JPJ (AKA Juri Panda Jones)

Whenever I have spare time, I am cooking!

2009-04-13T00:35:00.001-07:00

My schedule has been crazy!! I have been working 12, 14 hours a day and I finally threw up last week... But I am OK now.

One of the thing I don't stop no matter how busy my schedule gets... It is cooking.
I had one night that I got called off from the rehearsal so I cooked.

Salmon, Crab and Sushi Dinner

If I have 1 hour off, I cook. If I have 2 hours off I cook better food.
I practice piano or do some business while I am cooking rice or baking bread etc.
I am super super fast and efficient in cooking. My 4 gas burners are always on fire when I am on! People who saw me cook called me I am like Iron Chef!
Not sure about that. But I really can't stand eating fast food and I have not stepped in to fast food place for a long time.

I have shows and before the show and between my 3 jobs, I cooked for the band and baked some brownies for the cast. This way I can eat nice food and starving musicians can be fed and play the music happily. I just love feeding people and even feeding squirrel who come to my yard. I feed them expired buns or snacks : ) It is my thing!

Here's some evidence that Musical Director/Chef brings food
One show was Doria (Fried Pilaf, white sauce and Cheddar cheese)
I even brought pepper mill that lights up!
One show was Rice, Sausage, Asparagus and Bacon
Food can make the band happy!
Once show was Home made Lasagna and Dinner rolls (This day I had 2 hours off, I had set my bread machine before I went to my job number 2)
The show has been very fun and growing experience.
This is how stage looks like we are playing up on the loft! We have had some standing ovations!
My Happy Band on the loft
With some casts after the show
Today was Easter so I had time and of course cooked.
My mother in-law gave us such a wonderful gift! (Panda Cards and Starbucks Gift card!)
Thank you!!

Soba's pasta

2009-04-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

My best friend who lives in Italy kindly sent some package.
One was for Soba.

It was Italian Dog food!

Guess what?

It's a pasta!!!

Soba seemed to enjoy eating the pasta.

Her name is Japanese noodle. So it was kind of funny. Soba and Pasta!

Contribution to the Costume department

2009-03-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

Today I was honored to contribute my other skill to the GYPSY!!

A couple of weeks ago, I gave every single female cast and crew my hand made earrings as to "Thank You" for working so hard and being soooo nice to me. They gave me such a lovely card. Then, the word got spread to the costume designer.

Today he came up to me and asked if I can fix some earrings for the show.

So I brought home and fixed it very quick while I was brewing my tea : )

Before

After
When you are busy you learn to multi task, while you are brewing your coffee, turn on the computer etc.

I am very happy to be able to contribute something to the costume department since they do so much and they are making everything from scratch! Can't believe it!!

Some hand made costumes in action!
People sometimes ask me "What can you not do?" my immediate answer is "Sewing"!! I can needle point but not sewing.. I admire people who can do that.

But I can make and fix Jewelry.... May be next time I should apply as Musical Director/Jewelry Designer for the show! It will be more work but sure will be fun!! I don't know if people have such a job posting "We are looking for Musical Director/Jewerly Designer... That might be a problem...(BTW, my jewelry are selling well at two stores in Boston area :D)

Today's "The King and I" first music rehearsal went really well. I am very very happy about it. There are not so much harmony on vocal part so I added some last night around 1 AM. And it sounded very pretty!!

I enjoy working with very talented singers. I am very humble that they respect my musical direction and apply it for me!! You can tell immediate change after suggesting your vision. It is such a rewarding feeling. I really love all my creative jobs!!

A Gift from our lovely choreographer who speaks perfect Japanese!
(She is American)

Sexy Poster for Gypsy!

Gypsy

2009-03-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

Starting from Sunday, I have double rehearsals between "Gypsy" and "The King and I". I had two other musical jobs offered which I had to say "no" due to this two gigs. Plus others.

My Sunday coming up will be 10 AM to 11 PM. (3 Jobs, Church gig, Musical Director gig (King and I) teaching singers each 30 min. for a couple of hours, and Musical Director gig (Gypsy) run through.

Next week, I won't be home everyday till 11 PM at least. Every day.
Some day I start early as early as 7 AM.
I am playing some high school's music competition as their accompanist.
(13 pages)so one day I have to be at high school at 8 AM. The day before I have 14 hours day.. 10 AM to 12 AM (Playing for Ballet, teaching, Musical run through with band and cast)

Total number of pages that I am playing for these two musicals are 400 pages.
I am proudly saying to all my students, "practice!"

OK I should not think. I just should go to work and do my job. Without thinking.

I should just remember which gig I am going, what time I have to be there and who I have to meet and play or teach. It's a different mind set that I have to bring so in between teaching and playing gigs usually in the car, I have to transform my mentality to teacher mode or player mode or musical director mode. I wish I have a switch that I can hit while driving my car...

Just make sure that I have right music for the right gig. I have so many music scores floating around in my house and in my car....

It is a true blessing I have this many jobs that I have to even turn down some.
I feel very lucky.

But sometimes I want to vent...just a little bit... that I am working 7 days a week for a long time.

I am honestly getting tired.....

I should be practicing right now... but instead,,, I am escaping from reality and writing this blog...
Giving myself a break!!

I love all the cast in Gypsy! They are the sweetest and very very talented people. I am very proud because I was at the judging table and my opinion was strongly counted.

Starting from next week, I have band members come to the rehearsal.
More work for me but less notes to play since I am playing the conductor chart now. I can give my bass notes to the bass player etc.

This production is the biggest number of cast and crew that I got involved in.
About 60.

Amazingly everyone get along and everyone shares one goal!
"To put a wonderful show"
Sometimes it's hard to get that great vibe, but so far so good. (At the audition my other focus to chose cast was good vibe, not only has talent!)

The show opens next Friday and we have 7 shows over 3 weekends in April!!

Here's more details
Gypsy

I am getting excited. I put a lot of my personal, artistic and musical direction and vision to all the songs that will be performed by amazing cast! There wasn't much harmony on the original score so I added some which is fun and takes quick thinking to trust which cast that I give harmony to etc. I worked with dynamics, crescendo, decrescendo, interpretation of the lyrics, blending the voices yet making sure everyone is having fun!!

They are sounding AWESOME!!!

The hardest part of being musical director is it is so much work!! besides being at intense rehearsals, at home you have to arranging the chart, making scheduled for cast, making music for Choreographer (recording, converting to mp3 and sending to them), contacint the band members and sending notes to cast etc....

But overall, I think I am getting better at my job "MD" not the smart one. Artistic one : )

P.S. Hope you are not out of breath reading this post :)

Guest Speaker

2009-03-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was honored to be invited to the event for a wonderful organization "Plugged In" as a guest speaker. (Thank you Sandra and Tom!)

