https://jasonashimoto.com/blog/2018-02-11T07:29:55+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/2011/11/12/470/2015-02-16T09:12:06+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2015/01/26/star-wars-running-costumes/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/shirt.jpgSHIRTTina from Tinamadeit.com gave me this amazing UCLA Star Wars shirt. I felt doubly proud wearing it for this.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/earlymorn.jpgEARLYmornThe flashing LED lights were a hit when we lined up for the start at 5am! I put another pair of lights on the back of the hat for the ion engines.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/group.jpgGROUPA post-race group shot of our squadron. Today, the Empire won.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/swbackdrop.jpgSWbackdropDisney had some cool backdrops for photos at the pre-run expo. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_0119.jpgIMG_0119Our TIE Fighter.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/duo-anakin-skywalker.jpgplastic maskI am opposed to plastic mask costumes at this point in my life.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/tiefighterfull.jpgTiefighterfullThe TIE fighter. The non-fans in our group kept referring to these as "the spaceships of the bad guys". sigh.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/starwarshalf.jpgStarWarsHalf2015-01-27T21:02:03+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2015/01/01/2014-in-review/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/rearview.jpgrearview2015-01-26T22:52:42+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/12/22/isetan-tan-tan/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/isetan.jpgisetan2015-01-26T22:52:28+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/12/03/mazda/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/mazda.jpgmazda2015-01-01T20:32:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/12/01/share-do-good-moved-across-the-street/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/share3.jpgshare3The wifey smiling in front of Share's giant chalkboard backdrop. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/share2.jpgshare2The evening featured a calligrapher, free artisan coffee, and candied apples!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/share1.jpgshare1Share's new storefront on Wilshire Ave. in downtown Fullerton!2014-12-20T10:34:39+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/11/18/chalkboarding/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/potluck-sign.jpgpotluck signI hope this sign makes people thankful and hungry.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-2.jpgphoto-2Martin and Tina's wedding chalkboard. Took a while to do, but it was fun. (This was also the first wedding Fara and I got to be in together as bridesmaid and groomsman!)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_8698.jpgIMG_8698Final draft of the sandwich board, with flowers and decorations added from Tina.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_8697.jpgIMG_8697https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-1.jpgphoto 1First draft of the sandwich board: the final draft did not have the rings, but added a few more embellishments. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/smallchalkboards.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATwo small chalkboards for wedding display table tops.2014-12-20T10:34:17+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/12/17/nisei-fishing-company-apparel-craft-shows/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pc066258.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFor the Holiday Craft Boutique I took a single pallet and constructed a table-top shelving unit.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pc066256.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother view of my tabletop display.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pb246252.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALimited run shirts I designed for the show. This pic shows the chest graphic (bottom), back neckline graphic (center), and rolled/packaged shirt.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pb246245.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe limited run trucker caps embroidered with logo.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pb226234.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe packaged shirts. I used some hemp-colored thin twine, and rolled them so the chest graphic was displayed.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pb226238.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy display at Koi Krafters.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pb226228.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother view of my Koi Krafters display.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pb196226.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFara graciously offered to help make tags. We ran them through a sewing machine to perforate them.2015-03-04T06:13:37+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/09/29/planting-a-vine/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/p9240787.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAChurros and Luis (aka PotentOne and Squeeze), put together a gallery wall. Maybe I should come up with an art handle too. Do you think "hard artsy azn man" is cool?? Second thought... I'll just stick with "Jason".https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/p9240786.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAStuart and Benne work on a gallery wall at church. They put the wall together in about half the time that it took the rest of us. They're AMAZING. We are not.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dennis-and-stu-e1317323563974.jpgdennis and stuDennis and Stuart. Two of our wise builders trying to figure out how to bring our pallet wall design to life!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2011-09-16_21-56-52_233-e1317323497967.jpg2011-09-16_21-56-52_233This is what I envision. At this point, nothing is secured... I had only arranged the pieces to show our builders what to aim for.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pallets-don.jpgpallets donDon helping to load pallets. He's been so instrumental in this gallery. I love his creativity and artistic sense! Don arranged the truck rental and the pallet donation! https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pallets1.jpgpallets1Pallets waiting to be used for art!! https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/churros1.jpgchurrosChurros now goes by the artist name "PotentOne". He chose it because things that are potent are "small, but powerful". Here is Churros in front of one of his displays at a small shop-gallery at ArtWalk LAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/churros.jpgchurroshttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/p1000940.jpgP1000940Churros from 2008. Back then, he was still a young lad...2014-12-15T18:52:09+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/12/15/dont-forget-about-this/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/grandmagrandpa.jpggrandmagrandpaMy grandparents in their younger days. This pic was taken in 1940 at a park in Orange County before the Japanese were evacuated from the West Coast.2014-12-12T20:58:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/06/02/artist-trading-cards-3/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-32.jpgphoto 3(2)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-31.jpgphoto 3https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-22.jpgphoto 2(2)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-21.jpgphoto 2https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-12.jpgphoto 1(2)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-11.jpgphoto 12014-12-09T10:17:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/12/09/chalkboarding-large-display/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/side1.jpgside1The side panels. I thought about cutting these from the display multiple times because I was so tired. In the end, I decided to suck it up and do the damn thing.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/no-lights-display.jpgno lights displayThese are the panels attached to some wooden stands in our sanctuary foyer. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/final-display.jpgfinal displayFor the final display I attached some shoplights to give it a good accent.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-5.jpgphoto 5The finished 3 center panels. I experimented with shading and gradients with the chalk ink.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/tracing.jpgtracingAs I traced, the light from the projector made the chalk ink glow!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/projector.jpgprojectorI used the projector to make the text bigger. It really helped in making the text an exact copy.2014-12-09T17:04:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/05/19/just-call-me-miles-dyson/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/roomba.jpgRoombahttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/roomba2.jpgSONY DSC2014-12-04T08:05:47+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/05/29/what-camp-type-are-you/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/camp_home11.jpgcamp_home1https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/hub_ringleader2.jpgHUB_ringleaderThis was my result. Sounds cool, but I'm not sure what it means. I'm definitely not the ringleader amongst my camping friends2014-12-01T08:55:44+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/05/12/7-thoughts-on-vibram-5-fingers/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/barefoot-running-form.jpgbarefoot-running-formhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bikila-sole.jpgbikila solehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bikila-blue.jpgBikila BlueThe Bikila street running shoe. My weapon of choice.2014-11-18T10:31:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/05/05/diy-pyrography-coaster/2014-11-18T10:30:56+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/04/28/artist-trading-cookies-2/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-4.jpgphoto 4https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-3.jpgphoto 3https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-2.jpgphoto 2https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-1.jpgphoto 12014-11-18T10:30:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/04/21/diy-instagram-coasters/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/mg_6883.jpg_MG_6883https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/rubbing-paper.jpgProcessed with VSCOcamgently rub away the back of the paper.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/mg_6884.jpg_MG_6884https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/mg_6856.jpg_MG_6856https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/mg_6819.jpg_MG_6819If you're like me and still cut like a 3rd grader, use a paper cutter.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/mg_6851.jpg_MG_6851https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p4095109.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p4095108.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p4095107.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe final coat of Mod Podge really helps to make the colors pop!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p4095105.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACool, refreshing memories!2014-06-10T04:39:07+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/04/14/artist-trading-cards-1/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/590fd-stevesaxtopps.jpg590fd-stevesaxtoppshttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p7264658.