Back to Japan

During my two months in the land of the rising sun, I had some incredible times, but I also had some lousy days, too. Luckily they didn't last very long. I pretty much chalk it all up to homesickness. That, coupled with the heat and humidity, not knowing the language and not having any friends to hang out with ... well, I was pretty lonely for awhile.

One of the most memorable moments of my trip was when I decided to buck up and set out on an adventure, one that brought me to the Tokyo LDS Temple! It was a bit of a turning point in my trip. I managed perfectly to get on the right trains and then onto the subway ... I left the subway station and followed the directions, turned the corner and there it was! So incredible to see such a beautiful, familiar sight in such a completely foreign country.

Walking in, I tried to contain my relief and excitement. I managed to find my way through the session even though I was pretty nervous that I would make a fool of myself or not understand anything, but everything went wonderfully. The matrons at the temple were so sweet and I think I was their "Special Project" for the day.

It was such a spiritual experience. I realized that, no matter where I was in the world, no matter how homesick I was, the Church would always be there! The next day I went to church for the first time and was quickly welcomed into the fold, making many great friends along the way.

Adorable Adi

This post is dedicated to my beautiful niece, Adilyn! I just spent the last weekend with Adi (and her parents, too), and had a great time playing with her, teaching her to say Jenn, and taking her for walks to find the "ki-ties" and "doggas." Between her demands for "gum" and "candy" we also managed to eat some great, messy spaghetti and then apply our chapstick.

It was a great weekend!

Uneventful days

Looks like I have a bit of catching up to do. I just wish it were more exciting. It's been pretty quiet and uneventful around here.
I did have a great Christmas ... I got to go home to St. George and spend time with both family and friends. From gossiping while getting my hair done by Amy Saturday morning, to catching up with Mike and his brother at his shop to dancing the night away with Mike, Amy, Rob and more down in Mesquite. It was a great time. Sunday was filled with fun visits with friends from church and lounging around chatting with dad while we waiting for Mom to arrive from Layton ... with a car filled with food and presents ... just like Santa and his sleigh ... well, almost.

I managed to eat at a couple of my favorite restaurants! I have seriously been missing Cafe Rio and Bajio!! I sure wish I could open a franchise down here. There just isn't anything that compares in So. Cal!

Christmas day was kind of a let-down ... Not because Santa didn't bring me what I wanted... no, I got a case of the flu or something. I even ended up on the couch while Mom and Dad ate Christmas dinner. It certainly made for a long drive home the next day ... not feeling good and then having to contend with horrible traffic! But overall, it was a great weekend.

While at the condo, I helped my parents move in some new furniture. They are having a great time decorating and slowly renovating the condo. They are slowly repainting and eventually will be re-carpeting the entire place. In the meantime, they are having fun furnishing the place. It's sure looking good, too.
Here are some photos...



(Photos provided via camera phone by Brent.)

As for New Year's ... well, I reverted to my pre-teen years and babysat for the night. It actually was pretty fun. Knight is about the same age as Adi, 22 months, so we had a great time. He sure loved "walking" the doggies. He actually did manage to walk Macey around the complex... all by himself. He is such a cutie! And such a talker, too. Sure made me miss my little neice, though.

But I will be able to see little Miss Adi in just a couple weeks!! She is flying out with her parents on Jan. 15 to Vegas. Part of the family's Christmas present is a trip for them to come out and spend a week with all of us! I can't wait. Lisa will spend three days with them in Vegas while I watch the puppies. I will then head up Thursday night and then take them back to the airport Monday. I can't wait to play with Adi and make some good use of my camera!!