Sunday, December 22, 2013
Bucket List
1. Go skydiving
2. Travel to London, Paris, and Sydney.
3. Interview Sheri Dew, Elizabeth Smart, President Obama, Prince William and Kate, Oprah, the Fierce Five, and the list goes on.
4. Learn to speak Spanish.
5. Go on a mission with my husband.
6. Own a beach house.
7. See "Wicked" again on Broadway.
8. Go to Disney World and Harry Potter World.
9. Go on a cruise to some place warm.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
When I am the real me!
There have been plenty of moments, days, and maybe longer when I am not my real self. Typically this has been because I was too worried about what other people would think of me and lacked confidence.
I feel like am the real me when...
1. I am teaching a lesson or giving a talk about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. I am in a Presidency meeting
3. I am alone and just relax by watching TV or reading a book
4. I am talking to my mom
5. I am listening to another person's problems and they have come to me for advice and/or compassion.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Answer to Prayer
My best friend Laurie called me last Monday. It was an answer to prayer and one that wasn't even spoken, just said in my heart for a few days. It was fun just to catch up and just unload. So thankful for my bestie!!!!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Threads
So like I said in a previous post I went to Time Out For Women down in Richmond. I went with some of my closest friends...Cat, Jennifer, and Anna. Cat's sister and Jennifer's mom also came, so it was such a great group. For those who may not know what TOFW is..it's LDS speakers and musicians who give amazing talks and performances. I wanted to blog about one performance in particular.
Michael McLean is trying to get his production "Threads" on Broadway. The inspiration came when he was taking his little grand daughter to Costco. She saw a pink dress with a cupcake on it and looooved it. He bought it for her and this little girl was in heaven. That night he had a dream with women walking down a runway in different clothes that represented who they were. He then thought about the different "threads" his grand daughter would wear throughout her life. He wrote some music and it became a play. It is a one-person play and she dresses up in different characters. At the end of each song she places an article of clothing on a mannequin. At the end she puts them on and sings about how they have made her the woman she is now. The woman who does this has an incredible voice and it got a standing ovation. The website has a video. http://www.threadsshow.com
It made me think about the people and experiences I have had that have shaped me. I still have a long ways to go, but am so grateful for my family and friends who love me for me.
Ummm...Yeah it has been forever
It has been way too long since I blogged!!!! The reason? Laziness, work, not feeling like I had anything to write about, Facebook for some reason seems easier...oh let me count the excuses. :-) So here is what has been happening in my life.
- Both of my sisters got married in the Spring to awesome guys. So get this...Chrystal married a Chris, Brittney married a Spencer (my brother's name), and Spencer is married to a Krystal.
- This summer I visited Spencer's family is Albuquerque, NM. My nieces are so dang cute!!! I then flew to San Diego to visit Chrystal and Chris. I got to do a little house shopping with them which was fun! Also my sister is so sweet and got me some cute tops for work.
- School has started back up and I am once again at Mullen Elementary. I also am at Parkside Middle School one day a week.
- Still love serving in Young Women's.
- I went to Time Out For Women with a group of friends. My favorite parts were the singing by Mercy River, songs Michael McLean's production of "Threads", and the talk by Heidi Swinton (the author of President Monson's biography).
Pretty exciting huh? :-)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
I tried Calamari!
So the title of this post is a little misleading. I wanted to blog about going out to dinner with an amazing group of women from my Ward. (We went to a Thai restaurant and we ordered a bunch of appetizers. One of those appetizers was Calamari. My friend and I decided we would try it together and I actually liked it.)
We have gotten to be friends because we all play basketball together. (Yes, I am playing b-ball and I guess that is another post as to why a 4'11" girl is playing a sport meant for tall people.) Anyways, all of them are married and have young children. The cool thing about it is that I did not feel out of place at all!!! They were just wonderful about including me in their conversations and I loved hearing about their cute kids. It was just a blast and we laughed a lot!!!! I am so looking forward to the next Girl's Night!!!!
We have gotten to be friends because we all play basketball together. (Yes, I am playing b-ball and I guess that is another post as to why a 4'11" girl is playing a sport meant for tall people.) Anyways, all of them are married and have young children. The cool thing about it is that I did not feel out of place at all!!! They were just wonderful about including me in their conversations and I loved hearing about their cute kids. It was just a blast and we laughed a lot!!!! I am so looking forward to the next Girl's Night!!!!
