Dear Mother Nature

Thank you for your hard and varied work. In the last two weeks, I have enjoyed some extreme contrasts in weather - warm September temperatures, icy days with cruel blue sunny skies (oh perfection!) and lets not forget the torrential downpour of yesterday which, unfortunately, wrecked my boots (OK, so they were already falling apart, this is hardly the point). I respect your continued flying in the face of Japanese meteorologists and creating a heady mix of unlikely weather.

But, here's the thing. I have a Japanese exam in little over a week. Don't you understand that when I have a day off from work, I. need. to. study. Ergo, a day pouring with rain (preferably sleet) where all I can do is sit underneath the kotatsu with past exams is required. Not stunning blue skies where I am compelled (you heard me, compelled) to view more autumn leaves.

I appreciate that I have a sickness and this sickness is my problem. I'm not blaming you. But you could help me out a little here.

Damn you Mother Nature. This could mean the difference between passing and failing. Are you forcing me to choose between Autumn leaves and my Exam? Is this some kind of freaking test? You're one sick mama aint ya?

Now, I do have tomorrow off as well. I'm not demanding that you send me dark clouds (no, that would be far too Australian of me), just letting you know my position and the ideal turn of events. I'm sure we understand each other.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Keep up the good work and I'm sure the Autumn leaves will look stunning today.

Kinki