Here's the website of Plugged In
Plugged In

I have met them at IASPAMconference in 2007. I was one of the panel member along with them.

This event was for their students to get together and present to each other causes/organizations that are important to them. At the end of the evening they vote to determine for what their end of session concert will raise money. They usually have someone talk to their students an adult who has been involved with using music/arts to effect social change.

Juri as a guest speaker

I felt very special to be there as a guest speaker. I mainly talked about how I started my organization Genuine Voices and what was my experience in teaching music in different setting, population and outcomes in different detention facilities.

The questions that I received are very interesting. I really hope I did good job inspiring these young students to find Music can somehow impact the social good.

JP's fans?

2009-02-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

Right after I came back from Italy, I was very inspired by my friends and uploaded my songs which was produced by me and stored in my computer.
http://www.myspace.com/juripandajones

If I didn't upload these songs on myspace.com this interview never happened!

After I uploaded, j-popworld found me on myspace and asked if they can interview me!
So here it is. It is the best interview ever to know everything about JP!
JP's Interview Page!

I really didn't think I have any fans...
But I guess there were!! So thank you!

Please check out the comments at the end of this interview!
It's happily growing and it is just simply heart warming.

All the encouragement through theses comments and e-mails from my friends are so important for me to continue my music and to help achieve my goals and dreams!

Thank you for your love and support!

Soba's play date with Betty and Fresh Fettucine

2009-02-16T23:17:00.000-08:00

Soba had a play date last Friday. My friend was dog sitting his friend's Boston Terrier, Betty.

Soba and Betty

We had a dinner that was really fun and delicious!
I asked boys to be in charge of making Fresh Fettucine.

While boys were intensely making the fresh pasta, I cooked Salmon (With Basil sauce) Salad, Asparagus, soup and white sauce for Fettucine.

After our diner Soba and Betty had fashion show!

Red Sox and Japan costume

Kimono and Judo Costume

At the end of the night Soba and Betty became very close that I could hold both of them at the same time!

Spoiled Soba's V-day Gift

2009-02-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

Soba is our pet (French Bulldog). Soba means buckwheat noodles in Japanese. Our pet Soba is pretty Spoiled.

Today she even got a Valentine's day gift from Seattle. From our always thoughtful sweet mother in-law, we got great gift and also Soba got hers!

Her absolute favorite! Tennis balls!! (Even Valentine color. How cute!) Can you tell how happy and excited she is by her erected ears?!

Wishing she can talk and say "Arigatou" (thank you in Japanese) to my mother in-law on the phone, but that won't happen of course... Instead she showed her gratitude by jumping super high in the air, try to catch as many balls as possible and ran as fast as she can to chase them!!!

After she enjoyed her gifts, she even enjoyed more for her special time.
Ear cleaning time by her owner JP who was suffering by hand infection and peach allergy. JP has heated infected hand and suffocated itchy throat by peach drink who she totally forgot about her peach allergy which developed last summer. Despite her condition JP still tried to make her pet Soba happy since she seemed to be fired up by her sweet V-day gift, wanted her to feel special and continue to feel loved since Soba will be home alone on actual Valentine's day....

Soba also enjoyed sleeping on her other owner's cheek.
Didn't think it was right that dog is on top of the owner before, but spoiled soba seemed to get her way everywhere she goes these days!!

Working and Feeling more that I am Japanese!

2009-02-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

I knew these times were coming. That is why I didn't wanna even look at my 2009 calender at the end of 2008.

Working everyday going different places.
I knew it was my choice and I knew it will be crazy but I try not to think to work 7 days a week non-stop.

I have had blog away busy days since I was offered more hours playing for Boston Ballet classes and two musical productions auditions and rehearsal has began.
I know I am fortunate to have job in this economy and I know I shouldn't complain that I have many jobs...

I just try to not think. I just try to remember where I have to go and what I have to bring!! Different musics. Different binders of 100s' of songs and just bright spirit to everywhere I go so that people around me can't see that I am actually tired.

That is called in Japan "Tatemae" (Professed Intention) and you supposed to not show your "Honne" (Real Intention) of course while at work or people that you are not close with.
I have this professional Tatemae thing going even at the arrival of my 3rd or 4th job and look fresh and can pretend and provide I just started my day let's be happy vibe!

My two musicals that I am working as a Musical Director are "Gypsy" and "King and I".
Yes my title is MD but not the smart one : )

They had a large turn out for the audition.
At one audition I had to hear 50 actors sing in 1 hour. Looking at their resume, trying to remember their faces and sound at the same time. It's pretty hard so I wrote some nasty stuff to impact my brain on my notes in Japanese then all the sudden,,, one of the Caucasian Judge recognized my comment in Japanese since she lived in Japan for 5 years...

I don't have to watch American Idol's audition process. I get to experience it in first hand! I think my comments are like Simon's. People say my opinion is very harsh! But without the most realistic judgement in terms of Musicality, how can you chose good casts in such a short time??

My gut feeling is very important also!

I had one girl that I felt terrible vibe from. So in the end, I said "No" to her and she actually was given another role for another show and she said "No" for the offer!!!

I knew she was not nice. I am glad I am not working with her!!
She could hit the pitch and was a great singer. But it is not only that.
You gotta be able to work with them and be able to have fun!!

We finally casted everyone for both shows and I am very happy with the casts.

Gypsy had started rehearsals. I was in charge of making and conducting Music only rehearsal schedule which is a lot of work. Figuring out how many songs are in the show, who sings which song, who and who interact in the song, time table, people's conflict...

If you are addicted to puzzle! Here's the job for you.
Musical Director!!

At the rehearsal, I usually work with singers with my approach of coloring the songs.

I say "You have all these toys as a singer, dynamics! Why not use them!"
Also I focus on blending the voices and phrasing the consonants together, cutting the notes at the same time when it's more than 2 casts etc.

I always have inferiority complex being a Japanese when I talk about consonants and phrasing the words in English. Basically not so much about Music techniques but mainly about pronunciation.

I over think and over read people's mind like "Why is this Japanese small lady talking about how to pronounce English?! It's not her business!"

I am sure people are not like that but my voices become kind of loud in my head...and look around and actually realize...

YES, I am the only Japanese!! in this production.
I try to look around and around,,, but there's not even an Asian....

Well I knew I came to America knowing I am Japanese and usually I really don't think that way since I honestly feel more comfortable being in America than in Japan.
I am too artistic and awkward that I definitely felt unfit and outcast when I was in Japan. So I am absolutely happy where I am right now... AMERICA!

But last Wednesday night it just hit me all the sudden after the rehearsal...

Wow, I am really Japanese!!

