I left Kobayashi-sensei's office for the first time in a while not in tears. In fact, I had a smile. No, my interview was far from flawless, even though I studied really hard for it. This section is really difficult for me, for some reason, and while she did make sure I knew the problems, she was encouraging. She knows I'm working hard, even if the results haven't shown yet. And today, somehow, she made it clear she really is on my side.

As I left, I remembered the words of some of my dearest friends when I cried recounting the events of my last conversation with Kobayashi. They were all encouraging, and told me that she was trying to do the same, and they were right.

I then thought how wonderful it was that some of the most important people in my life who I'd lost close contact have come back. They never really left, I guess, but I'm in better touch with them, and that makes me infinitely glad. I'd missed them.

Last week was a pretty shitty week for me. My skin got worse, I had a bad time in Japanese class, all sorts of crappiness seemed to abound. But it's a new week, and I'm getting each issue dealt with, one at a time.

And, as always, I'm an optimist.

To all of you who helped make me smile, thanks. Thanks to all of my friends. Just for being my friends. You people make it worth it to me, and I hope I can help you feel as good as I do. Much love always.