When I got out of jury duty I found a package waiting for me at home.

It's like a j-bookstore exploded on my work station. Japanese newspapers everywhere...


Including this really nifty guide to kasane layering:





A tip on keeping the multiple layers neat without using a korin belt.

1. My hunter has had an open ticket for +3 days now. Had to quit a good group for Gnomer because we couldn't get out of combat to eat or drink.
2. Were there always so many gold beggars and random level 1 toons throwing up charters? Makes me hate Orgrimmar, but I always do a quick search just so I can laugh at their virtual face.
3. Why weren't the flypoints in Plaguelands sooner?!
4. The quest objectives showing up on the map is VERY glitchy. Great when it works, crap when it doesn't.

Is there something wrong with my English?

"Discover the mysterious power kept in Asian secret overturning the urine bowl with strength of his pee."

Seems like a bad joke or a Google translation.

Best northerner-style dumplings. The guys in the back rolling out the dumpling dough are all Hispanic, so be sure to wave hi.

Killed my first pumpkin yesterday. Organic. It was a lot of work, but very tasty. Yes, I love cleavers and rice cookers.

On the floor, with 5 pillows and a blanket.

I'm not complaining 'cuz I had two super-awesome girls to volunteer this year and I couldn't be happier. I could have roomed with Con-Ops Anna (my volunteer from last year) and other staff, but I always try to put my volunteers first. Ashley is an AX09 All-Con survivor was happy to get a bed at all. This was Sara's second con attending, first con volunteering, so I'm glad everything went smoothly, room-wise.

A $1 chicken meal from Boston Market through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. (Coupon here)

Apparently KFC is doing another free piece of grilled chicken promo again - today only, Oct. 26, 2009. (the details)

Kyuuketsuki Miyu, circa late 1980s. No creativity since I'm away from my computer and the badge art is due today.

Watchmen
Battlestar Galactica: Razor
Sisters of the Gion



The camera on the original Sidekick is pretty good for a cell phone. It also plays music, which is nifty.

This ex-kuromontsuki makes for a pretty damn awesome noren.


I love the use of obi fabric in this stool. And the wood from eco-friendly Attic Japan is stripped and stained with numerous coffee for a rich and natural color.

Stolen from Japanese Streets.

On a Tuesday and a Thursday? I don't know if I'll be able to go to either of these, but I have been trying to volunteer with JACCC fo years.

After finding two gray hairs in the last 48 hours I've officially accepted that I'm old. *pouts*

I've recently learned that I enjoy canned sardines. I suspect they came from the 99 Cents store, but I sure didn't buy them. But after a nudge from Chowhound and reading about the adventures and exploits of The 99 Cent Chef I was finally adventurous enough to open 'em up.

I used diced yellow onion, chopped garlic, crushed red pepper, a can of sardines (skinless, boneless, from Morocco) in olive oil, black pepper. Saute using the canned oil for that extra fishy flavor. Moisten with pasta water, toss with spaghetti, serve with lemon juice. Quick and tasty. Hardest part was waiting for the pasta to cook. Maybe add capers next time.

Jonny Bowden (The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth) calls them "health food in a can." They are high in omega-3s, contain virtually no mercury since they're so low on the food chain and are loaded with calcium (particularly when you eat the bones). Plus iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese and B vitamins.

Before Vesuvius, one of the world’s great artistic centers was flourishing in Pompeii. This acclaimed, blockbuster exhibition, on view May 3–October 4, 2009, takes you inside the homes of the region’s wealthy Roman patrons to discover their collections of sculptures, paintings, mosaics, and luxury arts created during this uniquely inspired time—some of which were only recently discovered and have never before been seen in the U.S.



Bring your LACMA: Pompeii and the Roman Villa ticket with you to the Getty Villa and receive admission on any day during normal visiting hours. The Getty Villa requires advance ticket reservations, but no reservations are necessary with this special offer.
May 3–October 4, 2009

Even the most brilliant colors fade over time. All the more reason to see it sooner rather than later.

I know Kyoei is closed on Sundays, but the 30th is a Sunday.

At the last Texuba sale, I met Sonja (sonjasredkimono AT yahoo). She thinks haori are called "hatori" but who doesn't butcher Japanese when they first start learning?

Needed a perk up today. Folding kimono is a pleasantly mind-numbing routine. Great way to channel one's perfectionist tendencies. Also found out I was sleeping with a giant spider in my covers. *shivers*



I'm starting to see the attraction of purple shibori. The haori is super-soft silk with little square shibori dots - and it matches practically everything. Too bad the lining is stained from running dyes thanks to bad dry cleaning, but it's tough to spot when wearing (and really, it's hardly cold enough to warrant wearing one in LA). Damn global warming.

Going to down to San Diego to see even more shibori goodness since I couldn't go the opening of the Tsujigahana exhibit. It was supposed to be an extra shibori goodness weekend but the Japanese Friendship Garden rescheduled the Scarf Dying class to next spring. Sunday is still supposed to be a free tour day with demos.

Have no idea what to make for dinner. Maybe yakisoba to use up the cabbage and celery.

Technicolor stripe sha, pretty sure it's silk (much softer hand than all the synthetic sha I own).

It's really psychedelic - and I can't wait to wear it... next year.

A special offer at their final sale, one free kimono or obi with every purchase.

Shibori print in overall yabane pattern on buttery soft silk with long chu sleeves. Not wearable, but great fabric.