I left my heart in Okinawa

Change of Plans

2010-05-21T08:55:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the delay in blog entries, but the past couple of months have been a whirlwind! After 3 weeks in Hofu, I decided that the job and life there was not exactly for me. I hated to make the decision to leave, but after looking back on the events over the past 2 months…..it seems as though it was a pretty good decision after all. While contemplating leaving Hofu, I began to look online for jobs in Okinawa. Because I have been looking for jobs in Okinawa for the past few years and sort of knew the types of jobs that were normally posted. You can imagine my excitement when I saw a job posting for the University of Phoenix that provided SOFA status (Status of Forces Agreement---a visa status that says you are with the military and legally allowed to live here). I have actually never seen a SOFA status job listed for someone without any specific skill set…..and believe me, I’ve been looking for a long time! I contacted The University of Phoenix right away and they said they would be finishing up interviews on March 19th. At this point I had already purchased a ticket to Okinawa for March 18th to visit my friends before returning back to the US. I got into Okinawa on the night of 18th and was interviewing for the position 14 hrs later :))))) I found out 3 days later that I got the job and so here I am..... living in my very own Japanese style apartment, studying Japanese on my own and once again soaking in the Okinawan sunshine!

長い　きゅうけい　すみません。防府に住んだ事が　３週間　だけ　でした。せつめいしにくい　ですけど　生活は　良くなかった。３月に　沖縄まで　ひこうきの　きっぷを　買いました。あの時に　沖縄で　めずらしい　仕事が　あきに　なりました。めんせつ　できました！　さいよう　しました！　４月から　沖縄に　はたらいて　住めます！　ついさいきんは　私のアパートに　引っ越しまして　車を　買いました。新しい　生活です。沖縄が　大好きですから　とても　うれしい　です。むかしいは　私の夢：沖縄に　住んで　はたらいて　日本語を　勉強する。今、それは　夢じゃない。。。。しんじられない　です！！！！私は　とても　LUCKY　です.

HOFU CITY, YAMAGUCHI PREFECTURE, JAPAN

2010-02-22T08:56:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone! Now that I’m back in Japan, I thought I would pick up posting to my blog again. So here goes…. I just arrived yesterday in HOFU CITY, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. I am going to be here for 1 year to teach English. It took almost 30 hours to get here, so it’s nice finally have a place to lay down! I had a little bit of an issue after arriving in Tokyo’s Narita Airport (International). After flying through both immigration and customs I had to check –in my bags again for my flight to Hiroshima. It turns out that the plane was a smaller plane (50 passengers) and my bags were too big and heavy to go with me. The woman at the desk was very helpful and suggested that I travel to Tokyo’s domestic airport (Haneda) to catch the 5:05pm plane to Hiroshima because that plane was much bigger. The woman pushed my 140lbs of suitcases out to the bus and purchased my bus ticket. I arrived at Haneda airport at 4:48pm. I went right to the worker who was helping people in line and explained that I had come from Narita and asked if I will still be able to make the 5:05 flight. She brought me to the next agent, they did a bunch of walkie-talkie-ing and before I knew it I was running with 2 Japanese women in high heels with my 140lb bags through the never-ending terminal to try and make the flight. The gate workers were waiting for us there. They checked my bags and as soon as I got on the plane, they shut the door. Whew! After that last flight I had to take a bus to Hiroshima Station so I could take the bullet train to a station near Hofu City. I even had a nice Japanese gentleman help me carry my bags down 2 flights of stairs. The look on his face was priceless when actually felt the weight of the one he picked up!! Haha! I thanked him for being so kind and then met my new bosses, Alan and Hisako right outside the gate. Their car was tiny, but with a bit of maneuvering , we got all of my bags to fit. Even with all of the bag issues I had during the entire trip, not once did I pay a baggage fee! Yay!
This is a picture of my house in Hofu City! We are surrounded by mountains on one side and a gorgeous bay on the other. The house is in a quiet neighborhood, but there are plenty of stores within a 5-10 minute walk. Earlier today I got to chat with Gretchen, the other teacher at the school where I’ll be teaching. We’ll be sharing a huge house and a mini car. Gretchen took me to the supermarket today and I stocked up on some food for the week. I also noticed that my favorite Japanese fast food place is within walking distance from the house! Tomorrow will be my first day on the job! I’m sure I’ll have more to write after a few days of learning how to teach English!!! Stay tuned….
昨日　防府市に　引っ越しました！　今から、　ブログを　します。　防府市に　英語先生に　なりに　来ました。　明日から　新しい　仕事を　はじめます。　防府市と　山口市に　仕事を　します。　昨日　東京の　ナリタくうこうに　つきました。　広島までの　ひこうきが　ちさすぎましたから　私の　荷物を　もってこられませんでした。ANA は　バスで　ハネダに　行ってください　と　言いました。　ハネダから　広島まで　大きいな　ひこうき　でした。しゅっぱつじこくは　１７：０５だったね。　エミリは　１６：４８に　くうこうに　つきました。　問題かなと　おもいました。　ANAな人と　たくさん　で　おもい　な　にもつをもって来ながら　ひこうきまで　はしました！　ぎりぎり　だった！　しんかんせんの駅に　Hiraoka　English Academyな人と　会いました。それから、私の新しい　家に　来ました。この家は　大きい　ですね。ほかの　英語先生も　この家に　住んでいますね。彼女は　先月に　防府に　来ました。彼女と　話して　とても　しんせつな人だ　と　思います。　今日は　グレっチンさん「ほかの　先生」と　スーパに　食べ物を買いに行きました。　そのあと、防府の　しやくしょに　外人カードをしに　行きました。　明日、新しい仕事を　はじめますね！　がんばります！！！　　　

SHU UEMURA

2009-07-18T15:14:00.007-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, a friend who gets lots of free hair products, passed this bottle my way. It's part of the Japanese hair product line "SHU UEMURA". I am of course falling in love with it and now need to explore their other products. The only problem is.... this stuff is expensive!!! Mayble I'll just have to move back to Japan.....lol.

友だちのお姉さんは　モデル　で　Ｎｅｗ　Ｙｏｒｋ　Ｃｉｔｙ人　です。よく　たくさん　ヘアスタイルングものを　いただきますね。　彼女から　この　すばらしい　サテンデザイン　ホワイトティー　ポリッシング　ミルクを　もらいました!!!　いい　ですね?　でも、もんだい　ですかな???　好き　ですけど　ＳＨＵ　ＵＥＭＵＲが　高い　です!　じゃあああ、日本に　買いに　帰ります。いい　かいけつ　ですか?　アハハハ！

Gift from OKINAWA!!!

2009-05-16T11:38:00.005-04:00

A package from Okinawa got delivered yesterday!!!!

Chika-san didn't know it, well....at least I don't think she did, but I wanted one of these purses when I lived there. I never did get one before I left and when I took it out of the package yesterday I nearly jumped off my seat! These (purse, change purse and cell phone holder) were all made on a loom like the one I got to make my coaster on last year. I absolutely LOVE this stuff!!! This reminds me of something I forgot to explain when I wrote about making the coasters in Okinawa. It's about the blocks of 4 and 5 on that center area.... one of the words for 4 in Japanese is YOtsu and 5 is ITSUtsu.... the phrase "ITSU no YO" means eternally or forever. Hence the use of symbols "4 * 5". Make sense??? Back in the day, a woman would have this put on her obi (what wraps the kimono) (I think this symbol was just used in Okinawa, but it could be mainland too, not sure (story was told to me by an Okinawan)). The obi was then given to the man on the wedding day. Nowadays it decorates many of the items that are made with the loom in Okinawa. The card from Chika-san and Mattarah-san ended, as do most of their emails.... "itsumademo nakayoshi"....or "we are forever the best of friends"..... a lyric in Hisano-san's song about our friendship. What a perfect gift!

沖縄から　つつみを　うけとりました!　チカさんと　マッタラさんから　誕生日のプレゼントを　もらいました! かわいい　かばん　セットを　もらいました!!　沖縄に　住んだ時に　この　かばんの　スタイルを　買いたかった！「沖縄のミンサーおり　です」　プレゼントを　あけたの時　私のママは　　「すごい　ですよ、借りたい　です。。。。」と　言っていました。おもしろかった。。。アハハハ。　じゃああ、ＯＫ　ママ、時々　かばんを　借りるの事が　いい　ですよ。。。。アハハハ！　チカマタへ　誕生日のギフト　ありがとう　ございます!!!

Hmmm....

2009-05-06T12:45:00.006-04:00

I got this back as change the other day. Although I appreciate someone trying transmit their message to the many people who would eventually come into contact with this 5 dollar bill, I find it interesting that the person telling people to "do the right thing" is actually breaking the law by writing on US currency. hmmm....

SALSA SHOES!!!!

2009-03-09T00:25:00.005-04:00

My first pair of Salsa shoes arrived a few days ago....Now that I have the shoes.....there's no "turning" back.

サルサのくつを　買いました！来月　沖縄に　帰って　この　くつを　持って来ます。サルサのダンスを　ならうの事を　つづくつもり　です。おどりましょう!!!

Dance Lessons

2009-02-26T00:23:00.002-05:00

Last month I began taking dance lessons again. This time, however I decided to try something different....Ballroom Dancing and Salsa! I wasn't sure if I was going to like dancing with a partner but as it "turns out", when you dance with someone who can lead, dancing with a partner is actually more fun than dancing by yourself! I think I'm hooked for life!

先月に　ダンスのクラスを　はじまりました！しゃこうダンスと　サルサダンス　です!　先月まで　一人で　おどりました。　上手な男の人と　おどるの時に　楽しくて　うれしくなりますね。私の生活で　今から　おどりたいです。サルサ　＝　幸せ。。。。。。（＾０＾）

What is this? 　何ですか？

2009-02-16T10:32:00.005-05:00

This blog entry is mostly for my Japanese friends, but anyone that has travelled abroad might get a kick out of this as you may have come across some wild spellings to common English words overseas. I was in a NJ cafe the other day with my Japanese friend when we both noticed that they put up a new food menu. The first food listed is a pretty typical Japanese dish---Yakitori ("Yaki" means grilled and "tori" means bird/chicken). I have yet to figure out what Yak-A-tori is, but judging from the discription underneath I'm positive they meant to write Yak-I-tori. We both giggled and chatted in Japanese about the "cute mistake"--much like I did about "cute English mistakes" when I lived in Japan.

これは　何ですか？　昨日は　ヒデミと　私の　好きな　きっさてんに　行って　新しい　メニューを　見ました。良かったね。。。。新しい　食べものの　メニュー　ですね。でも、　＃１は　何ですか？やかとりは　何ですか?　おいしい　かな?　アハハハ！まちがい　ですね。ヒデミと　わらっていて　日本語で　しゃべりました。　かわいい　まちがい　ですね。　

Cute Hat

2009-02-09T22:33:00.003-05:00

What a cute hat! Today I got a free "Rockstar-energy drink" pink trucker's hat! I just had to get a picture in it---here I am with Kristina.

今日は　かわいい　ぼうしを　もらいました!　ピンク　な「ロック*スター」の　ぼうし　です!　どうして?　わかりません。仕事で　クリステイナと　この　写真を　とりました。

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!!

2009-02-03T22:14:00.006-05:00

I have not written anything in quite some time, so I figured... why not start off the 2009 blogging season with SNOW! Yes, it is cold in Jersey and we are finally getting some snow that we can play in--Molly is loving it, but it sure tires her out!
雪が　ふっています!　きれい　ですね。仕事の町から　家まで　ゆっくり　うんてんしましたね。家に　ついて　Ｍｏｌｌｙちゃんと　雪で　遊びました。つかれた。早くねむりましたね。アハハハ。

Christmas Day!