Well, I should listen to my other voice saying
"You are hired because people saw my potential not just because I am Japanese"

I appreciate all my American friends who respect me and respect my musicality!!

At King and I Audition
With Director and Producer

With Director

At Gypsy Audition

Running Around

2009-01-26T22:31:00.000-08:00

Usually people look forward for Friday nights and Weekends.
My case, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest so I get tense!

Saturday morning I play piano for the Boston Ballet's Children class for about 3.5 hours and go to teach piano until around 6 PM. I leave around 9 AM.

Sunday I usually work morning during the day and evenings.

Yesterday I went one gig in the morning came home for about 10 min. then went to Musical rehearsal and came home for another 10 min. then went to another gig and I had photo session.

So I left around 9 AM and came home around 9 PM.

I had a photo session yesterday after all the running around and going jobs after jobs.

This photo will be used for my interview page for Asian Boston Magazine soon.
I think I am getting somewhat popular in Asian Community.
My next interview article will be on j-popworld.com Go ASIAN!

I was very tired but I think I pulled nice smile out.

Tricks?

Save the funniest story and repeat that story over and over in your head when someone say "Smile" : )

Photo by Carlton SooHoo
Jewelry by Juri

Do I look tired??!

Link to other photos
http://carltonsoohoo.smugmug.com/gallery/7195240_qdxrW#462090158_A4FPG

No Money No Keys and falling all over

2009-01-20T21:35:00.000-08:00

My last day of traveling back from Italy, the story For Lost Cell phone didn't end there....

There was more to it unfortunately.

A couple of days ago I was casually checking my bank statement and jumped out of my chair. Noticed 1/15 at 8:43 AM someone used my Debit card for $93.23 and $48.63!

Immediately after I checked my American Express Credit card and there it was $52.92 from same company!!!

I was sooo mad someone used both my cards for almost $200 when I was still in Bed.

I called the bank and Credit company to freeze my card asap and they opened the fraud case.

It was Saturday night that I noticed so I could not reach the company that charged both my cards so I waited till today patiently and was able to get hold of one lady there.

And here is her explanation.

It was the phone call you made from Airport in France. We have pay phones everywhere in the world at Motels and Airports. We usually get charges in 1 or 2 weeks later.

I told her to make sure it was not mine because I don't remember making $200 worth of calls. Then she read the cell phone number of my husband and the number of my friend in Italy.

I didn't even get through to her but to her voice mail and left brief message not knowing it will be nearly $50!!

Then $93 talk was less than 5 min. for sure.

The lady explained however you don't hear it there was operator who was connecting international call and connection fee, international fee and $10/min. etc......

There was noooo explanation on the pay phone when I was used it and it was emergency situation so I didn't think twice but to get in touch with my husband.

I had no idea it was costing me $200!!!!!

Today, I lost my keys, fell from couch by sitting in Japanese square style for long and leg fell a sleep and fell from my knees and landed with my toes. After that I was limping and coming down from 2nd floor and fell down from the stairs and hurt my arms.
(I am happy no body caught that on video and put on youtube.. I would've been having 10,000 hits already by now)

Not a good day...

Because I thought it was absolutely fraud and froze both my cards, I had no money....I wanted to buy a book at store but couldn't buy so I turned around sadly.

Well, lesson learned.

DO NOT USE your credit card on pay phone unless you are loaded and don't mind to pay $100 for 5 min. international call.

I called credit company to recharge $52.92 and close the fraud case.... Hope this is the real end of this story..

The luckiest girl

2009-01-17T22:27:00.001-08:00

Past Wednesday I had a wonderful night to see my favorite people on the earth again in MA.
The Lionel Louke and his trio has another band called Gilfema
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=39260769

and they played in Cambridge, MA. I was soooo happy to see and listen to them again since I just saw them in Orvieto, Italy!

Even after the show we could hang out and had an amazing time : )

I love them all so much and just can't thank them for treating me like their own family member : ) I am so honored!!!

With Lionel and My husband

With Lionel and My best friend

With Bass Player and my friend who I have not seen for long time

At dinner table after the show, I was the only chick and I felt soooo lucky to be surrounded by these talented, kind and amazing gentlemen!!! How special!

Then all the sudden,,,,,, this thought came to mind......
This situation reminds be of something,,, something.....

And it was the situation of my Jail Job where I had 7-10 real hardcore gangs in my class that I had to teach Music. Then my head started to recall that moment....

Oh,,, 7 boys against me and I am the only female!
So I started to feel the extreme urge of taking control!

OHHHHHH I have to be assertive, role model, and create peaceful atmosphere for these boys to not fight and cause a riot!

So I asked someone to take this picture!!!!

They are sooo sweet I mean the sweetest and nicest boys in the universe!

I should not even compare or even recall that memories... but my brain did subconsciously... My time of teaching in the jail... : D

Fresh Pasta

2009-01-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

Since I was introduced to the sophisticated taste of real Italian Pasta, I now feel obligated to improve my Italian Cooking skill at my own kitchen!

My very generous parents in-law got us Kitchen aid over the Christmas then one of the first thing I did after I got back from Italy was to buy the attachment, Pasta sheet roller, Fettuccine and Spaghetti cutter set.

So here you go some action and result!

Fresh Pasta Dough (Just Eggs, Flour and water with magical movement of Kitchen Aid!)

Making Pasta Sheet

Cutting Spaghetti

Hand Made Fresh Spaghetti with Tomato sauce With real Parmesan cheese souvenir that my friend gave me from Italy! Hand Made Fresh Fettuccine and Italian sausage My favorite part of making Fresh Pasta was the part my husband helped me make them together : D

It's my tradition I make food by inspiration of the trip that I take. Then when the fever is gone I go back to my easy comfort Japanese food : )

That is one of the reason that I should keep traveling the world to make my dinner table with variety of foods from all over the world all the time!

To me, it is similar to transcribing the music. After listening to great music, live or from the radio, I come home and play that song right away : )

Ears and tastes! All senses are getting well trained♪♪

New Songs

2009-01-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

After detailed and long travel blog, I wanted to write very short one! So here it is!

I have updated Myspace.com page which I added more songs!
Hope you enjoy!

http://www.myspace.com/juripandajones

For lost cell phone...

2009-01-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

I have had some bad experiences in winter travel such as delay, cancellations, missing the connection, double booking etc. I bet everyone who travels frequently experienced all of these.

This time it was none of above but very interesting.

So I left my last day from Bologna around 8 AM and got to Paris around 12 AM.
They warned me between the terminals are so far that I have to run!
So I ran as fast as I could but still able to get some photos from France.

Then I got on the airplane in time safely... I made it!

But about 2 hours later after we departed Paris, I was in my deepest sleep, I hear some people talking loudly and looking at the windows.

