tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62209732012-02-16T02:14:52.098-08:00Jenni, Tony & Maiya's Alternative Blog for Peace and Justice, Friends, Family & Community.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.comBlogger6251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-80251808123140561312012-01-01T18:30:00.000-08:002012-02-11T18:32:16.584-08:00

Kuida-Osumi's at Christmas 2011 Our 2011 holiday card - 2 CicLAvia's, cucumber from our garden, Manzanar & soccer  Happy New Year 2012 - Osechi plate from Ayako H.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-34723435365488580232011-11-14T23:45:00.000-08:002011-11-15T01:20:02.081-08:00

By now, I hope you have seen the "Mottainai" music video produced by Great Leap, written and performed by Nobuko Miyamoto, and directed by Dan Kwong. If you haven't, what are you waiting for?  Click above.  Our 2nd environmental video is up to 25,000+ YouTube views in the last 4 months.  I had the privilege of being one of the production assistants, helping with fundraising, marketing,

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-5855499315781647032011-11-11T23:45:00.000-08:002011-11-15T01:05:25.506-08:00

This girl cracks me up.  I want to thank the 2nd grader who taught Maiya to throw gangsta signs.  Now she thinks she me.  Disrespecting the yoga poses. Umm, who does she think she is imitating? Huh?  This is admittedly posted late and in a hurry.  Peace. Omm, haha.  Out. NaBloPoMo#11 (Friday's entry, posted Saturday night)

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-13186356372230305102011-11-10T23:45:00.000-08:002011-11-11T13:17:29.004-08:00

Some people say that if you bring kids to a political rally, that it's not age appropriate.  Well, we've been bringing Maiya to community events since she was two weeks old (Day of Remembrance commemorating the anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 in 1942, which led to the incarceration of 110,000 Japanese Americans, including my parents as children and Tony's grandparents), and her

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-45460432145301574642011-11-10T23:00:00.000-08:002011-11-11T00:15:29.374-08:00

If it Were Up to Me Maybe it's the movies, maybe it's the books Maybe it's the bullets, maybe it's the real crooks  Maybe it's the drugs, maybe it's the parents  Maybe it's the colors everybody's wearin  Maybe it's the President, maybe it's the last one  Maybe it's the one before that, what he done  Maybe it's the high schools, maybe it's the teachers  Maybe it's the tattooed

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-4004562957845060982011-11-09T23:30:00.000-08:002011-11-11T01:22:51.959-08:00

It's been a number of years since we've done Passover Seder at our house.  Tony's Mom aka Granny Franny and Don came to visit for a few days in April.  Fran made Grandma Shereley's Vegetarian Matzoh ball soup.  We also celebrated our sister in law Nina's "39th" birthday (I was the only one who didn't get the joke haha).  We were glad to also have Tony's godsister Beth and her family come as well.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-58493076092625686452011-11-08T23:30:00.000-08:002011-11-13T02:47:52.834-08:00

On a Sunday morning in April, they shut down about 7 1/2 miles of LA streets for people to walk, ride, scoot, push a stroller, or whatever at the 2nd CicLAvia.  What a great sense of community.  So of course, we went to J-town.  I realized though, that it was Maiya's first bike ride not around the block, so the going was slow.  I had thoughts we might go across the 1st Street Bridge, but with me

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-24545480389028474662011-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:002011-11-11T01:33:19.040-08:00

In April, Tony, Maiya and I went on a tour of Paramount Studios.  Tony had gotten the tickets from a fundraiser silent auction, so we got to go on a behind-the-scenes private tour, by golf cart.   It was pretty fun, interesting and low key.  Maiya actually recognized an area from a kids TV show that Tony and I had never heard of, Fresh Beat Band, or something like that.  After the tour, we had

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-1617055051697118522011-11-06T21:52:00.000-08:002011-11-11T01:24:57.121-08:00

Tony's friend Hector's & his wife Erika had their baby on April 1st.  Here are some pictures of the baby gift bag decorated by Maiya, and the day Baby Evan came home from the hospital when he was 2 days old.  It was nice to hold a newborn baby in my arms.  Got that awwwww feeling.  Although I love that baby period, if anything, I wish we had had a 2nd sooner, and wish that we had started earlier

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-79218552387036698782011-11-05T07:40:00.000-07:002011-11-11T01:29:47.025-08:00

SIX:  So Maiya turned 6 in February.  We had the party at a park walking distance from our house.  Mista Cookie Jar came and performed some great music for the kids.  We had seen him perform at a couple of community events and Maiya loves his CDs.  I have always wanted to do a concert for a birthday party, but Joe Reilly and Chic Street Man don't live in town and we don't really know Ice Cream

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-19297612121736421372011-11-04T21:55:00.000-07:002011-11-11T01:28:56.818-08:00

NaBloPoMo#4 is going to be the recap of February 2011. I honestly don't know if I'm going to have the time and energy to update a whole year, but we'll see where this goes.  On the 1st of the month, Maiya turned SIX years old.  That crept up pretty quickly.  We forgot to take a picture until after shower time, thus the robes with wet hair.  Notice the candle in the manjuu, her favorite treat.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-57542844051546404472011-11-03T20:50:00.000-07:002011-11-04T21:09:51.343-07:00

I don't know if anyone who is taking the time to read my NaBloPoMo cares about me documenting the year, but we have so many photos, I feel the urge to catch up on highlights of this year so far. Annual New Year's Day Family photo at my Uncle's house in Boyle Heights I caught Maiya and Rockett giving kisses at our friend Evelyn's annual Oshogatsu. Maiya lost her first tooth on New Year's

