HAPPY
NEW
YEAR!!!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Visit from the World Traveler
Today, I had the pleasure of enjoying the company of a good friend who left Misawa back in August; Kerry! She actually arrived in Misawa a few days ago, but because of circumstance it only worked out to where we could visit with one another today. It was just like old times....
Kerry preparing her famous scones
Caleb and Kerry came over around ten-ish and Kerry made us some scones! She made my personal favorite, Earl Grey scones, and, also, chocolate chip - most delicious!
Early Grey & Chocolate Chip scones
Afterwards, it really was like old times; Caleb and Kerry started to jam out on guitars - but that was only short lived until Matt came along and it was time to head out to Hachinohe and eat sushi at the fish market. After our meal, we went to Lapia Mall, hung out, shopped, played arcade games, and ate Baskin Robins. We ended our day with dinner at Subahachi's - since Ohashi's was packed - and watch some good old "Friends." Good times. Good times.
Caleb & Kerry
Sushi-go-round
Matt, Me, Caleb, and Kerry
Kabocha (pumpkin) Ice Cream
Scene from fish market cafe
Caleb and Matt dueling on the Taiko drums
Kerry posing at Fantasy Dome (Lapia Mall)
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Reflecting my devotional
For over two months, I been reading a chapter a day in a dedicated book [of the bible] with a couple of friends. In addition to my own personal studies, I've enjoyed the added benefit of being accountable to another in offering discipleship and being discipled through this reading experience. Currently, I just read through chapter 14 of Genesis and was in awe of Abram's character (Abram - who later would be renamed Abraham).
For those unfamliar with Abram's story, here's a quick summary of a specific account in his lifetime: the rescue of his nephew, Lot.
Short, short story - Lot was taken captive by the King of Sodom. Abram was quick to act and conquered King Kedorlaomer's army, recovered lost goods, and rescued Lot and other captives. Sodom's King speaks to Abram saying, "Give back my people who were captured; but you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered." Abram replied, " I have solemly promised the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from you. Otherwise you might say, 'I am the one who made Abram rich!' All I'll accept is what these young men of mine have already eaten."
Just prior to this conversation, Abram gave a tenth of the goods he recovered to Melchizedek, the high priest. Even in some pagan religions, it was traditional to give a tenth of one's earnings to the gods. Abram followed accepted tradition; however, he refused to take any of the recovered goods from the king of Sodom. Even though this huge amount would significantly increase what he could have given to God, he chose to reject it for more important reasons - he didn't want the ungodly king of Sodom to say, "I have made Abram rich." Instead, Abram wanted him to say, "God has made Abram rich." In this case, accepting the gifts would have focused everyone's attention on Abram or the king of Sodom rather than on God, the giver of victory. When people look at us, they need to see what God has accomplished in our lives.
For those unfamliar with Abram's story, here's a quick summary of a specific account in his lifetime: the rescue of his nephew, Lot.
Short, short story - Lot was taken captive by the King of Sodom. Abram was quick to act and conquered King Kedorlaomer's army, recovered lost goods, and rescued Lot and other captives. Sodom's King speaks to Abram saying, "Give back my people who were captured; but you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered." Abram replied, " I have solemly promised the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from you. Otherwise you might say, 'I am the one who made Abram rich!' All I'll accept is what these young men of mine have already eaten."
Just prior to this conversation, Abram gave a tenth of the goods he recovered to Melchizedek, the high priest. Even in some pagan religions, it was traditional to give a tenth of one's earnings to the gods. Abram followed accepted tradition; however, he refused to take any of the recovered goods from the king of Sodom. Even though this huge amount would significantly increase what he could have given to God, he chose to reject it for more important reasons - he didn't want the ungodly king of Sodom to say, "I have made Abram rich." Instead, Abram wanted him to say, "God has made Abram rich." In this case, accepting the gifts would have focused everyone's attention on Abram or the king of Sodom rather than on God, the giver of victory. When people look at us, they need to see what God has accomplished in our lives.
