Simple Life

This will be the last post I write from Utazu, our current home.  Tomorrow, movers come.  They will do the majority of the packing for us and make the 12 hour trip to our new home in Tokyo by truck.  The kids and I will go to Tokyo separately - on a night bus.  I'm hoping that the kids sleep on the bus...for all our sakes. Our original plans have changed, over and over. Originally our family was going to be apart for the 5 months that Jason had left on his contract.  Of course none of us were happy with that but, it was what it was.  As the days passed the angst and worry over the separation built - leading to a blow up of sorts.  Lily was asking pointed questions - "Are you guys getting a divorce? Is this what divorce feels like?  Are you sure Dad will come?".  In an effort to support Jason and not pile guilt on him for an already difficult decision, I kept this from him.  But - the always present but.  But, I knew what she was f...

I wear no badges.  I am not a Christian.  I am not a Catholic, a Muslim, or a Jew.  I am not a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual.  I am not African American, Hispanic, or any other "minority".  I am not a Democrat, Republican, or Independent.  I am not a survivor or a Veteran; I was never even a Girl Scout.  The only thing I am, the only thing I have ever been, is someone that matters to someone else.  I have been a Daughter, Sister, Friend, a Wife and a Mother.  That's it.  That's all I am or have been.  Even now, as I write this, I think that I might temporarily suspend "Daughter", "Sister" and "Friend" because the truth is, I am basically performing at a zero in those roles these days. That leaves me with just two roles - Mom and Wife.  When your duties are that simplified, that clear, you better do a damn good job at them.  Without all the other stuff - the other badges and roles to distract me - I need to be doing my best at w...

There are many staple foods here in Japan - rice, various types of fish, seaweed, miso soup, and noodles to name a few.  Noodles aren't just noodles.  There are several types of noodles.  The popular ones are Udon, Soba, and Ramen.  There are also Shirataki, Somen, Tokoroten, Himayugi, and Harusame.  Each type of noodle is used in particular dishes and some even have places in the country that they are known for being made especially well. For example, Udon comes from our little prefecture (think of a prefecture like a county in the US), Kagawa.  The old Japanese name for Kagawa was Sanuki so, Sanuki Udon is particularly well known (even in the states).  Udon is a thick white noodle that is somewhat chewy.  The only ingredients are wheat flour, water, and salt.  Since Kagawa has good water and good salt, we make good Udon.  It is interesting to note that flour here is also not just flour.  We have 3 types of flour - hard wheat flo...

Before I get too far into a blog post let me just tell you - I'm exhausted.  Jason and I have each been averaging an amazing 4  hours of sleep each night.  We're up. We're down.  Can't sleep in bed so move to the couch.  That isn't working, back to the bed.  Next thing we know, the alarm is going off and we need to get the kids up and ready for school. Speaking of getting the kids off to school - when do they start to do that on their own?  L and J are only 8 and 10 so I guess I shouldn't expect too much yet. But maybe I should.  There are moments I look at them and see babies, and other moments I wonder how they survived long enough to get this big.  : )   I'm glad that I didn't eat them as young'uns, as I was so often tempted to.  They are actually turning out to be quite funny little people.  They are each developing a sense of humor and personality (mostly) all their own.  Jaxon is getting his quick wit down. ...

One of the easiest conversations topics for us to bring up with our students is food.  Here people seem to have quite a different relationship with food than us back in the US.  I'm not sure I can verbalize it - not because it is difficult, but because I haven't really asked what the differences that exist mean.  I can guess, but, I won't.  Instead, here a a few observations, interesting "facts", and photos to enjoy. 1 - You know how you can order a full meal combo at fast food restaurants in the US?  Here they are called "sets" and most restaurants have them, not just fast food.  A set often has soup or salad, rice or bread, the main dish, a small dessert, and a beverage. The beverages are usually coffee or tea.  What's strangest to me is that the drink comes at the end of the meal.  Also, the waitress here does not come around and ask how you are, fill your water glass, etc.  If you want service, you have a bell to push at the table. 2 ...