Happy Thanksgiving

to everyone....This year Mike and I are thankful for lots of things, including life, as its been a rough year in Japan.

hopefully you remember, but if not, I'll tell you again. Thursday is not a holiday here, so celebrating Thanksgiving usually has to wait until Saturday.

Well, this year, I met Mike down by his work and we went to a place that was doing a traditional thanksgiving buffet. It was soooo good, even though the potatoes were a bit salty. And everyone knows, I love mashed potatoes.


We had another thanksgiving dinner on Saturday with good friends of ours, Jennifer and David Peacock, who invited us over. It was a lovely, intimate party with 8 people attending. Here's Jennifer's beautiful table, ready for the dinner.


The golden brown, delicious turkey, that Jennifer prepared for us.


We had a great time and it was so nice to spend the evening with friends. We are very thankful that we've made such good friends in Jennifer and David. Yay for holidays and friends.

Fishing

This past weekend, Mike and I, went fishing with some of his Japanese counterparts. They invited us and we thought it was fun, so Sunday morning, we got up early to catch the train. We finally arrived around 8am at the marina where we would leave from. We were able to see mt. Fuji as clear as can be.



Mike and I have been on several boats before, so we decided not to take the dramamine before getting on the boat and figured we would be fine. As we were waiting to board the boat, we noticed the water and waves were very strong, probably due to all the rain on Saturday.
Here's the smashed up fish we used to help us catch the fish


So we went out and it was very rough, making my stomach turn a little since we had to wait in the room down under. thankfully we went up and got air before we got sick.

We started fishing and I didn't feel great. Apparently neither did Mike as he had to stick his head over the side of the boat. Funny thing, about 15 minutes later,
Mike caught the first fish of the day....


By this point, I was just sitting and trying not to move as it was too much. Well, I went to put my sweater down below, which was a mistake. The movement and heat caught up with me and thankfully, I made it to the bathroom in time! So much for us thinking we had sea stomachs.

I spent the rest of the time sitting against the boat with my eyes closed, enjoying the sun that was shining bright. Any sudden movements were not good. Finally, Mike seemed to have had enough and came over next to me and laid down. He dozed off and while he was sleeping, I started to feel better.

For the last 20-30 minutes, I managed to fish again and caught the last fish of the day! Here's my fish, before he jumped around at me. It happened 2-3 times.


Fishing was over and it was time to get back to land, which we all appreciated. Mike and I weren't the only ones that got sick and the water was very rough, not normal at all. So here's everyone's catch of the day....mackerel and horse mackerel


The catch was taken to a local restaurant, where they fixed us the most amazing and fresh lunch ever. They cut the mackeral into sashimi and it was super good. like wow.
Next they brought out fresh octopus in a sauce type sauce, which was also really good. The next dish...sardines with tomato sauce and my first time eating them

AND NO, they didn't smell or did we, but they tasted good.

We had another dish followed the by main dish of fish with rice and miso. The meal was spectacular and we probably would not have ever had something like this if we didnt' go fishing.

We had some ups and downs during the day, but had a great time and great meal. So good. Next time, our hope is that the water isn't as rough and we can catch other fish. OH fun times in Japan.

Ceramic Pottery Class

We needed a date night and something fun to do. Mike wasn't exactly excited about my idea, but I told him we could have burritos for dinner, so he agreed.

I found this class one day and had my japanese teacher make the reservations. It was an hour class with the clay prepared for us already. We made snowmen and it was it fun. We got to decorate the snowman any way we wanted with all the tools they provided.
Here's Mike hard at work


Our completed snowmen, prior to going in the fire. And yes, Mike's snowman is evil.


It was actually a fun Sunday afternoon and we get to keep them as a momento forever. They should be ready in about 4 weeks, so in just in time for Christmas!

CWAJ Printshow

As you all know, I joined a women's group last year. Well, sometime earlier this year, I agreed to be the Hospitality coordinator for our annual Printshow. I must of been smoking some crack, because I had no idea how much work it was going to be.

So I had to leave Austin fast because that week was the opening night reception, which I was in charge of, followed by the entire Printshow during the weekend. Turns out, I agreed the year, we moved to the new building and the guest list was insane.
I ended up planning the reception for about 120ppl because that was how many showed up last year. Apparently this year, with the move to the new TAC building and probably everything that has happened in Japan, the attendance increased 3times. The opening night ended up with 300ppl, way more than we expected and I did not have nearly enough money for drinks and light appetizers for that many people.
However, in the end, it all turned out well and I was so excited when it was over, so were my feet, as I spent 6 hours running around making sure everything was smooth in my heels.

The actual Printshow went really well and the cafe, which I was also in charge of, also went well. I finally managed to get Mike to come by on Saturday evening, as he returned from TX, that Friday. We did buy a print and I was so happy how it turned out. It will be a great reminder of our time here in Japan



On a lighter note, I'm so glad that the Printshow is over, so I can relax now.

Austin bound

Austin, TX was a great time. We made a quick trip to see our good friends, David and Sarah, get married. Literally, I touched down and got right back on the plane, as I had to be back in Tokyo for a huge event I was helping out with.

To start off our trip, we just had to have some BBQ, so off to the Salt Lick we went with our friend Matt and Liz. Oh so yummy, as you can see from Mike's excitement


Friday arrived and it was wedding day. So exciting and great since the rain didn't come until Saturday. The venue was beautiful and it was such great weather. Here's the newly married couple



Of course, no event is complete without a picture of the 2 of us. However, I wish it was better, oh well


And finally, a recent picture of these 3....props to Liz for dealing with Mike and David when they both single


Austin was so much fun and the breakfast tacos were so good the next day. If only they would keep on the 12hour flight back to Tokyo.

Congrats David and Sarah...we love you

Costume Karaoke

Enough said....

More Placemats

As you know, I am refining my sewing skills as much as possible. Well, over the summer I worked on some placemats for my good friend, Jennifer Peacock. After we both got back from vacation and things settled down, I was finally able to give her her gift. I knew she was looking for some dark blue fabric with nice design, so I thought I could find it and make her something.

On one side....indigo blue with a diamond design



On the other side....rabbits b/c it is the year of the rabbit.



I was going for a fun and more elegant side based on the occasion. She really liked them and I am glad. Definitely much better than my first attempts with the crab placemats. Off to my next project, which is secret until its finished!