Happy Times at the BBQ again!

Hope you all had a good vacation, day off, yesterday!! I sure did!!! :)

BBQ, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches again! BUT!! Also, I thought that a little variety never killed anyone, so I decided to try to make some news dishes this year, like fried soba, fried ramen noodles, some grilled beef/chicken/fish/vegetables,and...I am still thinking. Do you have any ideas for great food for the BBQ? But maybe the traditional American Style BBQ is the best I think.

In addition to the great food and weather, when you throw in badminton, soccer, baseball catches, playing other games in the sun, reading a book under a tree, sitting on the ledge nextto the river, you can`t beat it! It`s a great formula for A GREAT TIME! and I can`t wait to do it again over Golden Week!

BBQ

Yesterday I did my first BBQ of the year! Outside at the park next to the river near my place. The menu on the grill was hot dogs, and cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches. Side dishes included my favorite macaroni salad and potato salad. And red wine. The weather was really nice with a little chilly breeze, but not too cold. BBQ season is great because I can spend a lit of time outside. As I noticed last night, time goes by slower andis more relaxing when spent outside.

Do you like to spend your free time indoors or outdoors? Speaking of free time, Golden Week vacation is coming up. I assume everyone has some time off, so how do you plan to spend your GW vacation? ME? Thanks for asking! I will spend most of it at the river doing a BBQ.

Puddles and desert water

Today is a lousy day. Rain, rain and more rain...When I went jogging this morning my sneakers got soaked because I stepped in so many puddles. It will take about 2 days for my sneaks to dry out I think. In total I ran about 6 kilometers, very slow running in the rain. It was nice and the air was cool so it was easy to run. In a few months I will be drenched in sweat, but today was just drenched in rain.

Isn`t it amazing that in the middle of a desert, sometime you can find some water. When I went hiking in America in the desert, there was a little waterfall and a little stream right smack in the middle of the desert! Like a miracle! Truly unbelievable! I put my hands in the water and splashed some on my face. It felt really good and refreshing.

Today is a beautiful day. The weather forecast for tomorrow is rain...

So today let`s just enjoy the blue sky, the fresh air, and the beautiful cherry blossom photos...that`s it for the blog today.

Dog food

No! Not dog food for your pet dog, dog food for people! Dog meat! Have you ever eaten dog meat? In China and Korea, it is a delicacy! When people go to China for business, their Chinese partners/clients often treat them to a fine dinner of DOG! I wonder if dog is expensive or cheap? Either way, do you want to try it?

In Japan, people also eat some unusual food. For example, turtle! Turtle is also not a cheap dish!! It takes quite a chunk out of your wallet! There are also some others, like whale, deer, and wild boar...

In France or Spain, I heard they eat rabbit!

What strange foods have you eaten? Do you recommend any?

Ms. M live In China

Ms. M makes great albums of every trip she goes on. Her pcitures, and poses in the pictures, and captions about each picture are always interesting, and at times also amusing. Check out the background of the picture below! What are all of the brides and grooms doing on the rocks?! That`s a helluva a scene!

Speaking of brides and grooms, I went to my first Japanese wedding yesterday. The bride looked beautiful and the groom looked stunning. The basic style of a wedding is different in Japan and America, but there are too many differences to get into now. In person, I`d like to talk about the differences one day though...

Today is really a beautiful day. Hope the week is good for everyone!

Tsingtao Beer

I like beer. I like beer A LOT! But recently I am on a diet. So, I cut beer out of my diet! I know, you don`t believe me, but it`s true! Except for when I go out, I don`t drink beer at all.

The above photo is ok Tsingtao beer. This beer is from China, made in China. it`s good. Recently when Ms. M visited China, she went to the city of Tsingtao. I didn`t know that Tsingtao was the name of the city.

The below picture looks like there is a lot of haze in this City. In the newspaper recently, there are many articles about the air pollution in China because of the upcoming Beijing Olympics. One world-class runner actually announced he would not run in the marathin race in the Olympics because of concerns about the dirty air.

Also, there are articles about the "yellow sand" from China. Sometimes this sand also reaches Japan.

What do you think about the Beijing Olympics, yellow sand, air pollution...?

From the airplane window...

When you fly what do you like to do? Personally, I don`t like flying. I always get sweaty palms and feel anxious. But unless I swim or take a boat, it is the only way for me to visit my home town Philadelphia, so I have no choice.

But once I get on the plane and the plane takes off, I do my best to enjoy the trip as much as possible. I go to the restroom often, so I prefer to sit in an aisle seat. Really the window is ideal, because I can look at the exquisite view, but it is annoying to climb over two other passengers to go to the restroom every time. The middle seat is an absolute pass, too many elbows!!!

