I apologize for the spam, but for anyone in CO, please look under the cut.
( Call Gov. Owens )

...that it's not the quantity of friends you have, but the quality. <3 <3 <3

Whew! Lately I haven't had time to do the things I need to in my house, let alone be online!! School is going well... I have an A, so that's a happy thing... but I'm studying my ass off to get there! But I sat down and got my term paper done early on Sunday, since we were snowed in. ^^; Not really snowed in, but I didn't want to go anywhere. It was cold. >.< But now it's warm, so all is fine. Although, we had a lot of snow and now I'm worried that my balcony is going to flood because the drainage isn't so good. o.0 Anyway, back to school... I found out that this class is the ONLY one towards my major that I get to take in the next year. Yay for gen ed. >.< Ah, well. Looking towards the light at the end of the tunnel, IE a bachelor's degree!! *flex*

I have been gardening a lot lately... have TONS of little spouts... from the looks of it by mid summer, I'm not going to have to go to the store to get produce!! ^^; My soybeans and snow peas are taking off like mad, as are my beautiful strawberries and my Japanese cucumbers.

Let's see... things are still looking good for our mini-vacation up to Washington, to Tsubaki Jinja for wedding preparations and family fun. Wedding preps are going well... we both each have almost everything we need for our wedding attire... I'm so happy with my uchikake! It's PINK!! *lol* My only problem with the Washington trip is that one class ends and another begins that weekend. >.< Which means I have to make arrangements to take my final before we leave. *falls over* Oh, well!

Other than that, I'm just busy being happy. ^^ We have Vampire game this weekend (YAY!) and lots of birthdays this week...3 total!! Kassi's was Sunday, so last night we went over, I baked a cake and cooked her dinner and we vegetated. It was nice. Next is Emily's birthday which is Thursday, and then Melissa's on Saturday!! ^_^

Alright, well, off to do classwork and drink tea!! Hope dispite the multitude of upset posts yesterday that everyone is feeling better and that things are beginning to be resolved in your life. As always, if you need to talk feel free to call me or AIM me. <3 Everyone, have a wonderful day!

PS. The fruit trees are blooming here, so dispite the fact that they're not sakura, I may do hanami soon. (Flower watching) I hope everyone who can will do the same!! <3

Ok, only part of the time.
Why so long before an update? Because this weekend was the first weekend I felt in nearly 2 weeks! I was on call for Easter/Full Moon...*shudder* That was a horror movie of the first degree! But, I survived and went on to see another week.

Then, there was work...boring for most of you, but there.
Friday was...yeah...I must be like the most gullible person on the face of the earth...maybe that's why trust is such a big thing for me. Unless I'm expecting deceit, I take things at face value...
So, April Fools Day came and pretty much the entire office decided to pull a prank on me. I laughed a lot when it was revealed. I hope that was the right response. I always feel a bit stupid after something like that. They showed me a fake schedule with NOTHING there except two patients...when I told them to cancel the day, they told me "April fools!" Of course, had I thought about it, had I allowed myself time to think about it, I would have questioned it, but hindsight is always 20/20.

I had a mostly nice weekend this weekend. Hid out, got some reading almsot done! I'm reading The Intimate World of Abraham Lincoln. Very neat book. Wandered around some. We went to the Denver Botanic Gardens! Yayness!!!!! Very pretty and very relaxing place, even though the Japanese garden is under MASSIVE renovation right now. That makes me sad, but *shrugs* That's what happens, I suppose. Every now and again, things need renovating.

Now it's Monday morning again and whew! Survived waking up at nearly normal time with Daylight Savings underway. Poor Aiko, though, she didn't have a good night at all.

So, yeah, there was my few weeks!

... in my nearly 30 years of life that nothing worth having is easy. It comes with drama, it comes with hardship and heartache. Sometimes those hardships are the best things in our lives not because they're fun or pleasent, but because the end result is that we're better people. Lately, I've had some trials and tribulations. I took some of them hard, but I've recovered and am feeling better than ever. I think what this latest bought has taught me is that at the end of the day, no matter what it seems I've lost, I've lost nothing in reality. No matter what the pain, I can still get up in the morning and go on and no one can change that. And at the end of it all, I can look back and know, as I do now, that I am a much better, happier person and I will only go up from here.

