First notebook entry: Introducing myself

I am learning Japanese, so that I can have a conversation with and understand the people around me. I have been in Japan for almost a year now. I am not improving as quickly as I'd like. I study everyday. I need speaking practice. I'm a little shy to try, though. My native language is English and I'm from America. I enjoy photography, hiking, and biking. I really love music, movies, and some TV. I'm hoping to have a 50/50 language exchange with skype, because I don't know any Kanji yet. I am happy to critique writing also.