I can't believe 2010 is over, and it's officially 2011. I've been super busy, mostly with holiday stuff, of course.

Christmas is not a big deal in Japan, but Hero Material and I celebrated on Christmas Eve at Mario's Bistro. Very yummy Italian dinner. Unfortunately the restaurant was a bit smokey from a lot of smokers, and we couldn't linger as much as we'd like because the cigarette stench gives me a major headache (which then makes me nauseous, which is not a good thing, especially for a pregnant woman!).

Then I tried to stay warm. I know it snowed a lot in America, and it was the same in Japan. Thankfully we didn't get any snow in our city, but it was freezing. Burrr…..

New Year's was lovely with home-cooked meal and so on. On the fourth, Hero Material and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. It was really romantic. I'll post some pictures soon, I promise!

The biggest goal for me this year is to stay healthy. This is more important than before since I'm pregnant. And the second biggest goal is figuring out how to do what I need to do (spending time with Hero Material and balancing work and writing) with the new responsibility called motherhood.

I hope everyone had wonderful holidays. Here's to another fantastic year.

Sorry for the late update! I've been less than glowy for a while. (I think the pregnancy glow is a myth!) But I'm finally okay now. :)

2010 has been a difficult year for many people. If I listed challenges and so on, I think I could probably end up with a novel. Instead of just thinking about difficulties, I wanted to think about good and positive things, so that I can end the year on the high note.

Because no matter how hard 2010 was, I have so many things to be grateful for.

• I'm grateful for my family and friends who are always there for me.
• I'm grateful that Hero Material and I have gainful employment and that we can provide for our first baby when s/he comes next June.
• I'm grateful for the support network of industry professionals and other writers and readers I have. They've been instrumental in keeping me sane.
• I'm very very grateful for my readers.
• I'm grateful that I'm in relatively good health.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Thanks for being with me throughout 2009 and I hope you have a great 2010!

I'm going to be away until January 7 or so due to my wedding, etc. I promise to post some pictures of Kyoto later. :)

Peanut and Buttercup were up early.

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This is Buttercup saying “Merry Christmas”. Don't ask me why she looks so crabby…maybe she thought she was getting a stocking full of cashew but didn't…?

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Peanut tried to kiss my fingertips but couldn't quite reach them. :)

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Kuro says hi!

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Awesome dinner with Hero Material (it was doubly awesome because I didn't have to cook):

Appetizer:

Our rose champagne:

Garlic toast – salty & garlic-y with lots of olive oil:

Pasta w/ crab & tomato cream sauce. It was very delish!

Broiled tai. Very nicely flavored.

Beef with green sauce. Tender and flavorful:

Christmas cake!!!!!!!!!! The frosting was the best. Super light and fresh white cream with strawberry topping. The sponge cake with super moist and soft. Sublime. Yum!

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Lovely illuminations:

Carriage:

Cinderella's pumpkin carriage:

Heart trees!

Train:

Ship:

Christmas tree with solar-powered lights:

Afterward we watched Avatar in 3D. It was good although some parts were very predictable.

How was your Christmas? :)