Enjoy the Scenery

Fall Days

2011-11-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

Nothin’ says Spring like the Skagit Valley Tulips!

2011-05-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Satiny, shimmery gorgeousness

Matthew, the REAL photographer of the day

This dried-up mud was BOUNCY, like that synthetic material they use for playground surfaces!

Hey you, it's me!

Time for school?

Love this one.

This image is my desktop wallpaper now.

Golden!

Wedding Snapshots

2011-03-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

My cousin Lauren with Paul, the happy bride & groom!

Henry and me

Kids in motion

Kids behind the camera! Love it.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-03-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

Eat Your Veggies

2011-02-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was visiting Sequim ("Skwim" for you non-Washingtonians!).
I was really impressed by a local supermarket therem although I forgot its name.

But just look at these beautifully stacked, colorful, glorious vegetables!

It's official!

2011-02-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

See here evidence that I (or at least my car) is now a resident of the great state of Washington!

I am awaiting my new driver's license in the mail, and soon will be a library card acquisition.

It's so strange how much this place feels like home, even with my family 2500 miles away (hello family! I love you!).

As a single adult in my 30's, it's not easy to figure out what or where is HOME. But for now, it's here in Seattle, where I have many wonderful friends, a church home, and gorgeous mountains to observe and to hike into.

Thank you, Lord, for making it possible for me to make a home here again. I look forward to another season in Seattle and all the fun annual or ongoing events around here. Such as:

Snowshoeing
Sharla's and Rachel's annual after-Christmas re-gifting party
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Sharla's annual spring clothing swap
Ferry rides
Bethany Community Church
Live music around the city
Seattle International Film Festival
Hiking
Randomly running into people I know at Greenlake and elsewhere
Twisted Flicks
Beautiful sunsets
Gorgeous autumn weather
Great restaurants

...and so much more.
Hooray for Seattle!

My Valentine - 2011

2011-02-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

LOCATION: Wendi and Sam's house

MY DATE: Zeke, a very handsome and good-natured two-year-old.

DINNER: Chinese takeout for the four of us.

DESSERT: Creme brulee.

Epic Road Trip with my Brother, October 2010

2011-01-11T20:27:00.001-08:00

Back in October my brother Cason drove with me from Cincinnati to Seattle. A big thank you to my sister-in-law Danielle and the 3 kids for sparing him for 6 days! It was a very special time.

Mt. Rushmore, SD

The Badlands, SD

Devil's Tower, WY

At Yellowstone, Cason tried to catch a photo of this up-close bison, but we had the camera set on video!

Yellowstone, WY

For those who want to see more, here's the entire album.

NYE Masquerade Ball 2010

2011-01-10T21:03:00.000-08:00

Social Dancing

2010-12-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Surely social dancing is one of the most delightful, wholesome settings in which to meet people! As a woman, it's wonderful to have multiple gentlemen asking you to dance in the evening. And I do say gentlemen because they will approach, ask if I wish to dance, and then escort me to an open space on the dance floor. I especially like it when the dashing man offers me the crook of his arm.

The dancing is fun, even though I'm just learning, and everyone is so happy, smiling, getting a workout...

Then the gentleman thanks the lady and escorts her back to where he first invited her.

Would that more men and women would learn dancing, and regularly particpate in such gatherings! The men get to dance with lovely ladies who will always say "yes" when asked, and the women get the pleasure of being invited to spend a few moments in the company of a dashing gentleman.

Seattle offers so many venues for social dancing and lessons! I hope to spend more time enjoying this lovely pastime here.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-12-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

I've been SO thankful for my friends Wendi and Sam, for providing a warm, temporary home for me here in Seattle. And I have a sweet new friend in their son, Zeke!

And then it was GREAT to see my dear friend Lisa... you have to see us in our partially-borrowed-gear look! The colors... the colors...

'Twas a bit thin and grassy by then, but it was still a blast sledding at a park in Moses Lake, Washington!

Forever Greenlake

2010-11-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

I never get tired of going for a walk around Greenlake. Even when it's cold and rainy, there's something about this 2.8-mile path around a lake just minutes from downtown... inhabited by various birds and waterfowl, and then of course all the people. You'll see everything from an iron-man type in training to a little Chinese grandma out for her daily exercise. People walking their dogs, friends catching up, a whole family enjoying nature.

Thank you, Seattle, for Greenlake!

Costume Party

2010-11-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

Went to a Halloween Party on Sunday night. Too bad I didn't get photos of some of my favorite costumes: A whoopee cusion, a construction cone, a 70's lamp... It struck me that a costume party or other theme party is a great way to get people talking to each other.

"So... are you... Maaaaarrge... ?"
"Hey, watch out where you swing that sword!"
"Cool Minnie Mouse ears!"
"Um, who or what are you, exactly?"

