Friday with the Fam in Seattle

Thought I'd get some shots of the tree as we've just finished decorated it last night. Now that I've been back for a day or so it's nice to appreciate little things about America. Although oddly enough I really miss being in Japan already!!!

Sometimes things here just don't compare at all to Japan.

The day after I got here though I had to give a presentation in my sisters Japanese class about Japan. JEEEEEZ it started early, and I had to speak in all 5 classes. By the end though I was happy I came, it was really interesting talking to high school kids in America and what they thought about Japan and questions they had. I thought it was really funny in one class, they asked me how much I made so I told them, and he said, "So you're poor!" half jokingly.
I found this really interesting because in Japan I make a lot of money, and people I talk to can't believe we make so much for doing so little. Personally I think if I were to be more careful with my money I'd have a lot...but I found the students reaction very interesting.

All in all they asked very good questions and I think I did alright for giving my first presentation and speech in front of students that actually understand everything I say, except when I would subconsciously speak Japanese to the Japanese teacher. I loved that though because the simplest of things I can now say without hesitation and it feels pretty good.

Anywho, check out Mandy Pachinkins in her new Santa outfit I picked up for here in Japan.

It was so good to see Mandy Pachinkins again! And jeez I love dogs...and she remembered me, which felt good...we chilled together most of the afternoon as I lazily watched sportscenter and comedy central soaking up the boob tube since I haven't had a chance to do that in a while.

And then here we are...Saturday morning and I woke up at 5:30 and couldn't really sleep so well. Jet lag or whatever it was funky having the sun not come out till about 7:30, but that's Washington.

Might do some snowboarding today with Mark...He was the dude with his arm stretched in the first pic. The night riding at Steven's Pass looks pretty good...about 5 lifts open which is very good. Want to get in the family time though it's funny kicking it with the kids. It's only been a year but some of them have grown almost half a foot I couldn't believe it!!!

One of my favorite things about this house in Duvall is waking up and looking out the windows to have everything outside be super foggy! We live on river basically and the haziness will stay here until the sun blasts things out around 10 or 11. It's a very nice way to wake up in the morning unlike the desert sun blasting you through the windows.

Off to Florida tomorrow and very excited to hang out with the pops. It's going to be different going out and doing stuff all day and probably going to exercise all the time with the pops when I've just been sitting around here eating pizza and about 20 Christmas cookies a day, but hey I'm on vacation!!! I'll be sure to update the blog when I can(ie when I'm awake at the wrong times!!!).

I hope everyone's having a good holiday!