update... so it's Christmas eve, and it feels weird that I'm just sitting around eating ice cream. although I guess that fact that I have had nothing to build up to this night (decorating, shopping, etc.) makes it feel…

finally, the Japanese proficiency test is over. I signed up for it the day I got here, and its been on the back of my mind ever since. and despite my lack of studying, I think I did pretty well. my neglect to study wa…