But it's funny. It's nearly impossible to learn so many new names, so I tend to remember them by their costumes. ROBOT grew up in the Philippines; 30's DETECTIVE GIRL is training to work at a beauty salon; BUDDY THE ELF was the host; and so on.

One fun connection: WHOOPEE CUSION is currently studying marketing management, and wants to talk business with me about doing voiceovers! Cool.

1000 Pita Chips!

2010-10-28T17:15:00.001-07:00

I worked with Wendi today at her bakery to help with with this huge order!

Picas-so-Lantern

2010-10-27T23:56:00.002-07:00

I carved a pumkin tonight, along with four friends...just in time for Halloween.
See Sam contemplating his design, my sketches beginning to come together in the foreground.

My finished lantern, inspired by the Picasso exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. (Hope to go next week to actually see it.)

And here's the entire lineup:

Happy Carving to all!

Climbing at the Red

2010-09-29T10:32:00.004-07:00

Labor Day Weekend I got to go rock climbing at the gorge-ous Red River Gorge in central Kentucky.
After rapelling down an ampitheater (just dangling in mid-air, no wall to kick off of!) we finally found our climb. It took about 5 hours for the three of us to make it up the 4 pitches, but it was great!

Tony lead the trad climbs, I "cleaned," and Bob followed up the rear. I was glad these guys welcomed me on their trip, but I think I didn't spoil their fun too much!

Tony

Bob

View

My feet

True North Inn

The great lodge where we stayed. We slept in the dorm-style bunkbeds in the loft!

Cincinnati with my Kunming friends

2010-08-09T10:08:00.005-07:00

Friends I met in China stopped by on a road trip! Here they are at Fountain Square.

Union Terminal.

Just love the design in this building.

I even got to play one of the pianos around town for the "Play Me, I'm Yours" gig.

(I also played one at Jungle Jim's and one at a Graeter's, too!)

Nature is fun!

2010-07-23T06:28:00.001-07:00

This giant hibiscus (?) is only one of many blooms on this bush at my mom's place! She calls it her Jurassic Bush.

And then I couldn't get over how this grape stem looked like a creepy monster! I messed around taking a bunch of photos to get THIS one.

Final Fling in London!

2010-07-13T11:40:00.001-07:00

2010-07-11 London

İstanbul

2010-07-09T12:48:00.002-07:00

Lots of photos this time, so check out the album!
Be sure to read the captions to get the full effect.

Istanbul July 2010

Warm English Home

2010-06-30T07:53:00.002-07:00

I got to know this lovely couple through the church I attended while staying here... they invited us to a meal last Sunday and I took a few photos!

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire

2010-06-17T07:56:00.005-07:00

Beautiful hills and green.

Sheep.

Paragliders hanging out.

Fresh spring water.

Bluebells.

My friend Rachel among the bluebells.

Misunderstood Compliment

2010-06-15T07:34:00.003-07:00

My friend from Germany spoke to me in the cafeteria the other day.

SUE: You look like an Elf.
ME: [picturing one of Santa's little helpers in my mind] Oh. uh....

SUE: Isn't that right? Those beautiful creatures in Lord of the Rings?
ME. Ohhhhhhhhhhh! Um, thank you!

More exploring

2010-06-03T02:28:00.002-07:00

The Powder Room. Go here to get ready for a date or dressy event after work! They'll do your hair and makeup, and you can even borrow an outfit! The whole shop had a cute 50's look, even the stylists.

Wilty but kinda shabby chic flowers at a little Italian hole-in-the-wall

Tower Bridge. You can see the Tower of London (the 1000-year-old castle) in the far background.

Couple in the rain (photo by Doris)

Sumo!

2010-06-02T04:20:00.001-07:00

We had a huge party here on Sunday, the community around the YWAM base was invited. BBQ, volleyball, bouncy castles... and SUMO suits!

Here I am with Doris... we had a hilarious time.

More of London

2010-05-18T09:56:00.002-07:00

Phone booth, check. London bus, check.

I like to think of this lion (one of four) in Trafalgar Square as Aslan... It was cool how people were lining up to climb on them and get their picture taken.

I really get a kick out of the difference in our languages...

Portobello Market

2010-05-14T02:15:00.003-07:00

A popular street market in London, especially on a beautiful Saturday!

Cool signage...

Cool goods...

A funky clothing store's walls showed off dozens of vintage sewing machines!

School of Design

2010-05-13T03:54:00.001-07:00

Me in the classroom!

Photos by the lovely Malin Tangen.

The Secret of Kells

2010-05-08T15:59:00.005-07:00

Be absolutely enchanted by this gorgeously illustrated, historic tale!

Where I'm staying

2010-05-03T09:27:00.007-07:00

It's called the "Highfield Oval." A big oval of grass surrounded by brick buildings for housing and classrooms, plus a dining hall, chapel, and main office building (seen here through the trees in the far background).

The chapel

Outside the dining hall

And a climbing-friendly tree!

