Darma Learns To Bow

Atsuko, with a little trickery, was able to get to get Darma to bow.  It is a very cute little video, one that ends with Darma quickly changing her attention to something more important.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIDxgcKB5-A

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to our family and friends.  Wish we could be with you this year!

Grean Tea Oatmeal Cookies

I made cookies Sunday night. Turned out pretty good so here is the recipe!

Gaming @ DTwenty Games

It's no secret that I play Dungeons and Dragons.  I have a great time on Wednesday night playing a weekly schedule brawl with a loose storyline.  Once or twice a month, a group of us get together to adventure in the world of Athas and the Dark Sun campaign setting.  It was unfortunate though that this week we were missing two of our regular players.  Our scheduled story was postponed for a little more light-hearted though no less fun adventure fighting evil lizard men that had tricked our adventurers into believing that they were attended a wrestling match.  It was a fun 5 hours, and I got a delicious scone as well.  Yum!  I wanted to post a few pictures... they aren't the best but what do you expect from a phone?

Darma Video

Darma's leg was very touchy yesterday.  Whenever I tapped it she kicked.  It looked like she was trying to start a motorcycle or something for some reason.  We shot a small video towards the end.  It's a stupid video, but Darma is cute and that is all that matters!

A Quick View Of Seattle Pacific University

I was trying out some of the features on my new phone last week and decided to take an HD video of the SPU campus.  It is short and pretty quick but shows a decent bit of the campus.  I'll put it this way, SPU is small... very small!  Video after jump.

Atsuko And Darma, In Front Of Starbucks

Atsuko Featured in UofA Magazine

Atsuko has been featured in Arkansas Land & Life in a collection of articles about student internships. The article can be found in the Fall/Winter 2010 issue available in PDF format here. Atsuko's story is featured on page 22.

Click The HEART!!!

You may notice the neat little heart symbol next to article titles on the main page and individual story pages. This is our new like button. If you like something, click the + next to it and let us know you care. That way we know you are reading. You will probably need to be signed in to do this.

It's Cold Here!

Yesterday the Pacific Northwest was blanketed in snow.  Deep, freezing cold snow that shut down everything.  Our friend John is working from home.  Atsuko was told not to come into work for the rest of the week.  And, the only other day I had to work the university closed.  I-5 is basically impassable too.  It is a crazy mess outside.  It snowed over night into Monday morning.  Snowed more Monday afternoon, then hailed, then snowed into the evening.  Stories of people taking 10 hours to get home on I-5 have been all over the news.  It is by all accounts pretty insane!  We are trying to stay warm.  Last night we made a one log fire, today the wood we have is too wet so we are running the heater.  At the moment, Atsuko is baking to keep warm!  I am prepared for a very expensive energy bill this month.   I made sure to get some video and take pictures during the day. It's kind of a hodgepodge of shots both outside and inside, with a few nice ones of our fire!  They are posted are the jump...

Our Christmas Tree

As I said, Atsuko put up our Christmas Tree last night.  It is a 6 foot tall pre-lit tree.  We have it in the corner of our living room next to the sliding glass doors.  It looks great and gives lots of color to the little room.

Pictures From Pike Place Market

We went to Pike Place Market last week to do some holiday shopping.  Took the train, walked around, ate at a nice little Chinese restaurant.  Not a whole lot of pictures of the market itself, but there are some nice ones!

Oh Christmas Tree

It's the weekend and that means Atsuko is putting our Christmas Tree up.  The TV is off, some music is on, the corner has been cleared out, and Darma is wondering what is happening.  Maybe tomorrow we will have some pictures.  In fact, I know we will because I have already been taking them.  Now if I could just get Atsuko to video me playing the XBox my media promises would be fulfilled!

Holiday Season is Here!

I got my very first Christmas tree of my own few weeks ago.  This one is 6 feet pre-lit artificial tree. If we had more space at the apartment, I would have gotten 9 foot tree, but I will save that for the future. We were going to get 4 feet tree at first, but I just could not pass out the bigger one. Finally Wil gave up and let me buy the bigger tree than we had in mind. Yes!!

Accepted!

