Cowboy Up!

While the northeast is being hit with a blizzard, we're still comfortably holed up in (former) cowboy country. I couldn't resist including some classic American tunes, for which you'll have to double click on the photo to read.

(Johnny Cash for those unfamiliar with the tragic ballad about young Bill)

Christmas

Last night after a delay at our connecting airport, we arrived in warm Phoenix Arizona. In our quest for a steakhouse, Roo became car sick, vomiting without warning, and thus unpresentable for any restaurant. At our hotel, Ryan brought out to the car a white hotel robe for Roo to cover his dirtied clothes. We made fun out of it, commenting how much he looked like a Jedi in the robe. Needless we had Christmas dinner in our room and watched Tim Allen in Santa Claus 2, only to succumb to sleep before the end. Did he ever find a Mrs. Claus? We'll never know.

Well, here we are, at a lovely resort. It is bound to be a good holiday, as long as we keep the driving to a minimum!



May your day be merry and bright! Happy Christmas Day.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Arizona

The Tudors

I’ve finished watching the fourth and final season of the television series “The Tudors”, the story of King Henry VIII and his six wives. Although a good lesson in European history, the show provides plenty of entertainment. Complete with romance, betrayal, and war, it offers much that is pleasing to the eye. Opulent dress, glittering jewels, rich textiles, succulent food and most of all, gorgeous people! (note of caution: there are also disturbing scenes in and around the Tower) However, the last point, gorgeous people, I found to be a frustrating disconnect when I researched further on the lives of these historic figures. Sure, no one would probably watch the show if Lady Mary looked liked the Lady Mary depicted in her portraits, and it’s doubtful the real Charles Brandon could hold a candle to the actor Henry Cavill. Certainly, “what is beauty” in Western civilizations continues to evolve and historians report that Henry was a hottie in his day. However, I’d argue the message of his tyranny is harder to extract when he and everyone around him is of excessive natural beauty. For example, it is easier to extract a future “Bloody Mary” from this:

than from this:

Unlike some faithful viewers, I’m glad Showtime ended the series of the Tudor family at this juncture. I’d likely not make it through depictions of the “Marian Terrors”. Regardless, I’m more equipped than before for a future visit to London and the historic sites occupied during the lives of Henry VIII, his friends, and enemies.

Gingerbread House

As an adult I'm somewhat bothered by the Grimm elements in the classic German fairy tale Hansel & Gretel such as famine, parental abandonment, and a cannibalistic woman, to name a few. As a child I remember enjoying the story. I contribute this to the one image that remains in my head, the fabulous gingerbread house the evil woman has constructed to lure the hungry Hansel and Gretel into her lair. My mind recalls images of abundant color, sensual sweetness, and sheltered warmth amongst the wet, damp cold of snow. I can't remember ever seeing an actual gingerbread house (graham cracker, yes, gingerbread, no), and I've never succumbed to the temptation of the DIY home kits available everywhere this time of year. Needless to say, when I saw the real deal at Cafe Beethoven last week I couldn't resist returning this week to add yet more confection to the collection to enjoy this holiday season.

Cookie Exchange

Today's cookie exchange will likely add a few pounds to my already burdened frame. Thank goodness for the "monthly unlimited" special at Powerflow yoga to carry me through half of December and into January!

7 Fahrenheit / Minus 14 Celsius

We're in Minnesota for American Thanksgiving, and despite the frigid temp, the sunshine on the bright blanket of white lured Roo outdoors this morning for a go in the snow. It's been awhile since we've seen snow and even longer since we've been in a climate this cold. Remaining positive, I'll use the words "refreshing" and "invigorating" to describe the experience.

Front Tooth

Today at school an older classmate coached Roo to "try pulling it out". At pick up today he proudly presented to me his front tooth in a little plastic bag.

Daria Music

Thursday and Friday was a day off of school for New Jersey children. Our outing yesterday was a trip to the Madison Public Library for Daria's World Music Jam. She encouraged the children to use her array of instruments from around the world which included a Peruvian rattle made of goat toenails, a shekere from Africa which is a hollow gourd covered with a net of beading, and drums that varied in material and tone. Roo enthusiastically took his turn on several items with the Latina American cajon (a wooden box with a hole that is played like a drum with your hands) occupying the majority of his interest. Her website gives instructions on how to make some of the instruments with household materials. Check it out!

Halloween

Roo started the evening as Batman, but quickly concluded that the mask hindered his ability to see, opting for the fire fighter's suit that has reflective stripes. While only a few people came to our door, Roo managed to come home with a hefty loot, choosing a red lolly for his first indulgence.