If there is a personal tv at the seat, I would watch movies the whole time. From take off til we land. But if no personal tv, then I like to read a book or newspaper. After that, I usually sleep. The more I can sleep, the better. When I was a child, I also played cards on the plane.

Also, I always order a vegetarian meal. I recommend to do this! I am NOT a vegetarian, but the vegatrian meai is light and healthy, and usually airplane food is NOT so good, plus the vegetarian meal comes before all the other meals so you can eat it first. Also, there is no risk, no HIT or MISS like the regular meals, for example, "Ah, I am sorry. We are out of chicken. We only have the fish..." No thanks!!

If it is a long flight, I try to walk around and strecth too as much as possible. And one last side note, on an international flight, I have flown first class once, my first trip to Japan. ON JAL. from New York to Tokyo. It was UNBELIEVABLE!!!

The weather forecast guaranteed it ain`t gonna rain today, so hope ya`ll can enjoy the sunny day today!

I like to ride my bicycle...in China

Ms. M visited China last month. She made a great internet album and I would like to put up a few photos from her trip over the next few days. This blog will be about bicycles.

Recently there are sometimes articles in the newspaper about a law which prohibits riding with two children on one bike, or which prohibits riding with a child seat in both the front and the back of the bicycle. The reason is that it is dangerous! If found by the police doing this, there is a fine of about 20,000 yen as well as an order to attend a "bicycle/traffic education" class.

When the police tried to enforce this law, many mothers went ballistic and were furious. They said "How do you expect us to take our children to and from school?" "Why are you picking on us, why don`t you spend more time catching murderers and thiefs!"

I understand both points of view. What do you think?

I have heard there are A LOT of bicycles in China. One day I would like to go there and see for myself.

For all you Cherry Blossom lovers, these are from Kyoto! Check `em out!

Yesterday I couldn`t watch any Tiger`s highlights when I got home, because on Monday there are no Tiger`s (Central League) games. What about the Pacific league...To be honest, I don`t know=I can`t remember. If you know, please tell me.

But fortunately tonight, I am gonna plop my behind under the Kotatsu (soon the Kotatsu will be gone because I am gonna put it away in the closet for the spring and summer), get myself a cocktail, and watch those Tiger`s highlights.
Recently, like Matsui of the Yankees and Fukudome of the Cubs, the Togers are hot!
Good night to all...

Yesterday it rained all day...This means the 2008 Cherry Blossoms are just about finished. Let`s look at some "Cherry Blossom" English. Do you understand the meaning of all of the below sentences?

1. Did you have a cherry blossom party(viewing)? At night? In the day time? Both?

2. This year, the cherry blossoms bloomed a little later than an average year.
=The cherry blossoms are late blooming this year.

3. The Osaka Castle Park was packed(=really crowded) with people having cherry blossom parties last Sunday.

4. Do you know what "double cherry blossoms" are?

5. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

6. What is your favorite cherry blossom spot?



Can you think of any other "cherry blossom" English?

Let`s enjoy the last few days of cherry blossoms this spring!

Who is cuter? The otter,

the puppy
or me? ;)

Ninja Town and International Exchange

Ms. H hosted over 50 foreign exchange students last year in her house in Nara. Over 50!! That is only the number of foreigners that stayed in her house. If you count the ones who just visited, the count is over 100!! And even more unbelievable is that so far this year (it is only apirl) she has already hosted over 30!! I heard that originally it was her husband`s idea to host so many people...He usualy cooks Tempura for the students, so he also helps out, but I think she sometimes feels a little tired from all the food, dishes, futons, conversation and different culture. I think she is really powerful! But I also want her to take it easy on the weekends too! Hang in there, be careful, Good Luck! and enjoy those homestay weekends Ms. H!

Have you ever been to Ninja town?

April Fool`s or Not April Fool`s?

1. I haven`t drank beer since last Monday.

Some other True or False questions:

2. I am 177 cm tall.

3. I weigh 79 kilograms as of today.

4. I have a beer belly.

5. I have never eaten japanese curry and rice and will never eat it.

to be continued...

Honmachi at night...

It`s pretty quiet at night in Honmachi. It is in the center of Osaka, a business district. In the day time the town is bustling with people, energy, noise, but at nite, there is not much action. There are no people walking on the street, and also no cars.

Speaking of cars, the price of gasoline dropped about 25 yen from 150yen to 125 yen from yesterday or today. For drivers, this is a big help on the wallet. When I went to America last week, the gasoline/fuel charge for the airplane was pretty expensive, about 28,000yen. I wonder of this charge will also decrease now...That would be a big help too...

Today is April Fool`s day, so as Ms. e just told me in email, "Be careful of people lies today!"

Go outside and check the cherry blossoms if you can, they are really beautiful and pink and refreshing!

Tokyo..

Good morning everyone. I just got back from my trip to America. I had a great time, don`t have any jet lag and feel good. The weather in Osaka is nicer than when I left, the cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom, so all is good.