Christmas Quiz (answers)
Okay, okay. I admitt, the test sounded about corny; however, I hope you understand where I was going with it all. I do have another test that's not so cheesy and seems to be slighty more of a challenge. If you're interested, shoot me an email and I will forward it to you.
So, how did you fare? Here are the answers to Sunday's quiz:
1. The name of the mother of Jesus was:
1. Mary Matthew 1:18 “18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”
2. Jesus was born in what town?
2. Bethlehem Matthew 2:1 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, . . .”
3A. Joseph was a:
Carpenter Matthew 13:55 “Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, . . .”
3B. When Joseph found Mary was pregnant, what happened:
Joseph want to break the engagement. Matthew 1:19 and Luke 1:39 and 56 Joseph wants to “put her away” secretly and Mary left town to see her cousin, Elizabeth.
4. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary stay at the inn?
There was no room. Luke 2:7 " . . . because there was no room for them in the inn."
5. How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem?
5. We don’t know. The Bible doesn't say. Some suppose that she rode something since she was so far along in her pregnancy.
6. After being born, Jesus was placed in a:
6. Manger. Luke 2:7 "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
7. A manger is a:
7. Feeding Trough. It comes from a Greek word that means "to eat".
8. Which animals does the Bible say were housed in the stable?
8. The Bible doesn't say.
9. From what area were the three kings that visited Jesus?
9. None of the above. The Bible only talks about the wise (magi) coming to see Jesus. The Bible never describes them as kings. It‘s just the song that says “We three kings of orient are“ Matthew 2:1 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,”
10. What sign were the shepherds told to look for by the angel?
10. None of the Above Luke 2:12 "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
11. With what words did the heavenly host of angels praise God?
11. Glory to God... Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Most of these other songs were written long after Christ died.
12. What is frankincense?
12. A valuable incense made from the sap of a tree
13. What is myrrh?
13. A valuable spice sometimes used in burials. John 19:39-40 "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight 40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury"
14. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
14. No one knows, but more than one. Some SUPPOSE that there were three since there were three gifts, but that is just a guess. Matthew 2:1 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,"
15A. What does "wise men" most likely refer to?
15A. Star Gazers. See most any commentary. Star gazers could often navigate, predict the times for best planting, knew math, astronomy and calendar systems. They were very important in agricultural societies.
15B. The “star in the east” that the wise men followed…
15B. The “star in the east” that the wise men followed… Matthew 2:9 Most people miss this question. The star did not stay stationary over the manger of over the house. This verse makes it clear that the star moved “in front” of the Magi and guided them till it “stood over where the you child was.”
16A. The wise men met Jesus in a:
16. House. Matthew 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
16B. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem…:
16B. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem Matthew 2:2 and asked “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”
17. Who told Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem?
17. Caesar Augustus. Luke 2:1, 4 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)"
18. The child Jesus went to Egypt:
18. Joseph was told in a dream to do it. Matthew 2:13 "And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
19. According to the Bible, the little drummer boy met Jesus:
19. None of the above. The story of a drummer boy meeting Jesus is not in the Bible.
20. In which books do we find the story of Jesus’ birth:
20. Matthew and Luke only. Mark and John to not talk about the birth of Jesus.
21. December 25th has been celebrated as Christmas since the Bible was written.
21. False. Although the Bible talks about the birth of Jesus, it never uses the word “Christmas”. As best as we know, the earliest Christians didn't even celebrate Christmas. Later, several different dates were observed by Christians but it wasn’t until about the 4th century that December 25th became the common day of celebration. The fact is that no one really knows when Jesus was born.
So, how did you fare? Here are the answers to Sunday's quiz:
1. The name of the mother of Jesus was:
1. Mary Matthew 1:18 “18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”
2. Jesus was born in what town?
2. Bethlehem Matthew 2:1 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, . . .”
3A. Joseph was a:
Carpenter Matthew 13:55 “Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, . . .”
