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New Life for an Old(er) Page

November – 12, 2007

Now that Yumi spends most of her online time posting to her Mixi blog, I've been reminded that I should be utilizing my own personal page for the little odds and ends that don't necessarily "fit" the raison d'etre, as it were, of this site.

That said, I've decided to refresh davidfaulhaber.com, which pretty much just means turning it into a blog. Don't expect a torrent of postings, but when I do come across something of interest I may be inclined to say a little something about it there. (Happy birthday, Mom!) — David

Mayu and Ma-kun's Wedding in Japan

October 5 – 16, 2007

Yumi and I headed back to Japan to attend Mayu and Ma-kun's wedding in Fukuoka (and spend time with family, as well). It was a wonderful wedding and great trip, overall. (We have both photos from the wedding and those from the rest of the trip to look at.) — David

Lunch Date with Claire

August 23, 2007

Claire — on her way back to New York from Maui — ventured over to Waikiki during her layover in Honolulu. It was a bit out if her way, for sure, but I'm glad that we were able to at least have lunch since I haven't seen Claire for, what, a couple years? (I know for Yumi it's been longer than that.) — David

Nihon University, Mishima

July 31 – Aug 14, 2007

I was fortunate to be able to teach again this summer at Nihon University, Mishima campus. The two-week program provided a great opportunity to catch up with Japan (including the heat...), see several friends from last year, and make some new acquaintances. Always a good time. (Photos from the trip.) — David

Return of the Swamy!

July 2007

As if seeing Dan again weren't enough, just a few days later Grant was able to establish contact with Rama — one of the more elusive friends from my "early years" that I've been hoping to reconnect with. (In case you're wondering, Rama's recently — and very happily — married, living in Minnesota, and looking forward to a new teaching career.) For me, this also means I'll have to re-tool the ending of a story I wrote about Rama for one of my own classes, from "whereabouts unknown" to most definitely found— David

Dan Boersma, USMC (Retired!)

July 10, 2007

It's been nearly 15 years (!) since Dan (Boersma) and I last visited. Dan is in Hawaii with his wife Apryl to celebrate (in part) his imminent retirement after 22 years with the Marine Corps. (Dan and I are friends from Warrenville, where we knew each other through middle and high school. Here's a photo of us together on our freshman soccer team!) — David

"Aloha, Concierge Yumi speaking, how may I help you?"

July 10, 2007

Yumi found out today that she appears in a new guide featuring the places in Hawaii where Japanese is spoken. (The title can be translated as "Japanese is OK in Hawaii" or, conversely, "You don't need to use English in Hawaii") In stores now... — David

Another birthday, another decade...

July 8, 2007

Yep, the big 4-0 has arrived, though I have to say I don't feel much different than I did last week ;-) Per my wishes, the day was rather low-key, starting with the Tour de France at 2:30 (a.m.) followed by several early-morning hours out on my bike; caught up on some correspondence, played a few games of darts with Adam, then had dinner (and tall beer) at the Yard House with Yumi, Adam, and Yuki. Not a bad way to enter my fourth decade... (!) — David

Chisa's visit

June 14–22, 2007

Yumi's mom came to stay with us for a week and enjoyed herself despite the fact that Korean pop star Rain's concert — the original immpetus for her visit — was canceled just days before the show was to take place. Spilt milk, right? Substitute events included a beer tasting, a trip to Hawaiian Plantation Village, lots of eating, sailing on a catamaran, and just relaxing around the house. Photos here. — David

Evelyn Jean Sikich

1926 – 2007

Our trip back to Chicago happened to coincide with the passing of my (Great) Aunt Jean. While not entirely unexpected, losing her has dealt a terrible emotional blow to the family. Yet, if I may say so, it was providential that Yumi and I were present to attend the visitation and funeral. Aunt Jean sure could bring a group of people together, and the outpouring of love and affection shown by those who had gathered to celebrate her life was certainly no exception. You'll always be with us, Aunt Jean, and we should all try to savor the zest of life half as much as you did. — David

Obit

Trip to Chicago / Wisconsin

May 16–June 6, 2007

We traveled back to the Mainland for a family visit, bookending our stay at Grandma and Grandpa's and sneaking in a trip up to Wisconsin in the middle. Aunt Jean's sudden passing was an unexpected shock, but the occasion brought the family together and allowed us to see a lot of people we wouldn't have otherwise. (I think she would've wanted it that way.) All things considered, it turned out to be a great trip. Lots of photos here. — David

Catch up...

