It is time for another update on Dad. Overall he has been doing well and recovering quickly. He was able to have all but one tube removed today. But today was not a great day. He had low blood pressure, was anemic and had to have a blood transfusion. But once that was done he was doing much better. I was in to spend some time with him this evening and his attitude is good. He is hoping to do well enough to come home on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, emails, calls, and comments. I have the most awesome friends all over the world! I am definately blessed!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Hearts and knives
This week has been nothing of what I planned or expected...
Monday at noon my mom called me at work to tell me that my dad was in the ER with symptoms of a heart attack. I drove home and picked her up and we went into the hospital on Elmendorf Airforce Base. Dad was hooked up to all kinds of machines and sheepishly told us that he had been having pain in his arms and chest for 2 weeks. Mom was livid.
He stayed two nights there as they did tests and observations. They didn't have a cardiac unit so they were unable to make a total diagnosis. They sent him to the big hospital in Anchorage where he had an angiogram and they admitted him for a triple-heart bypass to be done in the next 48 hours. He wasn't allowed to leave the hospital. So Thursday night my grandma and aunt flew in from Kansas and we woke early this morning to see him before he went to surgery. He was done by 11am and it was good. They only did a double bypass and it went very well. I went into recovery as he woke up and talked to him. He was very lucid and acknowleged everything I said to him. I knew he would be ok when as I was leaving at 3:30pm he was telling jokes.
God had been very good. Thank you to all who prayed for us. Today was a little surreal and much easier that I ever expected. I know that God had his hand in it all.
Won't it be interesting to see what God brings next week...
Monday at noon my mom called me at work to tell me that my dad was in the ER with symptoms of a heart attack. I drove home and picked her up and we went into the hospital on Elmendorf Airforce Base. Dad was hooked up to all kinds of machines and sheepishly told us that he had been having pain in his arms and chest for 2 weeks. Mom was livid.
He stayed two nights there as they did tests and observations. They didn't have a cardiac unit so they were unable to make a total diagnosis. They sent him to the big hospital in Anchorage where he had an angiogram and they admitted him for a triple-heart bypass to be done in the next 48 hours. He wasn't allowed to leave the hospital. So Thursday night my grandma and aunt flew in from Kansas and we woke early this morning to see him before he went to surgery. He was done by 11am and it was good. They only did a double bypass and it went very well. I went into recovery as he woke up and talked to him. He was very lucid and acknowleged everything I said to him. I knew he would be ok when as I was leaving at 3:30pm he was telling jokes.
God had been very good. Thank you to all who prayed for us. Today was a little surreal and much easier that I ever expected. I know that God had his hand in it all.
Won't it be interesting to see what God brings next week...
Friday, March 17, 2006
Sadie
This is Sadie, our dog... and the 5th child in the family. She is cute, smart and high maintenance. I can't wait until she grows out of the puppy stage...
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Friends
In reflection of my adventure I have to say that it is the friendships that made it so rich.
Thank you to all of my dear friends. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your bottomless love. Thank you for laughing with me. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. I am honored to call you my friends.
Mahalo
My last day of vacation... it is always sad to see my adventures come to an end.
We had a leasurely morning and then headed Honolulu. Rachael had a class and I was going to spend the day on Waikiki by myself. She dropped me off and went to meet up with Zach for the kid switch. I wandered along the beach and made my first calls back to Alaska since I left. It was a little hard to believe that in less than 24 hours I would be back in the snow and cold.
I found some lunch and people watched for awhile. Then I staked out a spot in the grass and pulled out my book. I spent a lovely afternoon with a book and the sun. It was nice not to go or do anything for several hours. Once the book was finished I meandered back toward the crowds and the live music that had started. Overall, it as a satisfying afternoon.
Rachael picked me up and we headed home. I spent the rest of my evening packing and cleaning up. It was time to say goodbye once again. Zach took me to the airport about 10 to catch my midnight flight.
We had a leasurely morning and then headed Honolulu. Rachael had a class and I was going to spend the day on Waikiki by myself. She dropped me off and went to meet up with Zach for the kid switch. I wandered along the beach and made my first calls back to Alaska since I left. It was a little hard to believe that in less than 24 hours I would be back in the snow and cold.
I found some lunch and people watched for awhile. Then I staked out a spot in the grass and pulled out my book. I spent a lovely afternoon with a book and the sun. It was nice not to go or do anything for several hours. Once the book was finished I meandered back toward the crowds and the live music that had started. Overall, it as a satisfying afternoon.