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPortland, Oregonhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p7264657.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERANew York, New Yorkhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p7264656.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAParis, Francehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p7264655.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABangkok, Thailandhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p7264654.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERASeoul, South Koreahttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p7264653.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAKinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congohttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p7264652.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACairo, Egypthttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p7264651.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo3-e1396910054873.jpgphoto3Some of the creative pieces from the trade!2014-05-28T07:53:24+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/04/10/looming-bracelet-crafts/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-41.jpgphoto 4https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-33.jpgphoto 3Community room that SOLA operates out of in Asahigaoka. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-221.jpgphoto 2(2)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo-121.jpgphoto 1(2)These are the cheap knock-offs. We bought a bunch of the higher quality name-brand Rainbow Looms, but also picked up these in downtown LA in the toy district for a fraction of the cost.2014-05-20T06:57:06+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2014/04/07/diy-maple-and-poplar-cutting-board/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1387439112-630594-30.jpg1387439112.630594.30The wax really brings out the wood!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p2155081.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cb9.jpgCB9The last step is the most satisfying. Squeeze it on, and rub it in. You'll be glad you did.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cb7.jpgCB7Here are some of the cutting boards I did in the first batch. I used some fonts I liked (script for girls, sans serif for guys).https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cb8.jpgCB8https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cb6.jpgCB6This stuff comes in handy! You can probably use butcher block oil or mineral oil as well for this step.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cb5.jpgCB5Here is one of the sanded boards. I sanded the edges a bit to take off sharp corners. I loved running my hands over everything when it was nice and smooth. aaahhhh...https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cb4.jpgCB4I made one bigger board with a "natural edge" for some good friends. It was fun to use the sander to create more of an artpiece out of this one.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cb2.jpgCB2Measuring and cutting the wood on the table saw.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cb3.jpgCB3Clamping! You can see the dried glue residue on the seams. This part takes patience because all you can do it clamp and wait... and wait... and wait.2014-05-12T23:26:55+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/12/31/2013-in-review-of-onigiri-everyday/2014-05-06T14:14:14+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/12/16/let-there-be-light-diy-pvc-lightbox-for-photography/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/amazon-lightbox.jpgamazon lightboxIf you're feeling lazy and want a smaller box, you can pick a set like this up for only about $35 from Amazon. Not a bad deal, but you miss the fun of creating something yourself and being able to customize it! https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/posterboard.jpgposterboardRepurposed hook screws from my jewelry box project came in handy. I attached two on the back pipes and connected them with some thick string to hold the posterboard backdrop in place. A small clip easily holds the posterboard in place.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tina3.jpgtina3https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tina2-e1387199046719.jpgtina2https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tina1.jpgtina1The office clip at the front of the box held the muslin to the frame nicely.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sw2.jpgsw2The lightbox really changes the way your photographs turn out. Light envelops the subject in a way that washes away harsh shadows, giving the picture a studio-like appearance.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pvcbig3.jpgpvcbig3Our twin lightbox frames!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sw1.jpgsw1Tina was so excited about the lightbox she grabbed these star wars advent calendar toys that were sitting nearby to start testing our box. Earlier in the week she had teased me about how nerdy they were, but now they were the perfect objects for her to photograph!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pvcbig2.jpgpvcbig2Our "double box" made with a few extra pieces.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pvcbig1.jpgpvcbig12014-04-15T18:17:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/about/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/crash-japan-trip1041.jpgCRASH Japan Trip1041Thanks to Caroline Wu for the headshots!2014-04-15T09:55:50+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/2013/12/12/gut-churn/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cfl_light_bulb2.jpgcfl_light_bulbhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/gutchurn21.jpggutchurn2https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/gutchurn.jpggutchurn2014-04-15T09:36:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/03/28/vintage-soda-crate-chalkboard-nightstands/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0707.jpgIMG_0707https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0706.jpgIMG_0706The one unplanned cool thing about this: at night when the lamp is on, the light bleeds down through the handle cut-out and through the back of the crate. It illuminates the inside of the crate really nicely!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0705.jpgIMG_0705https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0703.jpgIMG_0703https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0702.jpgIMG_0702I found some extra shelf parts from our kitchen, and attached them to the side of the crate to hold a shelf.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0699.jpgIMG_0699$2 handles complete the exterior.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0686.jpgIMG_0686With the help of some chalk markers, the doors are now personalized!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0685.jpgIMG_0685I attached the doors to the crates using some rustic-looking copper hinges. These crates are made from some thin wood, so be careful when drilling...https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0648.jpgIMG_0648This table saw is my favorite tool. It's helped me with so many projects!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0674.jpgIMG_0674Finished chalkboard MDF and some poplar hobby wood. Approx. $15-$20 at Home Depot2014-04-15T09:16:53+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/04/22/vintage-treasures-from-grandpa/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/tempura.jpgtempuraThis one is actually grandma's rather than grandpa's. It's an old tempura/fondue maker... brand spanking new, but definitely old.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/photo1.jpgphoto1I have no idea what this is... but I know it's old. It dispenses what looks like masking tape. Any ideas??https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/eoven.jpgEovenAn old electric oven! I don't know why I'd ever use this, but it looks cool. I guess if my ovens ever break, I can plug this in and cook a turkey.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/butcherscale2.jpgButcherscale2The back looks really cool. It's got a state inspection sticker still on the side. I love things from the past!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/butcherscale.jpgButcherscaleI think this is an old butcher scale, but I'm not positive. My grandpa was a butcher, and this looks like a scale, so I did the math.2014-04-15T09:15:23+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/05/02/bay-to-breakers/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/p5150457.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt was so cool to be a part of 100 years of history!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/p5150453.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis girl came to the right race to see naked people.2014-04-15T09:13:27+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/06/20/design-alter-ego/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/portrait-of-william-morris.jpgPortrait-of-William-Morris2014-04-15T09:12:54+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/the-vine-gallery/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sola-logo.jpgSOLA logoHope after the Great East Japan Earthquakehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/vine_gallery_logo.jpgPrintArt unearthing culture.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/graf-heads1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2014-04-11T11:05:14+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/creativity/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ten.jpgTENhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/messy-title.jpgMessy Titlehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/unbelievable-title.jpgUnbelievable Titlehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/holy-harmony.jpgHoly Harmonyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kog.jpgKOGhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sermon-title-graphic-16x9.jpgsermon title graphic 16x9https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/connect-program-cover.jpgCONNECT PROGRAM COVERProgram design for joint retreat between Palos Verdes Baptist Church, Victory Fellowship, and EBCLAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/love-changes.jpglove changesProgram design for EBCLA youth retreathttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/god-is-upside-down.jpgHike on sunsethttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lentscript-gothicsub.jpgLENTscript.gothicsub2014-04-11T09:46:28+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/2013/04/01/diy-rustic-frame-jewelry-box/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/hung.jpghungJewelry organization problem: SOLVED.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/hangers-e1367284738268.jpghangersSpecial drywall screws and hanging hardware for a low-profile hang.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0696.jpgIMG_0696Some old Ikea parts helped to create my ring holders!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0693.jpgIMG_0693The final product. The knobs look great and give it some much needed character!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0691.jpgIMG_0691I chose to insert the glass from the frame back in, although... it also looked good open.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0690.jpgIMG_0690Final verdict: hard, but fun to make.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0698.jpgIMG_0698A row of hooks for earrings and a small divided drawer for catching loose jewelry.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0672.jpgIMG_0672https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0671.jpgIMG_0671Once the stip of knobs is done, I secured it to the box from the back. Make sure the screws are flush with the back of the box!