Good Wishes for a New Year

I just wanted to wish everyone out there, a very Happy New Year!!! This year will see lots of changes and I am looking forward to seeing what comes of all of it. 2008 has been a good year for us (minus the current economic turn down) and I am excited to see what 2009 has in store.

We wish we could be with all our friends and family to help ring this New Year in, but we know that you all will have safe and happy holidays and we'll all keep each other in our hearts and thoughts.

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Saddam is Dead

Reading Updates

I updated my reading blog with my reads for November and December (the December one will publish on the 31st my time). Please check them out when you have time.

I also am tracking my books on the Virtual Bookshelf application included with Facebook so check that out too if you are able to view my profile.

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Chase's Catnip Christmas Check this one out if you haven't seen it yet...she is hilarious

Merry Christmas To All

I know I am a day early for those of you reading from the States or other places in the Western Hemisphere, but it is Christmas morning here (actually already 11:16am and I haven't even opened presents yet) so I wanted to get a Very Merry Christmas wish out to everyone.

Hope this holiday season is safe and happy for everyone. To family and friends that we can't be with this year, please know you are always in our hearts and minds. We love you,

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...No Sense At All

Raggedy Andy

I am reading the Twillight saga books right now so I completely understand where this memory came from this morning. I remember when I was a kid (1st or 2nd grade timeframe), I was terrified of vampires. I don't know if I had seen a movie or read a story that convinced me they were real and could come and get me at anytime.

I had this life size Raggedy Andy doll...(life size to a 1st or 2nd grader) that would put in my bed with me. I would use him as a pillow and then wrap his legs around my neck so I could keep the vampires from biting me. I was convinced it would protect me.

I had that doll forever, not completely sure what eventually happened to him...perhaps my mom will read this and fill me in.

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Four Years Ago on In My Words...Bathroom Kitty

My Digital Snowflake

I did my annual snowflake on this site, right before cutting out some paper ones for my windows. I use origami paper because it is already square and thinner than regular paper so it is easier to cut. I'll post pictures of my paper ones later.

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Regrets

Isn't This Smart?

At the community center that we used for our culture group meeting last month, they had these cool tables. They have a little shelf under the main table for putting things that you don't need right now but might not want to put on the floor. In our case, we were using it for the lids to the potluck items. I need a table like this in the States...it would be great for my creative area and for my office...

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Four Years Ago on In My Words...Locked Out

Winter Toes

I was treated to a foot soak, scrub, and lower leg/foot massage along with toenail art the other day. Since the polish lasts forever for me, I decided to go with a winter theme rather than just a Christmas one so I could wear it longer. I don't know that I will do the art thing all the time but the massage (lower leg and foot) was awesome. I really like how my toes came out though...too bad it has been kind of chilly here and I am mostly wearing socks and shoes rather than sandals. I am sure we will have a few more warm days intermixed with our colder ones so I guess I'll just show them off then...haha.

Obviously, on the day that I got them done (and I took the picture) we were having warm weather and I was able to not ruin them by having to put on socks and shoes...

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Snowflakes

What To Do

So I woke up this morning feeling bad about not getting enough exercise, and still having tons of things on my To Do list. I decided I was going for an early morning walk since the sun was shining and the humidity was low....in fact days like this make up for any other crappy weather day I might experience...that is how good it was.

I knew that the walk would give me a chance to breath and prioritize. I have lots to do and not a lot of time to do it in, and I seem to be double booked for most days this week and that has added to my concern. I still have piles of Christmas lights to put out and I have a large piece of furniture sitting in the middle of my office that needs a home by the end of the week. I have not really started on Christmas cards yet even though I have all the makings, and I have to get these boxes shipped by the end of the week if they are going to get to the US in time.

Needless to say, I came into the office first thing, like I do most mornings to say hello to Chase (our cat) and check into the world before heading out. Since all of my family is awake when I am asleep, my first chance on the web in the morning is when I get to catch up on everyone's day and sometimes even catch them still awake. While I was on the computer, I decided to check out geocaching's website and see if there were any that I needed to update. I did find a few and while I was at it, I decided to update my other caches as well. So a mere two hours later (pushing 10am), I had eaten (Slimfast...another thing on my To Do list is to lose weight), organized and updated all my caches, but still had not gotten any exercise.

I head out the door with my Ipod, my camera and my GPS. I hit three different caches...all older ones that I have been watching for a while, and didn't find any of them. Two of them are in high traffic areas so I mostly just did a drive-by on those but I searched for the third one for a good hour. I did manage to get some awesome pictures taken and visit a part of a castle park that I hadn't seen before, but I didn't get any caches....that can be frustrating. Anyhow, after I got home (around noon), I had breathed some fresh air, gotten some exercise and sun, and felt like I had a better outlook on the To Do list.

Since then, I have gotten three boxes packed and shipped, holiday stamps purchased and am heading out for dinner with a friend and a trip to a Japanese spa (having to step out of my comfort zone on this one but that is for another post). I guess I will tackle a few more things tonight when I get home so completely relaxed from my experience...wish me luck.