Rachael picked me up and we headed home. I spent the rest of my evening packing and cleaning up. It was time to say goodbye once again. Zach took me to the airport about 10 to catch my midnight flight.
The sun is out... time for the beach
It was beach day. After breakfast we packed our bags and headed for the beach. Being a local now, Rach new of a great lagoon that was perfect for the kids. We played in the water and sand all morning. Sophia loves to make friends and we had lots of little kids joining us ... Rachael said that I was a kid magnent as she was chasing Jenz around. I told her that it was because I wasn't a mom and they could tell. It is the 'cool single girl' factor.
On the way home the kids fell asleep so we decided to drive to the end of the road on the north shore. When the kids woke up we went to the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice shop. I had the very tropical passion fruit flavor and the kids chose the every popular rainbow flavor.
Once home we walked as the kids rode bikes around the neighborhood. Then Zach came home and Rachael and I made a quick exit. We went out for Thai food and then to the local gym for a yoga class. It was my first experience to do yoga and I managed not to make a fool of myself. Once home we finished the evening with laughing at the olympic comentators.
Aloha
Sorry for the delayed blogs on my travels... it has been harder to get to this than I had hoped.
Hawaii... I can't help but love it. And having my good friend greet me with an intoxicating lei, just made it even better. Rachael arrived with little Sophia and Jennison and whisked me away to a Starbucks. We played in the park for a little while and then went to the kids' music class. That was lots of fun. My favorite moment was when Sophia found the conductor's wand in the musical instrument pile and conducted the class.
We went back to the house so I could grab a quick shower. And then headed to the north shore for some alfresco mexican food... which was wonderful. Between entertaining the kids, Rachael and I began to scratch the surface of catching up on our lives. The day was turning out to be a rainy one... but we didn't mind. As the kids napped Rachael and I talked the afternoon away. Zach came and went with work and appointments. And after the kids went to bed Zach, Rach and I watched the olympics and laughed the evening away. It felt so good to finally lay down that night. I don't remember much after my head hit the pillow.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Saying Goodbye
Kim made us apple pancakes on our last morning in Japan. It was a lovely breakfast with sweet conversation. Then the sorting and packing began. Kim had another class so we went to class with her and had coffee with four ladies for about a half an hour. Then Kim continued with class and one of the women took us to a fabric store where we bought Japanese fabrics. Then returned to the class and they took us to lunch. Then it was back to the apartment and the final rush of packing.
We all took a deep breath before begining the adventure of lugging all our luggage (including my futon) on the trains. Kim escorted us about 30 mintues on our train journey to the airport and stood with us on the train platform as we waited for the final train to take us to the airport. This is where we had to say goodbye. And I was a little bit surprised at the emotion of saying goodbye. Kim stood just outside our door and waved until we couldn't see her anymore...I fought tears the rest of the day. It is hard to put into words what an impact this one amazing woman has had on my life.
Lorrie and I ended up standing most of the hour long train ride to the airport. Another downside to having lots of luggage. We arrived and much to my joy, they had free carts at the airport. Lorrie checked in first because she left nearly 2 hours before my plane. Then I checked in and we moved through security and customs. By then we were starving so we found a little shop by Lorrie's gate and sat down for one last meal. And too soon it was time for another goodbye. For the second time that day I stood and waved goodbye to a dear friend until I couldn't see her anymore. I turned and walked to my gate and thankfully lost myself in some olympic snowbording until my plane boarded.
On the plane, I found my seat and relaxed. The plane was quite empty and I had an empty seat next to me. It was a qick and easy flight. I sighed a prayer of thanks as we touched down in Honolulu. After customs and gathering my luggage, I called my friend Rachael Brown. As I waited for her to arrive I changed from my socks and shoes to my flip flops. It was very good to be back in Hawaii. More on that in my next post...
We all took a deep breath before begining the adventure of lugging all our luggage (including my futon) on the trains. Kim escorted us about 30 mintues on our train journey to the airport and stood with us on the train platform as we waited for the final train to take us to the airport. This is where we had to say goodbye. And I was a little bit surprised at the emotion of saying goodbye. Kim stood just outside our door and waved until we couldn't see her anymore...I fought tears the rest of the day. It is hard to put into words what an impact this one amazing woman has had on my life.