"Wow they are dumping so much fuel!!"

This was not a nightmare but in the real situation!
I woke up completely and asked people around me what just happened to our aircraft!!!

They told me they found a NOKIA cell phone that they didn't find any owner and they decided to go back to Paris again to drop that phone and in order to land, they have to dump most of the fuel!!! So that's what is was.

I can't believe I was sleeping and the guy next to me was sleeping all the way back to Paris but none of the crew woke us up to confirm verbal Yes or No for making such a big decision!!

After we landed Paris again around 4 PM. We had to wait for the French Police to show up to check that NOKIA cell phone out on the airplane which took about 1 hour to get out.
They they announced it will be faster if all of us get off and switch the aircraft.
It was about 500 passenger who were very frustrated and got forced to be off (at one point they were saying we had to slide the emergency yellow slide in the middle of run away strip!)
We got back again to the terminal and at the gate.
No one knew what was going on. Everyone thought "OK we just switch the aircraft"
not knowing we will be there for another 8 hours at the gate!!!

Everyone started to get really angry and did many things that was interesting.
Some people coped the situation well and started to make friends, like one lady who I just met from this incident started to show me all her traveling pictures and the property that she bought in Dubai, some people just got too angry that they called Fox news to say how horrible this situation was.

I was trying to get in touch with my husband calling but was not working..
So I got Internet card and thanks to chat culture!
I found one of my friend was on line so I asked him to call my husband to let him know that unknown cell was found and now we are stuck!

There were soooo many angry and frustrated people and at one point their boiling anger went all the way up to the sky in Paris, I had to use all my Japanese wisdom and perspective and made a small speech about how we were lucky that we all have our remaining here than exploded over the Atlantic Ocean and none of your family nor friends will ever find any single part of our body! That calmed the atmosphere down a little bit.

What'd if that NOKIA cell phone was a real bomb trigger....

I am sure it was not and I am sure if the crew woke every single passenger on the airplane, they would have found the owner!!

Finally we landed Boston after 12 hours off by original arrival time...

Not so many custom staff were working since it was already close to 2 AM. So it was about 4 sleepy custom guys against 500 extremely sleepy people, by the time I got home was after 3 AM.

This is after I had 4 hours of sleep in 2 days.

My friend in Boston asked me if I am suffering by jet-lag..
The answer is "No".

May be that's the best way to prevent your jet-lag.

Girl's Talk and Lost Cell Phone!!!

At leaset I got one great picture of Alps from the air plane : )

Orvieto & Bologna New Year's Eve Day 5

2009-01-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

This day was my last day in Italy! After sleeping about 2 hours, first thing we wanted to do was something that's absolutely memorable!!
One time when I met my another friend in NYC I wanted to do something special so we got on Helicopter tour!

This time, since we didn't have much budget, we decided to cut some bangs together in Italy: ) I don't think it is easy to forget what we did ; ) Before leaving Orvieto we had time to hang out again with our beautiful musician friends!

Sorry to bother your precious practicing time Massimo Chan!
Then the drummer came with his Chicken Mask! I have noooo idea why he brought that all the way to Italy!!! And his Jacket's color, wall color and even my friend's sweater's color matches! How perfect color coordination! With my brother Lionel!!
I bought some souvenir Olive Oil then the lady at the store let me sample delicious prosciutto and bread. I was eating that sample on that street like "Gypsy" and so many Italian gave me a look! I think they are thinking like "Wow!! This Asian is bold!" I could read their Italian minds : ) This is where my friends played that day. How gorgeous! (I am above the banner) Lack of sleep.... Can you see I missed some bangs? After our fun time and last concert we saw in Orvieto, we took train back to Bologna for countdown 2008! We were at this restaurant in Bologna. I had no idea Bologna was kind of famous for happy boys.The couple next to us were these very very happy boys who gave us huge kiss after new year's count down!!

More over I think many people knows but Italian cheers means very embarrassing male body part in Japanese that many happy boys were saying really loud that made me absolutely blush!

What a count down 2008 and exciting start of 2009! (Luckily in this video the happy boy was not saying that word by chance!)

Of course the girl's talk had our final dash until it was less than 2 hours to go to the airport! I just love my friend so much and we just can talk and smile till we pass out : )

My deepest appreciation to Natsuko, Lionel and his beautiful family, our favorite Massimo chan and Ferenc! I love you guys sooooo much and you all are in my heart always even if you don't want to!!! : )

I can't thank you enough for giving me such an amazing and precious time and memory and I thank my husband and Soba for their support for me to have this wonderful time in Italy!

Orvieto Day 4

2009-01-10T20:21:00.001-08:00

My wonderful friend from Benin Africa, he is truly my inspiration.
When I first met him he was same student as I at Berklee College of Music, but now he is the most famous and successful Jazz Guitarist in the world who tours all over the world with his trio and also with Herbie Hancock.

http://www.lionelloueke.com/

He told me all his struggle of pursuing his career as guitar player in Africa when he was young since there is not so many professional guitarist from Africa but drummer and dancers.
Despite other's disbelief he followed his dream and now he has it!
I love him and his beautiful family so much! He is my real African brother!

With Lionel

I also was fortunate to get to know his wonderful trio members. They treated me a dinner on that day where only musicians can go! I ate Italian rabbit that night!
So there's different fame between searchable on google and findable on wikipedia
All of his trio are findable on Wikipedia level!
(I am sort of searchable on google but not Wikipedia level at all!!!)

Lionel Loueke (Guitarist and the Leader)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Loueke
Massimo Biolcati (Bass Player)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massimo_Biolcati
Ferenc Nemeth (Drummer)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferenc_Nemeth_(drummer)

I am so happy and thankful to be able to hang out with amazingly talented musicians and they are just extremely compassionate and nice people also.
I can't believe these famous and accomplished people all treat me like I am one of their own family! I respect and love them so much!!

Choice that I made to come to America and go to Berklee College of Music when I was 19 years old back in Japan by myself needed extreme amount of courage, doubt and anxiety. It was all worth it to think not only that I met my husband at Beklee but also I met these extraordinary friends who I can Wikipedia!! : )

Their tiro youtube link from Umbria Jazz Festival!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6Q3vuFZabA

Bologna and Orvieto Day 3

2009-01-08T22:35:00.001-08:00

Italian train is very laid back. First it was delayed 20 min. then 25 min. then finally about an hour. But no one knew what was going on. Luckily we had no agenda except going to Orvieto from Bologna that day so we totally enjoyed our train ride to Orvieto.