3B. When Joseph found Mary was pregnant, what happened:
Joseph want to break the engagement. Matthew 1:19 and Luke 1:39 and 56 Joseph wants to “put her away” secretly and Mary left town to see her cousin, Elizabeth.
4. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary stay at the inn?
There was no room. Luke 2:7 " . . . because there was no room for them in the inn."
5. How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem?
5. We don’t know. The Bible doesn't say. Some suppose that she rode something since she was so far along in her pregnancy.
6. After being born, Jesus was placed in a:
6. Manger. Luke 2:7 "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
7. A manger is a:
7. Feeding Trough. It comes from a Greek word that means "to eat".
8. Which animals does the Bible say were housed in the stable?
8. The Bible doesn't say.
9. From what area were the three kings that visited Jesus?
9. None of the above. The Bible only talks about the wise (magi) coming to see Jesus. The Bible never describes them as kings. It‘s just the song that says “We three kings of orient are“ Matthew 2:1 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,”
10. What sign were the shepherds told to look for by the angel?
10. None of the Above Luke 2:12 "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
11. With what words did the heavenly host of angels praise God?
11. Glory to God... Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Most of these other songs were written long after Christ died.
12. What is frankincense?
12. A valuable incense made from the sap of a tree
13. What is myrrh?
13. A valuable spice sometimes used in burials. John 19:39-40 "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight 40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury"
14. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
14. No one knows, but more than one. Some SUPPOSE that there were three since there were three gifts, but that is just a guess. Matthew 2:1 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,"
15A. What does "wise men" most likely refer to?
15A. Star Gazers. See most any commentary. Star gazers could often navigate, predict the times for best planting, knew math, astronomy and calendar systems. They were very important in agricultural societies.
15B. The “star in the east” that the wise men followed…
15B. The “star in the east” that the wise men followed… Matthew 2:9 Most people miss this question. The star did not stay stationary over the manger of over the house. This verse makes it clear that the star moved “in front” of the Magi and guided them till it “stood over where the you child was.”
16A. The wise men met Jesus in a:
16. House. Matthew 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
16B. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem…:
16B. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem Matthew 2:2 and asked “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”
17. Who told Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem?
17. Caesar Augustus. Luke 2:1, 4 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)"
18. The child Jesus went to Egypt:
18. Joseph was told in a dream to do it. Matthew 2:13 "And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
19. According to the Bible, the little drummer boy met Jesus:
19. None of the above. The story of a drummer boy meeting Jesus is not in the Bible.
20. In which books do we find the story of Jesus’ birth:
20. Matthew and Luke only. Mark and John to not talk about the birth of Jesus.
21. December 25th has been celebrated as Christmas since the Bible was written.
21. False. Although the Bible talks about the birth of Jesus, it never uses the word “Christmas”. As best as we know, the earliest Christians didn't even celebrate Christmas. Later, several different dates were observed by Christians but it wasn’t until about the 4th century that December 25th became the common day of celebration. The fact is that no one really knows when Jesus was born.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Snow Boarding adventure
So today, Matt, David, and I went snow boarding at Okunakayama (Oki, for short). To begin, just know that when I don't get much sleep I'm not a pleasant person to be with - thankfully Matt and David did well to look past that and make the best of things (sorry guys). Well, that said, I didn't do well to plan out the day, either.
The night before I had intended to wash some of my snow gear from Friday's boarding adventure - didn't happen. Next, normally I try to fill up the truck the night before I go out to the mountains - didn't happen. No problem, right? I can fill up in the morning, especially since the base gas station now has 24/7 pumping with it's point-of-sale terminals activated - didn't happen. Yep. all point-of-sales were off-line! So we had to wait until the gas station opened at 9am. So I decided to make the best of the situation and motioned for us to head over to the "Moke" for some breakfast. Mmmm - it hit the spot. Finally, around 930am we hit the gas station up and headed out to Oki. normally, via toll road, I can make it in about 1hr15min - this time 2 hours! The roads were a little dangerous and the snow fall was pretty intense.