Unexpected Walk

2010-04-30T14:14:00.003-07:00

On Sunday I went to church and ended up going on a spontaneous walk... for 4 1/2 hours! In my skirt and little dressy shoes! In the woods and fields! It was great. Here are some of the sights.

Don't You Know You're Beautiful

2010-04-26T08:57:00.001-07:00

New music video from the Cincinnati band Seabird!

London Outing Part 2 - The British Museum

2010-04-23T13:36:00.004-07:00

Yeah, the British Museum! It's free, like so many museums in London. Free is good.

Cool Pict carving, 7th century AD

Gift or prize shield, late 1400s

Old clock, late 1500s

Older clock, EARLY 1500s

What the heck?

London Outing Part 1

2010-04-21T13:31:00.009-07:00

Walked past St. Paul's Cathedral...

On the way to the Tate Modern. There I saw lots of great art, including some by Kandinsky. See this animation of one of his pieces!

Then, a fire on the Millenium bridge...

...diverted us to the nearest Tube station which was then closed due to a "suspect package" being found! So we walked on...

Passing a cool market I'd like to go back and visit on the weekend!

And we finally arrived at The British Museum.

[to be continued]

Luton

2010-04-19T12:32:00.007-07:00

Spent time on Gorgeous Saturday at the OTHER neighboring city of Luton.

Relaxing in the square...

Taking fun photos...

And, after being indecisive about eating, finally sat down at this Italian place. I thought it was cute that they gave us MORE than the designated 175ml of wine in our glasses!

(See the line marking the correct amount? And Doris' glass had more too, she had already taken a sip by the time I got my camera to work correctly!)

Spring Flowers in England!

2010-04-18T03:32:00.003-07:00

Despite the volcanic eruption in Iceland, we've been having clear skies and gorgeous weather! Some lovely flowers are dotting the landscape around town.

St. Albans

2010-04-10T14:07:00.004-07:00

Although I'm staying in Harpenden, my first post will be of a neighboring city!

Had some free time today and ran (or took the train, rather) to St. Albans. Apparently, what makes a city a city is that it has a cathedral! It's not related to the population. Thus, Harpenden: no cathedral; not a city. St. Albans? Cathedral. City!

I love these "interrupted" photos sometimes!

Modern street, but you can imagine some of these buildings looking just like this in the days before cars...

Neat church, although NOT the cathedral mentioned above...

...and of course, a pasty (PAST-ee) for lunch!

Easter with The Fam

2010-04-08T11:50:00.006-07:00

The kids...

...and Papa!

Karis the Sushi Chef

2010-02-22T15:27:00.001-08:00

So here's what I look like every day at the Whole Foods in Mason, OH, serving up cucumber avocado rolls, eel rolls, salmon & tuna, an amazing calamari salad and even fresh spring rolls!

C'mon by and see me sometime!

Budding young writer?

2009-12-29T07:22:00.002-08:00

Intently scribbling as an idea forms...

Trying hard to remember all those words...

But alas, writer's block.

Thanksgiving Day Photos (by my five-year-old niece)

2009-11-29T17:10:00.004-08:00

Old Film Projector

2009-11-20T09:06:00.002-08:00

This was at a historic building in Lamphun, Thailand. It was actually my language teacher's old school. I loved the lighting in this room, and this very cool piece of equipment.

Happy Belated Birthday to MOM!

2009-11-18T21:56:00.002-08:00

Back in September we celebrated Mom's October birthday a month early.

We had delicious eats...

and the guys entertained the kids...

But I'll be darned if I didn't even get one photo of the Birthday Girl!
(I was a bit busy trying to run everything!)

Inspirational Halloween Reading

2009-10-30T06:08:00.006-07:00

No, it's not an oxymoron! It's Devotions by Dead People!
Click cover image to watch the trailer.

Fall in Cincinnati!

2009-10-28T14:29:00.004-07:00

I had a lovely stroll the other day at Winton Woods, and caught some of it on film. OK, not on FILM, but I caught it, anyway!

北京（Beijing）

2009-09-28T13:08:00.002-07:00

Some of you know that I missed my connecting flight when I left Kunming, the Beijing-Seattle leg. I had to wait 2 days for the next one!

In the meantime, I got to see a few Beijing sights unexpectedly.

Enjoy！

Beijing 2009

Tibet (བོད་/西藏）

2009-09-26T16:07:00.003-07:00

I have not yet posted my Tibet album here.

First, let me share this cute photo my tourmate Annie took when we were at the Deji Orphanage in Lhasa.

Awww, sweet girls!

Now, here's the album.

Tibet 2009

Nostalgia: Old Japanese Cartoons

2009-08-14T17:58:00.004-07:00

Here are some favorite cartoon theme songs from when I was growing up.