I just got an e-mail from the program assistant for the MA in TESOL program.  I have been accepted and will receive my official acceptance letter along with my orientation handbook, and instructions on how to register soon.  Hurray, I am going to SPU!

Kinect For XBox 360

We got a Kinect for the XBox 360.  It is lots of fun.  I will take some video of myself flailing around for everyone to see later this week.  It will definitely be good exercise on rainy days when we have to stay indoors!

Darma says "Merry Christmas!"

Merry Christmas from Darma.  Hopefully soon, the Christmas Tree will be up and we can get some more festive shots as Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches.  I hope everyone enjoys this cute picture of Darma dog, and takes the time to appreciate that we got her to stand still.

October Went By Fast!

October went by fast!  There is no doubt about it.  Maybe it is because I was still working the merchandiser job the first half of it, or maybe it was because I was sleeping 12 hours a day because of the job, but no matter what it went by fast.  Atsuko and I still had a lot of fun during October.  Dinner time is now 100% better with our new hot plate.  The 25th marked Atsuko's 26th birthday.  I decided to prepare myself to go to graduate school and applied the last Friday of the month, a whole month ahead of the deadline.  I feel very happy about that.  Even better, it is the season for pumpkin pie and Atsuko makes really good pumpkin pies!

A Present To Our Parents

Early Merry Christmas to you all!

[gallery columns="4"]

Pictures Soon

When Atsuko and I get off our duffs, we have loads of pictures and videos that have been taken since the last time we posted in early October.  We are both off on Friday and I am hoping we can sit down and upload them together.  Keep a look out for them!

SPU, Tutoring, and Grad School

It's been a long time since we updated and I can't believe how long it has been.  I am once again on campus at Seattle Pacific University.  I am tutoring ESL students from November 1st to December 9th.  I have four students total, and my first day was great.  Trying to find a parking spot is not easy thought.  I ended up walking three or four blocks.  I have also applied to graduate school at Seattle Pacific University, for those that haven't read it on Facebook or heard from me.  The specific program is for an MA in TESOL, or Teaching English to Students of Other Languages.  The program has a 90% employment rate within three months of graduation (50% at graduation), and will take two and a half year to complete.  It has a six month practicum at the end placing me in a local community college where I would observe teaching methods and eventually teach.  The program overall looks amazing; I just never thought I would find myself applying to a private university.  But, the campus is gorgeous, and the faculty and staff I have met are all extremely nice.  It makes for a great atmosphere; one I hope to be attending classes in soon!

Astuko Makes Darma Go Yes/No

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGs853Yrr4Y

Conservatory Grand Opening

On September 25th, we celebrated the grand opening of Rutherford conservatory at Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.  This was a project that were going for more than a decade, so I was very fortunate to be a part of it at the very end.  I didn't know this, but this conservatory is the larget in the world that collects vireya, the tropcal species of Rhododendon. Now this conservatory is open, we are hoping to bring more people in to the garden. RSBG is a beautiful woodland garden that is attractive not only when Rhododendrons are in bloom, but also after the flowering. Some of you may know, but the foliage of Rhododendrons are so beautiful. Some are foot long, some are half inch long. Some are pubescent , some are leathery.  Since I started working for RSBG, everyday has been full of discovery and surprises.

D&D Red Box Game Day Photo

Saturday the 11th was the Dungeons & Dragons Red Box Game Day.  For fun, Amber, one of the DTwenty Games' proprietors, asked if some of us would dress the part using some of the props already in the store.  This is one of the photos taken.  The players from left to right: Luke, me, Andrew, Dennis (our game master), and Adrian wearing some freaky mask.  The game itself was loads of fun.  The picture however is staged.  We had already finished the game after all our characters perished at the hands of some nasty creatures that quickly over took us (*shakes fist at Dennis*).  If I can get a hold of some of the other photos taken I'll post a few more.

Finally!

After a painful process and tremendous amount of fee, I finally received a green card last week!  In case you are wondering, yes, it is really green. I am so glad this process is over. Well, at least I don't have to worry about it for 2 years until I have to renew it.  I'm telling you, it is not easy to work in US.

Oregon Trip Pictures

Last weekend we went to Oregon to see Wil's Uncle.  Here are some pictures and video of that trip.