We fade in and out of each other's lives, as per Kami-sama's plan. We help each other through tough times... we grow and change together, we support and nurture each other. Sometimes we grow beyond each other, change where we don't have anything in common anymore. We let go sometimes at the right time, sometimes at the wrong time. Sometimes we say things, we trust each other. And sometimes we don't trust each other... it's the nature of human friendships. Sometimes we trust the wrong people, sometimes the right people and sometimes trusting the wrong person is just what we need to do to take a chance. Sometimes the gamble pays off, sometimes it doesn't and we get burned. And sometimes we leave each other's lives to grow and change, only to return at a later time once we're closer to the adults we need to be.

I don't know where I'm going with this, but these were things that occured to me. ^^

I just aced my first test... I got a 100%... pretty damn good for not having been in school for 11 years!

Hahaha, not in a bad way though. I have been hiding out because I just haven't had time to be here. I started a big, long project called "school"! I don't want to talk much about it, but I feel it's a really positive step in my life, and I'm thrilled to be doing it!

Love and luck to all those who're having bad times right now... I'm sorry I can't be there more for you, but if you'd like to talk feel free to call me. I'd love to hear from you all!

Anyway, have to run off again. I guess I just wanted to let everyone know I'm here, I'm alive and I'm happy!! ^_^ Take care everyone, and I'll try to update again soon.

I'm fine. I've just been preoccupied with a lot of things recently. Aiko and I have joined a LARP, so we went shopping last night for a few things. Hopefully we have almost everything. Oh wait, she has to shop for shoes...It'll be fun though. I get a cane. *eyes unsuspecting bystanders*

Ok, I have to pimp this. My brother is a spectacular artist! Look!!!!
Isn't it cute!!!!!

There's a metaphysical fair in Denver this weekend. I'm not sure if we're going. Something is telling me we're supposed to, but I highly doubt we'll find whatever it is I'm supposed to find. So, if we're not going to, then why spend the money?

I'm hoping to update more here, even if I end up doing "friends only" posts as I'm intending to make ko_uta a much more private journal.

...is slated to be a pretty calm day. ^^; I have the little one (not mine... he's at school!) So I plan on doing more gardening and some more sewing, some cooking and cleaning. God, I'm so boring! But ya know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I know some of my friends are familiar with this saying because I've said it before, but there's an ancient Chinese curse/blessing that says "May you live in interesting times." Sometimes it seems the more interesting my life is, the crappier it gets, so I'm perfectly happy with quiet and boring. ^^;

I think I'm going to work on planting some herbs today... I've been going through what herbs I use most in the kitchen, and working on getting the seeds. So far I have basil and dill, as well as Japanese onion greens.

Oh, by the way, I'll reply to everyone about the sakura as soon as I figure out how much I need to keep, and how much I need to share. Thanks for the replies, everyone. I really REALLY appreciate it.!!

Alright, anyway, everyone have a wonderful day! <3

Edit: Wow, I watch a show called "Starting Over" as I go about my day, and they said something really profound that I thought I'd share with everyone. Not talking about the bad things in life causes stress. The only way to deal with that stress is by remembering that no matter what happens, what you loose, you will be ok, you will keep going. Paraphrased, of course... but wow. Simple, but speaks volumes.

I'm wondering... sakura (cherry blossom) season is coming up quickly, and I'm excited!! However, I need some help! I am looking for someone who might have Japanese cherry trees near their house or better yet in their yards. I would like to salt preserve cherry blossoms to make "sakura cha" and for use in making sakura mochi. Of course, I'd want ones that were without a doubt not sprayed with any kind of chemicals, and are in full bloom with some leaves attached as well. I would be more than happy to share my results with the person who can send me some blossoms, and I'd be more than happy to pay for shipping both ways. If you have some to spare, please let me know! Thanks!