Kentucky

Roo is learning a song to remember the 50 States of America in alphabetical order. Yesterday he asked "Mommy, is Kentucky (ke.n.ta.ki) a Japanese word? It sounds like a Japanese word". I couldn't help but chuckle as I explained that Kentucky is definitely NOT Japanese! A good guess, though.

Ryan on the Radio

Ryan is in Tokyo; a post move visit intended to help with the transition of work responsibilities. Despite being surrounded by boxes in an out of control home, and jealous that he has the chance to see friends and visit favorite places once again, I couldn't help but smile when I learned from our friend Mana san that Ryan was interviewed for a live radio show about American Halloween. The link is in Japanese, so here is the translated contents:

DJ Katsuki san says:

"My image of an American is Funky and Loud but Ryan-san was quiet and intelligent. For the children the fun part of Halloween is the costume. He used to be a batman and a knight with the costume that his mother made. His requested song was "I Need You" by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw. While the song was played I thought he said that the video of this song is also good with candles around. I checked the video and found out that my listening comprehension is not bad. BUT, I think I said the name of the program several times but after the show I was asked "What is the name of your program?".... "

Steadfast in his support of Faith and Tim, I think he deserves a "fan of the year award".

Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Heath. In an effort to raise awareness, the campaign aids to bring more mindfulness to food consumption habits. Besides benefiting your pocket book and your body, the big plus behind a meatless meal is environmental. Green efforts such as "bring your own bags" and "reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle" are all good, but individuals can have an even greater impact by making an effort "to eat lower on the food chain". Personally, I've made the choice to not adopt a strictly vegetarian diet. But, I also don't think I need meat everyday. So, in the spirit of "mindful consumption", I"ll commit to a meatless Monday. Tonight's dinner, fried tofu with rice and spicy (shichimi togarishi) sesame dressing (and salad)!

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a wonderful classic children's books that tells a story of unconditional love by a very generous tree. In Roo's school work from the week, this came home:

Besides writing on the branches of the tree diagrams "What can a tree give us?", and "What can we give a tree?", Roo wrote a summary of his reaction to the book; " I was sad because the tree was only a stump. I would change the end because I wanted the tree to be big" . His sentiment, expressed simply, captures a typical emotion to the story's end.

Falling Acorn

You know Autumn is coming when an acorn drops from a tree through the open sun roof of your car onto the passenger seat while you're driving slowly through the neighborhood scouting home decorations. And on homes and businesses, decorations there are!

A collection of scarecrows surround the inviting entrance of this lovely home.

Some opt for a more ghoulish theme comprised of inflatables.

Roo and I agree we'd like this one better if the cat looked friendly.

This large pumpkin balloon crowns a garden store on main street. Can you guess what's on sale? Pumpkins, of course!

And beautiful mums and other fall foliage.

In an attempt to NOT fulfill the stereotype of a home renter (vs a home owner), I decided to do some fall beautification of our own home. Plus, Roo's been asking for decorations like the other homes. Today after school, he and I weeded, planted, and watered to create this:

More fond of "harvest" than "halloween", a metal crow and scarecrow have found a place in a bed of straw with mums and kale. Before October 31, the plump pumpkin will become a jack o' lantern.

Mitsuwa

Today a friend, who is also a former Tokyo expat, and I made our way to Mitsuwa in Edgewater, NJ. Forty five minutes from where we live, it's a relatively easy jaunt if you don't misinterpret the sat navi and get yourself locked into going through the Lincoln tunnel into NYC, as we did this morning. After an unexpected tour of the garmet district, we found ourselves at the entrance to Mitsuwa, a large marketplace full of all things Japanese. Greeted by a display of enoki and shimeji mushrooms, we shared excitement as we located familiar favorites of bottled sauces and spices. We both left with an array of basics for a washoku pantry. Despite sticker shock for some items, we deduced one added bonus of shopping Japanese in America; we could read the labels and finally understand what we had been eating the past three years. When our household shipment finally arrives, I'll be ready to cook up some nabe.

Montessori School

Today on the ride home from school Roo commented "this school is really making me like learning". It made my day! What better words could a mother hope for? He's voluntarily telling me about his day and refers excitedly to the materials he's using, skyscrapers and counting beads. His teachers have told me he's adjusted very well to his new classroom. Again, good news.

The Golden Rule

Roo has started "church school" (as he calls it) on Sundays at a Unitarian Universalist (UU) Congregation. Here is his work from this morning's topic, The Golden Rule.

When we picked him up after the service, he announced that he had so much fun he can't wait to go again! I think the cookies for snack influenced him but the kind teachers were effective too. His explanation of The Golden Rule: "it means being nice". A good reminder for us all.

