Reflecting back on 2008

Wow, what a year!

This year has been unbelievable! I have been to the most amazing places, met amazing people, been harassed by the police, fell deeper in love with Husband, realized just how blessed I am, watched my baby turn into a boy, and appreciated everything just a little more than before.

I'm so thankful to be given the opportunity to live abroad. Most people only dream of coming to Japan, but I get to live here. And, I get to raise my child here, which is another plus. I hope by living here, my son will be more open minded, think outside the box, and appreciate people's differences. I know he will look at the world differently as a result of growing up in Japan. I know his world will be smaller, kinder and better than mine. I know that living abroad will make him a more interesting individual capable of seeing things through other people's eyes. For that, I'm grateful.

However, I do miss those closest to us...like BJ, JC, Big D, and Rice Spice. I miss those who have made me who I am today. I try to keep in touch as best I can through e-mails and phone calls, but I know sometimes I can be a slacker. And, by being here in Japan, I have missed the birth of BJ's baby, Princess. I have yet to meet Princess, and she is almost 6 months old now. I am sad about that. But, BJ is incredibly understanding. She knows that even though I can't be there to watch here baby grow, I think about them all the time. After all, I have a mini-shrine on my fridge. I've got pictures of Princess plastered on my fringe like she's a wanted felon.

And, I miss the kind, positive words of Big D. I miss hearing his goofy laughter and seeing his smiling face at the end of each day. I miss running with him and hearing the sound of our footsteps as they move in unison to become one. I miss our adventures together. We were always ready for anything, whether is was a half marathon race or a trip to Oklahoma to run 20 miles. Whatever it was, we did it together...no questions asked.

I miss Texas. I miss the red dirt of North Texas and the pine trees of East Texas. I miss the beautiful skyline of Downtown Houston. I miss the smell of fresh cut grass running down Allen Parkway or Memorial. I miss hearing my footsteps as the crush the dirt beneath me on the trails near Memorial Park. I miss the colorful people and the diversity only Houston has to offer. I miss Montrose, in the heart of Gay Mecca. I miss my flamboyant, gay neighbors who used to make me smile as I watched them manicure their yards to perfection. I miss the 100 year old Oak trees in West University. I miss the beautiful bayous filled with dead people and debris. I miss the sight of pickup trucks and boats hitched to the back. I miss the smell of the humid, salt filled air near Rockport, Texas. I miss the sight of sea gulls coasting in the light, ocean breeze. I miss all of it.


Even though I miss Texas, Japan is now my home. Japan is where I'll stay until told otherwise. I will continue to marvel at the architecture and beauty of this great nation. I will try to assimilate as much as possible and make a positive influence on the Japanese people. I will show them Texas hospitality and kindness the way only Texans can. I will tell them about every thing wonderful that encompasses my great and wonderful state. I will make them love and appreciate Texas the way I do.


So, again I say, wow- what a year! I have so much to be thankful for and so much to miss!