It's the last day of the year and I'm sitting on the train thinking about this past year. As people are wont to do at this time of the year.
There were a lot of terrible things that happened in the world. There were undoubtedly good things as well, but the news seldom broadcasts that. I found it too difficult for me to watch at times and I then found myself guiltily turning away and selfishly losing myself in my own happy world.
And even though I felt guilty doing so, I wouldn't change it. I was so fortunate to have an amazing year. There were a few tough times and there were plenty of tears, but the love that I had around me carried me through those moments.
I was surprised to learn all the different forms that love comes in. I am blessed with love from parents, family, non-blood sisters, friends, and at times colleagues and students. And this year I also had the new experience of love from a partner.
This is the love I think about the most these days. As someone who never really liked romance, but still got "girly" at others' stories, I still can't really believe it. That kind of love is real?! I was so lucky to find or be found by my partner. He made my year and life unbelievably happy. And I'm looking forward to calling him my husband.
So, what started at a reflection on the past year quickly became a sappy note about how great my love life is. I used to hate when people did that, but now that I've joined the ラブラブ (lovey-dovey) ranks, I'll offer a semi-sincere apology and post this anyway.
And then I'm going to go home and make some Toshikoshi soba to ring in 2015.
