Two Good Books

I've had a dearth of good books lately, but finally read a couple that were worth sharing.

Monique and the Mango Rains by Kris Holloway - this was an excellent book, though according to my mother hard to get at her library. Its a non-fiction account of a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali and her two years spent working with a midwife there. It definately gave me an understanding of what pregnancy and childbirth and just general living is like in an African village and the challenges there. Man, I wish I could be a Peace Corps volunteer - it really sounds like such great service.

My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok - this fiction story is about an Orthodox Jewish boy growing up and becoming an artist, must to the chagrin of his family and the grief he goes through for it. It was one of the most well-written books I have read in a long time - I had no idea how well a book could help you understand what being an artist is like, and describe art so powerfully without pictures. I loved it!

Back to the library again today for three books on hold - hopefully some of these are good!

CONGRATULATIONS to Katsu

After weeks of studying and studying and memorizing gazillions of citations (alright, maybe only 200 or so, but still ...) and not even taking Christmas, his birthday, or New Years Day off, Katsu has passed his PhD qualifying exams after only eight hours of written tests and a few hours of oral exams. Now, no more classes, no more tests, just lots of research, a proposal and a dissertation.

Yeah, Katsu!!!

New Christmas Traditions & Decorations

We got a really cool countdown to Christmas calendar with big pockets - a must. Each day had candy for both of us (M&M's or a package of dots or Reese's PB cups) and a scripture to read. By the time we filled it up, the calendar was so heavy, Katsu had to rig some rubber bands to get the whole thing to stay up. A favorite tradition.

We also bought a new nativity set this year and are planning on adding a piece each year as a tradition. Enjoy!

Christmas

It is so nice to be able to spend Christmas without having to fly half way across the country (or the world) as I have since 2000! (And probably longer for Katsu). So, even if Katsu was studying the whole time, we still had a lovely Christmas with stockings, presents, decorations, and yummy food.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving in Charleston, West Virginia with our friends' family. It was fun even though they (not Katsu or I) all got some sort of flu. We did have some nice walks along the riverwalk.

Windsor Canada

Being only an hour drive from Canada, we couldn't resist visiting with friends earlier this year as soon as Katsu got his permenant permenant residence! So, we took a trip to friendly ol' Windsor right across the river from Detroit. Here is a picture of us and Detroit (from Canada) and also a picture of Canada. Even if it is no gem we got some good food and enjoyed being in another country for a couple hours.

The Big House

Well, in an effort to postpone my Japanese studying, I uploaded the pictures from our camera all the way back from September. So here are some pictures (for more just check out our shutterfly site).

First, we went to our first University of Michigan game way back in September. This was a great season all though the last game was a bit disappointing (and boring).

Here is the big house and us cheering!