Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Happy B-day, two days early! :D

Well, my b-day's Thursday. I'm going to be 30 years old. I really don't have any plans that day. I guess I've been so busy that I haven't thought about it that much. I can't wait for classes to start up again. Hopefully, when the weather gets better, I can go to the school labs again. I've been doing my online classes at home and it's fine. However, it's sometimes feels like I have cabin fever. Well, have a happy new year, everyone! <3 :D


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Sunday, December 6, 2009

I wish I was back in the 90's...

I wish I was back in the 90's because, to me, everything was wonderful back then. Things made more sense, unlike now. It feels like the 90's were the Renaissance and right now is the Dark Ages. The reason why I feels this way is because today everything is so confusing and twisted, to the point where I don't know what's what anymore. Sometimes, I feel like I woke up one day on the wrong planet. We have mindless TV shows, people bitching about the President bowing to the emperor of Japan, terrorism, the economy, an endless war, the list is endless. Back in the 90's, all I had to worry about is school. Now, I got to worry about every f-ing thing in the world: identity theft, unemployment, credit scores and whatever else. Right now, I feel so frustrated with the world today. Sometimes, it feels as if we're beyond saving because it's like we're devolving into brainless savages, not caring who we hurt and what we do.

Friday, December 4, 2009

First week at school.

It's Friday and I'm at school now. The first week of class was good. I had a bit of trouble at first because I'm doing online classes only this quarter. But, I'm getting the hang of it. I don't want to pat myself on the back too much because I know it'll get harder from here. But, I'll do my best. :D


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Monday, November 30, 2009

Reflections - 2009

It's about 12:45am right now. I couldn't get back to sleep so I decided to do this instead. I was thinking what a year this has been. Not just for me, but everyone. This year, I graduated from Vatterott and currently in MCC, had my first internship and enshrined my Gohozon. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift had a big year, too, we loss so many famous faces including one of the greatest performers of our lifetime, Undertaker and Shawn Micheals fought in one of the greatest matches in Wrestlemania history, the final season of Battlestar Galactic, the economy, Sarah Palin's new book and New Moon currently dominating the box office. I would go of, but it would be January 1 by the time I'm done. With all that's happened, what will next year bring? Hopefully, we're wise enough to learn from the past to make a better future. Only time will tell...


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Saturday, November 28, 2009

School on Monday

Well, I start my new classes on Monday. I'm both excited and nervous. Excited because I'm learning web development and nervous because I don't know what to expect. This is my first time doing online courses and I want to do well in them. If I get into trouble, I can go to one of the student labs to get help. Wish me luck. : D


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Friday, November 20, 2009

Confusion - Respect or Submission

Okay, so I was in the cab going to my doctor's office when Sean Hannity was on, saying, I think, because President Obama bowed to the Emperor of Japan that he was showing that Americas as now bowing to Japan, or something. I don't know. I got confused by that statement, saying to the cab driver, why is that bad? President Obama, to me, was just showing the emperor respect by bowing to him, like anybody would me him, or whatever custom used when addressing anyone from a different country. But, and this is the crazy, the cabdriver got mad at me for saying that. He also said that what Obama did was show the rest of the world that US was weak and that Queen of England would never bow to a commoner. Then, I didn't say anything because I was just so confused. When did bowing to an emperor in their country or being respectful to others when visiting their country suddenly show that you and the US is weak? Am I going crazy? Somebody please explain this to me because I just don't get it.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Experience - My first year as a Nichiren Buddhist

