The following is a true story:

Setting: Blind Date

Prologue: Boy picking up Girl at her place, meeting her for the first time.

Girl: Would you like something to drink while I finish getting ready?

Boy: Sure. Can I have a soda? 

Girl: I don’t have any soda, but would you like a scotch?

Happy Ending: They have been married for over 40 years.

Unless your first encounter with someone is as memorable as theirs, most of us can’t recall the exact conversations between the people we have met. Whether by choice or by chance, Encounters can turn into lifelong relationships. I can’t recall the initial conversations of most people I now consider indispensable in my life. Can you?

Although the calendar is a man-made creation to organize time, it’s still exciting to be in January and to look forward to filling the next 12 months with friendships, encounters, and fun, isn’t it? Pandemic pending, the ABA officers are looking forward to planning a time to meet, spend time, and just be together. 

Installations were held, and our new cabinet members, Co-Presidents Karen Kino and Janet Uyeno; Religious Activities Chair Ed Kato were welcomed into the ABA board. Again, heartfelt thanks to past president Margie Mio for her SEVEN years of service and to Richard Kuramoto for his TWENTY years of serving as our Religious Activities Chair! Wow! I’ll end with a friendly reminder to mail your dues to Roy Onishi and to volunteer to chair the Obon Workers’ Lunch.

Wishing all of you memorable and meaningful encounters in 2022!

With Gassho,
Jeanne Kumagai

For any questions about ABA or its activities, please email us at aba@orangecountybuddhist.org.