2008-12-28T11:28:00.003-05:00

Keaton came over on Christmas Day to open presents and chow down on some good Christmas grub. His (and my brother's) favorite gift was from my Mom, his Grandmom...it was his first baseball toy! Here is Grandmom teaching Keaton how to hit the baseball.
クリスマスの日でした!　キートンくんは　おばあさんの家に　来ました。　私のママから　キートンは　やきゅうの　ゲームを　もらいました!　はじめてね。お兄さんと　私のママは　やきゅうが　大好きですから　びっくりしていませんでした。キートンは　新しい　おもちゃが　大好きですよ！お兄さんは　「キートンは　先月から　あるくのことを　できるので　今月から　やきゅうをれんしゅうしますね」と　言っていました。おもしろかった!

ＥＡＧＬＥＳ!

2008-12-20T10:32:00.005-05:00

GO EAGLES! I went to my first Eagles game last week. There was definitely a lot of excitement there, you would have thought it was the superbowl and not just an easy game against the Browns. The weather was great and the fans were behaving themselves, imagine that?!!!!?!!!What an experience!

フィラデルフィアの　Football　チームの　しあいに　行けました！高いですから、行ったことが　ありませんでした。でも、こんかいは　きっぷを　もらいましたね。Ｏｋ，行きます！アハハハ!　おもしろかったですけど　Ｆｏｏｔｂａｌｌが　好きじゃないね。しあいで　おいしい　たべものが　ありました。。。。。やきゅうほうが　好きだと　思います。

Keaton's 1st Birthday!

2008-12-14T20:31:00.004-05:00

Here are some pics from Keaton's 1st Birthday!!! Notice how much he loves the bow I got him? Oh, yea , he likes the glow-worm too. haha!

キートンくんの　誕生日　でした!　キートンは　私より　ギフトが　大好きだった!　おもちゃより　かざりものほうが　好きだったと　思います。アハハハ！　

Interesting......

2008-11-25T20:43:00.004-05:00

While out on a back country road in Pennsylvania I came across this mailbox. I thought it was pretty funny。 Since my nickname has been "emilymanatee", I stopped and grabbed a quick pic.

ペンシルベニアの　山地で　ドライブを　する時に　この　おもしろい　ゆうびんうけを　見ました。早く止まって　写真を　とりましたね。この　ゆうびんうけ。。。。。どうして?。。。と　思っていました。

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS, part II

2008-11-04T15:57:00.005-05:00

私の　好きな　やきゅうせんしゅの　ジャーシー　「センターね」

Me in my favorite player's jersey.
ママと　フィリーズの　パレードに　行きました！すごい　車を　見ました！

Another unique find-had to get a pic!
パレードに　お兄さんの家族と　会いました。
We met my brother and his family at Citizen's Bank Park for the Parade.
わかい　フィリーズのやきゅうファン　です!
He may be young, but he sure loves those Phillies!

　ジミー　ロリンズ　です!

Jimmy Rollins

田口壮

So Taguchi

　ブラッド　リッジ

Brad Lidge

シェーン　ビクトリノ　です!　「フィリーズの　センター」

and... last but not least... my boy, Phillies Center-Fielder- #8 Shane Victorino

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

2008-11-02T21:24:00.012-05:00

やった!　フィリーズは　ワールドシリーズを　かちました！
The Phillies won the World Series, Phinally!

フィラデルフィアの　道で　みんなさんは　うれしくなりました!
A mob on the streets of Philly after the Phillies won.

おもしろい　ですね。。。
Thought this was pretty cool.

パレード
Parade down Broad Street

Go Phillies！！！

2008-10-16T12:11:00.009-04:00

Yipppeeee! The Phillies beat the LA Dodgers last night and became the National League Champs! Thanks Phillies for giving us something to cheer about in Philly!

昨日　フィラデルフィアの　やきゅぶは　かちましたから、来週の水曜日に　ワールドシリーズのしあいを　しますね！楽しみにしています！ところで、Shane　Victorinoは　私の　一番好きな　やきゅうせんしゅ　です。ハワイ人　で　かっこいい　です。アハハハ！

Cute Shirt!

2008-10-01T22:05:00.006-04:00

I love cute Japanese clothes, especially kid's clothes! Here is Giavanna wearing Anpanman- a VERY popular kid's cartoon figure in Japan. She looks so cute! I'm sure she'll be the only kid on the block with that shirt!

５月に　沖縄にいる時に　この　子どもの　シャツを　買いました。　Ｇｉａｖａｎｎａに　アンパンマンの　楽しい　シャツを　上げましたね。日本の　子どものよふくが　とても　かわいい　ですから　私は　この　シャツを　買って上げるの事が　うれしくなりましたね。かわいい　ですね。

Make a Wish

2008-09-29T22:43:00.005-04:00

This past weekend was the Make-a-Wish walk. A group from my Dad's company got together to raise money for the Make-a-Wish foundation. We raised over $1300 and even showed up in the rain to do the walk :) Great Job, Team BRE!

日曜日に　じぜんじぎょうたんたい　の　イベントに　行きました。会社員と　７月から　きふ金を　しゅうしゅうしました。　　１３００ドールね。病気がある子どもために　でした。雨が　ふりましたけど　いい　イベント　でしたから　みんな　行きました。パパは　カメラマン　でした。（＾＿－）

SATC

2008-09-26T19:26:00.004-04:00

I couldn't help myself....I lasted 4 days without purchasing it, but gave in today.

しょうがない。。。。。アハハハ!

Keaton: Summer 2008

2008-09-23T00:17:00.020-04:00

My favorite little man..... Keaton!!!! Here are some pics from over the summer. Keaton is even driving now, can you believe it!

甥です!　キートンくんは　とても　元気な　赤ちゃんですよ!　今年の夏の写真です。もうそろそろ、キートンくんは　あるけます。あれけるの前に　ドライブできますね。キートンくん、かっこいい　車ですよ！

Hisano-san's song in America!

2008-09-22T23:13:00.009-04:00

About a month ago I went to Yakitori Boy in Philly's Chinatown to sing karaoke with my friend Hidemi and her boyfriend Taka. We switched things up a bit and Taka did a bunch of English songs while I sang the few Japanese songs that I have memorized. While glancing through the Japanese songs, I found my friend Hisano-san's song! I won't even attempt to try to sing it though! It's way too difficult and way too fast! I have to admit however, that it was pretty cool seeing her name in a karaoke book here in Philly.

先月に　Philadelphiaの　新しいカラオケＢＯＸに行きました。 Yakitori Boyです!　ヒデミと　彼女のＢｏｙｆｒｉｅｎｄ「タカさん」と　歌いに行きました！タカさんは　たくさん　英語の唄を　歌いました！すばらしかった!　毎回　タカさんと　ヒデミと　会うのことが　楽しい　ですよ!　この　カラオケ本で　唐真久乃の　唄を　見つけました!　でも、この　曲は　とても　むずかしくて　はやい　ですから　歌えません。私は　おそくて　かんたんな　唄　歌うことが　好きです。

Introducing...Hidemi

2008-08-13T22:25:00.005-04:00

Here is my friend Hidemi (Demi). We became language conversation partners a couple of months ago. We knew it would work out the first time we met because we both pulled out the same notebook to begin studying (I bought mine in Okinawa 2 years ago and her's is from Japan too). Today I took her to the boardwalk for the first time. Other than having to deal with the insane seagulls attacking us, I think she had a good time. No trip to the boardwalk is complete with out some saltwater taffy. I wonder if she likes them????
しょうかい　します。。。ヒデミさん　です!!!　２ヶ月前　ともだちに　なりました!　英語と　日本語を　べんきょうする　友だち　です!　会うのことの　はじめてに　二人は　同じの　ノートを　持って来ましたね。やっぱり、ともだちに　なりましたね。今日　二人は　New Jerseyの　有名な　かいがんの町に　行きました。Boardwalkで　New Jerseyの　有名な　おかしを　買いました。Saltwater Taffyは　この　ところの　＃１　おみやげ　です。今日は　楽しかった！

Japanese T-shirt

2008-07-05T12:14:00.003-04:00

As I was hunting for clothes in my favorite discount shop I came upon this "Japanese" t-shirt.

買い物の時に　この　日本語の　t－シャツを　見つけ出しました!　アメリカで　はじめて見た。

Trip to Okinawa: Part 15

2008-07-02T23:24:00.006-04:00

Well, on the final day of my Okinawa adventure I got sick! I had started not feeling well that Tuesday night, however it wasn’t until Saturday that my cold really caught up with me. I spent ALL of Saturday in bed. I had a 37.8 fever (at the time I had no idea what that meant, it was only after I got back home that I found out it was 100.03) and my ears were really clogged up. Even though I wanted to believe that this was some sort of sign that I should stay in Okinawa, I did board the plane Sunday for my return flight back to the US. All of my friends and “family” in Okinawa came to see me off at the airport once again. Here I am with everyone at the airport.
日曜日は　アメリカに帰るの日　でしたけど、土曜日に　わるい　かぜを　ひきました!　ねつが　あって　一日じゅ　ねました。37.8　でした。でも、あの　時に　37.8が　分かりませんでした。アメリカで　37.8＝100.03.。。。帰るの後　分かりました。　そして、耳の　いたいが　ありました。とぶに　ついて　きんちょうして　居ました。あの日に　『アメリカに帰るかな。。。。』と　思っていました。ざんねんながら、日曜日に　ひっこうきを　のりましたね。みんなさんは　くうこうに　BYEBYEを　言いに　来ました。私の沖縄の家族が　大好きですよ。三週間は　楽しかった。心から　ありがとうございました!

Trip to Okinawa: Part 14

2008-06-28T00:08:00.017-04:00

Two nights before leaving, I went out to dinner with Hisano-san and her parents. We had a nice dinner at Tonkatsu Taro. After dinner Hisano-san and I met Erika-san in Naha for a fun night of singing at the karaoke box and relaxing at a local jazz club. Erika-san surprised me with an awesome Okinawan gift. She gave me a bingata noren (kind of doorway curtain). It is a gorgeous green with goya (Okinawan bitter melon) and shisa (lion-dog) on it. It was made with the fibers from the sugar cane grown on island. Totally cool, don’t you think? I finally got the chance to sing the new Japanese song I had been practicing. I also got to hear Erika-san sing for the first time….WOW! She has a great voice! She’s so shy most of the time, so I was not expecting to hear such a powerful voice. Next was a special treat….we headed to the jazz club of the first Okinawan jazz singer. It was a perfect Okinawan night with two great friends!
帰るの日の　一昨日に　久乃さんと　両親と　とかつ　たろ　（TT）に　行きました。その後　カラオケの夜　だったね。久乃さんと　エリカさんと　カラオケBOXに　遊びに　行きました。　エリカさんから　きれいな　のれん「びんがた」を　もらいました。この　のれんは　みどりと　きいろい　で　ごや　と　しさ　が　あります。そして、沖縄の　さとう　の　しょくぶつで　作りました。分かる？すごい　沖縄の　おみやぎ　ですよ! 　ありがとうございます、エリカさん!!!　エリカさんが　歌うのは　はじめて　聞きました！　ほんとうに　いい　こえが　あります!　WOW!　エリカさんは　しずか　な　人ですから　つよい　な　こえを　聞くのことが　びっくりしていました。私は　歌うのが　上手じゃない　ですけど　カラオケは　楽しくて　と　思います。　ＮＨＫの　ばんぐみ　「どんど晴れ」の　唄を　歌いました！小田　和正の　唄です。カラオケの後　Jazz　ライブに　行きました！楽しいな日でした!

Trip to Okinawa: Part 13

2008-06-18T11:27:00.004-04:00

Okinawa Soba!!!! Well, it only took two and half weeks, but I finally got to NAZATO! Nazato is soba shop in Okinawa City. A friend I met a while back owns Nazato…it truly is the best soba on island. I went with my friend, Saki-san. Saki-san wasn’t really sure of the shop’s location, but I assured her that I knew exactly where it was. Unfortunately this was not the case and we drove around for about an hour looking for it. Finally we called Chika-san and she helped us to get there. It was really funny, we were giggling the whole time…. I know I know, that’s hard to imagine…haha.
なざと!!!!!　いちばん　な　沖縄そばを　食べられました！サキさんと　車で　沖縄市に　なざとの　そばを　食べに　行きました。サキさんは　私に　「なざと　まで　の　道が　分かりますか?」と　聞きました。私は　『もちろん』と　言いました。でも、たくさん　まちがいましたね。アハハハ。毎回、『右　行ってください』と　言いました。アハハハ。四十五分の後　チカさんに　電話しました。その後、なざと　まで　５分　だった。二人は　そきそばを　食べました。おいしいいいいいいかた!　サキさん、なざとに　私を　つれていって　くれて　ありがとう　ございました!