Tetsuwan Atomu ("Astro Boy" in America)

Candy Candy

Ikkyu-san

Sally the Witch

Canvas on The Simpsons

2009-08-05T19:28:00.002-07:00

10 years ago I was in a singing group in Seattle called Canvas. We did an arrangement of the theme song to The Simpsons, and it was one of our fans' favorites.

I found out recently that they featured a video of this in the closing credits of Season 20 Episode 18 aired in April of this year (our bit begins at 20:45).

I am not in this video, unfortunately, because I'd left Seattle at that point to be with my dad before he died. This was a video of Canvas' final concert. The girl 2nd from the left was my replacement for that time.

Go to the Canvas/Simpsons site to see Simpsonesque caricatures of everyone, and to hear/purchase our CD (which DOES feature my voice!).

Very fun stuff!

I'm back!

2009-07-17T08:36:00.002-07:00

China blocked Blogger after my first few weeks there! Maybe I will post a few things about the past 3 months. Or not. either way, I'll post something. Sorry for the long absence!

Hong Kong: Downtown

2009-05-04T09:26:00.002-07:00

And finally, a few downtown shots!

Every evening they have a 15-20 minute light show with those moving spotlight things and a bunch of the taller buildings do fun light things, too! It's set to music like fireworks shows in the US. Pretty cool.

Hong Kong: Ocean Park

2009-05-01T21:38:00.004-07:00

Ocean Park has sea creatures, pandas, some amusement-park rides, and and a cable car that connects the two parts of the park! I even got to ride my favorite ride, those things that take you way up high and drop you. It was especially terrifying because we were on a hill overlooking the bay. So exciting! Here are some other shots.

Hong Kong: Cheung Chau Island

2009-05-01T01:57:00.001-07:00

I visited Cheung Chau Island, which is a fishing community. There are no cars on this island!

Ruth and I visited a little tea shop with another friend. You get to taste several kinds. This one is aged 8 years, as the man proudly told us:

Tea

2009-04-17T22:12:00.006-07:00

Our "school outing" yesterday was interesting... Went to another city, visiting some city building and a school. It started out with a lot of waiting around, not knowing the schedule, and watching a video that would have been quite informative if I understood it...

But the highlight was definitely the tea ritual where we got to be served by students.

This particular tea was poured into a little tall cup, which was then covered by a wider-mouthed.

The part where she flipped it over was really dramatic!

You can see that none of the tea has spilled out... it's all suctioned inside.

After releasing the tea to drink:

Good World, Good View, Good Food

2009-04-15T07:04:00.006-07:00

The buildings that house our office:

The VIEW from the office:

...yep, row after row of big apartment buildings. That's where everyone lives. I don't think I've seen a house yet in this city.

Typical Sunday Lunch:

Getting lost is kinda fun

2009-04-11T02:43:00.006-07:00

Today I didn't exactly get LOST, but I took the correct bus and got off at the correct stop to meet my friend at the Kunming Botanical Gardens... and when I called her, I wasn't where she thought I should be. I eventually figured my way to the entrance and was not scared at all. It's a good thing, because this may keep happening as I navigate my way around the city.

So here are a couple of photos from the picnic and egg hunt I went to today.

And a really interesting flower:

I caused an accident today.

2009-04-09T06:33:00.003-07:00

I live in a nicer area of Kunming.

Went walking today and ended up in what I'll call the "urban countryside"--much different from the fancy skyscraper and storefront district that my apartment is near. I saw zero foreigners in this area, where I became "lost" for a good 10 minutes of fast walking, meandering through alleys looking for a way out.

So I guess I was quite a sight for them, too. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a motorcyclist watching me...and then he crashed into another motorbike in front of him. I could laugh on the inside because they were going quite slow and no one was hurt. So now I can say that I've turned heads! Ha.

Kunming's "Wild Animal Zoo"

2009-03-27T07:07:00.002-07:00

Went to the coolest zoo today, and my previously-working-fine batteries AND my new set all turned out to be used up, so no photos... Boo.

Located way up on a hill on who knows how many acres, this zoo was more like a hiking area--we were thankful for the tram; otherwise we would have walked for miles and miles! We walked quite a bit on the extensive boardwalk system as it was.

There were great close-up experience (need I say photo opps--sigh!) with bears, a couple of monkeys, hundreds of peacocks, yaks, emus, cranes, and much more, including pandas, of course.

You could buy a carrot strung on the end of a stick to feed to the Black bears, and the same for the lions and tigers (only it was meat instead of carrots, of course).

Not only did they have several gorgeous tigers AND lions, they also had white tigers and white lions. And the baby white tiger trying to roar was hilarious--sounded more like a wild bird than anything!

Oh, yeah, and they had orang-utans. There was a tiny hole in the glass that separated us from them, and one of the females passed me a little piece of straw through the hole. I passed it back, and she at it.

The whole thing was pretty amazing.

Once again, I'm so sad I didn't have my camera...but maybe that helped me to really take it all in. It was fun.

