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August 29, 2011

New Thing #119: Project 365

I began the Project 365 project on the day Kevin and I got married in August 2010. I took and posted one picture a day on FB. A lot happened that year that was chronicled:

  • got married - my husband, my best friend
  • was laid off from my job - it's okay I hated it anyway and I planned a career change plus I got unemployment
  • went on my honeymoon to Australia for a month - That was brilliantly fun
  • my mom went in to the hospital - I went to visit her often because I was unemployed. She still seemed okay. We began preparing our hearts.
  • our offer on a foreclosure home was accepted by the bank - though tedious and awful process we got the house of our dreams
  • I started graduate school for a career change - put those career change wheels in motion immediately
  • mom passed away - was there with her in the end and we had many conversations about the house (which we got) and my career change to teaching. She was informed of everything upcoming in my life. And I was grateful K and I were there with her in the end.
  • we moved into the new house - glad to be rid of the scarry, narrow apartment quarters.
  • Kevin totalled my car - no one was hurt and we will get another
And I was compelled for my sanity to do the Gratitude Journal for 365 days (beginning in February) and the Project365 (began at the end of August) with photos. For my food interest, would it be conceivable that I could eat something new every day (or week). I'm inspired by many of the food blogs and I enjoy those readings. I've been to so many foreign countries and I think I could do well. But would one new meal or technique be too much to handle? I suppose I could always try. This would need to be a photo journal to be best served in the future. Maybe a facebook album?

August 19, 2011

New Thing #118: Saw O-Bon in Kyoto, Japan

After teaching in China, I went to Kyoto, Japan for a two-week trip culminating in the annual Obon Festival. This was my second trip to Japan but my first time visiting the ancient city. Highlights included:
  • Visiting the Urasenke location
  • Walking around town
  • Air-conditioning (so warm!)
  • All the numerous shrines and temples I visited
  • Going out for my birthday and watching the sunset from the rooftop with Urasenke friends
  • Teramachidori 
  • Arashiyama day trip
  • Cultural shops (wagashi, chanoyu, kodo, etc.)

August 4, 2011

New Thing #117: Taught English in a China


I was teaching English at a Chinese English camp for three weeks. It was an amazing experience. Highlights included:
  • Walking along the Great Wall
  • The food!
  • Visiting the Forbidden City
  • The passion for teaching children that it kindled inside of me
  • Eating scorpion and sea horse
  • The culture shock!