The White T-shirt

As the weather is cooling, I've managed to convince Roo that he should wear an undershirt. My sales tactic "now you're old enough to wear undershirts just like Daddy". I purposely bought identical ones so this line would work. Sensing his skepticism, I quickly employed the "I bet [insert best friend's name] wears one". Sure enough, he didn't forgot to ask his best friend's mother when he had the chance. Apparently they had quite the conversation about undershirts. So now, this is a common image in the morning as we're getting ready for the day. Something about it makes me laugh inside, two thin guys in their muscle t's.

Halloween

Tonight's trick or treat is the culmination of three days of dress up for Roo. Thursday AND Friday were costume days at school. Thursday he was Batman, Friday Heatblast Alien from the Ben 10 cartoon, and tonight, a S.W.A.T. police officer complete with badge, cuffs, flashlight, grenade, radio, binoculars, and helmet (but no gun).

Visitors were few to our house. I was a little late in posting the sign on the corner shrub. Now I'm stuck with a pumpkin bag full of Mars Inc.'s finest. I just got a call from Ryan that they've ended their trick or treating at a neighbor friend's house and they'll be staying for some play and a beer. Hmmm....I guess I'll have a snickers.

Plastic Dog Food

When you first arrive in Japan, one thing you’re certain to notice is the existence of oddly realistic plastic food displayed in a case near a restaurant’s entrance, as in the crepe shop below. While at first it looks cheesy, with time you grow accustomed and learn to appreciate this consumer friendly practice that aids in managing dining expectations.

On a completely different topic, when you first arrive in our neighborhood you’re certain to notice a prevalence of small dogs with extensive wardrobes that seemingly live pampered lives. Case in point, in the last two months two dog and cat establishments selling everything foo foo for your pet have opened near our main street. Last night I noticed the convergence of the two, plastic food and pets. In the window of the gaudy pet accessory shop on our corner, a display of plastic dog food elegantly graces the shelf next to the cold weather couture.

Early Fall

Today on the way home from school, Roo enjoyed "powering through" (his words) with his scooter, the leaves accumulated on the street. While he was waiting for me to catch up to him, he took the time to throw a few handfuls into the air. Now starts the season of crunching leaves when at every opportunity, he will walk, roll, jump, run, or scooter through any inviting pile of leaves. On our walk to and from school, we see a wide array of leaves from the delicate ginko leaf to a huge one the size of a dinner plate.

Guam

Last night Roo and I returned to Japan after a week holiday in sun filled Guam. It’s a short flight (3 ½ hours) from Tokyo’s Narita airport. We traveled with two other mothers and their children who were also on mid term break from school. Unfortunately, Roo’s school break coincides with one of Ryan’s busiest weeks at work, so he stayed behind. We stayed at a Pacific Island’s Club resort. An amazing place for busy children! Multiple pools, beach, sand, kayaking, putter golf, snorkeling, kid’s club, water slides, and a trampoline. For the mothers, Jivana spa! Conveniently located across the road is the delicious and kid friendly Capricciosa Ristorante Italiano. We spent the week mostly in our bathing suits and enjoyed fun play with friends, good food, and lots of sunshine!

By the end of our trip, Roo was a maniac on the water slide in the playground. The key, must wear goggles! The view from our balcony.

Playing at the beach.

The boys playing putter golf on their own. They counted and recorded their strokes. Roo declared enthusiastically,"mommy, I got many points!". Since neither of them understood the real objective, we didn't spoil their excitement with the truth.

A beautiful space for yoga in the Jivana spa. Your drishti, a fleck on the ocean!

At the end of our vacation Roo's little friend gave him a toy. I heard her whisper, "Do you know why I gave you this toy? Because you gave me lots of kisses".

Roo and I snorkeled in the swim thru aquarium which houses 90 species from Micronesia's marine environment. Later in the week, we moved on to the Bay.

Book Review: The Glass Palace

by Amitav Ghosh. Prior to reading this book, the only information my mind knew of the country of Myanmar was that it is ruled by militaristic tyrants who would not allow foreign aid to assist their helpless people after the country suffered a natural disaster a couple of years ago. Thanks to Mr. Ghosh, I got an amazing history lesson of how Burma transpired from colonialism to become modern day Myanmar. An awesome read! Ambitious and intimidating are words that come to mind. I’m awe struck by the depth of this epic novel, both in content and style. Fragments from the first half weave together to become an amazing web of intimacy in the end. I highly recommend.

Nabemono

I’ve read the Japanese believe eating from the same pot facilitates closer relationships. There’s even a saying “nabe o kakomu” which means “sitting around the pot”. We’re fondue fans and many times Ryan took me for fondue at The Times Bar & Cafe in Minneapolis for a special occasion. So, I consider my interest in nabemono, or one pot dishes, a logical extension. The warmth and comfort of nambemono makes it well suited for the cold season. Now that the temps are cooling, I decided to buy a clay pot and a table top oven and incorporate this method of eating into our repertoire. Last night we had shabu shabu with steamed vegetable, dipped in ponzo ( soy & citrus) or sesame sauce. For shabu shabu, the thinly shaved beef is cooked briefly in the pot at the table. Full of nutrition and very delicious!

