Emily's Edu-ventures

Another blog I read challenged people to make a list of positive things saving your life right now in the middle of winter. I love making lists and trying to be more positive so here it goes…

• Sunny Winter Days– Tokyo is fantastic in January! Most days have clearly sunny skies despite the cold & wind.
• My ear warming headband– I hate cold ears & hat hair so…
• Hot Beverages– I love weather that calls for all kinds of tea and cocoa. My current favorites are Trader Joe’s salted caramel hot chocolate and Starbucks English Breakfast Latte. Though honestly I enjoy just drinking a mug of hot water some days.
• More exercise- I added pilates to my weekly routine (I already go to a weekly Yoga class at school) and I am tracking my goal to take more steps on the weekends
• Learning how to use my Japanese appliances– I turned a corner in culture shock this month and have really tried to learn how to use my appliances. I can use my microwave without Google Translate and I’m experimenting with the oven features. I have used my rice cooker twice! Next I want to learn to set my thermostat!! I am very thankful that other foreigners have created great YouTube videos.
• Trip Planning!– The research and excitement of planning a trip always helps boost my mood. I had forgotten we had 3 days off for the Mid-Winter/Lunar New Year break… so I enjoy researching my options and I’m planning a trip to Hanoi & Halong Bay!
• Re-arranging my apartment– I was inspired by a colleagues wife to get rid of stuff that was left behind in my apartment & to truly make the space mine. I sold the couch I hated & the Nespresso machine I will never use. I’ve moved furniture around & finally hung my Rwandan baskets on the wall.
• Washi tape & My bullet journal – I’m falling more in love with Japanese stationary everyday! This month I have really gotten into washi tape & using it in my bullet journal. I need pops of color in my life!