On the train, I took the photo of some Italian scenery. I don't speak Italian but I speak famous attitude of taking photos with random people in everywhere! This random Italiano had Japanese writing shirt on! How can JP miss this opportunity of taking a photo with him??!!After the fun ride, we got to Orvieto! Yattah! Orivieto is an amazing town! You have to ride this cute cable car to go up the hill and there it is! More about Orvieto http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orvieto It reminded me of Kyoto in Japan a little bit. How they kept things from 1200 and how they have pride in their beautiful town. This is the Post card I bought to send it to my husband so that I can have it in the future, too : ) My friend booked this amazing and cute apartment for us!!! We met our famous, amazing, talented and kindest friends who are playing at Umbria Jazz Festival for a week. (The purpose of why we were in Orvieto! Thanks to them for bringing us there!) http://ujw16.umbriajazz.com/mediacenter/home.aspx
In front of Church in Orvieto

Dinner was fantastic!
Restaurant picture
Hand made Pasta
Wild pig (Boar)!!

With our friends and Boar
Of course the girl talk continued till early in the morning!!
And my Italian Trip story continues.....

Bologna Day 2

2009-01-07T22:03:00.000-08:00

My best friend who I visited in Bologna, I met her when I was 17. When I first met her it was through Japanese Government Program to be sent to U.S. for 2 weeks. We both got selected from different town in Japan and also got selected to be greeted by Japanese Crown Prince and Princes.
(I still remember Crown Prince was drinking Tomato Juice and he had some Tomato Juice on his lips when he was talking to me. I was just 17 then what an eye!)

While we were in America, my friend negotiated for her studying abroad.
I was blown away by her motivation and action. I came along with her for 6 months exchange program that she negotiated to make it happen and I would say without that experience I would not be here marrying an American husband and writing this blog in Dedham, MA! I owe her so much of my current life status!

She still is an amazing friend and inspirational individual.
She is a scholarship student in Bologna University.
She is a Japanese who speaks at least 4 languages, super smart, extraordinary person who is extremely kind to everyone!!

I am always so lucky to have her in my life because no matter how much I think I am doing my best she is always ahead of me doing super amazing things in so many different countries and her tireless effort is just outstanding! She always makes me feel lazy and makes me think I should do so much more!!

Since 17 years old, every time we meet, we tend to discuss about everything and anything. Serious topics, fun and funny topics. Ask my host mother who witnessed our friendship that continued till some birds started to cry. We just talk and talk and talk!!!

So here is how.

2 AM, 3: 30 AM, 4 AM, 5 AM and 5:30 AM.

This is the time I went to bed from Day 1-5.

Do you see how best friend we are?

We even tried to go to bed around 4 AM one night and even when we were in bed, we still talked and laughed and when I asked her what time it was after a while, she didn't wanna answer. It was actually around 5:30 AM.

On the way to Italy, my husband suggested I should try to have good sleep on the airplane since he had a suspicion once I get to Italy I won't sleep much!

He was absolutely right!

In last two days, I slept total of 4 hours!

Wow, we had soooo much to catch up!!

Her Friends in Bologna

She is very famous in Bologna even at Crepe store!

Even at Pizza store and her elderly neighbor around midnight

Talking till 4 in the morning and still cracking up!
Delicious Dinner on Day 2! Mozzarella and Tomato Salad

Look this Pizza is only half but it can cover my upper body for sure!

Real Italian Tiramisu♪ Yummy~~!! Not even a piece of rice so far!

Bologna! Day 1

2009-01-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

My flight was 10 PM on 12/26 to Amsterdam from Boston and from Amsterdam to Bologna.

In Amsterdam I noticed Sushi and Ramen store and thinking what a Japanese friendly country and yes it was! The custom guy started to speak to me in Japanese and welcomed me to Holland in Japanese! Although his Japanese was not that really understandable and I thought he was speaking in Dutch.. I figured later it was Japanese : )

I met my best friend at Bologna airport and not traditional greeting like "Long Time no See", I declared her that this time I will not eat Asian food in Italy!! (I have been friends with her for 15 years this year.)

Last time I was in Italy, I was staying in an apartment and cooked most of the times.

(Oh I remember now, one of the first thing I bought in Italy last time was Onion. Well this time was contact case. I am a strange traveler or say can be like locals in anywhere in the world. Last time I remember I was asked some direction in Italian on my first day because I had Onion and plastic shopping bag)

So the only two times when I went out last time, I ate at Japanese and Chinese restaurant in Rome.

What was I thinking in Rome???

When in Rome do as Asian do!! ??? WHY?? May be I was homesick in extreme way....?

So I didn't try any pasta nor pizza in 2005!
So I told her I NEED to try Pasta and Pizza this time. No rice please during this trip!!

So here you go my first meal in Italy! Hand made PASTA!
It was sooooo delicious! (There was no one there at around 8 PM at this famous restaurant when we arrived. My friend said she could not make reservation at 7:30 PM. It is too early for Italians. It started to get more costumer around 9:30 PM and we stayed there till about 12 AM)

Bologna is famous for Portico and it is just a beautiful town! I was so happy to be there!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portico

Piazza in Bologna was beautiful as well! So much fun already from Day 1!

Our Christmas tree and First Gift for Soba!

2008-12-22T22:55:00.000-08:00

One Saturday after playing the piano for Ballet class, I was driving and found this store that was selling Christmas tree!

Last year I went to Lowe's with my future Japanese sister in-law to pick Christmas tree!

This time I was absolutely by myself and was nervous driving highway back home with tree on top of my car! But I picked very small cute one then the guy said

"Oh it will fit IN YOUR CAR!"

I was shocked but he forced the tree into my trunk! I put my back seats down and he just pushed and pushed that tree!

Then when I came home my husband was not there and I had to leave to my job number two of the day so I tried to remove that tree from my trunk as quickly as possible!!! But the brunches got spread open in my back seat and the resistance level was very high! I could not pull that Christmas tree out!! I struggled and struggle and carefully closed each brunches towards back of the truck from my back seat!!

PAIN!!

But finally I did it by myself and I felt the true American moment!

Yes! Japanese woman can survive in America and have some Christmas tree and Christmas spirit!

(In Japanese tradition on Christmas day lots of people eat KFC and Sushi and I miss that! That's the real spirit to me!)

My car smelled nice after a while!

That tree was $20 and was about my height 5'4. My husband told me we have been such a good boy and girl that is why we have so much presents under our tree! I really don't know if that's true since I am already in my early 30's!

The other day since his brother in-law and his cute Japanese wife had to leave to Japan for Christmas we opened their present and it was actually for Soba!

Before opening It says "Everything is Better in Dedham"

We could not believe they found such a unique gift!

King of Dedham Moment

Soba started to show her interest in her present!

Now she is going nuts that JP has to use her Japanese Discipline words!