Kodomo no Kuni

Friday was class field trip day. We traveled to the countryside for an afternoon at Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land. Formerly a military base, this nature park has 240 acres of fun for kids. I’ll confess, I normally dread field trips. They typically stress my vocal cords as I’m constantly saying “wait up” loud enough for Roo to hear but not so loud I draw attention as the shouting parent. And of course there is the eye strain of keeping your eye on your child amongst a sea of similarly sized creatures. I’ll admit, my five year old could probably out run me. It must be a law of nature that when a group of five year old boys find themselves in wide spaces with a trail of open asphalt ahead of them, they must run. Or race. Really, is it fair to say “walk, don’t run”? So, I chase. All in all, the day was tiring, but fun.

Roo & Taiyo on the roller slide.

The park has some wonderful open space. A few of the boys were rolling down the hill and had to be coaxed into moving on to the attractions. The hill was very entertaining.

Roo enjoyed the bunnies.

A very short pony ride.

Imaginary Video Games

Recently Roo's had playdates with a couple friends that have video games. I think it's an activity the kids in these homes enjoy with their Dads. Neither Ryan nor I are big gamers. While I'm not anti video game, it's just not something we've introduced, and probably won't for awhile. Of course Roo is fascinated by the games and of course he's thought up his own version. One day after school we stopped at the park so Roo could get in a little scootering practice. His instruction for me was I had to move my thumbs and index fingers like I was using a video game controller. I had to choose my imaginary track (fire, water, sand etc), my imaginary vehicle (motor bike, sports car, monster truck etc) and my vehicle color. Then, he would proceed to scooter around park path and shout out when I needed to press the booster button on my imaginary controller. However, he controlled when he (purposely) crashed, which he managed to do with a certain amount of theatrics.

Harajuku girls

This week I was in Harajuku for a hair appointment. I couldn't resist taking a photo of these young ladies who were part of what looked like a semi professional photo shoot. I didn't see any signage explaining the reason for the shoot or why they're all dressed in baby doll dresses. While I wouldn't call this fashion common, I wouldn't say it's rare either. In Harajuku it's not unusual to spot a shop selling the look.

Pilates

About one year ago a Pilates studio opened down the street. Its convenient location makes it difficult to come up with an excuse not to join. For the past several months, I’ve been working with an amazingly talented, instructor, Akiko san. I’m hoping her ability to target weak areas will help me improve my yoga practice. Once he learned he didn’t have to pay the joining fee because we count as a family membership, Ryan has been going too. The approach employed at this studio is D.K. Body Balancing. The method was developed by Dolly Kelepecz, a professional dancer and former Las Vegas show girl. She’s currently in Japan and today I (the token gaijin) attended her class. One word, humbling! I have more work to do with Akiko san.

For more information on the D.K. Body Balancing Method, clink this LINK.

Talent Show

Today was the fall bazaar at Roo's school. The day's events included a talent show. Volunteers from his class, including himself, danced and sang to Michael Jackson's "Heal the World". Funds raised will go to a charity in the Philippines.

Their adorable performance ended with the display of a banner sporting a cracked globe with a band aid.

Roo seemed more than happy to participate, which always surprises Ryan and I a little bit. His days at a small school with loving teachers and families has helped his confidence blossom. Our hope is that this school experience will provide a secure foundation for the future because next year he'll likely attend a much larger school. Even today a past teacher reminded me "remember when he was too nervous to walk up to the big kid floor?". I love these moments.

Typhoon

A typhoon is supposed to reach Tokyo tonight between the hours of 3am and 8am. The past few days have been very wet and the temp has cooled. For Roo, this means no scootering to school until the roads dry up. It's possible school may even be closed tomorrow. For me, it means my favorite hot yuzu drink is finally on the convenience store shelves after a summer hiatus. Despite the dreary, our building has a bright new bouquet in the entrance. I think it will be even more beautiful when the sun’s streaming rays emerge.

First sleepover

I just arrived home without the little guy. He's on his first sleepover at a friends, down the road about 5 minutes by walk. I brought over his pjs and stuffed puppy. He's happy and comfortably settled. He barely took the time to say good bye to mom.

Philippines

Roo came home from school talking about the Philippines. His first remark, “did you know some Philippines live in a dump?”. His second “did you know some children have to look through the garbage for food?”. His preschool is hoping to raise money to help some of the world’s poorest children in Manila. These children live on and scour near a dumpsite for anything of value to help support their families. Often, this work takes precedence over education. The Philippine Christian Foundation works to outfit schools for these children and helps families find an alternative to the dump. One of our school mums visited the charity this past summer and has generously committed her time and effort to help our school help these schools. The children from both environments will learn about one another. Our children will learn about poverty and the privilege of an education. Big subjects for a five year old, but imagine the impact!

For photos from the mum who visited the dumpsite and schools, click this LINK.

Race car mania

At some point when Roo was smaller, we began the routine of asking "which toy is going to sleep by you?". While bedtime's never been a problem, this little added step helped Roo in the day's transition from play to sleep. Something always "sleeps" at the foot of his bed. Here he is last night with all things race car. Race car books, race car stickers, colored race car cutouts, and of course the most famous NASCAR, Lightening McQueen. Pretty much 24/7, he has race car on the brain. My task: to find tickets to a real race. The other day I said "some day you'll get to see a real race" and he replied jumping up and down "yeah, I can't wait for Sunday!" . That's when I had to explain I said "some day, not Sunday".