The Beginning of the Month

September. We have arrived at a new month, thus marking my stay in Japan at a little over a month. Yesterday I noticed a slight change: a change in the weather, a change in the people and a change in attitude. One of the teachers at the Junior High informed me that Fall has arrived. In which I replied,

Wait a minute! Fall?! What happened to summer?!

In Yamagata, the summer's are very short: a month. It's a very hot and humid summer. Always sticky, so many damn bugs. Mold creeping up anywhere and everywhere. It's the season that, well for me, gives me so much energy and encourages me to go out and explore. Despite the heat, I love summer!

But now it's over, and I'm shocked (-_-).


Prior to coming to Japan we were told to pack just our summer clothes because we wouldn't need our winter gear until November. Well, today I realized I needed a sweater. I hadn't packed any.

But I chose the wrong day to go out and shop for a sweater. Since it's the beginning of the month, and a happening time for festivals all across Japan, everyone is out and about being so consumer-like.


3 hours later, I found a sweater. It'll get me through Fall, I think. But come winter time, I know I will need an adipose jacket. I'm sure I'll be wishing that I was a bear with all of that padding, warm and snug. I am scared for the winter.

I think everyone loves Fall in Japan, as do they love the Spring. The two most beautiful seasons. Therefore, everywhere I went everyone was in a jolly mood.

BAD HABIT
Okay, I am picking up a very bad habit. Remember how I talked about going to a cake store because I thought it was a coffee shop? Well that happened again today. I drove to Yonezawa City which is the second largest city in the Yamagata prefecture, but it truly isn't that big. I like it though. Anyway, with the change of weather and the slight hint of a cool breeze I had an urge for a latte or something just warm. I noticed this cute little shop and it said "cafe" so I assumed it had coffee.

I walk in and hello, cake! More lovely cake and delicate cookies. Oh man, for a person that doesn't care for sweets, I just couldn't resist! I also didn't see any signs of coffee, so again, out of guilt I bought some treats. You can't just walk into a bakery and walk out empty-handed.

I don't need them, but they are just too cute. I'm not even craving something sweet, but they are just too cute. I think just holding them makes me very warm inside. Sounds cheesy? Well, when you're in a foreign country with no one to speak English with and you are holding the most perfect dessert in your hands... try telling me that it doesn't make you feel warm and fuzzy!

It's Fall in Yamagata and I just can't believe it. Soon enough, winter will be here and I will not be a happy Chryssie. As pretty as white blankets of snow may be, it doesn't erase the fact that it will be freezing. And I have never been one to stand the cold.

I bought yarn today to commence my scarf making.

I also picked up an extra futon, so if I ever get any guests that come visit me (ahem, HINT HINT), you, I mean they, will have a place to stay! Yay futons!


JAPAN'S POSTAL SERVICE
So, at 8PM which was an hr and a half ago, my doorbell rings and I'm like oh shooot, who is that? I'm in my pajamas. Crap!

And whaddya know? The "care" package that my dad placed in the mail YESTERDAY had just arrived! Held by two elderly Japanese men at 8PM and I stood in amazement:

Hayai!, I said. (That was fast!)

I am impressed and at that moment it was Christmas. I cannot tell you how happy I was while opening that package. I mean come on, even back in America if I ever got a package in the mail it was always exciting, but now it was American goods from my rentals! Cereal, curtains and vanilla-scented candles. My God, it was a joyous moment. It really did feel like Christmas.

I am so excited for the new season. Japan is a country that prides itself on its seasons. They often say,

"In Japan, we have 4 DISTINCT seasons."

Well, on Okinawa that wasn't the case. We had two: Typhoon Season and OMG-I-am-melting-into-myself Season.


I just saw Summer. I wonder what Fall will bring?