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My Winter Break started off interesting. The past couple of days I've been sick. The kind of sick that has me not wanting to get out of bed, left my legs and arms sore, and has me shaken with on and off fevers. Safe to say, it doesn't look like I'd be able to accomplish any of my end of the year plans.

What plans did I have in mind? Well, I was eager to hike a mountain with friends but that was cancelled due to my cold. An offer to head out to an arcade was also nixed. Plus, I wanted to wander around Kanonji to view the holiday lights. Both those tasks would just have to wait.

I'm disappointed but let me think on the bright side. For one, my husband Gary is a marvelous caretaker. He makes sure I have lots of vitamin C, soup, and tea. Second, it has been a great time of reflection. While being stuck in bed I have had time to think what my body needs to conquer this infirmity. Third, every step is progression. The fact that now I could sit up in bed by myself is progress! Plus every time I take my medicine I feel energy being thrown back into me. I'm slowly but surely getting back to normalcy. Lastly, Gary put a TV in the room so I could watch Netflix and anime. It was pretty sweet having a television in the bedroom. I could finally catch up on "My Hero Academia" and "Terrace House".

This Winter Break I was greeted with a nasty holiday cold. It has been tough but there is always light to be found in the darkest of challenges. Even though my plans have changed I'm still excited for the New Year. I hope to go into the New Year feeling 100% better. If not then I hope I am a step closer!
  

We are closing in on the year 2019! Did the time really just go by that fast? I'm shocked. It truly has been a great year! Coming to Japan has been a blessing to my wife and me! We are excited to stay in Kanonji this winter vacation to wander around the Kagawa prefecture. After the break is over we plan on celebrating our new year among the wonderful locals.
  

I received some persimmons for Christmas. There were two varieties, one you could just eat, but the other I was warned about being 'astringent'.

Wait...WHAT!

The word astringent means a chemical that causes cells to shrink, but I can't remember ever hearing it as a description of a food. It is mostly used in lotions and other skin products.

Apparently, the type of persimmon used for drying can have a similar effect on your stomach, if eaten without preparations.