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Randomness

Sought: Wal-Mart shoppers who trampled NY worker - Yahoo! News

It disgusts me that this happened in the United States. Are we really so commercialized that we can kill someone trying to get to a sale? What has happened to people? It is a f@cking sale!!!! Nothing is that important to buy!!!

What a bunch of idiots....this is exactly why I don't participate in Black Friday....nothing on sale could be worth dealing with this stupidity.

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...In A Pinch

Gobble, Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!! I know I am a day early for the folks in the States but lucky us, Thanksgiving is already here!!! (Sad for us, the parade and football games won't be on until tomorrow).

This means the beginning of none stop holiday music on the radio and in the stores....whooeee!!! Fortunately for me, I am practically done with my Christmas shopping...

Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy and enjoying the holiday with family and friends.

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One Year Ago on In My Words...A Fix I Could Live With

Amazing Toilets

I have to say that Japan has some kick ass toilets. They do everything but the dishes these days and we could really use some like these in the States.

I meant to blog about this before but didn't get a chance and thought that I better get it up there before I forgot again. This toilet is one I used in a public restroom in a nice hotel that we were attending a Japanese wedding and reception at. I loved that there were English instructions as well.

Now the toilet itself was just like a ton of others I have seen here....a lot of nice places pay the extra money for their toilets so they all the bells and whistles...okay, maybe not whistles but you can have a 20 second flushing sound, which I am assuming is to hide any other sounds the user might be making themselves.

You can find ones here that have sprayers (for front and back), warmers (for the seat) and that even put the seat up and down automatically. I don't know if they have ones that dry your bum too but I wouldn't be surprised at all if they do. All toilets here have the option for a big flush or a small flush depending on necessity at the moment.

So I thought I would post a picture of a cool Japanese toilet with its instructions so you could just see how awesome they are for yourself. I wish I could have one back home in the States but my understanding is that they are VERY expensive...
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Three Years Ago on In My Words...What Happened to the Classics

Birthday Thanks

Thanks to everyone that made my birthday so much fun this year. It is hard to be away from all your family during the holidays and special occasions that are so important in our lives, and you guys all made it so much better for me, you don't even know.

I am awestruck sometimes how friends can fill in the holes in our lives when family is far away...you guys did it amazingly for me this month. I don't know how to thank you enough.

The 80s party with all the November girls earlier this month was a blast and then our little dinner yesterday on my actual birthday was literally the icing on the cake. I already have the beautiful piece of art hanging in my office.

Thank you!!!

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Cell Phone Recycling

Congratulations Are Due

One of my close girlfriends here just had a baby this week. That is part of the reason I have not been on the blog much. She went into labor on the 18th in the evening and J was delivered by C-section on the afternoon of the 19th weighing at 9lbs 2ozs. He is VERY cute and seems to be a quiet and content baby. I hope that he is an easy baby for them since this is their first.

Right when she was in labor the dad's mom was flying in for a visit, so I ran down to the airport to pick her up and bring her to the hospital. We stayed the night at the hospital and didn't get home again until the next day around 12 noon. At that time, we didn't know how long things were going to take and with jetlag, lack of food and sleeping in 10 minute segments on a waiting room couch, his mother was ready for a rest.

We were able to go to our respective houses for about 3 hours before heading back to the hospital for the delivery. The baby is healthy and happy and all is right in the world (at least for a few minutes). They might be coming home tonight or early tomorrow...and I know they can't wait.

Congratulations guys, you are going to do great!!!!

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Caching at Zakimi Castle

Cultural Group

This September I joined a cultural exchange group where we get together and everyone takes turns sharing something about their culture with the others. I even became a board member of this little organization. We do a lot of charity work, luncheons and get togethers so I have been able to keep myself very busy (not including all the things I have on my own personal To Do list).


The whole organization has about 300 women in it, and it is broken down into smaller cultural groups. My group has met twice so far. We are getting ready for a big Christmas luncheon/bazaar so we have been meeting for food, fun and time to work on our projects.


The first meeting was at my friend's house and we had some great food and worked on 1/2 of our project. Our second meeting was at a community center near Naha where we had more great food and worked on our projects some more. I thought I would post some pictures of the great food, and our projects.


One part of our project are these really simple bracelets (that I don't have pictures of), but the second part are these really cool flower arrangements that are made from preserved flowers. They last for 3 years but look and feel like fresh flowers. One of the ladies in our group owns a flower shop that specializes in these arrangements and she so graciously showed us all how to make a small arrangement that we can sell at the bazaar.

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Time Flies

Birthday Blast

Yesterday, I and some of my friends, had a birthday blast to celebrate all the November birthday girls. It was so much fun. We had tons of food, everyone dressed in their favorite 80's garb (sorry no pictures on this public site), and we played Name that Tune, did some karaoke, and definitely danced our butts off.

As you can see from the pic, we had a cake that looked like a Rubik's cube and it was tasty. I don't know if I have laughed as hard as I did last night in a very long time. A few of us adventurous ones went out in town after the house party and made fools of ourselves in public (not really but everyone wanted to take pictures with the 80's girls).

I danced to 80's music forever at the party and then when we went out, I danced some more to 2000's R&B at the club. It was a great workout and made me feel less guilty for eating a piece of the puzzle (cake that is).

