(A Generic) One Year... (post)

Well, it was one year ago today that I stepped off of that plane in Chicago's O'hare airport after flying in from Narita International in Japan and was re-introduced into American culture... I've become more 'American-ized' if you will in the last year, as I've rejoined western civilization as we know it, but I still consider myself having a small amount of Asian culture remaining... L and her sister and mother and I ate lunch at this great Thai place on the North Shore today, and I found myself using chop-sticks without even thinking about it to put away a nice plate of Chicken Curry... wow- it was tasty too!  Thanks L, for the great recommendation!

Anyway- so I guess I'm sitting here tonight, being somewhat introspective about how my life has changed in the last year... I guess because it was such a drastic change moving back from another country, and really, well, a marker for me in my life, because I feel I came back still the same old Hal, but changed in some deeper ways that may not be evident on the surface.  So I guess I'm just trying to identify if there is anything that I've changed in my life since I've moved back... well, one thing is certain... I'm in better shape.  I've gotten to where I'm running a lot more, and it's helped me out in life all around.  In fact, I'm even going to run the Honolulu Marathon this year.  Back when I turned 30, I said I was going to do it that year, well, that didn't happen, so I'm a few years removed from that year, so I'm doing it this decade... I won't be hanging with the Ethiopians, but I should be a middle-of-the-pack runner... probably 3 hours and some change...  what else... hmm... well, I do feel one thing has changed in the last year... I feel like I've gotten a little more selfish... and a little less patient.  I specifically remember thinking that patience was one thing that I brought back with me from Japan... and I think, to a small degree, I still have that quality, but sometimes, when it is tested a bit much, I have to take a deep breath and remember that patience is indeed a virtue.  A valuable one.  Our culture, unfortunately, no longer values patience.  But it is, indeed, a good virtue to possess.  May I have more patience... selfishness... another quality that I feel has crept up on me.  I don't know... I feel like I'm a pretty giving person, but sometimes I feel like I don't make sacrifices where I should make sacrifices... and that leaves me feeling selfish.  Fortunately, I'm not want for anything else in my life materialistically, but I think sometimes I'm selfish with my time... but I'll leave it at that.

One thing that I'm so thankful that has happened to me, relatively of late, is my relationship with a wonderful woman named Larenda.  For those of you that don't know, we met actually, at the Dog Park of all places.  Living in a Condo in Waikiki with an Irish Setter requires quite a bit of exercise, if you can imagine... well, Larenda also has a dog, and we managed to start synching our trips to the dog park without actually talking about it.  Just so we 'happened' to run into each other each evening around the same time... I'm a big fan in case you can't tell... more details later, as I need to hit the rack, but I just wanted to mention how thankful I am for Larenda in so many, many ways, and also, just put a post up for my one year anniversary of being back in the states.  Hawaii is definitely the best state to be in that's for sure.

That's all for now.  1 year back in the states... still proud to be an American, and really glad to be living here.

Oh yeah- got some new slippers (Flip-Flops for you mainlanders) today... Larenda has been extolling the virtues of the Rainbow Slipper pretty much since I met her, and well, since I blew out one of my flip-flops when I was home for the reunion... I needed a new pair.  She had no problem talking me into getting a pair.  They are great- they have leather soles and conform to the soles of your feet... plus they are guaranteed not to blow out until you've worn out the sole completely.  Not bad if you ask me.  So now Larenda and I have matching slippers... I told her we needed to get matching Aloha shirts and walk around in Waikiki with them.  Not a chance was the vibe I got back from her.  Thanks for the recommendation L.  You're the best!