Park

2009-03-23T04:14:00.003-07:00

Found this big park not too far from my house... forgot to take more photos, but it had water, lots of walkways, and even little amusement-park-type rides! Tons of people were there, many sitting on the grass, so I did that too, to study my Mandarin lessons...only to get kicked out by the cops about an hour later. I guess there's a sign that says "keep off the grass." Oh, well!

There were some pretty fish, reminding me of Japan...

...and check out this crazy exciting play for the kids!

My Birthday Outing

2009-03-21T03:49:00.002-07:00

We celebrated my birthday at Cacaja, an Indian Restaurant near Yunnan University... I want to get back to that area and explore Greenlake and some more good eateries!

The Office

2009-03-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

The design office I'll be interning with is fixing up a new space. It's on the 30th floor of Building D (there is A-D) of a complex called "Good World," or 好世界.

some of the leftover scraps are kinda fun...

"Green" China

2009-03-10T07:21:00.006-07:00

I was surprised by the steps to keep China clean and energy-efficient.

First, many stores don't give out plastic bags. You have to bring your own or buy a re-usable one like this one for 1 kuai (about 15 cents).

Then, at least on or after a reasonably sunny day, I take my hot shower with water from a solar-heated tank on the roof of my building, like this one here:

Other things include electric scooters (very few loud motorbikes here!) and of course bicycles... I was thinking there was something else that caught my attention, but it's not coming to me at the moment...

Bicycle

2009-03-06T17:49:00.004-08:00

I have to catch up, so I'm posting again!

Here's my new bike! I love that it's turquoise and says "G & P" on the side. That's what we call my maternal grandparents (short for Granny & Papa). Apparently it had been on the floor forever, so they gave me a 25% discount. I paid 300 RMB, or about US $45.

The funny story is that when I rode my new bike up to the gate of my apartment complex, the guards would not let me in. I needed some kind of "permit," apparently. After my attempts at sign language (they make no attempts at English OR "sign language" but just kind of speak angrily toward you--though they're not really angry) I gave up and called a bilingual friend. She helped me understand they just wanted to know which building I lived in. Got the card, taken care of, right?

Wrong!

Next time I went to leave, they stopped me, looked at my card, and I got yelled at some more. They didn't seem to be allowing me to go on my way, so again I tried motioning filling out a paper, to find out what they wanted me to do. Again I called a bilingual friend and discovered all I needed to do was turn in the card when I leave, and get a new one each time I come back in.

Duh! It was that simple, but you would have thought I had stolen something or broken some huge law by the tones of their voices!

It doesn't help that they all the gate guards wear fatigues, making them quite intimidating...

So, I learned that it's not going to be easy understanding/communicating on my own, "yelling" isn't necessarily that, and the people seem to really love their rules!

Food

2009-03-06T17:46:00.007-08:00

Last Sunday I had my first typical Chinese meal out... sorry I didn't save you much food!

And then two nights ago one of my classmates invited me to dinner and we made some good eats...

Awww...

2009-03-02T17:07:00.003-08:00

Just had to post this of my nephew Henry w/ Daddy looking on...

Just Arrived...

2009-02-28T00:15:00.006-08:00

...in China. Arriving at 11pm on a Sunday, my friend met me and we took a taxi to her house where we had to lug my bags up to the 6th floor. The next day I moved to my own place, so we lugged them again up 5 floors.

I was so out of breath, but later realized I'm even out of breath without the heavy bags--which I suppose is normal for being suddenly transported to an altitude of 6000 feet. They say you'll accimatize 95% in the first 6 weeks, but 100% takes up to 6 months!

The apartment complex I'm staying at for now. The nearest tall grey building ("Good World, building D") is where the new design office will be. Just a 5-minute walk from here.

My language school is also only a 5-minute walk! It's a good location.
Here you see how tea is often served... with the whole leaves sitting in the cup! Since they're whole (higher quality!), you don't need a tea bag.

And finally, similar to Thailand, I guess folks here will carry just about anything on a motorbike! (It's a one-seater couch.)

Probably the Best Haircut I've Ever Had

2009-02-07T09:27:00.001-08:00

Styled straight by the professional:

...or allowed to air-dry by me:

Beautiful snow

2009-02-03T12:46:00.002-08:00

Snow Cream!

2009-01-29T12:01:00.006-08:00

I took advantage of the abundance of snow the other day to make Snow Cream, from my Granny's recipe!

Since it was just two of us, I went for a half recipe.

I mixed together:
1 egg (first beat white, then add beaten yolk)
1/2 c sugar
1.5 T flour
1/2 small can evaporated milk
1 t vanilla
small can crushed pineapple

Then I brought in a dishpan full of the fresh snow (fresh is key--it doesn't work if it's old or icy).

I started stirring this snow into the above mixture, kind of fast to avoid meltage:

When the mixture can't "take" any more snow, you're done! I ate 4 bowls of it (drizzling some of the extra evaporated milk on top) and shivered for the next couple of hours--it's a lot colder than ice cream! Yummy, though.