Monday, January 9, 2012
A Night Out!!!!
Saturday night I went out with my close friend Cat!!!
We had so much fun, but a few funny things happened.
First, we tried to go to this restaurant, but all of sudden it was no longer there! We both a have friend who worked there as recently as a month ago. We are not sure what happened.
Luckily there is one in Manassas and we went there.
Next as we are driving to the movie theater we see this....
They completely blocked off the road because of an accident. But because of where it was blocked off, we had no choice but to get on I-66. We were less than 2 minutes from the theater, but it ended up taking us another 15 minutes. We had to drive to next exit (about 6 miles away)and then turn around and get back on I-66 going the other way.
We finally get parked and I see a man standing by his car. He asks of us if we have these...
Luckily I had some in my trunk. We tried to jump start his car, but I think there was more wrong than just a dead battery. We made sure he had a cell phone to call someone.
Finally we got our tickets and went to see...
It was a much needed girl night and so much fun!
We had so much fun, but a few funny things happened.
First, we tried to go to this restaurant, but all of sudden it was no longer there! We both a have friend who worked there as recently as a month ago. We are not sure what happened.
Luckily there is one in Manassas and we went there.
Next as we are driving to the movie theater we see this....
They completely blocked off the road because of an accident. But because of where it was blocked off, we had no choice but to get on I-66. We were less than 2 minutes from the theater, but it ended up taking us another 15 minutes. We had to drive to next exit (about 6 miles away)and then turn around and get back on I-66 going the other way.
We finally get parked and I see a man standing by his car. He asks of us if we have these...
Luckily I had some in my trunk. We tried to jump start his car, but I think there was more wrong than just a dead battery. We made sure he had a cell phone to call someone.
Finally we got our tickets and went to see...
It was a much needed girl night and so much fun!
Monday, October 10, 2011
I am still here :-)
Ummmm, yeah so it has been awhile since I have blogged. I just really couldn't think of anything exciting to post. For my own little FHE tonight I decided to do a quick blog update, so here it goes.
- I started going to a family ward in August (yep, I reached that age :-) and everyone has been so nice. Honesly, I was a little worried about the transition. I have been in a YSA/Student ward since I was 18 and have loved it. Luckily people are amazing in my new ward. I have been invited over for dinner and people have come up to introduce themselves. No calling yet, but I am anxiously awaiting.
- School started again and this year is going so much better than last year. We have a new Administrative Intern who is on top of it and awesome. It makes my life easier. I also have a lower caseload right now, which is nice. I have been able to be home by 4:45 almost every day and that makes me happy!!!!!
- About two weeks ago I had painful muscle spasms in my back. I could not bend my back at all and it hurt worse than breaking my arm. I could hardly walk and I could feel every single back muscle tighten and sharp, shooting pain. I called my parents at 2:30am my time crying because I wasn't sure what has happening. I had to have my incredible friend Mallory come over to help get me out of bed and take me to the doctor. I took 2 1/2 days off of work and then just watched General Conference over the weekend. It is feeling better now, but still is sore.
- My niece, Bella, was blessed yesterday and I so wish I could have been there. A lot of my extended family went and they did a brunch after. I can't wait to see pics!
- My grandma and aunt Linda are coming to visit next week and we are gonna have some fun!!!!
So maybe this wasn't the most exciting post, but truth be told I am not the exciting person ;-)
- I started going to a family ward in August (yep, I reached that age :-) and everyone has been so nice. Honesly, I was a little worried about the transition. I have been in a YSA/Student ward since I was 18 and have loved it. Luckily people are amazing in my new ward. I have been invited over for dinner and people have come up to introduce themselves. No calling yet, but I am anxiously awaiting.
- School started again and this year is going so much better than last year. We have a new Administrative Intern who is on top of it and awesome. It makes my life easier. I also have a lower caseload right now, which is nice. I have been able to be home by 4:45 almost every day and that makes me happy!!!!!
- About two weeks ago I had painful muscle spasms in my back. I could not bend my back at all and it hurt worse than breaking my arm. I could hardly walk and I could feel every single back muscle tighten and sharp, shooting pain. I called my parents at 2:30am my time crying because I wasn't sure what has happening. I had to have my incredible friend Mallory come over to help get me out of bed and take me to the doctor. I took 2 1/2 days off of work and then just watched General Conference over the weekend. It is feeling better now, but still is sore.
