JJ's first trip to San Francisco

Stayed at the Hilton in Union Sq. Went down to Fisherman's Wharf and played classic video games (like back in the 70's and 80's) at the game museum. Brought back memories. Some games go way back so I didn't even know. Like a helicopter game. Had a great time playing with JJ. Even Noriko tried some games! Then visited the submarine USS Papanito. JJ was scared at first and wanted to get out but learnt to like it when he saw the rec area with a chess board on one of the tables. He signed his name on the log and wrote "awesome"! He was quite impressed with the little vessel and seemed to have a good time. Had lunch @ Pier 39. Quite a lot to do but had to head back for Noriko's had to go to ballet (Don Quixote) at 7. JJ and I had dinner @ Dojima An just down the street on OFarrell. Ma ma. service was quite poor. Taste was ok. Lots of bones in my unagi tororo don. JJ was a little down so I asked him why. He said he'd have liked to go with mummy to the ballet ( he didn't realise it's a bloody long one!) and he was missing mummy. After a while, he's ok. He saw Giselle on Utube with mummy and seemed to like the story so he thought he could enjoy any ballet. Probably not! Noriko's looking forward to taking him to see Giselle. Hope he can sit through the whole thing.

Piano and violin exam results

JJ passed his violin CM1 test with flying colors. He's going to the Convention in San Diego in June where he will be one of many kids who did well and perform in front of hundreds. He also passed his CM2 piano and theory. Can't go to convention because CM3 is the minimal level. He is going to a violin competition in Long Beach in July and will play the Gavotte. Recital is coming up in May where he and mum will play a chinese/mongolian vioin song. Will do two instruments. Piano will be Arabesque. Lots of staccatos!

JJ ate this much!!!!

Been a while. Lots has happened.
JJ finished his first violin (CMT level 1) exam today. The examiner told JJ that he did very good. So, hopefully, he passed. A good day

Went for FatBurger with JJ (first for both). Good stuff. JJ loved it.
He ate as much as I did (medium - 5oz - burger and fries) . He also downed a big glass of milk. OMG, how big is his stomach really??? Could he be the next japanese hotdog king (watch out takahashi-san!)??

Letter to Tooh Fairy

Window of opportunity

Chatting w/ Noriko in the kitchen. Noriko said - JJ and I had an interesting conversation a few days ago.

It goes like this:

Noriko - We live in stevenson ranch. its nice so a lot of people like to live here.
JJ - Was our house expensive?
N - No, it was cheap
JJ - So, not too many people wanted it, right?
JJ - You know, if a lot of people had wanted it, it would have been expensive (explaining to his mom in a professorial kinda way).
JJ- This is called the "Window of Opportunity" !

So, back to the kitchen, Noriko asked - Did you talk to JJ about that?
My reply - Yes, a few times. This is parental satisfaction in the best possible way!!!

Nov 6th dual recital in Burbank

It's Nov recital again @ Brand Library in Burbank. THis year, JJ did two instruments - German Dance (Piano) and Staccato March (Violin).
According to JJ, he was a little nervous but he did great. Unlike previous recitals at Brand where minor mistakes were made, he did not make any mistakes at all this time. Fantastic job!

JJ was pleased that he was the only kid who did 2 instruments. There were some pretty impressive violinists too. One kid around 10 or so (Jondre Hwang) played a long and tough piece. Lots of great techniques. Very impressive. He was JJ's favorite!

Why does she love you?

Olivia (Pinecrest 1st grade classmate) said to Jay " I like you but I don't love you. Why does Ashley (another clasmate) love you?
JJ replied - I don't know. Why do you ask Ashley?
Christopher Kim (another classmate standing next to JJ) immmediately started making fun of JJ.