tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203965562024-03-07T18:12:26.627+09:00One Day"Wherever you are, be all there" -Jim ElliotShio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-40294599929591543552007-04-18T11:56:00.000+09:002007-04-18T11:59:46.774+09:00The EndThis is my LAST entry on this blog. This blog has been a wonderful chance to share my journey in Japan and returning home. I have loved it. And now, in this new stage of life-marriage-where two become one, this involves blogging, too. <br />So, from now on, if you want to get the 4-1-1 and some funny life stories, too (believe me, there will be some), then visit <span style="font-weight:bold;">our</span> blog at<br /><br />www.graydenandshiona.blogspot.comShio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-7915621968372505362007-02-09T11:45:00.000+09:002008-11-13T18:48:43.657+09:00All About Eve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPDmZO_tT6cUxqRw_m7c16kBgQK3x7mR4QjCaVFIHz4u1V9lux0j0AQnBd1pWsMUoMlZnWoCfrzMv_shDkr5X-Xg4d9uPZoPiNs2-suscMIAV_DGLVSyg01qoxBPlUB1C-A6u2w/s1600-h/eve01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPDmZO_tT6cUxqRw_m7c16kBgQK3x7mR4QjCaVFIHz4u1V9lux0j0AQnBd1pWsMUoMlZnWoCfrzMv_shDkr5X-Xg4d9uPZoPiNs2-suscMIAV_DGLVSyg01qoxBPlUB1C-A6u2w/s320/eve01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029361346920104770" /></a><br />Okay, I am totally in love with a Korean drama I discovered called All About Eve. It's a love story about a news station and the people who work there. I love it!!! It's on AZN television so if you get a chance, you should check it out. But be careful...it is addictingShio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-71734592325202860982007-02-04T13:42:00.000+09:002008-11-13T18:48:43.996+09:00The HeArT of the matter is...What an amazing weekend! I just got back from Seattle yesterday and what a trip. Great friends, great fellowship, great worship, great teaching, a Great God! Let me start off by telling you how my weekend began. First, I drove downtown to the rental car place where we were all meeting. I turned off my car and when I went to start it up again- no esta workiendo! It wouldn't start! So, I had to get it towed back to my house where it is sitting now, sad and sick. Despite what seemed like a setback, we headed out, luggage and snacks in hand.<br />We got there and checked into our fabulous hotel and the next day we got up and headed into downtown Seattle for some serious Starbucks and shopping!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasLjD8S2xsr_qlR9wHg0QiiBzkbI6rvl0Bqhti5IEqf6VbRiircEb_K0fxtL7IQIshHRasxwLL67hpiMZDY1kIXimhsAgN0GIHTlwrZlheZ-wy2KHmsfMLlk2ZJgizPWAoTjuFg/s1600-h/SANY1405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasLjD8S2xsr_qlR9wHg0QiiBzkbI6rvl0Bqhti5IEqf6VbRiircEb_K0fxtL7IQIshHRasxwLL67hpiMZDY1kIXimhsAgN0GIHTlwrZlheZ-wy2KHmsfMLlk2ZJgizPWAoTjuFg/s320/SANY1405.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027870835804771954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtJ67uXK1AaZzy2dWi_Sklu4rA5CEh-Tnjd_yAoSagkRRFvc3iApHCJ-MAKvufeHNOpcDrVbzyehf2vPEH0Ln_LPw6VFndDJGZ1YfYU9S6EFV64aZ-U6zSWMXyN-zDHoKjT0FvQ/s1600-h/SANY1407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtJ67uXK1AaZzy2dWi_Sklu4rA5CEh-Tnjd_yAoSagkRRFvc3iApHCJ-MAKvufeHNOpcDrVbzyehf2vPEH0Ln_LPw6VFndDJGZ1YfYU9S6EFV64aZ-U6zSWMXyN-zDHoKjT0FvQ/s320/SANY1407.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027870848689673858" /></a><br />AND...I took a bus to the international district and went to Uwajimaya, a Japanese store and bought so many Japanese snacks that I have missed since I left Japan. I could have spent hours in that store. I am so happy!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV7KCA-5oDK6vV88gapYSnl-m2GiZGKyArTyOceEOCzqVnJEzm8zSHS3TedS5lYPmW9CG3oVHTXjoW9PIdePYobQi7-ATAe-t67cHbolxwMxe3WnTFx-v7joAxYJ8tiQ34jyeNg/s1600-h/SANY1417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV7KCA-5oDK6vV88gapYSnl-m2GiZGKyArTyOceEOCzqVnJEzm8zSHS3TedS5lYPmW9CG3oVHTXjoW9PIdePYobQi7-ATAe-t67cHbolxwMxe3WnTFx-v7joAxYJ8tiQ34jyeNg/s320/SANY1417.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027873073482733202" /></a><br />That night we attended the conference in Redmond. The worship was amazing<br /> I felt like I had the smallest taste of what worshipping God in heaven might be like...just the smallest taste. 5,000 women standing and praising God, it was overwhelming. And then Beth stood up to speak. She spoke on the heart, from Proverbs. "Above all else guard your heart, for from it springs the issues of life." It was<br />great to be under her teaching and I felt like God spoke directly to me. I feel refreshed and excited for what God has next for me.