- My niece, Bella, was blessed yesterday and I so wish I could have been there. A lot of my extended family went and they did a brunch after. I can't wait to see pics!
- My grandma and aunt Linda are coming to visit next week and we are gonna have some fun!!!!
So maybe this wasn't the most exciting post, but truth be told I am not the exciting person ;-)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Things I Want To Do
1. Travel to Europe (specifically Italy, England, and France)
2. Become fluent in another language, either Spanish or Japanese
3. Go to Disneyworld
4. Go to a Taylor Swift concert
5. Once again stay in a beach house in Hawaii
6. Learn not to stress out
7. Go on cruise
8. Own a cute condo
9. Research my dad's family and do the temple work (I have started and took 4 names to the temple, but it is hard when you can't read Japanese)
10. ?????? Any ideas!
2. Become fluent in another language, either Spanish or Japanese
3. Go to Disneyworld
4. Go to a Taylor Swift concert
5. Once again stay in a beach house in Hawaii
6. Learn not to stress out
7. Go on cruise
8. Own a cute condo
9. Research my dad's family and do the temple work (I have started and took 4 names to the temple, but it is hard when you can't read Japanese)
10. ?????? Any ideas!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Isabella
I am an aunt!!! My brother Spencer and his wife Krystal had a little baby girl on July 22, 2011, just 2 days after my birthday! Her name is Isabella Okada and she weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 18 in. long. The baby and mom are doing well. I flew out to UT on July 14th to surprise my brother and grandma. My parents didn't know I was here either. (My mom flew in from Cody today and my dad, who had some work to finish up, will drive down in a few days.) Our family is so excited and I am already in love!!!
See Facebook for a few more pics!
See Facebook for a few more pics!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
One moment can change everything!
I recently have been thinking about how one moment, one phone call, one person can change everything.
One of my good friends found out on Friday that her cousin (actually 2nd cousin) who she was very close to was killed in Afghanistan. He was a marine and stepped on an IED. He was engaged and suppose to come home in August. Needless to say it was heartbreaking for the entire family. Her family's life changed in a moment.
For me it has been simple phone calls that have totally changed my life. A phone call that one of my girls in the ward (I was serving as the Relief Society President) was cutting herself. (I could write a book about RSP phone calls!) A phone call that my grandpa was in a coma. A phone call that I got the job and needed to move across the country.
There have also been certain people in my life who have taught me life lessons either through their words or examples. Without them I would be a completely different person. I feel nothing but joy when I think of these family members, friends, and mentors.
While thinking about this, it once again reminded me that every decision we make, every person we meet, and every moment in life is important. There have been many days where I should have responded with more love, served a friend or stranger, or simply held my tongue. I am incredible gratefully to Heavenly Father for another day filled with moments that may change my life and hopefully another peron's life for the better.
One of my good friends found out on Friday that her cousin (actually 2nd cousin) who she was very close to was killed in Afghanistan. He was a marine and stepped on an IED. He was engaged and suppose to come home in August. Needless to say it was heartbreaking for the entire family. Her family's life changed in a moment.
For me it has been simple phone calls that have totally changed my life. A phone call that one of my girls in the ward (I was serving as the Relief Society President) was cutting herself. (I could write a book about RSP phone calls!) A phone call that my grandpa was in a coma. A phone call that I got the job and needed to move across the country.
There have also been certain people in my life who have taught me life lessons either through their words or examples. Without them I would be a completely different person. I feel nothing but joy when I think of these family members, friends, and mentors.
While thinking about this, it once again reminded me that every decision we make, every person we meet, and every moment in life is important. There have been many days where I should have responded with more love, served a friend or stranger, or simply held my tongue. I am incredible gratefully to Heavenly Father for another day filled with moments that may change my life and hopefully another peron's life for the better.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
It has been too long!
Man I am a slacker!!!! I can't believe it has been since April I have posted. Well here is just a quick update...
- School is out! This year was...ummmm...interesting.
- I will start going to the family ward in the next little bit. I am ready, but will definitely miss the Union Mill Ward!
- The biggest news is that my brother and his wife are having a baby in July!!!!! I am gonna be an aunt. Excited doesn't even begin to describe what I am feeling!!!! I have decided to completely spoil her!!!
- School is out! This year was...ummmm...interesting.
- I will start going to the family ward in the next little bit. I am ready, but will definitely miss the Union Mill Ward!