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-33998073268515236062011-11-02T23:30:00.000-07:002011-11-03T03:05:51.894-07:00

Is that right?  Am I really 47?  I cannot even believe it.  In my mind, college was just a few years ago, but no.  I must be getting old, because freakin' DAVID BOWIE was on the oldies radio station K-Earth 101 the other day.  Serious. Took a birthday holiday from work today.  I should have stayed home and cleaned our messy house, or done some of the work I brought home to do, but it was a

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-84029606355344751202011-11-01T01:07:00.000-07:002011-11-01T01:21:28.018-07:00

Well here it is November 1st, the first day of National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) for my 5th anniversary of participating in this blog-every-day-for-a-month event.  Hmm, what would you like me to write about.  I could write about Halloween, and how Maiya was the only one in her class not to wear a Halloween costume in the parade this morning, or about how cute the toddlers are at my work who

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-48349934975736727712011-10-28T00:49:00.000-07:002011-10-28T01:30:02.441-07:00

Just the other day, I was trying to remember my Blog password, and I couldn't figure it out for the life of me.  I've been blogging since 2002, and yet, in the year 2011, I haven't blogged at all.  My excuse is Life.  And Facebook.  And my iPad.  Oh yeah, and Farmville. Well, anyways, now that I am back in having figured out my password, I am reminded that NaBloPoMo, National Blog Posting Month

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-41083565928330541642011-01-01T08:58:00.000-08:002011-01-01T09:00:19.427-08:00

Happy New Year 1.1.11 from the Kuida-Osumi FamilyAlmost 6.  5 wiggly teeth. Self Portrait.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-26194891884912924492010-12-24T19:47:00.000-08:002011-01-17T19:55:04.065-08:00

Christmas Eve this year was at Letty & Paul's new house. The gift exchange was pretty fun this year.    Maiya stole Nick's Fart Book.  She has memorized the book.Maiya with Mrs. Ayala and the PEACE blanket she made for Maiya.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-77158316934470070512010-12-23T00:29:00.000-08:002011-01-29T00:30:06.486-08:00

I always say that there are like 7 or 8 potluck events and parties at my work during the holidays.  This year, I think there were actually more than 10 events.  Here are a few of them.Navidad en el Barrio - we packed and distributed 125 baskets of food. I went in on a Saturday after being out sick 3 days from work.Santa Claus came and gave out toys to the children.He was like a rock star.Santa's

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-49870070322716522722010-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:002011-01-29T00:42:00.459-08:00

Our friends Scott and Tula from Detroit came over a few days before Christmas.  Tula and Maiya put up our tree.  It was a 3 foot tree, actually maybe 2 feet tall with a foot long stick at the top.  Since it was pouring rain when we got the tree over the weekend, we just grabbed it and ran it to the car.  It was so small it fit in the backseat.  We had it drying out in the garage for a few days

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-18096776647915997412010-12-02T09:12:00.000-08:002011-01-01T09:15:09.070-08:00

Here are Tony and Maiya making a homemade candle after reading the Hanukkah book "One Candle."  The book is about the story of two sisters who made their own secret Hanukkah candle out of potato, butter and twisted threads while WW2 prisoners.  They then make the candle and share the story with their grandchildren every year at Hanukkah. Opening Hanukkah presents from Bubbe Fran and Zeyde Don

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-10976053606263170832010-11-28T07:40:00.000-08:002010-11-28T07:42:13.131-08:00

Help us please.  Anyone want to come over to Maiya's Japanese Restaurant?  Maiya asks us to come to Maiya's Japanese Restaurant every day, several times a day. Please come to our house. Tony and I would appreciate it.  The menu is consistent.  We will even give you some homemade cash to pay for your food.  Irrashai!Then afterwards, you can play with her and her friends (see purse below).NaBloPoMo

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-16949379352062341472010-11-27T20:42:00.000-08:002011-10-28T01:04:31.610-07:00

Did you know that today, the day after the shop-until-you-drop-day-after-Thanksgiving-day is Small Business Saturday?  It's the first I've heard of it, but I'm all for it!  Let's support our small, internet and home-based businesses, especially those offering green gift items.  Thought I'd share a few gift ideas for the season. Here's a new Goodbyn lunchbox Maiya's getting for Christmas (don't

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-3597436529112477502010-11-25T21:23:00.000-08:002010-11-27T19:36:42.346-08:00

Went to my mom and dad's house for Thanksgiving after watching Scott Pilgrim, not a movie about the pilgrims.  Tony & Maiya went to see Uncle Bill, then went over to his Aunt Janice's house for Turkey Day.  Auntie Keiko and I went to my mom's, then Tony & Maiya came later as we were just finishing up eating.  After, we went to the Ayala-Vera's (Letty & Paul's new house).  Didn't break out the

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-45655112611849021632010-11-24T21:00:00.000-08:002010-11-25T09:17:29.012-08:00

So, I've been dealing with asthma since the end of August.  I used to have it when I was a kid.  It seems like I always had some form of exercise-induced asthma during my lifetime.  But in the past few years it has emerged every time after having a cold, which tends to drag on way too long.  This time, it has stayed around for almost 3 months.  I went to my doctor a couple of times and was

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-65820582052117448532010-11-23T17:56:00.000-08:002010-11-23T18:39:36.626-08:00