Road Trip Snack (in Thailand)

2009-01-07T08:59:00.005-08:00

Going back through my photos, I found some that would make for interesting posts. Here's one of my favorite snacks as I traveled from Chiang Mai to Mae Sai, where I had to cross the border into Burma about every 2 months or so.

It's sticky rice steamed inside of bamboo! Slightly sweet, and there are several variations on the type of rice and the flavoring. Just peel back the bamboo and dig in! And the container is biodegradable.

Ripples after nearly 30 years

2008-11-26T14:34:00.006-08:00

It's a privilege to see the results of something you started nearly 30 years ago. A couple of months ago my mom and I visited our old church in Japan--the one my parents started back in 1981. Two people in particular stood out in terms of being an encouragement to my mom for the work she and my dad did all those years ago.

Ryo had just become a Christian 3 weeks before we met him.

"I'm so excited to meet the person who started this church. This place means so much to me."

And then there was Keiko-san.

She remembered a powerful image of my Dad on his knees, thinking he was alone, praying for Japan and weeping. It brought tears to her eyes several years after the fact.

I say these things to be an encouragement that the things we do MATTER, even if some of them take years to come about!

Emotional Election

2008-11-05T05:05:00.004-08:00

Well, even if for a moment, something about BOTH candidates brought tears to my eyes.

OBAMA -- seeing all the black people for whom this is a HUGE step, considering the racial problems we've had for the past 200 years or so, slowly getting better but sometimes too slowly... I acknowledge that this is big. I didn't expect to get so teary-eyed over it, but when it was right there, happnening, I did feel this victory on behalf of all of my black (and other non-white) countrymen.

McCAIN -- hearing his gracious speech, remembering his heroism and how much he loves this country, knowing that was his last chance to win the White House... once again, I got tears in my eyes and felt thankful to him.

On a less sappy note, I've enjoyed playing with this interactive map, looking at the numbers...

I pray for our new president and our nation!

Two Men and a Truck

2008-10-30T11:02:00.003-07:00

Saw one of these today, and I just had to say something...

In this era of sometimes over-feminism, it's refreshing to see evidence that some people still recognize that men and women are different!

Of course we have equal value; I don't doubt that God created both and both are "very good."

It's just that, I do think sometimes women don't just want to be equal to men, they want to be seen as men.

Well, when faced with a big move, would you hire "Two WOMEN and a truck?" Or maybe I should say "Two Womyn."

My thought is that, while the men would actually MOVE the furniture into the truck, the women might be handy for handling all the little details--cleaning your refrigerator until it shines like new, for example.

It is generally provable that men are physically stronger than women. And, possibly that women are emotionally stronger.

Each gender has many good qualities that are unique to that sex, and I for one appreciate them all.

If I ever hired someone to clean my house, it would probably be a woman. But for heavy lifting and loading of my furniture, I'm calling Two Men and a Truck!

BONUS: Not only are they strong; they care!

Coolest Niece Ever

2008-10-27T10:54:00.007-07:00

She's a typical 4-year old girl--loves to dress up like a princess and has a pink and purple room with a flowery bedspread. But, look underneath the covers and you'll find Star Wars Sheets!

Her Daddy, my brother, is a huge fan, but promises he didn't put her up to it. "She loves it!" He says. She's gonna be Princess Leia for Halloween.

Mom's Thailand Visit!

2008-09-23T17:45:00.002-07:00

Japan Visit!

2008-09-21T18:36:00.001-07:00

Here's the album of my Japan visit over the first full week of September.

Sasuga Japan

2008-09-05T22:53:00.005-07:00

"Sasuga" is a Japanese word that's hard to translate--means something like "Wow," or "they've really measured up to our expectations" or "Good job" or "quintessentially..." something like that.

Several things have made me exclaim thus during my time here:

--Fancy toilet seats*, even in public restrooms
--Little sheets of plastic at the bottom of a bowl of store-bought salad so you can slide it onto a serving dish without turning it upside-down
--Conveyor-belt sushi eatery, complete with a "magic wand" that automatically counts all the plates and calculates your bill
--The 100-yen store (it's like the "everything's a dollar" store but the quality is MUCH better)
--Japanese ofuro (style of bath)
--Getting a hot, wet towel at every restaurant to refresh before the meal
--All of our favorite foods and snacks being as delicious as ever
--Trains and buses, including change machines on the bus so you can have exact fare

*If you've never seen/used one, you're missing out. You can play pleasant music or the sound of running water, have a warm seat, multiple types of "wash," and even a dryer for your behind... see photos at Wikipedia's Toilets in Japan, and there's lots to read there if you're curious.

I feel like Sidney Bristow

2008-09-03T21:44:00.003-07:00

...with SIX different currencies in my CURRENT wallet!

