I Make Pie

Yes, I do. When confronted with a country that doesnt sell prepackaged blueberry pies, and charges 6 bucks for a tiny slice of a pie-like food, I do what any other internet connected American citizen would do. Google an easy pie recipe.

But, my skills are so intense that I merely had to glance at a few recipes to find what they have in common (hint: blueberries, cornstarch, and flour) before entering the kitchen to make my own version of the pie: sugar-free with a whole wheat flour crust. Now Motto and I can pretend the pie is healthy as we devour it in one sitting. Yea, pie!

The whip cream is brought to you courtesy of Motto. I'd like to thank my neighbors for not complaining about our midnight whipping.

Raw Chicken

Motto's tori sashimi dinner (as I pick pieces of fish off my salad).

Mr Max Music

Im at Mr Max discount store. Currently playing on loudspeaker: "I Wanna Sex You Up"

That's Customer Service!

Today when I got home from work Motto told me the story of his day. He went to the bank in the afternoon to sign up for internet banking and the teller was apparently very rude to him. More like passive aggressive, really. She told him he could fill out the form at home and mail it (instead of taking up space in her bank). He called the bank to complain and said it happened before with that lady.

Then tonight when he got home there was a business card from the manager and two packs of tissues in our mail slot. I think he came here to bow and apologize.

I should say Motto isn't a complainer at all. In fact, whenever I try to complain about someone he dismisses it and says "that's not what they meant." So I was surprised to hear this story.

Pancake Juice!

Yatai

Antonio-san's obsession with movies led us into an entirely Japanese discussion about the 1998 film Apt Pupil (Japanese title: Golden Boy) and the tragic death of star Brad Renfro, his post-mordeum Oscar snub, and how he was in my favorite movie ever, Ghost World.
Never a dull moment.

Rice Fields and Fireworks

Maybe I mentioned a few months ago that my Grandpa hooked me up with a sweet deal on a Canon 40D DSLR camera. I still only understand 1% of its functions, and am trying hard not to use it as a point-and-shoot with an amazing zoom. Yesterday I went into the mountains of Kano with Nao-chan to take pictures of the yellow rice fields. She taught me some things about changing the ISO (I think) and now need to spend another few hours with the manual. If anyone has any tips for me or knows a good online tutorial, let me know (anyone, as in the 4 people who would read this far...).

This summer I also brought the camera out to a festival in Tokuji.


See more of my pictures on my Flickr.

One more announcement, I updated my sketchblog, and it has a new address, so if you were subscribed before you should update your whatchamacallit.

Only in Japan

Popcorn in a bag.

beach

On the train on my way to the beach today an old woman came up to me and complimented my white white skin.
I felt guilty that I was on my way to damage it a little. But, I am wearing a hat and sunscreen.
Not gunna go in the water...so Im not really sure why Im here.

Tokyo Sciene Museum

You can see my pictures from my trip to the Tokyo Science Museum here.