Trip to Okinawa: Part 12

2008-06-16T20:44:00.007-04:00

Hisano-san’s family came over with a cake to celebrate my birthday. They hung a “Happy Birthday” decoration and sang “Happy Birthday to you” to me two times (that tends to be the Japanese way). I received an apron from Hisano-san’s brother and sister-in-law. In this pic Yukino-san (Hisano-san’s sister) is helping put on the Bingata style apron. Toma Family, Thank you again for another great birthday!
唐真家族と　たんじょうびを　いわいました。とても　楽しかった。ケーキと　たんじょうびの　かざりも　持って来ました!　家族は　「Happy Birthday」の曲を　うたてくれました。この　写真で　雪乃さんは　沖縄のスタイルのアプロン「久乃さんの　お兄さんの家族より」を　きるのことを　てつだいました。唐真家族に　また　たんじょうかい　ありがとうございました!

Trip to Okinawa: Part 11

2008-06-16T20:34:00.007-04:00

The next weekend I went to Naha again with Hisano-san and the gang because Hisano-san had another show. Just near Kokusai Street in Downtown Naha we crammed in a tiny place called “Favorite Café” to watch Hisano-san, Ryo-san and Mattarah-san perform. After the show we drove back to Mihama to go to an izakaya. My friends brought birthday presents for me and ordered an extremely large cocktail and ice cream to celebrate my 26th B-day.
FAVORITE CAFÉで　みんなと　唐真久乃のライブに　行きました。Favorite Caféは　国際どりの　ちかく　です。ライブの後に　ミハマの　いざかやに　うちあげを　しに　行きました！あの　うちあげで　たんじょうびの　ギフトを　もらいました。みんなさん、ありがとう　ございました!　とつぜん　ウエーターは　私に　大きい　たんじょうびの　カクテルと　アイスクレームを　持って来ました!　WOW!　６人は　がんばりましたね。でも、ぜんぶを　飲めませんでした。

TARA'S WEDDING!

2008-06-15T19:34:00.006-04:00

This weekend was my cousin Tara's Wedding. The whole family got together in the blistering heat to watch Tara and Will tie the knot. Although we started the day off by forgetting to bring the veil and tiara to the hairdresser, the rest of the day was smooth sailing. Tara looked absolutely gorgeous in her wedding gown. The reception was a ton of fun....as you'd expect we danced the night away!
土曜日に　私のいとこ『タラちゃん』の　けっこんしきの日　でした!　とても　あつい　でしたけど　きれい　な　けっこんしき　でした。朝で　５人は　美容院に　行きました。早おきたから　ベールを　もってきたの　ことが　忘れました。もんだい　ですね。アハハハ。みんな　ねむかったね。家に　ベールを　取りに　帰りました。時間は　ダイジョウブだった。。。よかったね。けっこんしきの　パテイーで　たくさん　ダンスを　しました!　とても　楽しかったよ!　タラと　ウィルへ　おめでとう　ございます!　あなたたちが　大好きです!

Trip to Okinawa: Part 10

2008-06-10T21:09:00.004-04:00

Well, I think I covered all my favorite restaurants over the 3 weeks I was there. I did this with the help of my friends of course. Here I am with Chika-san at Obbligato. Yes, that is a Mexican restaurant. I can’t help myself, they have the best chicken enchiladas! Anyway, I went out to eat with Chika-san quite a bit. We went out for Obbligato, Kinjo Ishigaki yaki-niku (awesome beef…better than Kobe) and garlic ramen. Speaking of garlic ramen.。。。I went to the garlic ramen shop 4 times while I was there. Mmmm…good! Garlic Ramen is now my favorite!
チカさんと　たくさん　レストランに　行きました！二人は　オブリガートと　きんじょの　石垣牛の焼肉の　レストランと　げんこつ　ラメンに　おいしい　りょうりを　食べに　行きました！いつも　チカさんと　いしょに　楽しいですよ!　いっぱい　しゃべて　食べて　飲みますね。ところで、那覇の　国際どりで　チカさんと　さんぽ　して　いた時に　彼女は　不意に　「１００円ビール！」言いました！　彼女は　早く私の手を　取って　１００円ビールのいざかやに　飲みに　道を　　わたった!　おもしろかった!

Sex and the City....again!

2008-06-07T00:18:00.002-04:00

I told you I was gonna go again!

また　行きました。。。アハハハ！

Trip to Okinawa: Part 9

2008-06-06T18:47:00.009-04:00

I spent a lot of time with Hisano-san in Yomitan. I was able to drive past my old house and even stop at the beach I used to walk to with Molly. Here I am wearing the shirt Hisano-san bought me for my birthday, notice she also bought herself one in a different color…haha!
たくさん　読谷の日　しました!　読谷が　大好きです!　私の前の家を　見ました！今の家の人も　犬が　います!　私の犬「Molly」　にてるよ!　沖縄に住んだの時　よく　Mollyと　かいがんまで　あるきました。あの　すなはまに　久乃さんと　平山さんと　行きました！　この写真で　久乃さんから　もらったのシャツを　きて　います!　私たちは　双子みたいね。アハハハ！

I went up into the Zampa lighthouse with Hisano-san and her husband. The view was breathtaking. There is something about looking out into the ocean that makes you feel so small yet so comfortable.
ザンパのとうだいの　ちょうじょうまで　のぼりました!　ながめは　すごかった!　小さいな　気持ちが　ありました。分かる?

Next, Hisano-san, her husband and I went to the Yomitan Gala. We had a nice relaxing lunch by the water and I finally got to eat some soba! YUMMMY! The water near the Gala was just gorgeous. I had never been there before…and I lived in Yomitan…..how was that possible???
次は、読谷のGALAに　ひるごはんを　食べに行きました！はじめて　行った!GALAのとなりに　きれいな　海を　見えました！これは　久乃さんと　私の　いちばん　好きな写真です!　GALAで　半そばを　食べました。おいしかった！毎日　沖縄そばか　ラメンを　食べたいです!　

Trip to Okinawa: Part 8

2008-06-06T02:44:00.004-04:00

Half way into my trip I was able to meet up with my favorite study partner, Yukiko-san! Yukiko-san and I used to study English and Japanese together at least one time a week when I lived in Okinawa. One afternoon we got to catch up on each other’s lives over lunch. I learned that she has been helping to run a business with the Americans on-base. In the past two years he has had to speak a lot of English when she contacts her customers, so her English has improved a great deal! I was very impressed! Also, she just found out that she is having another baby! This is great news because she was told she couldn’t have any more children (she has a 4 year-old daughter now). Miracles happen every day!
私の　お友だち　ユキコさんと　会えました！沖縄に住んだ時に　毎週　ユキコさんと　日本語と英語をべんきょうしに　会いましたね。彼女の仕事で　よく　アメリカ人と　話しているので　英語を　話すのが　とても　上手になりました!　WOW!　かんど　していました!　２回　ユキコさんと　会えました！私たちの前の　べんきょうするのところに「 Main Cityのサンエ」行きました！そして、ユキコさんは　にんしん　して　いると　言っています!　すごい　ですよ!　ユキコさん、おめでとう　ございます!　　

2008-06-04T13:13:00.002-04:00

Not only did I have the chance to go back and see and do and eat everything I loved from when I lived in Okinawa, but I also got to have a few new experiences as well….such as… riding the bus!!!! I was totally confused the first time I got on, but after just the first ride I was able to easily take the bus to Okinawa City and Chatan. Although I didn’t take any pictures at the Laundromat, I can now add that too to my list of experiences in Okinawa. What fun!
はじめて　だった!　沖縄で　バスを　のりました!　読谷から　北谷と沖縄市まで　バスで　行けました。さいしょに　はらうことが　分かりませんでした。一回の後　ダイジョウブだった。一回だけ　バカに　みたい　でしたね。コインランドリも　はじめて　した!　新しい　けいけんが　大好きですよ!

Trip to Okinawa: Part 6

2008-05-31T15:19:00.015-04:00

On the first weekend I spent some time with Erica-san in her hometown, Naha. I got the chance to meet her Grandmother (the cutest person I have ever met) and spend the night in her family’s house. Erica-san took me to a bingata (Okinawa fabric printing) factory. The factory wasn’t open, but the lady let us inside anyway. This picture is of Erica-san standing next to what will soon be an obi (the wrap that goes around a kimono).
週末に　エリカさんの　家族の　お家に　とまりました。きれいな　お家　ですよ!　おばあさんも　会えました!　彼女は　とても　やさしかった。しょうかいするの事　ほんとうに　とくべつな事でした。　いつまでも　おぼえます。エリカさんは　私を　ビンガタの　こうじょうに　つれて行きました。この写真で　エリカさんは　おび　の　となりに　立っています。

I went out with Erica-san and her friend Nao-san. We went to see Flamenco guitarists play at Erica-san’s guitar teacher’s restaurant. It was impressive! Especially since the two men from South America could speak Japanese…so cool! We took a short ride in a taxi to an Awamori bar. There we played with all the cool stuff they had in the back room, to include the san-shin(3 stringed instrument). Here we are having fun at KaraKara.
エリカさんと　ナオさんと　Flamencoライブに　行きました。このライブは　エリカさんの　ギター　先生のレストランに　いましたね。ギターを　ひく　二人男の人は　南アメリカから　沖縄に　ライブをしに　来ました！二人は　日本語を話すのが　上手でした!　すごかった！三人は　ライブの後　タクシーで　あわもりのバー『カラカラ』に　行きました。楽しかった、また　カラカラに　行きたいです!　

The next day Erica-san took me EVERYWHERE in southern Okinawa. First we went and weaved our own coasters with Nao-san. After that we drove to the glass factory and the laquerware factory. We then took a glass-bottom boat ride off the eastern side of the island. We were able to see so many fish and coral! Riding over the edge of the coral reef was the coolest part though…it just suddenly drops off… like a cliff..it’s amazing!
The waves were a bit rough though, so we were both pretty sea-sick when we got off. Next, Erica-san took me to one of Okinawa’s most sacred places on the Eastern side of the island. We had a great day and topped it off with a dinner at a local hotel that included a live performance by Suguru!!!!
次な日に　エリカさんは　たくさん　ところに　私を　つれて行きました。朝で　ナオさんと　会って　沖縄の　でんとうてきで　手作りの　ものの　ところに　行きました。自分で　コースターを　作れました！ほんとに　楽しかった！前の日に　ナオさんは　『いつのよ』『5－4』の　いみを　せつめいして　くれましたね。その後　コースターで「いつのよ」を　作れました！　次は　エリカさんと　りゅきゅの　グラスと　りゅきゅしっきの　こうじょうに　行きました。その後、エリカさんと　グラスボートを　沖縄のさんごいろを見に　のりました!　さんごいろの　はし　も　見られました。急だった!　びっくり　していました。次は、沖縄の　有名な　しんせいな　ところに　行きました。夕方で　スグルのライブに　行きました！　楽しい日だったけど　二人は　とても　つかれて　いました!　

MAY 30TH HAS COME!!!!!