Clockwise from top left: US Dollars, Japanese Yen, Qatari Riyals, Euros, British Pounds (OK, so it's only 2 cents, but it counts!), and Thai Baht.

Home

2008-08-14T19:23:00.004-07:00

I though I had one more trip on the horizon -- a sort of internship in Media -- but not anymore. After 2 1/2 years of calling Chiang Mai "home," I'm headed back to my birthplace of Cincinnati, USA.

It's very strange, because I like and want to live overseas, and think I may again in the future. But for now, I'm quite excited to go back to my roots.

Several single friends who share my kind of lifestyle have also recently been given opportunities put down a few roots and connect with family. I think it's good.

I recently read a book about being older and single*, and how this makes "community" harder for us in some ways... so many options of where to live, what job to go for, the WORLD is available to us! And yet, that causes our friends (and us) to come and go like the wind, and "Saturday nights continue to roll around with daunting frequency." If we don't really plan ahead, and work hard to develop new local friendships, we can often end up spending a quiet evening alone, when we would prefer to be making a meaningful human connection.

One of this writer's friends says it's like "attempting to slake one’s relational thirst by sipping from a thousand little waxy Dixie cups. You don’t die of dehydration, but in your core, you increasingly long for a few deep wells."

I could relate to that. I've been quite thirsty for some time. I'm excited to be returning to the deep, familiar well that is my flesh and blood.

*Revelations of a Single Woman by Connally Gilliam

Munich and Surrounds

2008-08-07T23:39:00.009-07:00

My flight out of Germany was from Munich. As I had an afternoon flight, Rahel encouraged me to travel just beyond the city where I could catch a glimpse of the mountains. So I went to Starnberger See, or Starnberg Lake.

Interesting Lawn Ornament

I rushed back to the airport (more than 1 hour trip) only to find out that my flight was delayed 4 hours! So I decided to scope out the city of Munich. There happened to be a festival going on:

Traditional Ladies

Random Operatic Singer Lady

Hopfbrauhaus

The Rathaus (Town Hall) at Marianplatz in Munich

Nürnberg

2008-08-07T02:16:00.001-07:00

2008.07 Nürnberg

Brussels

2008-08-05T23:04:00.008-07:00

The famous statue (not me, the "peeing boy!")

Actual BELGIAN Waffles

Neat building with a wild sky

Did you know smurfs were from Belgium? They're called "Schtroumpfs" and are 50 years old this year.

This is the Atomium, from the 1958 World's Fair. People can zipline from the top!

Great Insight

2008-08-04T02:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago some of us were joking around, pretend-arguing. One guy boasted, "I reject your reality and substitute it with my own!"

I thought that pretty much explains every kind of conflict between people that there ever was.

London

2008-08-03T01:07:00.002-07:00

The Globe Theater

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a pub dating from the 1600s that welcomed such guests as Voltaire and Charles Dickens... I had a lunch of Fish, Chips, and mashed peas here.

The Tube

Millenium Bridge

St. Paul's Cathedral

Oxford and surrounds, UK

2008-08-01T19:14:00.008-07:00

This is Christ Church College of Oxford University, parts of which were used in the filming of Harry Potter.

Christy and I share a Steak and Ale Pie at the Eagle and Child Pub, where C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and others used to meet.

In the Cotswolds.

Blenheim Palace.

Funny English Menu Items in Nepal

2008-07-26T06:33:00.003-07:00

OK, it`s been 4 months since I was in Nepal... but my computer is broken so I can`t yet upload any cool photos from Europe... stay tuned for those!

Meanwhile, whet your appetites on these delicious-sounding dishes I discovered while trekking in the himalayas!

PLANT PANCAKE
POP COTN
CHICKEN CUB
CORN FLACKS
EGGS CRAM BOWL
HASP BROWN EGG-CHEESE
TOAST/PEANUT BUTT/HOT JAM
FRESH FLIGHT LUM (huh??)

and, DISERDS included the following:

APPLE FILTER
APPLE SILTER
APPLE FUMBLE
CRAPS (crepes)

Bon appetit!

My school - 2 weeks left

2008-06-27T14:09:00.002-07:00

This is a bit delayed, but here is a photo of my group!

Oliver- Jake-Felipe (students), Paul-Kari-Jason (staff), Christy (student) and me!

And, to give you a little teaser, here are two photos I took during our "short film" teaching when we were learning about framing our photos. My work will eventually be posted on a Flash website I designed this week.

1. We had to find numbers of things 1-10 and take photographs...This is "4 of something."

2. Then, we had to look for letters of the alphabet... this was a wall light fixture:

I went to Brighton

2008-06-05T03:11:00.007-07:00

If any of you saw the BBC "Pride and Prejudice," you know how Lydia Bennet pined, "I want to go to Brighton!" Well, I did too, until a couple of weeks ago!

Hmmm... Native American performers?

