2009

Apparently we are now in 2009.

What happened to 2008?

2009 got off to a great start when last night on New Year's Eve I couldn't get warm enough. Then at bedtime I had a slight headache. In winter these are never good signs, and I woke up this morning with a sore throat and that yellow phlegm that tastes so nice as it slides down the back of the throat. Popped some pills, went back to bed (but not before a bowl of ozoni), and now at about 4pm I feel right as rain. That's good because I don't want to miss out on any of Mari's mother's cooking.

The holiday at her folks has been so relaxing, and there's still a few days to go. But if you want to be outside and enjoy the sunshine, sooner is better than later. By 1:30 the sun has dipped below the hill that their place backs onto, and the house is in shadow from then on in. At 5pm its cold and dark outside. Fortunately inside is filled with tempura, sukiyaki, okonomiyaki, veal cutlets, fresh vegetables and after the kids go to bed coffee, ice cream and as much chocolate and oreos as one can stuff one's face with. As usual the "lose weight" resolution must wait until the return to Tokyo.

Apart from eating I've done a little work (although this blog entry is a work avoidance strategy) and played quite a bit of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06. I know it's an old game, but after competing LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy 100% on the PSP, and starting the white-knuckle craziness that is Midnight Club: Los Angeles on the PS3, I thought I'd go back and check out one of my older (and slower) titles. It's golf, so one doesn't have to make any split-second decisions or be "in the zone" to play. You can put it down and return hours later and pick it up and play. Great for a holiday.

Hope you're having as good a time as I am. Happy New Year to you all.