The holiday was actually yesterday.But, I like mountains.Wow! I should have went hiking or something yesterday or today. I'm glad that another thing, we may take for granted, is being celebrated. I live in a mountainous region, and they're always beautiful and majestic to see.You can almost see Mt Rainier everyday. Then, we have the rest of the mountains in the cascades, too. I've hiked a lot of them. Most have spectacular views. Plus, a lot of them, like Hurricane Ridge, are known for their very friendly deer population. And, there's a lot of them.The rest of the wildlife are really cool to see, too.
It's actually been warm the last couple of days. Well, for this time of year. Today alone, I think we're about 10 degrees warmer than normal. Since we went out so late to the grocery store, we didn't have time to have our regular Shabbat dinner.So, we ate there at the market. I got their really good Philly Cheese Steak with fries. Last couple of times I forgot that they add mushrooms, and oddly that it had onions. So, I asked for without those, and they added more meat and cheese. So good!I remember just before we were going to leave, that we didn't get the challah. So, I went to the bakery. There was only 1 person working the counter and someone ahead of me, wanted 3 bags of baguettes sliced.It took a long time, but they actually still had the one they hold for us. Yay!I asked if the Japanese section had taiyaki. The person who was there at the time, was new. So, he didn't know. Looked around that section for Korean, Japanese, etc, styled rice porridge there too. We didn't find it. Since we kind of know the manager of that section, maybe next time we'll ask her. And if not, we can ask if they'll be getting any of that in the future. And, maybe for now, next time I go I'll get the regular cream of rice stuff and add things to it.
One of my presents, I think I got on Friday, was a book light. It looks pretty sturdy. A bit difficult to put on a paperback book, but it works.There's also 2 settings for the light. It's bendable. I think I like it. I also got some pajamas, this design is called Aqua Dogs. Has dogs with hats, scarves, and sleds in the snow with an aqua background. Kind of cute.Mom also got me a thing that's similar to those Snuggies you see on TV. The only problem was, it's a little difficult to move around or walk in. Also, to keep up around the shoulder area. But, really, it's nice.I was really toasty last night.
I went to services yesterday!We had an ok turn out. At least it was a minyan. The Rabbi led it again this time, next week it'll be our old cantor. I agreed with most of his drash. Kind of about: if it's not easy being a Jew (like there aren't many in the area), you build a better and stronger foundation, than if it was easy. I don't know if I worded that very well.But, you become stronger after going through that experience. I didn't think of it that way.I always wanted to live in heavily populated Jewish areas. I thought I could have a better 'grasp' of it, I guess. But, if I had lived there, maybe I wouldn't have felt that way and wouldn't have cared.
I watched Shinzanmono. It's getting even more interesting. I love all the interactions the victim had with the town's residents. Also, I wasn't quite expecting her ex to be hiding his daughter as his secretary. They made it look like they were having an affair or something. It was an interesting twist. So, they think her ex had nothing to do with her murder. But, towards the end, they find out that he gave a false alibi for that night. I still don't feel he did it. That there's a good reason for it, or someone framed him.
I also watched Konkatsu. Haruno finally told Kuni how she really felt. But, he's not quite sure what to do. He loves her too, but can't come out and say it. The town's finally deciding to fight for their shops, and not just let those people evict them and build a mall there. They held a 'marriage festival'. It was actually pretty successful. I'm liking this show more and more. But, I'm almost done with it. I hope Kuni tells her how he feels, and the town's saved by the end. I'm hoping to start a new series today. Maybe I'll find something good in my list. And, I'll try to get some more music.
Yay! I finally put some decorations up yesterday.One that hangs on the door, that's a menorah inside a star of David. Little sticky cling-on stuff on the upstairs windows. It has some star of Davids, a menorah (where you can add a 'candle' each night), and 'Happy Hanukah' shaped into an arch. Yeah, the Hanukkah part's spelled different than usually is.It's either an error, or it's just another way of writing it. There's so many other ways it can be spelled. Chanukah is a more 'traditional' way.
We're going to have either meatloaf or steak tonight. And, I'm going to try and make some latkes.It's not from scratch, so it's probably way easier. None of the grating, chopping, etc.And we'll probably have asparagus with it. We just bought some cinnamon rolls for dessert. I love cinnamon rolls!
I had moved my therapist appointment a few days ago. But, they put me on a wait-list just in case something opened up sooner. And, lo and behold, they called me this morning.We had only an hour and a half before that appointment, but it was doable. It surprised me.I forgot to go over a couple of things that have been really bothering me, but everything we went over was important too. It's hard when you only get an hour.The only problem I had (which really wasn't a problem), was one of the receptionists said have a merry Christmas. I normally just grin and say thank you, because the sentiment is kind of nice. But, when it's at a place like that, it makes me feel really uncomfortable.It's excluding everyone who doesn't celebrate it. A better way of saying it, is happy holidays. Because that includes pretty much everyone.Even if you don't celebrate a religious holiday, there's always ones like New Year's eve.
I posted a pic: White Flowers I like this one. It's nice when it blooms, because it's just outside our house. Pretty. It's interesting to see this pic, since it's not in bloom right now.
Watched Shinzanmono. It's really interesting to see all the interactions people have with others in that town. I like the roundabout way Kaga investigates. Although, he seems a bit stalker-ish.Things aren't what they seem there.
