Happy Halloween

Roo proudly left for school this morning wearing his transformer costume. His class this afternoon will trick or treat at the businesses in the neighborhood. Tonight we're having a group of friends over to trick or treat together and eat pizza at our house after. Hopefully this way we can prevent the kids from filling up on candy for supper! We will be handing out candy at our apartment and it will be fun to see the Japanese children trick or treating. Last year it struck me how polite the kids are in that none rush the door and they say "thank you very much" many times while the parents are taking photos and bowing before departing.

Here are photos from a party this past weekend. In keeping with his Nordic roots, Ryan wore a Viking helmet and in keeping with my love of animals, I wore a kitty mask.

Origami

Our house is littered with paper airplanes. And, origami rocket ships. Roo’s standard request these days is “can you make me a paper airplane?”. Or as Ryan taught him to call it “an aircraft”. According to Roo aircraft can fly “super fast” and he usually pronounces “super fast” super fast. Now that he’s discovered origami and that you can find almost any pattern on the computer, his requests have expanded and he asks for rocket ships, aliens, or robots. The word origami comes from oru meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper. (sometimes the sound "k" changes to "g" when it's in the middle of a word) The goal of this art is to create a representation of an object using geometric folds and crease patterns preferably without the use of gluing or cutting the paper, and using only one piece of paper. However, modern origami may not follow these rules strictly and designs may include cutting. It seems to me that the skill of folding is emphasized for young children. Similar to how Westerners may teach children how to draw circles or a happy face, or use a scissors. Case in point, when we were at the doctor with Roo on Monday, during the initial evaluation the health care worker asked Roo to fold a piece of paper “this way” then “that way”. I imagine he did this as a quick evaluation of Roo’s developmental level. When I realized the purpose of the question a part of me wanted to say “wait, we don’t teach our kids to fold” but I kept quiet and Roo did just fine. Lately he likes to sit with a piece of paper and fold many creases and announce that he’s using his “imagination” to make origami. There is an amazing website available in English. It has anime to demonstrate the folds. I highly recommend! http://www.origami-club.com/en/.

MC Yogi: Obama '08 - Vote for Hope

I do yoga at Sun & Moon near Meguro station. http://www.sunandmoon.jp/about Leza, the owner and instructor at Sun and Moon, mentioned this you tube video at the end of class tonight. It's receiving a lot of views. The writer and performer, MC Yogi is a friend of hers. He's a yogi and a rapper! A truly unique combination. This song is obviously a tribute to Obama. His album full of yoga raps is a fresh listen if you're looking for a little variety to accompany your practice. http://mcyogi.com/

Shakey's Pizza

Ryan has fond memories of Shakey’s Pizza. I sort of recall a Shakeys in either New Ulm or Mankato, but definitely not St.James. Sunday evening friends and us found ourselves in Harajuku needing to feed our preschoolers after a bomb of a Halloween party that supplied only pretzels. Ryan quickly chimed in “hey, isn’t there a Shakeys near?”. The first time we drove by the restaurant we were surprised and wondered if it was the real deal. Happily, we enjoyed the pizza! Except for the anchovy that came on the pizza titled “Herb and Tomato”. Mysteriously, the anchovy part wasn’t printed in romanji, only katakana. Our friend joked under his breath, “just another example of f***ing with the gaijin”. (Gaijin is “outsider”.) Fish on pizza is the one ingredient I imagine most English speakers would like to know about, much more than say "tomato" or "herb". You can’t help but wonder! Anyways, our visit prompted me to check into the history of Shakeys. It started in the 50’s in California and the expansion in the United States remained mostly west of the Mississippi. In the mid 70’s restaurants opened in Japan and the Philippines. Now, Shakeys is bigger in the Philippines than the United States. There are about 400 stores globally, and only 60 are in the US. At it’s peak there were 300+ in the US. As far as I can tell, there are no Shakeys left in Minnesota. So, we’ll enjoy a bit of nostalgia from childhood while we’re living on the other side of the world!

Book Review - Norwegian Wood

by Haruki Murakami
This is my second Murakami novel and I enjoyed it more than my first, Kafka on the Shore. I was pleased that there was no supernatural component. Norwegian Wood is a story about a college age boy in the late sixties and his somewhat peculiar relationships. The title is in reference to the popular Beatles song. The main character is introspective and likable. While I found myself thinking at times “this is a little weird”, his character is captivating enough that I couldn’t stop reading. However, it is not an uplifting read. A sad current flows through the entire book and the ending left me feeling that the lives of all would always be weighted with sadness. It’s hard to tell how much the reflective nature of the characters represents Japanese mainstream, but since it was a big hit in Japan, it makes me think it strikes a familiar cord in the culture. Possibly a culture that accepts life is tragic, death by suicide is not so rare, and loneliness is something to be endured rather than fixed.