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0670.jpgIMG_0670The front should have some space between the knob and the wood. You want to have this gap so that a few necklaces can hang on each knob.2013-05-02T19:13:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/creativity/misc-designs/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/a_hue-copy.jpga_HUE copyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/boys-full.jpgBOYS FULLhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/intersection-large.jpgintersection largehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/aacf-urb-front.jpgAACF URB FRONTAACF promo flyer 2013https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/aacf-urb-back.jpgAACF URB BACKhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ebcla-japan-team-shirt.jpgEBCLA Japan Team shirtShirt design for Evergreen's Japan Teams in 2011. The pic is a grungy rising sun with a picture of some tsunami rubble from my trip in August of 2011 (specifically a broken chawan/tea bowl). The shirt design was printed by Zoe Wear in Torrance and used for a fundraiser.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2011bulletininside1.jpg2011BULLETININSIDE1EBCLA bulletin 2011 (inside cover)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2011bulletinoutside-1.jpg2011BULLETINOUTSIDEEBCLA bulletin 2011 (outside cover)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/outsummerbulletin.jpgOUTSUMMERBULLETINEBCLA summer bulletin (outside)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/insidesummerbulletin.jpgINSIDESUMMERBULLETINEBCLA summer bulletin (inside)2013-04-30T05:39:17+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/creativity/graphic-designs/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/baptism.jpgBaptismhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/aero-k-metal-black-logo.jpgAero K METAL BLACK Logoconcept for an aerospace parts companyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/move-mountains-title-low-rez.jpgMOVE MOUNTAINS TITLE (low rez)Graphic for JEMS AACF Leadership Training Conference 2010https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/credits2-production.jpgCREDITS2 PRODUCTIONone of the credit slides for Justis Kao's xmas concerthttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/credits2-crew.jpgCREDITS2 CREWone of the credit slides for Justis Kao's xmas concerthttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kao-xmas-boxes.jpgkao xmas BOXESon-screen image for artist Justis Kao's Christmas concert2013-04-30T05:29:25+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/creativity/sermon-series-slides-2/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/4-trees-title.jpg4 trees title2013-04-30T05:25:42+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/creativity/logo-designs/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mo-logo-large.jpgMO LOGO LARGEUpdate for a high school near Bakersfield, CA. I was asked to add coloring to the existing graphichttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cg-logo.jpgCG LOGOEBCLA College Group logohttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/catalyst-logo-urban.jpgCATALYST logo urbanCatalyst student leadership grouphttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/gh2006.jpgGH2006EBCLA's high school ministryhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/soho2.jpgSOHO2Soho IT Consulting companyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/3x3.jpg3x3EBCLA Romans 12 campaignhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/85th-logo.jpg85th logo85th anniversary of EBCLA2013-04-30T05:20:17+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/creativity/church-announcement-slides/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/blood-drive.jpgblood drivehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/youth-retreat.jpgYouth Retreathttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/visual-techs-needed-sw.jpgvisual techs needed SWhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ushers.jpgushershttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/visitors.jpgvisitorshttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/temple.jpgtemplehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/qcm.jpgQCMhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/online-giving.jpgonline givinghttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/membership.jpgMEMBERSHIPhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/lunch-announcement.jpglunch announcement2013-04-30T05:10:09+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/pixels/2013-04-30T04:38:50+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/wood/2013-04-30T04:37:52+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/2013/04/10/diy-wedding-invitations/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/clubflyer-4.jpgClubFlyer-4Dance club flyers... unless you have done some uber-cool invitation to purposely play off these, don't let your invites look like this! Keep your final design uncluttered and on matte card stock.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/trash.jpgtrashUnfortunately, no matter how much time and money you spend on wedding invitations, this is where 99% of them go.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/great_wave_off_kanagawa2.jpgGreat_Wave_off_Kanagawa2My wife and I love this woodblock print. Something about waves... they're just plain cool.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/back1.jpgback1Back of the invitation... I see a lot of monograms on wedding invites these days, but I wanted to do something different and use my family crest. Too bad only my family knew what it was! haha.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/seal.jpgsealMy family's crest on a wax seal.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/front1.jpgfront1I never knew there was such specific etiquette for wedding invitation wording! https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/both2.jpgboth2Info card: remember to add a map. I made mine on illustrator so I could keep it clean and simple.2013-06-20T07:12:18+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/03/18/diy-industrial-pipe-shelf/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114564-e1363597322559.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI used some black twist-ties to attach the tv and directTV cables to the back of the pipes. These are our temporary decorations, but you get the idea!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114562.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114554.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI used the template to mark out where my screws would go to anchor the TV to the board.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114553.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWith a skinny shelf, the TV needed to be anchored to the wood to prevent falling (something earthquake-prone California needs to worry about). I used a piece of paper to make a template of the TV base.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114555.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAfter the TV was anchored, I used these to secure the boards to the pipes. These added extra strength to the shelf, making it very sturdy.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114559.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFlange pieces at the bottom give a sturdy base to the legs of the shelf. No real need to screw them into the floor. I started out with felt pads on the bottom, but decided the shelf wasn't going to need them if it never moved.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114558.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA T-joint at the top gives a nice lip to prevent the top plank from falling off accidentally. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114557.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAUse metal flanges to anchor the shelf to the wall.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/p3114561-e1363595844639.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA1x8's give you a small profile shelf for tight spaces.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/unstained.jpgunstainedAfter I figured out the pipes, I got super excited and put the shelf up half-finished, and unstained. The wife approved! Success!2013-12-04T22:07:38+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/03/14/diy-vintage-briefcase-guitar-effects-pedalboard-part-2/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/setupfinal.jpgsetupFINALmy final setup. NOW, I'm ready to rock.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tunercloseup.jpgtunercloseupThis sight gives me tremendous satisfaction.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/adapterview.jpgadapterviewAfter a quick adjustment, I was able to rework the pedal setup to allow a snug fit for the female part of the AC cord.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cableholes.jpgcableholesRedemption! The second hole proved to be in a perfect place for the AC adapter cord.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tools.jpgtoolsmy tools for the second part of this project.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cordfit.jpgcordfitIt fits! (finally)2013-03-18T09:26:50+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2013/03/13/diy-vintage-briefcase-guitar-effects-pedalboard/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/pedalboard1.jpgpedalboard1Suitcase: found for free. Foam: saved from a package (free). Rubber feet and hardware: free. I love this kind of project cost!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/pedalboard2.jpgpedalboard2I found 4 rubber feet, some nuts, and a few bolts lying around the house. Installation so far: easy peasy.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/vertexeffectsdmularzpedalboard5.jpgVertexEffectsDMularzPedalboard5Here's a nice effects board full of a bunch of pedals that I'm not good enough to use. Boards can run well over $100. No thank you.2014-09-05T19:11:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/12/24/country-christmas-wish/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ladyantebellum2.jpgRoger McCartyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/nickelcreek_color.jpgnickelcreek_colorThese 3 are some of the most talented musicians on the planet. I've been to almost every Nickel Creek concert in LA from the early turn of the century until they disbanded. I even traveled by myself to Nashville for their very last concert ever at the Ryman (original Grand Ole Opry - birthplace of bluegrass).https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/keith-urban-1.jpgkeith-urban-1Keith Urban: my gateway drug to country music2013-03-13T09:57:13+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/09/06/kaerimasu/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-08-31-11-33-43.jpg2012-08-31 11.33.43Our navigator and interpreter - Tomomi. She has been our link to the country and the culture. We would have never left Narita airport without her. Tomomi is an AMAZING woman. She moved away from Japan 10 years ago to go to school in the states. Since then, she heard God calling her to move back indefinitely to minister. So, when the rest of the team heads back to the US, Tomomi will stay. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9053169.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is Erika. She worked so hard to come up with crafts, art projects, and cooking projects for the children on this trip. She's definitely the sweetest person on our team, and it shows in her interaction with the kids. I think everyone on this trip is gaining weight from all the Japanese cuisine except her... mostly because Makito takes all her food.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9023001.