Dear Neil,

One of the things that surprised me most about Japan is that you have to bag your own groceries. American bagging is so much more convenient. Given the Japanese love of menial jobs (sweeping dust at temples, security guards/greeters, construction work during a real estate glut, etc.), one would think that they would have people to do that for you.

I wrote in my other journal the other day... I've been thinking a lot about philosophy for my two classes this term, so that's all I can write about anymore.

So, I went off to a drinking party in the mountains with my sort-of girlfriend's sorority last weekend and participated in all sorts of debauchery, then came home for a few hours so my parents could give me a new car. 'Coz I'm such a good kid.

Lately, I've been sleeping in bed with her a couple times a week. We both just like the feeling of another warm body next to us apparently. Well, maybe that and ...

Does anyone else have a deep rooted fear of when someone might be in love with them? Like, is it normal to be afraid of that? While simultaneously encouraging it?

...

Look, I'm not complaining about these things, just sort of in shock.