Oh what a Wednesday I had. Stupid hackers. As most of you know, I was hacked on Wednesday as my email address sent out a very poorly written email stating my distress and need for money. Thank you to everyone who informed me of the problem. I did receive funny replies from some of you and appreciated it. If the hacking had happened any other day, I would have been fine, but it happened on the day of the monthly luncheon, which I am in charge of and needed to be there early to ensure it went smoothly. Plus, it was my first luncheon as manager and it was being held as the first event in a new facility. UGH. Anywho, I worked everything out, so you should be receiving emails from just me, but it does take me like 5 minutes to log into anything that requies a password because I had to change every single one.
On to the luncheon...It actually turned out really well and I was glad we had such a good attendance. For this position, I have a Japanese partner/co-manager who helps me out. I think we are going to work wonderfully together, especially since our first luncheon went smoothly. Our job is to take care of reservations, payment for the luncheon, checking in and distributing menu cards, as well as informing the catering people on the amount/number of plates. Its a job that suits my personality well, especially because you have to be a stickler about certain things, which as you all know, I can certainly do!
Luncheon events are socializing, lunch, followed by some sort of lecture or performance, which has some cultural component to it. For this month, our coordinators asked the Hanayagi brothers from the famous dance academy in Tokyo to come and perform for us. I had never seen this form of dance and was very excited about the program. It was actually really good and one of those things that I wouldn't do/see by myself, especially since Mike isn't into certain arts. Anywho, it was a great program.
Here is a video of the brothers dancing. Its a bit far, but you get the picture. The video is about 1 minute long, so you can see more more than just a quick snipit of it.
Yay for the luncheon being over and it going so well. BOOOOOO, plus lots of other words, to the hacker in Egypt who caused me unnecessary grief.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Roast Chicken
There are always culinary excursions in my kitchen, just because. So on Sunday I decided to roast a whole chicken in our oven. I have never roasted a whole chicken before and figured there wasn't much to it. I did check out a few recipes on how to do it and mixed them together. I started out with rubbing butter on the chicken, followed by the seasoning mix I conjured up and then stuffing the inside with onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme.
Of course I had to hold it up by its legs for fun, even though I look some what scary in the picture.
Next it went into the oven and started roasting. Our oven actually has a roasting setting, which is great and it only took about 45 minutes to an hour to cook. Some recipes said it would take longer, but we're glad it didn't. During the cooking process, I constantly basted the chicken, so it would stay moist especially since Mike very clearly stated he did not want dry chicken.
Here I am taking it out of the oven.
The finished product, before we hacked into it.
Our table setting with the chicken in multiple pieces along with cauliflower, green beans, and of course, the wine!
Bon appetit!
Of course I had to hold it up by its legs for fun, even though I look some what scary in the picture.
Next it went into the oven and started roasting. Our oven actually has a roasting setting, which is great and it only took about 45 minutes to an hour to cook. Some recipes said it would take longer, but we're glad it didn't. During the cooking process, I constantly basted the chicken, so it would stay moist especially since Mike very clearly stated he did not want dry chicken.
Here I am taking it out of the oven.
The finished product, before we hacked into it.
Our table setting with the chicken in multiple pieces along with cauliflower, green beans, and of course, the wine!
Bon appetit!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Shinjuku and Izakaya
On Tuesday, Greg and Julie went out to venture the city. They did quite alot, but then we all met up for dinner. We went to Shibuya, another large, lights galore area, with the biggest crossing. Julie and Greg picked a great place, Tengu, an izakaya place to eat at. It's basically Japanese tapas and we all ordered some good stuff except for the cream cheese that Greg ordered! After dinner, we headed to the bar for a few after dinner drinks!
On Wednesday, I joined Julied and Greg on a tour of Shinjuku, which is an area around Tokyo. I don't like to go to Shinjuku because it scares me. Here are some facts and reasons why:
- the largest train station in the world
- 3.6 Million people use this station in 1 day
- the architecture in and around the station is amazing
I actually liked the tour and was glad I joined them. I'm not as scared to go there, and have been there like three times before, but with very strict and direct directions. I think I'll take a personal tour one of these days and see what else there is.
Here are some pictures of the buildings and for any architecture gurus, you should definitely come and see this area.
Anywho, on Thursday, Greg and Julie left for the next part of their. We were glad they came to visit and hope they enjoyed themselves.
On Wednesday, I joined Julied and Greg on a tour of Shinjuku, which is an area around Tokyo. I don't like to go to Shinjuku because it scares me. Here are some facts and reasons why:
- the largest train station in the world
- 3.6 Million people use this station in 1 day
- the architecture in and around the station is amazing
I actually liked the tour and was glad I joined them. I'm not as scared to go there, and have been there like three times before, but with very strict and direct directions. I think I'll take a personal tour one of these days and see what else there is.
Here are some pictures of the buildings and for any architecture gurus, you should definitely come and see this area.
Anywho, on Thursday, Greg and Julie left for the next part of their. We were glad they came to visit and hope they enjoyed themselves.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
First visitors of the year
Yay for visitors and we had some early this time. Our first visitors were Greg and Julie. Greg, or as Mike refers to him Rieker, and Jule made a stop in Japan before heading on to the rest of their vacation spots. They were only here for a short time, but they made most of the time and we made sure they enjoyed all the food that Tokyo has to offer.
After picking them up at the hotel and they settled in, we headed out to enjoy Tokyo. Their first meal, okonomiyaki, a crepe like pancake filled with sprouts, cabbage, egg, and the meat of your choice. This place was also do it yourself, which is always fun.