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAKore wa Wayne desu. This is Wayne (nickname: Wandering Wayne) and he LOVES vending machines. He tries a different drink at every vending machine we pass (note: there is a vending machine on every corner). Wayne has been incredible on this trip. He jumps right in with the children and interacts with them. He lived in Japan until the age of 5, and now he can somehow recall a latent ability to speak Japanese with the locals here.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9043101.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9043100.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAGanbarou Tohoku.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9043122.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is Judie. She is by far the coolest, healthiest 70 year-old in the world. Judie has such a heart for children... especially the children here in Tohoku. She's our team chef for team 3... keeping us well-fed and healthy. She was even willing to help one of our team members administer an enema. I know, gross. Don't ask.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9022986.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is Martin. We gave him the name "Mabo" (as in Mabo Tofu) for this trip so the Japanese kids could have an easier time pronouncing it. He is our recreation master for the trip... bringing a multitude of games for the kids. Here, Mabo takes a bite of a fish head he bought for lunch for 1200 yen. Why, Mabo... why.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_0047.jpgIMG_0047This is Makito. In true asian fashion, he takes pictures of all his food (and he eats a LOT of food). He's only 19, but he's an excellent interpreter for our trip. A few weeks prior to our trip we had no interpreters, but God in His faithfulness, brought us Makito.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_0102.jpgIMG_0102This is Janelle. She's amazing with children and has so much compassion for the people around her. We were working at an old shrine and this Japanese fisherman gave her this broom to clean the shrine steps. It looked like the broom from Harry Potter, so I asked Janelle to give me her best Quiddich pose.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9022979.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFrom left to right: Tomomi Onaya, Wayne Muramatsu, Janelle Tom, Erika Wong, Makito Umekita, Judie Jue, mysefl, and Martin Au-Yeung. We found these robes in one of our hotels and decided they were just what we needed to take a great picture.2012-12-24T22:51:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/10/29/share-do-good/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lilly.jpgLillyThat's Lilly in the white shirt. She's an amazing person with a huge heart. I've worked with her for years directing youth camps. She's also coordinating my wedding!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-10-27_14-33-34_486.jpg2012-10-27_14-33-34_486They even had perfume and cologne!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-10-27_13-32-57_989.jpg2012-10-27_13-32-57_989That's Lilly in the white shirt. She's an amazing person with a huge heart. I've worked with her for years directing youth camps. She's also coordinating my wedding!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-10-27_14-33-17_514.jpg2012-10-27_14-33-17_514https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-10-27_14-33-26_506.jpg2012-10-27_14-33-26_506https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-10-27_14-33-46_827.jpg2012-10-27_14-33-46_827Share is located in downtown Fullerton.2012-12-24T20:40:32+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/10/27/hong-kong-day-3/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153719.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is Selene. She moved from Hong Kong to the US in 5th grade, and on the first day of class, she sat next to me. From then, we went to the same school until we graduated college. We even lived directly across from each other at our apartment at UCLA. Whenever I tried to snap a pic of her during this trip, she'd give me this "what the hell do you think you're doing" look. She told me not to post this picture, so being the good friend that I am, here it is. haha.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153754.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWhile we were headed out of the market, a group of students assembled from out of nowhere. They did this dance with "V for Vendetta" masks, then just dispersed and disappeared into the crowd. Selene told us that they were protesting against the education system in HK, using the "V" masks as a sign of rebellion and revolution. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153748.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy favorite picture. Business is REAL slow tonight for this poor guy.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153747.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe shopping area was big and full of cheap products. They had some good deals on Toms shoes, but I had the sneaking suspicion that these HK vendors wouldn't send a pair of shoes to a child in need. Kinda defeats the purpose.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153745.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWhat time is it? Time to buy a watch.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153744.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is called "too many signs". This was not even a main street. Definitely sensory overload for a foreigner like me.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153743.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis lady is spending a lot of time making those glass flowers... I hope someone buys them!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153739.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThere were tons of singers set up along the streets singing. Most of the time it sounded more like karaoke than a concert. This musical duo had about 2 enthusiastic fans.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/p9153737.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe streets of Hong Kong come alive at night!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/hk-boat.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA faux junk boat in the harbor. 2012-11-02T18:21:15+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/09/22/hong-kong-day-2/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9143559.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe also found another dan tat place that was well-known for their tarts. I got one with blueberry inside. Dee-lish? You betcha.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9143582.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe roof was packed! We had to wait patiently to get a spot along the railing. Everyone wanted a picture.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9143602.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis high density-city is beautiful at night. Two skylines of skyscrapers lining a body of water, busy with boats ferrying people and products.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/hkskyline.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe view. The HK skyline is one of the most amazing things these eyes have seen. Considering a view like this would cost about $15 in the US, the price for this was a steal! Totally worth it.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cheng-pirate.jpgCheng PirateChow Yun Fat's character in Pirates of the Caribbean was based on Cheung Po Tsai, who operated in Stanley.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/lady-fishing.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis lady was fishing off the pier in Stanley. She had what looked like a kite string and some bait on a hook... no pole!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/stanley.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAStanley is filled with small islands in its bay. Legend has it that this is where Hong Kong's famous pirates used to hang out.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9143519.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe malls in HK are beautiful and they're all many levels high. This one had floating escalators... making the view from the bottom floor really interesting. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9143518.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe view from one of the malls. What do you see? Skyscrapers and old apartment buildings.2012-10-27T10:26:38+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/09/18/hong-kong-day-1b/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9123374.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur dorm room at the YWCA. Not too bad for $26/night!!!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/photo.jpgphotoAsia is awesome! A discount store in Japan called "Jieson" and a supermarket in HK by me(s). Haha.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133468.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI tried to not get anything Japanese while in Hong Kong, especially since I would be in Japan before and after my time here. I failed. Who can resist a mochi-like obanyaki!?https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133462.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHokkaido bread products are popular in Hong Kong. In Japan, this is just called "bread". haha. While Hokkaido does seem to be praised for its food products (I had some Hokkaido potatoes in Ishinomaki that were delicious!), I haven't seen any special Hokkaido food in Japan so far.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9143643.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe mall at night. They stay open late b/c of the restaurants. You can see that the main walkway is extra wide. Selene says that the malls area extra-large because locals have small homes, so the only way to hang out with others is to go to a public space like the mall. During the day, these malls are PACKED! It feels like they need to make these walkways bigger! haha.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133460.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAEric could not resist posing with one in a classic Asian "peace-sign" pose.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133453.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis place was PACKED with people taking pictures with Doraemon statues. Each one was different, but I only saw a few on the outskirts because I couldn't brave walking through the center of the crowd.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133446.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALike Japan and the UK, they also drive on the other side of the road here. There are so many crosswalks and tons of fast-driving cars, so these helpful pedestrian reminders save lives everyday.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/shelby-slot-car-track.jpgshelby-slot-car-trackMy impression of riding a taxi in HK.2012-10-27T10:25:45+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/09/17/hong-kong-day-1a/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133442.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAYou can see through the bill! HK money is so cool.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/shrimp-creature.jpgshrimp creatureBefore & After 2. In Japan I ate the sushi on the right, but I nobody knew what it was. Then I saw these things (left) at Sai Kung. I think they are the same. They look kind of gross. They taste better... but let's just say I'm not going to order it again.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/crab.jpgcrabBefore & After. the crab on the left became the crab on the right. deep fried garlic covered the crab like freshly fallen snow. so delicious.