- The biggest news is that my brother and his wife are having a baby in July!!!!! I am gonna be an aunt. Excited doesn't even begin to describe what I am feeling!!!! I have decided to completely spoil her!!!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A month in the life of a Speech Pathologist
So these are somethings that have happened at work in the past month or so.
1. I had to move out of my room, because they needed it for testing. Let's just say I agreed to do it for 2 days (or so I thought), but it ended up being 5. Guess who ended up putting all the laptops, cords, etc. onto a cart so they could be hauled off.
2. Attended about 16 meetings in 2 days.
3. Almost went over the legal limit for my caseload.
4. Had a student throw-up during speech.
5. Laughed (not out loud) when a student came wearing florescent pink leggings and a mini jean skirt. Hello 80's!!!!!!
6. One of my 5th grade students skipped school. She was bullied on the bus and either hid in the bushes and then walked home (her story) or else on her way down to speech ditched school and walked home (teacher had her marked present).
7. Wrote 64 progress reports.
8. Laughed almost everyday, because of something funny a student said or did.
9. Called my dad and told him I hated my job. Called my dad and told him it will be good to get back to work on Monday.
10. SPRING BREAK!!!!!
1. I had to move out of my room, because they needed it for testing. Let's just say I agreed to do it for 2 days (or so I thought), but it ended up being 5. Guess who ended up putting all the laptops, cords, etc. onto a cart so they could be hauled off.
2. Attended about 16 meetings in 2 days.
3. Almost went over the legal limit for my caseload.
4. Had a student throw-up during speech.
5. Laughed (not out loud) when a student came wearing florescent pink leggings and a mini jean skirt. Hello 80's!!!!!!
6. One of my 5th grade students skipped school. She was bullied on the bus and either hid in the bushes and then walked home (her story) or else on her way down to speech ditched school and walked home (teacher had her marked present).
7. Wrote 64 progress reports.
8. Laughed almost everyday, because of something funny a student said or did.
9. Called my dad and told him I hated my job. Called my dad and told him it will be good to get back to work on Monday.
10. SPRING BREAK!!!!!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Love this!!!!
Where have you been all my life Nookcolor!!!! I haven't worked since Wednesday (we got a ton of snow) and have been reading like crazy. This little device not only lets me download books, but I can also get on the Internet. My favorite feature is the Pandora radio station that lets me listen to my favorite music while reading. I am one happy girl. Thanks Mal for inspiring me to get one! :-)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Update
So once again I haven't blogged in awhile. I thought I would just do a quick update.
- Work is good, but sooooooo busy. Lately there have been several nights when I am there until after 5:30 and a few nights when I have been there until almost 7:00. I am so glad we had Vetran's Day off and Thanksgiving Break. They were defintely needed.
- I had been serving as the 1st Counselor the Relief Society Presidency in my Ward. The Bishop called me in to his office and said we were going to be released. Then he asked if I would be willing to serve as the 1st Counselor in the new Relief Society Presidency. I was surprised, but so excited. Love it, love it, love it!
- My sister, Brittney, came to D.C. to visit me before she left for her mission. Here is a list of the things we did. We saw a lot and it was exhausting, but worth it!!!!!
Went to the temple and also the Vistor's Center
Night tour of the monuments
National Portrait Gallery
National Cathedral (We went to the top were you get an absolutely amazing view of D.C.)
Library of Congress
Surpreme Court Building
Scupture gardens
- I got sick :-( I even took a sick day and didn't go into work.
- Brittney is now in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) and we got her first email Monday. She is doing fabulous and her email made me miss my mission.
- Thanksgiving was wonderful. I went to my Bishop's house along with a few other people. The food was delicious! We played games and just chatted.
So there is my attempt to keep up my blog :-) Loves to ya!!!!
- Work is good, but sooooooo busy. Lately there have been several nights when I am there until after 5:30 and a few nights when I have been there until almost 7:00. I am so glad we had Vetran's Day off and Thanksgiving Break. They were defintely needed.
- I had been serving as the 1st Counselor the Relief Society Presidency in my Ward. The Bishop called me in to his office and said we were going to be released. Then he asked if I would be willing to serve as the 1st Counselor in the new Relief Society Presidency. I was surprised, but so excited. Love it, love it, love it!
- My sister, Brittney, came to D.C. to visit me before she left for her mission. Here is a list of the things we did. We saw a lot and it was exhausting, but worth it!!!!!