May 18, 2007

Boy, what happened? Guess the time got away from me. In any case, a lot has happened over the past two months. Events of note (in no particular order) include: Brian leaving for Japan; floyd (and family) having another baby girl; Casey receiving his PhD (and a job at UAB); Murad getting U.S. citizenship; seeing Danny Couch; meeting Japanese baseball legend Wally Yonemine; celebrating our third wedding anniversary; observing Don Ho's memorial; learning of the sinking of the Deyo; hanging out at the Kokua Festival; putting out more podcasts, and a lot of other stuff I'm sure I'm forgetting. To see pictures from some of these events, please visit our Flickr page. — David

Kane'ohe Bay Sandbar (Ahu o Laka)

March 3, 2007

On Saturday, March 3, Yumi and I joined Marie for a day trip out to the Kane'ohe Bay sandbar (known locally as Ahu o Laka). I have to say this had to be one of the more "unique" picnics I've ever been on: for three hours we snorkeled, ate, socialized, and sat in lawn chairs sumerged under a foot or so of water.

The sandbar is a popular spot for locals and has (for the time being) unrestricted access; that may change in the future, but for now it may be one of the best-kept secrets on the island. One of Marie's friends has rental privileges at the Marine Corps base and it was through him that we were able to rent the pontoon boat that got us out to the sandbar in the first place. While not exactly walking on water, it felt pretty close to it! — David

What Are We Talking?

Episode 1: Remembering Tom Wangler

February 20, 2007

Finally: it's go time! Though I finished the bulk of "Remembering Tom Wangler" several weeks back, I've since tacked on a lead-in and finished the preliminary site for "What Are We Talking?" This project is going to be much more sporadic (and quite different in theme) than what's going on over at First Forty, but I'm looking forward to breaking new ground.

Pop on over and have a look, even subscribe! Don't expect new episodes all that often, though. This is truly going to function on a "as time permits" basis. www.whatarewetalking.com — David

floyd (and Family)'s Going-Away Party

January 26, 2007

Well, a lot of us here hate to see floyd, Sugiko, and Karisa leave Hawaii, but there is a new job (for floyd), life, and baby (on the way) awaiting them all in the Kansai area of Japan. Stay safe, my friend, and we hope to see you again sometime soon on the other side. — David

Thomas Wangler Sr.

1944 – 2007

January 21, 2007

I received word from my brother that Tom Wangler — family friend from our Warrenville-days and a man who had more of an influence on my formative years than I've ever really owned up to — had passed away on January 7. He was a real piece of work, that's for sure, and in his own way helped shape a whole group of young men coming of age back in my day. May you rest in peace, Mr. Wangler. (Photo taken during scout outing to Eagle Cave, Wisconsin. Circa early 1980s.) — David

Obit

Ai-chan Visits Hawaii with her Mother

January 19, 2007

Ai-chan (from Kurume) and her Mother came to Hawaii on vacation together and had a chance to see Yumi several times. (I was ill the night we were all supposed to go out to dinner.) The trip was planned as a last fling before Ai moves to Miyazaki to start her new job with Dell Computer in Japan. — David

Yumi's Parents Return to Hawaii

January 7 – 14, 2007

30 years ago Yumi's parents came to Hawaii for their honeymoon and — no lie — stayed at the Princess Kaiulani (where Yumi now works). In what is probably the first vacation they've taken alone together since becoming web, Chisa and Hiromi returned to O'ahu and stayed with us for a very full week of sight-seeing, talking, eating, walking, and regular ol' bumming around. (Photo gallery of their visit.) — David