A few more "Letters from Daddy." October 4, 2010 Dear Maiya, Good morning.  Did you sleep well?  I did.  Mommy didn't cough all night.  That's great. Let's go to the park after school today.  Love, Daddy October 12, 2010 Dear Maiya.  I think you are cool.  I love you.  I will see you after school at El Marino. Love Daddy October 18, 2010 *This one is Maiya's favorite. Dear Maiya, Hello. Hello.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-47949609443580602352010-11-21T23:36:00.000-08:002010-11-23T17:14:08.076-08:00

One of the things that has brought me to Detroit so many times was my work with Nobuko Miyamoto and Great Leap.  In my 8 years that I worked with Great Leap, one of my highlights was the many times I got to travel to Detroit to get to know Grace Lee Boggs, who I've mentioned in this blog many times, and inspired by Grace's commitment to community building through murals, gardens, the arts, and by

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-63168574344435751912010-11-20T23:27:00.000-08:002010-11-20T23:46:14.164-08:00

I was thinking that the West LA Obon is becoming one of my favorite obons.  I thought it was about the food, but really I think it's about the sense of community. I ran into my friend Stacy who lives in the neighborhood, who I worked with in college. It's walking distance from Uncle Bill's house and it's in the neighborhood where Tony grew up.  This year, it was all about the dancing.  Arriving

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-50405178611939538212010-11-19T23:55:00.000-08:002010-11-20T00:43:31.486-08:00

Here we are this summer in Detroit.  If you're in Detroit, you gotta take the kid to see the Heidelberg Project, right?  You can Google it, if you want more info.  It was Tula and Maiya's first time there.  We only had a few minutes as we were heading over to East side of Detroit after leaving the USSF.  Here are a few pictures from our visit. Girls of Code PinkSistahfriends!Mamafriends!Tula &

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-46740768844996593562010-11-18T00:05:00.000-08:002010-11-17T11:40:32.037-08:00

Here's a video back in January 2010 of 4 1/2 year old Maiya talking on the cell phone to Rod (Tony's audio friend) one morning while getting ready for school.  But the funny thing is that it is not a working phone, so Maiya is not actually talking to Rod, but to herself, but it sounds completely believable as a conversation.  Then when she gets off the phone, she is talking to me about what Rod

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-50802965347967971472010-11-17T08:11:00.000-08:002010-11-17T11:23:51.361-08:00

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE SALESATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 201011:00 – 3:00 PM Nakatomi & Associates Courtyard1820 14th Street - Santa Monica Shop for unique, holiday gift items & something special for yourself! custom japanese kimono fabric bags – alexeco bags - june15/homemade soap -karen kimjapanese green tea and gifts – kanaya fine teasilk shibori scarves – laura hunter / paper crafts – sue lee100% wool

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-33380419347232298422010-11-16T01:23:00.000-08:002010-11-17T10:58:44.555-08:00

I just realized I never blogged about going to Detroit this summer!  So, we went to the 2nd U.S. Social Forum, a gathering of 20,000 other activists from around the country.  I don't know how many times I've been to Detroit, I think this is probably my 10th trip, and I like to think of it as my 2nd home. Maiya and I flew out together and stayed with Scott, Emily and Tula.  It's important to take

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-33288430412553501902010-11-15T01:30:00.000-08:002010-11-16T23:06:25.538-08:00

We had a family reunion on my dad's cousin's side of the family in October.  So, everyone there was a relative of the Fujisaki sisters, my grandma Kumae Kuida and her sister, who married into the Ikeguchi side of the family.   Mrs. Ikeguchi had 4 daughters that I can think of, Eiko, Jean, Ginger and Mary, and 3 sons that I can think of Joe, Fred and George.  There may be more, but these are the

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-51353191748373505772010-11-14T18:21:00.000-08:002010-11-15T01:42:40.155-08:00

Today was Maiya's first basketball game with the Venice Youth Council.  Their team started practicing a few months ago.  All of the girls are 5 years old, and they named themselves the Superstars and just got their uniforms yesterday.  They played pretty well, against a team of 9 boys from the San Fernando Valley. They don't keep score, but I think that our team made 2-3 baskets, and so did the

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-17857397278962216872010-11-13T09:22:00.000-08:002010-11-15T01:41:31.149-08:00

I don't remember being this spunky when I was in Kindergarten.  I remember being shy and afraid of most things.  One day this summer Maiya told us she was going to make lunch and she got out bread, peanut butter and jelly from the fridge and made lunch for the family.  She even set the table with placemats.  Makes me proud.  Lunchtime! NaBloPoMo#13

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-57188536651865022112010-11-12T23:42:00.000-08:002010-11-12T23:46:30.134-08:00

I know, NaBloPoMo is supposed to be about me blogging and writing every day.  I committed to it, but really, I am using it to catch up on this blog.  If you're on FB, chances are you saw these photos back in August.  Here's Maiya and Devin's last day at preschool.  We carpooled with Devin for 5 months.  I think it was a good challenge for the two of them in terms of learning how to get along with

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-79503996606093881242010-11-11T21:30:00.000-08:002010-11-12T07:54:40.912-08:00

Here is Maiya's first Ikebana.  She made this in Japanese class at preschool back earlier this summer.  I love that the Japanese cultural art of flower arranging, is part of Maiya's preschool curriculum. We took this picture for Grandma Machi, who used to do flower arranging when I was growing up.  It took me a few minutes to clear off the table to take the picture. NaBloPoMo#11

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-11322160267664457472010-11-10T23:55:00.000-08:002010-11-20T01:07:20.797-08:00