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-58816067592113926612007-02-01T16:54:00.000+09:002008-11-13T18:48:44.297+09:00Road Trip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiHGR7ioREyQL_1dVj1FSRdxnE-A1rgFUJT_cntA78Av7z_NUdQ79u59o8Esc6dYGvuFIpMolkwr0dYu1XTKAPpDY1eG1fYkawoOywQfJNTqE5Iec_QLyvK0qc5JiWquw-Dg57g/s1600-h/evI_LPL_2006_small_banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiHGR7ioREyQL_1dVj1FSRdxnE-A1rgFUJT_cntA78Av7z_NUdQ79u59o8Esc6dYGvuFIpMolkwr0dYu1XTKAPpDY1eG1fYkawoOywQfJNTqE5Iec_QLyvK0qc5JiWquw-Dg57g/s320/evI_LPL_2006_small_banner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026472025086006882" /></a><br />I am heading off to Seattle tomorrow in a car full of girlfriends to see Beth Moore. I am totally excited! I love Seattle! I love the girls I'm going with! And I love Beth Moore and am excited to see what God will say through her. Here I go, road trip!Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-32769784890833649382007-01-14T07:19:00.000+09:002007-01-14T07:29:49.383+09:00still going strongIt's pretty hard to believe that it is already January and I have 2 months and 11 days until I walk down the aisle and say "I do." That's 64 days! Right now the biggest thing on my mind is inviations. Only a couple of weeks before they go out. The closer the date gets the more I feel ready to be married, even if I don't know exactly what married life will look like. I am incredibly blessed.<br /><br />I watched an incredible movie the other day. It's called <i> Freedom Writers </i>. If you are a teacher or have ever thought about teaching, it is an inspiring true story that reminds you about what true teaching means. I encourage you to watch it.<br /><br />Well, that's it for now.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-59155376183567252452007-01-01T16:08:00.000+09:002007-01-01T16:15:40.744+09:00A gReAt yearLooking back at this past year I was reminded of how full and blessed it has been. Here's a small list of all that has happened in 2006.<br /><br />-I began my second year teaching English in Japan.<br />-one of my dear friends became a Christian.<br />-I started dating a wonderful guy named Grayden.<br />-I went to my first Hanshin Tigers game and we won!!!<br />-I started saying goodbye to my friends and preparing to come back to the U.S.<br />-I went on a year end camp with my English Club.<br />-I was named MVP in dodgeball!<br />-I went to the Sea of Japan with a group of wonderful friends.<br />-I said goodbye, boarded a plane and returned to the U.S.<br />-I reconnected with friends I hadn't seen in over 2 years.<br />-I got engaged to the same wonderful guy I was dating.<br />-I had my first Thanksgiving home in 2 years.<br />-I started driving an El Camino.<br />-I was given a Volvo.<br />-I spent New Year's Eve with great friends.<br /><br />Happy 2007 everyone! I hope this year is even better than last. And I was reminded in church this morning, I hope we will spend this year growing closer to Christ and more ready for our return. Let us not be found unprepared.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-41495857119468311972006-12-26T02:35:00.000+09:002006-12-26T02:44:21.498+09:00Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas everyone! I drove home last night so I could spend Christmas with my family. It is a bit weird because the last two Christmases I was in Japan and spent it with my friends. But this Christmas is a little different. I get to experience a real Christmas tree that is bigger than 1 foot and can fit more than 4 ornaments. All of my presents did not come in a brown cardboard box. And I am talking and listening to only English. I do however miss my gift exchange with friends and our annual (2nd annual) Japanese dinner at my house. But wherever I spend this holiday and whoever I spend it with I am thankful that I can still celebrate the birth of Christ unashamedly. <br />"And He shall be called Emmanuel"<br /><br />I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas wherever you are!Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-91446063276760229612006-12-15T05:01:00.000+09:002006-12-15T05:06:41.241+09:00BlessedYesterday I got to hang out with my good friend Mika. Mika and I met about 3 years ago when she was at Mukogawa in Spokane. But we really became friends and started hanging out when I moved to Japan two years ago. Now I am back in Spokane and she is here at Eastern studying for a year. It was a little weird driving around together instead of taking the train. And we were speaking Japanese English which made us both laugh A LOT! And it was good talking with someone who knew me in Japan and here also. It was good to connect with her in a way I can't with people here who weren't with me in Japan. It was such a blessing! I just praise God that He has allowed me to see friends that I have made all over the world. すごくうれしだよ!Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-18827997777487037052006-12-05T08:32:00.000+09:002006-12-05T08:40:35.110+09:00PepeOkay, I need to write a little bit about the El Camino. When I tell guys that I am driving an El Camino, or even when I go to get into it after church, I will hear praises with a tinge of jealousy. "El Camino." They say that. With a kind of spanish accent that makes it sound that much cooler. People who drive behind me and my El Camino a.k.a. "Pepe" probably think that I am 85 or have been drinking too much. I sometimes have problems staying between the dotted lines and the solid line. It isn't because I am a bad driver (though some may argue that). It is because the El Camino has a mind of its own and often decides to go one way or the other. And then at other times, I can't see the dotted and solid lines on the road because my side mirrors are about the size of a pine cone. I personally think they are just for looks. And of course there is my change in speed. I barely have to touch the gas peddle for Pepe to start going faster and faster. And, it's basically a metal boat, so going downhill is always fun. But, these days Pepe and I have been becoming closer. I no longer tell him how much I hate him. And I don't avoid telling other people that I, yes I, am a driver of an El Camino.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-25940295916929118502006-11-24T09:31:00.000+09:002006-11-24T09:46:03.444+09:00Happy ThAnKsGiViNg!Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Right now I am sitting here at my parents house, in my room listening to Christmas music. I woke up this morning, watched the Macy's Day parade and helped my mom prepare for today. In my house Thanksgiving Day should be called "Eat day" because that is basically what we do ALL day. But it does taste a lot different than my Thanksgiving meal last year (no offense Katie, we did great!) I do love this holiday though. And because Thanksgiving is primarily about giving thanks and remembering our blessings, here are some things I am thankful for this year.<br /><br />-I am thankful that I am here with my family today.<br />-I am thankful for my wonderful friends around the world.<br />-I am thankful for my amazing fiance Grayden and the way God has worked in us.<br />-I am thankful for a job that God provided and that I enjoy.<br />-I am thankful for the car my parents have let me borrow (even though it's an el camino)<br />-I am thankful for pumpkin pie :)<br />-I am thankful for a BIG God who is still at work in and around me.<br />-I am thankful that I can listen to Christmas music :)<br />-I am thankful for my grandma who shared Christ with me when I was younger. <br />-I am thankful that last year during this time I was able to baptise one of my friends in Japan.<br />-I am thankful for this day!<br /><br />Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and let us all give thanks to the giver of all good things- Our Lord Jesus Christ!Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-75234115184457387562006-11-16T11:41:00.000+09:002006-11-16T11:45:16.231+09:00short n' sweetNot much new or exciting has happened since my last entry. Fall seems to be turning into winter fast. Instead of driving a Grand Prix, I now drive a classic El Camino. God is teaching me about contentment. Though it seems sometimes that nothing I am doing now is preparing me for what I feel called to do in the future. I know there is purpose in it. And with contentment, I am praying for delight.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-52730633214480485092006-10-31T05:13:00.000+09:002006-10-31T05:20:38.944+09:00New beginnings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/149198088.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/149198088.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here it is, my new job. It's not really down for maintenace. That was the only icon I could find. As of last week I am an employee of the best Italian Restaurant in Spokane, and I'm not even kidding. I am blessed to have a job. I am hosting by the way. It is a bit different from teaching, okay tons different than teaching, but I am still working with people and I am enjoying it so far. Other than that my life has consisted of wedding planning, church, pre-marital counseling, bible study and trying to find time to see Grayden. I went from having too much time to having not enough. It's all good though. I have been incredibly blessed since I have been back, being able to go to church again and hang out with friends who are in the same place in life as I am. I still have those days when I miss my friends in Japan terribly, but I know I'll be back there. Oh...and for all you who are wondering, we have set the date to March 24th for the wedding. Only 5 months away! Craziness. I found a dress I like, so hopefully it's in the budget. Oh, and winter is here..it snowed a bit last night. I know, unbelievable.