Obon Odori practice has started!

Tonight was the first Obon Odori Practice. Obon is one of my FAVORITE Buddhist/Japanese Holidays. Here is an article about the Obon Festival that was held in Monterey. Salinas is having there festival this Sunday....I'll be there working in the pastry booth for my Mom. I hope we can stay for the dancing...but, that will be up to Jeff since he has to work on Monday.

Here is a picture of Neil, Jeff's Mom and Jordan with their fans....luckily it wasn't that hot...some nights we really work up a sweat!

I was surprised, Jordan did really well and Neil is doing better. Unfortunately, we will be missing this year's (and next year's) festival...I guess we will have to go to the other temple's!

Sunday already?

Today we got up early and drove down to Salinas. My brother Dean has had a lot of pain...and since he had the bout with colon cancer, Mom thought it would be best that he have another colonoscopy...which was scheduled for today, SUNDAY, at 7 am. Can you believe it? On a Sunday...so, Jeff and I thought it would be nice to drive down and see how he is doing. I got up at 7 am and made some of the strawberry manju to take to my Uncles and parents. I don't know if I like the way it turned out...I always have a problem when I make a half batch...but, oh well! Uncle Sam was up and out of his truck quickly when I told him it was in the house.

On the way down, I worked on flower petals and leaves for some thank you cards. Since I can hand deliver Jeff's mother and grandmother's cards, I thought I would make these flowers...esp. since I am late because I was busy with the Bazaar. I like the way it turned out!

We left Salinas at 1:30 and drove straight to the church gym. Neil and Jordan had a basketball camp...and we made it! Phew...just in time. Afterwards, we enjoyed a nice dinner with the Jangs and Nomuras...just like the old days, except the guys aren't whining about how sore they are...and there was no cards.... We can't make the next two sessions, but the boys will be there for the last session.

Tomorrow night: Odori practice @ 7:30!!! Yippee...but, unfortunately, we will not be able to make it to Obon....second year in a row...so sad :(

...and they are off!!!

It was the annual Program Management day at the Alameda County Fair Races...okay, so, there is only one Program Manager left attending...but, we had a good showing anyways!

I picked up a teenager at the "Rent a Teen" booth...just kidding, this is Megan. I used to work with her mother at Documentum. Sigh....when she first popped into my cube to add a bit of artwork on my whiteboard...she was 5....this fall she will be a Junior at American High School... amazing how some things don't change...she still wants to be a lawyer....but, no longer wants to be president...

It was FANTASTIC having Megan and Auntie Irene go with us to the fair....they actually took the boys to the carnival area while I spent a few races with the "gang"...I lost both races I bet on...David on the other hand won 2 out of 3 races....and Lily won at least 2 races also...and it was her first time...BEGINNER'S LUCK!


Megan, Auntie Irene, Neil and Jordan were a little tired after the carnival...

We ALL needed a foot massage by the end of the day...actually, we were busy eating our funnel cake.

There's a New American in our midst!!!

Hello everyone! So, yesterday was a historic day in American History....1000+ people were sworn in as new Americans.

Luckily for us, we know one of these "lucky" people....yup, remember those posts of shoes? My friend Lori, the Canadian took her oath as an American citizen. This was a much quicker process than her green card....I know, because I lived through that process as well!

But, anyways, congratulations Canada....and I SOOO want to tell people what you wore...but, I won't...let's just say you can take the Canadian out of Canada...but she will always be a Canadian to the skin....hee hee hee....

Here is a picture of the Congratulations gift I left on her doorstep...

Didn't Steve at "The Flower Shop" in Fremont do a great job? I had a nice chat with him...although I was concerned that Yuki, Doreen's (Steve's sister who is on vacation) dog, was so depressed...poor baby....his tail was down and he wouldn't come out until I called him. He usually is always ready to greet me!

Anyways, I told Steve that I would mention his shop if he would let me take his picture...but, it didn't come out that nice...so, I will just say, GO VISIT STEVE for your FLORAL NEEDS! He's great...and say hi to Yuki!

It's is over!!!

This past weekend was our temple's Japanese Bazaar...it was a lot of work..but, hopefully we did well, since this is our major fundraiser of the year.

While Jeff and I were busy with our duties, Jeff was cutting up the chicken, and I was in the Salad/Udon (noodles)/Gyoza (potsticker) booth, the boys had their shifts in Duckpond (Neil) and Demon Smash (Jordan).I am amazed that this picture came out...Jordan is NOT happy that Mom is trying to take a picture!

Kevin and Tet are looking so happy to be in the game ticket booth....

Here is Kaitlyn standing in line with her sister at the Duck Pond....she doesn't look thrilled that I took her picture either...

Of course, Kristen is always ready to pose for the camera!

That's all for this year....oh, and there were no bids on my necklace :( I think I need to go simplier next year...

It's time for the Japanese Bazaar!!!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Our temple is having their annual Japanese Bazaar this weekend...

There will be both Japanese and American food, games for the kids, BINGO, cultural displays and demonstrations etc.

I'll be working in the Gyoza (potsticker) and Salad booth in the kitchen...swing by and say "Hi!"

The Tri-City Voice Newspaper even wrote an article....here is the link, there are a few mis-spellings...but, he gets an A since he was able to put the article on the front page! (http://www.tricityvoice.com/articlefiledisplay.php?issue=2009-07-08&file=story3.txt)

Here are the details:

Japanese Bazaar
Saturday & Sunday, July 11-12
11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Sat)11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Sun)
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church
32975 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 471-2581

Hope to see you there!!!!!

Dilbert and FREE books!

Today is Jordan's last day of classes @ Ohlone for Kids. He really enjoyed both classes, although I don't think they really worked on writing in the Writer's Workshop but, I do know that he love his cartooning class.

I scanned in his Dilbert drawing from yesterday....he did a really good job!
We are not going to church until later this afternoon, so, Neil and I went to Half-Priced Books to turn in his summer reading form. For kids under 12, Half-Priced Books will give them a $3 gift card if they read for a minimum of 15 minutes, 4 days a week...WHAT A DEAL! Neil's book was $2.98, and he didn't even have to pay tax because they deduct the $3.00 before they total the transaction out! I LOVE HALF PRICED BOOKS! If you want your kids to participate...get there quick...the program only goes to July 31st.