I figure it's about time for a change, after some recent inspiration in my life. I've been away from Xanga for so long. I guess I've been way too busy. Perhaps. I'm trying a simpler layout this time.

Anyway, what's hot in new news: We've started searching for a home to move in to. The condo market seems very enticing at the moment. Call me a sucker for sheer convenience. Besides, I've never lived in a condo so I might as well give it a try. I have my first appointment with a developer this Sunday. I've been learning a lot about home financing. Mortgages, amortization, accelerated bi-weekly payments, etc. It was all very confusing when I first started but I think I'm starting to get a hang of it. Location, location, location, or so I hear.

Wedding plans are coming along nicely. Mich's dress: check, invitations: in progress, tux/suit choices: check, chocolate and Fluff fountain: check? (This is my newest idea, Michelle.) The groomsmen are all set and ready to go. We're actually planning a bachelor trip in September, right before the wedding. I'm very excited for that. So far, it looks like we're all in agreement on a west-coast trip in the U.S., Californ-I-A.

Josh is making preparations for his mission term in Japan. I spent a great Sunday with him and his family as we attended his church service, ate an amazing lunch together, and spent an uplifting time of prayer together. I'm very excited for him and his upcoming mission trip.

The Ghents are coming to town! It's been a long time coming and I'm VERY excited for their arrival! They've all been so influential in my life, especially during my time in Japan, and I'm really looking forward to seeing them again here in TO very soon. It feels like a family reunion of sorts. Please continue to pray for their home assignment term in Canada and in the U.S.

That's all for now. I haven't decided how regular my postings will be. I suppose I should let the cheetah be the judge of that.

Health Food.

Yesterday, during my day off I took Bethany, and the short-term team (Antonia, Tim, and Teddy) out for some kaiten-sushi in Hirosaki. One of the more interesting dishes we tried was one called "ton-toro". Yup, that's right. We had grilled pork fat!  As disgusting as it may sound, it was actually quite tasty and flavourful. Highly recommended.

Also, I just found out that I may have had whale meat yesterday, without even realizing it. Boo. I'm now very curious to know which one of the dishes I had was whale meat. Well, at least that's another item I can now check off my list of things I want to do.

Grilled pork-fat sushi. My arteries are crying.

Another random thought. I realize just how much I love the following Spanish phrase, "¡estás erróneamente equivocado!" Translated as, "you are erroneously wrong!" Not only are you wrong but you are erroneously wrong. Although it sounds much better and is much more fun to say in Spanish. How fantastic is that? Of course, it's a mean thing to say to someone and I'd probably never use it real life, but it's just so fun to think how "katai" that phrase is.

The new neighbours are in town!

Taken during the Bazaar at Harvest House this past Saturday. (L to R: Naomi, Tim, yours truly, Hoshi, Daisuke, and Aaron)

Harvest House in full-effect! Wow, major 80's flashback. I wonder if anyone actually says that anymore. It's been a blast living in Harvest House (new house in Jonan). I just had a good talk with Martin and he was saying that a new church plant should be exciting because we expect, in faith, that God has already been working in Jonan. So far, it has been nothing short of exciting! With a whole slew of events to get things kick-started, we're praying and with God's leading, working hard to reach out to the community of Jonan. As always, thanks for your continual prayers. God is definately at work here in Jonan!

The boredom buster...

Greetings from Japan! I'm glad to hear that my weblog is being used  to fight boredom.  So, I've decided to write up a special entry just for a good friend of mine. Well, it's not much of an entry. Rather, it's more like a cool photo posting.

Taken at night at a barbeque and fireworks party in Itayanagi. It was quite chilly that night, so I decided to warm myself up over the grill. Smart. S-M-R-T.

Things I miss...

Lately I've been thinking quite a bit about the things I miss from back home in Canada. Besides the obvious things being my friends and family, my church, and my "artículos del afecto", baby Sterling and baby Taylor, some other things come to mind as well. Here's a list of some things I miss from back home:

1. Hockey
I miss hockey. A lot. No one talks about hockey at all up here and the very few conversations I've had about hockey over here were with some international students from the U.S. Go Ron Francis! Go Whalers!

2. Bubble Tea
Bash me all you want. You try going without bubble tea for over 3 months. Trust me, it starts to affect you after a while. 

3. Ribs
Baby back ribs, beef ribs, pork ribs, grilled, slow-smoked, perfectly seasoned, tender, juicy ribs. In whatever way, shape, or form, I miss eating ribs. Speaking of which, Ribfest '06 is coming up rather soon. *sigh*

4. North American Coca-cola
Sure, we have plenty of coca-cola here in Japan, but it just tastes different. I'm sure John would agree.

5. Fluff
Yup Michelle, you heard me. I miss Fluff. I really do. =) Fluff is the greatest. It goes with absolutely anything and everything. Caesar salad and Fluff, corn flakes and Fluff, hash browns and Fluff, tomato soup and Fluff. Everything. I miss Fluff. Don't worry Mich, I'll make sure our cupboards are well-stocked with Fluff.

It's funny how 4 out of the 5 things listed were food items. Hmmmm.  

Tha otha dillies yo. I'm really excited for tonight! I'm taking Aaron and Naomi out to see "Check it out Yo!". It's a Japanese hiphop movie based in Okinawa!! How fantastic is that? After the movie, I have a date with my beloved fiancee!