New School Year

                          As spring is slowing approaching, a new school year is beginning here in Japan. 

                                   Today marked the first official day of the 2012-2013 school year.  

The First Sign of Spring.

We had a very formal opening ceremony that lasted most of the day followed by a special sushi lunch for just the teachers. Last year when I fled Japan post earthquake, I missed out on this ceremony and everything that comes with the beginning of a new school year. When I finally returned mid April of last year things just weren't the same. Everything felt off since I wasn't there for when it all started. I wanted to make sure I was here for day one this year, if it was possible.

The ceremony, which really was to welcome the new “middle school freshmen” (our 7th grade), went beautifully. The new kids processed in with their class, then stood when their name was called, all while proud parents and their video cameras took up residence in the back of the gym. My only participation came when I went on stage with a few other teachers to be introduced to the new parents and students. They called my name, and I answered with a Hai!, stepping forward and listening while the principle read a few sentences about me. I then bowed and let out a confident yoroshuku onegaishimasu and stepped back into line. The principle had gone through everyone who was on stage and we were all about to bow one final time, when the new, and extremely shy, librarian scampered up on stage. Apparently she missed when we all processed up, not sure how since she was sitting right behind me. None the less, at that moment I didn't feel like the least Japanese person in room. And that, friends, is hard to do.

Program.

Tomoko Sensei Officiating.

Class 1-1 Processing Out.

Special Sushi Lunch.

Would be 20th grader,
Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: Girl Forced To Run 3 Hours, Dies..from USA Today. WTF?!
Google Search: White confectioner`s coating.

Tune: California Love By 2Pac. It came on this morning while I was getting ready. Made me smile.

Accomplishment: Using more Japanese.
Obsessions: The New Girl. This week`s episode make me laugh right out loud. I watched it twice.

Touchdown Tokyo

I stayed home in LA up until the last possible moment. I arrived back home in the east yesterday evening, and arrived early to work this morning. 

I was greeted by a delighted staff room and a few hugs. Everyone has been so amazingly sweet, supportive and patient with me and all I'm going through. Couldn't ask for a better group of teachers to work with.

Let the new school year begin!

Back to reality, 

Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: 13 Simple Steps To Get You Through A Rough Day...from Buzzfeed. This has been floating around facebook, but it`s worth the click

Google Search: Golden Week Deals.

Tune: Show Me Love By Mobin Master.

Accomplishment: Successful (dare I say enjoyable?!) flight back.
Obsessions: Getting bumped up to business class for the flight home yesterday. Amazing.

Gaijins In California

For a few days this past week, I got to hang out with a few of my favorite foreigners. Ian and his girlfriend, Maya. If you remember, Ian, a former JET, and Maya were my neighbors over in Japan. They concluded their time in Japan last summer and have been living in Australia ever since. With the magic of imessaging we keep in pretty good contact, but nothing beats a real life hang out sesh. 

They stayed with me for one night, and spent two other nights in another part of LA visiting a different former JET (we're everywhere!). In that time I made sure they had quality Mexican food, walks by the beach and frozen yogurt. I sent them to Hermosa to explore and shop one afternoon and they didn't disappoint. Maya returned with a pair of rainbow sandals, reef sandals, and Toms. She's officially ready to take up residence in southern California.

It's ok Ian, I too get that excited about Yogurtland.

Had such a good time with you two! 

Enjoy the rest of your time in California, reconvene in a different country next time? 

You let me know.

Always good to see a familiar face,
Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: Is Hating Toddlers and Tiaras Moms Classist?..from Slate. 

Google Search: The IRS.

Tune: California Girls. By Katy Perry. 
It came on the radio while I was home, I went around the block again to round the dance sesh I was having in the car. 

Accomplishment: Fitting everything in my suitcase. I was shocked it zipped.
Obsessions: Body of Proof.

A Day At The Park

Charlie and I had a bonding day the other day.

We went to the dog park.  

Charlie...

ran,

walked,

drank,

frolicked, 

peed,

mingled

and had a general good time.

"Kate! I see dog park!"
woof. woof.

Blonde Bombshell.

Woman and her dog.

"I'm comingggg Kateeeeeeee."
woof. woof.

"I think I want to go home."
woof. woof.

"I'm all tuckered out."
woof. woof.

woof.woof.
Kate

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Must Read: Lakers Game: Who Sits Where...from The Hollywood Reporter.