Shadow On The Beach

We got back late Sunday after a day in Lincoln City, Oregon.  The trip was fun, but we were tired.  Good thing today is a holiday and we get to relax.  We will try to post pictures sometime this week.  Until then, enjoy this picture of me, Atsuko, and Darma.

Rhubarb Cake Recipe

One of the volunteers at the garden Carolyn gave me this recipe. It is so good!  The sourness from the rhubarb and the sweetness from the frosting is just perfect balance. You gotta put the frosting... it's what make it so good!

ガーデンボランティアの一人のキャロリンがくれたルバーブケーキのレシピ。お勧め！ルバーブのすっぱさと、フロスティングの甘さのバランスがぴったり。フロスティングを省かないでね！

Leavenworth, WA

Last weekend, Atsuko and I made a day trip out to Leavenworth, WA.  It is a small little town on the other side of the Cascades about 120 miles drive from Renton.  The two and a half hours it took to reach it, driving along US 2 through the mountains, was a gorgeous site but definitely out-done by the town itself.  In the 1960s, the economy of the town had taken a hit so a project was started to revitalize the town.  The end result was a neat Bavarian stylized town, geared towards tourism with some great restaurants, shops, hotels, and wineries.  Our original plan was to eat lunch here then go to a wine tasting event, but we ended up just walking around for an hour or so after lunch.

It's Hot Again

It is once again in the 90s here.  The days start of great, but the heat comes in heavy by noon or so.  At least it isn't 100% humidity like it is in Arkansas.  I couldn't bear it if it was.  Honestly, I think next summer a small portable AC unit would be nice to have just for the days when it gets 85F or hotter.  We have another 3 or so days like this then it will be nice again by next weekend.  The question is will that soon enough?

Rainbow Bridge

My friend Amelia send this poem to me. I post this for my family in Tokyo, who had to say good bye to Lappu.

友人のアメリアが送ってくれた詩です。東京にいる家族のために載せます。

Evening in the garden

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, where I work, hosted a party called "Evening in the garden" last night.  The party was for the members of Rhododendron Species Foundation.  Almost 100 people showed up including the members, guests, and the staff. I have been involved as a planning committee and planned this event. With a lot of help of volunteers, we successfully managed the party. I was going back and forth between the work in the garden and the preparation of the party, so it was a extremely busy week for me! I even mowed the meadow where we hosted the party and it was a hard work!

Already August

It's almost a month since we got Darma.  It feels like she has been here for more than a month though. She is very good with people, but not with the dogs. We took her to the off-leash dog park, but she started fighting. It might have been too overwhelming for her.

Leninade!

Fred Meyer has an old fashioned soda section.  Not all the sodas are old fashioned, but they are pretty unique.  While posting for the night I thought I would throw this up for people to look at.  Leninade, "It's worth standing in line for!" the bottle says.  While I am not sure of that I am sure that it is growing on me.  The strange taste of Sprite-like lemonande and what reminds me of cream soda was strange at first, but now I grab a bottle each time I make a trip to the local FM!  Next time I grab a bottle, I'll try and get a few better pictures of all the tag lines and the art on the bottle.  I really wish it said, "In Soviet Russia, thirst obeys you!"

LEGO

Hurray for Lego.  Atsuko and I were at the Bellevue Square Mall the other week and I picked up a Lego set to keep me busy one night.  This Lego Creator set has instruction for three different houses.  It had been a long time since I had put a set together, and it was real fun.  Though, it took almost two hours to complete the set.  I took a few pictures while the light in the living room was cooperating, and a picture of the finished product.  You can see them after the jump.

Capitol Hill & Coffee

The teachers I am currently tutoring expressed interest in wanting to visit Capitol Hill last Wednesday.  Being new to the area as well, I was happy to figure out which bus routes to hop on to get there.  Of course, I know absolutely nothing about where I am going, but they knew of a coffee house they wanted to visit.  One, I am told by Atsuko, that it is quite famous.  Espresso Vivace Roasteria, while not totally my thing, made a great cup of coffee even if you couldn't just grab a straight cup o' joe off the menu.  Besides that, you get lovely artwork to go in your drink.  We spent about forty-five minutes there talking, enjoying our drinks, and snacking on some nice pastries.  After that, we strolled down Broadway back towards the bus route to get home.  We found a great used CD/DVD shop too.  I was able to find a copy of New Order's Power, Corruption, and Lies on CD.  Since my cassette tape of that album had worn out long ago I snagged it without a thought.  I am happy with my purchase :)

