Daruma

Long ago when Paul was visiting, I bought my first daruma doll. Daruma dolls are a symbol of perseverance and good luck. I learned about them actually in my first week in Japan at English Camp. The students had to write about and give a short speech about something from Japanese culture. So I've had this thing lying around, but wanted to wait until I had the right wish or goal in mind. The idea is that you fill in one eye when you make the wish or set the goal, and then fill in the other eye after it has come true or been accomplished. So I finally decided the other day that the 30 before 30 goal is the one I want to use my daruma on. So call it a wish or a goal, but it's officially set into stone! It is said that in order to motivate Daruma-san to fulfill your wish, you must promise him full sight upon him granting your wish. So, Mr. Daruma, please give me good luck and I'll give you sight, partially granted by Sharpie, Inc.

When you buy it, it looks like this with no eyes.

A daruma or dharma doll "is a hollow, round Japanese doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism." -- wikepedia

Many daruma dolls are burned at the end of the year at temples. You're supposed to buy a new one each year, but I'm granting myself immunity from this since a) I'm leaving Japan and b) my goal spans multiple years. It is said that when you see the daruma with only one eye it reminds you of the goal you have in mind. So I'll keep mine some place in the open when I go back to the US to remind me of this lofty goal I have set for myself!