Oh, and as soon as I try it this year, I'll post my results to share how to do it. But until I've done it once, I don't trust it enough to post it. ^_^ Hope you all understand!!

cross-posted to beyond_sushi

I'm so proud of myself. ^____^ The calla lily I planted back in December bloomed today!! It's amazing and beautiful, but I need to re-pot it! It's huge!!! But beautiful... I'm amazed. I used to have what my mother refered to as a "black thumb" meaning I could manage to kill any plant within about a mile of me. *snicker* But apparently not anymore. I've been happily gardening, and I'm so proud of my plants! The other day we went to the bonsai nursery and bought a bunch of starter saplings. I even bought a small orange tree... it's lovely, with oranges growing on it! Absolutly adorable. ^_^ Now I'm addicted... I need more room for plants. I'm in love with gardening. ^_____^; We're currently deciding what to plant on the balcony for the summer, and I'm excited. I get strawberries!!! Yes, I'm a dork.

Anyway, talked to my Mom today... called her out of the blue, and she really responded favorably. I really feel like I'm getting somewhere in my relationship with my parents, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Today I think I'll take a walk down to Home Depot and buy a new pot for my calla lily cause it's WAY overgrown it's pot. ^^; Then I need to do some sewing. I got all my home accents done yesterday, and they're BEAUTIFUL!! I'm very pleased with how they turned out. So today I get to work on my costume for the LARP (which is a dress I've been dying to do for some time ANYWAY!!!) and then work on a blouse that I've been wanting to make out of my cherry blossom chiffon that I bought last year. ^^; Oh, and of course the never-ending house cleaning... *laughs* Oh!! I also have to make mochi today for Umeka's tea ceremony lesson tonight... ^^; Damn, glad I remembered that!!

Watching the news today I see how lucky we are to have our amazingly beautiful weather here. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in the Northeast who're getting slammed with yet another bad snowstorm. I do hope we get some rain/snow soon, though, otherwise we might be looking at another drought in the coming months. But then, nothing could compair to the drought of 2002. I hope that NEVER happens again.

Anyway, time to run off for the day... if I want to get everything done I need to get moving. ^_^ Everyone have a wonderful, blessed day!! <3

I found an artical today that I found really interesting. It's about water intake and how it's a myth that you need 8 full glasses a day. I'm not sure what to think about this, but it's certainly interesting.

Read and see what you think about it.

...as silly as this is, Mr. Miyagi is my hero. We got Karate Kid 1&2 on Netflix for Seanie, since he's never seen them. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed those movies. It's amazing, in the second movie how Mr. Miyagi can overcome anything with peace, calm and sticking to his values. I aspire to be like Mr. Miyagi.

Anyway, this won't be a long update, since I'm working on my character for an RPG I'm getting into. Today was nice... I ran around this morning buying some fabric for the house, stuff for the plants and gardening stuffs, and went to Bath and Body Works for the new CHERRY BLOSSOM stuff!!! I have been stalking it since I got a sample in January, and today was the release date. I have to say I personally think it's divine... seriously the stuff of Gods. *_* Yes, I'm exagerating, but what the hell! *lol* So then, we had a very nice lunch (sushi!) with a new friend whom we met at the NDK staff meeting, and that was good. Came home and cleaned the house a bit, prayed, messed with my plants, and herded children! I cooked stuffed bell peppers for dinner, and now we're watching TV together. ^_^ It's been a good day. ^_^

Anyway, time to run. As promised, a short update. Everyone have a good night!!

Though, I'm not sure it's me.

( What my birth month says about me. )

We haven't been around much lately, and now we'll be around even less... we've decided we want a hiatus from the world of LJ. This is not a sad thing, not a bitter thing... it's just a thing. We'll be keeping up with our communities, but that's about it. If any of you want to talk we'll still be checking email, and we'd love to hear from any of you. In the mean time, please be safe, be healthy and have fun!! <3 <3 <3

~Aiko and Umeka~

This is the cutest thing!! It's a Donald Duck omamori from Disneyland Japan! That makes me giggle so much!!


Edit: Bit of randomness. I noticed that at least to me, The Gates exhibit in New York City looks a lot like torii... they're even a very similar color. I wish I could make it there to see them, they're beautiful!

