Crazy kitchen again. There are about 40 guests now.
I went down to the kitchen at 9:45 this morning and the kitchen was ok. There were some left over homemade muffins and they were so nice. I finished helping at 1 o'clock and tried to take a nap. But after while, I heard somebody was yelling my name from downstairs. It was Andrew, the Halimar's chef. He was alone in the kitchen and needed my help(?). At beginning, I was making the apple pies, the cheese cakes (it's horribly awesome. I'm still learning how to make this.), and the cream caramel (it's my favorite!! But it's really hard to make.). But after these, I was still doing a lot of things. I confused because I was cutting bunch of potatoes and brocolis after I finished making sweets. And also I peeled many many garlics and something.
Of course I did normal help(desserts and dishwasher) too. So I am so tired now. But I'm gonna call my family now.

Thank you so much for your comment, Mareike! It's always good to see comments but I don't get many of it...

Sue, her friend Kim, Kim's husband Donne, their 3 kids, Jacob, Lucas, and I went skiing today. Alejandro couldn't come with us because he had to work at Halimar. When Sue told that we go skiing today to me, I was so surprised 'couse I was thinking there were no snow at ski hill. I completely forgot that there are 'artificial snow' in the world.
The weather was perfect and there were a few people and my condition was good too. I still remember how to skiing!! During Kim's children were taking a lesson, we were having fun at the hill.

Halimar is busy since yesterday. We are having about 20 guests and more guests are coming. I think I won't be able to have quiet new year's day and the time to miss my family in Japan. Well,,, I'm just kidding. I'll call my family on the new year's eve because I'd like to know the winner of "Kou-Haku Uta Gassen (Red and White Singing Battle)".
It is the one of most popular TV program on the new year's eve in Japan. There are 2 of famous singers groups which are called Aka-gumi ((Red team) mostly female singers) and Shiro-gumi ((White team) mostly male singers). They sing their own songs and show some performances on the big stage. At the end of the program, a lot of spectator and judges vote for the winner by a red ball or a white ball. Isn't it funny?
Oh well, now we are having fun by KARAOKE. Sue loves Karaoke so so deeply. But her pronunciation of karaoke is bad. She always says Kareoki but not only her.

I had very SUTEKI NA Christmas. Actually it was my first real Christmas.

We left home on Sunday 24. The drive was so-so and we got to Toronto at 6 o'clock. We had great Greek dinner at the restaurant which is in Greek Street. The Greek Salad was specially well done.
After we've been full, we headed for ice skaiting which was same place as the last time. But we found huge mistake right away. There were only one skait for each kids, so we've been there only for 10 minutes. But we didn't forget to take the pictures. At least we've been there, hahaha.
Same night we got to Sue's sister's, Deby's house. The house was really sweet with the Christmas decorations! It was more beautiful than Halimar's, by the way. We were playing the domino until feeling sleep.

In the morning of Christmas Day, we had 'meat' breakfast with pajamas. Sue says that this is the tradition. After the breakfast, we started to open the presents. It was very exciting! I wasn't thinking I can get the presents but I got some presents!!! Oh my goodness, I was really happy and happy. I think I love Christmas, hahaha (^u^*)/"
Jan got the basketball from Alejandro and we played basketball at outside right away. We played 21 and Alejandro beat Jan and me always.
After we had enough sweet time, we went Sue's parents' house to see them and to have BIG dinner. There were a lot of Sue's relations in the house. Sue introduced Alejandro and me to everyone and they all were very good people. The dinner was really really wonderful and big! Turkey, beef, chicken, salmon, rice, pasta, noodle, and a lot of dessert, everything was there! We ate and drank a lots, talked so much, sang very much, and danced a great much!
Alejandro missed his family so much. I'm so sure I will miss my family on 31's night and the new year's day.

