Just want to say, "Thanks," to everyone who remembers I am still alive, even though it seems like I am on a different planet.
I think most expats feel like this. But, actually, "this planet" has become a bit normal, depending on the day. I assure you, I'm not doing anything nearly as cool as you think I am, after having lived in Japan for a year as an assistant English teacher. In fact, right now, I'm just drinking coffee out of a cat mug and pretending I know how to effectively speak, let alone, teach English.
One thing that isn't normal here is being away from your family during personal milestones, like birthdays or engagements, as well as being away during regular holidays like Christmas or Easter. It just doesn't feel the same.
However, if you're lucky enough, there are people who still give a crap enough to do something for you on, say... your birthday.
I am one of these lucky ones.
Some days ago, I was surprised by a birthday package. A few things among it were super-dark chocolate and a new backpack. It made my day, especially since I have been lugging around a Dell-brand backpack from 2005, which more or less screams "tourist."
So, yeah, (almost) 29 has been awesome so far.
Gifts are something I do not automatically expect from my friends and family, as their support means more than anything ever, ever, ever. But, it is admittedly a wonderful surprise.
Just cannot say thanks enough to anyone who's taken the time to write an email, send a message, a package, America-themed sunglasses or make a phone call. All of those things meant a lot to me when I was in the USA, but truly, it's hard to express the immeasurable value of them now.
Last, I want to make more time to write a little note, email or give a call to people I care about, even when they aren't 14 hours away. Can't underestimate that power we all possess.
In Japanese, we say, "Mottainai!" or "It's too good to waste." Connections don't come often or easily, so, they're too good to waste just because of tiny challenges like time and location.