Today is a better day. I had a couple of WONDERFUL friends come over yesterday to keep me company just because they cared and wanted to check on me. They spent most of the afternoon with me, and it was great. <3 Thanks, guys.
My grandfather's funeral is over and done and my parents are back in Colorado, which makes my life better already. It was difficult to see my family fighting, and to have to hear a constant rundown of who was doing what to whom, but I needed to be there for my Mom because she was on the front lines dealing with it all, and she needed me. But it was very hard experience since it brought to light others in my family that have left my life. I also have to say that his death has really slammed home my need to work things out with my parents. I sit there and say I'm ok... I say I'm doing fine with not having them in my life, but I guess I discovered the real truth: that I want them to love me, I want them in my life. So, here's to renewing my efforts where they're concerned.

Lately I've been working hard on practicing more kanji by finding smaller things that aren't as daunting as a book or a newspaper. I've been using an English/Japanese map book I have, since I adore geography anyway. It's really been helping me a lot. It's a great way to practice, I think... it's easier to look at something like that, that's broken into small chunks than it is to try and conquer the task of an entire book!! Also, I've gone and gotten myself several Japanese pen-pals! *laughs* I didn't expect ALL of them to really take off, but it's so nice! I'm now emailing with about 10 people in Japan! I'm sure some of that will taper and drop off, but for now it's very nice and exciting!

So, the diet is going well... not a diet per se, but watching what I eat and making an effort to eat healthier. We've now been able to cut out all trans fats, all partially hydroginated anything and all high fructose corn syrup. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it, but I've actually lost some weight just by cutting those terribly unhealthy things out. I've also felt so much better without those things in my diet, and it's amazing how much better natural foods taste!! Here again, I wouldn't have believed it, but it works!

Anyway, sorry for the utterly uneventful and boring update. ^^; I'm off to update my communities and then do some cleaning. ^^; Hope everyone has a good day!

I suppose I haven't felt like being around much since Friday... sometimes I think I'm doing alright with my grandfather's death, other times it's a struggle. My mother has been calling me daily to let me know how things are progressing there... and every day it's a new fight. They're fighting like crazy over every little thing... last night when she called me, my Aunt was sitting in the car waiting for her husband to come and get her because she and my Uncle got into it. It's pathetic, really. Makes me glad I don't have any siblings... sad but true. But it's hard to see my family fighting this way, especially since I know it wouldn't have been what Grandpa wanted. He was such a sweet, quiet man. He really didn't deserve this.

This weekend was somewhat eventful otherwise... we were called to a meeting for NDK staffers. It was definatly different and surprising. Yes, I know I'm being cryptic... suffice it to say at this point I don't have a choice. But the meeting is most likely going to hold major changes for us. A little scary, but I think it'll be ok.

I've been thinking a lot lately about my life, and things going on. I have been working through things concerning friends in my own mind. I've decided that no longer will I feel guilty over things in the past. I by nature carry a lot of guilt about anything and everything... must be my Methodist upbringing. >.< I've been pondering the friendships that have gone by the wayside for whatever reason... I generally end up kicking myself for these ended friendships, especially the ones that have ended in a particularly bad way. But I've decided that it takes two to fight... it takes two to disagree. I am not perfect. I have never claimed to be perfect. I sometimes am needy, sometimes am not pleasent. I can be overzealous, annoying, opinionated and emotional. I don't always make the right choices or do the right things. But at my core I think I'm a good person who tries to do the right thing. And I've decided that no matter what, I will never allow someone to make me feel like that's not true again. I will not allow someone's opinion to color my self-esteem again.

Alright, everyone... haha, here again, I'm tinkering and making a new community. This one is called okami_sama. It is a study group for those serious about Shinto. If you would like to join, please feel free. Also, feel free to pimp as needed. ^_~ Thanks, guys!

So I generally don't do this... most of you here who were interested in Japanese cooking have already joined my community beyond_sushi but this is something I feel strongly that everyone should know. Since I care about everyone here, I want everyone to have this information. ^_^ Hope no one minds!

( The bennefits of miso )