Ohio…Chicago…Back in Utsunomiya…Nasu…

Wow, a lot has happened. I know it’s been awhile, so this will be a long and hopefully entertaining entry. Jan. 6, I had my second cooking class. Eiko-san and I did a tea flavored pound cake. It was delicious, I was skeptical at first because there was grounded up tea, but I really enjoyed it. I love learning the different techniques for baking. I will try to learn the secret as to why Japanese bread is so addicting. From Jan. 8 – Jan. 25, I went home for a couple of weeks to spend some time with family and friends. It was a bittersweet time because I loved seeing everyone, but I had to say “see ya” all over again. Of course, I cried…My brother picked me up from the airport and I was so happy to see him! Loni had made me papaya salad since I was staying the night there. Thanks Loni, I miss it now! I moved over to Chase and Lisa’s Friday, but during the day I went to see my mom and aunt Susan at work. The week was pretty routine, I spent most of my days with familyand running errands and evenings with Chase and Lisa. We enjoyed some dinners with my family, especially hot pot at my mom’s! Yum! Hot pot is just better with oodles of people. The weekend of Jan. 17, Lisa and I went to Chicago and met up with Lisa’s friend, Cynthia from Calgary. Cynthia was an awesome person and it was very nice to meet a friend of Lisa’s from home. Michael and I hope to go to Calgary sometime in the future. Chicago was brutally cold, but we still had lots of fun! Saturday, Jan. 17, was the most eventful one. We started off our day in a café across from “the bean”. Afterwards, we went to the Art Institue of Chicago. This place was amazing, filled with masterpieces from the most talented artists from many eras. I fancy the waterlilies by Claude Monet. Crystal met up with us after the art institute and we made way towards Michigan Ave (the magnificient mile of shopping), but detoured to Ethel’s chocolate for a nice cup of hot cocoa and a chance to reserve some tickets. Cynthia, Crystal, Lisa and I ended up chatting for a couple of hours and before we knew it, dinnertime. We went to a Morroccan restaurant, Tizi something. Crystal said it was more of a Moroccan fusion restaurant, but it was still delicious. One day, I would like to try authentic Moroccan food where you sit on the floor and eat with your hands. After dinner, we went to see Blue Man Group. This was one of the best shows ever. Even though the theater was small, the show still rocked. The best part about it was Cynthia got picked to go on stage! It made it 50 times better. Too bad we could not take pictures inside the theater, but she got a polaroid to take home and some mushed up bananas. It did not smell good. The night was still young so we headed towards the Hyatt Regency’s bar to have a cocktail. Cynthia left earlier in the afternoon and Lisa and I didn’t fly out until later at night. We found our way to Chinatown, “the bean”, h20, then home (well, Lisa’s home). Chicago was cold and exhausting, but a great time!
My week went pretty much as it did the week before. Tuesday, Jan. 20, was an eventful day. Obama made history as he became the 44th president of the United States of America. He is hope! It was timeless to see history in the making. This is something that future generations to come will be reading in their history books. Tuesday night, Lisa and I went to get our hair cut. I took off a little more than anticipated, but a good 4 inches. I am still indifferent about my hair, but I guess there’s no turning back, it can only grow so fast. I must say, I do look a little more mature and maybe people will think I am 22 instead of 18 now. Maybe. Friday, Jan. 23, I went to spend some time with my grandma. I showed her some picks of Michael and I in Japan, talked a little, ate some peanuts, ate an orange, talked about the weather. I think that when I was in Columbus, I took for granted that my grandma lived so close to me. I felt so guilty because I never saw my grandma, unless it was someone’s birthday or Chinese New Year’s. So for all my cousins who read this and live in Columbus, go take grandma out! Grandma has so much to talk about. My 2 weeks in Ohio has come to an end rather quickly, but I do miss Japan, rather I missed Michael. It was hard to say “see ya” again and I shed some more tears as I departed. I miss and love everyone! Happy Chinese New Year’s (Jan. 26), go get your "lai see" or "hong bao" from Michael and I at grandma's you lucky folks!
Ah, back home in Utsunomiya. I didn’t feel tired the first day or two, but I think a little jet lag kicked in. Jet lag is annoying and tough. I think I am ok now. I had a pretty simple week as I knew I would be tired. I had volunteering Wednesday and this time we did colors. I read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?” by Eric Carle to the group of first graders. The time seems to go by faster every time I volunteer. I don’t know if it’s the material or my comfort level, nonetheless, I enjoy myself and still find it a rewarding experience. I had class twice this week and surprisingly remembered a lot. Yay! Michael and I went to the driving range on Wednesday and the driving range is inventive. The tee reloads a ball once you remove it or hit it. Plus, you can adjust the height of the tee with a control. I don’t have to look or steal tees. It was awesome, no bending down and putting the ball on the tee. I did rather well at the range, it’s nice to know that I didn’t lose all of my “skill”. I might have drove the ball 200 yards, just once though. I felt really good. That about sums up the low-key week. I was probably in bed by 9:30pm every night, sad I know this, but I blame it on jet lag.
Michael and I were going to go snowboarding at Hunter Mountain on Saturday with some of his co-workers, but there was rain in the forecast so we decided to postpone the trip. I was so excited because I got a new snowboard and ready to test it out. I guess in time. Michael and I did go on a one-day trip to Nasu today, Feb. 1. It was a small town about 1.5 hours north of Utsunomiya. We were going to the outlet mall, but the navi failed us and we made 3 attempts, then opted for other activities. I think that happened for good reason because we went to a strawberry farm and picked strawberries and ate them on the spot for 30 minutes. It was delicious and a new experience for us. I love strawberries! Our next adventure led us to our second new experience…candle making. We found this little cute candle store and they let you make your own candles. It looked like a husband and wife business. The lady was very friendly and patient as she tried to use as much English as possible. We each made a candle and I must say that it turned out rather beautiful. Since it was a day of first, we decided to go to an onsen. It was my first time going and Michael’s third. [An onsen is a hot spring or bathing facility] The onsen was a unique experience. There are separate facilities for men and women, so we set a time to meet and off we went. I was a little weirded out at first, but sitting in the onsen made it so much more worthwhile. It was probably 120 degrees farenheit plus in the water, but it totally relaxes your body and mind. I highly recommend it to people, but as a warning you must be comfortable with yourself and nudity. You think that people are looking at you, but they are not, it’s just you judging yourself. That about sums up the past 3 weeks. I probably left out a lot of detail, but I am sure you are tired of reading by now.

*Ok, one more thing...I felt my very first earthquake in Japan today. It was early this morning, I woudl guess around 6am, but the bed was moving in a swaying motion. I was not freaked out, but I didn't think it was cool. Anyways, I felt an earthquake! Michael did not feel it as he is such a sleepyhead.