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133444.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe stopped at a dan tat place after lunch. Aside from Selene, this is the reason I came to HK. I heart egg tart.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133429.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThere were tons of fish, shellfish, and other "creatures" there. I had no idea what 70% of them were. They even had shrimp-like animals INSIDE plastic bottles. I'm thinking they were farmed inside the bottles from a young age, because I have no idea how they would get full-grown ones in there. If they did farm them, that's just wrong. I can't believe I feel bad for a shrimp.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133428.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABut we didn't get our fish on the boat. Instead we came here, and picked a crab from one of these bins outside. Actually, Selene picked it. She's the only one that spoke fluent Cantonese, so that makes her the crab-picker.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133402.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFloating Fish Market. The people in these small boats had tons of fish in plastic bins with water cycling through them. People would come up to the side of the pier and buy fish from them. Take your pick! They even have blue crab off the side of the boat in a cage tied to the side.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133396.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe pier at Sai Kung. A little bit of "future" in an old harbor.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133382.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACha-shu bao. These will be served in heaven, I promise.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9133379.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis line was on a weekday morning!2012-10-27T10:25:14+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/09/08/random-cool-things-in-japan-mobile-grocery-store/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9053189.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAJudie poses with a basket in front of the "store".2012-09-17T18:41:04+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/09/10/japan-is-too-cool-part-3-wet-wash-dry/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_0065.jpgIMG_00653-in-1. This is so much more efficient. America! We need to catch up!2012-09-17T18:40:03+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/09/09/japan-is-too-cool-part-2-zunda-mochi/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/p9033093.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAZunda mochi made with edamame!2012-09-17T18:39:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/08/27/kagoshima-countryside/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/katsu-sando.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA"Katsu sand-o" for dinner-- probably the best packaging for a sandwich I've ever seen. Oh yeah... I also had onigiri.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kagoshima-city-from-sakurajima.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAview of Kagoshima city from Sakurajima. my great grandpa left this to go to monterey park!?!?https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/sakurajima-smoke.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/tokiko-kenta-toshiaki-arimura.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/junichi-phone.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAJunichi on the phone with Masako, asking for a quick translation...https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/sakurajima-money.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERApeople treat the lava rock like a shrine by placing coins on it and prayinghttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/sakurajima-me-junichi.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAin front of Sakurajima at a lava lookout pointhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/shiroyama.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAview from Shiroyama mountain of Kagoshima city. don't judge... the flash didn't work. haha.2012-09-09T18:32:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/08/28/roots/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/sakainominato21.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/mon.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAthe Ashimoto family cresthttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/family-dinner.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABACK ROW: Etsu, Yoshie, Yoshiko, Takiaki, Miyu, Yasue, Atsushi; FRONT ROW: Umetani Obasan, me, Adachi Obasanhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/family-tree.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAthe history of the Ashimotoshttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/great-great-grandpa1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAmy great great grandfather. this grave is over 120 years old! he had 3 wives (because they died young, not because he was shady).https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/great-great-grandpa.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAmy great great grandfather. this grave is over 120 years old! he had 3 wives (because they died, not because he was shady).https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/great-great-grandpa2.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/incense.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/relatives-graves.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ashimoto-house.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2012-09-09T18:31:47+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/11/22/art-and-the-church/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/trinity.jpgtrinityRublev's icon of the Trinityhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/michelangelos_pieta.jpgMichelangelo's_Pietahttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/praise-night2.jpgpraise-night2https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/lalo.jpglaloLalo Garcia. I learned more about theology and people in one afternoon with this guy than from some of my seminary classes. I kid you not, this guy can teach a course on homiletics (preaching) at the seminary level using only his experience as an artist. His stuff is without a doubt, sacred art.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/mako.jpgmakoMakoto Fujimura... another artist/theologian. The night he spoke to us, he gave a better sermon than most of us pastors could have delievered.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pantone-book-11.jpgpantone-book-112015-02-16T00:22:20+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/05/14/maturing-like-oaks/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2011-12-16_14-52-09_970.jpg2011-12-16_14-52-09_970size of the Old Oak's branch compared to my hand!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/istock_000007489042xsmall.jpgleafhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2011-12-16_14-48-34_971.jpg2011-12-16_14-48-34_971Sign next to the old oak.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2011-12-16_14-48-05_63.jpg2011-12-16_14-48-05_63Old oak displayed at the center.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2011-12-16_14-49-28_422-e1337021790291.jpg2011-12-16_14-49-28_422Young Oak tree at Center for Spiritual Development.2012-09-09T18:20:58+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/08/09/star-wars-summer/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/starwars_ecard_holidays_summer_chewiefrisbee.jpgstarwars_ecard_holidays_summer_chewiefrisbeehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/starwars_ecard_occasion_congrats_chewiecheers.jpgstarwars_ecard_occasion_congrats_chewiecheershttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/starwars_ecard_occasion_bday_vaderbignight.jpgstarwars_ecard_occasion_bday_vaderbignighthttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/starwars_ecard_holidays_summer_lukebike.jpgstarwars_ecard_holidays_summer_lukebikehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/starwars_ecard_occasion_bday_lukebelated.jpgstarwars_ecard_occasion_bday_lukebelatedhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/starwars_ecard_holidays_summer_leiabeach.jpgstarwars_ecard_holidays_summer_leiabeachhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/starwars_ecard_holidays_summer_ewokbowling.jpgstarwars_ecard_holidays_summer_ewokbowlinghttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/starwars_ecard_everyday_think_vaderdrink.jpgstarwars_ecard_everyday_think_vaderdrink2012-09-09T18:17:46+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/07/18/a-whole-new-level/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/field-wide.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe game was so different from this POV. It was so much fun! I took my wide angle lens JUST for these seats.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/p7172849.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI took my wide angle lens JUST for these seats.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/p7172857.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt felt like we were IN the game!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/p7172853.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur first baseball game together! It will probably be the best seats of our lives.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/p7172841.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI usually sit way up there. If I were rich, I'd never go back. But I am not. So the next game I attend will probably be back up there... next to the lights.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/lk.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHere's a hint: he probably has suspenders underneath his leather jacket.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/p7172856.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe're not in Kansas anymore. We're on FIELD LEVEL!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/p7172863.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAChocolate Malt. God's gift to baseball.2012-09-06T15:56:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/06/28/blue-roses-falling/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/uke1-e1340907507516.jpgUkeThis isn't a pic of my uke, but mine is exactly like this. It's simple, relatively inexpensive, and can be plugged into a sound system.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/uke.jpgUke2012-07-18T07:10:15+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/05/24/maker-faire-bay-area-2012/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/r2s.jpgR2sI saved the best for last. They had an R2-D2 builders club!!! These guys make real, working R2 units! Hahaha. They all sat in chairs with remotes that controlled their R2s... seriously the coolest thing at Maker Faire. seriously.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/paella.jpgpaellaBest food at the faire: paella!!! Gerard's Paella had about 6 of these huge paella pans, plus one additional one that was about 3x as big as these! I got the vegan paella and it was delicioso!!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/allen-and-me.jpgallen and meAllen and I at one of the Maker Faire photo stands. I believe Allen has a rocket in hand (as opposed to a giant crayon). He was gracious to let me have the R2. haha.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cylon.jpgcylonThey also had a Battlestar Galactica booth. Apparently two kids constructed a Viper flight simulator out of an old jet fuselage and computers. It twisted and turned just like the (new) BSG TV series. Pretty cool. Here is a pic of the cylon costume from the 1980s that they had outside. The kids that constructed this are now quite a bit older... they looked to be in their early 20s.