This one time I followed Japanese people.

Easter started out normal and nice enough. Began with 8am Mass, went to the early one since the fewest people go to that service. Did a little shopping, new books for spring break. Met some friends for brunch at the Officers Club- watched children freaked out and cried when approached by giraffes, monkeys, and bunnies (not actual animals, people in costumes).

When I got home I decided to go for a short walk. While walking I noticed many Japanese people walking to and from "some place." Now I didn't know where they were coming from or where they were going but there was a steady stream of people. So having nothing better to do I got in line. I followed and walked and walked and walked. Finally I ended up on top of a mountain at a park with the most AMAZING view. I could see Tokyo Bay, Hayama, the base, ... miles in all directions.Since I had only planned on a short walk I didn't have my camera, so no pictures for you. Next time.

I have lived walking distance from the most beautiful hike for 1.5yrs and never knew. All I had to do was turn left.

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter!!

From twitter

Tokyo 10k Finish!

Look at me cross the finish line!

(center bright green jacket)

Pancake Log 10.05

Strawberry pancakes for dinner! YUMMY!!!

From Pancakes

Sake to 10k

This weekend began with a Sake tasting. Some friends and I attended a Sake Seminar at the officers club. We tried 8 different types, didn't love them all but most were GREAT. Can you belive that I have lived in Japan for almost 5yrs and this was my first taste of Sake.

From Feb.'10

Sunday morning I particpated in the Tokyo Marathon, only the 10k though. It was rainy and cold but I did it and  met my goal. The worst part of it was standing out in the rain for an hour waiting for the race to start. The opening song was of course an 80's classic- Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven is a place on earth". By the end of the run it felt more like I had gone swimming than running. Overall the experience was great, running with thousands of people through the streets of Tokyo.

I don't have any pictures of my run, the only proof I did run it can be found here: http://p.tokyo42195.org/numberfile/7818.html

Pancake Log 10.04

Pancake & Waffle from the Officer's Club

From Pancakes

Last week Caroline, Guero and I went to the brunch buffet at the Officer's Club. The pancakes aren't all that great but the fresh made waffles are wonderful. I really love Sunday's where after church I get to spend time with good friends (especially when we eat my favorite food). They even let me use their kitchen that afternoon so I could make cookies in an actual oven.

Two weeks ago I was able to take a tour of the USS George Washington. It was really cool to be aboard. I even got to sit in the captains chair! I did get in a little trouble though... They wouldn't let me turn the steering wheel and there were buttons everywhere I had to push one! I managed to hold back but then while sitting in one of the really cool chairs I was playing with the phones and accidentally pushed a button. Then someone came on over the intercom and yelled at me not to touch anything. Since I haven't been tracked down I must not have broken anything or caused some sort of international event.

From GW

Pancake Log 10.03

Oatmeal blueberry

From Pancakes

The weekend started well. Friday night some teachers from school got together at one of our favorite restaurants on the beach, Don's. We had the whole downstairs room reserved for us and the evening was great, love their food! I had my usual Gorgonzola pizza dipped in honey. 

Saturday started with the oatmeal blueberry pancakes and phone calls home. The pancakes were both my breakfast and mid morning snack before my run. The run went fine until I completely biffed it at 3.5 miles, badly scraping both my knees. I had chosen my route specifically because it was in a relatively secluded area with little traffic or people. I had to walk with my pants rolled up above my knees, getting very cold. I got to a main road about 0.5mi up and am sure freaked out some Japanese people with the blood dripping down my legs. Another 0.5mi up I finally came it a 7i (basically 7-11) and bought some bandages, thank God I was prepared and had money with me. The lady at the counter did yell out and pointed at my legs as if I didn't know about my knees. I walked another 1.5mi to get home, get this... I DIDN"T get lost! (I know I am surprised.) 

Pancake Log 10.02

Oatmeal pancakes with warm strawberries!! Yummy.

From Pancakes

So far I am still on track with my running resolution. It is my reading resolution that I am having trouble with already. I want to read 3 books a month and so far I have only completed one. The second book "The Parrot's Theorem" is taking me a little while to read. Hopefully I will finish before the end of the week and pick up my Wally Lamb book to finish- had to put it down when it upset me too much.

Pancake Log 10.01

Saturday I had my first plate of pancakes for the year. They were GREAT! I decided to go with simple bisquick minis with baked apple on the side. I actually microwaved the apples with syrup and cinnamon.

So far this year I have a good start on my New Year's Resolutions. The first one for the year is to run 1000 miles, weekly I hope to get in 26.2 miles. So far so good.

From Pancakes

Praha (aka Prague)

The castle was amazing!

New life goal: Become a princess and insist on castle with central heating. (That place was COLD)