Went to the temple and also the Vistor's Center
Night tour of the monuments
National Portrait Gallery
National Cathedral (We went to the top were you get an absolutely amazing view of D.C.)
Library of Congress
Surpreme Court Building
Scupture gardens
- I got sick :-( I even took a sick day and didn't go into work.
- Brittney is now in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) and we got her first email Monday. She is doing fabulous and her email made me miss my mission.
- Thanksgiving was wonderful. I went to my Bishop's house along with a few other people. The food was delicious! We played games and just chatted.
So there is my attempt to keep up my blog :-) Loves to ya!!!!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The things my daddy says...
(Pic of my dad and his sister, Sanae, doing Karaoke in Japan)
It is my dad's B-day today! Here are just a few of the funny/cute things my dad has said to me.
This just happened today...I was talking to him on the phone for his B-day and this is how the conversation went.
A - "So what is mom fixing you for your B-day dinner?"
D - "She is fixing me Okonomiyaki. Do you remember eating that at Sanae's house?
A - "Yeah, I remember."
D - "We got the materials for it yesterday."
A - "Materials? You mean ingredients?"
Both of us started laughing
In Japan we took a rope tour up a mountain. You are suppose to be able to see monkeys, but we didn't see any. This is what my dad said to the family, but while looking at me.
D - "I have a little monkey." (says this while looking at me)
D - "And I will keep you, and I will love you, and I will feed you bananas!"
When we were little and my dad wanted us to hurry so we could leave (mostly this was so we weren't late for church) he would say, "Chop suie". I thought this was something everyone said until I said it to a friend and she had no idea what it meant.
The last one my dad actually didn't say to me, but this was in a letter he wrote me while I was serving a mission in Georgia. He ended his letter by saying "I love you from the bottom of my heart."
I love you too Dad!!!!!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Cool random things about Japan
- They are way better at recycling than we are.
- Some the hostels have heated toilet seats and some are toilets dug in the ground and you have to squat.
- At some restaurants they give you a hot, wet washcloth to wash your hands.
- Everyone is extremely polite and the children are well behaved even while riding public transportation! I am sure the bus drivers for my school would love to have a bunch of Japanese students :-)
- They sale huge peaches that are so juicy!
- Most signs are in Japanese and English.
- On the bullet train, the stewardess would bow when he/she would enter or exit the the train.
- Giesha girls do not want their picture taken.
- The fish market did not smell as bad as I thought it would.
- Japanese game shows are funny even if you can't understand them!
- Japenese people show a lot of experssion in their face. Yep, I'm Japanese alright.
- You can order a teriyaki burger at McDonald's
- They only have white bread, at least at the stores we went to and that is what my dad told me.
- Their cups are small.
- They have vending machines that sale drinks all over the place. We even saw vending machines that sold ties and vaccum bags!
- Banana milk is delicious!
- It was not unusual to see people at a shrine saying a little prayer :-)
- The women's line is still always longer than the men's.
- If you have a tatoo, you are not allowed to go into a waterpark.
- It is a gorgeous county!!!!!
- Some the hostels have heated toilet seats and some are toilets dug in the ground and you have to squat.
- At some restaurants they give you a hot, wet washcloth to wash your hands.
- Everyone is extremely polite and the children are well behaved even while riding public transportation! I am sure the bus drivers for my school would love to have a bunch of Japanese students :-)
- They sale huge peaches that are so juicy!
- Most signs are in Japanese and English.
- On the bullet train, the stewardess would bow when he/she would enter or exit the the train.
- Giesha girls do not want their picture taken.
- The fish market did not smell as bad as I thought it would.
- Japanese game shows are funny even if you can't understand them!
- Japenese people show a lot of experssion in their face. Yep, I'm Japanese alright.
- You can order a teriyaki burger at McDonald's
- They only have white bread, at least at the stores we went to and that is what my dad told me.
- Their cups are small.
- They have vending machines that sale drinks all over the place. We even saw vending machines that sold ties and vaccum bags!
- Banana milk is delicious!
- It was not unusual to see people at a shrine saying a little prayer :-)
- The women's line is still always longer than the men's.
- If you have a tatoo, you are not allowed to go into a waterpark.
- It is a gorgeous county!!!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Didn't eat sushi, but still had a great time!
We did so much in Japan that it is hard to know where to start. I've decided to do a few posts about the trip. This one will be more of what we did and the sites we saw. I posted most of my pics of Facebook, so check them out.