(Tohoku Express, just prior to Ichinohe)
Of course, we really didn't loose time until we hit Ichinohe which is about 15 minutes north of Oki - took nearly 50 minutes this time.
(foreground, David; Matt in back with hands up)
When we finally hit the slopes it was about 12pm. We ended up boarding until about 7pm. We came home and ate some grub - I made some pork chops, cheese broccolli, and stuffing. We ended the night just messing around. It was a good way to end a four day weekend.
(Matt and Me atop Oki Summit)
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas! (Post two)
I spent most of Christmas day preparing part of the Christmas meal for the dinner held at the Hospitality House. Though I only prepared about 14Lbs of pot roast, there was tons of food for dinner. It was a little bit of everything: pot roast, turkey, sweet potatoes with apples, cheesey grits, corn, almond green peppers, bicuits, and desserts - all kinds!
Time to hit the sack - we're snow boarding tomorow!
Time to hit the sack - we're snow boarding tomorow!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas! (Post One)
When I was stationed in Germany, I had the privillege of serving as co-youth pastor - along side John P - at Calvary Chapel Kaiserslautern (CCK-Town). At Christmas we offered a challenge to the kids to see if what they knew about the Christmas story was influenced by the bible or cultural (commercial) influence. Are you up to the Challange?
I'll post the answers in a couple of days - BUT, if you're really up to the challange, I encourage you to reconcile your answer with your bibles ;0)
How much do you really know about Christmas? Our culture has influenced our understanding of the story of the birth of Jesus. A lot of misconceptions have arisen due to this. The more difficult questions help clarify the difference between the original Bible story and modern ideas.
CHRISTMAS QUIZ
Questions start out easy and then get hard.
1. The name of the mother of Jesus was:
Martha
Mary
Eve
Deborah
2. Jesus was born in what town?
Jerusalem
Nazareth
Bethlehem
New York
3A. Joseph was a:
Carpenter
Doctor
Engineer
Fisherman
3B. When Joseph found Mary was pregnant, what happened:
They got married
Joseph wanted to break the engagement
Mary left town for three months
It doesn’t matter
4. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary stay at the inn?
It was too expensive
There was no inn
There was no room
None of the above
5. How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem?
Colt
Mary rode a donkey and Joseph walked
wagon
Who knows?
6. After being born, Jesus was placed in a:
Basket
Manger
Pile of hay
On the back of a donkey
7. A manger is a:
stable
feeding trough
wooden table
barn
8. Which animals does the Bible say were housed in the stable?
cows, donkeys, sheep
lions, tigers and bears
goats, sheep and cows
The Bible doesn’t say.
9. From what area were the three kings that visited Jesus?
the west
the east
the orient
none of the above
10. What sign were the shepherds told to look for by the angel?
a lion and a sheep together in peace
a tree with a star on top
a star over Bethlehem
none of the above
11. With what words did the heavenly host of angels praise God?
"Joy to the World, the Lord is Come"
"Glory, Glory, Hallelujah”
“King of Kings and Lord of Lords”
"Glory to God in the highest,"
12. What is frankincense?
a form of gold
an incense from a tree
a jewel
none of the above.
13. What is myrrh?
a musical instrument
a spice used for burial
a valuable wine
none of the above
14. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
One
Two
Three
The Bible doesn’t say
15A. What does "wise men" most likely refer to?
lawyers
star gazers.
priests
doctors
15B. The “star in the east” that the wise men followed…
Stayed in the same place their entire journey
Disappeared and reappeared
Moved ahead of them and stopped over the place where Jesus was0
Was just a mirage
16A. The wise men met Jesus in a:
manger.
castle.
stable.
house.
16B. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem…:
To inform Herod about Jesus
To find out where Jesus was
To ask about the star
To buy presents
17. Who told Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem?
an angel
Caesar Augustus.