The next day,it means Boxing Day, We got up late, like 10 o'clock and had breakfast. After packking everything to go back to Halimar, Jan, Jacob, Alejandro, and I went to the school which is 8 minutes away from the house to play basketball again. But there were many puddles and we gave up to play basketball and started to play "hopping on one foot". That was so funny because the game was really for children. However we enjoyed it like children, hahaha.
When we got home, there were many people who are Deby's husband, Lob's relations. But I didn't spent so much time with them because I went shopping twice with Jan and Alejandro.
First one was for killing the time. I bought the cloths at ROOTS for my sisters and brother. (Arejandro got the cute cap and Jan didn't buy anithing.)
Second one was for shopping foods to make dinner for the Halimar guests. We bought bunch of foods at COSCO like crazy, haha. But I like shopping in COSCO. It was really fun for me. On the way home, we were listening the radio in the car and we heard the OLD NAVY's commercial. The radio said they were holding crazy (20~75% off) sale. So we headed to OLD NAVY soon,haha. There is a looong line in the store. During Jan was on the line,Alejandro and I was shopping. I got some cloths with good deal. After I switch with Jan,they (Jan and Alejandro) were looking pants and shirts together. You know, they are really huge people. It's hard to find the cloths which fit them perfectly.
We had great dinner before the second shopping, by the way. The dinner was as great as the last night.But there were not enough chairs, so I ate my dinner at the downstairs with some people. I didn't talk a lot with the people. That was not good. I had to talk to them from me because they didn't know who I am and how good (or how bad?) my English is. Well,,,sigh.
We left Deby's house at 8 o'clock amd got Halimar at 10. It wasn't bad it was? On the way to Halimar, there was little space for Alejandro and me in the car. Because there were many many presents we got, a lot of foods, and some bags. So I was using his shoulder to sleep. Actually I didn't know using his shoulder until he woke me up.
SORRY!Alejandro!!

Well,,,it was nice and sweet and hot Christmas!

Good morning. We are leaving to Toronto again in this afternoon. I've just finished packking.I'm bit sleepy now because I went to the bed at 2:30 last night. It's because of Jacob's glowing feet.Sue and Jan (and Alejandro) were gone that time. They were having fan with Paydon's parents at the North Woods (the bar). So he came to me and I had to take care of him. His pain was not so bad. We played with the new toy (table ice hocky game!! It's the coolest toy in this house) and talked a lot. As soon as Jacob and I went back to each room, they got home. But I didn't see them 'couse I was really sleepy.I'm not sure when I can make a new post. Maybe it's 27th because we'll get home on 26's late night. I'll tell you how is my first real christmas!

The school is over. But I'm not so happy. I don't know why but I think it's because of this season. I miss family so much. I wish I could be with my family now. But I would like to stay here little bit longer. Oh, I can't tell my feeling very well.
Anyway this is christmas! We had a christmas concert at the school in 4th priod. It was very nice. Some students danced, some students sang the songs, and we watched the short movie which was made by some students and teachers.

Last night, My force was ZERO.

Toronto vacation was great. On Manday in the car, we were singing the christmas songs and I introduced Japanese Christmas songs to my host family. It was nice drive.
On the way to the hotel, we went to the shopping mall to take a christmas picture which was for Jacob and Lucas to decorete the christmas tree and to send their grandparents. There were a big picture area and Santa Claus who was sitting on the couch in the shopping mall. As soon as we got to the hotel, we ate our lunch.
After while we hung out in the downtown of Toronto and entered the bar, Brunch to have some light meal and drink. It was nice place. Actually we went there again on the next day.
We were there for a hour and went back to the hotel to ready for ice skating. This night's highlight was ice skating, Yay!! And it wasn't usual ice skating but was under the open sky!! Oh my goodness!! It was soooooooooo wonderful with many many lights. See the pictures, and imagine. I was like,,,,,, in a dream! However there were bunch of people. It was little bit hard to skait fast. By the way we met Alejandro and Nichola there. They were in Toronto since the day before we got to Toronto.
We left there at 8:30 and took a taxi to the hotel because the kids were really tired.
After the kids have gone to the bed, Alejandro and Nichola visited our room and we talked alot.

The second day,Tuesday 19, we went to the science museum. The museum was very big and interesting. There was "Super Heroes" area and we could make fun there (check the pic!).
And also there was "Sports" area. I think it is the best area of the museum. Even Jan was having a lot of fun with Paydon's father. They were having manu many fun at the pitching corner. And Sue and I was having fun at rock climbing corner,hahaha. See the pics, it was not so easy!
After we left the museum, we took a rest at the hotel and went to Brunch again for the dinner. We were going to watch the play, Aladdin which started at 7 o'clock. BUT! The dinner didn't come soon. We were waiting for 40 minutes and couldn't wait any more. We asked Jan and Paydon's father to bring back our dinner to the hotel (because they didn't go to the play) and cought a taxi.
We arrived to the theater at 6:59!! Wow, as soon as I sat down, the play started. The play was Aladdin but it was not just normal Aladdin like Disney's. Everybody know the basic story of Allejin,right? So this one was more modern and funny and comical and powerful. WELL DONE anyway!! I was well impressed. I wish I could watch again... Wow I like to be a actor! Hahaha.