Holmsted Manor, England

2008-05-09T08:02:00.004-07:00

Here's where I'm staying these 3 months!
The house:

The grounds:

The fields we walk through wearing "wellies" (rubber boots):

Climbing near Chiang Mai

2008-05-09T07:42:00.004-07:00

Mayor of Chiang Mai

2008-04-15T09:54:00.003-07:00

I got to hear the mayor address a group of foreigners last week.
It's neat that she's a woman, and young, in an Asian country! She spoke English well, was very personable and likeable. I briefly met her afterwards, and my two friends even got invited to dinner with her!

Mini-video of my trek

2008-04-14T20:30:00.003-07:00

Don't laugh, it's my first video ever!
I think you'll enjoy it, though.

Trekking Photos, Part 2

2008-04-09T00:06:00.001-07:00

Trekking Photos, Part 1

2008-04-06T08:34:00.002-07:00

The Trek

2008-04-04T08:30:00.002-07:00

First, a map of the area we trekked... I believe it's about 95 kilometers (59 miles).

KEY:

Our Route: YELLOW LINE
Lodging on the way Up: DARK GREEN UNDERLINE
Lodging on the way Down: ORANGE UNDERLINE

More Kathmandu

2008-04-04T08:18:00.004-07:00

There are these yummy sweets made from milk, I don't know what they're called in Nepali, but Lisa tells me they're called "barfi" in India. Such a funny name! Well, it doesn't do what it sounds like it does. Anyway, Lisa was telling me about it, we spotted this shop, and the nice boy practiced his English with us and explained all about how it is made! He even agreed to a photo:

A little glimpse of the traffic in Thamel, the backpacker area of Kathmandu where we stayed. I love it, they honk their horns all the time, but my favorite are the rickshaw "horns". Sometimes it's a dish detergent bottle with a sqeaker attached; other times they just sort of whistle in a warbly sort of melody... I kept trying to imitate it and cracking up.

Some uniformed students in the old city of Bhaktapur:

And the kids are always cute:

Kathmandu

2008-03-31T13:16:00.003-07:00

I got all choked up at the first view of the Himalayas from the airplane. Of course the photos I tried to take could not capture it.

The Kathmandu airport is red brick, it kind of reminded me of my high school. My friend Lisa was already there waiting, I was so thankful! She's been many times, but I was a bit hesitant. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but I came to really like this place and the people.

The Nepali people seemed to remember us even if we only saw one another one or two times. The guy making T-shirts just outside our guest house started saying "Namaste, didi!" or, Hello, older sister!

Here are some photos from Kathmandu.

My Trek in Numbers

2008-03-26T02:35:00.009-07:00

Number of days trekking	14
Total distance trekked	95km/59mi (?)
Lowest elevation in the mountains	2652m/8700ft
Highest elevation I slept at	4750m/15,584ft
Highest elevation I climbed to	5357m/17,575ft
Herds of yaks or yak-cows we passed on the trail	about 40
Cups of hot drinks imbibed	at least 70
Number of showers taken	0
Number of times I washed my hair	1
Number of They Might Be Giants Songs we sang	12
Coldest temperature I noted in my bedroom in a lodge	29F/-2C
Moments of beauty and wonder	countless

NO? no, YES!

2008-03-11T01:45:00.002-07:00

Nepalis do this cute little head bobble when they are saying "yes." Think of asking someone if you can do something, they don't really want you to, but can't really say no, so they sort of do this "yeah, whatever, not really" kind of head jiggle thing. It's kind of like that.

I'm glad Lisa told me what it meant. Even after she told me, I forgot. I asked the guy at our guest house, "We'd like to pay for our stay tonight. Can we pay now?" He bobbled his head, and I was like, "No? OK, maybe later..." and Lisa had to remind me, "That means YES!" Right. OK. Here you go. Whew!

A little creepy but turned out fine

2008-03-10T08:00:00.004-07:00

Lisa and I were looking for a particular trekking agency here in Kathmandu. We were in the general area. A guy at a pizza shop said, "Sorry I don't know...Oh, yes, I know. Over there."

[side note: The people here are so nice.]

So we went that way. One lane had lots of trekking agency signs, but not the one we were looking for. We headed down the lane in faith, and kept asking people every few steps. They kept pointing us back to this suspicious building at the end of that alley.

Some guy in military clothes (not unusual, lots of soldiers around) finally pointed us through an unmarked door, and once inside, another directed us up the stairs. We came up to a room with 4 guys at computers who kind of looked at us blankly, and cautiously ventured, "Helllloooo... is this Green Lotus Trekking?"

I felt like Eunice on What's Up, Doc, when she was directed to 459 Dorilla street and asked, "This isn't the... Larrabee... Those are Howard's Rocks! What on earth are you doing with Howard's rocks? Errhhhuahhh..."

Thankfully, THIS was legit, they had just moved and not gotten proper signage. The guy was very nice, helpful, and nothing scary at all happened.

Pretty funny experience, anyway!