Happy New Year! Hope you all had a fun and restful vacation and are settling into 2014!

Just wanted to let you know about some upcoming events in January and February. Will try to get on making Facebook events for each but if you are interested or have questions please feel free to email me directly!

Saturday January 18 – Midwinter Madness

Peter is once again throwing a rager in Shiroishi. So bring some food to grill, some drinks to to keep you warm, and bedding if you plan on crashing. More info on Facebook.

Where: Shiroishi Skypark

When: 5:30pm

Saturday January 25 – New Years Pot Luck Party

I want to start the year off right with a get together at my place. Bring drinks, food or snacks and feel free to crash if need be. I had a pot luck back in April and it was a lot of fun! ALL are welcome.

Where: Casa del THIS GUY (my apartment)

When 6:30pm

Sunday January 26 – Circle Time in Tosu

Its time for January Circle Time and we will be part of a larger multicultural event. More info on Facebook.

Where: Tosu

When: 10:00am – 11:30am

Saturday February 1 – Japanese Cooking Class

Come learn about “Setsubun” (the day before the start of Spring) and enjoy some tasty Japanese cuisine

Where: Saga City Avance 3F

When: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Saturday February 1 – Flower Arranging

After the Japanese cooking class finishes, stick around to learn about and try your hand at Japanese flower arranging.

Where: Saga City, Avance 3F

When: 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Saturday February 8 – Raging Block 10 Shinnenkai

For the last several years we have had awesome shinnenkai (New Year) parties in Fukuoka that usually involved a lot of yakiniku, drinking, partying, and mingling with JETs from surrounding prefectures. This year Saga is going to take the lead and host one and I am going to tentatively set the date on Saturday February 8.

Where: Somewhere in Fukuoka (probably Tenjin)

When: 7:30pm

Saturday February 15 – Sandwich Cooking Class

This is part of a 5 presentation series I am doing about America. It will be about popular American sandwiches.

Where: Saga City, Avance 3F

When: 10:00am – 2:00pm

As of now this class is primarily intended for the Japanese residents of Saga City. If there is still space as we get closer to the date itself I will let JETs apply. Just want to put it on your radar!

Sunday February 16 – Tea Ceremony

Come learn about and experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony at a beautiful historic former residence in Saga City.

Where: Saga City, Former Koga Residence

When: 11:00am – 1:00pm

Friday March 21 – Oita Charity Bike Ride

A huge block event in Oita that brings JETs together to bike across the Prefecture and raise money for charity. Its an amazing event and a great opportunity to see some great scenery, get some great exercise, and meet some cool people.

Check out the Facebook event for more info:

FIll out this GoogleDoc to get signed up. THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS FEB 7.