Herod
No one told them to go.
18. The child Jesus went to Egypt:
to meet pharaoh
because Joseph was told in a dream to take him
Joseph did not take Jesus to Egypt
none of the above
19. According to the Bible, the little drummer boy met Jesus:
when Jesus was in the manger
at a house
When Jesus was about two years old
none of the above
20. In which books do we find the story of Jesus’ birth
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
21. December 25th has been celebrated as Christmas since the Bible was written.
True
False
22. DISCUSSION QUESTION: So, really, how does our culture influence what we understand of the stories of the Bible?
You can read what the Bible says about the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:20. Now go back and read these verses again like you are hearing this wonderful story for the first time.
I'll post the answers in a couple of days - BUT, if you're really up to the challange, I encourage you to reconcile your answer with your bibles ;0)
How much do you really know about Christmas? Our culture has influenced our understanding of the story of the birth of Jesus. A lot of misconceptions have arisen due to this. The more difficult questions help clarify the difference between the original Bible story and modern ideas.
CHRISTMAS QUIZ
Questions start out easy and then get hard.
1. The name of the mother of Jesus was:
Martha
Mary
Eve
Deborah
2. Jesus was born in what town?
Jerusalem
Nazareth
Bethlehem
New York
3A. Joseph was a:
Carpenter
Doctor
Engineer
Fisherman
3B. When Joseph found Mary was pregnant, what happened:
They got married
Joseph wanted to break the engagement
Mary left town for three months
It doesn’t matter
4. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary stay at the inn?
It was too expensive
There was no inn
There was no room
None of the above
5. How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem?
Colt
Mary rode a donkey and Joseph walked
wagon
Who knows?
6. After being born, Jesus was placed in a:
Basket
Manger
Pile of hay
On the back of a donkey
7. A manger is a:
stable
feeding trough
wooden table
barn
8. Which animals does the Bible say were housed in the stable?
cows, donkeys, sheep
lions, tigers and bears
goats, sheep and cows
The Bible doesn’t say.
9. From what area were the three kings that visited Jesus?
the west
the east
the orient
none of the above
10. What sign were the shepherds told to look for by the angel?
a lion and a sheep together in peace
a tree with a star on top
a star over Bethlehem
none of the above
11. With what words did the heavenly host of angels praise God?
"Joy to the World, the Lord is Come"
"Glory, Glory, Hallelujah”
“King of Kings and Lord of Lords”
"Glory to God in the highest,"
12. What is frankincense?
a form of gold
an incense from a tree
a jewel
none of the above.
13. What is myrrh?
a musical instrument
a spice used for burial
a valuable wine
none of the above
14. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
One
Two
Three
The Bible doesn’t say
15A. What does "wise men" most likely refer to?
lawyers
star gazers.
priests
doctors
15B. The “star in the east” that the wise men followed…
Stayed in the same place their entire journey
Disappeared and reappeared
Moved ahead of them and stopped over the place where Jesus was0
Was just a mirage
16A. The wise men met Jesus in a:
manger.
castle.
stable.
house.
16B. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem…:
To inform Herod about Jesus
To find out where Jesus was
To ask about the star
To buy presents
17. Who told Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem?
an angel
Caesar Augustus.
Herod
No one told them to go.
18. The child Jesus went to Egypt:
to meet pharaoh
because Joseph was told in a dream to take him
Joseph did not take Jesus to Egypt
none of the above
19. According to the Bible, the little drummer boy met Jesus:
when Jesus was in the manger
at a house
When Jesus was about two years old
none of the above
20. In which books do we find the story of Jesus’ birth
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
21. December 25th has been celebrated as Christmas since the Bible was written.
True
False
22. DISCUSSION QUESTION: So, really, how does our culture influence what we understand of the stories of the Bible?
You can read what the Bible says about the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:20. Now go back and read these verses again like you are hearing this wonderful story for the first time.