Apple Stamp Project

Here is Roo working on an art project. We made stamps from apples and decorated after drying. I got the idea from one of my favorite mom blog's at: http://mominmadison.blogspot.com/2008/10/apple-stamping.html . We decorated together. Some of the faces are the characters from the Japanese cartoon Anpanman.

Chopsticks

The other day I was talking with my Aunt Bonnie and the subject of chopsticks entered our conversation. I caught myself saying “I love using chopsticks”. It’s true. But still, I surprised myself. I only started eating with chopsticks when we learned we could be moving to Japan. I’d visit the sushi bar at Lunds or Byerly’s and get maki or nigiri to go, and practice, sometimes in my car, eating with chopsticks. Only later did I learn that sushi is the one food it’s ok to eat with your fingers and forego the utensils. I was clumsy. When we arrived in Japan, I’d try to inconspicuously watch other eaters and take note if their middle finger was really relaxed and only guiding the top stick instead of purple from pressure and gripping the bottom stick, like my middle finger. I’d try to relax and lessen my grip. In fact, it’s not all that different from learning to knit. One of the first gifts from our Japanese language teacher was a set of long chopsticks to use in cooking. I’ve found that they work great for quickly beating an egg or whisking in oil. Gradually, eating with chopsticks became easier and easier and I can confidently snap apart wooden chopsticks and enjoy my food at a pleasant pace. Something about eating with chopsticks feels healthier. Delicate. Better portion control and less shoveling. The small cuts of food served in single dishes makes eating with chopsticks logical. Of course, eating an Outback t-bone with chopsticks would still be tough. Still, I’m confident that when we leave Asia our “silverware drawer” will have a spot for chopsticks and the chopstick rests I‘m collecting. It’s become habit!

Ishigaki Island

Roo and I returned to Tokyo tonight from a four day holiday to Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. It was nice to get out of town, but the trip was not without it’s bumps. The most amazing thing was the ocean. I have never seen such brilliance in nature the way the sunlight sparkled off of the aquamarine water. Here it is, late October, and the ocean water was so warm! Our beach was shallow and we could see tropical fish and coral in the sand beneath. We went on a short glass bottom boat tour to see additional species at greater depths. We stayed at a Club Med resort where the friendly staff originated from many countries, and the food was fabulous. At least for me it was fabulous. Roo ate pancakes and rice. And, he enjoyed the always present ice cream machine. One downer of the trip was the spa. I love spas! My main reason for selecting a resort such as this was the spa and the child care available for parents who want to visit the spa. Unfortunately, this spa refused me as a client because of my heart pacemaker. True, I can’t take part in the treatments using micro currents, but they refused me for even regular hand and oil treatments because the micro current equipment is still in the room. However, they could give me a facial. Apparently that room was OK. Hooey! I guess it was too much of a stretch in thinking to ask them to do the massage in the facial room. Needless to say, I left in a bunk. Oh yah, they also commented that they can’t have clients with pacemakers because they are not doctors and could not respond in an emergency. This rationale coming from the same resort who’s employee in charge of the child activities tried to convince my four year old that he should try the flying trapeze at the kid’s club on the next day. While Roo was telling me he would be “very brave“, I still said “no, I don‘t think so“ and I kept my kid with me the whole time. This trapeze was real circus size and even though the participant wears a lanyard and there is a net below, I wasn’t going to risk my preschooler rag dolling in the air! It goes without saying why I lost confidence in the “child care” aspects of the club. I left thinking we probably won’t visit again, but I did gain an appreciation for vacationing in an all inclusive family resort. Things were easy, well organized and not only do they tolerate children, they seemed to enjoy and cater to the children. The next resort location I have in mind is the Philippines!

Race for the Cure

Yesterday we went to the Race For A Cure as part of the organized group from PWC Arata. The group was made up of mostly other expatriates and it was nice to meet new families and speak to a few that had recently arrived in Tokyo. We tried to do the 5k walk around the Imperial Palace but the staging was long and by the time the walk started many of the kids in strollers had fizzled. Or as Roo said “boring”. So, we left early.

