A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

We did it folks. Another issue of Butter Mag out in the world. This one is a little bittersweet for me because it is the last round of Butter that I will be publishing while overseas in Japan. It has been a whirlwind of a year and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the wonderful experiences I’ve had and people I’ve met.

Of course, as is the case with the end of any season of life, I’ve been brought to a place of reflection. Looking back on my accomplishments, my short-comings, and my hopes for the future. As usual, my list of hopes and dreams far outweighs the other two categories. I’ve spent a majority of my waking (and sometimes sleeping) hours thinking about Butter. Friends and family will ask the innocent question of “how’s Butter going Alex?” and not realize the wall they’re toying with is one poke away from releasing the onslaught of my chaotic inner dialogue.

While I am immensely grateful for my time in Japan, it did make many things much more challenging. Living out in the countryside without a car meant that popping by the climbing gym on a random afternoon was no longer an option. Getting to my closest ski resort required hauling my gear on a bike, dragging my ski stats way down last season. My skateboard and wetsuit didn’t fit in my suitcase, so I haven’t been on a board of any kind since I left the States. I suppose what I’m admitting to you right now, is that for the editor of an outdoor action sports website, my last year hasn’t seen much action of the sporting kind at all.

Was it difficult to lose access to a majority of my hobbies? Sure. Do I have a lot of catch-up squats I need to do to get my legs ready for skiing Mt. Hood again this season? Undoubtably. But it would be a waste of both time and opportunity to spend my days pining for my life in the States. So, whenever I found myself mourning old habits or frustrated by inaccessibility, I reminded myself that it was just another thing to appreciate when I got back to the States and the inevitable ‘grass is greener on the other side’ mentality kicks in.

My hobbies weren’t the only part of my life swept up in the change. Many, many plans for Butter had to be put on the backburner because of me living in Japan. The stacks are getting so tall and tottery, I’m afraid my mind stovetop might be getting a safety write up soon. It is a bit overwhelming staring up that mountain of pots and pans, a few of them bubbling over from being left unattended for too long, knowing that in just a few weeks, it’ll be time to tackle that pile.

However, in my vocabulary, overwhelming is simply a synonym for exciting.

Basically, dear reader, I’m telling you to get ready. Because back on my home turf, I’ll be a force to be reckoned with. I hope you’ll stick around to see it.

And I would never forget my thank you’s for all the people who’ve supported me while I run Butter on a 13 hour time difference. My lovely editor Emma, who I’m so excited to go camping with when I get home. Gregory for managing merch shipping while I’m overseas. And all the athletes who were endlessly patient with my odd working hours and sporadic emails. I’m excited be back where I can give you a hug in person.

As always, take care and have fun out there.

<3 Alex.