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/makerfaire.jpgMakerFairehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/robot-pillows.jpgrobot pillowsClara and Shirin making small robot stuffed pillows. They turned out really cool!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/printing-press1.jpgprinting pressFara at the printing press table. They let you print your own "book" then bind it!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/star-wars-legos.jpgstar wars legosAnd of course... the Death Star and a Y-wing. Coolest legos there.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/lego-kids.jpglego kidsThis was the kids' lego area. They spread a huge sheet and threw tons of legos on it for kids to play with. Future engineers and scientists of America.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ninja-legos.jpgninja legosThe Japanese naval troops on the deck of the Yamato. Is it racist to have white ninjas represent the Japanese navy?? I guess this is the closest one can get to Japanese Lego people. Hah.2014-03-28T05:05:23+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/04/30/divine-designs/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/login_eng_1.jpglogin_eng_1The Social Network Savior. This is truly America's most popular religion. Ironically, I do no subscribe to the one tech company that is portrayed with my faith. haha. Facebook cannot deliver you!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/login_eng_2.jpglogin_eng_2The Apple Buddha. Clever use of the apple... I almost didn't see it. Is it bad Karma to buy a PC now?https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/login_eng_3.jpglogin_eng_3The Google Greek God. It took me a sec to realize this was an indicator from Google Maps, rather than something that symbolized the infamous search engine. 2012-05-24T21:45:27+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/05/12/pad-thai-popcorn/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/pad-thai-pop.jpgpad thai pop2012-05-13T00:23:00+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/03/24/bon-iver-singing-bonnie-raitt/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bon-iver-4ad-session.jpgBon-Iver-4AD-Session2012-05-01T03:14:55+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/02/27/843/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/a_hue-copy.jpga_HUE copy2012-03-28T23:51:36+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/10/17/a-dozen-roses/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/thanks.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/cristian.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABetter late than never. Cristian put together this really funny video. Notoriously Cristian, he came about 3 hours late to the show to turn in his video. All work was supposed to be turned in the week prior. When I saw him, his words to me were, "Hey. I'm late. But I came." HAHA. Good job, man.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rudy.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERARUDE painted this really cool piece on recycled wood. It was the first piece you saw when you walked into the gallery... so awesome.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/churros-sky.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPotent One. This painting was the most sought-after of the night. Really cool stuff, done entirely with spray cans. It sold by the next day, but I know of many others who were sad that they couldn't buy it.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/steve-boards.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERASteve Gazcon. This guy had some PHENOMENAL stuff. He's the designer for nineoutof10. I like his work a lot. His boards were really appropriate because there is such a large skate culture in the city.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/nineoutof10.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAnineoutof10 productions. These guys (Johnson and Derek) were a huge help to our gallery. They had some amazing t-shirt designs and a sampling of some of their video production playing. They gave some really cool variety to the show... plus they brought two of their artists/designers to showcase more work!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/luis.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERASqueeze's piece. He helped build the gallery as well. Really cool guy... and talented too!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/gallery-wide.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur gallery. With the help of Don Liv, Dennis Chow, Stuart Kobata, and a big group of men from our church, we put together these gallery walls. I love it!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mix-action.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur guest DJ: DJ Mixtine of Scratch Academy! Mix is a great friend of mine. Her heart for the community, music, and Jesus make her the BEST choice for this venue. She played some "whicka-whicka" FRESH beats throughout the night. Haha. She raised the cool factor about 30 bajillion notches.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/miller-lessons.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe had free sketching lessons by USC prof Miller Fong. I'm not a fan of USC, but I'm a huge fan of Miller! He was a HIT. Throughout the night he was surrounded by all sorts of people trying to learn from the sketch sensei! The local artists really connected with him. Thanks Miller!!2012-02-27T20:40:11+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/02/13/832/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/valentines_kc_2012-2.jpgPrint2012-05-23T07:38:37+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/01/14/typical-texas/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/big_state-jpeg-2color.jpgBig_State.JPEG.2ColorTexas is the largest state in the 48 contiguous states. It is the 2nd most populous. The most populated? Cali.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/flags.jpgflagsThe Texas Flag. This is what the national flag would look like if there were only one state in the union. (apparently, this is how many Texans see themselves)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/faras-friends.jpgFara's friendsNew friends! The only thing better than being introduced to the food here was being introduced to Fara's friends. Here are Suemy, Julie, and Hannah. They were really fun to hang out with. Hannah lives in Prague, and we spent much of the night trying to figure out if we could get her on House Hunters International (HGTV). The other part of the night was spent talking about pitching another tv show to HGTV with Suemy's husband and I. We'd purchase and flip busted up houses and give them to disadvantaged people. Like Extreme Home Makeover, but w/o huge property taxes. Haha. Show title: "Unbelievable Worth" Don't steal our idea, HGTV!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/rothko-chapel.jpgrothko chapelDoorway to the Rothko Chapel in Houston. Mark Rothko helped to design this "chapel" for inter-faith meditation (there were Qurans, Bibles, Torahs, etc. in the foyer). Inside no photos were allowed, but it looked like a small chapel space. It was nice... with huge paintings from Fara's favorite abstract painter lining the walls. Unfortunately, they were a dark shade of purple that I could not see, due to my color blindness. BOO.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pc281760.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother view from the 360 bridge. Austin was definitely way more beautiful than Houston. (no offense, houston)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pc281785.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe Lins! John and Grace took us to a phenomenal burger joint (see my review on YELP), and then to Amy's ice cream (Fara's fav place in Austin). It was really fun to hang out with them and see their growing boys. J+G have a REALLY nice house in Austin. They definitely stepped UP from Monterey Park... about 5,293 steps up.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pc281782.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERARiver along the 360 in Austin. This photo is actually upside down! Cool, eh? It was a nice place with a nice little pseudo-hiking trail to view the river and bridge. (There is no real hiking in Texas b/c everything is so flat)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pc271754.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATorchy's Tacos in Austin. This one was called the Dirty Sanchez. Seriously. (If you don't get why this is gross or funny, do NOT look it up on the internet)https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pc271751.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFar handling a gun. This was her first time too... despite being a local. Kinda cool to see your G-fri with a gun. Maybe she'll try video games next...https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/pc271733.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAShooting clay pigeons. My first time with a shotgun in hand. Notice the plaid western shirt to try and blend in... no joke, we were all overdressed. John Deere hats and tshirts were the avg. uniform here. Fara's bro-in-law, Allen, was awesome at this. I semi-sucked... only blew-up a handful. I might be better at shooting zombies.2012-02-13T21:58:11+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/02/03/onigiri-machine/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/onigiri.jpgonigiri2012-02-06T10:14:03+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/01/23/teachers-and-twilight/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/twilight.jpgtwilight2012-02-02T23:56:04+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/12/20/565/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc1917171.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc191715.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc191714.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc191713.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc191712.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc191711.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc191710.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc191709.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc191708.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pc1917071.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2012-01-20T10:51:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/creativity/handmade/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa080879.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa070824.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe pallets before the art was added. Don Liv helped to organize the walls in a really interesting and professional way.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mix-action1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/churros-photos1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa0308221.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI picked a walnut colored stain. I suppose I could have just bought walnut wood, but being my first table, it was too expensive to experiment on. I also got some nice weatherproofing finish. It gives it a bit of a waxie coat, but provides good protection for when I leave the table outside. I'd leave it outside more, but I noticed when I do, spiders hide out underneath. I hate spiders.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa030822.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa030821.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI had to build a lot of support beams underneath the table. My dad encouraged me to do this so that the table wouldn't start to warp/sag over the years. So far, no sag. Check back with me in 5 years.