Some Jumbled Thoughts

I keep a notepad on me at all times to write down the random, unnecessary, distant thoughts that pop into my head. I've noticed that while in Japan, my thoughts are a bit different or focused in newer ways than when I was at home. But I definitely enjoy it.

1. [While looking out my kitchen window and seeing a huge bird searching for food/bugs in the rice fields] The plants exist for the bugs and the bugs exist for the bigger bugs and the bigger bugs exist for the birds and the birds exist for the cats and the cats exist for the bigger animals and the bigger animals exist as food for something even larger. And the cycle continues infinitely until the bigger animals wither and decay and eventually become the plants. And it might seem kind of sad that one's purpose is to be food for something else. But it's harmony; to form the continuation of life. So what then, is the purpose of human beings?
2. I wonder if Japanese cats speak a different dialect of Cat than other cats.
3. People are proud of their jobs in Japan, even if they work at gas stations or McDonalds. Everyone has a purpose here and people are proud of the till they create.
4. I kind of hate when people make fun of Mormons. They seem like the "go-to" religion to laugh about, but knowing a couple "fun facts" about a faith doesn't really give us the right to bash them as if we really understand them completely.
5. It's amazing how much communication you can do with someone without ever speaking the same language. Gestures, expressions, laughter...the universal languages of life.
6. Karaoke Culture: In a country that is very group-oriented, most creative differences get tucked away rather than being free to stand out. The biggest exception I've found so far is karaoke. In America, karaoke isn't all that popular...perhaps because there are so many outlets for self expression where I'm from. But in Japan, karaoke is huge! And the best part is that people aren't too shy to sing or dance and everyone does it. It feels like Japan's creative release.
7. Occasionally, I'll find a teensy little bug crawling on me and I kind of like it. It's like they want to explore me just as much as I want to explore them.

I think that's enough for now! To offset all the writing, here are some pictures from home. Thoughts from Japan and pictures from California...sorry, I have a hard time with consistency.












Spierrans :)














LA Artwalk + San Francisco + Sierra Barbecue + SPOP Talent Show + Mint Year Preview Night.

-MG