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-55037574556037069302006-10-16T01:07:00.000+09:002006-10-16T07:47:01.384+09:00And she said "Yes!"The day you've all been waiting for, okay, maybe it's the day <b> I've</b> been waiting for, has finally arrived...It's official-<u>I'm engaged!</u> Here's the story:<br /><br />Every day this past week Grayden had been surprising me with a rose. Each rose was a different color and each had a note of what that color meant and how that applied to me. Let's see, there was white (humility), yellow (friendship), peach (admiration), red (beauty), pink (grace, joy), and purple (youth, new beginning). Yesterday we headed out to have a picnic at this lake that is next to the highway right as you drive into Spokane. I've always wanted to try to find out how to get there. So, after driving all around the outskirts of Spokane and spotting many other lakes, we finally found the one I had been looking for. So, we parked by the side and had a picnic in the back of his truck (do we sound southern?) Then, when we were finished he said he had another rose for me and asked me to close my eyes. Then he gave me the rose, with a card and inside the card was a ring tied by ribbon. So, he got on his knee and asked me to marry him. And of course I said, "YES!!!"<br /> That's the story. I'm SO excited!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1390.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/SANY1390.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The roses<br />(were the best ever!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1383.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/SANY1383.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />us at Granite (re-named "Grayden and Shiona") lake<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1387.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/SANY1387.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />the ring<br />(also the best ever!)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yiw1mb1_xDo"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yiw1mb1_xDo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br />In case you want to feel like you were there too :)Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-6475927805136776632006-10-10T07:28:00.000+09:002006-10-10T07:43:02.151+09:00Fall is here!The trees are changing color and falling and now when I get up in the morning, I need a sweater. It's official-fall is here. If I were in Japan I would be going to Kyoto and taking pictures of the beautiful Japanese maples, preparing for my school's Culture Festival and enjoying weather free from sweat and humidity. But, since I am <br />not in Japan (sniff sniff) I have gone back to my Spokane fall traditions and traveled to Greenbluff this weekend. Greenbluff is one of my favorite places in Spokane and it is made up of over 20 orchards. It's a fun place to pick apples, pumpkins, drink cider, go through a corn maze and just enjoy the weather. I went with my sister and her husband, Grayden and my friend Emika.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1377.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/SANY1377.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Chelsea and Fernando in the pumpkin patch<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1375.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/200/SANY1375.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Fernando climbing the tree to get the best apple<br />NOTE: climbing trees was on the list of things not to do in the orchard<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1370.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/SANY1370.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />two cute sisters<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1366.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/SANY1366.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Emika and I<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1373.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/SANY1373.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Me posing (as usual) and Grayden looking skeptically at the brown, half-eaten apple Fernando had just handed him to pose with.<br /><br />And, what can top off a party better than a Colossus pizza!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/SANY1378.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/320/SANY1378.