A Trip to The Park

We decided to get out yesterday and take Darma to the park.  We first went to Gene Coulton Beach, then found out they have a no dog policy.  The signs were placed quite lousy and we assumed they meant no dogs without a leash, but they meant no dogs.  Someone informed us they had been told it was a $250 fine to have a dog there.  they were leaving with there puppy as well.  So, we went home and grabbed our parks map and used it to find Petrovitsky Park. 

Movies and more after the jump..

Sunny week

This week supposed to be 70s and sunny!  I love the summer here in Seattle. We have  Mediterranean climate which is dry summer, and wet  winter.  Since we haven't had rain for a while, we are using irrigation at the garden almost everyday. Even though there are automatic irrigation system spread all over the garden, there are some dry spots which we have to water　manually. This is what takes time... Usually on Fridays, we water all day. It is surprising how long it takes to water!

Outside Moving In: Seattle

I moved to the Seattle area the first week of June. It was a tough decision for myself and my wife. We argued over it the months leading up to the move. Our undergraduate years at the University of Arkansas were coming quickly to an end and neither of us had job offers, but she was dead intent of moving. Luckily she found work, I on the other hand pushed out applications in fist fulls each week and still have not found lasting work.

Really Hot!

We had record high temperature the last two days...95F!!  We didn't know until we moved here that houses here don't have air conditioning. Our apartment is not an exception. When it is 90s out, it gets really warm.  It is 7pm now and finally it is cool enough to open the windows.

I gave Darma her first bath today. She wasn't too happy to have a bath, but she gave up once she was in the tub. I used oatmeal shampoo and now she smells really good. Now she is sleeping on the couch. Wil and I are going to take her for a walk around 9pm once it gets cool out.

Wil took Darma to the doctor today for a check up. According to the vet, she is mix of Labrador with Rottweiler or Cocker spaniel. Whatever she is, she is the sweetest thing. We are very lucky to have her since she is already house trained.

Darma Enjoying Her Bone

Our New Doggy (Updated Again)

This is our new doggy, Darma.  We rescued her from the Seattle Humane Society where she had been for about a month after having been moved from Walla Walla.  She is a cutie and well trained.  She must have been someone's before she was found because she does very well in the house.  She is already settling in well, and Atsuko loves her very much.

Update: Added 4 more pictures!

Update 2: Added 1 more picture.

It's been almost a month!

I have a three day weekend this week because of Forth of July holiday. I didn't even realize until my co-worker told me. I am looking forward the firework display tomorrow. The city of Renton does not allow any fireworks, but we are hoping to see Seattle firework display. We should be able to see it from our apartment!

Would You Like To Read A Partial?

I am almost done with what I consider the introduction to the story I have been working on the last few weeks.  I am willing to give people a partial to read if they want.  Please leave a comment with the e-mail address you would like it sent to here.  Thanks all, Wil

Cars Tags, Etc.

Atsuko and I spent the day getting stuff with the car setup.  First, we went to State Farm to see about insurance.  The guys there were great and helped out a lot in getting us a deal since we had been with State Farm in Arkansas through my parents' insurance.  Second, we had to go and get our new licenses.  One hour and forty-five minutes later we had temporary licenses.  We don't actually get our plastic for two weeks.  After that, it was off to get tags for the car.  Washington has you put plates on the front and back, but we don't have mounting on the front.  Not sure what we will do.  All-in-all we were working on things for six hours today.  Atsuko couldn't go to work because it wouldn't have been worth it to drive there for an hour.  And through it all, we also found a neat little conveyor belt sushi place,

Weekly Happenings

We have been in Washington almost three full weeks.  The area is so big and is hard to navigate at times but we are getting around.  Atsuko is enjoying hee work at the garden in Federal Way and I have started tutoring at an ESL school in northern Seattle.