Dame Dame Dame! Which means No No NO! My husband's least favorite Japanese word!

Snow's taller than Soba!

2008-12-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

We are not welcoming our snow storm number 2 here in Dedham!!!

A lots of things got canceled such as my craft show on Friday, ballet classes and teaching etc.

One thing that's not cancelled is shoveling our drive way and path way.

We learned as our 1st year being home owner lesson as if you don't shovel when it snows it turns into hard cold ice which won't melt till March! So we are out there at least twice a day to shovel and shovel!

I am glad I am not paying anymore to sports club for $100 a month! The real work out is right here in our drive way! Plus our elderly neighbor who is not having their best health condition this winter, my husband started to shovel their drive way also! So I could not watch him help out their drive way, I joined the force and now my back is aching crazy!!

Here's some picture of our snow pictures!
Now snow is absolutely taller than Soba!

Snow is taller than Soba!

Charity

2008-12-15T23:44:00.000-08:00

Two of my 9 years old and 11 years old piano students told me about an idea to donate some animals to needed country during this holiday season.

I was very touched by their awareness of the world and took charge of the idea and made Holiday Gift Registry and decided to pass around to my piano students and other friends.

http://www.heifer.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=edJRKQNiFiG&b=477011&sid=bgKRLYMtEfKNLQNzFqH

It is through Heifer International.

I already bought 1 chick, a share of goat and geese.
Here's the Thank you card that I received! How cute!!

I also became a sponsor for a child in Guatemala through Plan USA
http://www.planusa.org/

I sponsored her for one full year and planning to visit her next summer in Guatemala!!

Here's the picture of the 8 years old girl who I became a sponsor for!

To me it is the best way to learn Spanish instead of paying for school!
I donate $24 a month and sponsor a child from Spanish speaking country and exchange letters in Spanish and of course to visit her can also horn my Spanish skill!

I am not at all wealthy but I just couldn't sit and listen to my piano students being so generous and aware of the world and here I am 32 years old making OK money to support myself doing nothing to help others!!

I felt I learned some life lesson from them instead of giving some piano lesson to them : D

I wish I can give them Super A plus!!(But I am just a piano teacher. Can't give them a grade but hug for that!)

Italy 12/26-1/1

2008-12-11T21:47:00.000-08:00

Last night I was struggling with Delta.com to use my mileage to go visit my best friend in Italy. I bought enough mileage for round trip (60,000) to Italy from Boston but what I really didn't realize was the choice was narrow.

I was able to find good timing on the way but on the way back there was 18 hours lay over in Amsterdam on 12/31 which means I have to stay somewhere in Amsterdam by myself and party with super happy Dutch people and be happy on new years eve...

I thought that image is kind of wild so I decided to pay for tickets instead of using the mileage this time. May be I will use it next year!

I am going there from 12/26-1/1.

I really really wanted to go to my friend's wedding in Malaysia (she is a keyboard player for Beyonce) before Italy but the timing and job didn't work out so I had to give up on that trip.... Very sad.....

But at least I got this trip straight!!!

No husband nor dog are with me.
I asked him to come with me many many times but he seems to like his home and dog better than traveling around the world....

But it's OK. We are married about 6 years. Nothing can fade our love at this point : D

My best friend who I have been her best friend since we were 17 years old.

People sometimes say I have accomplished a lot but compare to this friend, I am absolutely nothing!

She is just the most talented, smartest and kindest person I have ever met in my life and she always makes me realize that I can do more!

She told me while I am in Italy, I am going to stay at some castle with Japanese consulate general and some Italian royal person who owns that castle.

Here's the link to the castle!
http://www.castelpietraio.it/index.htm

Also my another best friend who is a guitar player for Herbie Hancock is in Italy while I am there so I will go see his concert on 12/30.

My friend's name is

Lionel Loueke
http://www.lionelloueke.com/

In just 5 nights I think we will be staying in 4 different towns in Italy.

Blogna
Firenze
Siena
Orvieto

I am spending girls night on New years eve in Italy!

What an exciting start of 2009!

I can't wait to see her!

6th Anniversary

2008-12-08T01:09:00.000-08:00

12/3 was our 6th Anniversary!

We have a tradition to go to same Japanese Restaurant we went after we got married.

I dressed up and we were gonna go out.

Then my husband asked me...

Which car are we going to take?

He never asked me that question because when we go out together he is the one who drives, so I said

What kind of question is that??
(Yes, I am a little spunky even on anniversary)

Then we went to his car!

This is one of my favorite day of the year because I don't have to open the car door!
(I wish that happens more often but once a year is good)

Then there was a huge flower sitting on the passenger seat!!!

I was sooo impressed!!

So I asked him to capture this happiest moment!

We ate at the restaurant called Fuagkyu

Happy Couple (Little tired after work)

Spicy Tuna Salad
Spider and Shrimp Tempura Roll
Sukiyaki

After the feast we continued our special moment to go to Finale (dessert restaurant)

We told out waitress that today is our anniversary and she gave us a free dessert!

After 6th years of marriage to a wonderful man, my life has been just so happy than ever! It's just like my dog Soba, I can't believe I didn't have her before and now that I can't go back to the life without her!

I called my mom to Japan and said it was our 6th anniversary.

She had only one comment.

It was not congratulations.

It was.....

It lasted! ........

Just remembering the moment of 12/3/02
I thought I would share this photo with the moment we became a couple!

After the anniversary date, the gorgeous flower has been smelling so great in my kitchen!! More happy meals for the married man ; D

My First ever Craft Show

2008-12-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

After Celtics game, I made more jewelry than ever.

My last burst for my craft show debut as a jeweler.
(I am sorry I don't have picture of my perspiration)

I found this event on Craigslist and booked for the first time.

For playing piano in front of many people, my butterfly doesn't seem to appear anymore but for this day of my first craft show, I was really nervous!

It was a fundraiser for Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA.
I was one of their few vendors and I got the best spot as close to the door!
(I have no idea what's the best anyway...)

This was the event for pets to take picture with Santa!

The event was from 11AM to 4 PM.

I had pretty good sales but one thing. Absolutely, mine looked very inexperienced and Japanese.

My First Sign

The ladies were confused with my engrish.com sign

?????
http://www.engrish.com/

So I made new one

Here's the pictures of my table

Happy Jeweler JP

My friend who lives close to the event came to visit me with their dog!!
It was sooo nice to see my friends there : D

Then my highlight of the day!

My lovely husband and Soba came to visit me.

Soba got a chance to meet Santa and take photo with him.

THEN while I was taking photo with Santa and Soba,,,

My husband was forced to watch my table...

When I came back, he gave me this hard cold cash!!!

He sold 3 sets of earrings!! WOW! I should have invited him earlier.

