任性的代價

一年前，就像今天一樣，每天晚上把自己哭累了就睡覺了。來了以後，我才發現其實以前自己有多幸福！我好想家人，好想他。每一天都在倒數回家的日子。

但偏偏在這個時候我遇上理你。你像風一樣，不知道從哪裏吹進了我的生活。遇上你以後，心情變得不一樣，每天都在想我們會什麽時候見面。我做的決定也開始變得沒有理由。可是這也沒關係；反正你進入了我的世界之後，我整個人都開心起來。其他的，我也不管這麽多了。

誰知道這只是一個夢而已? 你是毒藥，把我麻醉了。我中了毒，對你養成了依賴後，你就抽身離去。你真的是很殘忍呢！

三百六十五天後的我，原地踏步，沒有前進過。只是今天多了兩道不知道從哪裏來的傷痕。這是他們講的成熟，還是任性的代價?

9 Months in Fukuoka!

It's been 9 months since I left for Fukuoka! I seriously can't believe how fast time has gone...! Every week goes by so quickly, and the weekends even quicker... before I know it, another month has gone by (and I didn't update my blog like I meant to)!

I have established a pretty good routine now for everyday life things. I go to work, I work out, I hang out with friends and co-workers... It feels like I've finally figured out how to live my life here... (I know! It took 9 months...! Isn't that ridiculous????) 

One of the major changes is that I FINALLY got a decent bike. I've been going for rides at least 4 times a week! There's a park in the middle(ish) of the city called Ohori Park (see my previous post in April about hanami), which is a 6km ride from where I live. I like to bike there because there's a huge lake in the middle of it. There's also a Starbucks there. So if I want to read a book, I bike to Ohori. If I want to study, I bike to Ohori. If I just want to sit somewhere, I bike to Ohori. Getting the exercise biking there is great! Being able to eat a slice of chocolate cake without feeling guilty afterwards is just a bonus. ^_^

The lake at Ohori Park at night. Sorry the picture was taken with my cell phone camera..!

I also finally got a decent sofa bed. Sleeping above the ground is great!!! And now my back doesn't hurt anymore, and I sleep better. I don't know why it took me so long to get proper furniture to sleep on... And now I can ACTUALLY have visitors!!! 

Towards the end of the month I am starting up my project management courses again. This time I am doing two courses at the same time. On top of that, I am going to try and take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test to see if I have actually learned anything from being here for almost a year... So the next couple of months I am going to be a hermit crab and staying at home... well... maybe I will have time for a trip to Tokyo or Kansai in November... (there's always time for traveling, hahaha ^^")

Oh, I've been reading this book called 女朋友﹐ 男朋友... the story is kind of heavy and it reflects the 無奈 in people's lives. I find it quite realistic. Reading it makes me want to cry, and to be honest I am quite afraid of the ending... hahaha... 

And last but not least, I've received so many messages, emails, and post cards from my friends this month. I just want to thank you guys for thinking of me...! I really do miss you guys. *group hug*

To end off, here are some pictures of autumn in Japan!

A field full of cosmos in Nokoshima (an island just off of Fukuoka)

Leaves are falling..!! It reminds me of home...

A nice fall day to wander around...!

Bittersweet Goodbye

I recently learned that one of my closest friend is moving away.

I know how exciting it must be, after all, I made the exact same decision a year ago to leave home and to move on to a new chapter in my life. I am really glad that he is stepping out of his comfort zone, following his heart to do what he truly wants. I know it's not easy.

I am a little bit sad though, because I realize that home will never be what it used to be. Maybe I was too naive in thinking that everything back home will stay the same until I go back. Everyone will still be waiting for me. My family, my friends... sure, people go on and do new things, but they are all still going to be around right...? Right...? Damn it, I AM THE ONLY ONE who can leave and come back whenever I wanted...! No one else was ever allowed to leave me...!!! I was supposed to go home whenever I got sick of being on my own, and go back to see all my friends whom I love so much...!!!

But the clock is ticking. Time doesn't wait for anyone.

People are always chasing after their dreams and desires. Some time ago, you crossed paths, then you walked together for a while, and you don't know when your paths will split again. That's the interesting part about life, isn't it? I guess it's all part of growing up.