I guess I better start with the flight over. We flew from Salt Lake to L.A., where my sister, Chrystal, met us. Then it was a long 11 hour flight to Tokyo. I have to say it was the best flying experience I have ever had. Each person had their personal "entertainment system" to watch movies, play games, watch TV. I got a little addicted to Yahtzee!
We visited four cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagoya and stayed in hostels the whole time. I have never walked or taken public transportation that much in my entire life!!!!
Tokyo
Shopped at Asakusa - There are a bunch of little shops that have everything from food to kimonos. It was really crowded, but so much fun!
Rickshaw ride - A rickshaw is a two person carriage that is pulled by a person. These guys and girls do this for a living. It was really hot and humid and I have know idea how they do it everyday.
Lunch with the family - My aunts, uncles, and cousins met at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. It was the first time I have seen this side of the family in 21 years!
Fish market - They catch and sale fresh seafood here. They have all kinds including octopus, turtles, and every kind of fish you can think of. They chop it right there, which is a little gross, but kinda cool. My family ate at this little famous sushi place right by the fish market. After they were done, we went to McDonald's so I could get something to eat :-)
Sony Building - This is in downtown Tokyo and has all these cool Sony products
Harajuku Street - This is street in downtown Tokyo just for teenagers. They have crazy dressed teenagers walking up and down it. They also have these cool photo booths that take amazing pics. They make your eyes bigger (I guess Japanese people like big eyes) and you can choose the background. You can also write on your pic or decorate it. Definitely one of my top 10 things we did on the trip! My cousin Saeka showed us around this street and we would have never found these places without her!
Karaoke - This was one of the best things we did! Each group has there own room set up for karaoke, so you don't have to sing in front of people you don't know. They had a ton of songs to choose from. Everyone in my family got into to it! Spencer and I did "La Bamba", mom and dad did "I Got You Babe", and we went on and on. Nothin' like seein' your family singing their guts out! My dad did some Japanese songs which was awesome. My uncle, Kenichi, and my aunt Sanae joined us and let me tell you, Kenichi knows how to Karaoke. He was amazing!!!!
Ate dinner at Sanae's - One night we ate a fabulous dinner at Sanae's house. We looked at pictures, I played Saeka's piano, and just had fun. The best part was getting to put on a kimono my grandma (obachan) made 40 years ago. It was absolutely beautiful and very special!
LDS temple - We went to the Tokyo temple, which I definitely wanted to see!
Kyoto
Gion Corner - We saw traditional Japanese performances of a tea ceremony, Koto music (it is a 13 stringed instrument that is a little like a harp), Gagaku (court music), Kyogen (ancient comic play), Kyomai (a dance performed by Geishas), and Bunraku (puppet play).
Ate at one of the top 5 Gioza places in Japan
Kiyomizy Dera Temple - This was one of the most amazing temples. They had a spring that you could drink fresh water from, Love stones (see the FB pic and caption), gorgeous Bhuddas, and you could see most of Kyoto from the mountain.
Japanese garden - The best part was standing on the stones in the middle of a pond filled with lilly pads. Christmas card pic for sure!
Hiroshima
Hisroshima museum - It had a reverent feeling to it, kind of like the Holocaust museum. We were given personal translators that we hung around our necks so we could hear the videos in English. One part of the museum tells individual stories of those that survived the atomic bomb and those who lost loved ones. To see the photos of the devastation the atomic bomb caused was unbelievable.
A-Dome Peace Memorial - This was a building still stands today as a reminder of what happened and a memorial to the over 70,000 people that lost their lives.
Ferry ride - We took a ferry ride to island of Miyajima
Miyajima - This island was amazing! Deer just wandered free on the street. They were so use to people feeding them that they would come up to you looking for food. We took a rope tour up the mountain. We didn't see any monkeys, but the view was amazing!
Nagoya
Visited Obachan - She will turn 100 in October. She has dementia and didn't recognize us. We think she recognized my dad for a little bit, but then it was gone. She was so sweet and happy. She actually was extremely funny too! When we would take a picture, she would cover her face. She also liked to stick her tongue out :-) She kept telling my dad that he wasn't Susumu (my dad's Japanese name) because Susumu had a fatter face. We brought her a 100 cake and celebrated with her. She thought she was around 60 years old, so I think she was thinkin' we were all crazy telling her she was almost 100.
