"February is merely as long as is needed..."

"...to pass the time until March."
-   Dr. J. R. Stockton


The month of February gets a pretty bad rap. Just try to look up positive quotes about February... it ain't easy. For my part, however, I enjoyed just about every day of February. Here are some reasons why: 

February 6th : The weather! 

Can you believe this blue sky?? Though some days were pretty 

wet and miserable, we had enough of THIS weather to lift my spirits. 

When the cherry blossomed bloomed, it really felt like spring. 

February 12th:  Pre-Valentine's Day Ladies' Brunch

I invited some really lovely ladies to my apartment to eat some 

heart-shaped pancakes and other delicious brunch food. 

It's a Valentine tradition that I love and hope to continue far into the future. 

February 13th: Baking

I just love holidays. Even Valentine's Day. :) 

It's a great excuse to decorate, cook theme food, and dress up. 

These sugar cookies were for my co-workers. Yum. 

February 20th: I just love my little pet turtle. He's had an excess of energy lately,

 so I let him roam loose in the apartment. He looks happy, doesn't he?

February 21st: Shabu Shabu Party!

I've had this plug in Shabu Shabu pot since I came and have never used it before! 

Shabu Shabu is a Japanese winter tradition. Everyone sits around a pot full of broth,

 loads it upwith vegetables, and then cooks chunks of meat in it. Then you take out whatever

 you want, dip it in sauce, and eat up. It is an inexpensive, delicious, 

and fun way to warm up with friends during the chillier February days. 

24 February: Hamabe no Chaya Cafe 

The weather was SO gorgeous that I couldn't bear the thought of being indoors. 

Since I had no one to adventure with that day, I went for a little hike, walked on the beach, and ended up here with a cup of coffee, a salad, and a Murakami novel. Bliss.

25 February: Shibaechaya Cafe 

Fridays are long lunch days, so An, Max, and I checked out a cute cafe called

 Shibaechaya. Delicious tempura and really lovely views. Win. :) 

February may have been short, but it was anything but boring. I think this coming month will be just as full of beautiful weather and adventures (including a short trip to Seattle! Wow!).

(These photos are from my Project 365 on Flickr)