End of the year musings VIX!(999 JAPAN EDITION

I dare you to try and make sense of that title.

I dare you.

So here we are again folks, another year, another note rambling about things that happened, didn't happen, disappointments, achievements, and most importantly, memories.

To be quite honest, the fact that yet another year has just zoomed by is something I haven't quite gotten over. Not to mention the place from which I am typing this note, is not my home, but rather a house in another country altogether.

Funny how things turn out. The year started off with some poor decisions on my part. To be honest, I did some very, very juvenile, cruel and just plain mean things to people I care deeply about. In the end though, things worked out, and I'm eternally grateful that I could be forgiven and allowed a second chance. The beginning of the year also saw the single most stressful period of my life I would think.

Applying for AKP was a painful experience. Not so much in that it was difficult (It really wasn't), but in that my self confidence was at an all time low. After getting a C in second semester first year Japanese (Freshmen year), my Japanese GPA was below the required 3.0 to apply. This meant that Fall semester of sophomore year, I'd have to get an A or above in order to qualify. Fortunately I had, so that wasn't an issue, yet. However, the whole interview process, and waiting to see if I had gotten in or not was so absurdly stressful I can't even begin to express the feeling. I spent everyday, with my friends, panicking over whether or not we had been accepted. Things turned out ok, but I then became stressed over whether or not I could keep my grade high enough to allow me to STAY qualified for the program.

In the end everything turned out alright, and here I am.

This past Summer is one I won't forget. I met a lot of fantastic people, and made a lot of good memories. I was taught by some of the greatest teachers I've ever had the honor of learning from, and my Japanese abilities made huge leaps that I haven't seen since. To the Chukyu ichi students. You guys kicked all sorts of ungodly ass, and living with you all for three months was an amazing experience. I'll never forget "Iumademonaku, hige ha hitsuyo da". You guys are the best, and to those not in that class, I'll always cherish the laughs we had. Having to graduate and say goodbye before it was actually time for real graduation was one of the saddest things I've had to do thus far, and it's made me more nervous about next year. ^^:

I had few precious weeks at home before departing to Colorado and then Japan. Which meant I wanted to spend as much time with my family and friends as humanly possible. Saying goodbye was...certainly an experience. Even now, it's crazy to think I'm so far from all of them, many of which I haven't spoken to or seen since mid-august/beginning of Summer. Hey guys. I'll be home in a bit. Then we can have some Shiny Blue retarded fun. To my family, I love you guys, thanks for supporting me all this time, and when I come back, we best celebrate Christmas. =p

Colorado with Danielle and Erin was awesome as well. I've been lucky recently in that I've had the ability to travel: something I had never been able to do when I was younger. My family never had that sort of money. But this past year, I feel as though I've made up for that. Thanks to Danielle's family, we were able to see so much, go to so many places, and just have a blast.

Japan. Damn. I still can't believe I'm here. It's one of those strange things that make you feel like you're in a dream, rather than reality. Receiving money every month, going where you want, having fun: it's unreal. But here we are. Half way done. Lots of memories, lots of troubles, lots of good things. It's not over yet, but I look to next year with hopeful anticipation.

To the kids: I miss you guys. You helped to make everyday of last year a blast. Hearing all your crazy stories, insane ramblings, practice, club. I won't lie: as much as I love Japan, I'm incredibly nostalgic for those things, and can't wait to see you all again. READ ONE PIECE.

Next year will also mark the beginning of Senior year, my turning 21, and a whole new bucket filled with stress and intensity.

I can say I'm looking forward to it, despite all odds.

Until then folks, when life gives you lemons, make apple juice instead. It's tastier.

-E.