Google Search: Top iphone apps.

Tune: Show Me Love By Mobin Master.

Accomplishment: Semi figuring out my taxes. I hate money.
Obsessions: Penguins Yogurt.

I'll miss ya Charlie.

Happily Ever After

The most exciting day of my mini vacation to the north, was the day of the wedding. One of my best friends from high school and my prom date got married! I still can't believe he's a husband. The ceremony was gorgeous, sweet, touching, amazing and all those other beautiful adjectives. It was a lovely day, made even more special by the fact that five of my best girl friends from high school traveled to Saratoga for the wedding.

[Shower. Make-up. Dresses.]

Goldfish Catchin', while waiting for the shower.

Happy Birthday Jenny!

Wedding Ready.

 [Ceremony. Dinner. Dancin.]

All Redondo High attendees.
No idea what's up with our eyes.

Then...
Prom 2004

...Now.
Nick's a groom!
March 2012

Bride & Groom.

Nick and Steffi, we were all so thrilled to be invited to share in your special day.

We couldn't be happier for you both.

Cheers to Nick and Steffi!

Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: Pope Benedict Sombrero..from CNN. This makes me chuckle right out loud.

Google Search: NCIS LA.

Tune: One Foot. By FUN.

Accomplishment: Strategically packing a box to ship back to Japan.
Obsessions: P.F. Changs Lettuce Wraps.

City Livin

On my last full day in the city, I was determined to make the most of it. I went for a beautiful run through the park with Kelly and her Aunt. Then it was off to see an old advisor for a quick hello and a psych professor for lunch. We met on campus and it was such a treat to be able to walk around my old university on such a lovely day. It was just as pretty, if not more so, that I remembered.

Library. 

Church.

Sophomore Livin.

My former professor, employer and general buddy.

Khan & Kate.

After lunch I hopped on the bus and headed downtown to check out what the SF MoMA had in store for me. Here are a few of my faves.

Loved this one, probably because I'm pretty sure I
(and all my CA friends) have seen a picture of our mom like this. 

Also wanted these,
but couldn't bring myself to spend $16 on the little guys.

Bright lights, big city,
Kate

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Must Read: Japan Says It Will Shoot Down N. Korea Rocket Over Territory..from CNN.

Google Search: C & O Trattoria.

Tune: One Foot. By FUN.

Accomplishment: Figuring out how to do my taxes via a foreign country.
Obsessions: Brownies my mom made.

K.Nam & K.Bo

Upon arriving in the city, I was greeted at the airport by my sister from another mister, Kristin. Our dads worked together long before we were ever in the picture. We've grown up together, celebrated major holidays together, and have taken family vacations together. We both did KUMON as kids (and hated it), as well as piano lessons, and worked as JETs. Prior to going to Japan I lived in San Francisco, post living in Japan she moved to San Francisco. 

We essentially swapped lives. 

We're pretty much identical, except that we're different races.

Kate & Kristin.

In the 24 hours we were together, we essentially just ate and toured the city.
My kind of vacation.

First we hit up Hog Island Oyster Co, in the beautiful Ferry Building. Splitting oysters and a bottle of champagne, as we toasted to my dad (her Uncle Marty) and her new job!

Ferry Building.

Cheers! Kampaii!

Happy Hour Indeed.

The gorgeous view from dinner.
Extra points for you if you knew this was the
Bay Bridge, not the Golden Gate.

Our Moms were big fans of this one.

After our first course of oysters, we headed to the Mission district of the city to Southpaw BBQ. We had delicious matching meals, consisting of a sweet tea and vodka cocktails and pulled BBQ pork sandwiches. 

Then it was off to Bi-Rite Creamery to get some ice cream to take home and enjoy. 

Late night Bi-Rite, Sex and the City and a fresh coat of nail polish 

made for a great evening in.

Morning coffee from Ritual before a few Muni rides, uphill walks, and city touring. 

Morning Fuel.

Thanks for a great few days Kristin, congrats again on the new job!

Little K,
Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: Cleft Lip Research Launched in UK ..from BBC.

Google Search: Kaiser.

Tune: Some Nights By FUN.

Accomplishment: Running all kinds of errands this morning.
Obsessions: These little guys. Thank you Lindsey.