Christmas Eve
It's been an interesting year. Hmm. Enough about that, though...
So tonight, I met up with my friends, Dan and the Utechs, for the Christmas Eve service; it's was nice. It was a first for me [visiting Dan's Church] and I was quite surprised at how many people I knew from other various places/events (work, HH, etc.).
After the service I dropped by at another friend's house, Mike W., as he was having people over for a small get-together. I didn't stay long, but long enough to have Mike poke fun at me for FINALLY making an appearance at his house. He tried to joke about wanting to take a pic of me actually being there so that others would believe him - WELL, HA! I took my camera! I really was there and here's the proof:
So tonight, I met up with my friends, Dan and the Utechs, for the Christmas Eve service; it's was nice. It was a first for me [visiting Dan's Church] and I was quite surprised at how many people I knew from other various places/events (work, HH, etc.).
After the service I dropped by at another friend's house, Mike W., as he was having people over for a small get-together. I didn't stay long, but long enough to have Mike poke fun at me for FINALLY making an appearance at his house. He tried to joke about wanting to take a pic of me actually being there so that others would believe him - WELL, HA! I took my camera! I really was there and here's the proof:
One last note: Jodi wrote a nice blog entry about the cultural differences in celebration of Christmas, contrasting Western and Japanese styles; check it out: bakagaijiin
Monday, December 19, 2005
The Result:
I've closed the Tatami room doors; I've left the couch in it's new location; and I've decorated the tree.
I did it on impulse and have realized: it's not as fun when you don't have others to help out, drink some nog, and slap each other silly.
Oh well. Lesson learned.
Merry Christmas :-)
PS. For all you critics (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!): Yes, I'll be getting a tree skirt.
I did it on impulse and have realized: it's not as fun when you don't have others to help out, drink some nog, and slap each other silly.
Oh well. Lesson learned.
Merry Christmas :-)
PS. For all you critics (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!): Yes, I'll be getting a tree skirt.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Does this work? Maybe.
I decided to get an artificial tree for Christmas... It's always interesting how some people totaly rearrange a home to accomodate something silly like a tree.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Tamale Feast 2005
As has become my tradition – one that I’ve continued from my own family’s tradition – is the making of tamales at Christmas. This is something that I attempt to prepare annually, inviting close friends to share in the experience. Now, if you’ve ever made tamales, you know that it’s not an easy accomplishment. They’re not something that on a whim you would say, “I think I’ll make tamales for dinner tonight.” No. That would be foolish. Instead it’s a process that involves many hours and is extremely useful when there are additional hands involved. And for me, it has to be as authentic as possible, preparing everything from scratch. Everything from making the red chile sauce, soaking the corn husks, preparing the masa (Spanish, for dough), to slow cooking the pork roast the night before and shredding it just prior to preparation, are included in the process. This is an all day event where we start in the morning, steam cook the tamales for a few hours – all the while enjoying each others company – and ending the entire event with a hefty and hearty Mexican meal with fresh beans, Mexican rice, fresh steamed tamales, and dessert! MMmmm!!!
Though, Christmas is, yet, two weeks away, it was decided to have this day set as our “Tamale Feast” as we will be parting our separate ways prior to Christmas.
Part of the preparation is
mixing the tamale filling.
which constists of shredded
pork and red chile.
Sarah exhibits her skill
and pearly whites, while Drea
hides.
Marti, Drea, and Sarah
enjoying conversation
while preparing the tamales.
Sarah and Marti
chomping on chips and
guac.
Patrick and Ellie
enjoying frijoles (beans).
And, Matt doing what Matts does well - eating!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
I hate funk… or, do I?
Apathy (heretofore, funk) settles in every once in a while and you either allow that funk run its course, or work to eliminate that funk. But, when you really have the funk, do you really work to get rid of the funk?EVERYONE: a resounding, “NO!!”
