Janie - ESL Teacher Extraordinaire

Last Friday was special for me as I got to see a good friend and former student. Janie currently lives in Beijing teaching English language at the university level. She is doing so well. I'm so proud of this woman. After her husband passed away, she was left with very little and decided that she had to start anew. Janie moved to Seattle where she found a job at the college, and eventually enrolled as a student. Upon graduation, Janie left for China to be an English language teacher. She truly has come far, overcoming grief, and what seemed like insurmontable debt. But here she is in her fifties, doing what she loves.

Girls' Night at the Macbeth's

A couple of weeks ago, some friends and I got together for a homecooked meal and fun. Paula (formerly of Ruths' Chris and the Waterfront) and the Macbeth family made up the evening of fun. Pam served up a dinner that was unbelivably delicious. Meatloaf, Mac 'n Cheese, salad, veggies, and dessert. Yes, it was good, and I unapologetically went back for 2nd. Afer dinner the guys went out to see a movie and the girls stayed and yakked. Cassie told us how she and Brandon got engaged...a very sweet story. The night came to an unexpected end when Paula was summoned to the airport to pick up a friend's mom. I'm ready for round two of girls' night.

Goofy Paula

Hawks in Detroit

The Hawks did it. They pulled it off. No heartbreak, no dissapointment. The Seattle Seahawks are headed to Super Bowl XL. I watched the game over at a friend's home. I have to say that football on a 9 ft. screen is pretty cool. Great game, but I didn't feel like I could relax until the fourth quarter. Glad the games over...time to get back to work.

A new Asato...

My cousin Wendell and his wife Suzanne have just had their second child, a boy. Matthew Takeshi joins his older sister Kristen Kiyomi.

Blog Facelift

I couldn't take it anymore...I had to do it. I gave the blog a facelift. The original template I selected was beginning to wear on me. All the reasons why I chose it (it's bright, it's earthy) became the reasons why I started to hate it (it's bright, it's earthy). A new year, a new facelift. Watch for resolutions next.

Two weeks down, 15 more to go...

I can't believe it's only been two weeks since the start of school...it feels like a month. At this time last year I was at the beginning of my sabbatical. *sigh* Well, I have no regrets. I spent the sabbatical working on the dissertation and made three trips to Hawai'i. It worked out better than expected. Now, I just have to get back into the groove of classes.

Mika-Chan

Sheri, my sister-in-law, just sent a couple more pics of Mika, the new lab puppy. Mika is adapting well to life in the house and will soon join Nori and Kody, the outdoor dogs. Until then, Mika can relax on the bed.

Isn't this girl just adorable!?!

Leapin' lizards...it's a jellyfish

I'm much more interested in jellyfish after seeing Finding Nemo. Marlin and Dorie have to make their way through the forest of jellyfish, but those were small, charming jellyfish. But look at this. Isn't this crazy? This jellyfish is gi-normous.

Former Students

I've got to do a shout-out to two former students of mine who are now living in Japan. Christina lives and works in Tokorozawa, Japan. Callie and Phil live and work in Hiroshima, Japan. All three are on an adventure as they spend the year abroad. I'm thrilled that you guys are having a blast and can't wait to see you in March. Knock yourselves out and make Northwest proud!

Rain rain go away, please come back another day

It's raining in Seattle...26 days now. It's cold and dreary which makes me want to go home, get in some PJs, and go to bed. That's the kind of day it is. Every once in awhile I miss the weather in Hawaii, and this is one of those times.

Mika

Look at how small this little girl is!!! My sister-in-law says that she is a very intelligent dog. Mika is a black lab mix and she's pretty much housebroken. I wish she were living with me.

Mika Santa

Yes, we're one of those families that dresses up their dogs. But come on...isn't she so adorable?

A Picture Share!

Ruth & Jonathan

Yesterday two former students came by for a visit. Ruth was a student in my ed. courses, and Jonathan was a student in my Japanese class. They are now teaching in Hokkaido, Japan for the JET program. They love it so much they are re-upping again.

Linda & Abby

Last week I had the chance to catch up with a classmate from Northwest. Linda just resigned her job from a very large software company and is living it up with her best pal Abby.

A New Family Member

Look at this westie...isn't she adorable? Christy is the proud owner of Molly, a Christmas gift.

I'm in denial OR Procrastination strikes again

Ack!!! School starts tomorrow and I'm in the office working on syllabi. I just did not want to believe that it would happen, yet incredibly, it has. So I've finished 3 syllabi and must now read the textbook for the new class I am teaching. Once again, biting off more than I can chew. In other news...

Some friends got together for a Chili Cook-Off which was a rousing success. There were three entries, plus one thrown in just for judging. Cherie H. was the winner with a green chili. Very interesting flavor...it may have had cinammon or nutmeg. All contestants received a prize pack but in addition, Cherie won a trophy and medal. The next party will be the Ph.D. party (for Wally and me) sometime in February.

All right. Back to work.

Happy New Year!

Well, the New Year is here. Unbelievable. It's cold and damp here in Seattle, but I still love it. I didn't go out on New Year's Eve, which actually was so relaxing. I'm now prepping for school. Yikes. There's a lot to do.

I did get to finish Heaven Lake by Dalton. While it was a good book, I didn't have that satisfying feeling at the end...you know that feeling. The one of closure and relief. Instead I felt dissonance and a need to sort through it again. Not a bad thing, really.