Day 1: start up & mogura

I really have a hard time starting off something like this, because I have too much of a high-expectation for myself.  I feel like, in order to have a good blog, I need my own domain name, with fancy graphics and cool pictures throughout the website.  However, I don't really have time right now to start building a website.  I really wanted to start it now -- to share my thoughts and daily life with the world -- mostly my family at this point since they are far away in Japan.  

So here it is, my first blog post.  We have been having some issues with communication, and I hope that this will relieve some stress since they can come here to read about what's going on in my life - and see pictures and videos if I choose to post those.  I do take great photos, and I am excited to be making use of those!!  

Tonight, after work - John and I had a brief talk at home about our future together - my expectations, my fears, what I'm excited about, what we need to work on as a couple, and as always, there were tears that came with the discussion.  However, we discussed a few things - how to raise kids, where, John's language barrier - and that he will work on his Japanese very soon - and we were off to the beach for some 'mogura' talk.  This is the type of talk where you just pick each other's brains and talk about random things that you are thinking about.  I used to do this with mom a lot when I didn't feel like being social with my high school friends - because they were all too trendy for me.  We talked about how he can get through to my parents, what he can improve on... although there were no definite answers, it feels good to think that we are taking the time to make a difference, and really break through this handicap of living aboard without family around.  

We've also arranged for a weekly dinner/lunch with the family - to make an effort and take the time to talk about daily things that are happening in our lives and since we want to share this with them... I hope this all works out.  I really love my family a lot, and miss them dearly, but also love John so very much as well - and I don't think there's anyone else that can make me whole.  Wow, that's corny, but it's just so true.

I will leave you with a beautiful picture of Redondo Beach's wave...