Shopping, Cooking, and Driving

”Three Girls" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/20 sec, ISO3200
”Three Girls” Cedar Park, 2018

こんばんは。How’s it going?

Today went by so quickly! Even though I woke up fairly early (before 8 am), there was so much to do.

First, opening the mail that had collected for me the past week, a little freelance work, vacuuming, and breaking down cardboard boxes kept me busy before the kids woke up. Next, it was off to the market to buy ingredients for dinner, then to the mall to find some black slacks for Koa. Who knew it could be so difficult! We went to five stores before finding a pair that fit and wasn’t crazy expensive.

By that time it was early afternoon and time to get cooking! Mariko was going to a potluck and requested I make barbacoa meat for tacos. It was fairly easy to make, and with the Instant Pot, it was fast too. I love that pressure cooker!

But before dinner, I went out driving with Bay. We need to really finish up and get him his license soon (hopefully before September). He has to finish some online classes, and we just need a few more hours of driving (and parallel parking) before he can take his driving test. So we are on a fast track to get it done. On the plus side, Bay is a really good driver, so I’m not too worried about him on the road.

After we returned home, it was taco time! The barbacoa meat was tender and yummy, but honestly, I’d take carnitas over barbacoa any day of the week.

In the evening, I had three large piles of laundry to fold, and that brings us up to the present. It’s 11:24 and I need to wrap this up.

I hope you had a nice Sunday!

おやすみ!

Celebrating

"Sparkly" Austin, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO2000
“Sparkly” Austin, 2018
"Fireworks" Austin, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/3.2, 1/8 sec, ISO800
“Fireworks” Austin, 2018
"Sparklers" Austin, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO3200
“Sparklers” Austin, 2018
"Little One" Austin, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/110 sec, ISO3200
“Little One” Austin, 2018
"Tacos and Hashi" Austin, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.2, 1/110 sec, ISO3200
“Tacos and Hashi” Austin, 2018
"Refreshments" Austin, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.2, 1/160 sec, ISO2500
“Refreshments” Austin, 2018
"Soccer Shochu" Austin, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.5, 1/100 sec, ISO1600
“Soccer Shochu” Austin, 2018
"Enjoying Outside" Austin, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/40 sec, ISO3200
“Enjoying Outside” Austin, 2018

Slow Monday

"Fresh Bread" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/75 sec, ISO3200
“Fresh Bread” Cedar Park, 2018

こんばんは。How’s it going?

It’s a holiday week here in the States as we celebrate Independence Day on Wednesday. Because of that, a lot of people are taking vacation, and the office is very quiet. Not only are there fewer people here, but the overall mood is laid back since those of us still here are looking forward to a relaxing Wednesday. It’s a good feeling!

Honestly, I can’t get very excited about this year’s Independence Day, as I truly despise our current government administration. I don’t believe it reflects the values that the forefathers envisioned. On that note, here’s an excellent podcast episode that succinctly summarizes the state of the country, and my feelings about it. It’s Sarah Kendzior as the guest on The Rob Burgess Show. She’s one of the people that I trust and is always a compassionate voice of reason in this time of lies and cruelty.

I didn’t intend this blog post to be political, but I believe our government has shifted from a flawed but functioning democracy towards an authoritarian state, where our system of checks and balances has been compromised. But we can still vote and protest, and while the First Amendment still exists in the Constitution, I will write about it.

🇺🇸

Today’s photo speaks for itself. But I wish you all could smell the wonderful aroma of freshly-baked bread that has filled the house! ❤🍞

またね~

Sunday Run

"No Fire" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: Motorola Moto G (4), 3.64mm, f/2, 1/640 sec, ISO50
“No Fire” Cedar Park, 2018

こんばんは。How’s it going?

This morning I decided to go running for the first time in a few months. I tend to go in cycles with my running, which is kind of odd because I enjoy it so much. I guess I just fill my day up with other stuff. But for some reason, I just decided I should go. So I laced up my running shoes (actually my On Cloud shoes don’t have laces) and headed out. I surprised myself because I had a lot of energy and my legs didn’t get tired when I expected they would, but I didn’t push it and walked about a third of the way. Maybe it’s because I do squats ever day? I don’t know, but I felt really good!

The Texas heat is coming on strong, though, and when I passed by the small park, I saw the barbeque grills were off-limits as you can see in the photo. It looks like it’s going to be a sweltering summer.

By the way, I use Strava to track my running. If you are on Strava too, let’s connect!

I hope you had a good Sunday!

またね~

Dinner and a Movie

"French Theme" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.2, 1/100 sec, ISO2500
“French Theme” Cedar Park, 2018

Tonight a friend came over for dinner and a movie so I guess you could call it a small dinner party, which has a nice ring to it. 😄 The theme was French, and we enjoyed French wine, paté, nice grilled fish, cheeses, etc. And then after that we watched Amélie, which is one of my favorite movies. It’s amazing that the movie is now 17 years old! It’s still fantastic and timeless in its charm. Highly recommended if you haven’t seen it already.

After the movie, we relaxed with a nice drink outside on our deck where a soft breeze kept us cool and comfortable. It was a good Saturday. 😌

おやすみ!

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