Spring in the Air, Heading for Nagano with Family

Spring is here! The blossoms in Tokyo have mostly fallen from the trees, but I have this feeling that Winter has passed and things are changing. I was so busy in March and the first half of this month... Today I'm realizing that it's time to stop looking for the next project and get off this roll that I'm on. The months ahead are full of potential! My parents are here for a few more days. Friday we're all heading to Karuizawa (in Nagano) to experience the mountains and real nature. In the past three years, I've spent 99 percent of my time in the city -- with urban parks as our main escape. But I'm an outdoors kind of guy. I own a backpack and know how to use it (not for cheap trips to Thailand but for actual camping in the mountains and trees). My wife says I may want to move if I really get out in Nagano or ever take a trip to Hokaido. I'm sure she's right (that I'll think about it). Anyway, after Nagano my parents will start packing. Just today I was amazed at how bright the faces of my kids glowed in the presence of their grandparents. My mom has been reading them piles of books (literally). My dad, too. And they are just heaping on the love. By the way, that's my dad in the picture above (launching Mari at the playground). I'm happy to have them here, too, and I'll hate to see them off. But then I'm looking forward to a Spring full of life and hope. This past month I've been so busy (not due to my parents, but for other reasons), and it's taken a toll. From next week, I want my attention, time and energy free for relationships.