Doctor Roo

I've been negligent in posting on my blog because I've had an annoying flu that didn't want to go away. I'm on the upswing fever wise, but now congested and teary eyed. During a sniffling episode this morning, Roo commented, in the diagnostic tone of a physician, "you have the nose fever".

Book Review: Alice Waters & Chez Panisse

by Thomas McNamee. For me, this was a page turner and I took each opportunity, no matter how small, to read a few pages here or there. I love the idea of robust foods savored in the season of their prime and the benefits this model of consumption gives to the local grower. Among many, one of my favorite quotes by Alice Waters is “Food shouldn’t be fast, and it shouldn’t be cheap”. I’m a person who carries anxiety after reading a McDonald’s poster boasting an 89 cent hamburger. True, except for a few years in college when Taco Bell burritos were what my food budget could support, I’ve never been in a situation where I had to worry about sustenance for myself or a hurting hungry child. I know this isn’t the case around the world, or even in America, so I’m not one to castigate corporate agriculture and the role they can play in raising the standard of living in less fortunate situations. (and I’ll admit that I was a loyal employee of agri giant Cargill for 13 years.) In this story, I was thrilled to see that the Montessori way (sensory, experimentation, optimism, confidence) influenced Alice during the early days of Chez Panisse . I imagine her Edible Schoolyard project and the publicity associated with it will make a big imprint on the path to restoring the health of America’s youth. On a reverse note, the book doesn’t present her as a personality one would likely want to hang with for too long. Her story is littered with glimpses implying “control freak” as well as a pretension surrounding her talented taste buds. It’s mentioned more than once that others in her life handle her dirty work. But so it goes with many visionaries whose accomplishments are described using the word “revolution”. In her case, The Delicious Revolution.

One other point about the writing, there were many unfamiliar adjectives and verbs. I resorted to circling and consulting a dictionary in batches so as to not miss a message. But, if the words riposte, espalier, elegiac and depauperate are in your vocabulary, you shouldn’t have a problem.

World Family Club

Monday night we went to a show for children produced by World Family Club. The show is interactive, educational and entertaining with the primary focus being to help non native English speaking children have a positive experience practicing another language. Or as their advertisement says "we put English into action". How did we hear about it and why did we go? First, to see my friend Sara, the vibrant actor with the crimson hair, yellow dress, and green sneakers, perform. Second, it's fun!

Don't worry, your eyes are working correctly, that's not Roo. Once again, he wasn't up for a family photo. Instead, his little friend Yuto willingly stood in for him.

Genki Kun

I would have never guessed that browsing around personal care aisles could be so entertaining. I can waste time contemplating the many products or gadgets available to help beautify, trim, soften, lighten, tone, adorn, style, or bath your body. Even a corner drug store tight on space offers an array of choice. For example, this display of Japanese bathing towels, which by the way, I’ve learned to love.

So far, one of my favorite purchases is for the feet. The Genki-Kun toe stretcher! The message on the box promises “relaxation”, “increased suppleness” and “other benefits for healthy living”. My original thought was that I’d use the toe stretcher to improve my yoga practice. I’m balance challenged and spread toes are one way to build better stability. And, I must admit, they are relaxing in a odd sort way.

Or at least I think so. Ryan, on the other hand, wasn't quite as thrilled as me.

Marine Day

Today is a National Holiday, Umi no hi 海の日, or Marine Day. The holiday was first observed in 1996 as part of the "Happy Monday System". The government of Japan decided to make or move a number of national holidays to Monday, thereby creating well deserved three day weekends for the overworked company man or woman. Since it's a new holiday no traditional customs exist, but many people use this weekend to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

In the summer, Japan is ripe with festivals and summer celebrations. This past weekend we noticed several woman and girls wearing yukata, the traditional cotton garment for summer.

Movie: Sunshine Cleaning

For the second time since arriving in Japan, Ryan and I went to a movie. Living in the U.S.A., I enjoyed the documentaries available through Netflix and my very own queue reflecting my personal preferences. However, I'm not a big movie buff and tend to think the whole theatre thing is overrated and overpriced. Once a year is probably enough for me. Last night's choice, Sunshine Cleaning, was much better that our previous choice, Be Kind Rewind (which has to be one of the worst movies ever and we kept wondering why on earth it even made it to Japan). Even more so than the actual movie, we enjoy experiencing the subtle differences between Japan and the United States. Such as the 100Yen ($1) self serve popcorn (albeit not a gargantuan container, but still, only a buck):

the 400Yen ($4) beer:

and the assigned seating. There were about 30 people in the theatre. It appeared as though everyone properly occupied their assigned seat as printed on their ticket at the time of purchase.

The ticket price was 1800Yen ($18) each. As for the movie, it was a mix of emotion which included plenty enough humor. I found the candy bar game at the baby shower scene particularly funny because 1.) I've been to more than one shower where this has been done, and 2.) It's so obviously spells W-E-I-R-D when you see it played out on screen. I laughed out loud and realized know one else did. I'm curious to find others that have watched the movie to learn how this scene translates around the globe. My gut says it probably doesn't transcend cultures with the same comic effect.

Ninja school summarized

Created by Roo's teachers, photos summarizing the week of Ninja school....

Keg by motor bike

The other day I was walking down a secluded street and passed a small liquor storage business. For some reason, this struck me as interesting, a motor bike that delivers kegs. Somehow it makes a keg look sort of quaint.