Please don't come after me and rob me but.....

I made almost $130 that day! : D

Celtics 7th Row

2008-11-30T23:21:00.000-08:00

The day after Thanks Giving was a huge day for us!

I gave Boston Celtics tickets to my husband in October for 11/28 game.

I got this tickets by ebay and I was not sure if it's scam or it's real.

The ticket was only 7th row away from Celtics Bench!!

We weren't sure until the moment that lady scanned our tickets at the game if this amazing tickets were real. So the moment the lady at the gate scanned our e-ticket and we could get in, we just both said Yattah～～～!!!(We did it in Japanese) and smiled : D

We had absolutely the best time and it was so amazing to hear all the players call each other to get passes through etc.

We got spoiled by this event it's hard to go back to regular seat close to the ceiling!

My Hot Celtics Gear (Look that serious Nike shoes!) Of course I had to make Celtics team color earrings

This is how close we were

* I didn't right click and save these pictures from sports site!

It is from my camera from where I was sitting!!!

My man Rajon Rondo

Ray Allen
Paul Pierce

Kevin Garnett

(He is huge but he likes PB & J during Half time snack and pilates before the game)

One play

KG play

Happy JP
Happy & Satisfied ebay customer Couple at Game

When we came home we watched the game the game we just came from that we recorded on TV! then there we are!! I saw us on TV!!! I wrote super positive feed back on ebay!!

Normal view

(Look above the PHI)

Do you see us now?

How about now!

Thanks Giving 2002-2008

2008-11-30T23:20:00.000-08:00

I was introduced to this favorite holiday by my host mother back when I was still confused teenager. I was an exchange student living with American Family for 6 months.

Since my program started from January, very generous host mother made Thanks Giving Dinner in February so that we can taste what it is.

All I remember was it was too delicious and with my friend we were eating over 3 hours and said very boldly

" You can leave the table if you want!" to my host mother!

I was very hungry and rude18 years old. (Not typical Japanese already!)

Since I came to Boston in 1998, I had 10 Thanks Giving dinner so far.

First 4, I didn't meet anyone who I wanted to bake turkey with yet, so I was invited to generous people's houses and enjoyed the meal so much.

Last 6, I found someone who I really wanted to bake turkey with so we started our tradition of Thanks Giving Dinner at JP's Kitchen!

2002 We didn't know the power of Turkey Bag.

We baked and baked but didn't cook inside but top got burnt.

2003 We used turkey bag this year and it came out great

2004 I made too much Cranberries sauce!

I didn't know what to do with them so I created some appetizer with it

and that became tradition ever since.

Cranberry, Mashed Sweet potato and

Cream Cheese Wantan Wrap (Deep Fried)

2005 First time we met cute Roan Family.

2006 My cousin came to America for his first time.

He never cooked in his life but

he was forced to help me in the kitchen from 10 AM.

He has not visited me since...

(Used Apple juice over night soaking turkey)

2007 Epic 24 Dishes meal! Trying to impress

my future Japanese sister in-law then. 2008 18 Dishes. Used Brining for the first time. My cooking started Wednesday afternoon by soaking Turkey in apple juice. Then around 10 PM started to bake bread for stuffing and my husband did brining for the first time!

The turkey came out the best this year!

Brining is super recommended since it got rid of Turkey's unique smell

and moisturized perfect! Gravy had so much flavor by it as well. My 18 dishes includes some appetizer

that was introduced at Rachel Ray show.

(How American Girl I became!)

Shrimp sage cheddar cheese wrapped with Prosciutto

Sauteed with olive oil and garlic

Final presentation

Wantan Wraps Cranberry sauce, Mashed Sweet potato and Cream cheese Wantan Wrap Cream cheese, Tuna, Mayo, Soy sauce and caper

Deep fry after you wrap them

Dinner Roll (Sauteed Onion and cheddar cheese)

Everything came out great and I am very pleased with what I cooked and I am thankful I have wonderful friends, husband and dog that I can share my happiness with!

Active Sleeper

2008-11-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

I have been a very active sleeper since I was a child.

According to my sister, my mom, my friends who came for sleep over,,,
they all said something like this

You were talking You were singing

You were running You were playing the piano

You screamed You did rock-paper-scissors
You kicked You hugged You shrieked

and the worst,,,
You were picking your nose.... How embarrassing.. (((( ;°Д°))))

I still am very active in my sleep. ZZzz....

Last night I had such a nightmare.

In my dream, my husband told me he proposed some chick.
He likes her better because she is less dramatic than his current wife... (＞_＜)

(Example link of how dramatic she is)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHKfqJ1uLd8

I wanted to scream but I think I saved my screaming for my next nightmare.

The next dream was like this (This is same night)

I was on the fishing boat with my dog Soba and my husband. Then Soba fell in the ocean.
Next thing I saw, 2 black and white Orcas on the right side of the boat and they came to the other side sooo fast where my love of dog "Soba" fell and they attacked her!

Soba got sandwiched and was getting killed by Orcas!!!!
I dove into the ocean to save her life by Orcas!!!!

So, active sleeper squeezed her fear from her Lung

GYOEEE～～～～～!!!!!

The loudest shriek woke my husband and soba up from their peaceful sleep in the early morning.
Of course I had no idea and he tried to kindly help me...

"JP! It's OK! It's OK.... "
So I started to explain while I was still weeping from my nightmare...

"ORCAS ORCAS!! They came and attacked SOBA in the ocean!!!"""

My husband had a couple moment of silence,,,,, (?_?)

Then he started to crack up really really loud in bed. ヽ(゜▽、゜)ノ

Soba's eyes were wide open and seemed confused...

Well, I am very happy I didn't lose my husband nor my "Soba"!

Because, I love them so much!!

I took some pictures to make sure they are there! She can relax really hard in the blanket On the vent Soba's high jump video

JP will soon debut at her first craft show!

2008-11-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

JP is a musician who works decently hard.

JP has tendency to run around and not sit still when she has her free time.

So she decided to go to Jo-Ann Fabric store one day after work and asked random ladies what she needs to buy in order to make some earrings boldly.(@_@)

Thanks to those ladies who was so nice to show JP how to start her crafty fire!

Now she has explored a whole new world of Jewelry making and since she can't stop her curiosity for a while....

She already started her online store on Etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6256678

then she started to sell her Jewelries at some local consignment stores

and she will start to teach her original design:

Origami Earrings at craft store....(^_-)☆

0.5 inch Origami Crane Earrings with wired Flower

Her hobby continues...