Trip form Arkansas to Washington

We left Arkansas on June 1^st and arrived Seattle on June 4^th. It was a very long drive...America is so big! Here are some of the pictures I took during the drive. We saw gorgeous scenery and the beauty of nature. Trip started from Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and ended in Washington. I will never forget this trip!! Thank you so much for driving all the way Wil. I couldn't have done it without you.

アーカンソーを６月１日に出て、シアトルに６月４日に到着しました。長いドライブだった、アメリカは広い！撮った写真のほんの一部の写真をのせます。景色は信じられないくらい綺麗で、自然の壮大さを見ました。旅はアーカンソーから始まり、ミズーリ、アイオワ、サウスダコタ、ワイオミング、モンタナ、アイダホ、そしてワシントン州。この長旅、一生忘れません。ずーっとトラックを運転してくれたウィル、ありがとう。私一人じゃできなかったこと。

Still Using My Phone For Internet

If you are friended with me on Facebook, you have probably seen that I am using my phone as a wireless router. A neat little trick given that I am not using the stock firmware on the phone. My Qwest 20mb DSL was supposed to be turned on today. It still isn't. The technician that came to work on it turned it on but apparently shut off the phone line that had been here. I got the activation codes I needed but now I can't input them. Another tech is to be dispatched between 1 and 5pm tomorrow. There goes my Saturday, and I was so looking forward to that new Transformers demo on XBox Live. I can use my phone for about 30 minutes to an hour... basically until it gets what I deem as too hot. After that I have to shut off the wireless function. It is slow but it works. But now it is time to go back to writing or playing Final Fantasy VI (the fun of having your old PlayStation out once again).

Packing, Packing, Packing -> Moving, Moving, Moving

Atsuko and I have been semi-busy packing and slowly moving stuff into the rental truck.  Lucky for us we don't have a ton of stuff, but it sure seems like it with all of it strewn about the apartment and boxes everywhere.  We plan on leaving for Seattle Tuesday morning.  We will take 71 from Fayetteville to Kansas City, then 29 up through Omaha to Sioux Falls.  Once we get into South Dakota we will get on I-90 and take that all the way to Washington. The whole trip should take about four or five days depending on how we drive.  There is a Google Latitude location badge after the jump. It will update throughout the day on our trip, but don't expect it to move very fast. It is set up to show what city we are currently in. Our tip begins Tuesday, June 1st.

War Eagle Mill

Wil and I drove to War Eagle Mill this morning. I believe War Eagle Mill is the only working mill of its kind in the United States.  We like to go there for the gorgeous drive and the little shop at the mill. They have jams, baking mixes, and crafts for sale. I usually bring their jams for souvenirs when I visit Japan. When my parents came, they bought a lot of jams for souvenirs as well.

I made lunch and packed it so we can have picnic at the mill, but it was already too hot...we ended up eating it at Wil's parents' house. (BTW, I made Inarizushi for lunch!  They were yummy.)

Tonight, we are planning to go to a Mexican restaurant with friends.  We have few more nights free before we move so this might be the last chance to see them.  Can't wait for the margarita!!

Slowly packing to move

Wil and I are slowly boxing up our stuff in the apartment.  We have to leave our apartment by May 31st, so we got 8 days left. Actually our lease runs until end of July, but since we are moving for a job, we were able to get out of our lease early.

We plan to leave Arkansas on June 1st and drive our way up to Washington State. We rented a 16 foot truck with car carrier. (Yes, we are towing our....) Wil says he won't let me drive because I have no experience driving a big vehicle. That is totally fine with me. I just have to make sure I know where we are going ｓo I can navigate.  Anyhow, we have 5 days to drive to Washington, so that ought be plenty of time.

We will move in to our new apartment on June 6th, and I start my new job on the next day. I know I might be exhausted, but since they waited for me for almost 2 months, I wanted to start as soon as possible.

We will take a lot of pictures during the drive!

My ex-roommate, Minato

I lived with Minato from January 2009 to July 2009.  We were both looking for a roommate back then and I moved in to her apartment.  The apartment was close to school, had a high ceiling, and had a really big living room...it was nice.  I didn't know Minato prior to moving in with her, but I am so glad that my roommate was her.  Minato is few years younger than me, but she is responsible, knowledgeable,  and good cook!!

