Yuki Matsuri 2010: Snow Sculptures

On Saturday, I went around to see the snow sculptures in Odori Park.


The 7th block of the Odori Park is always dedicated to some international display.
This year's highlight comes from Dresden, Germany, the Frauenkirche Church.
The church did not survive the bombings during WWII, but as far as possible, the church has been rebuilt using the original stones.

The Baekje Royal Palace of South Korea
This model is taken after the Empress' Palace.

My nephew, Kale, loves trains of all sorts so this made me think of him.

Chibi Maruko-chan and Friends
Chibi Maruko-chan is a TV show.
2 things are super cool about this show.
1) It takes place in Shimizu, the city where I live.
2) The creator, Sakura Momoko, graduated from the high school where I teach: Shimizu West!

Yuki Matsuri 2010: Sapporo Beer Garten

32 Shizuoka ALTs (and friends!) went to the Snow Festival in Sapporo, Hokkaido from February 5-8th.

First Night of the Snow Festival was spent at the Sapporo Brewery having all you can eat lamb and beer for 2 hours.


Shinsuke (Shin-chan), me, and Kat.

Nick and Michael posing with their EIGHTH plate of lamb. EIGHT PLATES OF LAMB!

Adam and Ben also helped with the 8 plates. Amazing.

Long after everyone had finished eating, Neil was still going strong. Epic.

Thank you, Nicole, for making the reservations!

Pictures to Come

There is so much to put up here that I haven't had a chance to do it until this weekend! Starting tonight, and after I watch my tape of Olympic figure skating, I PROMISE to put up pictures!

The end of the school year is nigh.... thus, I am completely swamped at work. Cheers.

January Photos

For most of the pictures, please check Facebook
The Nagano Ski trip didn't make it to the Facebook album so those will be included here.

Starting off at the Bunny Slope

Brian, my ski-buddy!

Yes. With my short legs, my skiis stuck straight up when I sat on the lift. Fun times... fun times...

FRIENDS!!! Andrew, Brian, and Jaime!

Goings On: Too Much

Perhaps I bit off more than I can chew.

There has been so much on my plate that since arriving back from Christmas vacation, I have had little time to sit down and type out anything unrelated to work, Shizuoka AJET, or sumo.

This past weekend, I thought to take a time out for myself and go skiing in Nagano. It was an eventful trip with many "memory moments" when you have to be optimistic and just chill, reminding yourself "We'll get home, when we get home". After a small accident, lots of snow on the roads, many missed turns and detours, and a dead car battery, I finally got home at 1:30 am this morning.

Recently, I have stepped in as an officer for Shizuoka AJET, an organization that plans events for all the JETs (and any accompanying friends) in Shizuoka. My job has been to finalize all Sapporo Snow Festival payments, rooming, the charter bus, and money. I've already dealt with people who are making changes to their plans, want refunds, drop-outs, a hotel change, charter bus meeting points and leaders and overall BAAAAAAHHHH!!!
On Friday, I am meeting with our travel agent to make the final payment for everything. I am counting on everyone to send in their money to the joint AJET account so that I can pay the travel agent. I hope people do not procrastinate too long. The actual trip is February 5-8.

This Saturday, I am going to the sumo tournament with 4 friends, 3 of whom need to pay me back for the tickets that I bought for everyone. Usually, I am not a stickler on payback times, but as I see these friends rarely, I'd rather get that money back sooner rather than later. And since I hold all the tickets, I hope they show up on time at the designated place so that we do not miss any of the action.

An elementary school sent letters from the students to answer questions about Japan. While there hasn't been a deadline mentioned, I have become stressed that I need to get this done in a timely manner. Preferably, I'd like to wait until March to send my replies, but as a fellow teacher, I know what it is like waiting and depending upon someone else.

Class starts in 10 minutes. Maybe I won't lose my head.

Food in Hawaii

Southern Style Breakfast! - Buttered Toast, REAL bacon, Scrambled Eggs seasoned with Tony's Creole Seasoning, and Match-stick style hashbrowns. I love the South!

Gelato Ice Cream - Pineapple and Hawaiian Ice Mix.

Christmas Dinner - Honey Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Caesar Salad,
Brown Sugar/Bacon Green Beans, Green Chile Corn, and Cranberry Fluff (not-pictured).

TEX-MEX! - Enchiladas (and excessive cilantro. Never was a fan), Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, Chips, and Watermelon.

MORE Hawaii Pictures

Mom and I at Sunset

Sunset on the Beach

Boys Boogie-Boarding on the North Shore

Serious Waves.