And JP is now debuting at her first ever craft show in Salem, MA on 11/29!!!
http://www.northeastanimalshelter.org/scoop/events.php

She just got her new hot beads at a local craft store !!☆彡
JP is now officially pumped to make more
Holiday theme Jewelries! о(ж＞▽＜)ｙ ☆

She is very excited that her hobby seemed to launch and earning some extra income beside her music career. (*^-^)b

She had no idea Jewelry making can be such a fun and therapeutic activity for her busy and competitive musician's life.

Or,,, JP may be just bored to death. f^_^;

Accident & Discount

2008-11-15T22:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I picked up my favorite Thai food for lunch after going to audition for TV CM for Amtrak.

I was enjoying the delicious smell, got excited and started to drive,,,,,

then all the sudden.......

this big old black car came into my lane from the other lane and crashed into my cute green car..!!!!

My blinker light got destroyed and sadly fell on the street.

I was waiting for the guy to come out after he pulled over but he didn't come out...

I waited about 10 min. because it was not my fault. I didn't wanna go to him and say

"Yo, what happened, dude?!"

I was afraid he had a gun and waiting to shoot me.....

So I waited patiently and saw this 90 years old Grand Pa came out of the car and he was having the most difficult time to waddle walk toward me...

He said " I have not claimed an accident for 60 years, I don't even have a pen"

(It took him 5 min. to just say that)

Then I said

"Well, you were not in my lane when I pulled out from my street parking.
You were on the other lane and came to crash my car!"

He said "What? I can't hear you... you said you saw me?? What??"

So I gave up on communicating this old guy and decided to not deal with him.

I thought it may take another 20min. to get back to his car and find his insurance information and another 30 min. to play words game with him since he had difficult time hearing.

I thought "May be by the time insurance claim gets completely through in 90 days he might be in heaven. I should leave him alone since I am young and having better life than him ( I might be wrong on that) I don't want him to have infernality life since it's may be coming to an end soon.

So I drove off and paid $125 to fix my cute old Nissan Sentra which is busted anyways so it won't make too much difference.

Oh, right before the accident, the car in front of me was very very old lady who turned left and went to a wrong lane and the guy who was coming toward her honked her so loud and finally she realized she was driving in the wrong lane and came in front of me!! (It was very dangerous!)

I wonder if American Government should make a law that over 65 or 70 years old, you have to take driving test in order to maintain the current status of their driver's license.

She could have died in front of me or the guy who crashed into me could have caused more damage to my car or to himself or to JP!!!!

So I was kid of down after the accident...

Then today after work my husband and I decided to go to this amazing shopping mall in the town called Wrentham!

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=10

It was the best possible way to recover my feeling from this accident because they were doing a

Huge Sale

I saved total of $111.24 dollars at Puma store!!!
Kawaii!(Cute in Japanese)

Jacket 75% Off

$94.99 → $23.75

Jacket 40% Off

$69.99 → $41.99

Pants 40% Off

$29.99 → $17.99

Got $39.99 Jordan Nike Shoes!

It made me sooo happy!

I am easy because I rarely shop! I love saving money than shopping these days.

As long as the old man was not an actor and pretended he was old and miserable then didn't memorize my plate I shall be OK with these cute outfits!!

Nice Holiday

2008-11-13T23:10:00.000-08:00

11/11 was Veteran's Day Holiday. Since I started to play for Ballet Classes on Saturday and teach then Sunday I have gigs, I really didn't have day off for a while.

So I really appreciated this day! Special Thanks to Grand Pa R!

I enjoyed using massage gift certificate from my husband for my B-day present by

High recommended Massage Therapist

Arun Jain

http://www.integrativebodytherapies.com/index.php
(If you say you are Juri's friend he might give you secret holiday discount!)

I enjoyed going to Yoga with my friend and enjoyed going out to very authentic Russian Restaurant with my other Japanese friends!

STOLI in Brookline
(Near Brookline Village Station D line)
http://www.russian-restaurant-boston.com/index.php
It was introduced in local magazine in Japanese called J-Magazine!
So I trusted their review and went there and it was ...

FANTASTICAL!
(Highly Recommended!!)

I forgot to take picture of appetizer and soup since I was starving to death, but here is what we ordered and ate : )

Appetizer
VARENIKI - $10.00
Ukrainian-style, homemade potato dumplings, topped with fried onions, mushroom and sour cream

Soup
BORSCH - $5.00
With beets, beans and cabbage

Main

My friend had

DUCK BREAST - $18.00
Sauteed duck breast, cranberry and apricot sauce, served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes

I had

KARSKY (LAMB) - $23.00
Grilled rack of lamb, marinated in herbs and spices, served with grilled vegetables, fried potatoes and spicy sauce
For Desserts we shared

APPLE SHTRUDEL - $7.00
With nuts, raisins, dried apricots, plums and vanilla ice-cream

Thanks to my club Japanese wives friends

who made my holiday relaxing and delicious!

Our Halloween in Dedham

2008-11-11T23:51:00.000-08:00

When we lived in an apartment in Boston area, I never knew Halloween is fun day. Of course we don't have that kind of fun tradition in Japan so I had no idea..

Since we moved to the infamous Dedham, oh and such an amazing and friendly neighborhood, I discovered the fun that kids actually come visit our house!

Last year, we had a fog machine, Strobe light, scarely music from the window and me wearing the red wig scared some kids away from coming to our house!

"Mom!! That house is haunted! I am scared!!!!"

So instead some very big mothers came and grabbed hand full of candies.

According to my husband who lived in this country in his entire life, this has never happened.

Overweight out of breath mothers came and took majority of our candies.

Well, ,,,

this was my first Halloween experience in America, I thought that was a norm.

So this year, we didn't do as scarely decoration so that kids can come without a fear and mothers won't come and get all the candies.

We had such a fun Halloween 2008 starting from Soba

( our beloved French Bulldog)

We had Sarah Palin and her friend Honey Bee came with Pink Board black painted face girl who was an I-tune Gift Card ($15)

And our best costume of the year 2008!

With her friend inmate, and beat up Bruin Player! It was a washing Machine!!!

Oh, very very importantly, majority of kids did not even say

"Trick or Treat!"

Do you have any guess when we open the door what they screamed??

Yes, you may have guessed!

"SOBA~~~~~!"

P.S. Despite our effort of our decreased decoration, the mothers came again and took a lot of candies which made my husband sad that he didn't have much left overs : )

I finally Started my English Blog

2008-11-11T23:42:00.000-08:00

I love reading people's blogs especially family members, close friends.

There's one that my new Japanese sister in-law introduced me called MIXI which is Japanese blog that I write.

But never had English one.

So I was reading every one's blog and leaving comments then I started to feel,,,

Well, I should start one also!

I hope you find it's fun, funny, uplifting, and hope this blog will put you a smile for the day!

Welcome and thank you for visiting my blog.

I will be looking forward to reading your comments : )