maybe someone watched "Love and Death" and thought that Woody Allen was saying "meat" instead of "wheat"...makes more sense that way, but I reckon that this slogan, like so many other hilariously random Japanese-English quotes, was purely random from the beginning.

Gyoza stomach anchor

If there ever was a food that made expressly for hangover cravings, this has to be it. Huge steamed dumpling with greasy bbq pork or beef inside? Initially, I thought the name in Japanese is supposed to 'gyoza dog' - both signs indicate otherwise - it's either a 'gyoza dock' or a 'gyoza dork.' You decide.

Japan does cuteness like no other country in the world. This was taken near Takayama in Shirakawa-go, an historical village full of old farmhouses.
If you dare ask why a cute stuffed animal belongs in an historical farmhouse village,
well, inevitably you will be dissatisfied with the answer - it's Japan!

Break-up (round 2)

Someone who was recently a guest at Grace Cathedral's Forum said,
"Things really started to turn around when I decided to give up on having a more perfect past."

I'm not sure what I am looking for. Someone with an expansive world view, forward momentum and sense of contentment with himself while honestly recognizing his faults - who sees the cup as half-full and can appreciate all the little miracles of daily life. Someone who recognizes joy and embraces it, and reflects it back to me. In my past relationship, I felt like I was trying to alleviate some pain that I couldn't take away, and I wasn't experiencing enough joy to balance things out. Devin has a broken heart and I grieve for him - as much as I love him, I don't want to grieve anymore. It's the end of a 5 and a half year relationship.

Time is the great healer, right? Time, a drink or 2, a cat in my lap - work, work, work. If you know of anyone who wants me to take them to Japan, send them on over!

shigoto ga owatta!

Another successful tour finished! Yay!!! Sue, Harumi, Doi-san, Masako and Izumi-san, thank you soooo much. The Friedlands were very pleased overall, I think. Can't wait to go home for a little r&r - although I'd be happy to take refuge somewhere in the mountains at a remote onsen...that would work too!

Jibuni!

Kanazawa specialty - yummier than it looks, especially with
an ice-cold beer! After this meal, I have a hard time thinking about the fact that I have to go back to San Francisco...

I love Engrish!

This is a choice and increasingly rare example of the Japanese government's ineptitude at English - or at least ask someone how to spell words correctly before posting it on signs! As you can see, the sign exhorts you to be careful while wearing a "hut." I love it. Laughed so hard.

zack in Tokyo!

Zack and I were treated to a feast of o-soba last night
by Ren and Hiroko at a restaurant in their neighborhood. Who would think that a buckwheat dumpling could get Zack to SMILE for a picture?? ; ) Hang on - is that really a smile?? I am going to count it on the sole criterion that his dimple is visible.

birthday par-tay - 1976

it was a 'stone groove!' definitely more fun that I'd expected. since I don't know Pat's friends REAL well, I tend to lower my expectations when I go to his parties. Silly me! We had a blast, and Pat is now the proud owner of a righteous disco ball, which I hope will have a permanent home in his dining room. Roller skates and the soundtrack to Xanadu were the only things missing - I brought Carvel ice cream cake which sent me hurdling back to my childhood - soooooooooo GOOD!

the babies

birthday boy

Devin was 43 yesterday - we went to the SF MOMA, followed by a shopping excursion in search of the perfect cargo pants - for anyone looking for the type of 3/4 length pants which have drawstrings at the bottom, they are damn hard to find for men - after looking in North Face, Banana Republic, Gap, American Eagle, Abercrombie and Old Navy, nuthin! we're still looking. the quest continues.

on our way home, Devin decided to get off at Church St. - 1 stop away from where he lives - and said simply, 'Follow the Leader.' We ended up at a sushi place which had always been darn good cheap food - well now No Name Sushi on Church Street is just 'cheap.' Apparently there was a change in the management and magically, carrots have appeared in the miso soup, and for some reason a side of potatoes are included (???). The final blow which nailed the coffin shut was the last piece of abalone - so funky that I didn't want to chance it - ended up in my napkin. Blech! Since we weren't real satisfied & still slightly hungry, we got pizza and vegan carrot cake - I don't care what anyone says, the carrot cake at Harvest Mkt. - vegan or not - is some of the best damn carrot cake I've ever had. I had a candle at the ready, stuck it in the cream cheese icing and sang him happy birthday. A little Monty Python's Flying Circus before bed, and the day was done. It was a birthday which I hope not to forget - although knowing me, I probably will!

hikin'

THIS is why we put up with the high prices, the traffic, the rat race! Well, I don't really do the rat race, but you get my point - it's all worth it when you can drive for 30 minutes and be surrounded in majestic redwoods and waterfalls. Anna, Cheryl & I had a stellar hike - I especially enjoyed playing 'Chase' downhill!

fashionistas

Priya and Yugala are GENIUSES. I have been a friend and devoted fan for years of their clothing lines, YUGALA and SAFFRON - they recently moved into a new studio in the Mission and they are ready to take off. Priya has huge meetings coming up in New York next week, so SEND GOOD THOUGHTS! The clothes are career-casual and urban chic - worn by women who love Ann Taylor, BUT their clothes are hipper than Ann Taylor could ever hope to be. Check 'em out! www.saffronrarethreads.com

Interview!

I have an interview tomorrow with World Expeditions - cross your fingers!

I PASSED MY REAL ESTATE EXAM!!!

It's so amazing when you're sure that you failed at something, then it turns out that you did just fine...and the pure delight that goes with achieving a meaningful milestone. I feel like I can do anything!!!

unagi!

Dennis was in town this week! As usual, food was the
central theme of conversation - he was 'satisfied' with the unagi at Tanuki - his standards are incredibly high - Tokyo spoils you. Only 6 weeks to go and I'm there!

kitty tv

the cats are enthralled with the outside world. too bad they can't go romp around outside - they make do with Lara's house plants. ;) it's SUNNY for the first time in weeks - we haven't seen so many cloudy days, like, EVER.

pda in the park

Mom would love this shot. ;) devin and I are grabbing whatever free time he can spare these days - he is working like a madman. At least the weather cooperated for us - it was near-perfect in Dolores Park!

me and the bride

i caught the frickin' bouquet!

my friend Elaine married her sweetheart, Joe, this past weekend and -
I still can't believe it - I caught the bouquet. It went straight to me.
If I hadn't lifted my hands up, it would have hit me on the head.
I think the universe might be trying to tell me something... or not! ;)