Shabu Shabu dinner - We went to really nice Shabu Shabu restaurant. How do I explain the meal.....well, first they bring out a pot of bowling water. You dip very thinkly sliced beef into the water and it cooks it. You then dip the beef in a sauce. We had two kinds, a sesame sauce and a vinegar type sauce, which were both amazing. Next you dip vegtables, tofu, and clear rice noodles in the water. It is called Shabu shabu because that is the sound water makes. It is kinda like in English we say "swish".
Church - We went to church. We had English translators, so I could actually understand the talks. It was great to be in an LDS chapel and feel so at home. The Church is the same no matter where in the world you go!
House were dad grew up - We visited the house where my dad grew up. No one lives there so were could just walk through. My mom found a Japanese table that obachan used to burn incense and decided she was going to take it! My dad found some rice bowls that he remembered. We knew the house was going to be demolished eventually, but we found out later that it was demolished the day after we visited. There was beautiful shrine still left that no one in the family knew how to get out of the house and it was destroyed. :-(
I want to go again soon and hopefully can! (Just not in August, because it is so stinkin' hot and I got huge mosquito bites :-)
I guess I better start with the flight over. We flew from Salt Lake to L.A., where my sister, Chrystal, met us. Then it was a long 11 hour flight to Tokyo. I have to say it was the best flying experience I have ever had. Each person had their personal "entertainment system" to watch movies, play games, watch TV. I got a little addicted to Yahtzee!
We visited four cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagoya and stayed in hostels the whole time. I have never walked or taken public transportation that much in my entire life!!!!
Tokyo
Shopped at Asakusa - There are a bunch of little shops that have everything from food to kimonos. It was really crowded, but so much fun!
Rickshaw ride - A rickshaw is a two person carriage that is pulled by a person. These guys and girls do this for a living. It was really hot and humid and I have know idea how they do it everyday.
Lunch with the family - My aunts, uncles, and cousins met at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. It was the first time I have seen this side of the family in 21 years!
Fish market - They catch and sale fresh seafood here. They have all kinds including octopus, turtles, and every kind of fish you can think of. They chop it right there, which is a little gross, but kinda cool. My family ate at this little famous sushi place right by the fish market. After they were done, we went to McDonald's so I could get something to eat :-)
Sony Building - This is in downtown Tokyo and has all these cool Sony products
Harajuku Street - This is street in downtown Tokyo just for teenagers. They have crazy dressed teenagers walking up and down it. They also have these cool photo booths that take amazing pics. They make your eyes bigger (I guess Japanese people like big eyes) and you can choose the background. You can also write on your pic or decorate it. Definitely one of my top 10 things we did on the trip! My cousin Saeka showed us around this street and we would have never found these places without her!
Karaoke - This was one of the best things we did! Each group has there own room set up for karaoke, so you don't have to sing in front of people you don't know. They had a ton of songs to choose from. Everyone in my family got into to it! Spencer and I did "La Bamba", mom and dad did "I Got You Babe", and we went on and on. Nothin' like seein' your family singing their guts out! My dad did some Japanese songs which was awesome. My uncle, Kenichi, and my aunt Sanae joined us and let me tell you, Kenichi knows how to Karaoke. He was amazing!!!!
Ate dinner at Sanae's - One night we ate a fabulous dinner at Sanae's house. We looked at pictures, I played Saeka's piano, and just had fun. The best part was getting to put on a kimono my grandma (obachan) made 40 years ago. It was absolutely beautiful and very special!
LDS temple - We went to the Tokyo temple, which I definitely wanted to see!
Kyoto
Gion Corner - We saw traditional Japanese performances of a tea ceremony, Koto music (it is a 13 stringed instrument that is a little like a harp), Gagaku (court music), Kyogen (ancient comic play), Kyomai (a dance performed by Geishas), and Bunraku (puppet play).
Ate at one of the top 5 Gioza places in Japan
Kiyomizy Dera Temple - This was one of the most amazing temples. They had a spring that you could drink fresh water from, Love stones (see the FB pic and caption), gorgeous Bhuddas, and you could see most of Kyoto from the mountain.
Japanese garden - The best part was standing on the stones in the middle of a pond filled with lilly pads. Christmas card pic for sure!