My birthday is really not for another week or so but it was fun to celebrate and not think about the fact that it marks getting another year older....haha.

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Too Much

Beautiful Moon

Tonight we have a beautiful full moon. It is glorious looking. Seeing a full moon for some reason always gives me perspective on how small we are in this big universe even when we all think it revolves around us.

I also love the full moon because it is noticed and I know that no matter how far apart my family is right now, we can all see the same moon and that makes us all a little bit closer.

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...She's Off

Mission For Fitness

Well, I am back at it again. I finally got so fed up (part of this is due to seeing a horrible picture of myself) and I am back on a program. I only started yesterday but I am determined to stick with it. My food has always been pretty healthy (as long as there is not Halloween candy in my house) but I have needed to get with a portion control and definitely some exercise (consistent exercise that is) for a while now.

I found this cool site through a friend that lets you map your runs/walks and then if you add it to your training log when you do the walk or run that you have mapped, it tells you a lot of info about your workout as well as your "green stats". I sent the URL to my sister since she is a runner these days and I think she will find it completely useful as well. The weather has been bad here (downpours with wind) so I have not been on a walk since discovering this cool site but I have mapped several of my standard walks so I can just add them to the training log when I do them....it is so cool to know exactly how far I have gone too. My pedometer is supposed to tell me that but I don't think I have my stride length set correctly.

I would love to be feeling and looking better before the holidays are over (really before that but I am trying to be practical) because when it does get a bit cooler here, I do want to be able to wear my "winter" clothes without having to buy new ones.

Anyhow, part of my committment to my program is to broadcast that I am doing it so I will feel obligated to stick with it since everyone will know. My sister has recommitted to her program as well and we will get things back on track with the support of each other. I know that even with only a day and a half of doing this, I am already feeling better about myself and that is always a good sign.

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Anyone Want Anything To Drink?

Calendars, Etc

I got the refill calendar for 2009 in the mail the other day and I have already put all the year's birthdays in...now I am just waiting for things to come up that I will have to put in it as time goes by. I know you probably think it is weird to be excited about a calendar but I am always thrilled to have a clean slate to start with and organizing is my thing...always has been, probably always will be. I also got the calendar that J's side of the family made this year. It is beautiful. They did a great job on it and I can't wait for the new year to start so I can hang it in my kitchen. I know they are excited about it too.

I finally got the oil changed in our car and checked a few other things off the To Do list. I made Pho/Kwiteo (Vietnamese/Thai beef noodle soup) on Friday and have been eating it and sharing it with friends for two days now. I just filled the pot back up with water tonight, because I have some more noodles to finish off before I can call it quits. You have to soak the noodles in water before you can cook them and once they are soaked, it is a waste to not use them. I also have a certain amount of thin sliced meat defrosted that has to be used. Generally it works out that I run out of veggies, noodles and meat all about the same time and that is the notice that it is done. It is a great soup though so I don't mind eating it for several days and I never feel like I am eating badly when soup is on.

The weather has been perfect soup weather for the last two days. Rain and wind that makes you want to stay in and eat soup and watch movies (of course, I am watching Season 4 of Lost online but same difference). I have started a new book and it always feels good to have reading to do before bed so all in all, I have to say life is good...or that might just be the soup talking....haha.

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...She's Coming

Updated Reading

Besides joining a Virtual Library through my Facebook account, I have also finally updated my reading blog with my October reads...check it out if you have time....

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Two Years Ago on In My Words....Irked

Happy Bday J

Just wanted to wish my better half a great birthday. He is my sunshine, my only sunshine.

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Thievery

Internet TV

I started watching the 4th season of Lost on the Internet today. I was looking for the 14th season of ER but couldn't find a reliable source so I gave up and started watching Lost from a site I trust (not completely since I am running my browser in Sandboxie).

I have watch two episodes so far and they have already sucked me in. Minus the fact that I have to sit at my computer to watch it, is not a bad set up. So far the quality is awesome and of course the big bonus is that they are free.

It is now 10:45pm and I have to get ready for bed....as much as they tried to cliffhang me into another episode. I guess now, I have even another reason to be on my computer all the time....haha.

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Broken

Christmas Shopping

I am almost done!!! A few odds and ends and it will be finished and I might even get it all in the mail on time this year.

I haven't even started on cards yet but I still feel like I have accomplished a lot. Now I need to start wrapping and making tags...

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Strange but Comforting

Bushy Eyebrows, Hello!!!

I was looking for a picture for my mom yesterday and this caused me to go through some of my picture albums. I happened to look at the one from my sister's wedding a few years back and holy cow, did I have some bushy eyebrows.

I didn't pluck my eyebrows in those days because everyone my entire life had always told me that I had naturally great eyebrows....well, they are great I guess as far as the shape goes but at that point, they were completely out of control in width....LOL. It is amazing how much better I look when I take the tweezers to my brow just a bit....nothing crazy, I don't want to have to draw them on or anything but some maintenance is definitely called for these days.

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Chicago Bears Pull It Off

Another Toothbrush Post

Okay, my new adult toothbrush rocks....it is different from my old one. It is a Colgate Navigator Soft Full head brush and it is great. Gets in all the tight spots but doesn't feel like it is brushing my gums away. I highly recommend it, especially for my friends that have the "brushing too hard" problem like I do.