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa030823.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI notched the corners to expose the grain of the table legs. This was the hardest detail to get right. Ikea lamps ($4) also provide nice decor for the center of the table. It's not a wide table (about 3ft) so I can't have large centerpieces. 3ft gives enough room for everyone's plates, cups and a few small decorative items.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa030820.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p9240791.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI took some cheap, old baseboard i found lying in the garage and created this chalkboard lip to hold chalk and an eraser. It's not the strongest piece of wood, but it does the job well... plus it looks really rustic!2012-01-20T09:50:35+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/creativity/communion-cross/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/gf1.jpgGF1People knelt beside the cross to pray and meditate. I pray that people were ministered to. Overall, I was pleased with the look of the cross/bread. It came out better than I expected.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/bread-close-up.jpgbread close upFor bread, we used challah. It's texture was perfect... and the taste was DEE-lish. I found thick nails at home depot to nail in the bread, and finished off with twine to bind it to the cross. I covered the twine with cinnamon to give it a redish, worn look.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/gf2.jpgGF2We had people come up to the cross, and "rip & dip". Rip the bread off, and dip it in the juice.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/gf-preaching.jpgGF preachingI asked 3 of our female ministry staff (Pastor Sharon Koh, Fam. Director Shirley Lew, and Pastoral intern Diana Lee) to hold the cups. I thought it more appropriate that women should hold the cup since only women (and maybe one dude) were at the real crucifixion. The dude preaching with the foolish smile is me.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/covered-cross.jpgcovered crossWe started the service with the cross shrouded. It looked erie, like a dead body was underneath. I suppose that's appropriate for what the bread stands for.2012-01-20T09:49:39+00:00weekly0.6https://jasonashimoto.com/2011/08/25/hello-world/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/miyamoto_musashi_killing_a_giant_nue.jpgMiyamoto_Musashi_killing_a_giant_nueMiyamoto Musashi, my favorite masterless samurai. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/room.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAview of my room. the wide angle lens makes it look larger than it is. really.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/redlight1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAview of the red light district from my roomhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/team-pic.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAJapan Team at Geibi Gorge. They will be missed as I travel alone for this leg of my journey!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/meiji-temple.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2012-01-20T09:42:53+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/08/30/101/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/matcha-ice-cream.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI think I heard angels singing when I opened the refrigerator door at the convenience store.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/dinner.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAmy mediocre dinner choicehttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/edo-castle-at-night.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERANo view of the castle, but you can see about 300 people run past you. Ironically, I could only get a picture of 2.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/akihabara2.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAfloors of stores. a different level for each type of electronichttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/sw1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAtokyo is awesome.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/the-colonel.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAthe colonel turned asian! Fu-Rai Chi-ken!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/akihabara1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/gundam-cafe.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAa ROBOT cafe! How cool is that? Answer: very.2012-01-20T09:39:57+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/10/19/alta-dena-ass/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/donkey1.jpgdonkey1A close up of the donkey. Sorry for the low rez... the Droid can do only so much.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/donkey21.jpgdonkey2https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/donkey2.jpgdonkey2The guy rode down the street to this store. HAH. As I was driving, I screamed, "WHAT THE?! IS THAT A DONKEY!?!"2012-01-20T09:35:59+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/10/25/jenny-goto-and-the-ebcla-historical-project/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150889.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThese are Jenny's works in progress. They're made of Kumohada Japanese paper, silver, and oyster shell. I also really like this display b/c we got to use one of the 25 shoplights I bought for the Vine. This light-pallet combo was my original design for the Vine displays.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/grandma-marion-class.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA pic of one of the Sunday School classes from the 50's at Evergreen. This pic is special to me because it has my grandma Marion (not the same grandma that was at the show) in it. My auntie Mitsi is the woman in the top left corner. My grandma is in the dark dress standing to the right of her.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150921.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe had a really good showing. I estimate about 100 people came by that night.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150919.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis was a depiction of the 90's. I started coming to Evergreen in 94 and have been here ever since. I like this one because it just feels like the 90s at EBCLA. Jenny does everything in her paintings with purpose (so everything symbolizes something and has a lot of meaning). But even if I don't know what it means, to me... this feels like 90's EBCLA.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150914.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis one was a depiction of the 40's in Evergreen's history. It was really cool because Jenny used real soil from Poston internment camp in Arizona. My family was sent there during the Japanese evacuation in WWII. We asked my grandma if she remembered Poston. She had no idea what we were talking about. haha. Oh, grandma... https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150900.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis was not for communion. Haha. Some were a tad concerned about serving wine at church. I couldn't imagine a showcase like this without it, so I gave the go-ahead. I think it was perfect for the show!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150901.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAShe even did a candy bar! Did I mention that Marian is also an artist? It shows in her attention to aesthetic detail.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150904.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACheese, fruit, and other goodies... All the candles and decorations were Marian's touch. Nice!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150912.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pa150892.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy family and other guests looking at the art. My parents were "baby sitting" my grandma that day so they brought her to the show. She seemed to be interested for about 10 minutes. Haha.2012-01-20T09:35:49+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/11/04/coolest-ads-ever/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/1008-scc-search-engine-poster-b.jpg1008-scc---search-engine-poster-bhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/1008-scc-the-dirt-poster.jpg1008-scc---the-dirt-posterhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/1008-scc-screensaver-poster.jpg1008-scc---screensaver-posterhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/me-lomo-original.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe program must've worked on me.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/snfs_16x20_beardedkids_posters4sm-preview1.jpgsnfs_16x20_beardedkids_posters4sm.previewhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/snfs_16x20_beardedkids_posterssm-preview1.jpgsnfs_16x20_beardedkids_posterssm.previewhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/snfs_16x20_beardedkids_posters3sm-preview.jpgsnfs_16x20_beardedkids_posters3sm.previewhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/snfs_16x20_beardedkids_posters4sm-preview.jpgsnfs_16x20_beardedkids_posters4sm.previewhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/snfs_16x20_beardedkids_posterssm-preview.jpgsnfs_16x20_beardedkids_posterssm.preview2012-01-20T09:35:20+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/11/17/enemy-territory/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/usc_bovard_auditorium_enh.jpgUSC_Bovard_Auditorium_enh2012-01-20T09:35:02+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/12/02/hawk-of-achill/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hawk-of-achill.jpghawk of achill2012-01-20T09:33:23+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/12/09/542/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/panashiba.jpgpanashiba*Made in China.2012-01-20T09:32:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2012/01/09/new-years-mochi/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2012-01-06_19-18-58_538.jpg2012-01-06_19-18-58_538The finished product. Homemade mochi is way better than store-bought. It's slightly more firm, and tastes more "pure", if you know what I mean. There are no preservatives, so the mochi will get moldy if you don't put it in the fridge/freezer. It tastes best the day you make it, so I ate like 5 or 6 that night. haha.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2012-01-06_21-06-41_920.jpg2012-01-06_21-06-41_920The rest of the family (and friends) making mochi. We had a little production shop in my auntie Donna's kitchen.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2012-01-06_21-06-36_374-e1326170091802.jpg2012-01-06_21-06-36_374Far making mochi. It was her first time and she did an amazing job! Her mochi were the perfect shape and had the right amount of anko inside. She would make a good Japanese person. haha.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2012-01-06_19-12-25_866.jpg2012-01-06_19-12-25_866This is what the loaf looks like inside the cutting machine. We'd take the loaf out of the mochi maker (which cooked and kneaded the sweet rice), then put it in here. My job was to scoop the loaf in here and cut it into equal pieces.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2012-01-06_19-12-14_195.jpg2012-01-06_19-12-14_195My uncle Ken working the mochi-cutter. We were too weak-sauce to touch the loaf. WAY too hot.2012-01-20T09:31:44+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/08/29/sayonara-sakaiminato/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/adachis.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy wonderful Sakaiminato guides for the day! Yoshiko, Obasan, and Etsu. We're standing in front of a map of Tottori.