So, here's a bittersweet goodbye to you. Good luck my dear, and chase after your dreams! I know you have made the right decision. Hopefully you will invite me to your wedding. ^_^

And, thank you for teaching me to love and treasure those around me, right here, right now, because I don't know what will happen tomorrow.

See you soon!!!

August in Japan!

It's August in Japan! Besides the humidity (which I will take over cold winters any day) and the occasional thunderstorms, August has been an awesome month..!!! The beginning of August was marked by firework festivals all over Japan, so I dragged some people along with me to enjoy this event!

Chikugogawa Fireworks Festival

Chikugogawa Fireworks Festival

It's been my dream as a child, to wear a yukata, eat kakigori (shaved ice), and watch the fireworks in Japan. Actually, that was one of the main reasons why I wanted to live in Japan (sounds kind of stupid, I know... hahahahahaha). I was elated that my dream finally came true...!!! o(^v^)o

My yukata, kakigori, and I!! o^_^o

During August, we also have a period of days off called Obon. Of course, I would never miss an opportunity to go play, so I hopped on a plane with my friend and went to Taipei for a few days! I had a lot of fun on this trip. I must say I didn't really do much that I haven't done before, but it was just nice to eat food that I really miss, and actually know what people are saying around me. I did have some trouble, though, as I tried to speak English and Japanese with my friends, and I had to switch to Mandarin with other people. And since none of these languages is my actual mother tongue, I caught myself speaking the wrong language to different people all the time.... hahahahaha... ^^"

Taipei 101

More than anything, I think I learned more about myself on this trip. I finally know why I love it here in Asia so much, and why I am so happy. It's so simple - I am doing what I want to do, and not what everyone else expects me to do. For a first time in a long, long while, I am finally truly at peace with myself. I am way less bitter than I was before towards other people and less negative towards myself... I no longer need to be jealous of other people, or wonder why people live a happier live than I am... because... I would rather be doing what I am doing right now. So... do what you love! ^_^

Sign outside of Mos Burger

就是這樣﹐ 我在日本過了7個月。現在才發現﹐ 原來幸福不是要靠別人﹐ 而是要靠自己。我要讓自己每天過得快樂! 大家也要過著幸福的生活啊..! <3

9月快來了!! 期待期待... o(^v^)o

I'm half way there.. kind of...

I really should start writing something different for my posts... but damn I haven't updated in a long time....! (I wonder who actually reads my blog, and notices... hahahaha..)

So, it's July 6th, and I've officially been in Fukuoka for 6 months. A lot has happened since the last time I posted... so I don't even know where to start... Well, first of all, I got sold out by my own parents, and Mammy and Daddy are no longer visiting me and taking me to Okinawa in August... (T_T) It seems like they don't miss me very much, because whenever I Skype home, I get responses like "Oh it's grandma's TV time right now..! If you want to talk to her you should've called earlier...", or "What? I am cooking! Why don't you try again in an hour when we finish dinner and your dad finish washing the dishes...?" So... I guess they don't miss me that much afterall. God, I love my parents. XD

The past couple of months have actually been kind of a blur. It's almost like it didn't happen. All I remember is going back to Hong Kong during Golden Week, and BAM, all of a sudden it was my best friend's wedding and I was back in Vancouver. Somewhere in there was a weekend to Busan and a trip to Kagoshima... Maybe it was because I was busy trying to finish my project management course, or maybe because I just wanted June to be over so I can go back to Vancouver... hahaha...

Busan shopping district at night

The wedding last weekend was just insane. I am not sure how my body kept up with me, but I am glad it did. I think in 4 days, I must have slept less than 10hrs. On the actual day of my best friend's wedding, I was awake for like 30hrs, before finally passing out on my flight from SFO-HNL. Seeing my best friend get married is certainly one thing I would not give up the world for, and it was so amazing for me to finally see her in this stage in her life. I am truly happy for her that she found someone she is so happy and in love with. A million memories crossed my mind as I see her walk down the aisle. It's been so many years and we've had so many fights, but I still love her to death, and I am just glad she is in good hands. ^_^

Going back also made me realize how much I actually miss my friends. They say you don't realize what you have until it is gone.... well, I certainly feel that way. I really didn't understand how much my friends meant to me, until sh*t went down, they were still all there to support me. I've been away for a while, but that certainly didn't mean they've become more distant in anyway. I can't really explain how I feel with words... but... you guys are the greatest friends that any girl could ask for. Surely I am the luckiest girl in the world to have friends like you guys...! *group hug!!!*

Blog-appropriate picture from the wedding (sort of). I love my crazy friends <3

All in all, my time here in Fukuoka is everything like I imagined. I miss my friends, and I miss my family, but nothing has really been unexpected.... All I can say, is that this is truly changed how I see myself. I definitely know myself better now and I am a happier person. HAVING SAID THAT, I have NO IDEA when I am coming back. As of right now, I am half way done my contract... but... it looks like I will be staying longer.... so... come visit me if you miss me!! o(^v^)o

Take care, my friends, wherever you are~!