I think I am done with toothbrush posts now...but you never know, I might come up with something else tomorrow....
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One Year Ago on In My Words....Urinal Balls

New Toothbrushes

I bought two new toothbrushes today (one adult for morning brushing and one kid one for night brushing*). I had a cold a while back and it has been a few months so I thought I was due for new ones. I guess you are supposed to change them pretty frequently so my new Cookie Monster one is sitting there waiting for me to use it tonight.

* My hygenist mentioned that I should brush at night with a child's brush because my mouth is small and it will get to my wisdom teeth better...and it is hard to hold the handle so I tend to brush lighter at night....which is good so I don't brush my gums away completely with my vigorous brushing.

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Back In the Land of the Living

Singing

Singing has always been a huge part of my life. I don't usually do it in front of anyone but family except on rare occasions when I am convinced to sing at karaoke. I have been singing for as long as I can remember to all the albums my parents owned. I grew up singing to the Beatles, Linda Ronstadt, and Carole King just to name a few. Music was always a big part of our lives and the spectrum of things that my family sang to was wide. Yes, you read right, we used to sing together all the time. We had harmonies to some of the songs and others we just sang whatever we wanted.

I haven't been singing or even listening to music as much as I used do (minus the radio in the car and my headphones when I am working out). I need to start playing music more when I am on the computer or doing things around the house. It is one of the big memory activators for me and can take me back in time in just an instant.

Tonight, I was watching a movie and this song came on that I liked. I looked it up on Google and then Itunes and found it. I downloaded it along with a couple of others that I hadn't gotten around to purchasing. One of them is the song by Jason Marz (I know pop is bad). I love the stylizing of this song and the way he moves his voice through it and I have been meaning to look up the lyrics for it. Well, tonight I did, and I sang through it at least twice while it was playing on Itunes. It was great and got me in the mood, so I started moving though my library and trying out some of my old favorites. I found a great lyrics site (one that doesn't have malware thank goodness) and I bookmarked it so I can get to some of other favorites.

I didn't get all that I wanted checked of the list tonight but the half an hour I took to just sit here and sing was fabulous....

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...My Downfall

Halloween Decor

Here are some pics of my Halloween/Fall decor other than my pumpkin. I still have black and orange streamers hanging from my front door but I will be taking them down after Halloween.

I obtained some of this stuff before we left the States this time but then I found a few new items (like the orange pashminas) around town. I also have a scary lit door knocker on the front door. It doesn't make sound but it lights up pretty cool.

I haven't been back to see if I can get another pumpkin but I think I will try for some neat squash for fall decor after the Halloween stuff is put away.





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One Year Ago on In My Words...Amazing Weather

Toe Work

I had my toes painted by a professional for the first time in my life the other day. My friends here are hooked on getting pedicure/massage/toenail art but I have just never done it. I have never had a pedicure (other than what I do to myself when I maintain my toes). Part of it was the money but part of it was that I just usually didn't have time to sit for that long at a salon.

Well the other day, I went with my girlfriends to try out a place that is new to our neighborhood. It is called Salon Feliz and they are in the Yomitan area near the red bridge on the Mizugama road. I decided to just do the toe nail art which meant that they would remove my old polish, file my toes a bit, cut them in necessary (which they didn't because I keep my toenails very short), and then soak them for about 1/2 hour. After that, they clean them off and start painting. I decided to go with a white foundation with some pretty blue flowers on them since it is still warm here and I am still wearing sandals a lot.

I am so thrilled with how they came out. One of my friends commented that it looked like the blue and white china, and that is exactly what I thought...it looks so nice. To just do what I did was 2100 yen (about 21 dollars US). They take yen and credit cards (but there is a 5% charge for using credit card). I think they take dollars too but the exchange rate is not that good so you are better off with yen.

Oh, and I almost forgot. They gave us food the whole time we were in there. We got this puff with icecream and drizzle on it, along with the choice of drink (I went with iced coffee), and some fruit. Later on, the brought us some more little cookies and candies....it was a great experience.

I am looking forward to my next trip there...maybe J can get a massage while I do some toes...haha.

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Fun Day

Live Your Life

★Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
★Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
★Get more sleep.
★When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to______ today'.
★Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
★Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.
★Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
★Dream more while you are awake.
★Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
★Try to make at least three people smile each day.
★Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
★Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
★Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
★Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
★Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
★Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
★Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
★You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree..
★Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
★Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
★No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
★Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?
★Forgive everyone for everything.
★What other people think of you is none of your business.
★Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
★Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
★Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for_____. Today I accomplished_____.
★Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
★Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Author Unknown

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Irritation

AWWA Donation Site Tour and Thankful Thursday

This past Monday I was invited to go along on a tour of two of the facilities that funds from the gifts store help to support. Since I have been spending a fair amount of time at one of the gift stores volunteering, I was excited to get the invite.

The first place we visited was in Naha and located in an renovated firehouse. It is a day facility for mentally and physically disabled children and adults. They have about 70 clients overall, some are school-aged kids that come after school, some are adults that come all day, and some are school-aged kids that can't go to regular schools because of their disabilities.

