Holiday Retrospectives
What have co-workers been up to since you last saw them ?
This month’s issue of the FIA Monthly newsletter features shorts and pictures by trainers. Be sure to ask them about their holidays next time you see them!
YK Mochitsuki
The year-end tradition of “mochitsuki” has been upheld for decades at Yazaki Kako Corp. 2008 was no exception. Senior members showed us how it was done: 29 batches of rice were beaten into mochi-like submission, while well-wishers braved the 7 ‘o clock freeze with hot sake, home-made Zoni, daifuku mochi and oroshi natto!
by Kinsella
Monkey Baths in Nagano
The traditional ryokan, Korakukan, borders the Jigokudani Yaenkoen in Nagano. The park is famous for its Japanese Macaques (the northernmost-living
primates, except humans!), that occasionally join guests in the rotemburo. Not for the squeamish or timid, but an adventure worth considering!
By Brian B.
Jokes!
Andy and Dale Presetn... The Long-Awaited and Anticipated PP Committee Joke Contest!
Laugh it Up!
＊When I was a kid we had a quicksand box. I was an only child...eventually - Steven Wright
＊What do you call a leper in a hot tub? Stu (stew)
- - submitted by Van
＊Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson go on a camping trip. After a good dinner and a bottle of wine, they retire for the night, and go to sleep.
Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”
“I see millions and millions of stars, Holmes” replies Watson.
“And what do you deduce from that?”
Watson ponders for a minute. “Well, Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe. But what does it tell you, Holmes?”
Holmes is silent for a moment.
“Watson, you idiot!” he says. “Someone has stolen our tent!”
- - Submitted by Lorna
Farewells and Best Wishes!
If I may ne'er behold again
That form and face so dear to me,
Nor hear thy voice, still would I fain
Preserve, for aye, their memory
.
～from: “Farewell” by Anne Bronte
What to Look For
- Chinese New Year - January 26
- Setsubun - February 3
- Sapporo Snow Festival, February 5 -11
- Ume Matsuris - Plum Blossom Season, February ~ March
- National Foundation Day, February 11
- Valentine's Day, February 14
The Back Page!
Cultural Awareness by Chris C.
Below, my Iaido-sensei invited a few of us to practice "tameshigiri" - cutting rolled tatami mats with a real sword!
I made my first inkan to stamp my Shodoworks. This first one was made with an eraser.
Family Ties by Jesse
My and my nephew, Cohen, Who I met for the first time last month.
My niece, Sophia, who looks to be growing out of my body (lower left); Snow in front of my parents' place (lower right).
Thank you, Van, Lorna, Chris C., Jesse and Lorna for your contributions
