“We were not sent into this world to do anything into which we cannot put our hearts.”

“If you want more pomp and circumstance, I can do it, otherwise I can just ask you the questions."
“Just the questions."
“Eriko, do you take Nick to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
“What?"
“Do you want him to be your husband?"
“hai. Yes."
“Nick, do you take Eriko to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
(pause as groom looks over the bride)
“Yes, I do."
“By the power vested in me by the State of Washington, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
(smooch)

i can barely believe it. after 27 years of being alone, i am no longer an individual. i am now half of a whole, part of a pair, a bit of two… i like having Eriko around. it is a little surreal to watch her make the house her own, little by little. the kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom, the living room… they all bear her mark. today we obtained her social security number, added her to the bank accounts, and filed for a marriage license. if all goes well, my co-worker (a “minister”) will officiate over a very brief ceremony on Monday and we’ll be legally bonded. then, lots more legal work to be done such as changing her name, filing for a change in her immigration status (towards the green card), etc. soon i’ll be at work full-time and then japanese class twice a week … and then uw in addition. i’m a little nervous but also excited to see our lives develop… together. ;)

• Artist
• Lover
• Doctor
• Teacher
• Student
• Husband
• Father
• Inventor
• Salary Man
• Child
• Perfectionist

• the more you sweat the more you get
• activity means productivity
• efficiency means effectiveness
• burn the midnight oil
• the best way to get the job done is to do it yourself
• the easy way is the best way
• hard work is virtuous
• work is not fun
• there is only one best way
• more discipline means less freedom
• justice for all
• we work best under pressure