Bret's Birthday, the Beginning

My wonderful friends Yasuko and Youko threw Bret a surprise party, one week before his birthday.

I told Bret we were just going for dinner, so he was really surprised!

The cake was sooooo good. Chocolate mouse layered with chocolate cake and ganache for frosting. Amazing. It has also been about a decade since either of us has had fondue, so that was delicious as well.

It's a big birthday for Bret, he's turning 25 on March 26th!

Radiation Update

So, the last several days have been a little stressful. Information was uneven and ranged between "nothing is happening" and "the world is ending." As far as Shikoku and particularly Saijo is concerned, we are definitely in the former camp.

Literally nothing is happening where we live. So far as I can tell/research there is no sign of radiation and everything is 100% normal.

I feel very fortunate to be far away from the terrible events that occured and are still ongoing up north of Japan, and we are monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

Many brave Japanese are working around the clock to keep things under control at the Fukushima reactor, and I am very thankful for their valiant efforts.

Although many non-Japanese in the Tokyo area and further north do seem to be evacuating, no one in my area has any plans to leave or reason for panic.

Many people in Shikoku work in factories with nuclear technology, and measuring devices for radiation are everywhere. Everything is perfectly normal and I am hoping for the best in Fukushima. It will take weeks to know this all will turn out, and we are staying up-to-date the best we can.

This is a cute animation for kids to explain what was happening when things first went down. I'm not sure of the accuracy, but it was still reassuring! Personally, I am trying to block out those who prefer to fear-monger, whether it's individuals or news organizations. The most interesting thing to come out of this is how terrible the Japanese government is at communicating and how one miscommunication or ambiguity can be spun into a crazy news segment.

Earthquake/Tsunami

We are okay out here, very far away from the terrible events. We hope all of our northern friends are okay!

Car News!

We're buying a car! We're buying a car? Yes, we're buying a car!

It all started....well, how did it start? Well, Bret told me a horrifying story about how he almost got hit while being passed by a big truck on a highway road with little-to-no bike lane/shoulder so I told him to start looking for cars. After that incident the dust settled a bit and we were both a little meh on the idea, kind of sitting waiting for a cheap car to come find us. What? Cars do that. You just have to take lots of walks and whistle. Or go out at night with a laser pointer. Works every time.

So anyways we've got some visitors coming in April and renting a car for the travels during that vacation time would be about....500 dollars or something. We can get a car for 1,000....so we're just gonna do it. Sure, we can probably LIVE without a car...but it sucks. It really does.

So, today while I had a student in the computer room, Bret pokes his head in through the sliding paneled doors and says, "I'm going to Iche! I have found a car! I won't be home tonight!"

...and that was the last I've seen of him. I watched Dinner for Schmucks and ate some miso soup. Pretty bored... I was going to catch a bus out to join him, but I have responsibilities in the morning. But tomorrow, I may be posting pics of the new whip, so stay tuned for that!

***Update: maroon. it's maroon.... :(
the car Bret wanted on the lot didn't have Shaken (ummm....how do I translate shaken? vehicle emissions/mechanical soundness approval? but you can buy it for one or two years....so it doesn't make sense to me) so the car dealer felt bad that Bret had traveled 5 hours to get there so he showed him another car that also didn't have shaken but they worked out a deal where it would be okay for him to drive that particular car home.

Also it is noteworthy that the different car is five years newer and has under 1o0,000 km on it. And the car salesman knocked 7 mon off the price (er....that's like...850 dollars) so it's a good deal! I guess...

The trouble was when we looked online all the car listings we had highlighted for interest had the shaken thing, so we didn't think it would be a problem/extra cost. But, whatever, aside from the maroon thing I am happy. Newer car=better car. I think it's a 2000, making it the newest car either of us has ever owned


In a perfect world, I would be driving a bright blue 2011 honda civic hybrid

other acceptable car colors include: black, pewter silver, black

that is all

Cafe Space for June Exhibition!

I went to a lovely cafe the other day and inquired about their availability for showcasing some of the stuff I have lying around the house. The international market didn't go so well for me, so I have found a new venue! I forgot to take pictures of the actual place, I was way into the tea cups and taking macro shots. Oh well, I'll update later.

(^-^)

Fried chicken done right. I forgot to take a picture at the beginning so this is a less appetizing pic taken halfway through...oops
Takashi's graduation go-out crew. I think the general theme of the night was CHICKEN! YES!
Awesome caramelized onion goodness

watching the guys play video games/power napping before the journey home
Strawberry smoothie deliciousness

Today I stopped by Uniqlo on a whim and found this rockin faux-leather jacket. I haven't been in this particular apparel shop recently and their markdowns are RIDICULOUS so I wanted to go have a look-see. I didn't have a lot of cash on hand (thank goodness) but saw a bunch of great finds. I want to go back for the 10 dollar argyle cardigans and 190 yen leather gloves. Awesome deals. I should just apply for a job there already so I can get the employee discount. I need to learn how to say "I want to work here three days a week mornings only" and "How much is the employee discount?" in Japanese. In case you don't know what Uniqlo is further reading can be found here :http://www.uniqlo.com/jp/

Things are really great lately! All around!

The weather is surprisingly warm, but this sets off a warning signal in my brain...I know what's coming...BUG SEASON!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Our defenses include the anti-centipede powder line which circumferences our house, de-weeding and bug-spraying the front yard, and cleaning cleaning cleaning! If they can't eat anything, they can't live, muahahahahaaha!

The rainy season may also have begun this week. It feels very Seattle-esque and it's good for everything to get a good wash down so new shoots and leaves and remake the jungle terrain that I enjoyed last summer. The only downside is I must now purchase a rain poncho for my bicycle trips to Niihama (about 25 kms round trip) and whatnot. That shall be my errand for tomorrow!