We met some of the clients that were there while we were touring and it was such a great experience. One of the boys, pictured here, is a great artist and a very happy person. He approached each of us with his shark pictures and smiled and told us that the little stick figure in the picture was us and the shark was going to get us. He had an alligator shapped out of newspaper that he would grab our arms with and growl and we would pretend we were scared and that the alligator was "getting" us.

There were some clients there that were working on handicrafts that the center sells at tourist shops to make money for the center to function. Our organization had given them some money a few years ago to do the major renovation from firehouse to the current facility as well as money for vehicles to transport the clients that needed it from home and school. This was the first tour of the facility since the construction was completed.

The second place we went to was similar to a hospital. It was a rehab facility for the economically challenged. We met many people there that were recovering from strokes or other ailments that reduce their mobility. Some of the exercise equipment was purchased from funds our organization provided. We were entertained for a portion of the visit with music in the musical therapy room. Everyone was singing or playing an instrument and it was a really fun experience.

Overall, I had a great time, and it really gave me some perspective. Sometimes I let the small petty BS get in the way of the big things and weigh me down. No matter what is going on in my life, I have my health, friends and family that love me, a roof over my head and food in my belly, so I really don't have much to complain or worry about. I was really thankful to get this opportunity for perspective and I am looking forward to the next site tour we can go on.

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Packing Tape Monster

Pottery Finds

This past weekend, I went to a pottery sale at the Gala. It was a nice sale. We went on both Saturday and Sunday because sometimes Sunday is a good day to get some discounts.

Okinawan pottery is like art....most of the pieces are very unique and not all are practical. I try to be practical in my purchasing so that I don't feel like I am just getting something to look at. Usually I get something that is beautiful but also quite useful.

In the past, I have gotten some blue and brown ocha cups, a beautiful blue and tan sushi plate, a blue and brown flask, several small cups with the Okinawa fish design on them and some bowls with the same fish design on them. I tend to buy my pieces when they are on sale as Okinawa pottery can be very expensive.

This time, I found a beautiful sushi plate in blue and brown on Saturday. It was already discounted so I just bought it, figuring it would be gone on Sunday and it was the only one they had. It is about 14 inches long and about 5 inches wide and it will work beautifully with my other Okinawan pottery.

On Sunday, when we went back, I picked up some fish shaped blue and brown chopstick holders for 100 yen a piece, and small bowl with a holder for cut flowers, a second holder for cut flowers that I can put in another bowl I already own, and several Shishi dog plaques I plan to use a Christmas gifts this year. Overall, I think I did okay (got some good deals and didn't break the bank). I am hoping to find a few more cool things at the other sales that will be coming in the next few months....

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Epiphany

First Halloween Pumpkin

This is my first pumpkin of the year...I must like the skeletons because looks back seem to produce many pictures of similar pumpkins from previous years.

I hope to get some more pumpkins later in the year but I don't know if I will or not...we'll see.

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Travelblog Update

Kanda's Grabs

An Okinawan fixture is closing its doors permanently this winter. I am bummed because I didn't even know about it last time we were here and I have only had a small chance to get some of the art they offer.

I have posted twice before here and here about the purchases I have made. I hadn't gotten a chance to post a picture of one of the pieces I had purchased so I thought I would post about my newest additions.

We had a coffee recently at the gallery and I put several Kaneko's on old. He is not my favorite artist but I knew that I would miss not having a few of his prints after we left here and there would be no way to get them. I picked out a few that I thought would go nicely together and that grabbed me. Then lastly I asked the gallery staff if they could locate one of his lantern prints because I really wanted one of those but just hadn't gotten one before they were all gone.

They were able to locate one for me and it turnes out that it is an artist's proof too and number 5 of 15 total...how cool is that.

I don't feel too bad buying art that I know is worth something because the economy is so bad and these pieces are an investment that I don't have to worry about. I am so excited to have them all.

I have the Norikanes all hanging in my house but the Kanekos will probably have to wait until we are back in the States...I just don't have the space for them and the way our walls are set up here, hanging them in a group would be very difficult...

Below I have posted the Kaneko's I recently have purchased. The lanterns I just got a few days ago.











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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Absolutely Beautiful

Hosting Bunco

I am hosting bunco at my house on Wednesday night. I am doing a Halloween/Fall theme, requiring dress up and all the gifts are Halloween/Fall themed as well.

I have a ton to do (not really but for me I always have a ton to do) before I will be ready to host 11 other women in my house for dinner and fun....haha.

So today, I ran around like a woman with her head cut off to get most of the running around stuff done so I could concentrate on things here at the house (with the exception of needing to run out for ice tomorrow).