Tony bought me a new camera for my birthday!  It's a Canon PowerShot S95.  Lots of cool things on it.  Here's me and Maiya at Uncle Bill's.  She's wearing my reading glasses.  Yes, I now have 2 pairs of reading glasses. Too tired to blog tonight... stay tuned.  NaBloPoMo#10

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-12077440997931767712010-11-09T23:07:00.000-08:002010-11-09T23:22:38.173-08:00

Maiya and I walked from her preschool over to the 2nd Tanabata Festival back in August 2010, part of the Nisei Week Festivities.  My sister Gayle drove out to Little Tokyo from the Valley on a Friday evening.  Afterwards, we went to dinner at Suehiro's. Maiya and Cousin Kaylee Gayle with Kieth, Kaylee & Maiya Sisters, Cousins (Photo Credit: Kieth) Ms. Tanabata Kikuchi (haha) Chris and

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-15398493253760940042010-11-08T21:38:00.000-08:002010-11-08T22:26:00.222-08:00

Kindergarten Photo 2010 *Age 5 1/2 For the past five years, I've been working in the Early Childhood Education field, actually as I write this, I realize that yesterday was my 5 year anniversary at work.  As Maiya grew from infant to toddler to preschooler, I've followed the development of her learning as I learned about child development through my work at LTSC and developed my own philosophy

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-62580961541440948142010-11-07T23:55:00.000-08:002010-11-08T01:28:26.814-08:00

Well, today was our last day at Grandpa Larry's house.  Larry's house is in escrow and should close this week.  Tony and Hector went up yesterday and moved and gave away all the furniture.  Today, we drove up and packed up the rest of the kitchen, bathrooms and loaded up what was left of the garage.   Last Summer, we went up almost every weekend, packing up and cleaning up the house.  We went

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-14434099957663599782010-11-06T15:11:00.000-07:002010-11-06T15:31:56.377-07:00

I am sharing this email I received to support the Japanese Latin American issue.  One of my first columns written back in 1996 and was about the JLA's:  Justice Now, Redress Now for JLA's.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Supporters of JLA Redress:We need YOUR HELP to urge Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to support our bill.  This email campaign is directed to our supporters and is NOT a broad public

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-54432204623469776242010-11-05T23:55:00.000-07:002010-11-06T02:06:26.321-07:00

Just watched a DVD "Everybody's Fine"with Robert DeNiro, who is fantastic in the film.  This movie is about a man whose wife recently passed away and all 4 of his grown children cancel out on visiting him.  He sets off on a road trip around the country to surprise visit and connect with his children.  I had never heard of the film before I saw it in the video store.  I enjoyed it, and cried like

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-57127646200774976372010-11-04T11:46:00.000-07:002010-11-20T01:29:55.983-08:00

Most mornings when we wake up for school, Tony has already left for work, but these handwritten letters with little drawings are waiting for us on the pillow.  Maiya and I read them together in bed, or if we're running late, we read them on the potty. Maiya and Daddy on the first day of Kindergarten 8/27/10: Dear Maiya, I think today will be special.  Why?  Because it is your last day as a

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-60179236599637339162010-11-03T22:06:00.000-07:002010-11-04T12:27:41.020-07:00

I don't know when or how it happened, but in the last 6 years or so, I've become a Democrat.  Officially.  In yesterday's election, I voted strictly down the party line, no Greens, no Peace and Freedom candidates, no Independents.  I remember a few years ago my friend Tarabu asking me who I voted for and I told him the Green Party candidate (whose name I can't remember) and he said, "Wow Jenni,

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-69737844751494370412010-11-02T23:50:00.000-07:002010-11-03T22:28:17.048-07:00

I wrote "Forty-Sicks!" on my Facebook status today.  A few people thought I meant forty sucks.  Except that I am not 40, I am now, 46!  Can't even believe it.  The bummer is that I spent my 46th birthday at home with what I think was a quick and mild flu?  Had a fever the night before, then a bit of vomit.  Haven't eaten anything since yesterday at lunch... I vomited my liquid breakfast (3 juiced

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-89703273463089310562010-11-01T20:00:00.000-07:002010-11-03T22:46:36.746-07:00

So, for the last 3 years, I have participated in NaBloPoMo, National Blog Posting Month.  Does anyone actually blog anymore?  Hello out there? Anyways, I'm going to try it again this year, ignoring how busy we are.  If I can spend time every day on Farmville, at least I can try to do this as well.  Maiya starting school, basketball and having her own social life seems to have taken a life of

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-57427573412636508892010-10-12T22:22:00.000-07:002010-10-12T22:24:00.043-07:00

After not taking any trips the last two summers, I was determined to go somewhere this year for vacation. So, me and Maiya went to Las Vegas with Grandma Machi and Grandpa Walt for 3 days in August. We did this alot.  Can you say that 3 times fast?  "Flamingo Las Vegas. Flamingo vas legas, Famingo fos faygas." Enjoying the 3 pools and giant slides at the Flamingo Pool while grandpa gambled.15

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-72105426613172754402010-10-10T08:15:00.000-07:002011-01-13T20:43:09.911-08:00

I went to Washington D.C. on Thursday morning and came back on Friday night.  I was there to meet with fellow grantees from the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.  It was a much different experience from 6 1/2 years ago when I went to DC.  Very nice, unseasonably warm weather.  I stayed near Georgetown so I was able to walk there for dinner. There was a Trader Joe's there that I walked

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-43576321134641306422010-10-06T02:58:00.000-07:002010-10-06T02:59:34.645-07:00

