A busy week...

It's been a busy week. Last weekend we were able to go back to Kamakura and spend an amazing day checking out a bunch of old temples. The day was gorgeous and that weekend was the last of the popular 'momijigari' season. There were a lot of people out, but it wasn't incredibly crowded. The woman who volunteered to show us around did a great job mapping out our adventure for the day. We went to about 6 different places. I could spend a lot more time there. There was something mystic and real about that place. Maybe it's my image of Japan.

Last Wednesday I held and attended my first Bounenkai. I invited my students and couple of friends to join me in a traditional Japanese style "End of Year Party". The parties happen during December and most Japanese people attend many (some for their companies, and some for their friends and associates). I decided I wanted to say thank you to my students and bring them all together. I tend to talk to my students about my other students, so they all sorta know each other anyway. I wanted to give them an opportunity to meet one another. It went well. We ate at an Izakaya on the 24th floor in Kaihin Makurari called, Doma Doma. The view was amazing, and we had our own room! Ai and Aoi were also their, so I brought them some activity packs to keep them busy. Traditionally, the dinners are a course meal with all you can drink!

Tonight, I am baking and preparing for the Christmas party that Jeremy and I are having at our place tomorrow. We are going to try and make it somewhat traditional to everyone. I am going to have BINGO like we always have at Grandma and Grandpa Cole's on Christmas Day. I even found some little scratch off tickets. I will have to write about the party after it happens. I have been really excited. I have made a Pumpkin Cheesecake and an Apple Crisp so far. I have so much to do. I better get to it.