Here Roo is with his little friend from school that came to play last night. We left the kids with a babysitter while us grown ups went out to eat at a very delicious restaurant. The food was Japanese and seasonal but with a fusion twist. As is common in nice restaurants in Tokyo, you don’t order from the menu but rather receive a course of food that is the chef’s choice for the evening. We like to do this because it gives us a chance to taste things we might not know to order or be brave enough to try. The waiter last night seemed concerned that Ryan and I would not be able to eat all of the dishes. The wait staff seemed surprised, but somewhat pleased that we said “yes” to everything. One of our favorite dishes was chawamushi, or steamed seafood egg custard. There were about 8 dishes served, one at a time, culminating with a delicious pumpkin mousse, a warm sticky bun, and dollop of ice cream for dessert.

Book Review - The Space Between Us: A Novel

by Thrity Umrigar
An enticing read that is a deep look into modern day Bombay and life of woman. The book is written as a series of flashbacks telling the story of Sera, a privileged Parsi living in an extravagant apartment and Bhima, her Hindu servant who resides in the slum. The story leads us into learning how deeply the lives of these two women are intertwined. Bhima has been treated very kindly by her mistress and Bhima is the only person who shares the secrets of her mistresses tormented and abusive home. I enjoyed the story and the raw emotion you feel as you read about the lives of these two woman. On a much broader canvas, it's a stark reminder of what ills can penetrate even a democratic society if corruption, greed, and the elements that contribute to a disappearing middle class go unchecked. It's a good reminder of how crafty human beings can be in convincing themselves of the justification for prejudice, so much so that it becomes a part of us that we can't even see our own contribution in prorogating a prejudice world. Personally, I was not fond of Serabai and found her generosity to be self aggrandizing and really pretentiousness in disguise. Bhima's character was so sad and the image of her will remain in my mind for a long time. The ending is left open for the reader to imagine if and how these two women will recover after learning a very dark secret that binds them forever.

Do Re Mi

This morning the big kids of the school, Big Bugs and Super Bugs, performed on stage in their classroom. Below is a clip of them singing the song from the movie “The Sound of Music”, “doe a deer, a female deer etc..”. In addition they sang three songs in Japanese and a few in French to keep inline with their monthly theme of France and good food. Roo was so fun to watch because he was doing the actions and singing loud enough for me to hear his voice. He’s been practicing much and as I’ve mentioned before, he like to sing. They made their French chef hats and aprons and Roo wears his like he does a ball cap, with it low over his eyes. We call this his farmer look.
His skill in progressing on the scooter. Yesterday when he was riding on the sidewalk I was explaining that when he sees an elderly person, especially with a cane, I want him to stop on his scooter until they are past. I talked with him about how it would really hurt an elderly person if they were knocked down or ran into by him on his scooter. We were scootering past a bus stop where there are always a lot of elderly waiting. I said to Roo “this is a spot where you need to be extra careful and look out for elderly people” and shortly after right as were right next to an elderly Japanese gentleman, Roo looks up at him and shouts “he’s elderly!”. And then as he’s scootering away says “it’s a good thing we didn’t hit him.”. Ahhh, things sure get interesting when preschoolers can talk.

Tausch, a wonderful handbag

My new bag! I don’t usually get too excited about merchandise, excited enough to write about it anyways. But, I have come across the most wonderful bags that I can’t help myself. Their hip, versatile, made in a country with fair wage labor and WATERPROOF. No more worrying about whether or not my hemp wallet and cash notes are getting soggy. I learned about the bags at the school bazaar, and, the next weekend I just had to check out their shop in the Daikinyama neighborhood. They are a German company with sales in Berlin, Stuttgart, London and Tokyo. And, I like that a nice mother from school has a shop! The brand "tausche" is a play on the words "tauschen" - to change - and "Tasche" - bag. The exterior flap is exchangeable and zips on easily. So, it’s easy and fun to revitalize your bag to suit your mood or season or occasion. To start, I have one green flap, and one red flap containing the Tokyo Tower. Speaking of bags, Ryan may scold me for writing this, but he’s in the market for a “man purse”. He’s finally over his very American male fear of carrying a bag and understands the functionality of a “man purse” that has been understood by European and Tokyoite males for quite some time. Apparently, he has in his mind what features this bag must have, but just hasn’t quite found it, yet. We’ll see what he come up with and whether or not it’s just another version of a backpack or briefcase in disguise.

