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.