2008-05-30T21:14:00.004-04:00

Yes, of course I need to put this on my blog. I've been waiting a long time to find out what happens to my girlies. I must say... I was not disappointed. ahhhhh!!! I'm going again!
SEX AND THE CITYの日　ですから　もちろん　沖縄の話しの　きゅうけい　しています。今日は　１２：３０午後に　SEX and the Cityの　えいがを　見ました。やっぱり　ABSOLUTELY　すばらしかった!　Sex and the Cityの　ファンは　この　えいがを見るの後　とても　うれしくなりますね。日本で　八月２３日から　見えますよ!　「チカさんは　せいかく　な　ジョホを　おしえましたね。」（＾０＾）楽しいんで　ください!
After the movie I went to hang out with my favorite little man.... Keaton Coby!
えいがを見たの後　お兄さんのお家に　甥と遊びに行きました。

Trip to Okinawa: Part 5

2008-05-29T06:47:00.004-04:00

Mod’s LiveHouse! I went to two shows at Mod’s the first week I was in Okinawa. Mod’s is where I saw a lot of shows when I lived there, so it was nice to be able to go back. Not much has changed there, actually. These pics are from sound check.
MODS　ライブハウスに　行きました！沖縄に　住んだの時　よくMODSに　ライブを　見に行きましたね。かわりませんでしたね。

The first show was Suguru. Suguru plays the sanshin and although I can only understand about a quarter of the lyrics to his songs, everytime I hear one of his songs it brings me right back to Okinawa. I was so happy to grab a pic with him after the show, although for some reason everytime I’m around him I suddenly lose my ability to speak Japanese. I just smile and giggle and look like and idiot. Oh, well…..lol
チカさんとSuguru ライブに行きました。ときどき　スグルの唄のかしを　分かれますよ!　かれの唄を聞くの時　沖縄の時間を　思い出します。スグルと　写真を　とりました。いつも　スグルと　話したいの時　日本語を　わすれます。。。ぜんぶ!　どうして?　ハハハハ!　どきどき。。。。

The next night I returned to Mod’s to see Hisano Live!!! What a treat! I was so excited to hear her perform her original songs from the CD she made last November. She even did “Nakayoshi” or “The best of Friends”, a song she wrote about the two of us. I love every song on her CD and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to see her perform them live! She also threw in Nada Sou Sou and Daydream Believer…
次な日に　唐真久乃ライブに行きました。久乃のオリジナルの曲を　聞くのが　わくわく　した!!!　すばらしかった!　「なかよし」ライブに　かんどうしていました。「いつまでも　なかよし　思い出　忘れない。。。」久乃さん、この唄ありがとう!

Trip to Okinawa: Part 4

2008-05-28T21:13:00.006-04:00

One of the many places I re-visited on this trip was the Yomitan Pottery Village. The owner of one of the shops actually remembered me. It was nearly a year and a half since I set foot in her shop, but she recognized me right away! She gave Hisano-san and I some coffee and we got to chit-chat a bit. This was Hisano-san’s first trip to the Pottery Village. I was very happy to show her this very special place in Yomitan.
また　やちむん里に　行けました！　やきものの店　女は　私を　思い出しました！びっくりしていました。彼女から　コーヒーを　もらいました。久乃さんは　読谷の　やちむん里に　はじめて　行った。久乃さんと　いっしょに　やちむん里に　行って　うれしかった。

Trip to Okinawa: Part 3

2008-05-27T22:11:00.006-04:00

Hisano-san and her husband cooked some delicious food a few times during my stay. My favorite was Hisano-san’s shabu-shabu/nabe lunch and also the miso soup she made from the broth of the left over nabe!!! It was sooooo delicious! Her husband also cooked up a few delicious meals to include niku-udon and gyoza! He is quite the chef! I am so happy that they cooked for me. It is one thing to go to a great restaurant and be served great food, but it is quite another when you have an unbelievably delicious home-cooked meal prepared by your friends.
沖縄に　いるの時　たくさん　おいしい　りょうりを　食べました！久乃さんの　シャブシャブ・ナベが　大好きですよ!　そして。。。。久乃さんの　味噌汁。。。WOW!　うまい!!!　平山さんも　りょうりが　上手です!　肉うどんが　おいしかった!！そして。。。おいしいな　じかせいのギョウザもを　作って　くれました!　二人は　りょうりが　上手ですよ!　また　沖縄に　二人の　りょうりを食べに　帰りたいです。じかせい　の　りょうりが　私の　いちばん　大好きです。ありがとう　ございました!

Trip to Okinawa: Part 2

2008-05-27T06:10:00.012-04:00

子どもの日 !!!! or, Children’s Day! On Children’s Day I went to SunMarina Hotel for lunch with Hisano-san’s family. I was very excited to see them all, especially Hisano’s nephews Ryoga and Hiroha. Ryoga has grown so much since the last time I saw him. He talks a lot more now! This was the first time I met Hiroha… what an adorable baby…he has the cutest smile.
子どもの日に　唐真家族と　サンマリナホテルに　ランチを　食べに　行きました。二年前から　りょうがを　見ませんでしたから　びっくりしていました。リョウガは　いっぱい　しゃべります!　すごかった!　そして、ヒロハも　会いました！　ほんとうに　かれは　すごい　笑顔が　あります!　

Trip to Okinawa: Part 1

2008-05-27T05:34:00.011-04:00

This month I took a short 3 week vacation back to Okinawa. I stayed in Hisano-san’s family’s house in Yomitan. Every morning I woke up to the view in that second picture. Wow! I took a few walks alone in the mornings just to take in all the beauty of Okinawa and the East China Sea. Here are some of the pics from my walks.
今月　沖縄に　遊びに　行きました！久乃さんの家族のお家に　とまれました。毎日　私のへやから　読谷の　きれいな　海を　見られます!　朝で　さんぽ
しました。かいがんに　行くのが　うれしくなりました。

Jon's Birthday

2008-03-03T19:05:00.005-05:00

Dave's brother just moved to MD. Jon and Monica live only a few miles away now, and so this past weekend we went to their house for a B-day party for Jon. Monica made Jon a cake after a short lesson from Jon's mom. Not bad, huh? Please disregard the "dude" located in the bottom right-hand corner.lol

先月　車で　けいたいの　上に　うんてんしました。だから、写真　できませんね。けいたいは　こわれまして　新しいのを　買いました。今から、ブログできますね。じゃあああ、　先月に　Davidさんの弟は　Marylandに　引っ越しましたね。土曜日に　彼のたんじょうびの　PARTYに　行きました。ジョンさんの　つまは　マニカです。マニカちゃんは　ケーキを　つくれましたよ!　Davidさんの　お母さんから　ケーキの　じゅぎょうを　くれましたね。家族との　Partyの後　バーに　遊びに　行きました。

Baby Love

2008-02-29T23:14:00.003-05:00

What a cute baby! We must be related! haha! Here is Keaton's Valentine's Day picture. This is my favorite picture of Keaton, I even have it as my backdrop for my desktop.

キートンくん　です!　おばさん　にてる。。。かわいい　ですね。アハハハ　

New Car / 新しい車

2008-02-28T18:04:00.003-05:00

Last week I finally got my own set of wheels. Dave and I picked out this Toyota Corolla. Very basic, however much much much much much better gas mileage than Dave's Jeep.

エミリの　車です!!!　先週に　車を買いました！Toyota Corolla　です!　沖縄に住んだ時に　トヨタを買いましたね。はじめて　でしたね。あの車が大好きでしたから　また　トヨタを買いました。

Package from Okinawa

2008-01-17T18:22:00.000-05:00

Yestersday I received a package from Chika-san. Molly spent about 5 minutes licking the package.hahaha! I told Chika-san about a song that I really liked and she went ahead and sent me the CD!!! She also included some practice workbooks along with some "cute" pencils/erasers/sharpeners and pencil caps.

チカさんから　Packageを　もらいました！NHKの　ばんぐみ　「どんど晴れ」の　唄のCDを　おくて　くれましたね。そして、日本語の　れんしゅう　もの　も　もらいました！チカさん、ありがとう　ございました！

at the Library...としょかん

2008-01-08T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today I stopped by the library and found some interesting reading....children's books in Japanese! YAY! They had children's books in many many languages. I have to say I am quite impressed with the library here in Maryland.

今日は　としょかんに　行って　この　本を　見つけました！としょかんで　日本の　子どもの本が　あります!　すごい　ですよね。３０まいが　ありました!　今週この　話を　読みます！楽しみに！

More KEATON!

2007-12-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

Keaton: Day 6- Aunt Emily visits with Grandmom Rogers

ママと　お兄さんの家に　キートンを　見に　行きました。

IT"S A BOY!!!! KEATON COBY ROGERS

2007-11-27T21:50:00.001-05:00

お兄さんと　キートンくん

My brother became a Daddy today!!!! YAY!!! Weighing in at 6lbs 3oz is KEATON COBY ROGERS! Welcome to the world, baby Keaton! Love, Aunt Emily

今日は　おばさんに　なりました!　お兄さんも　パパに　なりました!　彼の名前は「キートン」です!　ちさい　な　赤ちゃんですけど　元気です。

Thanksgiving Preparations/Thanksgivingの日の前

2007-11-21T23:25:00.000-05:00

Apple pie preparations

Banana bread preparations

Banana Bread

Apple pie
Tonight I am preparing the desserts I am bringing to Thanksgiving dinner. This year Dave and I will go to my mom’s house then to Dave’s aunt’s house for Thanksgiving dinner!

今日は　Thanksgivingの日の前、だから。。。デザットを　作るの日です!　今年の Thanksgivingの日に　ママの家に　と　ディビッドさんの　おばさんの家に　ばんごはんを　食べに　行きます！　今年は　二つ　な　デザットを　作るだけね。明日に　ママの家に　りょうりのが　てつだいますね。楽しみ！

JEWEL BOX release!!!

2007-11-16T15:09:00.000-05:00

Ｈｉｓａｎｏ　Ｔｏｕｍａ：Ｊｅｗｅｌ　Ｂｏｘ

これは　私の　おすすめ　です。「とくに　曲＃７」

そして。。。＃５

そして。。。＃６

そして。。。＃３

そして。。。＃１

そして。。。＃８

そして。。。＃２

そして。。。＃４

そして。。。＃９

あハハハ！！！

ぜんぶ　すごい　ですよ！聞いてね！

My friend Hisano recorded her first album this year. It was released Nov. 2nd!!
I have been dying to hear it, since I haven’t been there to hear all her new songs at the live performances. You can imagine my excitement when it arrived in the mail yesterday. Now double that excitement level and you will be able to imagine me as I realized she wrote a song about us! The song is great, it talks about how we didn’t have a lot of time together, but that the connection that was made was strong. She says that she knows that we will forever be the best of friends, even though I moved so far away. The memories will never be forgotten and that she will always be wishing for happiness for me and all the people I love. There’s more, but that is the jist of it. Awesome, huh? She even had the song’s lyrics written mostly in hiragana so that I’d be able to read them. Included are the few kanji that she knows I know. So COOL!!!! She also put ‘Emily and David’ under the special thanks section. I can’t believe there’s actually a song that goes with my experience in Okinawa! I truly miss her and every other friend I met in Okinawa. I hope I get to see them all again soon! Hisano-san, Arigatou Gozaimasu!

昨日JEWEL BOXを　つきました！！！１１月２日から　久乃さんの　あたらしい　アルバムを　早く聞きたかった！　聞くのを　待ちにくい　でした。久乃さんの　歌を聞くの事を　かんがえてわくわくした！！！！　毎歌が　大好きですよ！　うれしくなっています！『なかよし』の歌ために　なきましたね。ほんとに　心の　歌ですね。久乃さんへ　この　うた　ありがとうございます！そして、おめでとうございます！　よくできましたね！！！！

Crazy for You

2007-11-13T11:29:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I went to my cousin Tara’s play up in PA. She had the lead role as Polly. It was an absolutely perfect role for her. She did an awesome job and I can’t wait to go see the next play! We are so cute, don't you think??!!
いとこの　しばいを見に　行きました！タラちゃんは　すごかった!　しゅやくをいんじました！上手な　じょゆう　ですよ。　

National Parks

2007-11-03T14:29:00.000-04:00

ooooooooh!

ahhhhhh!

Happy to be hiking!

