What happened to all the lights?!

On the 21st, after the regular practice and we were bowing out, the lights did indeed go out. But it wasn't an earthquake or something. It was, as it turned out, so they could bring a cake (with candles) out.

Yes, unexpectedly, the cake was for me, as I turned 25 this past Saturday. But really, the piece of cake went over really well after a good practice in the gradually rising temperatures.

So thanks to everyone at Shiramizu and an especially big (no.... a HUGE) thanks to Arakawa Sensei not just for the cake, but for all that they've done for me this past year.

All I can say is I'm grateful I have a chance to stay a bit longer and be around everyone for a bit more =).