I had my first Japanese Tea Ceremony class today. It was a short drive to the Japanese lady's house who is teaching the class. It's pretty awesome! She answered the door in full kimono and the other lady who was there was in full kimono. And I mean full formal kimono. So I removed my shoes and put on my white socks. Then I washed my hands and went ( Read more... )

Once upon a time there was a far away land called America. America was full of people who thought they needed more and more stuff even though, compared to other lands around America, they had the most. America thought getting this precious "stuff" was all they needed to feel fulfilled in life, so they bought more Spoozles and Floozles and Wizzies ( Read more... )

This is shaping up to be a wonderful year for me! I'm counting my blessings!

I think this is day six, and I'm just getting online to type about my Japan experience. Kevin is in the shower, so I just have a few minutes. We've been rockin' it! The only couple of words I've learned is yes, no, and thanks very much... but people are generally forgiving of foreigners. The language barrier is a lot more prevalent here... a lot of ( Read more... )

I've gotten into doing the Chicago Tribune's daily crossword on line through the flash program. It's great because if you type in the wrong letter it shows up red and if you type in the right one, it shows up black. It's good for improving my vocabulary and problem solving skills.

I did my second interview this week and I GOT PROMOTED TO MARKETING SPECIALIST. I'm so excited! It will be difficult: starting a job that is going to develop because it's a new position. And it will be a lot of work learning about the YMCA but I'm up to the challenge. I think I'll be in charge of driving membership to the health & wellness centers ( Read more... )

I'm going to Tokyo in two weeks for eight days!
YEAAAAAHHHHH, I will be meeting Kevin there and fun FUN FUUUUNNNN!

I figured I haven't written in a while and what better time then New Years. I actually had to work on News Years eve... until 1 am... just like I worked 10 hours on Christmas day. [Valentine’s Day] Kevin got his boss to fly me out for free to visit him in Barbados for 5 days! yeahhhhhh! [Europe backpacking trip: March-May] So, I am going to try and ( Read more... )

...this is ridiculous! The weather in Portland has been downright crazy for several days now. The snow is beautiful but icy is no fun to drive in. It's been dangerous getting to Borders and unmanageable for me to get to the Y. I've found myself bored at home so I FINALLY finished my green quilt, which involved learning HOW to quilt. But it's done ( Read more... )

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. If you have the time, reply to this comment and post your own "25 Things" on your blog. Why you ask? Because the weather sucks and you're a friend and I want to know more about you. Here we go ( Read more... )