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-76715309791849522552006-09-30T04:40:00.000+09:002006-09-30T04:44:23.859+09:00ESL volunteeringToday I went to a church that provides free English tutoring for internationals. It is ran by volunteers who are all over 50 (I was the youngest by far. Usually there are people from many different countries who go there to learn english. Today, they were all chinese. I did try to speak Japanese a couple of times. But, it was so much fun and I even got invited over to one couple's house to eat joudza (gyoza in Japanese, pot stickers in English). It was good to be surrounded once again by asians.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-68128019086545620382006-09-26T13:32:00.000+09:002006-09-26T13:35:39.101+09:00E-da-ma-me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/1600/650301643.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/6668/2489/200/650301643.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Today I found edamame in Spokane!!! What a glorious day!<br />This tasty treat is actually soy beans and are a popular snack in Japan. Eating them today was like taking a trip home :)Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-4975355136733518632006-09-22T06:40:00.000+09:002006-09-22T06:41:57.600+09:00Language-o-meterI saw this on Katie's blog and thought I'd take it to see how different our way of speaking is. As I thought, I do have a bit of Yankee in me. I hope we can still be friends.<br /><br /><table style="color: black;" align=center border=1 bordercolor=black cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#A8FFB3" align=center><font style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><strong>Your Linguistic Profile:</strong></font></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#D9FFD8">70% General American English</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#A8FFB3">15% Upper Midwestern</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#D9FFD8">5% Midwestern</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#A8FFB3">5% Yankee</td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#D9FFD8">0% Dixie</td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofamericanenglishdoyouspeakquiz/">What Kind of American English Do You Speak?</a></div>Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-24192714013624250862006-09-22T05:41:00.000+09:002006-09-22T05:46:44.872+09:00The Faithfulness of GodAbout 2 and a half years ago, I applied to come to Japan and got a letter sent to me saying that I was not accepted for that program. Three weeks later I got a phone call from another organization, asking me to come work in Japan for two years. Totally unexpected. A total provision of God.<br />This week I got a phone call from the bank I interviewed at and I in fact did not get the job. While I was disappointed, God brought to my mind that time two years ago when I was discouraged because I thought my dreams of going to Japan were impossible. And yet, He was faithful and provided in His way and timing. I am so thankful that I serve a God who is trustworthy, even when circumstances look bleak.<br />My God is faithful.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-29049235169521174502006-09-20T03:11:00.000+09:002006-09-20T03:18:52.034+09:00A far better educationOkay, so what's been going on in my life? Let me tell ya'<br />I am finally moved into lovely Spokane. I am living in my college pastor's grandmother's basement. It's actually a really nice setup and only $125 a month. That's awesome right! It is rainy today. Typical Washington weather it seems. <br />Last Wednesday I helped out with the 4 and 5 year olds at church. It has been awhile since I have worked with such little kids and I am used to being funny with my Junior High school kids. Well, during our craft time, one of the girls was taking the covering off her color crayons. For no particular reason she was just tearing it off and putting it on the table. So, thinking this was funny, I said to her, "Why are you doing that to the crayons? They're gonna be naked and cold." Well, everyone at the table thought that was pretty funny (because I had said the word 'naked') So, the rest of the evening, when we were supposed to be reciting the memory verse and concentrating on far more spiritual things, I would hear from the table, "naked (ha,ha,ha) naked crayon..."<br />That was my contribution to the 4 and 5 year olds at my church. It's good to be back.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-1158131257777429262006-09-13T16:01:00.000+09:002006-09-13T16:07:37.780+09:00Just another day in paradiseWell, things are looking up in my oh-so-bored-not-sure-what-to-do life. I had a job interview today with a bank and I think it went pretty well. I will find out this week whether or not I got the job. And, I am moving in to my new home this Sunday. Actually it's not just "my" home; I'm living with my college pastor's grandmother, in her basement actually. But it is a huge praise, cheap rent, she's a very sweet lady and I get my own bathroom-"it's a good deal." I am still actively trying to make Japanese friends here :) I met a Korean girl at my church who was very excited when I told her I knew who Yonsama was. Tomorrow I am in charge or 4 and 5 year olds at church with Grayden and then Thursday I'm gettin' my hair cut. Fun times.