Webiste for Tausch: http://www.tausche-berlin.de/index.html

Dick & Fern

Today I was once again reminded how small the world is. I met a friend for lunch. The restaurant where we met is called Fujimamas and is owned and operated by an American woman. The cuisine is sort of Asian but with an American, or Gaijin (foreigner) twist. Most of the staff seems to speak English and it’s a popular hang out for foreigners. Well, my friend and I were visiting and two tables over an elderly couple was sitting. At one point we made eye contact and the gentleman nodded to acknowledge my use of chopsticks, as if he was impressed. It’s funny, because a thought crossed my mind that “I bet they are American, in fact, I bet they are Midwestern”. They finished their food before us and the gentleman stopped to ask us where we were from. My friend spoke to him about South Africa, and then I said the “United States, Minneapolis“. Guess what….drum roll… they are on vacation in Japan visiting from Eden Prairie. Of course Dick waved for Fern to come back because “she‘s from Minnesota“ (meaning me). Fern was a few strides ahead of Dick who is a little wobbly with the cane. Which, once they left, I started to worry about Dick with his cane on the uneven Tokyo streets where little steps here and there surprise even the most agile walkers. Then I reminded myself that he probably navigates icy sidewalks and parking lots and knows how to be careful. A day in which I bump into a jolly elderly Minnesotan couple is a refreshing day!
Roo now has a razor scooter that we’ll use to get to and from school when it’s not raining. Right now it’s slow going but with time, it should help the stroll to school to clip along at a comfortable pace. It’s adorable, when I pick him up he’s sitting with the other bugs listening to the story but unlike the other bugs, he’s wearing a helmet and knee pads, ready to go!

Picture of Roo

Roo with his balloon sword and sword belt made by the clown at the birthday party.

Super Heroes

The other day, perched in the little red car barber seat, Roo announced “mommy, I wish I was a super hero”. His tone was so earnest that I felt sad for him as I explained that he can “play” superhero even if he’s technically not one. This Halloween he will be wearing either a Power Ranger suit, a Transformer suit, or a Superman outfit. Last year he wore Thomas the Tank Engine. I keep catching myself thinking “wow, in one year we went from Thomas to Transformer”. He’s into anything superhero-ish and is very intrigued by swords. One of his favorite cartoons currently is Super Why on PBS. He likes to sing “Super Why, he’s our guy, that Super Why…”. Ah yes, singing. He loves to sing and is constantly singing. The taxi driver was entertained for the complete 5 minute ride home with a serenade in French the other day. Yes, French. This month’s theme at school is France and good food. Roo can explain that the Eiffel tower is in France and “it’s very, very old”. The other day on the walk home from school he told me about a place that’s in his “imagination”. It’s called Robot land and it’s bigger than France, Japan, Russia, China and Minneapolis. Robot land is full of “biggest robots”. He likes to announce that he’s going to use his “imagination” or that he has “an idea” or that he has a “plan”. He’s enjoying his friends at school and this year is markedly different in that he talks more about the other children than he talks about his teachers.

Roo has been taking tennis class once a week but tells me it’s “boring”. This word, boring, enters his vocabulary quite a lot lately. For example, the other night he told me one of the books I picked out is boring. The news I like to watch is boring. Another habit he’s picked up since school started is that he wipes off his kisses! This, all the talk about superheroes, transformers, swords, and boring make me think he’s growing up too fast. I’m thankful for the moments when I’m reminded that he’s still small, like cuddling his puppy or taking hold of my hand to cross the street.

Year Two

Today marks our second “Taiku no Hi“, or rather, the Japanese holiday celebrating “Sports Day”. Offices are closed and the children at Japanese schools compete in sporting events with their parents watching. Upon arriving last September, this was my first holiday in Japan and I remember thinking “wow, such an odd reason to close down businesses”. Now that I have a better understanding of the Japanese work or “salary man” culture, I understand why there needs to be a national holiday for Dad’s to witness their child’s activity at school. Since he’s not at Japanese preschool, today is no different of a school day than typical for Roo. However, Ryan does have the day off and we attended an open house at Tokyo International School, one of the schools we are considering for kindergarten next year. The school was amazing. We are so fortunate here in Tokyo to have such wonderful places from which to choose. At this school the children check out iPods from the library and last spring had the opportunity to sing their school song to Bono (of U2). I asked the question of how teachers and children interact and where on the spectrum they are in terms of authoritarian versus guidance and mutual respect. They are the antithesis of authoritarian, and I was very happy to hear the children call the teachers by their first names as this, in my mind, is the greatest indicator of a progressive school that will raise the most tolerant and compassionate world citizens. If I could ask only one question, it would be “how do the children address the teachers?”. It speaks volumes. Of course I can ask more than one question, and I typically do! I have created a chart on which I score different attributes, and in the end, I will have a total score for each school visited. The reality is that there is probably no bad choice, it’s just a matter of which works best for Roo.

Today after school we go to a birthday party at the Colombian Embassy for one of Roo’s classmates. This will be birthday party number four since the start of the school year. I don’t mind, though. It’s always a fun time for the kids and a great chance to meet other parents.