Random

 My cousin created this Random Thoughts thing and my random thoughts have never been interesting enough to post... and their still not! But I've been avoiding my blog so lets just get down to brass tacks:

2011 Goals

1. Blog every week Yep, I'm committing myself. You heard it here- every week

Does this mean my blog might get more boring? Probably, but oh well. My sister in law blogs everyday and it's not boring to me. So I figure the people that want to read it will just read it. Even if it's just my parents and my sister in laws. And I can't count a Random Thoughts post more than once a month!

2. Post at least 3 videos of Marie a month.

This is really just for grandparents, so if you are watching a video and think "wow, Rachel, this is excessive." Well yah, it is. And I don't track who reads my blog so I won't be offended if you aren't watching every one.

So lets talk Random thoughts eh?

My other goals aren't interesting enough to post, but one of them is entitled "don't look like a slob"- that's a good goal right? It also entitles me to buy expensive makeup:) Sneaky, I know.

In the spirit of that goal I've decided that once we pay off our student loans I am burning 80% of my wardrobe. A serious bonfire. Of course I won't blog about when we pay them off, but if you happen to catch me dancing around a smoking pile of tattered Ross clothing, you will know it's been a good day for the Millburns.

After announcing that goal to Brett he agreed that I could do that, as long as he can pick out all my new clothes. I have a feeling I will look like "I'm really into sports."

Which reminds me, Brett cut my hair for the first time. I don't know whether to celebrate the fact I finally trust him enough to do that, or lament the fact that I am old enough that i think it's a "reasonable decision."

My friend is throwing me a babyshower in 2 weeks. I didn't fight hard. Sure it's my second girl, but every baby needs a party, right? I just hope people don't spend a lot. I think a box of wipes is a good gift.

The holidays have been surprisingly unsad. I would like to thank Skype, MagicJack, and a fun ward.

The Cove is an interesting movie- it's about dolphin slaughter in Japan, but very informative on Mercury poisoning. We've had to limit our tuna intake, and Marie loves tuna, so that is sad.

 

Lastly, this popular vending machine makes me smile. Didn't know he was a model, did you?

Santa Satisfaction

Santa came to the mall today. 

Carefully coaching her I said, "don't freak out like that kid in front of you. Just sit in his lap and he'll give you a lollipop." She was focused and executed the scene nicely.

                    

 For the record it does feel weird to "train" your kid to like Santa. Maybe comparable to brainwashing.
But I do love this season. Trees, lights, the whole bit. Merry Christmas from Marie!

It's Your Birthday- Japanese Style!

It's a feel good weekend in Japan. Celebrating Brett's 35th Japanese style. How long has he been 35? Ha, well... that's just between us ladies.

(is that Grimace?)

You can blame an A's game on a wedding anniversary for inspiring the extravagant getaways. After that I officially put myself in charge of the Millburn Adventure and Romance Committee. We hold few meetings and spend too much money- but I'm... I mean, WE are efficient.

One of Brett's favorite places has been the Oirase Gorge, so the Oirase Keiryu Hotel seemed like a natural choice to enjoy the end of the season scenery. However, most of the trees where dead. But this is what it looks like in summer:

This is what it looks like when I take a picture:

Still awesome. It was great because hardly anyone was there. It made it easy for us to find a English speaker when I lost the hotel room key.

However, looks like someone stole the legs to our table and chairs...

Just kidding! That's how we do it in JAPAN!!!!!!!!!!!! We sit on the floor!! (exclamation points!)

The rooms really are separated by screens. And they gave us yukatas (robes), socks, & slippers to enjoy our stay in. About half Japanese wore them to dinner and half did not. We were among the traditional half.

After dinner you could enjoy a hot dip here:

They had 3 different areas to soak. One had a bunch of fresh bright red apples floating in it, and the other was outside. Very cool... or hot, actually.

We were able to choose from a Western style room (with a mattress) or the "tradish"- the futon.

"Futon" in English actually means "incredibly uncomfortable/confusing as to why you paid to do this." By the end of the night I had collected every slightly fluffy thing I could find and created a nest in the corner of the room. But still, a good "Japanese experience."

They had a dinner buffet that was off the charts for you mushroom & seafood lovers.
But a breakfast with seafood involved? Hmm. Pass.

I hope the plate doesn't gross you out. But I'm posting it anyways. This breakfast buffet had a lot of seafood, mushrooms, "rice gruel", and fruit. Now you know why Japanese people are so skinny.

Lastly, always remember to put on the special bathroom shoes when you use the toilet. (Brett is so embarrassed by my post...sorry... Happy Birthday Sweetie!)  

Thanks to Brett for being so adventurous. I love this guy. He puts up with my jokes, funny and not. He is an amazing father and the perfect husband. Not a day goes by when he doesn't tell me how much he loves me and how pretty he thinks I am. If I write too much people might get divorced so they could marry him, so I better stop.

Brett, you're the best. Period.