Happy and Sad

Yesterday I returned to Kobe early, which made me happy. My friend could help me change my airline ticket for no charge.

But I am sad because Tammy was not feeling well and couldn't play her best.

I was also happy to watch Kei Nishikori from Shimane play tennis, but I was sad that he lost to Reiner Schuttler, a veteran player from Germany.

My dad was happy to be trading Olympic pins, but sad that Tammy wanted to leave Beijing as soon as possible to return to Bangkok. He really enjoys trading pins!!!!!


Lastly, I am SO HAPPY to have many good friends. Some people were worried about the food in Beijing, so they gave me some coffee and Soy Joy to eat in China. It was a very kind and delicious present! (^_^)v

Hello from Rainy Beiking

I am having dinner at Nasca Cafe near my hotel, but the cafe's computer keyboard is broken and I can't type the letter that comes after "k"! Luckily the letter isn't used very much in English!

It was very rainy today. I had many troubles going to see my dad and Tammy. Worst of all, I didn't know food is not allowed into the stadium. I brought so many food presents for my dad. I had to give up a bottle of wasabi tako from Akashi but I snuck many other things in my big bag, like Morozoff cocoa peanuts.

The security is very strict. My shoulder is stiff from being stressed out. But I finally got in and I said hello to Ai Sugiyama and her mother and told them that everyone at the Portopia Hotel wishes her good luck. She is trailing Daniela Hantuchova 3-6, 2-3.

Tammy will play tomorrow if it is not too rainy.

Bye for now!

Next Volunteer Project

I am going to grow my hair long so that I can donate it to Locks of Love, a volunteer organization in Florida that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair.  

I'm lucky my hair grows quickly.  I wonder how long it will take to grow it to 12 inches (30cm)...

Labor of Love

This morning I washed and ironed my favorite yukata. It took a long time and it was very hot to be ironing.

This yukata was a going-away present from Dr. Takeda, one of my good friends in Gotsu City. Sadly, Dr. Takeda passed away in 1994. I always think of him when I wear his beautiful present. The pattern is by Kansai Yamamoto and it was handmade by Dr. Takeda's relatives in Ohda City.

Summer is Here!

Saturday I played tennis with the Portopia Tennis Circle. After tennis we went to Coco's and I ate shaved ice. To me, summer hasn't started until I have had shaved ice. So now my summer is officially here! It was DELICIOUS!

The Day My Life Changed

June 1, 2005 (I think!!!!) is when I met Mr. Nakauchi for the first time. I came to the Portopia Hotel as a JET Conference assistant and asked to introduce myself to him when I was checking out. Coincidentally, it was the day June Kim arrived to start her internship, too! He invited us to lunch at Shukeien--how kind! ^_^

The House That Ruth Built

Today I went to see the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. This is the final year that the Yankees will play in the old stadium. The new stadium is being built right next to it.

It was an exciting game! This is Derek Jeter hitting a double. He later scored when A Rod hit a single. Jason Giambi also hit a home run. I paid $23 to sit in the upper level seats--it was worth it!!!!!! ^_^