I think FB killed this blog.  Oh well.  If you want to know what's happening with Kuida-Osumi, Facebook us.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-67715735101625243212010-09-11T00:53:00.000-07:002010-10-06T00:59:54.472-07:00

P - E - A - C - E  Kuida-Osumi at the Candlelight Vigil 9-9-10supporting Muslim Americans with NCRR On 9-11-10, we went to the Peace Vigil at the Islamic Center of Southern California

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-91910402245761328142010-08-28T23:42:00.000-07:002010-10-06T00:56:50.629-07:00

Youngest Open Mic on Tuesday Night Project from Gary San Angel on Vimeo. Thanks to Tuesday Night Project folks for allowing Maiya to join the Open Mic on August 3rd for her debut on the Tuesday Night stage.  Thanks to Joe Reilly for performing this at the Children's Social Forum in June in Detroit.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-79859663879726627482010-08-23T16:43:00.000-07:002010-08-30T22:16:46.143-07:00

Here's a Great Leap project I am excited to have been a part of. It's Nobuko and Luke (Aidge) performing B.Y.O. Chopstix--a cute music video encouraging us all to be a little greener... and do our part to help save the earth, one hashi at a time... Bring Your Own Chopstix. This project was so much fun! I helped organize the background extras, and helped with some of the pre-production stuff

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-33275177667312691852010-08-02T22:17:00.000-07:002010-08-03T07:45:51.757-07:00

As a lactivist, I proudly nursed Maiya for 3 years and 3 months.  It was not easy at the beginning.  It took us about 5 months to get her latched on properly, but I was determined not to give up because I knew how breastmilk was building her immunity for a lifetime.  I was visiting a lactation consultant for months and relied on blogger mama friends for advice on natural parenting for years. I

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-4158145398700674962010-07-27T22:07:00.000-07:002010-07-27T22:39:46.465-07:00

We have good days and bad days during carpool. Some days we laugh and play the whole way. Other days Maiya and Devin fight, yell, cry and say nasty mean things to each other and I arrive at work very grumpy. But most days they alternate between getting along, laughing a lot, with little flare-ups in between. Today was one of them, but I consider it a good day because I didn’t yell at anyone

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-22879154644949227852010-07-17T21:16:00.000-07:002010-08-03T07:29:03.337-07:00

Maiya dancing by herself at Venice Obon 2010 Time to go home! We enjoyed Venice obon again this year.  We went with my parents, and Tony decided to walk and met us there.  We ate a lot of food (my review of the food is the same from previous years), lines were fairly long, parked a few blocks away, which is like most obons that we go to.  What I like about Venice is that it is close to home

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-14660942959733162862010-07-12T00:22:00.000-07:002010-07-31T02:15:06.141-07:00

It's obon season again!  Here we are at Nishi Obon, you could say it is our home obon since it is where Maiya has been going to preschool for the last 2 1/2 years, and we are members at Nishi.   Between our family, we sampled just about everything there is to eat and drink this year.   This year was cool, not hot at all, and not as crowded as in the past two years.  It was fun watching the kids

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-25064302085075138632010-06-15T23:56:00.000-07:002010-07-08T00:07:42.953-07:00

Maiya and her preschool friend Kiana's 5th bday 

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-70338001956175467042010-06-09T23:50:00.000-07:002010-06-10T14:11:18.043-07:00

On Memorial Day weekend, Tony, Maiya and I rented a car and drove 381 miles to Phoenix to join the march protesting SB 1070, the recently signed Arizona law that will allow/force/legalize racial profiling against people of color.  It will authorize police to stop "suspected" undocumented immigrants based on the color of their skin and ask them for their papers. We left at 3:30 in the morning,

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-84611546736315499932010-06-01T23:45:00.000-07:002010-07-27T10:31:12.429-07:00

Funny things come out of the backseat during carpool. Maiya:  Mommy, is Devin a Asian man? Jenni:  Um, Devin is a young Asian man. Devin:  I'm an Asian men! Maiya:  Asian pear! Devin: Asian taggie! Maiya:  Asian apple! Devin:  Asian duckie! Maiya:  Asian Jacaranda! Devin:  Asian blossom! Maiya:  Asian street! Devin:  Asian meat! Not exactly in that order, but you get the picture.  It

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-35103716038665141012010-05-20T23:45:00.000-07:002010-06-02T00:58:21.664-07:00

One thing is for sure, Maiya hates spiders.  She doesn't like them at all.   The tiniest of spiders in her room and she screams and carries on and wants them removed.  There is one in the corner of our bedroom ceiling and she looks up at it every night.  Even more surprising that I overheard this conversation in the backseat of the car this morning during carpool. Maiya to Devin:  "Devin, if you

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-23831350989928720812010-05-16T21:56:00.000-07:002010-07-04T01:41:29.245-07:00

Yesterday we shot a music video B.Y.O. Chopstix, a new Great Leap project--5am set up craft services, prepped and dished up the "props" food, getting to feel a bit like a waitress, enjoyed being part of the production crew all before 7:30 am... Tony & I picked up Maiya from her sleepover at Auntie Keiko's, watched her run the Chibi K in J-town, rushed back to Gardena by 9:30 to continue helping

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-15367266530737309192010-05-02T00:17:00.000-07:002010-07-04T00:28:14.167-07:00

This is Minna, one of my dearest childhood friends.  I have known Minna since the 2nd grade when she came to school with a note on her jacket saying that she came from Taiwan and didn't speak English.Fast forward to 2010. Here is Minna's new daughter Jasmine from Taiwan, who was adopted by Minna and her husband Joea month ago.  Jasmine is 5 and is learning English, just like her mom did almost 40

