Alive.

First post of the new year...between work and school I've been kept on my toes, and despite some doubts and stresses, I'm feeling very satisfied with where everything is/has been going. 2007 was a highly eventful and successful year, but I have reason to believe that 2008 is destined to match, if not beat, that level of success. My class schedules for the foreseeable future are going to be jam-packed and invariably stressful, but I have the resolve to take them on and find fulfillment in my newfound knowledge. I also would love become more involved in the community, both here and back home. Earlier today, I, along with a few others from my Japanese class, volunteered at a "Multicultural Day" event at the local children's museum. The city where I currently reside and go to school has an unfortunate, notable lack of "culture" and ethnic diversity; to see such an outpouring of support and a grandiose display of cultural traditions stirred up true joy from within. I realized then that I was taking part in a cultural "leap", so to speak; it's certainly a step in the right direction for this city. Glancing around at all of the bright, shimmering clothes, decorations, and faces, it made me think about the power of culture...no matter how bleak a city may seem, there will inevitably be people that add color and life to compensate. Now that's something I hope to see much more of in the months to come...