Here is how it went:

★ Woke up at 6:45am without my alarm because I was thinking about all the stuff I had to do.
★ Got on the computer for a bit to wack out some of those daily tasks.
★ Ate breakfast, showered, changed and headed out the door at 9:30am.
★ Hit the post office to mail invites to a Baby Shower I am co-hosting on Friday, and 6 packages to friends and family in the States.
★ Went to the little store at the top of the hill to see about some additional Halloween decor (found a spooky door knocker).
★ Went to a gift shop to see if they had anything else I could get for bunco (since I still needed to find two more of the prizes).
★ Went back to the PO to see if my second package from my sister came in (it didn't but might have come on the afternoon truck, I think they were backed up from the holiday weekend for both the US and the Japanese yesterday).
★ Went home to drop off the candy I had gotten with the knocker at the top of the hill store so it wouldn't melt in my car with all the running around I was going to be doing.
★ Drove across town to another gift store where I ran into a friend and a lot of my errands were completed. I found both gifts for Bunco I needed, two birthday gifts, a baby shower gift and a bit more decor for the house all in one place.
★ Left there for another store for some odds and ends for grab bags I am making up for my guests.
★ Got a bit to eat at a local spot
★ Went to the grocery store for all the bunco food and some necessities we were out of. Found ONE pumpkin that cost me 12 dollars.
★ Stopped at a Do It Yourself Store on the way back to check out their 100 yen options, get a tatami table, 4 pads, some fish for my tank and some plants for the pots outside.
★ Stopped at Starbucks to get the last part of the best costume prize.
★ Came home, unpacked car and put away frozen/refrigerated items.
★ Got on computer to see if I had any messages.

Now I have to carve a pumpkin, finish yardwork to include planting all the plants I got today, eat dinner, put the fish in the tank, make labels for the gifts, clean off the deck just in case the weather cooperates and we can have one table outside, make two pumpkin pies, vacuum the house, put the grab bags together, get ice, check the mail again, and any number of other details before my guests arrive at 6pm tomorrow. Oh, and I still have to figure out what I am planning on wearing as my own costume......LOL.

I am actually not stressed at all...now that the shopping is done, the rest is easy...I am so looking forward to this bunco...it should be a lot of fun.

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Interesting Finds

Rocktoberfest

Wow, it was a blast...about 12 bands, some hard rock and some not so hard, all coming together on one fabulous night at the beach.

Some of my friends were there, it was within walking distance of my house and we had a ton of fun. The food could have been a bit better. The festival food was a bit overpriced and the bratwursts were a bit small but we still had full stomachs, so no real complaints there.

There were some interesting acts, I have to say. An all girl band called Bleach had this amazing girl on bass that was moving like she was possessed. I was amazed that she could keep playing with all the jumping, whipping and thrashing around she was doing.

There was a band from Tokyo that came to play called Electic Eel Shock that was awesome. Their drummer played with 4 sticks at once rather than just two. They climbed all over the stage, speakers and scaffolding. The final band (who's name I can't spell) had 7 pieces....there was a full orchestral bass in it along with two sets of drums...one electric and one not. I took some video so I might try to post some YouTube, we'll have to see. Overall it was a pretty cool evening.






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One Year Ago on In My Words...Planet Earth

Yardwork

Yesterday the weather finally cooperated with me (no rain in the afternoon) and I was able to get out to the front flower bed and hack away 1/2 of the work it needs. As it was getting dark, I came across a hill of some sort (probably ants) but I couldn't see so I went in the house, brought out the Raid and just hosed it down....we have a serious red ant issue in this bed so I don't feel a bit guilty about killing them.

Anyhow I ended up with two full yard bags of leaves and weeds along with a huge pile of bamboo sitting in my garage.

This afternoon, I thought I was going to be able to tackle the second half of the bed. I went out and got started by cutting the bamboo down to managable sizes and bagging it up before it dried up and started blowing all over my open garage. Then I moved to the back sidewalk where I had done some drive-by pruning the day before. I managed to get all that bagged up before the big dark thunderclouds rolled in....no more yardwork today.

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Hard To Watch

Hamburger Steak

We have an entire restaurant for different varieties of hamburger steak. It wasn't a bad meal by any means. The food was good and interesting...this one pictured is the cheeseburger steak set.

Beautiful Day

Today is a gorgeous day...humidity is low, sun is out, breeze is among us...I have the AC off and the windows open for the first time in months. I love being able to hear the breeze in the trees and the knocking of my windchimes in the backyard.

We had a mini typhoon last night...nothing on the radar but it was blowing pretty good and I guess it must have just blown all the weather some place new. I am enjoying it as much as I can considering today is my first day without any appointments that I can get some stuff around here accomplished.

I am hoping to get some yardwork done this afternoon when the sun gets lower...but I should be at the beach or the pool...tomorrow is open too so perhaps the weather will hang around for me to enjoy a bit longer.

Chatty's Meme

My eye color:
Hazel
Favorite car:
Environmentally - Prius,  Ideally - Lamborghini Quattrovalve
Right-handed or left-handed:
Right
Shoes you wore today:
Black Chacos
My fears:
Losing my loved ones

Goal you would like to achieve this year:
Finish the stuff I’m working on and get fitter

Thoughts first waking up:
Food or exercise...hmmm?
My bedtime:
10:30pm-11:30pm
Pepsi or Coke:
Neither these days...
Single or Group Dates:
Married, so it doesn't really matter...both I guess
Chocolate or Vanilla:
Chocolate
Do you smoke:
Ugh, no
Do you sing:
Yes
Have you been in love:
Yes
Do you want to get married:
Already am, going on 17 years

Do you get along with your parents:
Yes
Do you play a musical instrument:
I play the flute and plink on the piano. I am trying to learn the guitar.