Next we headed to karaoke b/c its something you have to do while in Tokyo. They were skeptical at first, but then really liked it once they realized it would only be the 4 of us in a room. Less pressure! There definitely was a Rolla shout out as Mike and Greg sang to Ring of Fire. This picture was also taken by the karaoke guy, who gave us 4 free copies courtesy of the karaoke bar.
So on Monday, we went to see Sumo. Who knew someone could like sumo so much, but Greg is that person and enjoyed every single match. It was nice to go with someone who was so enthusiastic since it made us more excited, but 5 hours of sumo is enough for me!
Greg and Julie holding up our the free coupon for coffee at McD. We all got one
The ceremony thing they do after everyone is announced.
ACTION!
After picking them up at the hotel and they settled in, we headed out to enjoy Tokyo. Their first meal, okonomiyaki, a crepe like pancake filled with sprouts, cabbage, egg, and the meat of your choice. This place was also do it yourself, which is always fun.
Next we headed to karaoke b/c its something you have to do while in Tokyo. They were skeptical at first, but then really liked it once they realized it would only be the 4 of us in a room. Less pressure! There definitely was a Rolla shout out as Mike and Greg sang to Ring of Fire. This picture was also taken by the karaoke guy, who gave us 4 free copies courtesy of the karaoke bar.
So on Monday, we went to see Sumo. Who knew someone could like sumo so much, but Greg is that person and enjoyed every single match. It was nice to go with someone who was so enthusiastic since it made us more excited, but 5 hours of sumo is enough for me!
Greg and Julie holding up our the free coupon for coffee at McD. We all got one
The ceremony thing they do after everyone is announced.
ACTION!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year
See you later 2010, and welcome 2011.
Its been a great year for Mike and I, particularly the fact that we finally got to live together again, as an actual husband and wife. This is year was filled with ups and downs for me. Moving and adjusting was a big change, as well as trying to find things to do and friends to hang out with. I successfully managed to make it through everything and am glad!
As you all know, we will be staying in Tokyo for another 2 years and I have multiply things lined up for the year. I have taken the position of Luncheon coordinator for the organization I joined, so that will keep me busy for a few days a month. I will continue to take Japanese lessons and add in Ikebana. I am going to try to find a part time job or full time one if that works out. I will also add some more volunteer work.
Here's to 2011 and all that it will bring. May this year bring more than last year to all of you!
Its been a great year for Mike and I, particularly the fact that we finally got to live together again, as an actual husband and wife. This is year was filled with ups and downs for me. Moving and adjusting was a big change, as well as trying to find things to do and friends to hang out with. I successfully managed to make it through everything and am glad!
As you all know, we will be staying in Tokyo for another 2 years and I have multiply things lined up for the year. I have taken the position of Luncheon coordinator for the organization I joined, so that will keep me busy for a few days a month. I will continue to take Japanese lessons and add in Ikebana. I am going to try to find a part time job or full time one if that works out. I will also add some more volunteer work.
Here's to 2011 and all that it will bring. May this year bring more than last year to all of you!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The start of Christmas time
I made it to El Paso safely after a long flight, lay over, and another flight. Its been good thus far. I have finished all the shopping because I don't want to be in any store the closer it gets to Christmas. I have spent time with mom, dad, and sister plus the little ones. Here's to the start of Christmas
Little Gabe & Ella with Santa
With me by the Christmas tree
Little Gabe & Ella with Santa
With me by the Christmas tree
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Christmas Decor in Casa Miles
Contrary to popular belief, there is Christmas in Japan with lights, trees, and all kinds of decorations. It isn't an actual holiday here, but they still love to partake in the festivities, which I am ok with!
So I didn't bring any Christmas decorations with me, why, because I listened to Mike, which obviously was a mistake. It doesn't feel like Christmas until there is some decoration in the house. Well, I went out and found some decorations to make it more holidayish in our house.
Below is my Christmas nook...I bought new stockings and used an obi as the runner on the stairs. It's silver and with a great design that looks festive for the holidays and my little tree!
Next comes the table and this year, blue and silver are the colors. I used another silver obi as the table runner and a blue vase we had, which I filled with blue and silver ornaments.
Here's an up close of the obi. Its a flower design and has shiny parts, which makes it stand out. I must admit, these past few months, I have been in search of silver or gold obis for the holidays. All my flea market shopping paid off.
I'll be anxious to see if the table display is in the same spot or not once I get back from the states. Mike's not a big fan of decor, much less table decor, which could get in his way. Happy Christmas season.
So I didn't bring any Christmas decorations with me, why, because I listened to Mike, which obviously was a mistake. It doesn't feel like Christmas until there is some decoration in the house. Well, I went out and found some decorations to make it more holidayish in our house.
Below is my Christmas nook...I bought new stockings and used an obi as the runner on the stairs. It's silver and with a great design that looks festive for the holidays and my little tree!
Next comes the table and this year, blue and silver are the colors. I used another silver obi as the table runner and a blue vase we had, which I filled with blue and silver ornaments.
Here's an up close of the obi. Its a flower design and has shiny parts, which makes it stand out. I must admit, these past few months, I have been in search of silver or gold obis for the holidays. All my flea market shopping paid off.
I'll be anxious to see if the table display is in the same spot or not once I get back from the states. Mike's not a big fan of decor, much less table decor, which could get in his way. Happy Christmas season.
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