I pledge allegiance to...

President Barack Obama! At last, at last he's been sworn in and it's all happening now, history is now. It's officially Day 3 already. You'd think with my countdown I would've written the day of the inauguration, but I needed some time to absorb it all. (I also wrote a little diddy on the Arth blog that corresponds). So, where were you on Day 1? I was stuck at the Blue show thing for work so I was kind of bummed that I couldn't go to one of the rallies in Times Square or Harlem or in Queens. I was ready to bring the radio, but thankfully there was a lounge at the show with a big screen and everyone started gathering inside.

I made it just in time to see President Obama sworn in, which despite the awkwardness (I guess they had to do it over again to be official), was still exciting and the applauding, hooting, and smiling began. It was such a great energy to share together with others. Then came the speech. Man, a speech of a lifetime. It was well paced, intelligent, open minded, and so poetic. It will definitely be quoted for years to come. My favorite part was this (so beautifully written):
"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

I thought he covered all his bases well and at times, his speech was even solemn which felt honest. He spoke to each of us from his heart and we all felt it. I do hope, if anything, President Obama will restore a positive energy to us Americans and to other nations. With his support, we have to do better, we have to think better. His last words are unforgettable:
"America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words; with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come; let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

At the end, my boss (who has been living in the US for 5 years, originally from Japan) said to me, "This is a great country. You're so lucky to be an American." Let's not forget that.


p.s. Google people, you are going to have to update your spell check to make "Obama" an official word!

The Arths collide

Perhaps all my silly puns have finally influenced the people of Arth. This is our display at the Blue Show in NYC. Uh, notice the globes?? So, let me back up a little. During my trip home to Cali, I stopped by the Arth shop in Costa Mesa and met the big boss, Satoshi Kurihara. We had a friendly chat and introduction and he mentioned Arth would be part of an NYC apparel trade show in January. I was asked to accompany him and work our booth, and so here I am now, actually doing it... presently.


We had a pretty good first day. The show is for menswear so from what I hear, it's a lot more mellow and laid back than lady apparel shows. I met some friendly buyers, some more aggressive than others, and some journalists covering the show. I do hope those I invited to our Soho shop show up. The only bummer is that I work on inauguration day so I'm seriously thinking of bringing a radio in for the address. 2 more days!!

bonus story: The lovely lady helping us work the booth, Yukiko, and I chatted a bit today. She was telling me she lived in LA for a bit and happened to go to the same college as my sister. Then she tells me she lived in San Gabriel and I asked where and we got closer in closer in location and it turns out she was living literally 10 houses away (maybe even less) from the house I grew up in! Wild stuff. Fate is a funny thing. She owns a cool wholesale retail house called Beagle House N.Y. named after her favorite cartoon character Snoopy. Um... adorable!

Bad deed of the day

This morning I was getting tea at a roach coach and the guy in front of me dropped a coin on the ground and went, "bah." I guess it was too cold to deal with (it was seriously zero degrees today with the wind chill) so then after he left, I picked it up and put it in my pocket. Was that wrong? (Actually I was kind of bummed because I thought it was a quarter but it turned out to be a nickel.)

p.s. Countdown to Obama: 4 days!

Guess I was good this year

Scott still won't tell me how he "got" my shiny, new bike but it was quite a surprise. We've both been missing our simple and efficient Japanese bikes that we had to leave behind so I was genuinely excited and happy to get such a cool set of wheels. Thanks Scottie! I took it for a test run down the street and it is smoooth. It also has 3 gears, but they're inner gears so you can't see it changing on the wheel. Crazy stuff. The K on the front was also welded by my welder man. Aww. The seat is super cozy too, which is not always the case. In short, I love it. All I need now is a little bell.

p.s. Totally unrelated: 11 more days til Obama! I'm loving the straight talk so far. Help me, help you people!