Of course, not! You’re in the funk. My question, then, is why doesn’t funk spill into other areas of your life? If funk is absolutely true, then, it indeed should infect every thought, action, and emotion. Surprisingly, however, I found that when I experience the funk, it is only limited to certain aspects of my life.
Snowboarding – AWESOME!
Winter – Great!
Work – Good ( yes, even work is good).
School – Eh?
(A tilt of the head,
a look of funk, a
slight shrug and a
teetering hand)
Other hobbies – Eh?
(A tilt of the head,
a look of funk, a
slight shrug and a
teetering hand)
Exercising – Eh?
(A tilt of the head,
a look of funk, a
slight shrug and a
teetering hand)
Pizza and a cold one – Good.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Fool or not?
So, I’ve been back in Japan less than 24hrs and have had less than five hours sleep, a half day’s worth of boarding at Appi Koegen, and indulged in a great bowl of pork-miso ramen for lunch – thus, begins my quest to board every weekend until the end of the winter season!
I'm off to church and then I'm out for the night!
What a way to end a three week vacation!
I'm off to church and then I'm out for the night!
What a way to end a three week vacation!
Saturday, December 03, 2005
aAAhhh.... Misawa.
Approx. 11pm (JST), last night, Matt picked me
up at the Hachinohe Eki and, now, I'm home.
So now what? Snowboarding?
This morning?!!
Hmmmm...?
up at the Hachinohe Eki and, now, I'm home.
So now what? Snowboarding?
This morning?!!
Hmmmm...?
Friday, December 02, 2005
Time to go...
I find myself in the last hours of my time here in Los Angeles. I’ve lied down with my little niece, Bella, to put her to sleep for what will be the last time - in a while at the least. She has a unique way of falling asleep. As most other baby’s her age it’s starts with a bottle, but she also has this added, cute, little ritual. First, she has this fascination with hair. For whatever the reason she loves to play with hair. So as I was lying beside her, she reached and began to pull and tug on my hair. The second part of the ritual is her humming - she seems to have this repetitious and rhythmic humming as she begins to grow tired, but reluctant to fall asleep. It’s such a precious thing - SHE’S such a precious thing… a blessing from God and I’m grateful to have spent this treasured time with her.
This morning has been your standard morning at the Alvarez Home. Mom and Dad have gone to work - Trish and Fabian have come dropped off Isabella and, also, have left for work. Julie prepares Alexis for school and David fights to remain asleep. Aside from the Good-byes and the tear jerking, mornings like this are what I’ll remember and treasure.
To my family, Thank you very much.
I pray that the Lord, our God, continue to
shine his glory upon you.
We are blessed because
Christ is our Lord - our Savior!
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:6-7
This morning has been your standard morning at the Alvarez Home. Mom and Dad have gone to work - Trish and Fabian have come dropped off Isabella and, also, have left for work. Julie prepares Alexis for school and David fights to remain asleep. Aside from the Good-byes and the tear jerking, mornings like this are what I’ll remember and treasure.
To my family, Thank you very much.
I pray that the Lord, our God, continue to
shine his glory upon you.
We are blessed because
Christ is our Lord - our Savior!
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:6-7
Thursday, December 01, 2005
“My what?”
Tonight, my family and I went to try a new restaurant called the Wood Ranch - it was most excellent! I had a combination plate of smoked baby-back ribs, BBQ tri-tip steak, peanut coleslaw, and half-a-head of broccoli.
*LIP-SMAKING GOOD*
For my drink I ordered a Hefeweisen. The waitress, then, says, “Good choice. May I see your I.D.?”
I offer the Homer Simpson blink as I was totally baffled at the question - I hadn’t been asked for I.D. in many years!
YES! I feel good!
*LIP-SMAKING GOOD*
For my drink I ordered a Hefeweisen. The waitress, then, says, “Good choice. May I see your I.D.?”
I offer the Homer Simpson blink as I was totally baffled at the question - I hadn’t been asked for I.D. in many years!
YES! I feel good!
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