Ten things in the past ten years

Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.


Ten things in the past ten years:

1. Met God
I first heard the bible stories when I was in junior school. After 20 years I first listened to God's words, in this foreign place.

Those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. They did not keep thinking about the country they had left; if they had, they would have had the chance to return. Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country...For there is no permanent city for us here on earth, we are looking for the city which is to come. (Hebrews 11:14-16; 13:14)

2. Met her
I first heard of her name 9 years ago. I first met her 8 years ago.
Till now, she is still one of the most important persons in my life. She is still on my mind.
I feel grateful that I've met her in my life.

3. Came to Japan
The most reckless decision I've ever made. Irresponsibly left everything behind for the unknown future. Still cannot evaluate if it is a right or wrong action. But I'm trying to do things without regret. Life must go on.

4. Flew with 1st class
No one will fly with 1st class out of his own pocket.
So busy with adjusting my bed-like seat, switching all movie channels. It took me an hour to finish a whole set of decent meal, with stainless utensils and glasses. No tray, no plastic cups.
The bad thing is I found it hard to go back to Y-class.

5. Travelled to Europe alone
The whole trip was 46 days but I was alone for 23 days. It is unbelievable that I could walk for 12 hours non-stop in Rome, got lost in Naples, took 8-hour train to Prague, went to Paris Disney alone, travelled to Loch Ness...I was so brave when I was young.

6. Went to Sausalito
Went there in summer 2000. Passing through the Golden Gate Bridge I saw my dream city. I can still remember the shadow on the deck. Why I was staring at the shadow? I had taken a picture with my two little cousins. They should be big young men now.

7. Saw snow in Hokkaido
First snow in my life. Snow was clean and pure in my imagination before I saw the dust-like snow rolling like a stone at the street corner. Nevertheless when I first saw the snow falling down in front of the shining billboard in Susukino, it was such a touching moment that I wanted to hug someone on the street. It was a freezing romance.

8. Saw a starry morning in Canberra
Went to Australia 10 years ago. The first time I travelled by myself with friends. On that day we were heading to the airport in the midnight for the flight to Canberra. On the plane before took off I saw a starry sky. I don't know if my memory was distorted but I do remember I saw uncounterable shiny stars. It was amazing.

9. Drunk in Penang
I think most of my friends remember this incident till now. I admit that I was a little bit drunk but I have to disclaim again that I did not take off my shirt. Somebody unbuttoned me!

10. Lived in dorm
Some people was pissed off by my roomate and one night, they threw a tomato at my window and the juice splashed on my laptop. That is.

****