Few days before the graduation, Wil, I , and Minato had a dinner together.  She is going back to Japan during the summer and we are leaving NWA, so it was a last chance to see her. We had a good time!

Wish you the best Minato... good luck with job searching!　Come visit us!!

Parent's visit 写真つき

My parents were in the US from May 5th to the 10th.  I haven't seen them since New Year, so it has been a while. The main reason of their visit was to attend my graduation, see Wil's parents, and see Fayetteville where I spent the last 4 years.

My Name On The Senoir Walk

Back in May of 2008 I walked the Fulbright College graduation ceremony.  I didn't actually finish my degree until August of 2008 so technically I was part of the class of 2009.  The University of Arkansas has finally finished the 2009 Senior Walk so I took a walk to the Walk and found my name on it.  It was suppose to say "William Forrest Gibson" but "William F. Gibson" is fine.  You can click the thumbnail and take a better look at it.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I made cookies Last Saturday because there was nothing better to do.  It was raining on and off all day so I couldn't really work in the garden until later that day.  They turned out yummy, even Wil likes them (according to him, he usually doesn't like oatmeal coockies...)

So here is the recipe.

Last Week Of Classes

Monday starts our last week of college.  I believe Atsuko is done on Wednesday.  I have my last lectures on Tuesday and then a Test on Thursday during my normal class time and one on Friday that I schedule to take so I wouldn't have to do it while Atsuko's parents are here.  I am looking forward to being done again.  I can't wait.

Pictures

Some pictures...

Almost done with residency application

We have collected all the documents that were required for the application of residency.  We had a meeting with Dr. Young today and signed all the forms we are submitting.  Once  the result of my medical comes back on Monday, we are finally ready to send everything  off to the US Department of Homeland Security office. It took a while, but all we can do now is wait.  I really hope I get my work permit before June!!!

More Work On Atsuko's Residency

We spoke with Dr. Young, a professor of immigration law, at the University of Arkansas Law School last week.  She had taken over our case instead a law student doing it.  Things are a lot more organized now and I have a feeling things will flow a lot faster now that we have a better idea what is needed instead of getting small trickles of information by e-mail here and there.  We are waiting for affidavits from our friends and the minister that married us, and got all our tax information.  I think the only  thing we won't have when we see Dr. Young this Friday is Atsuko's new SS card.

If you are looking into getting residency and reading this, my one word of advice is to have your lawyer or whoever is preparing the documents give a list of everything they think you need up front, first day you meet.  Half the stuff on Dr. Young's list hadn't been mentioned at all, which makes us believe no one was checking up on this student.  I'm sure a lawyer that has passed the bar would know better, but it gets annoying quickly!

Garden Happenings

It has been in the upper 70s this week and things are greening up! This is the busiest season for gardeners...planting, mulching, pruning, and more. The garden at the Alumni House is looking great. The tulips are about to bloom, the hyacinths smell heavenly, and all the day lilies are popping beautiful new leaves. I have been taking care of this garden since last summer and people have told me this is the best year. I am really happy to hear it.

Last Day Of Spring Break :(

Today is the last day of Spring Break. Wil and I came back form Seattle on the 24^th and we were back to work the next day. It is so exhausting to travel 8 hours...I was in bed ready to go to sleep by 9:30 that day! I was going to work in the garden at Alumni House on Friday, but it rained out. Saturday, I didn't get up til late and cleaned out my closet, got a winter coat dry cleaned. Sunday, We took Wil's parents' dog Donnally for a walk. Tomorrow we are back to school and work!

Spring Break In Seattle (Pictures)

We took a bunch of amazing pictures while we were in Seattle.  Later on, I will try and get a write up of all the things we did.  For now, enjoy this gallery of selected images from our trip.  I don't have description on these yet but when I do the write up of our trip later this week I'll include as many as I can and talk about them.  The thumbnail to this post is the Seattle downtown and the Space Needle as viewed from Kerry Park.

Update Via Phone

Our second day in Seattle and the weather is still nice. We chose a good time to leave Arkansas and 8 inches of snow. Drove 30 miles north to an outlet mall this morning and now we are downtown. We visited the market, browsed, and had a beef and cheese piroshky. I really want another one.

Seattle...

