Happy Easter, Happy April, Happy Spring!

Spring is my favorite time of year.  I love watching the trees and flowers wake up after winter and color the world around me once more.  In Japan, it also means the season of Sakura (cherry blossoms).  Right now there are buds on the trees and I'm so eager to see the Sakura again.  We have been here for almost three years already and, without a doubt, Sakura season is my favorite.

Things have been... complicated since I last posted.  We are still dealing with a big Max-sized hole in, everything.  I had underestimated how hard it would be after he was gone.  I thought that since we knew - for a few months - his time was running out, it would make his absence easier to handle.  I was so very wrong.

In happier news: A week ago, we returned from a two week trip to Australia - a lifelong dream for me.  My feelings since the trip have been all over the place.  We had an absolutely AMAZING time, it ended up being so much more than just a "vacation".  In a lot of ways I felt like I was catapulted out of the rut I've been in for years.  I'm striving to make the most of that and hopefully not slide back down into it.  I have plenty to share about that trip and hopefully I will soon.

I guess the point of this post is just to say "hello", I'm still here, still working, still pushing forward, still hopeful, and very much looking forward to the Sakura!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Easter Sunday!