#22 Participate in an fundraising event for a cure

David and I participated in the Help the Homeless Walkathon again this year. This had to be the coldest year ever. Also participation and visibility seemed to be down, and I suspect it has to do with the economy (Fannie Mae is one of the largest sponsors).

This event has several special meanings to me. The first year I did it, David coordinated the sponsoring church group, and so that was my very first interaction with him. Who knew he would later become my husband!

Second is that, also on that first year, Claire and I had our apartment fire later that evening and, in the span of about 12 hours, I went from walking to becoming temporarily homeless myself! Although I am extremely lucky that I had friends and resources to help me, I can definitely see how one can become homeless very quickly and very unexpectedly.

This is the fourth year that I've participated, and I hope to continue the tradition well into the future. I just hope next year is warmer!

#15 Try a food that you've never tried before

As part of one of our kaiseki dinners (12 courses of the chef's freshest foods), I tried raw shrimp (pictured on the right). I tried many kinds of raw fish, but unfortunately the shrimp is one of the few that I can identify. Actually, it was quite good; I loved the texture. But I would never eat it raw in the U.S. Somehow our standards don't seem as high as in Japan. Hmmm.

#9 Take a train trip (Amtrak or other)

We took many trains in Japan, and it made me so envious. I wish the U.S. had such reliable and efficient transportation! Here is a video of the Shinkansen (bullet train):

#1 Go on a trip to an exotic location

I think Japan counts for this one. I chose this picture because it is probably the most exotic thing we encountered over there. Which button would you press to flush the toilet?

#27. Do a random act of kindness for someone you don't know

This one seems very hard. We tend to stay in our shells and reaching out to people we do not know is not comfortable. Last Friday, I heard about a child in our school, I do not know her, that did not have any food. She frequently comes to school dirty because mom does not have the money to buy soap. At lunch, this child devours her food as if it is the only meal she will have all day. Working part-time, I do not see these things. However, I was struck by the story I heard. Finally, I had a purpose for all the free food and health and beauty items I have acquired. When I got home, I quickly filled up a box full of items. A random box of food. A random act of kindness in less than 15 minutes.