In the mean time...

Day 8: Last day in the US

January 4, 2013

Shopping at the outlets in Gaffney, SC.


Stopping by the Big Peach!


Girlish giggles about men, work and fashion need no translation. 
There is  a universal language among us. 



Mom made aAtsuko a farewell dinner.


 Atsuko fell off of the couch!



My lil cousin showing off this Christmas gifts.


Atsuko explaining Kanji to my neighbor.



Atsuko and mom!


January 5, 2013
Farewell Atsuko! 
Thanks for coming!



Day 7: Japan>New York>Carolina's

January 3, 2013


This morning we drove up to  Biltmore.   


I have grown to like Biltmore, but I did wonder about how African-Americans were treated. 
Obviously, back then  " fair" treatment was still sometimes inhumane  however, I snuck and snapped this photo. 
Seems as if Mrs. Vanderbilt started the School of Domestic Science 
I guess back then that was a nod in the right direction. 


Scotch Eggs look weird, but taste pretty good. 
Boil Egg. Wrap in Sausage meat. Deep fry. 

Lunch was on the property at Cedric's Tavern.


I am known for pulling over on the side of the road for  a good photo op!


Next stop, Wal-Mart!





Good Night!

Day 5 & 6: Japan>New York>Carolina's

January 1-2, 2013



Brunch at 
 http://www.bareburger.com/

Atsuko said it was the BEST burger of the trip. 




Remainder of the day was spent traveling to New Jersey.

January 2, 2013
Today we are taking the Amtrak to the South


We  got some much needed rest on the train. 


 Tomorrow we head to Biltmore. 

Day 4: NYE. Japan>New York>Carolina's

December 31, 2012


Papaya Dog for breakfast. 




I've finally figured out this thing. 



 Next stop, Dylan's Candy Bar



This was Time Square by  1pm.





Companies should stop making things white and slap Pearl on the label.
It's misleading.


Red Velvet Cheese Cake from Juniors. 


This idea was cute, but the presentation was sloppy.
Seems pretty popular. Each cupcake is only 50 calories. 


After a nap it was off to bring in 2013.

MLK Day 2013: What will you do?

This is a blog I wrote for work.
Thanks for reading,
Mer


Before I get into my blog post about Dr. Martin (Michael) Luther King Jr., I'd like to acknowledge the countless others who were a vital part of the advancement of civil rights. Ruby Bridges, Dredd Scott, and James Meredith are just a few notable names who made contributions in the fight for equality.

To prepare for this blog I reread and listened to a few of Dr. King's speeches. The sound of his voice alone evokes emotions and I can’t help but to think, if that afternoon on April 4, 1968 hadn't happened and an 84 year-old Dr. King was still with us today, how different would my life be? Once I really understood what the Civil Rights Movement was and the impact it had on my parents, I made the choice to never accept intentional mistreatment. Back then, they didn't (or at least didn't perceive) have a choice. I do.

Fast forward to our present day. There's an on-going argument as to whether his Dream has come to pass or not. I'll keep my opinion on that to myself. What I will speak on is how selfless he was. I shudder to think of how different things could be if he had been a selfish man. I remember when the slogan, “ Not a day off, but a day on” became popular. Everyday, Dr. King was on. Everyday, not only on his birthday, but EVERYDAY, he got up and made choices, knowing that there were people whose sole purpose was to make his wife a widow and his children orphans.

Unfortunately, one Spring afternoon in 1968, someone succeeded at that cowardly aim. Though I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. King,; I ( along with my college sorority sisters) had the honor of briefly meeting his gracious wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King. In her speech, she charged us to be ashamed to die before we had done something for humanity. Those words have played over and over in my head for the last ten years.

I used to ask myself, “What can I do?” Finally, I realized that - while I was thinking of this master plan - there is plenty that needs doing now. I am still working on my master plan, but in the meantime, I donate my time, talent, and treasure as much as I can. If I see a need and if I have the resource to address it, I do. If I don't have the resources, I find someone who does. If I can't find someone, I find someone who knows someone who DOES have or can create the resource.

So, with all of that being said, after your day off today,what will you do?
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Day 3: Introduction to Soul Food: Japan>New York>Carolina's

December 30th, 2012


I always have a good time in Harlem. These little ones were educating Atsuko on Thomas the Train. 



One of my favorite bloggers met us for brunch at 
Amy Ruth's



  This is Atsuko's first experience with Soul Food!


 Chicken, Waffles, and Cornbread all topped with Maple syrup.



 It's always a pleasure hanging out with Brian. 
His blog is: http://nodebtworldtravel.com
I am trying to get him to come and take a tour of the Old/ New South.




Hanging out in Harlem



Next stop  shopping on 5th Ave.


 Atsuko holding our itinerary. Next time, I plan to actually follow it.
Mon, would have been proud!


 A good sale on 5th Ave is always Serious Matter. 


While Atsuko was shopping, I was taking pictures in Henri Bendel

http://www.henribendel.com/



  Dinner at The Smile in NoHo with one of Atsuko's friends.



http://thesmilenyc.com/





Kanpi to Friendships! New and Old. 


 

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