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!