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-87303209164501310452010-04-27T21:15:00.000-07:002010-05-11T21:16:17.986-07:00

Drove up to Manzanar for the day this year.  Left around 9am, got up there just after noon, stayed for the program and then went to the interpretive center, then hit the road to go home.  It was nice that my brother Darin's family came up, as did Nobuko and Dan.  Nice to visit with our friends from NCRR.  It was the first time I've been there in 12 years that I wasn't working, running around

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-44660251460043882010-04-13T22:53:00.000-07:002010-07-28T09:04:29.743-07:00

Kind of Crunchy:  You lean more toward Attachment Parenting, natural births, homepathic remedies, and living green! You tend to question modern medicine and mainstream parenting. You tend to delay vaccines or use an alternate schedule. You aren't bothered by the fact that people tend to question your parenting style. You feel strongly about the way you're raising your kids. You believe that it's

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-76604544725606075072010-04-12T23:58:00.000-07:002010-04-13T01:05:50.070-07:00

Easter '10 and the 40sThis year we celebrated Gayle, Lee & Tony's birthdays on Easter.  This was the first time the cousins got together to dye eggs.  Kids had a nice time playing outside in Grandma Machi's backyard.Then, the Mad Dash for the egg hunt.  For me, it was fun to hide the eggs. We watched the crazed kids come out ready to snatch up those eggs.Then, we ate a feast and a half.Saori made

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-7556992009901757432010-04-05T01:13:00.000-07:002010-07-04T01:14:45.353-07:00

Practice shootingHustlingGoing for it!Bruins/Jr. Lakers 2010Jr. Lakers BBQ at the park (with Mikail and Rahel)Getting a trophy and certificate from Coach Fred

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-79559089177558545712010-03-27T01:30:00.000-07:002010-03-27T01:39:07.252-07:00

Maiya's 5th 5K in 5 years... here we are at the LA Marathon 5K at Dodger Stadium last Saturday morning.  Ten of us walked the 5K as a fundraiser for Great Leap.  You can't help but notice our beautiful green "Leapin' Leapers for the Arts" t-shirts.  Our youngest was Maiya at 5, and our oldest was Beatrice at 78, who actually came in 1st place our of 3 in her age group (women from 75-79). Bea, Jo

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-82153834954182615772010-03-26T23:48:00.000-07:002010-03-27T02:00:09.218-07:00

Big Congrats to Tony for finishing his first LA Marathon in 7:11!  He's been walking for almost a year now, and he had decided a month ago to walk the marathon to help raise money for Great Leap.  I think he'll write about his experience walking through what he called "colonial LA." We left the house at 5:30 am to drop Tony off at Dodger Stadium.  Maiya and I went to breakfast and gorged

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-2100088171739431352010-03-25T14:20:00.001-07:002010-03-25T14:26:48.065-07:00

Here's a book Maiya & I made for Christmas gifts for our family about Maiya's Summer. It's easy to make on Shutterfly and fun to share with family & friends. Enjoy. Click here to view this photo book larger

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-79450979493017907182010-02-28T00:30:00.000-08:002010-07-04T00:54:55.054-07:00

We had Maiya's 5th birthday party at the same park where Tony & I got married 12 years ago.   Tony & Maiya on the play structure.  Note that Tony was able to relax and have fun since we ordered the food instead of BBQing.  Maiya spent most of the day with her friends in the playground area.  I barely saw her until cake time. Speaking of food, we ordered Ono's BBQ Chicken, Mac Salad and Rice,

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-22261632152485877302010-02-27T23:43:00.000-08:002010-03-12T23:43:31.805-08:00

Dad turned 79 on Valentine's Day.  Here we are celebrating lunch with family and some Panda Express.  Everyone except me seems to go there quite often, I actually had never had it before.  It wasn't bad.  I made an organic sweet potato mochiko dessert that turned out pretty yucky.  Don't know what happened, it came from the Senshin cookbook.  Anyways, I must have done something wrong, or my stove

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-64244777621675075712010-02-25T22:27:00.000-08:002010-07-04T01:01:01.481-07:00

Maiya designed Valentine's cards for her friends at school.  Unfortunately, we waited until 9pm the night before we needed them, so we were up late addressing envelopes and cutting out hearts with origami paper.  Despite the late start, we had fun making them together.  After Maiya went to sleep, I attached the cards to little flower pots with strawberry seed pods, rather than give candy. Here is

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-25253078348173110152010-02-24T23:45:00.000-08:002010-02-25T00:26:26.679-08:00

Kevin's 5th Bday at Pump, Pump, Pump it Up! Ok, well actually the party was a month ago, back in January.  Wouldn't  you know that I really jammed my hand when I landed on it on the obstacle course and heard a cracking sound--it still hurts a month later.  No more pump it up for me.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-25909851914670999332010-02-21T01:33:00.000-08:002010-02-21T01:40:49.160-08:00

Maiya started playing basketball for 3-5 year olds with the Bruins in January.  After taking a basketball clinic in November, Maiya decided she wanted to join Jr. Lakers with the Y.  Actually, she was kind of hot and cold. We'd ask her if she wanted to play, and she'd say yes one day, and no the next.  We thought she was going to be a no, but then she changed her mind and decided to try it out.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-46689106959794125722010-02-15T08:10:00.000-08:002010-02-25T00:39:18.848-08:00

Hard to believe that Maiya is 5 already.  She had a Manjuu party at preschool again this year.  Chocolate and Rainbow Mochi from Fugetsu-do, plus a special Strawberry Mochi with a "5" candle on it.  We took Maiya out from school a few hours early, took some pictures out front (her 2 year anniversary of starting preschool) and we walked to J-town and had an early noodle dinner at Daikokuya,

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-50482759248535637642010-02-12T00:50:00.000-08:002010-02-21T01:17:33.255-08:00

Last month, was Grandma Machi's Birthday.  We celebrated with a Make Your Own Taco night at my sister Gayle's house.  The kids are growing up so fast.  

