How To

I'm sure you are wondering: what does a young woman, after almost one year of living alone in Japan with the freedoms and joys and responsibilities of paying her own bills, wanting to celebrate a Friday night alone in her own single apartment, working on a self-imposed budget, feeling too tired to cook, eat for dinner? What would make her feel relaxed and shrewd and lazy and satisfied and healthy and indulgent at the same time?

The answer to this question, which could serve you well on a similar night, is:

• edamame (boiled soy beans, green and popped right out of their skins, yum)
• imported chips and salsa (my little taste of home)
• cherry tomatoes and a raw carrot (sweet and crunchy goodness)
• 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter (must eat slowly for full effect)
• plum wine with a shot of sparkling water (Japanese, classy)
• green tea (much later when I'm feeling dehydrated from my 1 serving of alcohol)

Throw in a hot bath, some real peace and quiet, a little self-reflection, some promises to do better, an approaching weekend...and you've got yourself an evening that costs about 10 bucks (including the hot water!) but that will leave you feeling like a million.