久しぶりだね！

久しぶりです！ (It's been a while!)

I have another blog that I update more often... but I write all in Japanese, as a practice to be able to speak and write better, so thats why I haven't updated this blog as often.

Anyway, my trip home last month was great. I got to see people I wanted to see and I got to do things that I wanted to do, although one week in Hawaii is definitely too short. There's nothing like Hawaii. And I can say that with confidence, after living in Los Angeles for 5 years and Japan for 6 months, and having traveled to many places. Hawaii is truly the best place to live. BUT, as I stay strong to that opinion, I also feel strongly that one must go out and experience life outside of Hawaii to truly understand the beauty and happiness of the islands. Without living away from the islands, you can't appreciate what Hawaii has to offer. Thus, my want to go away to LA for college and now live in Japan. I know what Hawaii has to offer and I will return one day, but for now I want to spread my wings and experience things that I could never do or see being isolated on the tiny island of Oahu. I enjoyed my 5 years in LA and I'm enjoying every day here in Japan as well. I have no regrets and I'm happy for my decisions.

I didn't intend on writing an essay about Hawaii, but something inside of me told me to explain why I decided to move to Japan. Many people have asked me why I'm living here and why I'm not living in paradise instead. And each time, I explain what I just wrote and some people understand, and some people don't. I get bored of things fast -- my hair, my nail color, cameras, fashion, music, etc -- and living in Hawaii this year from February to July was to routine for me. I need change. I need excitement. I need challenges. Although change, excitement and challenges enhances my anxiety disorder, I just keep on fighting and trying my hardest at life's battles. I am so proud of my achievements and failures. My parents and family have given me so much - they have made my roots strong with education, values, morals and belief - and that is why I am able to do what I do today.

I will endure my first Christmas AND New Years away from Hawaii and my family and friends this year. I am, of course, sad and have wishes to be at home in the sun with good food and good company, but for once I feel like I can be alone and try something new. I actually want to experience this holiday season in a different city, or country for that matter. For 22 years I have had Christmas in Hawaii, and for 21 years I have rung in the New Year there too (last year I was in LA). For my 23rd year of life, I want to be the first one in my family to say, "Happy 2010!", 19 hours before Hawaii rings in the new year. For some reason, this year I am strong!

There have been many challenges I have experienced in the past 6 months here in Japan and I have much more battles to go, but every day I am thankful for life and for the people who have made me who I am today. Don't think that a day goes by and I don't think about you, because I think about you all every day. I may not speak to you or send an email everyday, but I thank you for supporting me and raising me to become who I am, So thank you Mom, Dad, Derek, Grandma, Grandpa, Grandpa Kazunaga, Aunty Bobbie and Uncle Jiro, Randal, Lance, Aunty Lisa and Uncle Allen, Sachi, Kevin, Uncle Ross and Aunty Janet, Chase and of course Jesus Christ -- Thank you all for all your unconditional love.






Now, I'm going to cook dinner, eat, and sleep knowing tomorrow will be a better day!


LOVE.