"Dear Lord; we beg but one boon more: Peace in the hearts of all men living, peace in the whole world this Thanksgiving." Joseph Auslander.

So today is Thanksgiving (in America). While we should generally be thankful everyday, it is good to stop for at least one day and give thanks for the many blessings we have.

I am thankful that I have a wonderful wife whom I love very much. I am grateful that we can stay together in Japan. I am truly blessed in more ways than I can count, even when things aren't going my way.

As we enter into the Advent Season, I would like to remind you that there are real people out there who really need your help. So please consider contributing to the Advent Conspiracy. The idea is very simple, buy one less gift, and give that money to help the poor and thirsty.

Go to AdventConspiracy to help.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

The other day I had to go to my ward office to update the information on my gaijin card. For those who don't know. If you are a non-Japanese and you stay in Japan for more than 90 day, you have to register your presence with the local government.

While I was waiting to my turn, I read that little instruction sheet that comes with the card. Basically it just says that I have to keep the information current and keep the card on me all the time and if I leave Japan and am not coming back I have to give the card back.

Section 6 and 7 are kind of interesting to me, and part of it is kind of confusing.

So in section 6 it requires me to return the card within 14 days if I die. Section 7 says that if I don't obey all the rules about the card I will be punished...uh.....If I am dead, how do you plan to punish me?

"It is good news, worthy of all acceptation; and yet not too good to be true." Matthew Henry.

I was at home this morning, when the mailman came by. He rang the bell because I had to sign for some mail. It turns out it was the approval for the extention of my visa for one year. So I can stay in Japan for another year.

Needless to say I am very happy about that!

Now for some more random things.

There is a chain coffee and grocery called Kaldi. My wife and I shop there since it is close to our apartment, and they have Skippy Chunky Peanut Butter (gotta have your priorities!) This store has an alcohol section and I noticed this brand.

Maybe its just me, but associating your brand with a passed out homeless guy, might not be the way to go.

Soon Christmas will be coming, and that brings....

The Christmas Kappibara-san. Of course he is trying to weasel his way into photos.

"On Halloween, the parents sent their kids out looking like me." Rodney Dangerfield.

In a nation of conformists, the important thing is to know how much weirdness you can get away with.

My wife and I were shopping at Daiso when I saw this cute viking hat, so since Halloween was coming I thought it would be fun to get it. Also people stare at me a lot anyway, so I thought I would give them something to stare at.

National Market is in an area of Tokyo known as Azabu, where a lot of foreigners live. I found out about it a couple weeks back after spending roughly three months searching for Ranch Dressing. On Saturday they had a Halloween festival. Since I already had the hat, SB and I decided to go.

I guess Felix the Cat is the Mascot of National Market.

There was a lot of good food and a costume contest for the kids and some employees also dressed up.

 

Across the street from the market is a park, after a while SB and I decided to sit down for a while and take a break (hahaha we are old).

Later in the afternoon we decided to walk to Shibuya Eki (station), it took about 45 minutes and we were able to buy a Pumpkin Pie.

Finally, Christmas is coming!