I'm sorry long time no post!

The month of August was crazy! Too much work and play and no time to post! I will post more often so please come back sometime. 

On the 31st of August, Shawn and I went to see Elliott Yamin (see below) at our favorite music venue Billboard Live. Elliott was energetic, down to earth and chatty from the excitement of what a great tour he and his band were having over the last several days. He was so sad that his Japan tour was over because he just loved Japanese fans (some of them followed around the country) and their warm welcome! His performance was amazing (yes, One Word!) as his incredible voice, singing and apparent love of performing for the audience all came together and moved us. Notable songs were Free (he dedicated it to the audience-we can do anything!), Take My Breath Away (dedicated to the ladies in the audience!) and my favorite song Wait for You. He offered to stay for autographing any official Yamin goods sold at the shop. No new songs were performed but he said there would be a release of "The Premium Edition" of his album containing a new song covering a Japanese artist Yusaku Kiyama's "Home" on Oct. 8th.

Elliott Yamin is Comin' to Tokyo!

Does anybody who comes here ever watch the national guilty pleasure "American Idol"? Shawn and I have watched every season. Do you remember the underdog redhead with a goofy smile from Season 5, Elliott Yamin who placed third? I sure do. His soulful and smooth vocals resembling Stevie Wonder were my favorite. He went to the correct route by releasing an album from an independent label and did very well with it. He is coming to Tokyo to perform at our favorite venue "Billboard Live" at the end of August, and we got tickets for a sofa seating for two overlooking the stage. I am so looking forward to seeing him and hearing him perform! If you haven't heard his singing, I recommend his smash hit "Wait for You" and funky fresh "Moving On" on iTunes.

Our first Japanese vacation-NARUTO

Shawn and I managed to have a three night getaway to the Western Island of Shikoku two weeks ago. We stayed at Marriott' Renaissance Naruto Resort in Tokushima prefecture, an hour flight away from Tokyo. Naruto is internationally known for its unique natural ocean whirlpools and home to the second largest bridge in Japan. The hotel is beautifully located on the beach overlooking the bridge and has a pool and two onsen-hot spring baths. We ate all the local goodies at our favorite Japanese buffet restaurant on site almost three meals the day and still did not get tired! Great local produce and variety. At this hotel, people walk around in casual kimono called Yukata provided by the hotel to relax all day. I had Italian dinner in Yukata for the first time! Onsen is so nice it saves the soul. We loved it all!

Celebration dinner!

Shawn got a job at a reputable language school company Berlitz recently. Also, Eri hit over 300% of monthly sales budget last period so we went & had a special celebration dinner. The place we chose was the Japanese traditional tempura counter restaurant at Midtown where 20 different kinds of vegetables (for us) get lightly battered, deep fried and served right in front of you one by one. It was great though not cheap (that's why it's a special celebration dinner). Hi friends and family! Greetings from Tokyo! We miss you.

Finally all the boxes gone!

It has been two months since we moved in to our new apartment in Akasaka, Tokyo. Our couches and several boxes finally arrived several weeks ago but we still had to empty the last boxes of clothes and organize our walking closet. Two days ago, I spent 3 hours doing that and look at the results! I love organization! Let's let the pucture speak the loudest!

Favorite Vacations 3 - Las Vegas Grand Chateau '07

Last June, we vacationed at Marriott's premier vacation ownership resort in Las Vegas, Marriott's Grand Chateau (Check out my photo album-click here). Now, it is one of eight Asia Pacific Club's club resorts. Located a few minutes off the Strip, it is walking distance to other famous destination hotels such as Bellagio, MGM Grand and Planet Hollywood and other attractions. It was my first time in Las Vegas, and since I don't gamble, I wasn't sure whether we were going to have fun. Did we? Yes, indeed. We saw one of Cirque du Soleil's show "KA", and it knocked my socks off! I have seen lot of shows in my life but nothing even came close to their grand athleticism, imaginativeness and excitement! I also like the hours of Vegas, as I am a night person: sleeping in, going out late at night to lots of 24 hours restaurants, bars, etc. Vegas has come a long way to become a world class entertainment city where people from the world and all ages can have fun!

 

Office cubicle make-over!

Recently, I went out and got a few things for my cubicle at the office to make it over. I got a corner shelf to display my trophies, photos and a world map. What do you think? I like it a lot and I started selling more! Also, I got two fluffy cushions for my poor customers who had to sit on hard chairs. I don't know if those things contributed, but as a matter of fact, I have been selling one to two deals 8 working days in a row! Asia Pacific has officially become my favorite product, and I love it!