It's been a year since I become a Nichiren Buddhist. It's kinda weird how I become one. One night, I was on iTunes searching for Buddhist podcasts where I found, ironically, A Buddhist Podcast. The first episode I listened to was the Study Special with Jason Jarrett, the host, and William Woolard, the author of "The Reluctant Buddhist". They were going over study material for the Buddhist Learning Review that year. I listened for a few minutes before going to bed. Later that night, at around 1AM, my niece got in trouble for stealing our Grandma's car. The house was in an uproar. The next morning, everyone was still upset and so I decided to go to the Benson Grind on 60th and Maple. I had the podcast on my mp3 player and listened to it while I was there. The more I listened, the more it made sense. So, I began to research more on my own. I was suprised to discover that there was an SGI here in Omaha. I wanted to go, but I didn't know how to drive and took the bus. Well, Alex, Claude and Mayumi came to pick me up and I attened my first SGI meeting. I was unsure about everything, thinking what I had gotten myself into this time. But, throughout the meeting, it made more sense. So, I started going to more meetings and meeting many wonderful people. In May 2009, I became a member of the SGI and in August 2009, I had my Gohonzon enshrined. I feel grateful for finding Nichiren Buddhist or it finding me and I know that I'm much happier now that I was a year ago.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Textbooks

Today, I went to MCC-SOC to get my textbooks for my online courses. The best thing is I can go to the labs anytime to do schoolwork, which is a big thing for me since I can't afford the software at the moment. My classes start on the 30th and I'm going to take advantage of MAT's Pass To Class Bus Card since I'm going to be coming here everyday anyway. I've decided to go to the SOC to study because more buses run through there.


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Friday, November 13, 2009

Final Week and Reflections...

Well, yesterday was my final week at my internship. I was a bit sad because I'm going to miss everyone there. But, I'm grateful for the opportunity to intern for them because they taught me so much about photography and, sometimes, about life. I felt that I grew a bit more due to my time there. And now, I focus on starting a new journey: going back to MCC to study Web Development.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Week 11, Bankruptcy Hearing and Final Week

This week, I had new hours, which started on Tuesday. I did some photo scanning and went on a photo shoot. Today, I had my bankruptcy hearing and it went well. I'm a bit sad because next week's my final week at my Internship. But, I'm going to made it the best week possible.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

CWL - 11/01/09

http://shop.ebay.com/robertdaske/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

Also, I noticed that one day after a listing, they have no items.

Curiouser and curiouser...

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Consumer Warning Listings - 10/31/09

Okay, so after this week, I decided to do a consumer warning listings blog. Each week, I will make a listing of those suspicious of fraudulent behavior. Anyone who knows the people I listed and can back them up, please tell me to that I may issue an apology an put them on a trusted sellers list.

Ebay - 10/29/09 to 10/31/09

http://shop.ebay.com/chadwikantil/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
http://shop.ebay.com/almonbenson/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
http://shop.ebay.com/travisner/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
http://shop.ebay.com/almonbenson/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
http://shop.ebay.com/kylielove0/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

Same old tricks...

Don't you guys have anything else better to do than ripping folks off?

http://shop.ebay.com/kylielove0/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

Also, so that I don't seem like I'm being a vigilante, if anyone happens to know the sellers I've listing so far, please let me know if they're on the up and up or not. If so, then I'm make a formal apology and say that they're trusted buyers. If not, then they're still on the list because they people have no right to do this to people and should be ashamed of themselves.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Week 10

Well, this week I did my second photo shoot and scanned photos to be cleaned later. Next week's my Bankruptcy hearing, so wish me luck.

They're at it again.

Some people just won't learn:

http://shop.ebay.com/almonbenson/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

You know what, find someone else to con because I'm now on to you scam and will continue to tell folks until you're stopped.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

CONSUMER WARNING

THIS IS A CONSUMER WARNING - PLEASE READ: For those playing to buy the lastest Apple iPods from eBay, don't! There have been "sellers" trying to sell them at low prices, but their items have been removed from eBay because the items listed on ebay but then completed outside, which according to them are extremely risky because they are not covered by ebay buyer protection programs and are highly susceptible to fraud. I should know because I bought one this morning and ebay contacted about this. The seller is joshingramer. If you should happen to have bought anything from this person, please ebay. If, like me, you have already bought an item using paypal, contact paypal and file a dispute. Now, what to look out for: the newest ipods sold at 30-40 units, all at the same low price, depending on what model you're buying. For example, ipod touch 32gb 3rd gens were being sold at 245 with 32 units available, which is what i bought. I'm sorry that this is lenghty, but I just don't want you guys to get ripped-off like I did. And if you're still not convinced, look at these:

http://shop.ebay.com/chadwikantil/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
http://shop.ebay.com/almonbenson/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
http://shop.ebay.com/travisner/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