Atsuko and I will be leaving for Seattle on Friday.  We plan on staying a few days there to look at different appartments in the area and hand out resumés.  We are hoping to talk a lot of pictures too so keep a look out next week for those!

Allergy season has come!

As Wil wrote on the previous post, it is getting warmer in Arkansas.  Plants are started to grow back again and some flowers are already blooming.  I am sure many people suffer this time of the year because of one reason...Allergies.  Fortunately, I do not have hay fever, but I developed a different kind of allergy this month. Tuned out, I have a latex allergy.

Starting Residency

Yesterday, Atsuko and I started working with a lawyer to fill out paper work for her residency in the United States.  Unfortunately, we have to get the names on her driver's license and social security cards changed before we can send anything off, but the paper work is already starting to pile up for what is needed on our end...

I Can't Believe This Weather!

As of  this post Weather.com says it is 68°F outside.  68!  Apparently starting tomorrow it is going to drop into the lower 50's/ upper 40's through the weekend.  I took the chance to walk around in this weather and collected some old flyers that my work had put up for a housing fair last week.  I didn't grab them all, but I surely would go if I knew where the rest of them were.  I can't believe how nice it is.  I plan on holding off on lunch so I can eat outside after I get out of work.

Spring is almost here!

Last week, I went to the garden at the Alumni House. I have been taken care of this garden since last summer. It has been so cold in Arkansas so I haven't been there over a month. When I was there, I saw Christmas roses blooming and tulip bulbs coming up to the ground. Spring is almost there! I cannot wait to start walking again and enjoy the weather.

Wil and I live in a north faced apartment, so it is almost impossible to grow plants here. My baby orchids and coffee trees are barely alive. Next apartment we find, It must have decent amount of sun coming in, and allow pets.

先週、ガーデンの手入れをしている同窓会団体に行ってきました。ここの管理は、去年の夏から受け持ってます。アーカンソーはずっと寒かったから１ヶ月以上手入れしてなかったけど、今回はクリスマスローズが咲いているのとチューリップを発見！春はもうすぐ。散歩を楽しめるまで待ちきれない！

私たちは、北に面している間パートに住んでるので、ここで植物を育てるのはほぼ不可能。小さな蘭とコーヒーの木はなんとか生き延びてるけれど。次に引っ越すアパートは、それなりの光が差し込んでいるのと、ペットを飼えるのが条件。

PS　日本語訳、すごくぎこちない。翻訳って難しい。

Shook Got Mary'd

I met Bryan Shook in 1996.  We took 8th grade algebra together.  We were both nerdy little kids, into video games, and interested in many of the same things.  I think Bryan talked to me because I was wearing an Illusion of Gaia t-shirt.  For 14 years I have been friends with Bryan. I've watched Bryan go through highs and lows, spent countless hours discussing matters that only had significance to the two of us, slaughtered virtual demons with him, and rolled dice while playing the table-top games of our youth together.  Now, I got to see one of my best friends get married.  A day that had one asked a few years back I wouldn't have thought would happen, but I am over joyed for my friend... my brother. I am happy I could be there on your special day.  To Bryan and Mary Shook I wish the best and hope for the happiest of lives.  You make each other better with each passing day.  Know that Atusko and I will always be there for the two of you as friends and as family. Love is a special gift, and the two of you found it through unusual circumstances but you have proven that it doesn't matter.

So not to clutter the front page, I posted a few more photos after the jump.

Change To Word Press

After deliberating, I decided this site would be better if done through WordPress.  Even though I feel I have more control of the site using Joomla, I just really didn't like the choices I had when it came to creating a well working blog.  I hope those that visit enjoy the site, and if you have any comments please post them here.

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The Beauty That Isn't Pop-Culture Japan

During my trip to Japan this past New Year I was given the chance to ride on the shinkansen.  A bullet train traveling at speeds up to 180mph.  As the scenery flew by I was given the opportunity to see the other side of the land of the rising sun.  Gone was the concrete jungle of Tokyo. Gone was the lights, the endless crowds.  Out the window of my train car sat the mountains and forests of central Honshu.  After spending a week and a half navigating Tokyo, I was making my way to Yamagata, a quaint prefecture some 180 miles north.

Video after the jump.