today the lake looked like an endless expanse of wet grey sand.

I believe a clarification is in order. Apparently my posts all come off as very depressed or sad. I do not know if this is one of the unwanted byproducts of expressing ones thoughts without the help of body language and tone or if I simply only write about the sorts of things that seem unpleasant. Possibly both. Either way, I feel the need to inform you all that I am having an amazing time. Certainly I have my down points, moments of homesickness that come in waves every other week or so, or days like today when I just never want to hear Japanese again (haha) but I assure you I take these moments in stride and laugh them off. When I’m writing my posts I’m almost always laughing at the things that bother me, or simply informing you of a condition, like how unbelievably hot it is here, it isn’t a complaint, rather a surprised bservation of the weather. I usually write my posts at night, when I am most tired, and perhaps that is why I come off lackluster and unhappy. I assure you this is not the case. I’m extremely happy. I’m enjoying myself to the fullest. I love Japan! I love the food, which is amazing, and the scenery, which is gorgeous. I’ve felt ill of late, which may also be why I sound unhappy, but most days I’m very happy, so long as I’m not in class :p. Most days I’m dying for the day when I can come back. I plan it often, and am very excited for it. So please don’t feel that I am regretting my choice and don’t worry about me too much, I’m doing very well thank you. And try not to miss me too much (I know, it’s a feat, I am terribly missable) but there are only 18 days left until I’m home and then you can all bask in my magnificence once more! Feel free to count the days :p