One final note: whoever's doing this, I'm on to your little scam and you should be ashamed of yourselves. Also, you messed with the wrong person.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Week 9 and Graduation

Well, this week I went to work only on Monday and Tuesday because on Wednesday, I needed a day off. My body felt like it was on auto-pilot. Today was my Graduation Ceremony. There's photos on my website right now.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Week 8 (Weird Week)

Okay, this week, I only went Monday and Tuesday. I would have done today, but I had to got to my bank to fix my checking account. On Saturday Night, I noticed that I had some ATM withdraws. Now, here's the kicker: I had my card the whole time, but the charges were made in Penang, Malaysia. WTF? So, I had to close my card and my the charges will be reversed. Another thing is that I'm really think of leaving Cricket. Lately, they've been dropping the ball in more ways than one. I don't know, because I'm hoping that things can change.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Brooke Astor's son, lawyer guilty of bilking estate - CNN.com

This is absolutely sickening.

Brooke Astor's son, lawyer guilty of bilking estate - CNN.com

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Week 7 and MCC

This week, I only worked on Tuesday because I was sick on Monday and on Wednesday I went to MCC to registar for Winter semester. I'm going to be taking Web Development.

Fear Clinic ? Director's Trailer

Fear Clinic ? Director's Trailer

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Week 6 and Big News

Well, this week was a bit slow. I think because Bill is in North Dakota this week for a shoot. He may be back next week. But, great news, today I made my final payment to my lawyer and I'm going to get my bankurptcy processed. The important thing is to NEVER make the same mistake again. :)

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Weeks 4 & 5

Last week, I went to my internship only on Monday because I was experiencing burnout. This week, I finished to the photos in LightRoom and helped set up a shoot in the studio. Today, our family friend, Toni, took me on her Bomb-Pop route in Elkhorn. I never been to Elkhorn before. All I knew on it was that Metro Community College was there and it's my former C.A. Instructor Mike's home. It's a very beautiful city with farmland. The only time I ever saw farmland was when I was going out of town. I learned alot while with Toni. The route was much like my first photo shoot; there's alot more work done behind the scenes.

Friday, September 18, 2009

The Mistakes List

This morning while chanting, I started to write down a list of mistakes I've made in the hopes that I finally learn from them and grow as a people. Anyone can make a list of their own if they want. Here's mine:

Mistake I've made and must NEVER repeat:
1. Getting credit.
2. Overspending.
3. Buying things that I won't use as much and selling them two weeks later.
4. Giving money, even though I need it.
5. Eating other people's food. (At home. :P)
6. Not knowing where to put stuiff and not asking.
7. Talking first, thinking later.
8. Not saving money.
9. Not listening.
10. Comparing myself to others.
11. Not following my instincts.
12. Perfectionism.
13. Warped ideas of what should be according to everyone else.
14. Being taken advantage of.
15. Not taking care of me.
16. Always caring what others think.
17. Always making assumptions.
18. Going to and relying on check cashing places.
19. Going to and relying on loans and credit cards.
20 Getting what I WANT instead of what I NEED.
21. Not being grateful for what I already got.
And Finally...
NOT LEARNING FROM MY MISTAKES!!!!

Well, that's my list. What do you think? :)

Thursday, September 17, 2009

A Stranger in an Unfamilar World...

Sometimes, I feel as if I don't know know this world anymore. All my life, I always did the right thing, only to discover that it hadn't meant anything. And it's not just me. Everyday, I'm surrounded by stories of murder, rape, war, terrorism, racism, sexism, the economy, etc. To me, it feels as if I'm an alien in this weird world. Did the people in Nichiren Daishonin's time feel like this, that they're in a hell with no end? This can't be how the world really is, because, to me, it doesn't make sense.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Internship - Week 3

This was a tiring but big week for me. On Tuesday, I did some more photo cleanup in Lightroom and met Pat, the owner of Stonehouse Publishing. Today, I helped set up a photo shoot and believe me, photographers and BTS guys deserve more credit than their getting. Their so many things to do to make a shoot perfect. I didn't realize how much until now.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Internship - Week 2