Cool Ninjas Cut Short

For Roo anyways. Unfortunately he'll miss the last two days of the ninja workshop. He's home from school with a high fever that's reportedly making the rounds in his class. Amongst his reassurances that he's feeling better so that he can go to "ninja school" tomorrow, he's asking for cuddles. Projection regarding ninja school, as of this moment, unlikely.

Cool Ninjas

How could I resist when the posting arrived announcing Cool Ninjas workshop? This week at his preschool Roo will learn what it means to be a proper ninja. They will come to understand how a ninja walks, what they eat, what they wear, what tools they use, and how they behave, speak, and train. The mystery of the ninja will unfold as they learn of historical Japanese ninja figures and the tales that reveal their heroics. Using their science minds they will make bombs that create fizz and glitter for the art of "illusion". The week will culminate with a party that includes an exercise to “catch the baddies”. With lingo including “tools, bombs, and baddies”, this should be right up Roo’s alley.

The workshop will be lead by a Japanese teacher with the surname Hattori. The same family name as Japan’s most legendary ninja, Hanzo Hattori (1542-1596).

Coolest Dentist Ever!

Today Roo had his first dentist visit, and believe me, the bar has been sent high. It will be hard to locate another office in a future location that is this rad. First, there is the four games video station in the lobby. And second, there's the headphones and flat screen tv playing cartoons to watch while the dentist works away. Roo received his first dose of Sponge Bob Square Pants.

On our next visit Roo will experience the relatively pain free approach of ozone therapy to have his cavity fixed. Ozone is applied to kill the bacteria, therefore minimizing drilling. In most cases, no anesthesia is applied, therefore avoiding that irritating pinch of the gums. Website www.drskaku.com.

In the Morning

We see this woman every morning working in and around our apartment building. She tidies the ground whether it's picking dried leaves that have fallen in the courtyard, or sweeping the street around our perimeter. Her disposition is cheery and she never misses the opportunity to extend polite words. She smiles and provides encouragement as Ryan and Roo prepare to bicycle. Often she calls out "itterashai" which is similar to saying "take care", and often "ganbatte" (do your best) to Roo as he mounts his bicycle. She's as much a part of the morning routine as Roo's departing hug and words "see you after school, mommy".

Short Cut

The official school term ended July 3rd. Until we leave to visit the United States, Roo is participating in summer workshops at his preschool a few days a week. Yesterday and today he is in the "Circus skills" workshop, and next week the "How to be a Ninja" workshop. This morning he and Ryan left for school on their bike. The short cut route to school includes a hill which causes them to pick up speed. Roo only agrees to ride the short cut if he's wearing his swim goggles. So, this is the scene as they departed for school this morning:

Watch for more to come on the "How to be a Ninja" workshop.

Sleepover

It's official. Roo hosted his first sleepover, a friend from his class. It was a fun Sunday evening for us with an extra little giggle at the dinner table. All things went smoothly and this morning we biked to summer preschool together. Roo has yet to go on a sleepover to a friend's house by himself, and I must admit, it might be harder for me than for him. It sounds so casual, yet involved. Innocent, yet grown up. I know one thing, when ever or where ever he goes, I'll have to warn the mother that I'll need to call, at least once.

An impromptu performance last night, Roo on the djembe, his friend playing the kalimba.

Koko Buzz

If you're a foodie, or more specifically a chocolate foodie, check out my friend's husband's new blog, Koko Buzz. Beatiful words about all things chocolate, or fine food in general, it's bound to elevate the exercise of taste to another level.

The Green Leaf

Yesterday walking home from school with a classmate Roo declared, with exuberance and pride, "I eat green leaves" (pronounced leaf-es). I realize for most parents this wouldn't warrant excessive joy, but for me it's a moment of triumph that almost brings tears to my eyes. Roo has added to his small repertoire of approved foods, basil leaf. Or as he calls it "the green leaf". Specifically he likes the green leaf when it's part of the assembly for a margherita pizza. One day, he just decided he was going to try it. No prodding. Little encouragement. It was there. He went for it. To date, this is the first and only green colored food to make it to his mouth (except the dried oregano in pizza sauce, which he notices). My concerns about his eating habits were comforted during a recent girl's night out (see Nobu post) when I learned that another mother has a son with similar food aversions. She has a daughter in Roo's class. The son is in his last year of high school. It was wonderful for me to hear her story and how she's managed over the years. Even better, to hear how her son has managed and to learn how much or how little he's changed while on the verge of adulthood. It's not all rosy, but not gloom and doom, either. Finally, a resource that can completely relate.

Singapore Summary

We're back in Tokyo. We had a good vacation, but it's always nice to return home. We enjoyed our time together as a family, the many child friendly attractions available, and the cultural diversity Singapore offers. Having said that, we feel fortunate that our assignment outside the United States is in Japan. While at times the Japanese rules and the simple explanation of "it's against the rules" leaves us frustrated, for the most part we've come to appreciate the polite orderliness of Japanese society. Our impression, there's definitely a refined quality that seems to be uniquely Japanese. Seldom do you overhear someone squawking in public on their mobile, public transportation passengers refrain from talking loudly, if someone knocks your tray off your table in the food court they apologize profusely, and unless it's rush hour in the subway, most people wait in a line for services. In Singapore we witnessed cutting so often we couldn't help but laugh when persons blatantly walked to the front, completely ignoring the obvious queue. Even more strange, no one says anything. Another BIG BIG positive about Japan....CLEAN public toilets. And often they may be equipped with a bidet and/or heater. I know I've become used to Japan when in the Singapore hotels and airport I was slightly annoyed that the toilet seat was plain and cold!