Hiroshima
Hisroshima museum - It had a reverent feeling to it, kind of like the Holocaust museum. We were given personal translators that we hung around our necks so we could hear the videos in English. One part of the museum tells individual stories of those that survived the atomic bomb and those who lost loved ones. To see the photos of the devastation the atomic bomb caused was unbelievable.
A-Dome Peace Memorial - This was a building still stands today as a reminder of what happened and a memorial to the over 70,000 people that lost their lives.
Ferry ride - We took a ferry ride to island of Miyajima
Miyajima - This island was amazing! Deer just wandered free on the street. They were so use to people feeding them that they would come up to you looking for food. We took a rope tour up the mountain. We didn't see any monkeys, but the view was amazing!
Nagoya
Visited Obachan - She will turn 100 in October. She has dementia and didn't recognize us. We think she recognized my dad for a little bit, but then it was gone. She was so sweet and happy. She actually was extremely funny too! When we would take a picture, she would cover her face. She also liked to stick her tongue out :-) She kept telling my dad that he wasn't Susumu (my dad's Japanese name) because Susumu had a fatter face. We brought her a 100 cake and celebrated with her. She thought she was around 60 years old, so I think she was thinkin' we were all crazy telling her she was almost 100.
Shabu Shabu dinner - We went to really nice Shabu Shabu restaurant. How do I explain the meal.....well, first they bring out a pot of bowling water. You dip very thinkly sliced beef into the water and it cooks it. You then dip the beef in a sauce. We had two kinds, a sesame sauce and a vinegar type sauce, which were both amazing. Next you dip vegtables, tofu, and clear rice noodles in the water. It is called Shabu shabu because that is the sound water makes. It is kinda like in English we say "swish".
Church - We went to church. We had English translators, so I could actually understand the talks. It was great to be in an LDS chapel and feel so at home. The Church is the same no matter where in the world you go!
House were dad grew up - We visited the house where my dad grew up. No one lives there so were could just walk through. My mom found a Japanese table that obachan used to burn incense and decided she was going to take it! My dad found some rice bowls that he remembered. We knew the house was going to be demolished eventually, but we found out later that it was demolished the day after we visited. There was beautiful shrine still left that no one in the family knew how to get out of the house and it was destroyed. :-(
I want to go again soon and hopefully can! (Just not in August, because it is so stinkin' hot and I got huge mosquito bites :-)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Top Ten Songs
My friend Marne listed her top 10 songs and I thought it was a cool idea! Marne - Hope you don't mind. Just remember that imitation is the best kind of compliment :-)
So here they are in random order... (Don't they say this during the Miss America pageant when announcing the finalists?....I digress)
1. Welcome to My Life by Simple Plan - This is my ring tone and how I feel sometimes. OK, a lot of the time.
2. Defying Gravity from the "Wicked" Soundtrack - All I have to say is WOW! It is even better in person.
3. Pary in the USA by Miley Cyrus - Definitely her best song and Cat agrees with me. It makes me wanna dance.
4. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield - Her voice is unique and I really like it.
5. It's Your Life by Francesca Battistelli - The lyrics are amazing and so true.
6. Seasons of Love from the "Rent" Soundtrack - It's a classic.
7. Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson - She has an amazing voice and is the best American Idol. Well, Carrie Underwood is right up there.
8. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson - Another classic song.
9. You Belong With Me/Fearless by Taylor Swift - "You Belong With Me" was my ringtone and I can't listen to "Fearless" without feeling like I can do anything.
10. Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble - If only all guys could sing like him. The world would be a better place.
So here they are in random order... (Don't they say this during the Miss America pageant when announcing the finalists?....I digress)
1. Welcome to My Life by Simple Plan - This is my ring tone and how I feel sometimes. OK, a lot of the time.
2. Defying Gravity from the "Wicked" Soundtrack - All I have to say is WOW! It is even better in person.
3. Pary in the USA by Miley Cyrus - Definitely her best song and Cat agrees with me. It makes me wanna dance.
4. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield - Her voice is unique and I really like it.
5. It's Your Life by Francesca Battistelli - The lyrics are amazing and so true.
6. Seasons of Love from the "Rent" Soundtrack - It's a classic.
7. Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson - She has an amazing voice and is the best American Idol. Well, Carrie Underwood is right up there.
8. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson - Another classic song.
9. You Belong With Me/Fearless by Taylor Swift - "You Belong With Me" was my ringtone and I can't listen to "Fearless" without feeling like I can do anything.
10. Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble - If only all guys could sing like him. The world would be a better place.
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