctly.







The pain of the first day was intense.. the next morning I could barely even use my legs. Yet as I got used to it, my body began to get used to the control of the board. I started learning to stop without falling nearly as much. I still fell and got powder in my face, up my jacket and looked like a complete noob so many times, but it was worth it.  It was just me, the board and God out there at times. Im also glad my group pushed me to keep doing more and more. It was awesome and I can't wait to do it again.




With this trip I learned how fulfilling it is to do something new with good friends.  Starting the new year strong and finishing my 28th year on this earth well was a prayer answered. I truly wish my friends I grew up with could experience what I am experiencing now. 

Im so thankful to God for letting me live the life I have. I might not be rich, but I feel wealthy because of who I have in my life. My birthday last year was amazing. My birthday, completely unplanned this year.. can't be described in words about how thankful I am.  Maybe I didn't hit up a club or get drunk this time, but I had friends who spent the day with me.  Roommates and other good friends came over, shared a meal... played Catan.  During my days of trying to live it up .. maybe I was happy sometimes.. but there were definitely some empty moments when I realized I was trying to be someone else, alone in a room full of people in a club or whatnot. But at home.. we might be playing boardgames or watching youtube vids at home.. but theres something in our hearts that make us feel whole.. so full that we are overflowing.  Thats what I want.. thats what I want other people to experience.. thats what I want the next generation and my children to have too.. God willing.

Thank you all for an amazing birthday!

Homemade smores!

Scary Yuri

Mario Kart 64 fun.