Across the Sea

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Birth Day

The other day, January 3 to be exact, I turned 25!

Whoa.

That was always the age I assigned to "real" people. I can now get into an R rated movie, vote, buy cigarettes and a lottery ticket, and porn for that matter, enlist in the military, drink, and finally, rent a car. That is officially the last thing on the, "I can't until I'm..." list.
Well, unless you count collect social security. But that seems a bit of a leep at the moment.

I had lovely mellow day of turning 25. Ran some errands, got my nails done and had a special family birthday. We figured out that on my birthday last year I was at the Taj Mahal. Awesome. We then figured out that I hadn't been at home with my parents on my actual birthday in 3 or 4 years, so this was special all the way around.

Birthday Nails.

My favorite car wash.

Birthday Dinner, pizza and beer.

Fam Bam.

It was such a special day! Having a little fiesta at my good friend's house on Friday, so I have that to look forward to before heading back to Japan on Saturday. Should be fun!

25,

Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: Backers of CA Millionaire Tax Target Kardashian from Yahoo! News

Google Search: Costco Optometry

Tune: Backstreet Boys CD...found it in my room and added it to my computer. Best decision I made all day.

Accomplishment: Getting food and decos for my party!

Obsessions: Backstreet Boys CD, Post Secret site, my sparkly nails

Monday, January 2, 2012

A Fresh Start

I have been home about two weeks now and am throughly enjoying my time here. Making the most of all that is around me, family, friends, food and dogs alike. It has been so special to spend some quality time with friends from far and wide who have all come together for the holidays.

Things with my little life in Kamagaya were becoming rather routine, predictable and cold. I was ready for a simple chance of pace. What better way to mix it up then heading back to my roots and the warmth of Redondo. This time last year I was in India, having the experience of a lifetime. In fact I figured out that this day last year I was visiting the Taj Mahal, pretty amazing right?! Though, that fabulous trip meant that I celebrated Christmas, New Years and my birthday all in India, and to be honest it was pretty much like those holidays never happened. So I was eager to get back in the spirit with friends and family, who celebrate the holidays in the way I grew up.

Home.

To make things more special, LA has welcomed me home with beautiful weather, including a small heat wave.

We had a lovely Christmas eve eating tamales and drinking wine with some other fabulous Redondo locals. While Christmas day was spent eating, and eating, and eating with our lovely friends that have become family. My fabulous friend Tori whose family was included in our Christmas festivities, wrote an excellent blog detailing the day. Click here to read her account of the day.

I have spent most of my time at home hangin with my parents and favorite dog. But I did get a few great chances to get out and enjoy the weather and a few of my favorite people.

Diana
@ Ave C, Redondo Beach

Lindsey
@ Terranea, Palos Verdes

Lindsey, Megan, Lauren and Kiana
@ Naja's, Redondo Beach Pier

[New Years Eve]

To kick off the new year I headed to the Palos Verdes Resort, Terranea, for a new years party they were throwing. We all had so much fun drinking and dancing! But before heading out we had a little Bohan photo-shoot.

New Years Eve!
The Fam
@ home, Redondo Beach

[New Years Day]

Just like every new years day, we woke up to watch the Rose Parade with our coffee, before heading out to the best meal I'll have all year. Every year we make our way to the lovely Namimoto's house to eat, mingle and watch football. It's a grand tradition!

The Bohans, Salinas, Carol
@ The Namimoto's House

A very happy guest!

Tori, me, Kristin and Derek
@ The Namimoto's House, Torrance

My favorite meal of the year!

I have had such a great time so far and still have a week to go! Hope you all are enjoying this special time of year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Refreshed,

Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

Google Search: El Gringo catering menu

Tune: International Love By Pitbull feat. Chris Brown

Accomplishment: Getting my parents Christmas presents they enjoy

Obsessions: When Parent's Text book that I got my parents for Christmas, Happ & Stahns Perfume from Anthropologie

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Headed Home

This Saturday I will be headed back to LA to spend the holidays with family and friends. I am especially looking forward to it as last year I was in India, where it felt like the holidays never happened. I`m excited to play catch up on Christmas, New Years and my birthday.

My mom emailed me to ask me if their was any food I wanted in the house when I got there, I made the mature request for Frosted Mini Wheats and cinnamon rolls. Then I started thinking about all the other reasons I am excited to go home, and came up with quite a list.

Here are a few...

Yogurtland.

Runs along the strand.

This guy.

The word `HEY!` rather than `Hello`.

You have no idea how much you miss it till it`s gone.
That was actually a sincere statement.

My mom even said I could have the middle one.

These two.

El Burrito Jr. A Redondo Beach legend.

In-n-Out.

Jamba Juice.

These 6, as well as my actual Friends.

Coffee Bean`s Ice Blended.

Need I say more.

Homeward Bound,
Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: Paris Jackson on her Father Michael---an interview with little Paris

Google Search: how to make a warm compress...I just couldn't warm up when I got home

Tune: All About Us By He is We Feat. Owl CIty

Accomplishment: a successful final Japanese class for this term

Obsessions: my Christmas tree candle, eggs and green tabasco sauce

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Winter Weekend

This past weekend we had a Christmas party in Kashiwa, organized by the lovely Olivia. It was a two hour pre-set menu and nomihodai (all you can drink). We invited friends and co-workers from all comers of our lives over here in Japan, and I think it`s safe to say it was an epic night.

Place Setting

Food Galore

As if to remind us how successful Saturday night was, Sunday morning was a little rough. But it was a beautiful Sunday out and we were all determined to spend some time outside. So we layered up, created a little picnic for ourselves, and enjoyed each others` company beneath the bright blue sky.

Chilled,

Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: What is Love? Some really smart kids may have the answer

Google search: Hong Kong

Tune: She`s Gone By Hall & Oats

Accomplishment: cooking the past few meals

Obsessions: the Japanese hand warmers that heat when you shake them, garlic cream sauce-splurge from the foreign goods store

Thursday, December 8, 2011

A Touch of Christmas

Yesterday, after getting home from school I packed up a book and headed into Tokyo. I wanted to get out of Kamagaya, to be in the city, in the mix of things. On my walk from the station to a cafe I had been wanting to try, I enjoyed the beautiful touch of Christmas that has fallen on the city, as well as in my home.

Tree at the bottom of the Mitsubishi Building

Safe From the Cold

[Christmas at Kate`s]

Merry,

Kate

[The Latest]

Must Read: 11 Things to Know at 25(ish) ----thanks Tori!

Google search: dry eyes

Tune: Cold December Night By Michael Buble

Accomplishment: cheaply decorating my apartment for Christmas

Obsessions: popcorn from the foreign goods store, cold weather and Christmas deco combo

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Contemporary Art

This week, the students are finished with school at one o`clock, while the teachers have to stay and work on report cards. I fall somewhere in between teacher and student, and when I found out this week's schedule, I was curious as to how it was going to effect me. My Kyoto Sensei (vice principal) came over to tell me that, if I wanted, I could leave at one as well, though I would be using my nenkyuu (paid vacation time). I weighed my options and decided to take the time off, otherwise I would literally be sitting at my desk until four. So all week I am done at one! It's a lovely change of pace and I have decided to make the most of my hours off, creating half a day ahead of me to explore.

So, yesterday I walked off campus with the kids, and headed home. Grabbed my umbrella, and after a quick change of clothes was off to the Museum of Contemporary Art. I had been once last year and loved it. About a 30 min train ride away, the building itself is nestled among the autumn colored trees. It started to rain during the 10 minute walk to the museum, but with my umbrella and ipod I hardly noticed. Once inside, the rain made my few hours there that much more cozy.