うれしい！！！
AFTER the first hike.　
ハイキングのあと　これを　読みました。

During the 2nd hike.

ハイキングの時に

Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton National Park

After spending the weekend in Boise for Kate’s wedding, Dave and I took a 6 hour drive east to see Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park. From the moment we entered the park we saw tons of animals. We did about 15 miles worth of hiking over the few days we were there. In the first 5 minutes of the first hike we saw a coyote! The steaming geysers were so neat looking at sunset. We were even able to see Old Faithful erupt just as the sun was going down one evening. The scenery was amazing as the leaves on the aspens were changing to a bright yellow and snow was covering the peaks of the Grand Tetons. We were able to see lots of different animals on our trip to include:

elk, bald eagle, bison, chipmunk, red squirrel, coyote, mule deer, deer, grizzly bear & her cubs, moose(male,female and baby), and pronghorns.

けっこんしきの　あと　アメリカの　有名な　こうえんに　車で　行きました。ハイキングをしまして　たくさん　やせいどうぶつを　見えました！こわかった！　そして、活火山の　ところに　行きました。蒸気を出しました！すごい　ところ　でした！！こうえんの　ふうけいが　きれい　だったね！信じられない！　

Kate's Wedding

2007-11-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

私のいとこ「ケィトさん」と　マット　けっこんしました!　おめでとうございます!
二人は　私のいとこ　です。右から、マーデン、ウィル。そして　私の　おじさん「キングさん」と　おばさん「クーリスさん」ね。
おばさんと　しゃしんを　とりました。サセボに　すむの　いとこの　ママです。　

三人は　私の　おばさんです。三人は　お父さんの　おねえさんです。

次な　日に　ケィトさんと　しゃしんを　とりました!　にてる　でしょう?

A few weeks ago Dave and I took a trip to Idaho to attend my cousin Kate’s wedding in Boise. It was great to hang out with my cousins, aunts and uncles. Because we all live so far apart, it’s rare that we get the chance to see each other. I can’t wait for the next family get-together!
３週の前に　Ｄａｖｉｄと　Ｉｄａｈｏに　いとこ「ケィトさん」の　けっこんしきを　見に　行きました。　いとこと　おばさんと　おじさんと　会えました！　あまり　この　かぞくを　会えませんね。　みんなさんは　私のちかくに　すみません。パパの　かぞくはMaryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York City, Pennsylvania, Idahoに　すんでいますね。遠いですね。けっこんしきは　とても　楽しかった！　かぞくと　飲みすぎましたね。毎日　ふつかよいね。

Home Sweet Home, I think?

2007-10-18T21:58:00.000-04:00

Here is my new house..... yep... it's a barn. My only neighbors are 2 horses. lol...

私の　あたらしい　家です。。。きれい　じゃない　けど、やすい　です。馬は　私の　となりどうし　です。

Fall is here!

2007-10-03T15:07:00.000-04:00

Fall is here! After 2 years Dave and I finally get to see the beauty of Fall again.
二年のあと　秋の　きれいな木を　見られます！秋は　私の　おきにりな　きせつです。　

Shoe Shopping

2007-09-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

After much searching for a pair of shoes to match my new dress, I think I finally found the right pair at a giant shoe outlet. They are too cute, don’t you think? Unfortunately they are very high heels, so I’m going to have to practice walking in them before I head out to my cousin’s wedding. Well, I’ve got 2 weeks to practice!
来週　いとこの　けっけんしきに　行くから　新しい　ドレスを　買いました。。。そして、新しい　ドレスを　買ったから　新しい　くつを　買いなければならなかった。たいへん　ですね。アハハハ。。。店に　くつが　多い　でした!　二時間あとに　この　くつを　えらびました。かわいい　じゃない?　ハイヒールを　はくの　ことが　上手じゃないです。だから、今週　あるきを　れんしゅうします!　がんばります!　こわいい　ですよ!

Golfing / ゴルフ

2007-09-22T09:55:00.000-04:00

Dave started learning how to golf back in Okinawa. He was quite obsessed with it for about a month or two, so you can imagine his excitement when his dad gave him an old set of golf clubs last weekend. I knew what this meant right from that moment… I’d soon be learning to play golf. I wasn’t too excited about going to the driving range but things quickly became a lot of fun. There was an old Korean man who spoke little to no English and he came over to teach me how to swing. It was a lot of fun trying to figure out what he was trying to say during the entire hour he was assisting us. Now I actually know a little bit about swinging a golf club. I guess golfing isn’t so bad, once you start to learn about it.
先週の週末に　ディビッドさんノ　お父さんから　古いな　ゴルフクラブを　もらいました。ディビッドさんは　沖縄に　居る時に　ゴルフをし方を　はじめならいましたから　うれしくなりました。こうふんしていましたから、今週　ゴルフバールを　たたきに　行きました。ゴルフコースで　バールを　たたくの時に　おじいさんに　出会いました。　かれは　英語を　話せなかった。私たちに　ゴルフの　じゅきょうを　おしえて　くれました。とても　おもしろかった!　楽しくて　いっぱい　ならえました。たぶん　ゴルフが　しゅうしゅうに　なったら。。。???　たぶん。アハハハ。

Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island

2007-09-13T20:22:00.000-04:00

A trip to the Statue of Liberty is essential if you are visiting the east coast. It only took us 9 months to get Erica there, but we finally did it! I had not been to the Statue or Ellis Island since I was about 7 years old so it was like seeing it for the first time.
Statue of Liberty　です!　せんせん週　エリカさんを　つれて行きました!　子どもの時『七才』から　そこに　来ませんから　はじめて　の　きもち　が　ありました。アメリカ史を　見られました。すごかった！　
Here’s a pic of me when I was seven years old. I loved the Statue of Liberty so much that I became her for Halloween. Hahahaha!
私は　七才の時　でした!　私は　Statue of Libertyが　大好きだったから　ママが　Halloweenの　コスチュームを　作りました。私は　しんけんな　かおつき　だった!　アハハハハ！　ほんとに　めずらしい　コスチューム　でした。

It’s hard to imagine that almost half of all Americans have ancestors who came through Ellis Island and this very room chasing the American dream.
エリス島です。１８９２から　１９５４まで　十二百万人は　イリス島に　来ました！　アメリカの　いみん　でした。みんなさんは　この　へやに　アメリカに　入るために　来ました。今日の　アメリカの　じんこうに　ついて　はんぶんの　せんぞは　エリス島に　来ました。　このへやに　しゅつにゅうこくカウンターが　ありました。

The last time I was at the Statue of Liberty I had a picture of me taken with the twin towers in the background. The skyline seems so different without them.
New York Cityの　ビルでィングの　りんかくは　かわりました。七才時に　twin towersを　見えました。さびしい　です。

Wendy's

2007-09-06T14:39:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist!

楽しい　写真を　とるに目がない

Road Trip to CANADA!

2007-09-04T20:47:00.000-04:00

Last week I took a quick road trip with Erica up to Canada/Niagara Falls. Erica was so happy to be able to drive, so she did most of the driving. I had no problem with that…haha! (it is an 8 hour drive from where we live). This was my first time to Niagara Falls and WOW!!!!! If you have never been there, please take a few days and go see the falls. You will not be disappointed.
先週　エリカさんと　カナダに　ナイアガラ　フォ‐ルズを見に　行きました！マリーランドから　ナイアガラまで　車で　8時間　でした。そのあと　トロントも　見たかったから　そこにも　うんてんしました!　ナイアガラから　トロントまで　もっと　1時30分　でした。火曜日は　うんてんするの日でした。水曜日は　フォールズを　見るの日　でした。そして、木曜日は　うんてんするの日　でした。たいへん　だった、だけど　とても　楽しかった！

New York City

2007-08-18T00:39:00.000-04:00

Tuesday night Dave and I went to NYC to visit our friend Shota-san who was acting as the translator for a group of people visiting from Okinawa. We tried to do as much as possible on Wednesday because it was their only day in NYC. They were able to see Times Square, Central Park, a Yankees game, Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island(from Manhattan), Greenwich Village and of course... the NYC subway.
火曜日に　ＮＹＣに　しょうたさんと　沖縄人と　遊びに　行きました。マリーランドから　ＮＹＣまで　4時間半　ですから　１１：３０に　ＮＹＣに　ぶじに　つきました!　あの時間から　4時まで　しょうたさんと　バに　飲みました。久しぶりでした!　8時に　おきて　ちょっと　ふつかよい　でした。10時に　John Lennonの　家を見に　あるいて Central Parkを　とおりました。それから　電車で　Yankeesの　しあいを見に　行きました。電車で　いる時に電車は　こわりました!　一時間ぐらい。電車の中に　ながい　まつこと　でしたけど　Yankeesの　しあい　を　見えました。Yankeesは　まけました　：（　　そこから　Manhattanの南に Ground Zeroを見に　行きました。それからHudson川に　Statue of Libertyを　見に　あるきました。みんなさんは　つかれた!　つぎ、ホテルに　帰って　ビジネスマンに　会いました。みんなさんは　いしょに　メキシコの　レストランに　ばんごはんを食べました。そのあと、タクシーで　Greenwich Villageに　行きました。そこに　ＮＹＣのほうが　ふるいな　Rock N Rollな　ライブ　ハウスを　行きました！でも、あの日は　おんがくは　上手じゃなかった。うるさい　でした。も一回、Subwayの　電車を　のりました。みんなと　ホテルに　帰りました。そして、ＢＹＥＢＹＥ　して　ディビッドさんと　New Jerseyに　電車で　帰りました。ディビッドさんの　りょうしんの　家に　4時間　ねました。そのあと、仕事があるから　マリーランドに　帰りました。たいへん　だった!

Kwik-E-Mart

2007-08-12T23:55:00.001-04:00

This pic is from a few weeks ago, but it was such a cool experience so I figured I’d tell you about it. Those of you who don’t watch the Simpson’s may not find this interesting, but for the month of July Seven-Eleven took 10 of its stores in the US and redesigned them to look like the Kwik-e-mart from the Simpson’s. One of the locations was just outside Washington DC. The sign was changed, the building was painted, squishes, krusty-o’s and buzz cola were for sale, and even the cashiers were wearing the Kwik-e-mart work-shirts, just like Apu, and they said “Thank you, come again” after each customer paid. What fun!
Ｔｈｅ　Ｓｉｍｐｓｏｎｓは　アメリカのテレビのばんぐみ　です。わかりますか?　Ｔｈｅ　Ｓｉｍｐｓｏｎｓの　コンビニの　名前は：kwik-e-mart。先月にＴｈｅ　Ｓｉｍｐｓｏｎｓの　えいがは　はじまりましたから　アメリカの　コンビニ（ほんもの）７－１１は　かざりました。一か月　７－１１は　kwik-e-martが　にてる。アメリカに　１０店だけ　かざりました。もし、Ｔｈｅ　Ｓｉｍｐｓｏｎｓを　見たことが　あったら、この　けいけんが　おもしろい　です。

Mail in Japanese

2007-08-12T18:01:00.000-04:00

Last week I received my first junk mail written in Japanese (in the US, that is). Hooray!
日本語でのゆうびんを　もらいました！アメリカに　はじめて　でしたから　うれしく　なりました!

BB King Concert

2007-08-06T11:10:00.001-04:00

This past weekend I went to the BB King, Al Green and Little Richard concert in Atlantic City with Dave and Erica. It was a long hike to AC, but well worth it! The concert was awesome!!! I have never seen any of these legends in concert before and I was completely blown away on Saturday night. Not only was the concert a blast, but afterwards we got to meet BB King on his tour bus! We sat and chatted with him for about 25 minutes. He even shared his candy with us! Erica was definitely ‘star-struck’, which was really great. Anyway, we were able to grab a quick picture with the 81 year-old legend: Mr. BB King.
先週の土曜日に　Atlantic Cityに　BB Kingと Al Greenと Little Richardのライブを　見に　行きました。　ライブは　すごかった!　エリカさんと　ﾃﾞｲﾋﾞｯﾄﾞさんと　いっしょに　行きました。私たちの　いすは　ステジの　ちかくでした。父は　promoter でしたから　ＢＢ　Ｋｉｎｇ　会えました！　エリカさんは　びっくりして　きんちょうしました!　三人は　ライブの　あと　ＢＢ　Ｋｉｎｇの　バスに　のりました。二十五分ぐらい　ＢＢ　Ｋｉｎｇと　話せました！　今は　ＢＢ　Ｋｉｎｇは　八十一才です!　すごい　けいけん　でした!!!