The final day was not good. I mean my condition was so bad since the last night. I don't think it was because of the cold pasta that I ate the last night after the play. So I didn't go to swimming with them,,,sigh.
The drive to Halimar was really looong. Our car crawled through the jammed traffic for one and half hour. We left Toronto at 4 but we got to Halimar at 8:30! I was really tired so, I went to the bed right away.

Well... how do you think about my Toronto vacation?

Bad!! It's really bad. We are losing the SNOW!!!!! Actually it's totally gone. What's going on earth?!?! I really need snow or I'll miss skiing and the white christmas!

By the way, I'm gonna go for a vacation to,,, to,,, to Toronto. Sue told me in this morning about this. But,,, I missed Mexico vacation (because Sue was too busy), so I was thinking that I should be really happy if we could go to Niagara falls or the U.S. instead of Mexico vacation. Of course I am so happy for this family trip. But you know,,, my mind is kind of weird.
But,,, I'll be fine tomorrow. Because it's a family trip!!

This week was pretty normal except yesterday. I went for the school trip to Toronto yesterday. Almost every student met in front of the school at 7:30 and picked other students up at Minden Tim Hurton at 8 o'clock. It took about 3 hours to get to Toronto.

At first we visited Art Gallery of Ontario (near the CN Tower). It was not big gallery, but there were very lovely place. By the way, I met a Japanese woman there! Her name is Mayumi-san,and she talked to me first. She said "Excuse me but are you from Japan?". I said yes I am and we started talking. I asked her why she thought I am a Japanese because many people (i mean many Canadian) say there are no difference between Chinese and Japanese. She answered she didn't know but she can differentiate vaguely. I could understand what she wanted to say because I am a Japanses too.
Well,,,doesn't make sense? If you are not a Japanese,it's hard to understand I guess. But I don't know the difference between American and Canadian either. Oh well,I'm just kidding,hahaha.
It was very good conversation. However what a small world!! She was from Suita-city in Osaka and knew my high school. Possibly I will meet someboby who is come from my hometown,Sennan-city,hahaha!

Around 2 o'clock we left the gallery and headed for next place, Bata Shoe Museum. There were many many shoes of course. There were also the shoes which were used by famous people.
For example, Elton John and John Lennon. There was interesting place but it was kind of boring. When we left the shoe museum,it was 3:15 and we headed for Haliburton.

The school bus we got on ran for about 1 hour and stopped at the shopping mall for dinner and shopping. I didn't eat anything because I was sick since the day before. I didn't have a fever but my condition was worst. Yesterday morning was better than the day before but I had no appetite at all. Anyway I was shopping all the time. I bought some clothe at OLD NAVY and GUESS. Everything were 20~50% off because of Christmas. I really wanted to go shopping, so I was so glad.

When I got to the house,the storm was gone. I mean the kitchen was not crazy. I heard there were 47 guests and it wasn't buffet. But I helped dishwashing before I went to my bed room. Oh yeah!! I found a package from my aunt in my room. There were a cap and gloves and letter as the Christmas present. And also there was a cassette from my younger sister. There are some Japanese popular songs in the cassette. Wow,thank you so much!! I am very happy!

Crazy weekend. I am so tired now.
In this weekend, we had 2 big groups and some normal guests. The Cristmath party group on Friday and the ice hocky group on Saturday. Both of them were not polite people. I helped the dish washing like always. But it was very very hard. There were whole bunch of things to wash. I think I washed same pan at least 5 times. We have a few staffs in winter time,so both day, we finished everything at 12 o'clock in the night.
But tomorrow night was not so busy. Alejandro, Ayumi, and I had time to play the cards. At first, we played the "Donkey". This game was from Alejandro,and really funny!
You use 4 same number cards times the number of players cards and the spoons (subtract 1 from number of the players). So we used 4 jacks, 4 aces, 4 nines, and 2 spoons.
After the shuffle,deal 4 cards to each player. The spoons are put on the center of table. To win,you have to gather 4 of same cards. As saying "1,2,3,Donkey!", you pass a unnecessary card to the parson who is sitting next to you. The game should run fast. If you got 4 same cards,you take the spoon. If someone take a spoon, you also take a spoon as fast as you can or you will lose the game. It's really funny game! If you don't play,you never know how fun this game is!
He also taught us "99(ninety-nine)". But he was not sure the rule,so the game was fun (actually I loved it) but it wasn't done,hahaha. I tought him the game,"Line the 7s (shichi-narabe in Japanese)". He said it was boring because he had to use his brain.
I will teach him how to play "Daifugo" someday.