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-65505574083204037942010-02-10T17:14:00.000-08:002010-02-25T00:15:24.877-08:00

Sherman Grancell was one of the founders of the law firm that I worked at for 12 years, beginning as a legal secretary in college back in 1985.  Sherman and his wife Sylvia, were among the nicest people I have ever met.  His son Norin was my boss for many years.  He was already retired when I started working in the Inglewood office in 1987, but he still had an office and came in every few weeks

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-30410796312925076532010-02-04T00:55:00.000-08:002010-07-04T01:00:20.064-07:00

DJ Maiya’s second music mix is being released in time for Maiya Grace Kuida-Osumi’s 5th birthday.  This CD is a gathering of some of Maiya’s favorite songs and stories.  As you will see, her interests are an eclectic mix of reggae, kids’ dance music, Japanese stories, really, really rock ‘n roll (a little louder Mommy), songs about animals, and the environment.  Now that she has a little used

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-33466575040922754672010-01-31T19:07:00.000-08:002010-02-07T09:36:01.244-08:00

The other evening about 4:30, we decided to head over to the Baldwin Steps.It's very steep with uneven concrete steps.Maiya & Daddy got to the top pretty quickly. While others of us had an asthma attack.Nonetheless, it was a beautiful day up at top.So we took some family photos.And more pix of the "big girl."  Don't call her a little girl, please.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-34051694093867110112010-01-29T09:26:00.000-08:002010-11-25T04:57:18.847-08:00

We've been doing Oshogatsu over the years--not every year, but just about every 2-3 years or so, is about all that we can handle. We hadn't done it since Maiya was a baby. So, this year, on Jan. 3rd, we invited about 100 friends and family on short notice to come over for Oshogatsu. This year, we really tried to do a Green Party (haha). We got out Tony's grandma's china, got out our old

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-6808147241409780262010-01-21T22:40:00.000-08:002010-01-30T05:23:26.646-08:00

On New Year's we went to Uncle Bill's in the morning for ozoni, then went to the Okazaki's, my grandma's house in Boyle Heights, then a quick trip to Ikea for our second annual New Year's Day visit to Ikea. Bought a few light fixtures for the hallway and the bedroom and some plastic orange chairs for our Oshogatsu. Went home and made one more broccoli salad to take to Evelyn & Bruce's for their

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-6362353741067226652010-01-18T23:52:00.000-08:002010-01-19T14:59:23.230-08:00

No, it's not our Christmas photo... but I am working on a Year of the Tiger card, which at this point is still a month early. I am not going to stress about such things this year. I did just distribute family Christmas presents earlier today. Granny Franny, if you're reading, a Hanukkah present is (almost) in the mail. Posts on New Years, our Oshogatsu party and my mom's bday party are in the

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-50205269243284985272010-01-09T08:28:00.000-08:002010-01-14T22:35:20.090-08:00

A few Maiya Grace-isms at 4 1/2 years old:Lights are out, but I just heard, "Mommy, is there a thing of aliens or not in outer space?Maiya is singing nonstop, "Black black, black sheep, have ee evey words? Yes sir, yes sir 3 bags full." And I can't stop laughing about it.Maiya on her dead cell phone from gift exchange w/the Ayala Family: "Hi Maria, how are you doing, oh great, i do not even know

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-45049170476811009032010-01-01T08:18:00.000-08:002010-01-01T08:20:00.001-08:00

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year from the Kuida-Osumi Family. It's a new decade!

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-9166737367187398432009-12-26T09:38:00.000-08:002010-11-28T08:14:23.356-08:00

Maiya's Odori class performed at the Oseibo, a year end party at the Buddhist Temple where Maiya goes to preschool. It is a chance to thank the ministers and teachers for their work all year long, and a chance for all of the temple groups to perform in a little showcase. Then afterwards, it's chili rice, hot dogs and pizza for everyone. It was a nice event. For the proud preschool parents, it

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-37793016854222811972009-12-25T20:25:00.000-08:002010-01-01T08:54:28.411-08:00

Christmas Morn at the Kuida-Osumi's houseKuida's11 of the 23 Okazaki Great GrandchildrenWe had a nice Christmas. I made broccoli salad 6 times over the holidays. This year we bought a big tree - it was really beautiful. Maiya and I made cookies for Santa, who came through the chimney, saw Maiya's drawing for Santa, and at our cookies. On Christmas Day we went to my mom's. I was a bit wiped

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-74318693356099610922009-12-24T23:22:00.000-08:002010-01-20T00:49:29.555-08:00

I thought I already blogged these, but I must be confusing it with FB. Anyways, here's some random holiday events and photos from 12.09. Notice Maiya's dress in most of these photos, purchased last year on eBay.Magician Maiya's little purple tree with purple lightsTenrikyo SP Church's 80th Anniversary Celebrationstarted by my Grandma and Great GrandmaPutting up tree for Grandma's Kiddies Annual