Lorrie and I ended up standing most of the hour long train ride to the airport. Another downside to having lots of luggage. We arrived and much to my joy, they had free carts at the airport. Lorrie checked in first because she left nearly 2 hours before my plane. Then I checked in and we moved through security and customs. By then we were starving so we found a little shop by Lorrie's gate and sat down for one last meal. And too soon it was time for another goodbye. For the second time that day I stood and waved goodbye to a dear friend until I couldn't see her anymore. I turned and walked to my gate and thankfully lost myself in some olympic snowbording until my plane boarded.
On the plane, I found my seat and relaxed. The plane was quite empty and I had an empty seat next to me. It was a qick and easy flight. I sighed a prayer of thanks as we touched down in Honolulu. After customs and gathering my luggage, I called my friend Rachael Brown. As I waited for her to arrive I changed from my socks and shoes to my flip flops. It was very good to be back in Hawaii. More on that in my next post...
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
The Final Day
Wednesday was designated as a shopping and museum day.
After a breakfast at Mr. Donuts (another nostalgic stop) we headed for the department store where I purchased the item that I had looked for off and on for the last seven years... A futon. This isn't as ridiculous as it sounds. A Japanese futon is nothing like it's strange American cousin. A Japanese Futon is a 2-3 inch pillow like bottom cushion and a top comforter-type top. With the help of Ryu (who spent 30 minutes stuffing) I was able to bring home my prized possession in a large duffel bag. My Japanese friends thought I was crazy... but I am quite pleased with my find.
After our shopping adventure, we went downtown Tokyo to the Edo Museum. It was huge and very well done. I really enjoyed learning so much about the Tokyo area and how it became what it is today. Of course, the day we were inside for so many hours, it was a sunny 60 degrees outside. Kim took us to Tokyo station where we met up with my friends Keiko and Noriko for dinner. We had some amazing Italian food and dessert. It was fun to laugh with them over dinner and catch up on Noriko's family and travels. After we said goodbye to Noriko, Keiko took us to a nearby Starbucks for a little coffee. It was a little bitter-sweet to hang out for one l
ast time before our journey home. Then it was back on the train to Kim's one last time.
This photo is of the train station from the top of the Edo Museum... not a particularly great one... but it gives you a good idea of the city.
After a breakfast at Mr. Donuts (another nostalgic stop) we headed for the department store where I purchased the item that I had looked for off and on for the last seven years... A futon. This isn't as ridiculous as it sounds. A Japanese futon is nothing like it's strange American cousin. A Japanese Futon is a 2-3 inch pillow like bottom cushion and a top comforter-type top. With the help of Ryu (who spent 30 minutes stuffing) I was able to bring home my prized possession in a large duffel bag. My Japanese friends thought I was crazy... but I am quite pleased with my find.
After our shopping adventure, we went downtown Tokyo to the Edo Museum. It was huge and very well done. I really enjoyed learning so much about the Tokyo area and how it became what it is today. Of course, the day we were inside for so many hours, it was a sunny 60 degrees outside. Kim took us to Tokyo station where we met up with my friends Keiko and Noriko for dinner. We had some amazing Italian food and dessert. It was fun to laugh with them over dinner and catch up on Noriko's family and travels. After we said goodbye to Noriko, Keiko took us to a nearby Starbucks for a little coffee. It was a little bitter-sweet to hang out for one l
ast time before our journey home. Then it was back on the train to Kim's one last time.This photo is of the train station from the top of the Edo Museum... not a particularly great one... but it gives you a good idea of the city.
Tuesday in Japan
My apologies for keeping everyone in suspense for the second half of my adventure.
Tuesday morning we moved slow. We slept in a little and took our showers and lingered over breakfast. Then we had the pleasure of going to tea with 3 year old Linturo and his mother. We had green tea at a traditional Japanese tea shop. Then Kim had to leave and asked little Linturo to be our tour guide to a local temple and park. We walked with our little bi-lingual 3-year old (with mom) a few blocks. We followed or little tour guide around the park and then he walked us home. He was adorable and his mother, charming.
Then Lorrie and I ventured into town to do some exploring and find lunch. We wondered through the local department store looking at everyday Japanese stuff and shopping for souvenirs. Then we wandered around until we found a restaurant that looked interesting. We had a yummy lunch of Ramen (way better than the cup noodle kind) and some other rice and meat dish. We met Kim for coffee and then went shopping for dinner. We were to make something American for another dinner with some of her students. So potato soup was on the menu.
We went back to the church and began cooking as the students arrived. We provided them a good opportunity to speak English. So we talked of travels and jobs and home. A bright spot in the evening was the chance to see another friend, Fumie.