My Japanese friend,Ayumi has been in my house since last Tuesday because her hostfather John have to go to Toronto to take an operation. I don't know how bad his condition is,but I want him to be recovered and healthy again.
Anyway,we are reading some books and talking about after the graduation of Momoyama. I know that what I want to do at the university,but I don't know what I NEED. At least,I have to study harder and harder or I will not be able to enter any universities. I like to stay here longer and don't want to think about my life after this program finishes. It's so difficult,you know...
I'm trying to enjoy the rest of my life in Canada. I will make a big snowman in this winter. The snowman in the picture was a practice,hahaha. And also I want to make a Kamakura(snow dome).

I was very sleepy in the school all the time. Because It's Monday. Moreover it's week2.
The 1st period was the gym and we played badminton. My first partner was Ayumi. I hadn't played badminton for 2 months,so in the beginning,my moving was not so good. But soon,I could move quickly. In the rest of today's class,I was so tired and sleepy,so I can't remember very well,sigh.
After school,I enjoyed snowboarding with Jacob and Lucas. Of course they are much better than me. By the way,I'm so lucky amn't I?? Who can enjoy snowboarding at the home. However,my home is a resort,and there is the long hill between the house and the lake,so I can enjoy snowboarding without going to Sir Sam(it's a ski run). Sorry Kuni-chan.

Last day of the long weekend. The weather was perfect.
Kids were staying their grandparents' house because we were crazy busy last night. (I'm gonna write yesterday's post after today's.) Jan,Sue,Alejandro,and I left the house at 11:30 to go to the ice skaiting. On the way to the ice arena,we picked the kids up.
I think my skaiting is getting really better. I had really good feelings during we were skaiting. But now,we have snow,so I really would like to ski!!! However we need more and more snow.
After I ate lunch,I was so sleepy and take a long nap. When I got up it was dark.
Jan had ice hocky game tonight. Sue and the kids went to watch the game. I had my dinner alone (because Alejandro was in his room.). The dinner was sooo good. It was the left over since yesterday. We still have so many left over food in the fridge.

Okey,I tell you about yesterday now. But before you read this,you should know the meaning of this word,"Buffet". It's a French word.
We had 45 guests for the dinner. And they were having Chiristmas party.
In the morning,we set the dinning room for Buffet Style Dinner.
At 10 o'clok,Sue 's friend Chris came as a tonight's chef. He was so nice and funny guy. And very very very good at cooking. Ah,his yorkshire-pudding was so awesome.
I was doing something all the time. And I started watshing the dishes at 5:30. OH MY GOODNESS! Nonstop!! I was watshing the dirty dishes,pots,pans,and so on,,,untill 11:30. Isn't it crazy???
But I can excuse it. Because the left over was amazing and awesome. We all enjoyed it greatly. It was the best dinner that I have ever eaten in Canada. (And also the desserts were great too! I love every cakes,,,mmm)
This is why we were busy yesterday and I had no time to make a new post.
Well I'm gonna go to the bed as soon as I finish studying. (Madonna-Kobun!!!) Tomorrow is Monday! See ya :)

Freezing Rain today. It's not so cold (just -3degree) but windy. In the morning,it was so boring. I was online for a while,then ate lunch,and came back to the compurter again. But as soon as I came back to computer,I found really really amazing things in the outside of the windows of the dinning room. Those made me really happy in a moment!!Can you guess what were there?Wooooooooow,there were crazy beautiful rainbows!!Yes,rainbow"S". There were two rainbows!! Ahhh! AWESOME!!!
The clouds were moving so fast. I saw the beautiful blue sky. Ohhh,I had no words to say. But I didn't forget to make some pictures and to tell Sue and the kids.The kids were very excited.
I put my down jacket on to go to the outside. The kids followed me too. I was just standing until the rainbows were gone. It was just 5 or 6 mins.
When I was watching the rainbows,the kids were putting their snowboards on. Haaah,today was the hatsu-suberi(first sliding) day for them. Actually they are very good at winter sports. Especially skiing!
During they were sliding,I was helping them.How did I help?? Well,,,they ware so lazy to take the snowboards off to go up the hill. So,I plucked their arms all the time and went up the hill with them.It was a bit hard,you know? But even it was funny. Because the hill was so slippery and I fell down so many times.When I lost their glip,they went backward. It was funny to see.
I think we will have more and more snow tomorrow.