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-87096301270508471282009-12-22T01:57:00.000-08:002010-01-01T08:55:27.852-08:00

Uncle Meg, Aunt Janice and Cousin Tina with Maiya in 2005Tony's Uncle Meg passed away on Wednesday due to heart failure. He kept a low profile over the last few years due to problems with his health, but in his earlier days he was very supportive in the fight for redress, involved with the UCLA Asian American Studies Center's Amerasia Journal, as an employment and labor law attorney doing social

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-4583569890767885702009-11-30T09:38:00.000-08:002009-12-02T09:39:50.674-08:00

Here it is folks, 30 days of posts for National Blog Posting Month, November 2009. Checking off my "To Do" List. As if I didn't already have enough to do in my life. So done.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Jenni's Garden 2009Nisei Week Community Ondo 09Buy Nothing Today #27Turkey Day #26Back to 2 1/2 Months (#25)Nisei Week Parade 09 (#24)Family (Literacy) Fun Night (#23)Picture Needing No Caption Other than 36

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-41233717166023312692009-11-29T21:51:00.000-08:002009-11-30T22:27:27.165-08:00

NaBloPoMo#29. Sharing some photos from our Spring/Summer 2009 garden at the new house. I didn't do a good job of prepping the soil, I just bought some small potted veggies and put them in the ground. So, the garden this year did ok, some plants died, and others only produced 2-3 things before blight and other things became a problem, and it just wasn't the bountiful garden that I had hoped for.

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-47874930915185152912009-11-28T23:50:00.000-08:002009-11-29T12:29:16.689-08:00

Maiya and my first time to go the Nisei Week Community Ondo, the Sunday that closes out Nisei Week activities in Little Tokyo. Here are some pictures.I thought he was a squirrel, but no, Akita the Dog.Maiya was happy to see her friend Lotis from preschool dancingLotis knows the moves pretty well so she's a good one to follow. Actually, Lotis was following Tamlyn Tomita, who also knew what to

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-27810923900948736572009-11-27T19:16:00.000-08:002009-11-27T19:23:05.634-08:00

This is the 2nd time we have participated in "Buy Nothing Day." The idea is to not buy material things on so-called Black Friday, filling our house with things we probably don't need, and for sure the earth needs us not to add more things. The first time was in 2007. Last year for 2008, we bought a house on Buy Nothing Day, opening escrow and everything. But at least we were helping the

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-86179454409326127602009-11-26T23:55:00.000-08:002009-11-27T19:07:22.386-08:00

We had a good Thanksgiving yesterday. In the morning, we hung out at the house, I was playing a little Farmville, and then made 2 broccoli bacon nut salads. Then we went over to Tony's Aunt Janice & Uncle Meg's house. This year, Maiya had two kids to run around and play with, so she had a nice time. It was also nice to see Nina & Danika, who entertained us with funny stories. I didn't eat

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-30444659845795641802009-11-26T01:24:00.000-08:002009-11-26T01:31:01.484-08:00

Aww, this is a cute one of Baby Maiya from 2 1/2 months old... Here is the link to the blog entry from April 2005. More backblogging to catch up #25 on the 26th... is this cheating? Cause I could look at and post these old pictures all night, but since tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm freezing in my heaterless house, I'm going to go to bed. And, for the Farmville friends out there, I joined

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-58169863250516354102009-11-25T23:52:00.000-08:002009-11-26T00:17:38.807-08:00

Better late than never, I suppose. Here's some pictures of the 69th Nisei Week Parade. My first time to sit and watch it in over a decade at least. It was fun to bring Maiya. We came straight from the mountains to the parade.Maiya on the parade routeKorean dancersMaiya & Justin waiting during a lull in the paradeHase-Chu'sOpen your eyes, Grandma Machi! Friends from Bombu Taiko doing "Ashura"

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-31448703318840664412009-11-25T07:42:00.000-08:002009-11-25T11:53:18.981-08:00

Last Friday night, Maiya, Letty & I went to the Angelina Family (Literacy) Fun Night event at work, part of the celebration for National Family Literacy Month (November). It was a joint event with our Family Literacy, Male Involvement and DISKovery Angelina programs. We had a good time. After a fun circle time dancing to "We're Going on a Bear Hunt," we set about to join Maiya on 5-6 activity

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-61543545448980196732009-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:002009-11-24T10:00:00.960-08:00

January, 2005. NaBloPoMo Catch Up Day#22

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-18075168965067527082009-11-23T23:40:00.000-08:002009-11-24T01:17:02.595-08:00

When the Ping's come to town, we get together. Period. On their way back home after a quick weekend in San Diego, Mary and her family stopped by to visit. So, 19 of us got together with Darin & Sao's family, Steve & Maile's family, and Kaz & Chris' families for a quick 4 hour visit. Tony threw together a big pot of spaghetti and some snackies and we sat and laughed and caught up on the

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-21124677638540574692009-11-22T21:18:00.000-08:002009-11-22T21:27:54.160-08:00

Happy 3rd birthday and adoption celebration to Leela! We loved your Red Cat Cake!NaBloPoMo#20

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6220973.post-61966562111771265252009-11-21T23:00:00.000-08:002009-11-22T08:42:06.728-08:00

I never learned to like sports. I was afraid of most sports, especially those where people might be watching you (goes back to being a shy kid), and those where you might need coordination or skill or muscles or to have a competitive bone in your body. That's why I like the gym, cause you can read a book, listen to music, and no one's really watching you. I have memories of elementary school

Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08975694936840620152noreply@blogger.com0