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I can't believe I haven't updated this thing. Um so much has happened....well been on some major trips. First one obviously was my winter break trip to Thailand. I went with Carla and Karen and we headed out just before the 18th. We stopped off in Hong Kong for a night before heading into Bangkok and catching a domestic flight to an island called Ko Samui. We were there for about a week and attended a Full Moon Party. It was pretty crazy but not really the thing for me. The highlight was definitely the snorkeling trip we had. I think I missed the ocean and riding on the speed boat reminded me of the trips I took on Dad's company boat.

Unforuntately disaster hit while we were in paradise. What will be labled as THE ASIAN TSUNAMI hit on the 26th...the day after my first warm Christmas. I was on the beach relaxing when Carla came up and told Karen and me. I didn't think it was too big of a deal until I saw pictures. It was still weeks after the initial strike where they were finding bodies....

All I know is that I'm quite lucky to have survived. It doesn't have so much impact as much as it should but I know I am lucky. My dad told me I have experienced my lifetime share of disasters....I saw Mt Saint Helens blow its top and I survived a disasterous tsunami and I was alive when 9/11 occured. I am only 25. What else will happen in my life time?!

Shortly after returning to Japan I was offered a trip to Guam by Ito and Gamon. It was very spur of the moment thing. I received the mail on Saturday and the following Friday I was on the plane to Guam. I never thought I would visit it. I didn't even know where it was on the map but I was glad I went. It was nice even though it was exhausting. I only took 5 hours of nenkyu. I only missed one class. Anyways, left Friday night and arrived early Saturday morning. The first day we went shopping and to the aquarium and hung out by the beach. We ate good food but by 9 I was dead tired. The next day had to be up early cuz I had signed up for deep water diving. I think my snorkeling in Thailand had sparked my interest in pursing my diving. I definitely want to try it again. It is just the most amazing experience. Definitely a different world down there. At first I was a little hesitant. I had signed up for two dives or two tanks and when I went out I was apprehensive that maybe it was a little too much. I thought I needed a licence but turned out it was okay. It was the first time out that I finally got used to diving but the second time out I was able to fully appreciate the wonders and the freedom. I saw so much life down there and even the coral was amazing.

We went to a Magic show our last night and just by chance was the last group out. We were still finishing out desert (was a dinner show) when the magician and the waiter came to talk. We got pictures and started chatting. They asked what I was up to that night and wanted to know if I wanted to go dancing! He asked me my name...turned out he was from Oregon. He thought I was Japanese. Most people did cuz I guess most tourists who come there are Japanese. I guess I could go there and find a job....and just swim in the ocean everyday and calm my nerves. Water is so thereputic.

Anyways...yeah....so came back on Monday morning and went to class....
The next trip was just a week after....our trip planned before winter vacation. We attended the Sapporo Snow Festival....Anyways, my last trip was to Sapporo. It was on a birthday special thanks to Hugh and Kelly. We were able to get a roundtrip ticket for 2 man 5000 yen. A pretty decent deal considering Karen had to pay close to 5 man for her plane tickets. Our hotel was another 24000 yen but the trip was definitely worth it. I was a little stressed though cuz I was pretty much in charge and was organizing everything. It was the last year for the Makonemai Site....something like that.