Bay’s Move-in Day at Rice University

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2, 1/100 sec, ISO500
“New Students” Houston, 2019

Today we drove down to Rice University in Houston to drop Bay off at his new school. It was an amazing experience, not only for Bay, but also for Mariko and I. When we arrived at Martel College (Rice has 11 residential colleges), a group of “Martelians” were there to greet Bay and help take all his luggage and stuff up to his room. It was so cool!

Martel is a really nice residential college, with a great courtyard and an awesome sundeck. It looks like it’s an ideal place for college kids to hang out (and party). Below the sundeck is the lounge area with a piano and it connects to the “servery” or cafeteria. It’s a really convenient set-up.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 sec, ISO200
“Martel Sundeck” Houston, 2019

This was my first time to visit the campus, and I was super-impressed. It’s so clean and beautiful, but not huge and spread out. I’m kind of jealous that Bay gets to go to such a great university. But not jealous enough that I’d want to go back to school. 😄

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/2400 sec, ISO200
“Quad” Houston, 2019

After lunch, we said our goodbyes to Bay, and he went off with the other students to begin “O-Week”, while the parents all went to the fieldhouse (indoor arena) for a greeting from the school president, and to hear speeches from alumni and current students. It was fun, funny, and informative. A+

After some shopping at the student store and some refreshments, Mariko and I joined the other Architecture students’ parents at the Architecture school for a meet and greet with the Dean of Architecture. I think all the kids are in great hands there… the Dean and the Advisor are both very approachable, smart, and dedicated. I have no worries!

But soon, it was time to leave Rice University and head back home. We’re so proud of Bay and hope he makes the most of his collegiate career. Such a great kid! 😌

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO320
“Sci-fi Hallway” Houston, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO200
“Studio” Houston, 2019
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO800
“Rice Architecture Pins” Houston, 2019

Bay’s Leaving Soon

Photo info: motorola moto g(6), 3.95mm, f/1.8, 1/20 sec, ISO788
“Bay and I” Round Rock, 2019

こんばんは。How’s it going?

Today was Bay’s last “normal” day with me before he heads to college, and we spent the morning shopping at IKEA for a few last-minute dorm items. It was fun, but I was a little sad because I knew this would be the last time for a while that I would get to hang out with him. 😢

For dinner, Bay requested that I make spaghetti with meatballs. Since this is his “last meal” I was surprised that he asked me to make it, since Mariko is 100x a better cook than I am. So that made me kind of happy inside. 😌

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/55 sec, ISO3200
“Spaghetti Dinner” Cedar Park, 2019

I hope you had a nice day!

またね~

Sophomore Year in Band Starts

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec, ISO200
“New Band Kick-off” Cedar Park, 2019

This evening, Koa’s High School Band held their Parent Preview Concert at the nearby stadium. Last year, they had an amazing program and this year looks great as well. They have already worked hard in preparation for the marching season and it sounds amazing, but the important thing is that the kids seem to be having fun as they learn. Inspiring for all the parents to see their kids putting in the hard work and realizing the results. 👍

I hope you had a good day!

またね~

Next Driver Coming Up

Photo info: motorola moto g(6), 3.95mm, f/1.8, 1/470 sec, ISO100
“Waiting” Georgetown, 2019

こんばんは。This morning, Koa and I headed to the DPS (Department of Public Safety) to get his driving learner’s permit. The wait at these places is pretty crazy, especially in summer, so we arrived before it opened and got in line. After a few technical snafu’s, I finally got the documents in order and Koa was able to get his permit!

Now begins the fun part… actually hitting the road. 😱

But seriously, teaching Bay wasn’t too difficult so I am not expecting anything crazy with Koa. Vroom vroom!

またね~

Piano Lessons are Almost Over

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.6, 1/120 sec, ISO6400
“Piano Lessons” Austin, 2019

A couple of months ago I posted about Bay’s last piano recital, and now we’re nearing the end of is regular piano lessons. He’ll be going away to college soon, so tonight was his second-to-last lesson. It’s been a part of our weekly schedule for several years now, so we’ll miss it a bit. 😢

I hope Bay picks up piano again in his future! 🎹