It was another day of blessings.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Homecoming
I am back to Kim's and computer access. It has been quite a whirl wind the last few days. We were up early Sunday morning to take the train about and hour and a half to my 'home town' of Totsuka. It was a little surreal walking to the church as so much was the same with a few changes here and there. It has been such a long time since I thought about my neighborhood and the shops that I walked past almost daily for two years.
As we climbed to the third floor I heard the worship team practicing and I couldn't help but smile. Suzuki Sensei, my pastor, greeted me at the door with a hug and his wife right behind him. Then it was a frenzy of greetings and introductions. As the service was starting Suzuki Sensei asked me to talk about my job now during the sharing time. I knew I would be asked to speak at some point during the service and it was nice to have a direction. Then the music began and I smiled to see a familiar face up front but also 5 new faces singing and playing instruments. Totsuka Chapel is growing and changing and it is exciting to see.
As the music played I sat composing my testimony for these people that invested so much into me as a young person. I knew by the shuffling in the back that some of my former English students had arrived. All of them still unbelievers. And I wanted to say so much to everyone. I don't know if I communicated all that well... but I think they were encouraged. When the survice was over I was instantly enveloped by a dozen former students. They were so kind to come and most stayed for lunch with me at the church. As I began to talk to them God gave me back a lot of my memory so I could ask about children and events by name. Things that I had totally forgotten for so many years. They stayed for about an hour and then everyone left. It was only Suzuki Sensei, his wife, and a church elder that stayed to sip coffee with us for a couple of hours. Suzuki Sensei called Nate, my teaching partner for two years, and I was able to talk to him for awhile. It doesn't seem right to be here without him, somehow.
The afternoon ended with Lorrie and I hiking up the hill to my old apartment. It was fun to be in my old neighborhood and show Lorrie my life here. We went back to the train station and went a couple of stations to Kamakura. A good friend and former student, Keiko met us there. We went out to eat for gyoza(pot stickers in american-ese ... but better). Then walked to her father's hotel where we spent the night.
We woke up to a rainy Monday. We bought some bright umbrellas and made the best of it. We went to a famous temple in Kamakura before hopping on a train for a very modern shopping area that I used to spend a lot of time in. It had an English bookstore and Eddie Bauer... so when I needed a little bit of home I spent time there. We shopped the day away and had some wonderful Tonkatsu for dinner before getting on a crowded train back to Kim's. Praise God we got seats early on the ride! But we were glad to get back to Kim's and soak in her Japanese tub.
That is the brief version of the last few days.... I started this last night and couldn't finish it then... so you get the summary this morning. More later...
As we climbed to the third floor I heard the worship team practicing and I couldn't help but smile. Suzuki Sensei, my pastor, greeted me at the door with a hug and his wife right behind him. Then it was a frenzy of greetings and introductions. As the service was starting Suzuki Sensei asked me to talk about my job now during the sharing time. I knew I would be asked to speak at some point during the service and it was nice to have a direction. Then the music began and I smiled to see a familiar face up front but also 5 new faces singing and playing instruments. Totsuka Chapel is growing and changing and it is exciting to see.
As the music played I sat composing my testimony for these people that invested so much into me as a young person. I knew by the shuffling in the back that some of my former English students had arrived. All of them still unbelievers. And I wanted to say so much to everyone. I don't know if I communicated all that well... but I think they were encouraged. When the survice was over I was instantly enveloped by a dozen former students. They were so kind to come and most stayed for lunch with me at the church. As I began to talk to them God gave me back a lot of my memory so I could ask about children and events by name. Things that I had totally forgotten for so many years. They stayed for about an hour and then everyone left. It was only Suzuki Sensei, his wife, and a church elder that stayed to sip coffee with us for a couple of hours. Suzuki Sensei called Nate, my teaching partner for two years, and I was able to talk to him for awhile. It doesn't seem right to be here without him, somehow.
The afternoon ended with Lorrie and I hiking up the hill to my old apartment. It was fun to be in my old neighborhood and show Lorrie my life here. We went back to the train station and went a couple of stations to Kamakura. A good friend and former student, Keiko met us there. We went out to eat for gyoza(pot stickers in american-ese ... but better). Then walked to her father's hotel where we spent the night.