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-1157745488525109662006-09-09T04:53:00.000+09:002006-09-09T04:58:08.546+09:00Totally Addicted<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/1600/boxart_pal_fire-emblem-path-of-radiance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/200/boxart_pal_fire-emblem-path-of-radiance.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Okay, I have to admit first that I have been very bored being at home so I have had to find ways to entertain myself. I found this game of my brothers and I have not been able to stop playing it. I am addicted. It is not bloody or confusing like his Super Smash Brothers (I have no idea how to play that). It is a strategy game where you have to rescue the princess and take her safely back to her people. It is REALLY fun. <br />My name is Shiona. I am 24 years old. I don't have a job and I am addicted to Fire Emblem. True story.Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-1157478562497888952006-09-06T02:43:00.000+09:002006-09-06T02:49:22.526+09:00Okay, today I am making Curry for my sister and her husband. So, I wanted to be as Japanese as I could and wear my "nandeinen" shirt. But, when I went down to the laundry room to get it, I discovered it was all covered with fuzz. So, I walked upstairs and I said to my mom" dang it, I wanted to wear it today because today is Japanese day (because I am making curry)"<br /><br />But my mom suffers from bad hearing, so this is what she heard "dang it, I have to wash my underwear today because today is Japanese day."<br /><br />We had a good laugh about that. Apparently Japanese day is so special that I can only wash my underwear on that day :)Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-1157428527119784482006-09-05T12:46:00.000+09:002006-09-05T12:55:27.156+09:00Good ole' IdahoSaturday, Grayden and I drove 30 minutes, crossed the state line (woo-hoo) and found ourselves in a cute town called Couer'd lene, Idaho. Actually, I used to live there when I was really little, but I don't remember it at all. It is a really nice town, right on the lake with a big park and lots of grass. I missed grass in Japan. It also had a lot of Americans in all shapes and sizes and swimsuits, which I hadn't seen for awhile. But it was fun. Grayden and I just walked around, tried not to look too much like tourists, ate lunch and played cards in the park. It was a beautiful day!<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/1600/Idaho2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/320/Idaho2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-1157347187733335652006-09-04T14:15:00.000+09:002006-09-04T14:19:47.733+09:00You know you've been in Japan too long...You know you've been in Japan too long when you return to America and go to Bible study for the first time and start pronouncing the names of biblical places and people in Japanese just because they were foriegn. Yep, did that today.<br /><br />But...I found Curry mix!!!! and Octopus...so it made everything better :)Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20396556.post-1156902266369211592006-08-30T10:37:00.000+09:002006-08-30T10:44:26.386+09:00The County FairSo, a popular summer event in America (especially small hick towns) is the county fair. I arrived in America on Friday and found myself on Saturday night walking through barns full of animals, eating greasy food and listening to country music. This was my re-entry to American culture. The whole time I was there, I was thinking, " I wonder what my Japanese friends would think of this." I have to say my favorite part was the baby animals.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/1600/pig%201.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/320/pig%201.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Baby pigs<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/1600/goat%202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/320/goat%202.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Baby goat<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/1600/cow%202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/320/cow%202.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />baby cow<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/1600/SANY0257.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2850/2016/320/SANY0257.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Me as a farmer :)<br /><br />Oh....and I saw Josh Gracin, a former American Idol star (that's for you Katie)Shio-chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435114209079095176noreply@blogger.com6