This week, I learned about how to clean up photos with LightRoom and Photoshop. At first, I had a bit of trouble, but with a little help, I got the hang of it in no time. I think I'll still be doing more cleaning up. Afterwards, I may scan and clean more photos unless something changes. I'm learning so much that it feels like my brain's on fire. :D

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

My First Week

Well, this week I started my internship. On Monday, I scanned pictures onto the computer for editing. But, this wasn't your average scanner. It was designed to scanned picture taken from a traditional camera and cost as much as a car. Yesterday, I learned a little bit about LightRoom while putting tags on the photos I scanned. Today, I'm going to learn how to clean up the photos in LightRoom. Before I started, I was nervous because I didn't know exactly what to expect. But, after a while, I began to feel more at ease. Well, I got to get ready to go soon.

Friday, August 21, 2009

I got an internship :D

I got an internship today! I still can't believe. I'm a little nervous, but I'll be okay.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

I'm Back!

Hi, I'm back! Sorry that I've been gone for so long. I've been so busy with school, SGI and trying to find a job.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Realization: I'm Okay

It takes a really good friend to tell you that you're okay being you. It felt weird when Debbie told me that today while driving me home from a district meeting. The trick is keeping that in mind, even during the times when I doubt myself. I'm glad and grateful that Debbie told me that. :D

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

A Vow to Myself

Today, I made an important vow to myself: I vow to challenge what it is to be 'normal'; in my enviroment, in society, etc. All my life, I felt that I had to be 'normal' to be happy. But, what exactly is 'normal' and if I become it, will I be any happier? Will everyone I know and don't know be happier? What if I'm not happy being 'normal', according to popular opinion? That's what I want to challenge and win at. :D

Friday, April 24, 2009

My first meeting with my family

Last night, my sister and my niece came with me to Gosho Study. I was nervous because I didn't know how they would take everything. I explained to them the organization, gongyo and daimoku along with the help of my fellow SGI members. They, we had our Gosho study. I was surprised and amazed that my sister picked up on everything so quickly. I'm happy that my family was there. :D

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Happy :D

I'm happy that this weekend was good and not what I thought it would be. I met my nephew Kameron and he exactly like my niece, Alexis. :D They are like tow peas in a pod. They send yesterday and today together. I saw Karemon again today and gave him a copy of "The New Human Revolution: Volume 1" and my contact info. I hope that he likes it and contacts me soon. :D

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Realization: Foolishness

Foolishness comes in everyone's life, but the kind of foolishness that you always remember is the kind you least suspect. With me, my foolishness was my money, especially during these past few years. I've always been careful with it, saving it and such. But, then, my family problems started to grow and I felt I had to help, or people would see me as selfish. So, I gave up my savings and took out loans to help, thinking that it would be enough, but it wasn't. Everyone was stress, me more so, because I tried to help as best I could, but it wasn't enough. Instead of finding a healthy way to cope, I went to credit cards to deal. I felt that I had something to control in that situation. Then, I got into debt. I went to Credit Advisors for help and got out of debt. However, it didn't late long because my family needed help and my mom was in the hospital, so I had to take out credit cards and loans to help once again, but I ended up worse off than before. At times, I felt like screaming at my family and blaming them for getting me in this situation, not once, but twice. But, then, I stopped myself, realizing that I got myself in this and I had to deal with the results of my actions.

My advice is this: if you're stress out over whatever, find a healthier way to deal than going for the quick fix:

1. Talk to a therapist.
2. Talk to good friends.
3. Play with your pets.
4. Play with your kids.
5. Clean, clean, clean. :D
6. Exercise.
7. Listen to music.
8. Meditate.
9. Read.
10. Write in a journal.
11. Write poetry.
12. Write a story.
13. Sketch.

Whatever else you can think of that's healthy, do it.