Blackberries

2007-07-20T22:19:00.000-04:00

Until recently I had never tried fresh blackberries. The house we are renting has a huge yard and way in the back there are two rows of blackberry vines. The woman that used to live here planted all sorts of things to include peach trees, apple trees, grapes, etc. I went out early this week to see how many were out there and found that there were just enough to make some blackberry pie. So…. that’s what I did ! , after a good 20 minutes of stabbing myself on all the thorns trying to reach the berries!
レンタルの家のにわに　たくさん　ベリーが　あります!　今日までに　この　生ベリーを　食べたことが　ありません。英語で：黒ベリー　です。日本語で：　わかりません。ごめんなさい。黒ベリーは　キイチゴ　にてるね。じゃあ、今日、にわに　いて　たくさん　黒べリーを　見ました！「いっぱい　あるから　パイを　つくるのが　できるかな???」　ベリーを　摘みにくかった。イバラ　でしたね。手とうでを　かいて　20っ分あと　やめました。どうにか　ベリーが　あった!　あんどう　でした。ごはんあとに　パイを　早食べました　：）

Cutie

2007-07-19T13:07:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of what is now considered the ‘cutest’ puppy in the world. Born in Japan a few weeks ago, this pup had some unique markings…the owners named him ‘Heart-kun’.
日本に　生まれました!　せいかいの　いちばん　かわいい　犬　でしょう?　名前は：ハートくん

Tonkatsu

2007-07-18T22:49:00.000-04:00

Tonight’s dinner was: Tonkatsu or, Japanese style fried pork. Although rice and a salad usually accompany tonkatsu, I used left over noodles and fresh veggies as a substitute. Tonkatsu uses Japanese style bread crumbs called Panko. This was my second time making tonkatsu. It was delicious, but what a mess!
やった!　やった!　とんかつを　つくれました!　ばんごはん：　とんかつと　昨日のヌードルと　生やさい　でした!　とんかつを　つくる　ことが　とても　あぶない　でしょう?　とんかつ　たろ　じゃなかったけど　おいしかった

Temari/てまり

2007-07-15T21:20:00.001-04:00

Dave and I were in the mood for Japanese food today, so I took him to the small Japanese restaurant that I found earlier this year in Rockville. So far, this has been the only Japanese restaurant that I have been to since I got home that felt “Japanese”. One difference for example is that they actually speak Japanese! The service was very Japanese and……..the food was Japanese!!!! YAY!!! The food is about as authentic as you can get here in the States. We ordered shogayaki, tonkatsu, yellowtail sashimi, and ramen! For dessert we had coffee jello and green tea ice-cream. We also shared some Kirin beer and a bit of sake. What a meal! Although the restaurant is kind of far (close to DC), I am certain we will be back there in the near future!
今日は　てまりレストランに　行きました。　今年　一回ママと　その　レストランに　行ったことが　あるので　そこに　ﾃﾞｲﾋﾞｯﾄﾞさんを　つれて来たかった。てまりは　アメリカに　帰の時から　日本のレストランの中で　さいこうです。さいごに　スタッフは　日本人でした!　サービスが　よかった!。。。日本の　ようしき　でした。すごかった!　そして、“すみません”『久乃さんの　スタイル（＾Ｏ＾）』言えました!　楽しかった。。。ハハハハ。たべものも　おいしかった! 　とんかつと　しょうがやきと　はまちと　ラメンを　食べました。そして、デザート：コーヒー　ゼリーと　まちゃの　アイスクーリム。。。そして、　きりん　ビールと　お酒を　飲みました!!!!　ちょっと　とおい　ですけど　ちかいうちに　てまりに　帰りたいです!

Dondohare/どんど晴れ

2007-07-11T21:40:00.000-04:00

This is my new favorite Japanese show! Dondohare is a daily 15 minute drama on NHK. I recently found out that the actress who plays the lead role, Natsumi, is from Okinawa. The show’s story line is easy to follow, so the fact that I only understand about a ¼ of what is said doesn’t seem to be a problem. The show takes place at a Ryokan (expensive Japanese inn or guest house). Natsumi is working hard to one day become the head lady of the Ryokan which her fiance’s family runs. She comes from a lower class than her fiancé and is being taught many of the traditional Japanese arts such as ikebana (flower arranging) and tree shaping in the gardens. She has great character and possesses much of the qualities that I found in many of my Japanese (women) friends. Although she constantly has to overcome hurdles, to include some of the other workers and family members not liking her very much (jealousy), I am sure that Natsumi will prevail in the end as she is always giving 110%!
ＮＨＫのあたらしい　ドラマが　大好きです!　夏美さんは　ヒロイン　です。じょゆうは　沖縄人です。ばんぐみの　話しは　ふくざつじゃないから　わかるのが　できますよ!ハハハ!　ことばが　¼だけ　わかります。毎日　聞くことが　がんばりますけど　たまに　ちょっと　はやい　です。私の頭は　ゆっくりです。わかる?ハハハ!　夏美さんは　じんかくしゃ　です。日本のテレビを　見るので　日本のぶんかが　ならえます。いつか　りょかんに　行きたい　です!!　あそびに　どんど晴れを　見てね!　おすすめ　です。ところで。。。夏美さんの　フィアンセが　かっこいいだと　思います。でしょう???

WOW!

2007-07-06T14:24:00.000-04:00

After returning from Annapolis, we discovered that a twister went through our yard. It ripped this massive tree right out of the ground! I’m glad it didn’t hit the house!
どくりつきねんびのあと　家に　かえて　大きい木は　にわに　ねかせて居ました!　トルネードは　来ました。びっくりした!　

Independence Day

2007-07-05T22:20:00.000-04:00

Dave and I took our friend Erika to Annapolis for her first Independence Day celebration. We thought the parade in Annapolis would be great, considering it is the capitol of Maryland. However, we were very disappointed because it was not a very traditional parade. Annapolis made up for it though with their fireworks display. It was great to celebrate the Fourth of July in such an old/cute town right on the water.

アメリカの　休みです!　どくりつきねんび　です!　エリカさんと　どくりつきねんびを　いわいました。私の家に　ＢＢＱを　して　デイビッドさんは　おいしい　肉を　つくりました!　それから、Annapolisに　パレードとはなびを見に　行きました。　Annapolisは　古い町です。1708年に　町になりました!すごいですね。パレードを　見た、そのあと　黒ビルを飲みに　アイルランドのバーに行きました。そのあと、古いみちから　はなびを　見ました。そのあと、アイルランドのバーに　帰りました！ハハハハ！生黒ビルあったね。とても　楽しかった！

Dance Recital

2007-06-28T21:56:00.001-04:00

Since I haven’t been in the area for the past two years and have missed dance so much, I decided to go to the Mulford dance recital last weekend. Not only have I missed dancing, but I have missed my friends from dance class. This year my friend Lori got her 20th year trophy. So cool, huh? I stopped at 19 years because I went to Okinawa. It was great to catch up with the girls.
先週の土曜日に　ダンスの　リサイタルに　行きました。19年　Ｍｕｌｆｏｒｄの　ダンスの学校に　ダンスを　べんきょうしました。この　しゃしんで　私の　ともだち　Ｌｏｒｉは　しょうを　いただきました。20年　おわりましたね。すごい　ですよ!　ダンスのじゅぎょうが　こいしいです!　:(

Sunset

2007-06-25T22:56:00.001-04:00

While on the train from Wilmington to BWI, I saw a gorgeous sunset over some calm waters of the Chesapeake.
今日は　ＮＪから　Ｍａｒｙｌａｎｄまで　でんしゃの中に居るの時　きれい　な　ゆうやけを　見ました。　リラックス　できます。

Long Time No See　/　お久しぶり

2007-06-12T16:12:00.000-04:00

After a year and a half, I finally caught up with Christy and Christine (and Dylan, of course). Here we are getting some grub at PJ Whelihans over the weekend. It was nice to see each other after such a long time. Christy has since got married and is currently getting ready to leave for a two year PeaceCorp duty on some island (this bit of info is still unknown) in the South Pacific. I am very excited for her, she’s going to have a great experience. After applying to a competitive nursing program this past spring, Christine is getting ready to start classes for what will be a 2 year nursing school. I guess she will be finishing up just around the same time Christy returns from the PeaceCorp. Christine’s son, Dylan turned 4 in April is quite an intelligent little guy! I can’t believe he has another year before Kindergarten, he’s going to be the smartest kid in his class, for sure! It was great catching up!
お久しぶり　です！土曜日に　おさななじみに　会いました。Christy とChristine と「Christineの息子は Dylanです」。一年半から　会わなかった。去年に　Christyは　けっこんしました。そして　今年　九月に　しゅうじんと　　みなみたいへいように　すみに　行きます。　へいわの　ためにの　だんたいに　はたらきます。2年。すごいですね。Christineも　今年から　かんごふに　なること　が　べんきょうします。むずかしい　しけんを　受けた！　ごくじょうのだけね！40人だけ。３００人は　このしけんを　とりました。よかったです！私の　じまん　です。　Dylanも　あたまがいい　です！　まだ　ようちえんに　行くのが　はじまりませんでした。わかすぎています。びっくりした！　らいねんに　はじまります。かれの　ママに　にて居るでしょう。

"Hawaii"Birthday Cake

2007-06-10T22:44:00.001-04:00

Here is a birthday cake that Dave’s mom made. The theme was “Hawaii”, not too shabby, huh? So cool!
Davidの母は　この　ケーキを　つくりました。「ハワイ」スタイルです。ぜんぶを　食べられました！上手でしょう?

Hometown Hero

2007-06-10T22:19:00.000-04:00

Friday I attended a funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery down in DC. SSgt. Joseph Weiglein, from Audubon (my hometown) was killed in Iraq on May 29th. I am impressed with the town’s reaction to the awful news. An American flag was put in front of every house in the borough and tons of people showed up to support the family and pay their respects to Joe. On Wednesday students stood out in front of the schools in silence as the funeral procession passed by. The Friday service at Arlington was extremely emotional yet very appropriate. As I read about SSgt. Weiglein’s accomplishments in the paper, there is no doubt in my mind that our town will do all that it can to make sure that he and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten.
とても　ちさい　な　町に　せいちょうしました。先週　Audubonから　ぐんじんは　イラクで　死にました。Audubonは　しんみつな　町です。おのおのの家の　にわ　に　はたを　置きました。　そうぎが　学校に　とおりすぎる時に　せいとは　むくち　でした。これは　アメリカで　めずらしいです。かんどうてき　でした。金曜日に　この　ぐんじんは　Arlington 「Washington DC」に　ほうむりまして　たくさん　町「Ａｕｄｕｂｏｎ」人　来ました。　私も　行きました。

Our Rabbit Friend

2007-06-06T22:21:00.001-04:00

Because we now have a large yard right next to the woods, we often get to see Maryland’s wildlife up close and personal. We have an owl, some bats, deer, beavers, squirrels, tons of birds, chipmunks and recently we have been seeing a lot of our new little bunny friend. Around the same time everyday inevitably this little bunny circles the house teasing Molly. Molly must jumps from window to window to see the bunny, the whines and barking last about an hour and then all is forgotten, until the next night that is.
さいきんは　にわに　ウサギが　あります！　毎日の夕方に　この　ウサギは　森から　来ます！Mollyは　まどに　行って　にわに　ちゅうもく　します。ウサギは　家を　せんさいしまて　どのまどに　Mollyが　ウサギを　見つめます。Mollyは　おいかけたいから　こうふんします。

あじ日本

2007-05-25T12:01:00.000-04:00

I finally got some decent Japanese food! I went to Aji Nihon (in Bethesda) with Erika.
We got ShabuShabu, went to the Japanese market, then picked up some more useful books at Borders.
レストランの　名前は：あじ日本　　さいごに　アメリカで　おいしい　日本のりょうりを　食べられました。エリカさんと　しゃぶしゃぶを　たべて、日本の　スーパーに　行って、本やに　あたらしい　日本語の　じしょを　かいに　行きました。

Birthday gifts arrive from Okinawa

2007-05-19T21:58:00.000-04:00

Molly could smell Okinawa too.