We woke up to a rainy Monday. We bought some bright umbrellas and made the best of it. We went to a famous temple in Kamakura before hopping on a train for a very modern shopping area that I used to spend a lot of time in. It had an English bookstore and Eddie Bauer... so when I needed a little bit of home I spent time there. We shopped the day away and had some wonderful Tonkatsu for dinner before getting on a crowded train back to Kim's. Praise God we got seats early on the ride! But we were glad to get back to Kim's and soak in her Japanese tub.
That is the brief version of the last few days.... I started this last night and couldn't finish it then... so you get the summary this morning. More later...
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Day 2
Day 1 seemed to fly by in a bit of a fog at times. Waves of jet lag seemed to come and go as the day went by. Kim arranged for 3 of her students to make lunch for us and let us try on summer Kimonos. It was very fun and delicious. Then after a strong americano we made shabu shabu for dinner with some other students. I am sure I ate way more than was healthy for me.
Lorrie has been a trooper with all the strange food and languages. She is attempting to learn a few phrases and tries at least some of everything.
I am amazed at how quickly my Japanese has returned. Really, I thought it would be way more difficult to remember. But I am loving speaking and listening to the familiar sounds.
So far the worst part of the trip has been that I have a cold. But I have lived through many of those and it is only a bummer that I have to mess with it while traveling.
Tomorrow we are going to my 'home town' for church and seeing old friends and students. It will be a long and people-filled day. I just hope I have the energy and stamina to make it through.
I am off to take some cold medicine and crawl into bed.
Blessings to all...
Lorrie has been a trooper with all the strange food and languages. She is attempting to learn a few phrases and tries at least some of everything.
I am amazed at how quickly my Japanese has returned. Really, I thought it would be way more difficult to remember. But I am loving speaking and listening to the familiar sounds.
So far the worst part of the trip has been that I have a cold. But I have lived through many of those and it is only a bummer that I have to mess with it while traveling.
Tomorrow we are going to my 'home town' for church and seeing old friends and students. It will be a long and people-filled day. I just hope I have the energy and stamina to make it through.
I am off to take some cold medicine and crawl into bed.
Blessings to all...
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Konnichiwa
Greetings from Tokyo! We made it and basically have eaten and slept. But it is all very nastalgic... the smells... the sights... the sounds... it all makes me smile and remeber fondly my life here 8 years ago. Sunday I will go back to my town where I lived for two years and see my friends and church family there. That will truely be a walk down memory lane!
According to my friend Lorrie we are easing into Japanese culture. It began at the airport where we had Starbucks before getting on the train to head to Urawa(Kim's town). If you think of American coffee sizes -my personal favorite 16oz Americano with room for cream- or at Starbucks in the US a tall size. Not so here where you step down in size and my tall was a short and cost nearly $4. It was good, though. Lorrie thought whe was buying two coffees - one for her and one for Kim...but after waiting for the second coffee for 5 minutes Kim looked at her receipt to find that she only paid for one...
Check back for updates... I will try to keep up with my adventures.
PS Hello from Kim to all those who know and love her!
According to my friend Lorrie we are easing into Japanese culture. It began at the airport where we had Starbucks before getting on the train to head to Urawa(Kim's town). If you think of American coffee sizes -my personal favorite 16oz Americano with room for cream- or at Starbucks in the US a tall size. Not so here where you step down in size and my tall was a short and cost nearly $4. It was good, though. Lorrie thought whe was buying two coffees - one for her and one for Kim...but after waiting for the second coffee for 5 minutes Kim looked at her receipt to find that she only paid for one...
Check back for updates... I will try to keep up with my adventures.
PS Hello from Kim to all those who know and love her!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Baby Update
My sister's twins are letting us get to know them a little. We learned this week that we have a boy and a girl. And they have situated themselves so that they are able to kick each other in the head. This is going to be fun!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
More thoughts on singleness
As I have thought about some comments to my last entry I have also thought about my own response to the articles. I believe the twentysomething article spoke to where I have been. While the thirtysomething article resonated with the place I have come to peace with here and now. And it really was the fourtysomething article that helped me see a future and dream instead of a prison sentence.
Last Sunday was the perfect example... I had the privelege of sitting next to a good friend and her 5 year old niece. I don't think I heard anything of the sermon, but I did get to have an ongoing conversation about the many drawings from my little friend. This, however, did not make me long for children of my own, as even I might have assumed. I left the service longing for the day when my nieces and nephews were old enough to sleep over and build forts in the living room with blankets and chairs. Dreaming of the days when I can take them on an adventure with me somewhere. I guess this is all to say that I have come to terms with the fact that I may never personally have kids... but there are so many that God has placed in my family and life that I get to pour into. There is a hope and a future. It may not be the one I had planned in my own little mind... but it may be what God planned... which is infinately better.