In the past month have you smoked:
NO
Favorite candy bar:
AbbaZabba
In the past month have you gone on a date:
Only with J

All-time favorite sports team:
Chicago Bears

Ideal girfriend/boyfriend:
The one that ended up as my husband
My best friend(s):
The ones that accept me as I am, respect me and accept both the bright and dark side of me.

Do you believe in love at first sight:
Yep
Favorite clothing brand:
Columbia and Cherokee
Dream vacation:
Don't have one

My favorite singer:
Too many favorites to list

My favorite movie:
Way too many to list...

Have you ever fired a gun:
Of course

Do you like yourself:
Pretty much

I am addicted to:
Too many to list

Favorite drink:
Water or Iced Tea

Are you ticklish:
Sometimes
Favorite ice cream flavor:
Mint chip

Define yourself in 3 words:
Softhearted, organized, athletic

Do you believe in God:
No
Favorite day of the week:
Don't have one

Heads or tails:
Does it matter?

Favorite author:
Stephen King

What magazines do you read:
Fitness, Nat Geo, Golf Digest
Favorite chewing gum brand:
Big Red and Wrigley's Peppermint

My hair color:
Reddish brown

Height:
Average

My heritage:
Native American, English, French

My weakness:
Procrastination lately

My perfect pizza:
Everything

My best physical feature:
Hair, feet, skin

Do you get motion sickness:
Sometimes

McDonalds or Burger King:
Neither, we don't do fast food if we can help it
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:
Lipton if Grandma is making it, Japanese green tea otherwise

Cappuccino or Coffee:
Mocha or Chai Latte

Do you swear:
Yep
Do you want to go to college:
Been there, done that...two degrees and a certification

Do you think you’re attractive:
Sometimes, I think I am cute...is that the same?

Do you like thunderstorms:
Absolutely!!

In the past month have you drunk alcohol:
Sure
In the past month have you been on drugs:
Only over the counter ones...

Favorite cartoon as a child:
Looney Tunes and Charlie Brown

Favorite sport:
Playing; soccer and golf; Watching, football, soccer, golf, Nascar

In the past month have I been on stage:
No
Ever been beaten up:
Nope
How do you want to die:
Who knows...right now I don't want to

Number of piercings:
Three
Favorite color:
Any earth tones, but greens mostly

Favorite food:
Thai, Japanese, Mexican, Italian

My parents are:
In the States

Do you have children:
No
Do you have pets:
Yes, cat and fish

My favorite music genre:
I like a little bit of everything...not fond of gangster rap but mostly because of what it stands for, not because the music is bad.

My favorite season:
All of them for different reasons

Silver or Gold:
Both

Who was the last person that called you:
A friend we went to the festival tonight with

Are you a good driver:
Yep, I am a great driver

Would you rather be rich or famous:
Rich
When I’m sad or down:
I exercise

What is your phone’s current ringtone:
Some 70's sounding default one from Softbank.
The longest you’ve gone without sleeping:
3 days

What would you do with a million dollars:
Pay off my house, get another in the mountains or near the beach, invest some for retirement and buy stuff for my friends and family

What makes you laugh:
Too many to list

Your favorite book:
Too many to list

Most embarrassing moment:
I can't think of one

Favorite item that you currently own:
My Norikane prints

Have you ever moved:
Hahahahaha
Kisses or hugs:
Both

Are you a very emotional person:
Yes but not around other people most times.

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Good Bye Amazon

Outdoor Kitty

It has been two days since we finished all aspects of Kitty Land...and Chase has spent the last two nights out there with no issues...she has even used the outdoor sandbox as planned....

Here are a couple of pics of the things we added to the backyard to make it so she couldn't get out. As you can see, we already have pretty tall walls...we just needed to "gate" off the one big opening and then add some height to another spot...so far it seems to be working great.




She enjoys being out there and I am loving having a litter box free house for the first time in 8 years!!!! When we lived in WA, the litter box was in the garage which was tolerable but for the last 8 years, we have had to have it somewhere in the house and now I don't.


As you can see, I had to move my plants to the island to keep her from chopping on them.

It is great!!!

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Travel Karma Update

Loving The New Contacts

Recently I went to the doctor to update my contact and glasses perscription. Turns out they don't need to be updated but I need a new one just to order new contacts. I went to the Visiondirect website to check out my options and discovered that I could order my perscription in these new contacts. I have been wearing the same Acuvue lens types forever....and they have been fine, but I am a dry eyed person and I do spend a fair amount of time in front of the computer so I decided to give these a whirl.

I ordered one box figuring if I didn't like them, I could just get my old standbys instead. Well, they came fast and within days I was giving them a try. They are thicker feeling than my old ones when they are in my hand and on my finger but once I put them in my eye, I can't even feel them and they don't DRY out!!!!

I can wear them late and even for hours on the computer and they never bug me....I am loving them to death and highly recommend giving them a try if you have dry eyes or use a computer a lot (or both).