Lewis (Louie for short)

This is Louie the Muskrat. According to our friendly neighbor and long time resident Ann, he lives under our wooden deck. Roo and I watched him for several minutes out the kitchen window yesterday afternoon. He's a busy little guy relentlessly searching for his grub in the grass. Given his size, I'd say he's been rewarded for his effort. This photo is taken through the glass, any slight noise sends him scampering up the nearby stone wall into a cluster of trees. He and the squirrels and striped gophers seem to have a cohabitation agreement as they jointly scour the yard with little concern of one another. In the winter we expect to see the deer that eat the evergreens bordering ours and Ann's property, so there's more to come. For those unfamiliar with Louie and his fellow successful North American fur balls, a muskrat is a rodent, but is not technically a rat.

Affordable Sweet Corn

Aaaahhh...affordable sweet corn! One of the joys of an American summer. Roo's favorite vegetable was expensive in Tokyo. I don't think I ever saw it in our neighborhood shops priced below $4.99 PER ear. Today's price at Whole Foods in town, 5 ears for $2 (172 Yen)! I have noticed that other common vegetables seem more expensive here; potatoes, carrots, yellow onions. And of course, daikon and cabbage (of which I have not purchased yet) are considerably pricier. Once I finally get my hands on Japanese goma dressing, I'm sure I'll feel the urge to purchase cabbage, and I'll need to figure out how to shred the cabbage Tokyo style, long delicate threads that remain lightly crunchy. Advice or a link to an "how to" video from readers would be much appreciated.

In Town

This photo captures the essence of the community to which we've moved. Just a block off of main street, the small barn in the yard is a reminder of days gone by. The front porch, the flag, the wooden fence, tidy lawn, all quaintly American. We've gone from mostly concrete to almost no concrete. The homes and shops in the town have retained their character but offer modern variety, including Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant and Powerflow hot yoga. Charming is a good word to describe the surroundings.

Konnichiwa

Today's drop off at school went smoother than yesterday. MUCH smoother. Yesterday involved two of the teachers holding a crying Roo while I left the scene. I was relieved to get a call mid morning saying he had calmed down after ten minutes and was doing well. What broke the ice was said in Japanese. Squeezing his teacher's hand because he was scared, he joined the circle time for roll call. The teacher whispered that he should say "konnichiwa", instead of "here" or "hola" as the other kids do, when his name is called. He complied and replied "konnichiwa", and then started laughing. The other kids started laughing, too. This was enough comic relief to lessen his anxiety and allow him to join in and have fun. Today he went up the steps by himself. He came home wearing an "everything seed" necklace that he's constructed the past two day. He explained that before there was a universe, there was an everything seed that contained all that was to be, including you and me. He's also repeating lines from a song he's learned "spirit of peace" and "all wars will cease". It's a good start!

Garden of Ideas

Like most Americans in suburbia, I'm now equipped with a set of wheels, a mini SUV, the same make and model I had before I left for Japan. Back in the saddle after three years of not owning a car. Ryan's turn next. After all, how does one live without a car for each driver? We gave it a good run this weekend and drove to Connecticut to visit friends that we met in Tokyo. Their daughter celebrated her 6th birthday yesterday. Roo was pleased with the Star Wars theme and the chance to play Star Wars Wii.

It's fun to see friends and reassuring to know that one can really "stay in touch". We arrived on Saturday night just in time for the community beach party complete with a bon fire and smores. Early on Sunday we visited an amazing "back yard" of one the neighbors. They've transformed their acreage into a cooperative garden where vegetables are grown, art is displayed, and refuge is possible for those needing a little escape. Very inspiring.

The Garden of Ideas - Ridgefield, CT

The squash area. How cool is this? I only recall rummaging through crawling vines.

Beautiful purple peppers! You can almost sense them becoming sweeter with every moment on the vine.

A walking path leaves the habitat less disturbed.

Sculptures throughout.

These chickens are feasting on heirloom tomatoes. Lucky birds!

I'll admit, the fresh air and green scenery feels good!

School Jitters

Roo is all jitters tonight. Tomorrow is his first day at his new school in America, and I'm certain the butterflies are having a fiesta in his tummy tonight. His anxiety is apparent and luckily he's expressing his concerns; "What if they make you write so much your hand gets tired?", "I'm scared of the big gym." , "What if you don't want to do something?", "Why are the teachers called Mrs. or Ms.?". As a parent it's tough to find the right soothing words because, truth be known, I'm a little nervous for him! The first day of school for every child every where likely carries some added emotion, and my childhood was no different. I try to remind him that he's a nice boy and the kids will be happy to meet him, and I explain that he'll meet some nice friends, and that mommy gets to go with him into the school and that we can talk with his teachers about anything of which he is concerned. Luckily he's sound asleep, and hopefully a good nights rest and a good breakfast will prepare him for his morning adventure ahead!

