Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Boo!



Happy Halloween!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

The good times keep coming










Having Rachel here for the last week has been lots of fun.  Luckily, Ethan was off this past week, so he was able to show Rachel around a bit, and have some aunt/ nephew time.  However, Ethan was not too enthused whenever I wanted to take Rachel shopping!

On Friday, Rachel had her first okonomiyaki.  I knew she would like it - I mean, what's not to love?  It's a savory pancake full of yummy goodness!  On Saturday, we walked around Hokkaido University, hoping to see some of the leaves changing, which I had heard were beautiful there.  We were a bit disappointed when there was like ONE tree that was a beautiful yellow.  Ah well, it was still nice.

Today, we went to Otaru with some friends.  I was a little wary at first, because the weather was absolutely horrible - windy and rainy and the kind of day where you just don't want to leave the house. But I was so glad we ended up going, because Rachel was able to eat kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi, and then we took a glass-bead making class.  Otaru is known for it's glass objects, and it was fun for everyone, I think.  Unfortunately, we were able to walk around since it was nasty outside, so I didn't get to show her the ocean, or the canals.  Oh well, maybe next time.

Having Rachel here with us has felt so natural - like she's been here all along.  I've taken her to some of my favorite shops, and restaurants.  We laugh and tell stories back at the apartment.  When she's here, I feel more like my complete self, if that makes any sense.  I have lots more fun stuff planned for us this week, like WAKABA on Sunday!  I have a feeling she's going to love it!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Strike up the band, my sister's here!


Yes, that's right, my sister is here in Sapporo!!  And on her first day, we saw a marching band.  It was as if Sapporo was welcoming her!

As anyone who's been around me knows, I've been super excited for my sister's arrival.  We are very close, and it's been hard to be away from her these past few years.  This trip has been a long time coming - it seemed like every time she was ready to make plans for come here, something would happen that would postpone the trip.  But now she's here, and for two months!  I can't wait to show her all my favorite places, and my favorite people (you know who you are)!

On her first day, we had a birthday party for Nathan, and a welcome party for her at a nice little izakaya in Sumikawa.  I think Rachel was in awe of how kind the Japanese people are......and the nomihodai.





We've gone to karaoke, eaten soba, ramen, and soup curry, and she's only been here three days!  I'm trying to pace myself, but there's so much I want to show her!

Here's to an awesome two months!!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Our place, two years later.












A lot has changed since the last time I posted about our little apartment - about two years ago.  We've certainly accumulated some things.  I've started a kokeshi collection, and Ethan started making model airplanes.  Slowly, we've made this a space where we can relax and call home.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Bits and Pieces








  • Checking out my friend Maya's live
  • I've had a huge craving for spicy food lately
  • Little gnome on the way to work
  • Anniversary chocolate tart
  • One of my students receiving third place at a speech contest

The days are getting shorter, but our week continues to be busy.  Yesterday was particularly good - One of my students placed in a speech contest, and Nathan and I were finally able to go out for our anniversary.  We went to this nice little Italian restaurant we found near the Sumikawa station called Garbanzos.  We had our fill of pasta, pizza, and tiramisu, and then Nathan needed to get his rest for another race today.  He ran the 10k in the Sapporo (half) marathon.  He wanted to run the half, but the slots filled up before he could apply.  I think 10k is pretty easy for him, but I think we still wanted to see how fast he could go.

Ethan and I stayed home and lazed about.  We've been watching videos eating Reese's Peanut Butter cups.  Haha, I should probably go out and run!!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Fall Fashion

It's fall - my most favorite season (followed closely by spring).  I've noticed that I become much more fashion conscious during the fall and spring, probably because of the drastic weather changes I anticipate.  So usually, by the end of August, I'm looking at jackets, tights, and sweaters.

I don't fancy myself a fashion blogger by any means, but I do love dressing up.  I love how a great blouse (or the right shade of red lipstick) can perk my spirits.  It's an instant ego-booster!

My fashion roots are in vintage clothing.  I worked at a vintage clothing store throughout my college years, and my sister and I loved going to thrift stores.  In the fall especially, I love vintage fashion.  Maybe it's the colors - deep reds, purples and burgundies, always make me think of time gone by.

So here's my favorite looks for fall: a happy mix of modern and vintage style.



Source: stevenalan.com via Sarah on Pinterest
If money were no object, I'd buy this Steven Alan dress in a heartbeat.


I love this fisherman's cap from good night, day.

I'm really into bold patterns this year.


Love the high-waisted pants with the tan blazer.


It doesn't get more classic than a stripe shirt and a pea coat.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

A special day

I love October.  There's a few reasons for this.  One, all the leaves start to change, and there's a wonderful chill in the air.  And the other is because mine and Nathan's wedding anniversary is October 3rd.

That's means we've now been married for 14 years!

Please excuse the bad pic.  I took a picture of the photo long ago, when I didn't have a scanner.

How is it that 14 years have gone by?  I mean, being 18 feels like forever ago, and it just doesn't feel like Nathan and I have been together that long.  I guess that's a good thing!

Nathan and I have practically grown up together.  We started dating when we were 16, and got married at 18.  Our ceremony was in a little place called The Wedding Chapel, and our bridesmaids and groomsmen were all our friends from high school.  We were young, naive, and had no idea what we were doing.

And yet here we are, 14 years later, still going strong.  I'd be lying if I said it's always been good times. We are only human after all, and love takes constant work and commitment.  But the payoff is that I have someone who loves me unconditionally.  He's accepted all of me - the good and the bad.

One day, I was in one of my moods, and I apologized to Nathan for having to put up with me.  He said, "Sarah, I love every flavor of you."  Isn't that the sweetest thing?

Happy anniversary, Nathan.  Here's to more flavorful years together!!