Stumbling on Beauty

Okay so no pictures yet, I’m really bad at that, sorry. But I got a new phone, so maybe I’ll remember to take more pics with it. In case you didn’t realize this already, I’m a writer. So, years from now, I’ll look back at all these writings and think wow! It’s a meditative process and a learning experience for me.

Went to the beach yesterday with two other ALTs (Carter and Ben), and took my flippers so I could swim well. I’m so glad I bought prescription goggles and my flippers, I made a really good decision.

Not much in the water to look at, it was a bit muggy, but at least we’re getting some ocean time before the jellyfish start coming (saw one yesterday, they’re not fun to be stung by, I was stung a long time ago). The water felt really nice though. Okay, so let’s see, what did I learn? We were just floating around in the ocean, Ben and Carter were trying to see if they could see anything, I was mostly just dicking around swimming with my flippers and being happy my vision wasn’t blurry, I love those things!

Oh right, I’m beginning to realize that I very much am leading the life that I want to lead. Don’t get me wrong, my life has been pretty cool, but this time is a bit different. This time I feel more relaxed, more able, more willing, more free to decide things for myself. I don’t feel pressure, I don’t feel as much chaos as I used to, and more importantly, I feel very safe here, emotionally and physically.

We went out for dinner yesterday, a sort of “welcome party” for me, or rather just an excuse to get together and get drunk. I have a feeling we’ll be having “welcome parties” all year. And of course, I drank! A lot! Stumbling home drunk, head spinning, can’t remember how much I had, what did you say your name was, big smile on my face, can’t reach the remote so I guess I’ll sleep kind of drunk. It was fantastic! Best part is, I live like a block and a half away, so I have no worry about not being able to make it home if I drink too much. This is a very nice setup : ) I still need to break open the bottle that Jesse left me, but I’m gonna wait until I have folks over or some sort of housewarming something to drink it, I just wouldn’t feel right drinking it alone, even though I know I could.

Did I mention, Tsushima is beautiful. Lots of ocean, lots of mountains, lots of green. It’s very much a “small town” kind of place, but I love it, means things aren’t as formal and uptight, and living is done yukkuri de (meaning like “relaxed feel” I guess, stupid translation). If you know me, you know I like and appreciate the beauty in the simplest things in life. And that seems to be the case here. No hustle and bustle, no crazy bossy people, (almost) no worries, weather could be less hot, but hey, I lived in San Antonio. I don’t know what my future holds exactly, but judging from my first few days here and how close everyone seems to be and how I’ve been treated, it looks like I’m in for a treat, deep relationships and bonds, helping and caring for each other, and having lots of fun. Yup, looks like I got the perfect placement for me. I must have done something really good in a past life or something, but I’ll be sure to make the most of everything. I remember a dear friend telling me once that in life you just have to take it all in, and I intend to do exactly that.