Valentine's day

Dear KosNet Friends

Valentine's day without Valentine is not easy. In fact I have to admit entire February is not easy for me. It reminds me of last of many things. So, this is the last Valentine gift from Kos. He gave me these coffee warmers and left for Japan for one week business trip. Yes, it is a very "romantic" gift (I am smiling). Well I appreciate the part the he made coffee himself and poured into these warmers. I cannot quite remember how I spent last two Valentine days, but this year I had good Valentine's day. I was reconnected to our old friend from U Mass days who came to our wedding in Japan 27 years ago. We lost touch for the past couple years and got reconnected. She and I had good ShabuShabu dinner. So memories won't fade away as long as we remember. Hope you all had good Valentine's day.

Naomi

White Birch Tree

Dear KosNet Friends

On February 3rd, I planted white birch tree in our backyard. Thank you George and May for helping me to find the beautiful tree. Kos liked this tree and so do I. Actually, this is the tree Japanese Empress Michiko chose as her symbol. I love slender white trunk with gentle and delicate branches. For me, this tree represents grace, kindness, purity and dignity. I am not sure how big this tree becomes before I leave this house, but will see. Though I have brown thumbs, I will do my best to take care of this tree!!  So, wish me good luck.

Naomi

Parasailing

Hi KosNet Friends

Naomi in air

Yes, I tried parasailing!!  It was my first time!!  Since I have high anxiety, I was a bit nervous, but I tried!!  And it was so wonderful. It was so beautiful, so saline, and so peaceful. I wish I could take pictures from up there, but may be next time. I brought Kos's picture in my pocket, so I flew with him. I felt like becoming a bird.

ME317A starts

Dear KosNet Friends

Good afternoon, this is ME317A!!  Yes, class started on January 9th. We have 8 enthusiastic on-campus students and 40+ off-campus students. Classroom is renovated in a nice way. We have three very interesting projects this year. So, I am looking forward to the progress of the class.  I am very impressed with the first active learning session of the class on 18th. Students were so eager at tackling the issues and so quick at grasping the concepts in visualized way. 

So, this week, I was suposed to be in the class, but instead enjoying the time in Florida. Our long time friends (actually, Kos's sponsor in Ohio days) who live in Florida invited me to their home, and I am enjoying sunshine. Sorry, I escaped California just in time to avoid the rain. Wow, it will be difficult to go back to reality after this vacation. We watched playoffs on the deck overlooking the canal, watching boats and in shorts!!

Dear KosNet Friends

A Happy New Year!! Hope you all are having good holidays. I am enjoying quiet yet quality holiday time with my friends. It is nice that I do not have to do any cooking yet I can enjoy traditional delicious Japanese "Osechi" (special dish for New Year).  I just need to be careful not to eat too much. Omochi (rice cake) is so good, too!!

I would like to show you the gift which my girl friend gave to me. Yes, this is a hammer and plus/minus screwdrivers and tiny screwdriver for eye-glass!!  Isn't this cute and smart? I wish I could have shown this to Kos. I would say "you know you said in your lecture now we got hammer so let's find nails, but actually you may be able to get more out from hammer itself!!" Anyway, this hammer is too cute to use!! Definitely girl's hammer.

So, in ME317, I am looking forward to finding the opportunities to find nails with hammer. Take care.

Naomi

Dear KosNet Friends

Yes, it is now official!!  Kos Ishii Graduate Fellowship Fund at Stanford chose the first recipient!! He is ME-MS student who is interested in Robotics design. I am so happy to hear this news. It is the best Christmas present ever!!

Next year, I intend to sit in ME317. So during this holiday season, I'd better finish reading Kos's first and last book, "design for value." I am so grateful that he wrote this book in Japanese. Even in Japanese, this is a good sleeping pill (well I would say  I last about 3 pages at a time). If it were in English, I don't think I would have last more than one paragraph before falling into sleep.

Have a wonderful holiday season and may the new year bring all the happiness to you and your family.

Naomi

Hi KosNet Friends

I spent November in Japan.  It was a very eventful trip.  So, let me share with you some stories.

1. I was invited to Kos's junior high school reunion (Sydney Japanese School). So according to Kos's childhood friends, Kos was a relatively shy and a bit cynical boy. Kos?? Well, I won't take a credit. I think going to Sydney Boys High School probably changed his personality. Thank you John.
2. I was kindly invited to Keio University for the final presentation of ALPS. It was my honor to be able to present Kos Ishii award to the best student team. It was so much fun to listen to Sky High ideas.
3. We had MML VIA (Visiting Industrial Associates) reunion in Yokohama. It was great to see that Kos's spirit is inherited to all of VIA members in whatever area they are in.

I had great fun myself with my friends and family members, too. So, now back in sunny but chilly California. Happy holidays to you and thank you for your friendship.

Naomi