Laurel's List

Here's the deal, family. This Christmas I will attempt to travel light and pack little. So my list, though understandably boooring, is all I can afford to carry around with me post gift-giving. Sorry, Barron.

• iWork ’08
• iTunes gift card
• Express gift card
• Amazon gift card
• Bakers gift card
• Baby Phat gift card (I like the sneakers and they ship internationally. That’s it, I promise!)
• Any gift card that I can use online, especially to companies that ship across oceans. Does Ebay have gift cards? Does USPS?
  
• Yen, I guess. Still saving for that keyboard.
  
• Nothing that will add weight to my luggage (except for enough Kraft Mac and Cheese to last until the Rapture. And that, I can ship to Kameoka. Family size, baby!)
• Hurgs and keeses

So that's it. As far as a personal update, it's currently raining on my laundry, and there's a funny smell in my apartment. I befriended the neighborhood cat, I almost bought a guitar at the secondhand shop yesterday (I miss having an instrument!!!!!!!!!), and last night I listened to a man play incredible guitar and sing direct translations of classic oldies. Who knew that "Let It Be" goes from 3 syllables in English to 17 in Japanese?

Christmas for Grandma

Okay, here's what we're talking about...anyone that wants to go in with us, we are planning to give her one of those picture frame techno things so U. Keith can download pictures for her. She'll be able to view pictures of her family ALL day long. It will be greatest toy in the world for a 98-year-old. If you want to contribute, just send whatever you want. No amount is too small. It will be from all of the Ryght Bunch!

Cheers!

ak

P.S. I'm ready for the Christmas lists to be posted!

Christmas Lists

So who's started his/her Christmas wish list? Cut to me, raising my hand in my cubicle. Yes, it happened. I just updated my list and it is near perfection. I've done a couple versions with amateur (read: disgusting) graphics that I will distribute as soon as requested. But I would dearly love to know what everyone else wants. I realize this is all dependent on where we're spending the holidays, but it's good to be prepared, people! Cheers.

Getting Hairy

Hellow, Fambly!

I'm sitting here at 7:33 in the a.m, waiting for my toast. The weather here is actually autumnal. It's genuine and no joke. There was a week of transition time, when I thought, it's not as hot as it was last week. Huh. Now I'm wearing sweaters and wooly socks (Thanks, Aunt Karin and Uncle Keith. The wooly bit is largely your doing). How's fall in your part of the country?

I'm going to attempt using my oven-thing to bake cookies. I stupidly told the man who gave me an aikido uniform (or, ninja pajamas, as I like to call them) that I owed him some cookies. I do, because he saved me about 70 bucks. His response, however, was, "When?" Then he laughed, and labeled himself as impossible, but I know he wants them cookies. I don't know how to bake over here! I can't even read the label for flour! The butter is all fake! What have I done?

Also, here are the facebook albums that you might not have seen:

Kameoka: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011024&l=23595&id=124900154

Leaving the States:http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011022&l=c3239&id=124900154

The Monkey Park:http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011026&l=c7ccd&id=124900154

Love you all!

Great Family Photos

Hello Family,

I finally took a few minutes to view the wonderful photos Michael sent last week. (I don't have time to enjoy things like this at the office.) Well, I laughed almost as hard just looking at the photos as we did when we were playing games. By the way, was this over New Year's 2008? Such fun times together!

Thank you, Michael, for these great family photos. Any time we need a good laugh, we can view them again. In the future, just try to get me in more flattering poses, okay? And maybe this year I'll be a few pounds lighter!!!

"Sis"

Anybody up to a game of Taboo?

First Orchestra Rehearsal

Hello, family!

I had my first orchestra rehearsal last night and it went swimmingly. I even welcomed the inevitable pain my bowing arm felt after playing such repetitive brush strokes as the 2nd violin part often provides. We just had string rehearsal last night and we went over the Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise. I believe that's what it's called. Nice piece. LONG.

It was so much fun to be back in the habit! I am sitting at the back of the second section, just where I like :). I would say this orchestra is comparable to the Signature Symphony. Of course, that assessment is a little premature since I haven't even heard the full ensemble yet. Soon, good people! So I'm back. Weee!

Also, on an unrelated note, I would like everyone to know that I have heard of a Caribbean restaurant in the District that serves mainly Trinidadian cuisine. Islander Caribbean restaurant or something. Anyway, when you're visiting let me know if you want to go! I haven't tried it, but I've heard good things. I'm out.