Walking to work this morning I was thinking...Ah, this is what Osaka is like in the early morning, many cars and trucks driving, but a little quiet. Even though I just got back from a trip, I want to go on another one soon :) Perhaps Tokyo. I haven`t been there in a while and I think it would do me some good to see the Tokyo night lights.

I didn`t check email or the news about Japan, so tell me, what happened in Japan while I was gone?

Morning! It`s been a few days since I last wrote...sorry! I have been busy packing for my trip to America. I was running all around Osaka buying souvenirs for my family all week, that I just couldn`t find any time to write. Please forgive me! From today, for about 11 days, I will not be able to write on the blog, so if you REALLY want to study the blog please check ALL OF THE BLOGS which I wrote from about 2006! Have fun!

Recently, a friend of mine got a new and expensive and high-tech cell phone. He can watch t.v. on it and all! I am jealous! I could use my cell when I went to Ireland last September, but I don`t think I can use my cell in America. There is no service for softbank in America...I think. So for about 11 days, I am out-of contact!

Another one of my friends recently went to a zoo. And another one will go to Adventure World today! I think I will visit the famous Philadelphia Zoo while I am back in the states!
Another friend of mine went to a hot spring to eat crab recently! I really like crab, especially fresh crab served near the ocean, preferably while feeling the sea breeze! I don`t know if I am gonna eat crab while in America, but for sure I am gonna eat pizza, buffalo wings, a cheese steak, a hoagie, bagel with white fish and lox and cheese, and a BIG steak! ;)
And I willprobably gain another 10 kgs...

And another friend went to Shanghai with her husband. Family trips are really nice I think!

And that`s what I am going to do from now. Take care os Osaka while I am gone, and don`t miss me too much!

Adios! g

Words of encouragement...

That`s a nice looking gentleman!

He is a University student, and has just began his "job search." From now until when he graduates he will go to many information sessions and interviews. A few weeks ago, he looked grungy and had long hair and a beard! But the hair was cut, and the beard was shaved, and he looks great now! He looks READY to find a good job!

I remember when I was in my last year in University and looking for a job. It was not easy...In the end of my interview to work in Japan, the interviewer, some old Japanese guy, said to me, "Do you know any Japanese, any Japanese words?" I said..."Ah, no." He said, "Well, you should remember one, SAYONARA!" That was how the interview ended...

It`s not easy to find a good job these days or any days for that matter, but I am sure he will find one that suits him. I am really rooting for you YU! Best of luck to you! g

Only in Japan...and Spain

Only in Japan...Sometimes if I have work early the next day, I ride my bicycle to the train station and leave it there overnight. Two days ago, when I got to my place, I realized that my bike key wasn`t in my pocket...Ah---Oh NO!!! I thought...Did I really leave the key in the bicycle, did I really forget to take my key out of the lock...(=anyone can take/ride the bicycle because it is not locked...) Finally, after checking the floor to make sure it didn`t fall out of my pocket, which sometimes happens, I came to the conclusion. Yes, I am an idiot. Yes, I left the key in the bicycle. Usually I would`ve been angry, but I quickly regrouped and just simply gave up...the bicycle will be stolen, will be gone, and this is just a message from the big man upstairs :"Glenn you should walk more, lose some weight and get into shape, so walk to the station!! " And after that I went about my business and had a good evening. The next day, when I got to the station early in the morning, I caught a break! The bike was still there! That is really unbelievable! In America, 20,000% (No I am not Governor Hashimoto!) the bike would be stolen. Be Japan, what a safe country! I was really lucky! But to be honest, I didn`t want to use my luck on the bike...

The photos below are of Spain...some really nice and intriguing shots. Many more to come too! Thanks YU.

What does your desk look like?

Looking at one`s desk is actually quite interesting, and says a lot about the person. It also says a lot about a person`s personality? Is it messy, a mess, cluttered, disorganized...or is it clean, neat, in order...? Do you have any family photos, or other photos, on or around the desk? How about Any ornaments or decorations?My desk is quite simple.

I have black Dell computer, with a white monitor(not Dell, some cheap company, and what a terrible decision...I shoulda splurged the extra 100$ when I bought the new black Dell and also gotten a nice new Dell monitor, but no, not me, no Mr. Cheap...I regret this decision every day...) and a pink mouse pad, a plastic container for folders, and some tape. Behind the computer on the wall are some pictures, from Ireland, Kiniosaki hot spring, Philadelphia...And next to my desk is a calendar and book case. And next to that is a radio, which I like to listen to every day! (I like to listen to AM, not FM...to be exact I like ABC radio).
In my house I don`t have a desk (or computer), but I do have a bar! ;)
What does your desk look like?

Thanks for the pic of your desk N, and thanks for reminding me that it is "Girl`s Day" today.