You know, working on 91.8 The Fan has really made my free-time pretty sparse. I think that’s clearly abundant based on the ample amount of posts here in-between opening the site to this day. Despite that, there’s little things that come about now and again that make me cherish my passions and career more so than before. This is one of those things.

For those who don’t keep up with the site itself, January was our first year birthday and it was quite a celebration. After having a pretty hefty break from late September to the end of the year it was almost like an explosion of adrenaline in our opening week. The interviews I’ve come to love have started happening again, the show I adore conducting has once again aired, and the community has exploded in activity like it did last January. It’s unfair to call it work during these times because I do enjoy it so much. Despite the drama, regardless of any bumps in the road, or ignoring any hissy fits from disgruntled employees the joy of actually knowing what you’re doing is making someone else happy is still worth it even after a year.

The reason I mention this aspect is because I got a nice package today from an older member of our community. It’s always nice when people stick around—much less feel the need to send the site things—and so I somewhat didn’t expect a gift to impact me so much. It’s sort of odd, but I suppose the personal touch of the contents helped in this endeavor. Inside was a handwritten letter and I was in the car with my mom, who is still sort of doubtful concerning anything involving what I’m doing, so I got to read it out loud to her. Not only do these things mean a lot to me, but I also believe it shows my mom a little that what I do isn’t just sitting on the computer. She’s very computer illiterate so when she sees me sit on one day after day it sort of translates to me not doing anything (obviously she can’t tell what I’m doing since it’s all Greek to her).

I knew this package was coming since the sender had offered to get their hands on a CD for the station. Though I think that this letter will be placed in the same place as my letter from Sawa ¹. I’d like to keep all these mementos whether 91.8 The Fan lasts forever or not. I feel very lucky and indebted to anyone who likes the work I’ve, and my staff have put their heart into. So to those who have sent handwritten letters to me, thank you for the kind words and lovely thoughts.

As a side bonus, I also received a Japanese snack. As of yet I haven’t opened it to figure out what it is… After figuring I should probably try one of these by now I have to say I like them whatever they are. They’re shaped like little fishes, but I assume they could be shaped as anything. It’s like sweet bread around chocolate filling assuming I’m right. It’s a nice light taste which I wouldn’t necessarily pass up again. I’m a picky eater so I was surprised I even liked it, haha!

The real meat of this package though was the CD, which came in a DVD like case. The CD itself is entitled Crimson Princess by Iruma Rioka. I was especially fond of the cover art used, and as I listen to the tracks while I type I can say confidently I’m sort of addicted to the unique sound. The booklet inside was wonderfully signed by those involved, which I felt was an extra surprise. For someone who only has one signed CD this is a nice addition to my collection. I know Iruma from her previous self-titled CD since I was introduced by this member who sent the package. I wish I could find more artists sporting the Lolita² style more often (honestly the only two I know are Iruma and Kanon Wakeshima). Obviously, you can expect this new music on the station soon for those of you wondering.

All in all, looking back on the past year and what the future has to bring, I’m happy that things like this can be a part of my memories.