Realization: Graditude

I, like everyone, I think forgets to be grateful for what they already have and lament on want we don't have. This could be anything. It reminds me of President Toda said in The Human Revolution, Book 2: People suffers because they see their neighbors with new and expensive things and feel that they should have those things, too but don't have the means to do so. He also said that science should bring people together and benefit mankind towards the greater good, not divide us. When I read what he said, I thought, "Hey, That's Me! I'm trying to keep up with everyone around instead of being grateful for what I already got!" It's very easy to forget to be grateful.

Realization: Perfection

To me, I feel like everywhere I turn, people except me to be perfect. Perfect body, perfect genetics, perfect credit, perfect job, perfect house, etc. But, what is perfect and what's the real price of it? I tried to be perfect because I thought that's what people expected of me. But, I didn't feel perfect; I felt pressured to keep up the facade out of fear of rejection or ridicule and it ended up hurting me in the end. Also, I think of others who resort to crime, terrorism, etc.; they hurt others because they are hurting. They feel that they're imperfect and those who are perfect need to suffer or they feel that they are perfect and those who are imperfect must submit to their will or suffer. I don't want to be perfect anymore. All I want is for people to love and accept me for all that I am, faults and all. When I pass on, I don't want to be asked, were you perfect in your life? I want to be asked, did you live a good life despite your imperfections?

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Realization: Family

Today, I had to ride with my sister when she was going to pick up my aunt and her daughter. She, well, she hates their guts with a passion. It is because they've been disrespectful to her and her daughter, stealing their stuff and just messing with their lives. I could tell that it told every once of self restraint my sister had not to kill them. I guess that's why I had to go with her. Afterwards, it got me thinking, if these people hate each other, always plot for the others unhappiness, why are we even a family in the first place? It doesn't make sense. What also makes no sense is bringing a child in the world when you're not all together. My mom has always had an issue with weight. That started to spill over to my sister when mom started to put her in weight loss programs. Then, it spilled over to me, but I didn't realize it until later. When I was ten, I thought that my sister ate a candy bar of mine and I called her 'fat' in front of her friend on the phone. Well, she told mom and mom slapped me in the face, angry that I said that. She didn't apologize until a few days later. I didn't understand why what I said hurt, until what Lisa told me in the car today. Nobody explained to me back then how hurtful that word was or how much my mom and my sister struggle with it. Mom just slap me, yelled at me and apologized with no explanation as to why she did it. Well, years later, mom and I had a big blow-out and I brought it up. She said that my aunt would do the same thing. But, I kept telling her that I wasn't my aunt and that I was me. But, she didn't listen. Today, mom lost weight from gastric bypass, but she has complications. My sister is angry with our mom because she's always sick. Right now, I feel sad because I don't understand why my family members spent so much time and effort hurting each other or why we're even together in the first place. Also, I don't want to be thin. I thought I did because I thought that what everyone expected of me. Then, I saw my mom. Not only is she still having complications, she's not the same person I thought that I knew. She's moody, angry and mad at everything. I don't want that. I don't want to be something I'll never be because the world wants me to. Also, I don't want to be like my mom: suffering right now because her weight obsession was much more important than the love of her family and the love of those who care about.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Realization: Inner Strength

Today, after doing Gongyo, I talked to my invisible Gohonzon, apologizing for feeling sad about losing my dad and everything that's happened last year. Then, I realized that the reason why all these things happened to me is because the Mystic Law felt that I was strong enough to handle all of this. Otherwise, none of this would be happening or I would have fallen to pieces years ago. Does this sound strange?

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Fear: Can I truly do it on my own?

Recently, I've been thinking, with everything going on in the economy today, can I truly do it on my own? Before credit, when people wanted something, they've save and save until they have just what they need. Today, it feels like I'm surrounded by everyone telling my the woes of bad credit, the benefits of good credit, etc. I had good credit once. Hell, I had excellent credit, until I ruined it myself, trying to help or otherwise. Now, I'm scared that I can't do it on my own, that my credit score be the only thing people see and not who I am as a person. It makes me feel sad, isolated and worthless. :...(

Friday, February 13, 2009

where to take responsibility

How does one know where to take responsibility and where not do? Lately, I've been apologizing for almost everything that's been going on: climate change, the economy, etc. I feel as if everything's my fault because I should have seen this coming, I should have been smarter, I should have tried harder, the list just goes on. People tell me it's not my fault and not to worry about it, but others remind me of what's happening and I feel guilty again. Are my feelings justified or am I just being a worry wart again?