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One Year Ago on In My Words...Friday's Feast

Chase in Miniature

My friend brought this little one in to coffee the other morning...she had just started opening her eyes. I guess she was found all on her own and was given to my friend to take care of...she was doing a great job of it. I had forgotten how little kittens are at first...and her little claws when she tried to hold onto the bottle were just so cute...

I am sure in a few weeks when she is weened off the bottle and potty trained, she'll be up for adoption to some lucky family. I was struck by how much her coloring reminded me of Chase (who I didn't have until she was full grown).

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Two Years Ago on In My Words...In Geocaching News

ChuckWow Is Back!!!

We went out last night with a few of friends to see a old favorite. ChuckWow was a band when we lived here last time but hasn't been in existence recently due to a departing band member. Now the lead singer/guitarist's son has taken over the drums and their first public appearance was at 7th Heaven last night.

We had a great time...they played some ChuckWow originals and then some of the covers that we all know and love. They might be playing again next weekend in prep for the big Rocktoberfest concert on the 12th but as of right now, they didn't have anything nailed down.

They will be playing early on the 12th due to MC duties but if you can catch them sometime when you have a chance, you won't regret it.

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...NW Geocaching

Meme Time

I really don't post memes on this blog anymore...I save them so I have something to post on Myspace but Chicken did it so I figure, what the heck, right?

1) Who was the last person you gave up on?
Jen-Jen....I tried to stay in touch but I don't think it is ever going to happen.

2) Have you talked to a complete asshole today?
Nope, that was yesterday.

3) Are you comfortable answering all these personal questions?
Perhaps that should have been the first question.

4) Do you think relationships are even worth it?
Yes absolutely.

5) If you could pack up and move, would you?
Nope, I like where I am right now and would like to stay a bit longer if I can swing it.

6) Do your parents really know you?
Mostly.

7) When was the last time you laughed really hard?
Yesterday with J.

8) What are you wearing right now?
A grey tshirt and tan shorts.

9) What are you excited for?
Getting rid of some stuff and getting organized so I can have some time to be creative.

10) Has anyone told you lately that they would always be there for you?
Yes, J and two of my friends.

11) What do you want right now?
Some icecream.

12) Are your parents divorced?
Unfortunately yes.

13) What were you doing at 8 this morning?
Sleeping because J got in late and that caused us both to sleep in.

14) Do you fall for people easily?
Nope, I think I am guarded these days...

15) What is one word that you overuse?
"you should".

16) Who was the last person to text you?
Sanghee I think...

17) What’s your mood?
A bit overwhelmed with some frustration on the side.

18) If you took a drug test, would you pass it?
As long as it wasn't for caffine.

19) Did you enjoy your weekend?
Yes, we ate some good food and saw good friends.

20) Do you regret doing something today?
Nope...today was pretty okay, although I do need to get more done.

21) Are you slowly drifting away from someone?
Sometimes it feels like my friends that aren't here are very far away and I don't like that at all.

22) Last person you told a secret to?
J

23) What’s irritating you right now?
All the crap I have and the lack of organization.

24) Would you ever forgive someone if they cheated on you?
I don't know if I could ever trust them again so forgiving I might do but I don't think the relationship would work after that since I wouldn't trust them.

25) Tell me what one of your friends is doing.
She is probably getting her kids up for school on the other side of the world from me.

26) Are you stubborn?
Yeah, about certain things.

27) What are you looking forward to?
The sun coming back out, finishing the backyard so we can put the cat out there, and getting organized.

28) Is there anybody you wish you could be with right now?
My family, J and my friends that I am separated from.

29) Are you gonna be home alone tonight?
Most of the night...

30) Who gave you your last compliment?
J...he is always complimenting me...part of why I keep him around I guess....LOL.

31) What is one thing you wish you had?
More time.

33) Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Uh yeah I'm married. We have been together for 17 years.

Which way did both #32 and #34 go?
Do I care?

35) Do you still talk to the person you fell hardest for?
Everyday.

36) Last movie you saw in theaters, with whom?
I saw Wanted with J.

37) Would you rather go to Tokyo or Paris?
Have been to Tokyo..would love to see a lot of places in Europe.

38) What are you allergic to?
Not much...

39) Has anyone ever complimented your eyes?
Yes.

40) Are you listening to music right now?
No, but I should be.

41) Who else is in the room with you?
Chase, my cat.

42) In winter, would you rather wear jackets or hoodies?
Both I guess. I wear a jacket to go out and a hoodie when I'm kicking back.

43) Do you wish you were somewhere else right now?
No, I wish other people were HERE with me.

44) How long can you go without your mobile phone?
Days if I was allowed...I am not a big "mobile" phone user but I seem to have to have one these days.

45) What are you doing tomorrow?
Eating lunch with some friends and errands.

46) Ever kissed someone else’s boy/girlfriend?
Yes and I still feel bad about it.

47) Where did you last sleep other than your room?
On the couch.

48) What’s the worst way to say “I love you”?
I honestly don't know.

49) Who was the last person in your room besides family?
Two of our friends that we were giving a house tour to.

50) What is one place you would love to visit?
I think the pyramids would be pretty amazing and out of the box of places I have been.

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Three Years Ago on In My Words...Always Maxi