The "Joy" of Singlehood

Personally speaking, I have been out of the dating scene for quite some time....maybe 5 years or so? But now that I am diving head first into the sea that is supposedly full of fish.....I am realizing that this supposed vast ocean has seemingly gotten smaller. I am realizing that attention is a slippery slope when you may be feeling lonely after a few drinks....and that needing attention and truly having an interest in someone can be easily mistaken. I am realizing that even when you think you know someone, you really have no clue. I am realizing that the comparison game can be a very painful way to bring an amazing spirit to a darker place. I am realizing that I am scared to be vulnerable to someone who may break my heart. But ultimately, I realize that even in the midst of all these conclusions, I still hope to find that one person that someday, will complete my life in a way that even I could never have imagined. -M

"Save the Cheerleader, Save the World"

Thanks to iTunes, I have been able to purchase the first season of Heroes. I was introduced to the show by some friends here, and immediately got hooked. Sure...there are the occasional bad lines and deliveries, but the show really appeals to me! (and not only because of the infused Japan references) I love the idea of having some sort of "special" gift or power. It got me thinking.... if I were to have a special power, what would I want? Do I already have one? I would love to have that 6th sense.... the ability to see the world for more than just the "physical". Perhaps I got a small taste of that after Grandma died earlier this month. I have dreampt about her twice since she passed away, and maybe....just maybe.... she actually came to visit me. One of the dreams was extremely vivid. It was her memorial service in church and I was sitting in the front. I was not alone.... Grandma was sitting beside me, chatting away as usual! BUT, I was the only one who could see and hear her! I became upset because I realized that it was her spirit sitting with me. The priest asked me if Angela Lovelace was present, and I said, "Yes!" He immediately looked at me and said, "We have to let her go....." and then in an instant, she vansihed and I felt her spirit had moved on to Heaven. I don't know if I have the 6th sense.... I am STILL waiting to see a ghost in my waking life.....but I do know that I was special enough to have Grandma come for a brief visit in my dreams.... to help me deal with letting go..... and that is definitely good enough for me! -M

2007: The Year of the Boar

Welcome to 2007 everyone.... I celebrated yet another countdown to the new year in Tokyo. 2006 has definitely been a year to remember. I made some significant changes that at one time in my life seemed impossible to confront. I traveled to places I never knew I would see in my lifetime. I experienced the loss of a loved one. I drove across the United States in my beloved Beetle Convertible! I closed the door on something that haunted me for years. I have pondered the usual resolutions...which of course will always start TOMORROW. However the most important thing to me is knowing that I am completely content with my life. I am truly happy. I simply cannot think of a better way to enter a new year....-M

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Well, the holidays have arrived. It is Christmas Eve in Japan and I find myself sneaking in every last ounce of Christmas music while I can. If you work for the "Mouse" then you probably know that the holidays last nearly two months, but it is amazing how you can still manage to feel so separated from the holiday spirit. I have done everything I can to make my Christmas special in Japan. I have a beautiful, yet fake, Christmas tree adorned with all of my ornaments from home. My stocking is hung by the WINDOW with care. Two baby poinsettias are decorating my coffee table alongside Martha's December issue! I even baked Christmas sugar cookies. But something tells me it is not quite the same. There is something to be said for being HOME for Christmas. I miss my family this time of year. I miss seeing the last-minute shoppers on Christmas Eve. I miss the nearly empty tree lots. I miss the amazing raviolis my uncle makes every year for Christmas dinner. I miss the rolling green hills in Lafayette. So while I am an ocean away from all of my FAVORITE THINGS, I will be wishing I was home for Christmas.....if only in my dreams. -M