Happy New Year!

I want to wish everyone a great 2006. After the crazy holiday that my family had, I expect to witness huge changes in the new year. You know, how they say that when one door closes a window opens? Well, I think its true.

So, as the proverbial door closes on 2005, i have decided to begin (in a very small way) to attack all of those things that I have been meaning to do/learn/experience over the years. I have created a list of 52 things (one for each week) that I hope to accomplish over the next year. I have been told that i am being a bit too ambitious. But, as my new friend and fellow gypsy J, said to me the other day, "Be Courageous." And you know, he's right...I mean, what will I accomplish, if i never actually try?

The first thing on the list: Make my own mochi. I figured this was appropriate, as I remember that in Japan on the 1st of the year, many people make mochi (including the department stores). A couple of years ago, my parents and I spent New Years in Okinawa and we ate so much fresh, warm mochi outside the local department store. Such a weird memory. Anyhow, I woke this morning and put myself to work. The actual process of making mochi (in this case it was chocolate mochi...which in my opinion is the best) isn't so difficult. But it is super messy. Oh my god, I don't even want to think about the cleaning up process.

Next on the list...well, it's either going to be a roadtrip to Mount Rushmore, learning to play the harmonica, or visiting the bingo palace. I'll keep you posted.