Hanami with Mammy and Daddy ^_^

My parents and grandmama came to visit me in April (ok, so the title lied a little, but if I wrote "grandmama" too then it wouldn't rhyme. LOL!). I felt a little bad because my mom missed me so much that she booked this trip 2 weeks after I left Vancouver ^^" Anyway, they were just in time for hanami season in Fukuoka, and we went to Ohori Park when the sakura were in full bloom!

With Grandmama at Ohori Park (outside the Fukuoka Castle Ruins)

I think my parents feel better now that they've seen the city I live in, and what my neighbourhood looks like. They are happy that Fukuoka is so convenient, and yet it's not flooded with people everywhere. They also seemed to be glad that I live on top of a 24-hr supermarket and 1 min walk away from a 24-hr udon joint (I guess they know at least I won't starve lol).

We also went to Kumamoto on the other weekend they were here. There were still sakura blooming at Kumamoto Castle, and the view was stunning!

Kumamoto Castle

We stayed at a ryokan in Kumamoto which had access to onsen. Daddy loved the onsen so much and would not stop talking about it for 20mins! After a nice onsen experience, we had Spring Set Dinner at the ryokan. I think we must've had at least 10 courses!! The hotel is called 菊南溫泉 Hotel, and it did not disappoint! My parents and grandmama were super happy with Kumamoto! o(^o^)o

Booked a private onsen, with indoor and outdoor bath area

I think I gained some weight during my parents' visit. I kept mooching off of them for fancy dinners that I otherwise can't afford (like teppenyaki), LOL!!! Ohhhh I miss being Mammy's and Daddy's girl... hahahaha!

And now, back to survive on my own again... until August! Then, my parents are coming back and we are off to OKINAWA!!!! YAY PARENTS!!!! d(^v^)b

Weighing in after 3 months

It's been 3 months since I've been in Fukuoka! I can't believe I am 1/4 of the way through my contract!! Let me check-in with some highlights of my stay in Fukuoka!

Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima

- I've been able to travel once a month on average! So far I've been to Beppu, Nagasaki, and Hiroshima / Miyajima. Still on my list are Kumamoto (which I will strike off after this weekend ^_^), Kagoshima, Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, Nagoya, Kanazawa, Nagano, Busan... ... ...

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

- I've had some visitors already! My parents came to visit last weekend, and my friend from HK also came to visit yesterday. I played host for the first time in Fukuoka!

- I have a membership at an onsen which is a 20mins drive from my house. It is one of the nicest onsens I've been to...! I've been going almost weekly... hahahaha... why get a massage when you can soak in the onsen? ^_^v

My Japanese is slowly improving. If I concentrate hard enough I can understand what people are saying to me... the response, however, needs some work... hahaha... I'm working on it ^^"

The street outside my apartment at night

- I lost 10lbs since I've been here!! OMG!! I know that doesn't sound too impressive, but I didn't really do anything besides eating normal Japanese portions and cut back on fried foods...! I'm so happy hahahahha. Next, I will try to knock off another 15lbs in the next 3 months. My co-worker is very good fitness guy (actually, he's good at many different things, and I've often gone to him for advice lol), and he's started taking me to the gym and teaching me how to cut calories. I have a feeling that 15lbs goal is not too far out of reach!!! I gotta keep reminding myself - hunger and soreness is just fat leaving the body. LOL.

Plum blossoms, Dazaifu

Other than that, life is not much different from being in Vancouver. I work, I go out, I stay at home, etc etc etc. I do miss my friends and family very much... but... I'm glad I am here!

P.S. - Sorry for the random pictures... I don't have any that will go along with the post... hahaha... Anyways, come visit me soon!!! ^_^