Mollyも　沖縄の　においが　できました！
This Thursday a box from Okinawa arrived. My friends and ‘family’ in Japan have completely out-done themselves once again. Last year they made my birthday so incredibly special and even though this year they are 8,000 miles away, they seemed to be able to do just the same. Not only were there an insane amount of gifts for me in the box, but they also included gifts for Dave and the four friends that came out to visit us this summer, Tara, Will, Peter and Tom. There were pictures, t-shirts, jewelry, make-up, a glasses case, Hisano-san’s father’s favorite pottery, a really awesome apron that came from the awamori place close to where Dave and I lived, clothes and a cd/dvd of Hisano-san’s March show. The box even had the smell of Okinawa. Thank you to:Hisano-san, Yukino-san, Ryouga, Hisano-san’s Mama and Papa, Chika-san, Mattara-san and Saki-san! I miss you so much!
木曜日に　だんボールが　とどきました！　この　だんボールに“Peach John”を　読めましたから、沖縄から　おくったことが　知っていました。13,000キロメートルは　私の　沖縄人のともだち「家族」と　私の　あいだです。けれども、みんなさんは　また　とくべつな　たんじょうび　つくりました！ぜんぶが　大好きです！！！ｃｄ＊ｄｖｄ、きんじょうの　やきもの、ほうせき、t-shirts,　とけい、けしょうひん、めがねの　ケース、Zanpaの　エプロン、よふく、そして。。。しゃしんが　ありがとうございます！　WOW!　びっくりしました！だんボールを　あけたの時　チカさんのにおい　においができました。。。すごかった！久乃さんと　雪乃さんと、リョウがと、久乃さんのママとパパと、チカマタと、サキさんへ　ほんとに　かんしゃしています。ぜんぶ　ありがとうございました！　みんなさんが　いなくて　さびしい　です。

The Simpson's Movie

2007-04-30T17:22:00.000-04:00

At the movie theatre we saw lots of advertisements for the new “The Simpson’s Movie” that is coming out in mid-May. We couldn’t resist this photo opportunity.
えいがかんで　Simpson’sが　ありました　あたらしい　えいがは　五月に　はじまります　ので。　デイビットさんは　Homerが　大好きです!

Crab Night

2007-04-27T23:08:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday Dave and I got together with our new friends that we met at the Sakura Matsuri in Washington DC. They were going to Baltimore to check out the city and so we met up with them for dinner at O’Brycki’s Crab Restaurant in Fells Point. They were very excited to ‘crack open’ the crabs, as were we because none of us had ever done it before. We ordered 1 dozen crabs and some side orders. The crabs were thrown right on table (covered in brown paper, of course) and we were all given trashcans, lots of napkins, a bib, a knife and a wooden mallet. The waitress explained how to open the crabs and we all dug in for a pretty delicious dinner. Here I am with Yukari-san before we started opening the crabs.
先週の日曜日に Baltimoreのカニのレストランに　行きました。レストランの名前はO’Brycki’s　です。そこに　まつりに　日本人と　はなした　人　と　会いました。　この　レストランに　つくえに　カニを　置いて　手で　かなずちと　ナイフと　カニを　食べられました。みんなさんは　たくさん　ナプキンと　エプロンと　ごみばこ　を　もらいました。ウイートレスは　カニを　あけるの　こと　が　せつめいしました。がんばりました　けど　上手じゃなかった。　れんしゅうします．ははは。。。食べたの　まえ　ユカリさんと　しゃしんを　とりました。楽しかった。

Sakura Matsuri in Washington DC

2007-04-22T14:52:00.000-04:00

Last weekend Dave, Erica and I took the train into Washington DC. It was the final 2 days of the 2 week long Cherry Blossom Festival. We saw a bit of the parade and then took part in the ‘Sakura Matsuri’(which just means--Cherry Blossom Festival). This part of the festival was the creation of a Japanese-style festival in downtown DC. There were lots of food vendors, musicians/performers and….beer, of course. I was curious to see if Okinawa would be represented in the festival, but my curiosity didn’t last too long, because the first booth we came to was a music/dance performance group from Okinawa. We were very happy to see them and Erica was even put to work! Haha! This first picture is of her helping her fellow Okinawans set up for the performance. I was able to watch Okinawan dance, listen to Okinawan music, eat some-what Okinawan food (it was a good attempt at Okinawa Soba), and drink Japanese beer- I felt like I was back in Japan. Actually, the rain and lack of cherry blossoms in bloom reminded me very much of the Cherry Blossom festival in Nago, Okinawa.
先週の週末に　エリカさんとWashington DCの　さくら　まつりに　行きました。ゆめい　な　パレッドを　見て　日本の　まつりの　たべものを　食べました。Kirinも　飲めました！　うれしかった!　ビル＋まつり＝しあわせ　ね。まつりに　行くの　まえ　そこに　沖縄人が　あります　かな　と　思いました。せいかい　でした!　さいしょに　見るの　人は　沖縄人でした!　びっくりした!　ずっとむこうに　びんがたを　見ました！　沖縄!、沖縄!、沖縄!　だと　言っていました!!!たこやきと　やきとりと　沖縄そばを　食べました。ビルを　飲むの時日本の大学生と　話しました。すてきな　人でした。そのあと、沖縄の　おんがくのライブを　見ました「えいさと　さんしん」。いい　かんじ　でした。沖縄に　いるの　きもち　でした。Ｎａｇｏの　さくら　まつりに　にて　いました。。。雨が　ふって　いて　さくらの花が　ありませんでした「もう　さきました」。

Unpacking...yet again

2007-04-12T20:09:00.000-04:00

The joys of MOVING! It took about a week to go through all the boxes and boy am I glad to be done! Starting today we have internet access at the house...yay! I can write my blog more often. This blog writing is not so exciting in English, but it is good practice for me to write in Japanese.

だんボールが　大きらい　です!　ぜんぶを　あけました。　先週から　インターネットが　ありませんでした　が　今　大丈夫です。今日から　家に　インターネットを　すろことが　できます。　今から　よく　ブログを　できます。

Japanese TV

2007-04-11T20:59:00.000-04:00

Today Dave had the satellite TV installed and guess what???????? We have NHK, the main broadcasting station in Japan! Just before I left to come here I saw the beginning of my favorite Japanese cartoon!
今日から　日本のばんぐみを　見られます！　ＮＨＫ　あります！　私は　とても　うれしい　ですよ！　日本語を　聞けます。。。。私の頭の中にだけが　ありません。。。はははは！わかる？　まちがいましたか？じょだんです。はははは

EUROPE!

2007-04-07T22:07:00.000-04:00

British pounds

イギリスのお金

Avebury Henge
イギリス

Hot Spar (Convenience store in Japan) in Ireland?

アイルランドで　ＨｏｔＳｐａｒ　あります。

Guiness at the source: Dublin, Ireland
ギネスの　家：Dublin, Ireland

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
アイルランドの北

Giant's Causeway's unique rock formation
すごい　石

Northern Ireland castle
アイルランドの北のしろ

York, England
イギリス

London, England
ロンドン

　　Here are a few pics from our trip to Europe last month. I'm only putting a few that I had on my phone because our computer that has our pictures is not hooked to the internet yet. We rented a car when we arrived in London and made our way to Avebury, England. There are mysterious stones there, just like the more touristy spot, Stonehenge. We then drove through Wales and took a ferry to Ireland. We stayed in Cork, a city in the very southern part of Ireland. We took a drive through the Irish countryside and stopped in both Limerick and Galway on our way to Dublin. In Dublin we visited the Book of Kells at Trinity University, St. Patrick's Cathedral and of course, the Guiness Factory. After our day in Dublin we drove to Northern Ireland to see the Giant's Causeway and then went into Belfast before catching a night ferry to Scotland. Our ship left from the same port where the Titanic departed Belfast back in 1912. We drove past Loch Ness on the way to the Highlands of Scotland. The next day we spent the morning touring the Glenmorangie Scotch distillery and the afternoon in the mountains looking at the abundant wildlife and climbing on castle ruins. We stopped in Stirling to pay a visit to the William Wallace monument on our way to Edinburgh. The few days we spent in Edinburgh were packed with visits to the castle, the palace and several other tourist traps along the 'Royal Mile'. Edinburgh's architecture was absolutely beautiful, a must see if you take a trip to the UK. With only two days left Dave and I headed south to York, England stopping at a part of Hadrian's Wall along the way. York was a great little town. We spent most of our time in York Minster, an unbelievably huge cathedral built on the ruins of both a Norman church and the old Roman Headquarters where Constantine the Great was proclaimed the Roman Emperor. The next day we spent back in London. Because the exchange rate was so awful, we only took a stroll by Buckingham Palace, a gaze at the outside of Westminster Abbey and just as we were about to leave the Parliament/Big Ben area we found out that the English House of Commons were going to start a debate that afternoon and that the public was permitted to watch for free. It was incredibly cool to be in the English Parliament building watching the English government at work. The next day Dave and I flew out of London and back to Philly. This was the quick version of our trip. We have many stories of our two week journey, however I didn't want to write a book….TOO LATE!haha!
さいごに　ヨーロッパの　しゃしん　します！　二月と　三月に　ヨーロッパに　行きました。　日曜日に　きっぷを　かいて　水曜日に　行きました。　でも、　ホテルと　車の　よやくしませんでした。あああああ！！！　ロンドンに　つくの　とき　車を　かりました。　あの日　fish and chips「さかな　からあげと　ポテイト　フライ」。そのあと、Stone Hengeの　ちかくに　行きました。　そこに　大きい　石が　あります。あの石は　そこに　クライストの　まえ　ありました。ＢＣね。　あの石を　きかくするの　人は　わかりません。

それから、ふねで　アイルランドに　行きました。 Dublinに　ギネスの家に　行って　ちょう　生ビルを　飲みました。　おいしかった！　ギネスの家に　の　たびは　とくべつでした。ははは。アイルランドの　北に　とても　きれい　でした。おもしろい　石の形　あります。　そこに　おしろも　あります。　ＷＯＷ！　アイルランドに　の時　たくさん　にじを　見ました！

それから、ふねで　スコットランドに　行きました。　Braveheartの話しの　ところを　見ました。　そして　デイビットさんの　おきにりＷＨＩＳＫＥＹ　の　つくるの　ところに　行きました。ゆめい　Ｗｈｉｓｋｅｙ　です、でも、好きじゃなかった。ははは。。。「すみません。。くろビル　ください！」ははは。スコットランドの　山に　ドライブして　いろいろ　な　山の　どぶつを　見ました。　

スコットランドの時のあと　イギリスに　かえりました。　Ｙｏｒｋ、イギリスの　大聖堂に　はいりました。　ＷＯＷ！　すごかった！　あの町は　いちばん
でした！　大聖堂の　したは　ロマン「Ｒｏｍａｎ」の　しれいぶの　かべ
ありました。　あのところに　Ｃｏｎｓｔａｎｔｉｎｅは　こうていに　なりました！　３００ＡＤ「ぐらい」！　
ところで。。Ｙｏｒｋで　ぎんこうに　はいって　日本人と　話しました。ヨーロッパに　日本語を　話せました！　うれしかった！

つぎ　な日　ロンドンに　かえって　イギリスの　ぎかいの　とうろんを　見ました。とうろんの　へやに　はいれました。
二時間のあと　つかれて　いました。。。だから。。。ひこうきで　アメリカに　かえりました。
　

ERICA!!!!