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/mochi-pizza.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMochi and pizza. Can the world get any better? Answer: NO.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/garden6.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/garden5.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/garden3.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/garden1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/matcha1.jpgmatchathis is not my photo, but this is exactly what it looked like.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/matcha.jpgmatchathis is not my photo, but this is exactly what it looked like.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/big-gegege-no-kitarou-kitaro-le-repoussant-2007-op-gegege-no-kitarou-ost.jpgbig-gegege-no-kitarou-kitaro-le-repoussant-2007-op-gegege-no-kitarou-ostGeGeGE not Kitaro... notice the eye on his head!2012-01-18T01:07:33+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/08/26/onigiri-deluxe/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/onigiri-everyday1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAthis ain't yo grandmama's onigiri!2012-01-18T01:07:27+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/08/26/kagoshima-hospitality/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/makudonarudo1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/makudonarudo.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAnotice the special Japanese menu at Makudonarudo.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kagoshima-bridge.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/lomo-medium-vignette.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMonument marking the landing spot of Francisco Xavier - first Christian missionary to Japan in 1549. Kagoshima was the entry point for Christianity into Japan.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kagoshima-temple2.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/temple-in-kagoshima3.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/temple-in-kagoshima2.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/temple-in-kagoshima1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kagoshima-temple1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/kagoshima-temple.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2012-01-18T01:07:13+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/09/03/packing-again/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bear-canister.jpgBear CanisterSo far, it's full of Mountain House dehydrated food. I love their Beef Stroganoff so much, I always save it for my last dinner in the mountains. Trust me, it's dee-lish.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nipple-protector.jpgNipple Protectorthis has absolutely nothing to do with my trip, but i had to post it. REI has everything!!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/receipt.jpgreceiptthis is some of what I bought today at REI. Oh, REI... you know how to get me!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/benjo.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAby Monday, I'll be WISHING for this toilet.2012-01-18T01:05:41+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/08/30/last-hours-in-tokyo/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/milk-tea-sakurajima.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOne of my favorite breakfasts: milk tea in front of Sakurajima. https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/makudonarudo2.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA"Makudonarudo" Notice the different menu items i highlighted in blue...https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/meiji-temple1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAprayers at Meiji temple in the late afternoon sun2012-01-18T01:01:47+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/09/01/119/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/langley-trip.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAoverlooking a valley between a crack in the mountain in Inyo National Parkhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/shrine-in-tono1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAlocal shrine in Tonohttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/shrine-in-tono.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAlocal shrine in Tonohttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/la-smog.jpgla-smogthe sky is brown here.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/shibuya.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAbusiest intersection in the world, Shibuyahttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sakurajima.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/p8130114.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERArice paddy in Tono.2012-01-18T01:01:24+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/09/04/4am-departure/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/shovel.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is my toilet-maker... because that's what it does. It makes my toilet.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/fly-pole.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy new fly fishing pole and reel! I'm going to try my hand at this and hopefully catch something to supplement my dehydrated dinner. Trout tastes awesome when it's the only fresh meat around.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sierra-cup.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy old Boy Scout sierra cup. It is my only cup/plate/bowl for the trip. Thus, I will have coffee in the morning, followed by coffee-flavored oatmeal.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/steripen.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is our method of water sterilization. It uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the tiny living things in the water. You still ingest them, but this prohibits their reproduction inside your body.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/hot-drinks.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis trip, I'll be taking some luxury items... instant milk tea and cafe au lait!! THANK YOU JAPAN!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/stove.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy stove. It will heat my main ingredient for all meals: WATER.2012-01-18T01:00:29+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/09/08/everything-hurts/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/1st-lake.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThought I'd leave you with a nice pic to end: one of the first lakes we passed on our way to our first campsite. Not too shabby, I suppose.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dirty-fingers.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThose aren't shadows... that's dirt, grime, and unmentionable substances. This pic was taken after a few handwashings and a very very long shower. Sometimes the crud stays in my hands for days. GROSS.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/baxter-group.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe group at Baxter pass (over 12,000 ft). We're smiling because this was the last pass to climb in order to get out. Too bad we still had the worst 7 mile descent we'd ever experienced still in between us and the car.2012-01-18T01:00:04+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/09/18/hiking-hell/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/p9070134.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy friend Brent. We met each other in kindergarten. Here he is hiking through snow... in SEPTEMBER! Gives you an idea how cold it was up there.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/group21.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABefore picture. We had no idea at this point how tough the trip would be. Hence, the smiling.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/group2.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mcdonalds.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur reward meal: Mcdonalds. Best burger I've ever tasted. The dining room was closed so our car hoods became our dinner table.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kearsaege-pass1.jpgKearsaege passMy compadres. They are the reason I keep going on these hell hikes. I hate the hikes, but I love them.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ranger.jpgrangerTalking to the Forest Ranger. He said our last mountain pass wasn't too bad. LIAR. I almost died.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/water.jpgwaterSteve and Nobu purifying water at a lake.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/p9070130.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/trail-marker.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATrail Marker. 3 stacked rocks = trail. We had to search for these to find our way home.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/river-cross.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERARiver crossing. This one was tame. Others were very scary and dangerous.2012-01-18T00:59:45+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/09/23/sakurajima-in-the-news/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kagoshima-in-the-news.jpgKagoshima in the news2 volcanoes on Kyushu from above. The less smokey one is Sakurajima2012-01-18T00:57:53+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/11/05/ayako-san-in-la/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ayako-san.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThat's Ayako in the middle. We were all doing the Japanese-peace-sign-picture-pose. Linda decided to make them into bunny ears.2012-01-18T00:53:00+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/11/21/gold-level/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pb211596.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2012-01-18T00:50:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/12/01/goodbye-doormat/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/wizard_of_oz_0237_tornado.jpgwizard_of_oz_0237_tornadobe safe out there, people. watch out for falling houses... especially if you are a witch.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/pasadena-winds.jpgpasadena windsa pasadena gas station is a victim of our crazy wind storm2012-01-18T00:49:43+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/12/15/fire-on-the-freeway/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/60fwy-4.jpgTanker fire on 60 FreewayBurnt Bridge. They're going to demolish this thing today. I'm glad they're making this bridge safe... my family and I use it a lot.https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/60fwy-3.jpgTanker fire on 60 FreewayThis truck is not so "cool" at the momenthttps://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/60fwy.jpg169541.ME.1215.tanker-fire.10.BRV.jpgThis was worse than Carmageddon2012-01-18T00:44:46+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/12/19/the-last-supper/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/last-supper2.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur interpretation!https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/last-supper-da-vinci.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOur pictoral model.2012-01-18T00:43:43+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.com/2011/12/23/white-elephant-whiskey-and-rudolph-the-red-nosed-rooster/https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/rooster-e1324685085494.jpgroosterCan you see the rooster??https://jasonashimoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011-12-20_20-44-26_629-e1324684408246.jpg2011-12-20_20-44-26_629Johnnie Walker made a visit to the staff Christmas party!2012-01-18T00:38:12+00:00monthlyhttps://jasonashimoto.comdaily1.02018-02-11T07:29:55+00:00