This is not to negate the loneliness, longing, or deams of my friends or myself. This is only to give hope of more than perpetual frustration and wondering. And I have to add that I am not always so positive on the topic... I have my days as many of you well know.
Last Sunday was the perfect example... I had the privelege of sitting next to a good friend and her 5 year old niece. I don't think I heard anything of the sermon, but I did get to have an ongoing conversation about the many drawings from my little friend. This, however, did not make me long for children of my own, as even I might have assumed. I left the service longing for the day when my nieces and nephews were old enough to sleep over and build forts in the living room with blankets and chairs. Dreaming of the days when I can take them on an adventure with me somewhere. I guess this is all to say that I have come to terms with the fact that I may never personally have kids... but there are so many that God has placed in my family and life that I get to pour into. There is a hope and a future. It may not be the one I had planned in my own little mind... but it may be what God planned... which is infinately better.
This is not to negate the loneliness, longing, or deams of my friends or myself. This is only to give hope of more than perpetual frustration and wondering. And I have to add that I am not always so positive on the topic... I have my days as many of you well know.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Being Single
A lot of my friends talk about being single. And most of the time it is easy for me to join in the conversation... the gripes... the struggles... the freedoms... the fun...
But mostly I have to say that they gripe. True it isn't easy and I have my days when I feel life is moving on without me. But I also know that God has been extremely faithful in bringing me friends that meet my needs at each critical point in my life when I could not do it alone.
So this is not a gripe. It is for all my single friends who need encouragement and maybe a tool or two. God plopped an article down on my desk about a year an a half ago and it has really changed my thinking on what my focus should be as a thirtysomething single woman. Fortunately I kept it around and found it in a cleaning frenzy a couple of weeks ago. So I thought I would look it up to see if it was online so I could share it with more people... and it was. So this is my link to articles for singles http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/archive_main_page/0,1702,M%3D50019,00.html
the article that helped me so much is split on this page into three articles... twentysomething, thirtysomething, and fourtysomething.
Enjoy a little reading and who knows... maybe you will find another article that may help you find peace or speak to your specific gripe.
But mostly I have to say that they gripe. True it isn't easy and I have my days when I feel life is moving on without me. But I also know that God has been extremely faithful in bringing me friends that meet my needs at each critical point in my life when I could not do it alone.
So this is not a gripe. It is for all my single friends who need encouragement and maybe a tool or two. God plopped an article down on my desk about a year an a half ago and it has really changed my thinking on what my focus should be as a thirtysomething single woman. Fortunately I kept it around and found it in a cleaning frenzy a couple of weeks ago. So I thought I would look it up to see if it was online so I could share it with more people... and it was. So this is my link to articles for singles http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/archive_main_page/0,1702,M%3D50019,00.html
the article that helped me so much is split on this page into three articles... twentysomething, thirtysomething, and fourtysomething.
Enjoy a little reading and who knows... maybe you will find another article that may help you find peace or speak to your specific gripe.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Top 10 things I am looking forward to about going to Japan
10. Efficient use of space
9. Hot drink vending machines
8. Trains
7. Convienence stores that are truly convienent
6. Listening to fast Japanese
5. The white grape and aloe drink
4. The smell of tatami mat floors
3. Sleeping on real futons
2. Traditional Food
1. Old Friends
9. Hot drink vending machines
8. Trains
7. Convienence stores that are truly convienent
6. Listening to fast Japanese
5. The white grape and aloe drink
4. The smell of tatami mat floors
3. Sleeping on real futons
2. Traditional Food
1. Old Friends
South Carolina in Alaska
...a southern belle even while living in the rugged north. We'll save some blueberries for you if you ever decide to come back. Hang in there friend! Enjoy the beach for me.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
DC in January
I am not in DC but my mom and dad are. Dad has had cancer for a couple of years and is on a drug trial with the National Health Institute in DC. He has been going back to DC nearly every month for two years. They have been great and his cancer numbers have been good. But his numbers have really gone up this month and they have to change his treatment. This was not totally unexpected... but it still stinks.
Meanwhile I am house sitting and dog sitting in Alaska where the temps have dipped below zero. Not the most fun place to be in January... physically or emotionally.
Meanwhile I am house sitting and dog sitting in Alaska where the temps have dipped below zero. Not the most fun place to be in January... physically or emotionally.
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