Kokochi

Yep - your typical airport pics...

I am on my way to Tokyo. For work and a few extra days to visit family and friends, and soak up some good 'natsukashii' Tokyo vibe. My phone won't work there, so I'll post via laptop without pics. I remember that heart-sinking feeling I used to have when Dav drove me to SFO after a blissful visit here when I lived in Tokyo. Now it's different, thankfully, but I will have to part from my parents after seeing them. Can't have it all ... and I certainly am thrilled to visit them. Will touch base with Tokyo friends once settled : )

Coda is waiting

Maile just went out to pick up lunch for all of us and left sweet Coda here. Immediately, she started wandering around the office looking for Maile. Came by my desk to peek out the window. Then sat by the door waiting...She's lying on the floor now, resting. I'm sure she'll jump up and down when Maile comes back. So will we since she'll have our lunch!

dogs at work

The other day Barak had brought in Mocha. Today, Maile brought in Coda. Yes, Coda is huge! But so gentle as if she knows she needs to be careful in how she moves. I wanna hug her mightily, but I would be covered in dog hair from head to toe.

Hmmm, how can I get my cats not to throw Dav and I out if we bring home a dog...

the little joys of life

We had tempura soba tonight. And for dessert, I dug out a box of tiny chocolate hamburger snacks I had bought in Japantown. I just wanted a little chocolate to complete the dinner, but the cute hamburger versions brought a smile to both Dav and I. I just love Japan for creating yummy and oh-so-fun-to-look-at snacks. I'll be in Tokyo next week and be sure I'll be filling my suitcase on the way home with snacks galore!

For friends in Tokyo, I want to see you! Not sure what my schedule will be like since I'll be going for business, but hopefully I'll have a night to dance around and see you!

Everyone should have a store named after them

When I was a kid, I went to Nova Scotia with my parents and brother on vacation. All I really remember is being sea-sick on the boat ride over. I was miserable. I also remember that during a walk around some town, we came across "Ian's Corner Store." My brother Ian was delighted and we promtly took a picture of him casually leaning against the entrance as if he was a very proud owner.

I was a bit jealous cuz having a name like Mie made it harder, no impossible, to find things named after me when we were living in the States. Like those mugs with preprinted names or key chains and what not. I could always find Ian, but never Mie.

Well, Anil came across what I've been waiting for. A splendid restuarant in his NY neighborhood named Mie. Ahhh. Now I just need to get over there so I can snap a picture of me leaning against the entrance way.

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Chatting with Japan

I was excited to use ISight to chat with my parents and literally carry the laptop around the house so they could see how I live. And now we got ISight at work (Six Apart) to chat with our wonderful group in Japan. This was our first time and we celebrated a very big launch that they worked very hard on. You see them here, and us in the tiny corner on the right. It was great to open champagne together and toast a drink. We took pictures of each other from both sides. It was the end of the work day for us (ah, nice champagne) but for the Japan team, it was just morning. One team member hadn't slept the night before and drinking champagne in the morning might not have been the best. Nevertheless, it was fun to have this connection!

In time for spring

Hope you like Kokochi's new look. I wanted to update the colors a bit and add some details : )

Props go to Dav for helping me!

At the palace of fine arts

Beautiful walk today...

I guess I'll moblog...

Transcription by Jughead:
My brother Ian is visiting (yeah!) and so Dav, Ian, and I are walking along Embarcadero towards the Farmer's market.
Ian is on the phone with a friend and Dav is talking to his sister via phone too.
Mmm. What should I do? Take pictures and moblog!

panda love

We're at lunch for work and I got Jean-Yves to photo my phone to show you my new phone plate...Panda love! Thanks to David & Anil for showing me : )