Sayonara

Yesterday we moved our sayonara potluck picnic INSIDE to our EMPTY apartment since the heat index made it unbearable to expend any energy outdoors. It worked amazingly well. The kids enjoyed themselves in wide open rooms and the adults were comfortable to hang out in the cool with the air con gunned. Everyone brought yummy food to share. We opened my ume shuu liquor that had been fermenting since June 2009 and it was surprisingly tasty, which has me thinking into the future and wondering if I'll be able to find rock sugar and unripe ume (plums) in New Jersey. The boys kept busy in one room doing bey blade battling,

many of the girls and some of the boys took part in the hooping entertainment led by beautiful Deanne of Hooplovers.com.

We leave Japan on Wednesday to begin a new journey back in the United States. The best word to explain how I'm feeling about it is "sad" mixed with "fortunate". Sad because we're leaving behind an amazing group of friends, but fortunate that we had the opportunity to experience Japan and the expatriate life for three years. The bright side is that we're moving to a good location, we will be in the same country as family and old friends, and the environment is more suitable for playing and doing outdoors, something that is almost necessary for a certain six year old boy. Of course there are many things I will miss about Japan, many being the details of life in our little pocket of a community in uber urban Tokyo. While my waistline might benefit from being away from the amazing food, restaurants and Donut Plant's tres leche, my gastronomic senses will likely feel dissed. I found retreat at Sun & Moon Yoga Studio, better posture at DMJ Body Balancing, enjoyment learning to speak Japanese in the comfort of my own home, fun friendship through book club, pampering at Jurlique spa, a community at Kspace international school, ikebana with neighborhood friends, amazing nail art at Nail Aria, nourishment at Karashi & Pio, dresses that fit a western figure at the Royal Closet and Regina Romatica, chocolate at Chocolate Erica, and many many creamy coffees and hours of conversation at Book Off cafe. Outside the neighborhood I'm certain to miss Wantanabe, the Loft, Tokyo Hands, washi crafting under the detailed eye of the patient women in the store and public transportation. I'm sure we'll settle in where we are going and once again build a life. One chapter closes, we have more great friends and experiences for life's coffer, and another chapter begins!

Summer Summary

Tomorrow the three of us travel back to Japan, officially ending our summer holiday. How much can happen in just six rapid weeks? When I reflect on our summer, the answer, A LOT!

• Roo and I met up with friends/relatives originating from five different countries in London, England.
• Ryan drove across the state line into Wisconsin (twice) to reunite with friends (and their families) that haven't all been together since the late 90's.
• Roo has adjusted his future adult profession of choice from "race car finish line person" to "baseball player".
• All three of us have become addicts of the iPad.
• Roo is now tall enough to drive the bumper cars at the Mall of America.
• Our kitties are officially permanent residents of Spruce House in Northern Minnesota.
• I embarked on a new decade in my life, the 40's.
• After playing indoors for 20+ years, the Minnesota Twins are playing baseball in a shiny new OUTDOOR stadium to a sold out crowd, of which included us one evening.
• Roo ate a new food, grilled cheese, in a restaurant.
• The result of a lovely wedding near the shore of Lake Superior has officially added another Ryan to the Paulson family tree.
• We discovered Roo has the word "crush", used in the context of a boy/girl relationship, in his vocabulary.
• We signed a lease on a home in New Jersey which has me surfing for deals on a washer and dryer and Ryan pondering hybrid cars.
• I've written an email to our friends in Japan that has the words "Ryan" "Darla" and "sayonara" in the title of the message. And, our repatriation airline tickets are booked for early September.

But, some things remain the same.

• Sebastian Joe's Oreo cookie ice cream is still the best ever.
• The make believe Pokeman Eenie makes an appearance, daily.
• We spent time with friends we manage to see annually.
• The crosstown junction at 35W in Minneapolis is still under construction.
• There's a sure supply of black licorice and wine coolers at Grandpa and Grandma's house, providing enjoyment for Ryan's taste buds.
• Roo made his annual appearance at Grandpa's church, or "Grandpa's shrine" as he referred to it.
• I've managed to complete some good summer reading.
• And Roo has had hours of fun play at Grandma And Grandpa's house.

The London Tower Bridge

Our future deck and yard in New Jersey.

Target Field, the new home of the Minnesota Twins baseball team.

Now pronounced husband and wife, Taryn and Ryan.