Yet another reason to love Ireland.

*Gulp*

I just committed myself to raising $1800 for breast cancer research... And to walk a marathon and a half in two days. I'm going to need some support.

Here's my page.

I don't want to beg for money. However, I do need to raise this amount of money in order to walk, which seems like a tremendously lofty goal at this stage. In fact, I'm shaking a bit.

I am very excited about the opportunity to walk for such a great cause with fantastic and strong women. At work, we are working on getting a team together...one person is definitely joining me. However, we still have to raise $1800 per person.

I'd love to reach my fundraising goal by the end of March so I can start focusing on the whole shin splints aspect of the training. Thank you so much if you feel like this is a worthy cause to donate to. And spread the word!

A Promo Piece

I have been meaning to tell you all about a love in my life.

The Envirosax.

If I was a wealthy woman, I would have bought everyone a set of these for Christmas. A set of 5 is a bit pricey, but oh-so-worth-it. I hate plastic bags. I hate seeing people in the parking lot lugging around 8 plastic bags, knowing they will just get tossed in ten minutes when they get home.

These bags are a godsend. The fold up beautifully, carry a tremendous amount of weight (I really push it and have had no problems), can fit into your pocket, are washable, are cute... the list goes on and on.

I get so many compliments on my bags and everyone says they're a great idea. So why isn't everyone using them? Do you really want a drawer full of plastic bags?! I use them at Target, the grocery store, Trader Joes (where you get entered for a drawing for bringing your own bags..which I applaud), to the gym to tote my gym shoes, home when I don't want to pack a real bag, etc.

Buy them. I promise that you won't regret it.

Missing!

Missing: One friendly train conductor with a penchant for the thumbs up sign.

Missing since the beginning of January.

If spotted, please ask him to report back to work because his replacements are dismal.

Dericious!

Trader Joe's has mochi ice cream! Life is looking up!

And yes, I spelled delicious like that on purpose.

Slim Shady

If you haven't been to Starbucks lately (not that I would *ever* buy into such a greedy, out of control corporation. *cough*), they're now pushing their "Skinny lattes." I have always ordered my drinks "skinny" (i.e. with skim milk and no whip cream). So, on first glance, it appears that these new "additions" (that have always been available) are fantastic. However, to order a skinny latte now means that they will put some sugar-free syrup in it instead of the good stuff. Yesterday, I ordered a tall caramel latte with skim milk and the girl shouts out, "Tall skinny caramel latte!!!" and I ended up with a foul fake-sugar-tasting drink. I threw in some real sugar and salvaged the moment. Laura looked the other way as I dumped calories into my skinny drink. A week before, I wanted to try a cinnamon dolce latte and this old man worker yelled at me when I tried to order it with skim milk. "Why don't you just order a new skinny latte?" So today, I order --- "I want a caramel latte with no whip cream and with skim milk.. but I don't want the skinny kind b/c I want the sugar! You get it?!" She did. She made a look of disgust when I mentioned the fake syrup. And the lady behind me gave a little "amen!" and ordered the same as me. Very funny.

Also regarding "skinny" stuff, I have a new/old gym friend! And this one speaks English! And she doesn't wear spandex leotards with purple animal print tights. And she knows how to caution me when an exercise might hurt my knee. She can "second verse, same as the first" with the best of them. We both struggle to shake our very very white booties in Turbo Kick. And I've known her since kindergarten! It's ideal! Yep, my friend from the good old days, Regan, is now my new workout partner. She lives about 30 minutes away and she makes the journey to me on Wednesdays for the gym and now I'm joining her on Saturday mornings at her gym. It's completely bizarre to be working out and to look to my side and see someone I used to do "suicides" with at basketball practice. But the best thing is that when I'm next to her, I don't have to worry about kicking anyone b/c if I kick her, I know she won't freak out on me!

And carrying on with fitness and "skinny" stuff, my office is thinking of taking part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer at the end of May. It's intense, including walking either a 1/2 marathon or full marathon on Saturday and then doing another 1/2 marathon on Sunday. Since we're all women at the office, will all be affected by breast cancer at some point ... either ourselves or our loved ones, and since we all want to be in great shape, it sounds like this might actually happen! My shins already hurt just thinking about walking that much. This is definitely going to be a "ganbatte" day for all of us if we decide to go forward.

Feeling violated

My car got broken into this past weekend. I was getting in and noticed that my owner's manual was on the passengers seat and that there was a bag hanging from the glove compartment. Then I looked in the back and my empty Carson's box had been opened and my gym bag contents were thrown all over. Nothing was missing, not my Peanut Butter energy bar, my dime, my 5-yen coin, my size 9.5 gym shoes, or smelly gym towels. I'm sure the person was really happy with all that great stuff I keep in my car! Anyways, I'm not sure how he/she got in. Nothing was broken or scratched. I always lock my door, even in the driveway at home.

My birthday was a great day. We had lunch at work and some cake. Then Ken surprised me with a princess tiara and silly string at home. He made dinner which was delicious and we headed out for ice cream. Then we settled in for a movie. All in all, 28 has been completely acceptable.

This week I'm going to be on my own as Ken heads out to Tahoe for a snowboarding trip. I set up a Family Video account and am ready to abuse my 50% discount. There's leftover ice cream in the freezer and I have some meals that involve no cooking. I'm such an adult.

Japan: Still producing amusing moments

I hope everyone had a great holiday! Mine was a nice one, despite having to be a regular stiff and work last week. Ken and I spent time visiting both sides of the family, eating loads of delicious sugar cookies, and braving treacherous road conditions. I also made some progress on my 101 list... One year down, many more items to cross off. Too bad one of my items wasn't "Make the fire department arrive at my apartment" because that would have been one to finish last Friday.

Last week I received a letter from my friend at the Chatan gym. I chuckled at numerous bits, including her take on "Beauty and the Geek." But the real kicker was when she said (regarding an American man who she isn't interested in).... "I feel bad, but there's just no - how do you call it? - chemical reaction." Classic.

Hope your new year is off with a bang! I, for one, can't wait to hit some local bars to enjoy some lovely clean air. I better wait a few weeks, though, until the lingering smoke dissipates.