2007-03-27T15:58:00.000-04:00

Last week I spent some time with Erica from Okinawa. It was her spring break from UMCP, so I brought her to NJ with me so she could see a few more places on the east coast. We started off by going into Manhattan on Monday to see as many sites as possible. Although New York wasn’t exactly what she had imagined it to be, Erica was still blown away by so many things in The Big Apple. The next day we did a quick tour of Philadelphia. We visited Betsy Ross’ house, the Liberty Bell, City Hall, the “LOVE” statue, etc. We even made a special trip into South Philly for some cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches at John’s Roast Pork. Wednesday we headed down the shore. We stopped in Ocean City for a stroll down the boardwalk, Margate to see Lucy the elephant and…. of course Atlantic City to witness the casinos in action. We also got a great tour of House of Blues, thanks to my bro, King. Most of these pics are from Philly, but the last one is of Erica making her first snowball. Pretty cool, huh?
先週　エリカさんと　Ｎｅｗ　Ｙｏｒｋと　Ｐｈｉｌａｄｅｌｐｈｉａと　Ａｔｌａｎｔｉｃ　Ｃｉｔｙに　行きました。日曜日に　Ｐｅｎｎｓｙｌｖａｎｉａの　山にも　行きました。　あの日　行くの　まえ、エリカさんは　雪な　玉を　つくりました。はじめて　でした！　すごい　ですね。
月曜日に　Ｎｅｗ　Ｙｏｒｋ　Ｃｉｔｙに　でんしゃで　行きました。あの日の　朝　三時三十分に　おきました！　ゆうめい　な　テレビの　ばんぐみの　ところに　行って　ならびました。二時間　待ちました　だけど、はいれませんでした。　そのあと、central parkで　さんぽ　しました。World Trade Centerの　ところも　見ました。かんどう　して　いた。二人は　四時ごごに　かえって　つかれて　いた　ので。
つぎな　日にPhiladelphiaの　とくべつな　ところに　行きました。Betsy Rossの家に　行ったり　Liberty Bellを　見たり　「Ｌｏｖｅ」の　ぞうに　いったり　チズ　ステキを　食べました。
水曜日に　エリカさんは　かいがんに　うんてんしました。。エリカさんは　アメリカで　うんてんが　好きです。楽しい　ね。ＯｃｅａｎＣｉｔｙの　「Boardwalk」で　さんぽしました。それから、Ａｔａｎｔｉｃ　Ｃｉｔｙも　行きました。　House of Bluesの　ツアーを　できました。すごかった！
エリカさんと　いしょ　の時　いつも　楽しい　ですよ！

St. Patty's Day

2007-03-21T10:50:00.000-04:00

This St. Patty's Day was my brother's 30th Birthday. There was a huge surprise bar-hopping party for him. I brought my friend Erica up from Maryland and we all went out to a few bars. Here we are with green beer. Erica is from Okinawa, but she is taking courses at the University of Maryland. We met in Okinawa and now live only 20 minutes away from each other. This week is her spring break so we are touring the northeast.

Erika-san to isshoni. dou youbi ni St. Patty's no hi wa watashi no oniisan no tanjoubi (30sai!!!!) deshita. oniisan no tanjoubi no nomikai ni Erika-san wo tsuretekimashita. midori biru wo nonda! sugoi desu ne. tanoshikatta! konshuu, Erika-san to New York City to Philadelphia ni ikimashita.

Here is a pic of King and his buddies from his birthday. Dave and I were very happy to see so many people that we haven't seen for a long time. Happy B-Day King!

watashi no oniisan to kare no tomodachi desu. ii nomikai deshita. yopparai ne.

EUROPE!!!

2007-02-18T23:40:00.000-05:00

The tickets are bought and we’re leaving Wednesday!! See you in 2 weeks!
今週の水曜日に　ヨーロッパに　行きます！　今日は　きっぷを　かいました！ははは！　二週間ね！　あとで！

Winter Storm

2007-02-18T23:12:00.000-05:00

Although the ice/snow storm hit a few days back, I figured my friends in Okinawa may like to see some New Jersey “winter pictures”. Dave, like many people in the area, had quite a hard time ridding the sidewalk and cars of that thick layer of ice. The branches on the trees were also covered in a thick coat of ice. It was a beautiful sight to see (the glistening when the sun would hit them). It became very dangerous, however, when the ice began to melt and fall off things like trees and rooftops. As usual, Molly had to find a place to keep warm. What a spoiled dog!
今週　ふゆ　な　あらしは　つきました。雪と　氷も！　あぶなかった！　たくさん　学校は　しまりました。氷は　ふとい　でした！　デイビットさんは　がんばりました。木の　えだも　氷だらけ　でした。　きれい　でした、だけど　すこし　あぶない　です。　氷の　とけるの　時　こおりが　おちます。　Ｍｏｌｌｙちゃんは　Ｎｅｗ　Ｊｅｒｓｅｙの　ふゆが　好きじゃない。ははは。。。　

Graduation Day

2007-02-10T18:08:00.001-05:00

20 years of education and she’s finally done! Horrraaayyyy! Today was my cousin Tara’s graduation from Physical Therapy school. Here she is at today’s luncheon with her fiancé, Will. She was quite worried when PT school first started. She wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to keep up with all the work. However, she persevered (as we all expected) and here she is….2.5 years later! Great Job Tara!!!!! Oooppppss….. she informed us today that we can now call her ‘Doctor Tara’!! GREAT JOB DR. TARA!!!!!!

私の　いとこは　ＴＡＲＡ「たら」そして　彼女の　fiance 　ＷＩＬＬ　「ウイル」です。　今日は　Ｔａｒａの　大学校せいの時「７．５年」おわりました。。。。そつぎょう　しましたね。　今から、　いしゃ　です！　すごい　ですね。　今日　みんなさん　レストランに　いわいに　行きました。Ｔａｒａに　じまん　しています。かのじょは　いつも　がんばりますよ！

Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

2007-02-10T18:05:00.000-05:00

After doing much research on the internet and arguing over which kind of automobile to purchase… Dave and I finally made a decision! A Jeep! This is an 03 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Dave loves his new leather seats and is very eager to start towing ‘things’.

私たちは　車を　かいたかった。三週間のまえ　から　たくさん　車を　見ました。　昨日のまえ　車が　ありませんでした　ので　ゆそうできませんした。だけど。。。。車を　かいました！　ＪＥＥＰ　です！　この　車は　デイビットさんの　スタイル　ですね。　車の　いそは　くろい　かわ　です

かんぱい！

2007-01-31T14:03:00.000-05:00

沖縄で　私の　ともだちへ。。。。かんぱい！！！！　この　バーは　ギネスが　あります。　火曜日に　ギネスは　三ドル　だけ　です。　やすい　ですね！

MAIDO!

2007-01-28T11:33:00.000-05:00

On Friday I went to a Japanese market in Narberth, PA. It took about 40 minutes or so to get there, but it was worth it! Dave and I ate Yakisoba and Curry for lunch. I enjoyed seeing all the Japanese snacks. They also had a video/magazine/book rental section. Next time we go up there, I’ll be sure to rent a magazine to practice reading. While eating lunch I got to watch (via satellite) NHK. I watched the news and part of the soap opera that I used to watch in Okinawa. I felt right at home.
金曜日に　日本の店に　行きました。まいど　です！！！New Jerseyから　まいどまで　四十分　です。　やきそばと　カレーを　食べました。おいしかった！　食べた時に　日本の　テレビを　見られました！　NHK　ありました！　ニュースと　げきてきな　ばんぐみを　見ました。　たくさん　おかしが　あった、でも、たかかった。　大丈夫です。　ビデオと　ざっしと　本の　レンタル　あります！　こんど　ざっしを　かります。　日本語を　見るの　事が　いい　かんじ　でした。この店で　安心して　いました。

Check out their website:

よかったら、ウェブの　リンク。。。見て:

http://www.maidookini.com/e/index.htm

Mom

2007-01-26T11:26:00.000-05:00

The other night I went to my brother’s house for dinner. My mom and I took this very cute picture with my new phone.
いい　しゃしんですね。　私は　せんじつ　お兄さんの家に　ばんごはんを　食べに　行きました。ままも　行った。　私たちは　かわいいでしょう？

John's Roast Pork

2007-01-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

Today I went to John’s Roast Pork in South Philly to eat, for the only the second time in my life, the most delicious cheesesteak on earth! Just before leaving for Okinawa, I was introduced to John’s and I dreamed for two years about the day I would once again be able to eat a John’s cheesesteak. Check it out sometime! You won’t be disappointed!
今日　Philadelphia「フィラデルフィア」の　サンドイッチの　みせに　ステーキと　チーズの　サンドイッチを　食べに　行きました。二かい　だけ　そこに　行った　ことが　あります。　これは　Philadelphiaの　ゆうめい　な　サンドイッチです！　この　ところ「John’s Roast Pork」は　いちばん　だ　と　思います。　よかったら、アメリカに　来るの時　そこに　つれてきます。　けいこくします。。。。。この　サンドイッチは　大きくて　けんこうに　わるい　です！。。。だけど。。。おいしい　です！！！！！　よく　食べられないね。

Wawa

2007-01-22T00:43:00.000-05:00

One place Dave has truly missed…Wawa. This entry is more for my friends in Japan who have never seen a Wawa… sorry if the blog entries are getting boring for all my American friends and family, however, my Japanese friends are now getting the opportunity to see this part of the world.
この　コンビ二の　名前は　Wawa　です。　Wawaは　「はははは、すみません、ははは」じもとの　店　です。　デイビットさんは　毎日　そこに　コーヒーを　飲みに　行きたい。　デイビットさんは　「わわの　コーヒーは　いちばん　だ」と　言っていました。　いろいろな　コーヒーが　あります！　デイビットさん、どぞ。。。どぞ　どぞ。

Long time no see...

2007-01-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

It’s been a long time since Dave and I have seen snow!! Today it snowed for a bit so we took Molly outside to see her first snow!
お久しぶり！！！　ゆき　ゆき　ゆきが　ふっています！　Mollyは　雪を　見るの　ことが　はじめて　です

Out for dinner

2007-01-18T11:40:00.000-05:00

Last night Dave and I went out with my brother King and his wife Jessie. They took us to their favorite restaurant…Sakura! Although the Japanese food was more of a Chinese version of Japanese food….the atmosphere made up for it since we got to sit in our own little room. I must say, it was nice to be able to hear the people sitting directly across from me… something I have not experienced since we arrived back in the States. After hanging with King and Jessie for a bit, Dave and I stopped for some ice-cream on the way home. Thanks King and Jessie! We had a blast….let’s do it again sometime! Our treat!
昨日　お兄さんと　かれの　おくさんと　日本の　レストランに　行きました。　「さくら」。　楽しかった　でも、　おいしくなかった。　がかりしていました。りょうりが　ちゅうごくの　あじが　ありました。　ぎょうざと　とんかつと　やきとりと　甘かった。　えだまめが　おいしかった。ははは。　今から　おいしい　日本のりょうりな　レストランを　さがします。　この　レストラン人　ちゅうごく人　でした。 New Jerseyで　日本人の　レストランが　どこ　ですか？？？？？？　たすけって！　デイビットさんと　ばんごはんを　たべたの　あと　アイスクリームの　レストランに　行きました。　

Washington DC

2007-01-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Dave and I took a drive down to DC for a job fair. Although we felt as though we accomplished nothing, it was nice to be able to drive at 75mph again. The drive was great.. that is until we hit rush hour around Baltimore! ahhhh!!!

デイビットさんと　ドライブ　しました。　どこ？？？ Washington DCに　行きました。　New Jerseyから Washington DCまで　三時間　ぐあらい。そこに　デイビットさんの　あたらしい　仕事を　さがしに　行きました、だけど、せいこうしませんでした。こんども　がんばります。