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Meet the Pros: Day 2

Well, today was the final day of Meet the Pros 2009. I had my portfolio reviewed, which was good because it'll help me focus on what I need to work on. We also had panel discussions and door prizes, in which I won a notebook and a coffee mug with two Sonic's coupons. I'm glad that I went and can't wait for next year. :D

Monday, February 9, 2009

Meet the Pros: Day 1

Today, I went to Meet the Pros at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. We have speakers and workshops there, along with breakfast and lunch. The workshops I went to were the virtual tours for 36 Point, Swanson-Russell and dd/a; I also went to Cover Letter & Resume, the Art of Diplomacy and the beauty of internships, or something. Tomorrow, I will be running the gauntlet because my portfolio will be reviewed. I will be looking for what's good and what needs work, so stay tuned to this channel for further updates. :)

Friday, February 6, 2009

Happy News: The Plumber :D

Well, Debbie called me today and said that the plumbing's been fixed and it only cost $99! I would like to thank Amy Marie Meek, Southside Plumbing and those would helped. :D

Thursday, February 5, 2009

My First Realization - Part 2: The Lower Worlds

Today, unfortunately, I entered the lower worlds of the Buddha:

Hell - Feeling helpless about my family situation.

Hungry - Feeling always hungry: for food, respect, love, financial security, etc.

Animality - Feeling posessive over my posessions.

Anger - Feeling that my family sees me as nothing more than a servant and/or ATM machine, feeling that they'll completely unable to do anything for themselves without me there to 'save them' and feeling tired of always being the 'family savior'; always saving my family but no one saving me.

I realized this as I was chanting Daimoku. I'm chanting for my family's happiness, but I haven't a clue where to start. What should I do? :(

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

My First Realization, I Think

Today, while I was doing Daimoku, I discovered that the Gohozon, like the image of the prophet Mohammad, is sacred and that's why there's little to no images of them. Also, like the Muslim faith, Daishonin Buddhiism has many preconceived misconceptions about the true nature of the practice. Sadly, it's fueled by old stereotypes and the misguided act of a few, which only ended up hurting the whole. I concluded that it's up to all of us who practice our faith the right way to take the first steps in showing the world that we're more than a preconceived misconception while showing kindness, dignity and respect to others who practice different faiths at the same time.

:D

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Happy News! :D

First of all, congrads are in order for Kazuko-San, an SGI member in Omaha, for the birth of her second grandson! :D His name is Dillon, but Kazuko-San calls him 'D-Chan'. :D Also, Berta, another SGI member in Omaha, came back from her hometown in Spain! :D I saw her at the distinct meeting today and talked about how our hair's changed and how her trip was.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Daimoku and the uneasy mind

This morning, I woke up at around 3:10PM because I had so much on my mind. So, I got up and chanted Daimoku for an hour, then I did Gongyo and read the daily encouragement. I feel a little better. Has that ever happened to any of you?

Thursday, January 1, 2009

My first New Year's Gosho.

Well, today was my first New Year's Gosho and it was really fun! We did Gongyo, Maiyumi and Kati read the New Year's Gosho, Ebony read tow poems while Katie share her experience practice. Tobey, Sharon, Neil, Claude and I ream a poem while singing 'Higher Than The Sky.' Claude, Katie, Alex, Ebony, Sharon and Erika did a dance to 'Smooth Sailing' I believe the song was. Jennifer gave encouragement, we had gohonzon conferrals and leadership appointments. We saw a DVD of Ikeda-Sensei visited China and reuniting with a friend (I forgot his name. :P) We did a group picture to give to Ikeda-Sensei and we had a potluck. It was a great time and a great success. :D Also today, I bought "For Today & Tomorrow Daily Encouragement" and "The Buddha in the Mirror" by Ikeda-Sensei and some candles. Also, Marie from the store got me a Daimoku Chant, yay! :D Also, Haruko-San gave everyone Potato Soup to take home. :D