Weekends

Sat., Feb. 21st
 The day before, Shirlee told me that I could sleep as much as I wanted, so I woke up  at 11:00 a.m. I made tamagoyaki (a Japanese omelet) by myself, but I burned it, so it did not taste good.

Then, I went shopping with Shirlee to buy lunches for the following week and some ingredients for yakisoba, (Japanese fried noodles), which I was planning to cook. I was surprised that American supermarkets were much bigger and more colorful than those in Japan. When checking out at the register, I met a Japanese woman. She encouraged me a lot, so I was glad to meet her. After that, we went to Subway to buy dinner. I chose all my favorite toppings, such as roast beef, cucumbers, and sweet onion sauce. Then, we went to Starbucks, where Shirlee bought me a Frappuccino with matcha on the bottom and strawberry on top.

In the evening, we went to Auburn High School to watch basketball. John helped as a scorekeeper for the game. I enjoyed watching the game with Shirlee. After the game, I took a picture with one of the players who won the game. I was surprised by how tall he was.

After we got home, I watched a movie, "The Proposal" with my host family while drinking hot cocoa. It was my first time seeing a romantic comedy. I really enjoyed it.

Congratulations!

Sun., Feb. 22nd
 For breakfast, I had boiled eggs, cheese, and a matcha latte with whipped cream. We went to church every Sunday morning unless one of us felt sick. At the church, everyone enjoyed singing happily as if they were at a concert. I talked with international students from Green River College. A girl who had lived in Japan gave me a rose.

After that, we went to Starbucks. I had a Dark Mocha Frappuccino, and we shared matcha and strawberry pound cake. We checked our plans for the following week.

While John went running 10 miles, Shirlee and I visited the Museum of Glass. We took pictures while imitating the statues and  enjoyed beautiful glass artworks by Dale Chihuly. At the souvenir shop, a glass flower in a vase caught my eye, but I couldn't choose one because they were all so cute.

Shirlee took me to Trader Joe's, a popular supermarket in America that I had wanted to visit. I bought a Seattle tote bag. I was impressed that Shirlee naturally talked with strangers at the supermarket. On our way home, we ate pretzels covered with white chocolate and cookies and cream.

For dinner, I cooked Japanese food for my host family. I made yakisoba(Japanese stir-fried noodles). Shirlee helped me cut the vegetables. Thanks to practicing it in Japan, I was able to cook it well. I was relieved that they enjoyed it. After dinner, we played card games together. I finished in the last place after three rounds, but John told me, "You got the bronze medal!" because the Olympics were being held at that time. That made me happy.  After the game, we watched  the closing ceremony of the Olympics.

　Beautiful!

　Yakisoba



Sat., Feb. 28th
 In the morning, I went to the dentist with Shirlee. We met my teacher and his host family there. Before the treatment, I had to fill out many forms. I was a little nervous because the doctor was humming before the treatment started, but it was over very quickly. The treatment was expensive, but I had a valuable experience. Shirlee said, "You are the first student I have hosted who had to go to the dentist."

After dropping by Starbucks, Shirlee and I went to see Mt. Rainier, a famous mountain in the state of Washington. I could see it from the bridge every morning on the way to the study center. We took some pictures together. Then, we went to Knutson Farms. There were many colorful flowers. Shirlee bought me some daffodils. The flowers smelled good.

After that, we watched basketball at Auburn High School. For dinner, we had Hawaiian pizza with pineapple. After dinner, we watched the romantic comedy movie, "Marry Me," and the TV show, "Survivor." The prize money was amazing on American TV shows.

　A Little Nervous

My Favorite Picture


Sun., Mar. 1st
 We didn't go to church because Shirlee had a sore throat. Shirlee said to me, "Today is a slow morning." She cooked scrambled eggs with cheese and bread.

After that, I went to Zola's Cafe with my host family to meet their friends. At the cafe, I had a Mocha coffee. My host family's friends used to be English teachers, and they were very kind to me.

In the afternoon, we went to see Miss Seattle. It was like a beauty contest in Japan. The contestants were judged based on interviews, speeches, talents, and fitness. They competed for scholarships. We watched the contest for about four hours! I was inspired by how confidently each contestant stood on the stage. I was also surprised to hear that one of my host family's daughters had won the contest before.

For dinner, we had tacos because I wanted to try them. It was very filling and delicious.

Miss Seattle ☆彡　

Yum!　


Sat., Mar. 7th
 I went to cheer John on in his half marathon with Shirlee. In the morning, we stopped by Starbucks to get breakfast. I had a Strawberry Acai Lemonade and a bacon and egg sandwich. After that, we watched the moment when John and his friend, Regina, crossed the finish line together. John put his medal around my neck.

Before meeting John, we went to a shopping mall. We shared a pecan caramel pastry there. After meeting John, we ate hamburgers for lunch. We talked about my future, and they gave me lots of encouragement. We also went to see a huge and impressive troll.

With Regina and John

We Are Friends　

　I'm Full!



Sun., Mar. 8th
 We went to Point Ruston where we could enjoy shopping, dining, and walking by the sea. I ate a crepe at a cool cafe. We also went shopping and took a walk along the beach. I wished that this wonderful time would last forever.

After we got home, Regina, whom I had met at the Zola's Cafe and at the marathon, came to  our house as a surprise. She gave me a letter and some gifts. I was very happy because I had a chance to meet her three times!

Beautiful Day!





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