Masato

So I went and saw my nephew the other day and have come to realize that he is just going to be a big kid. He weighed in at 9.7 lbs, AND he has a big head. Now, everyone in my family has a big head (yes, literally and metaphorically speaking), but Masato's head must be home to the biggest baby brain ever (big head MUST mean big brain, as I've convinced myself, a bigged headed person, to believe). Masato is also sturdy, he is in no way petite, which leads me to believe that he will be a healthy robust child. That makes this aunt very happy.

Me & Masato

Kyle & Masato

Oh mother dear we sing to thee, St. Andrew's Priory...

Yesterday I paid a visit to my alma mater, St. Andrew's Priory. The Priory is an all girls' school in Honolulu. It was a little strange as I walked on the grounds. It not only looked different, it felt different. I didn't have those warm fuzzies like I thought I would when I saw the senior lounge or the library. I didn't have flashing memories of classmates or events when I walked through the cathedral, or in front of the fountain. I thought I'd have a stronger connection, but not so. I still credit the Priory with changing the trajectory of my life, and if given the chance, would do it all over again at the Priory. But there is no reason to go back unless I'm with other alums who can talk through the memories with me.

Downtown Honolulu

The Priory is in downtown Honolulu. It's a block away from the state capitol, several minutes' walk from the business center, and right next door to the governor's mansion. It's also a couple minutes' walk from the seedy area of town. I guess its the yin and yang of the location.

St. Andrew's Cathedral

The cathedral is right next to the Priory's grounds. THis is where I attended chapel twice a week, and where we held our graduation. A most beautiful structure.

St. Andrew's Cathedral - Inside

Hawai'i...Again

I'm hopping on a plane to Hawai'i today. I'll teach my 1:30 class and then head home. Cindy and Maggie R. will come get me at 2:45 and then I'm off to Sea-Tac airport. I'll be in Hawai'i by 8:30 pm tonight (11:30 pm Seattle time). Will post when I get there.

Jake Shimabukuro

Check out one of my favorite musicians, Jake Shimabukuro.

Conner Masato

My brother and his wife welcomed their first son to this world. Conner Masato was born on October 15, weighing in at 9.7 lbs. Yeah, he's a big kid with a big head. My brother Kyle is holding Conner in this shot.

The Consul General's Crib

Kim D. and I got invites to the consul general's home welcoming home JETs who served in Japan. Food was DeLicIouS!!! What was on the menu, you ask? Sushi, steak, rice, salmon, prosciutto/mozarella, and lots of dessert. I was focused on the sushi and steak. So oishii. Kim and I wandered around the back yard where I took this shot. I'm facing east, looking out over the Puget Sound.

Pics from the El Paso - Juarez Conference

The Conference Mishap

Petey and I sat in on a presentation by a former classmate of mine, C. Shank. Well, we were in the back trying to be casual and everything. Petey set his drink on the ledge and turned to talk to me when a woman passed by and knocked his drink off the ledge. The coffee left its mark on the wall and the floor. So sad. (Starbucks did give him another drink.)

UTEP

Here's Petey in front of the UTEP sign. It was sweltering hot on Saturday, 9/30. It was also a (football) game day so there were hordes of people in blue & orange. Great campus, but the town is too hot and dusty for me. I'm such a wuss.

Walking in El Paso

Heading back to El Paso

After the lunch festivities in Juarez, Petey and I caught a ride to the border and started our walk across the bridge to Texas.

University Library

Petey in front of the library at the University of Juarez

Opening Panel at the University of Juarez

Shiho & Tim

I recently found this pic of Shiho and Tim taken after their wedding. It's such a great shot!

El Paso, TX

On Thursday, 9/28, I departed for El Paso, TX to go to an education conference. I met up with Petey, a colleague from Tennessee. We presented at the University of Juarez on Friday. Great conference, even better company. Ran into an old classmate from SIT. I enjoyed reconnecting with Chris and learning about what he's been up to (apparently, more than me). Will post pictures soon. Adios.