In Shiki, it was really bloody this time, but so much better than the last couple of episodes. Didn't drag as much. Toshio ran a bunch of tests on his wife when she finally 'woke up'. It was almost torture to watch her reactions, but very interesting at the same time. He used all sorts of drugs (morphine, etc.), poisons, cut her up a bit, cut her veins to see what would happen, showing her a statue of the Buddha, ringing a tiny bell, trying to cut open her brain. And at the end, stabbed her repeatedly through the heart with a stake while she was crying out.The statue and the bell terrified her. It was crazy!
Naruto Shippuden had an interesting side story. But, had nothing to do with continuing the main story. It was yet again, a flashback. Although, I like that they did stuff with Jiraiya again. He was awesome.
I have the JLPT on Sunday. Wish me luck.Afterwards, we might go to a Japanese restaurant, and/or go to Uwajimaya. Sounds like it will be a nice treat.
deviantART faves: Cup Collab I did not make this! This was a part of a collab showing their ocs in cups filled with some sort of drink. It's kind of cute. The drinks are things like Sprite, rootbeer, water, milk, vodka, bubble tea, whiskey, etc. The ocs look like they really fit their drinks. (If that's possible.)
Youtube: Another one from the Maccabeats. This one's a take on One Day by Matisyahu:
By Flumpool. This is also the theme song for Bloody Monday. Flumpool's a 4 member band from Osaka. They were originally called CUBE in 2002. After gaining a drummer in 2007, they changed it to flumpool. They came up with their name, 'f' from the word 'four' (for the number of members), and adding the words 'lump' and 'pool'. Interesting.I like their sound, so I'll have to look for more of their songs. This really sets the tone for Bloody Monday, too.
It's been very cold today.Joker's getting more interesting. Now that the forensics guy knows. Kind of weird that Date actually killed the criminal this time. Instead of taking him to some deserted place. I did a lot of cleaning around the house today. Mostly in our bathrooms.
Tasha actually cried out for attention while I was doing it. Actually, sounded like real meows.None of those raspy squeaks she does. It kind of was sad. Once I hugged and petted her, she looked a lot happier.I think she's more bored and depressed when it's just me.
I'm going to Israel!Kesher offered a trip, and I accepted it. Now, I just have to have that phone interview. But, I know I'm going now! I'm so happy!It was my second choice. Which is the end of January through the first week of February. Sounds like a good time to me. It won't be blisteringly hot. Which I'm all for! A month before we leave for the trip, Kesher will make a Facebook group just for us. To get to know the people we're going with. Sounds great! They're going to send us a bunch of info through the mail, too.
I started watching Shinzanmono. Or 'Newcomer'. It's actually pretty good. The very beginning was a little slow, but the rest was great. The main character, Kaga, really reminds me of Mr. Brain or the Mentalist. It's about a detective who was transferred to the Nihonbashi police precinct. (So, he's a 'newcomer' to the area.) He's placed in charge of a murder case. The small town, called Ningyo-cho or Doll Town, is where the murder happened. All the residents of it's shopping street are suspects. It seems like kind of a strange town. It really looked like they found the murderer. But, he was just hiding something to protect his friends.
deviantART faves: Friends 8Body Language Meme I did not make these! First, a funny comic about Russia, Belarus, and China from Hetalia. It's true though. Second, a meme to practice your oc's body language. It looks like a huge challenge, but also will help me a lot. I'll do it at some point. It's going on the growing list of great memes I want to fill out.
Wow! I should have went hiking or something yesterday or today. I'm glad that another thing, we may take for granted, is being celebrated. I live in a mountainous region, and they're always beautiful and majestic to see.
You can almost see Mt Rainier everyday. Then, we have the rest of the mountains in the cascades, too. I've hiked a lot of them. Most have spectacular views. Plus, a lot of them, like Hurricane Ridge, are known for their very friendly deer population. And, there's a lot of them.
The rest of the wildlife are really cool to see, too. 
So, we ate there at the market. I got their really good Philly Cheese Steak with fries. Last couple of times I forgot that they add mushrooms, and oddly that it had onions. So, I asked for without those, and they added more meat and cheese. So good!
I remember just before we were going to leave, that we didn't get the challah. So, I went to the bakery. There was only 1 person working the counter and someone ahead of me, wanted 3 bags of baguettes sliced.
It took a long time, but they actually still had the one they hold for us. Yay!
I asked if the Japanese section had taiyaki. The person who was there at the time, was new. So, he didn't know. Looked around that section for Korean, Japanese, etc, styled rice porridge there too. We didn't find it. Since we kind of know the manager of that section, maybe next time we'll ask her. And if not, we can ask if they'll be getting any of that in the future. And, maybe for now, next time I go I'll get the regular cream of rice stuff and add things to it.
There's also 2 settings for the light. It's bendable. I think I like it. I also got some pajamas, this design is called Aqua Dogs. Has dogs with hats, scarves, and sleds in the snow with an aqua background. Kind of cute.
Mom also got me a thing that's similar to those Snuggies you see on TV. The only problem was, it's a little difficult to move around or walk in. Also, to keep up around the shoulder area. But, really, it's nice.
I was really toasty last night. 
We had an ok turn out. At least it was a minyan. The Rabbi led it again this time, next week it'll be our old cantor. I agreed with most of his drash. Kind of about: if it's not easy being a Jew (like there aren't many in the area), you build a better and stronger foundation, than if it was easy. I don't know if I worded that very well.
But, you become stronger after going through that experience. I didn't think of it that way.
I always wanted to live in heavily populated Jewish areas. I thought I could have a better 'grasp' of it, I guess. But, if I had lived there, maybe I wouldn't have felt that way and wouldn't have cared.
