Japan Rememberances

Cleaning out the office today, I found a random index card with notes scribbled all over it.  On the back, I had written;
"Things I don't want to forget: Restaur. have kid stuff, poles have pics, happy construc signs."

Good thing I found this, because I already don't remember what "poles have pics" means.
BUT, I do remember items 1 and 3.

1.  When we ate out, 97.3% of the time the servers/owners/chefs brought out special
dishes, cups and occasionally silverware for the boys.  Usually kid sized melamine stuff.
Winnie the Pooh was a favorite theme.  Also, Anpanman--a Japanese character.  Most places were very sweet and accommodating to the boys.  I just loved it that they kept separate cute dishes around for kids.

3.  Never before have I seen such happy construction signs.  They want you to know they are working on the road, but they're very sorry for the inconvenience it may cause and just want you to know they are happily and efficiently carrying on with their work.
I may be reading in to things a bit, but that's what I got!  I remember always being astounded to pass road workers.  Not only did they ALWAYS bow at passing cars, but they also always had a man with a straw broom trailing along behind them cleaning up the mess.  Unbelievably awesome.

{When Doug and I were driving home from Utah a few weeks ago, we went through some construction.  As we passed a large man holding a flag, we both automatically bowed to him.
He did not bow back.}

HEY, I just remembered what 2 means!
2.  Poles have pics.  As you drive along the road, the guard rails/fence posts, are painted so that as you drive by you see a picture.  Does that make any sense?  Individually, each post doesn't look like anything, but as you drive by, they form a large picture collectively.  Birds in flight or something.  Just another example of how the Japanese try to make every day things (even ugly utilitarian things) better and more beautiful.

Japan, you're so kawaii!!!!

My Head and My Heart = All Over the Place

We're moving soon.  Eight short weeks give or take a few days.  When I talk to people, they ask if I'm excited.  Or scared.  Or sad.  Or happy.

Yes.
All of the above.

Happy to be getting out of the military.  Sad and terrified to be getting out of the military.  Happy to leave Japan.  So sad to leave Japan.  Happy to go back to the states.  So stressed about all entailed to get back to the states.  There is so much to look forward to.  And so much we're leaving behind.

BUT, I leave here with absolutely no regrets.  We've done SO MANY AWESOME THINGS while living here in Japan.  And made even more awesome friends.  Friends that are closer and much dearer to our hearts than most of our family members currently.  (Sorry family, but you're not great at keeping in touch.  Or visiting.  Or calling.  Or writing.  Or visiting.  Or writing.  Or calling.  You exceptions know who you are.)

There are so many millions of things we're going to miss about Japan.  Here are just a few;

*The amazing, courteous, friendly, smiling, genuinely happy to see you CUSTOMER SERVICE people every where you go.  Especially restaurants and retail stores.  Included in this catagory, the service professionals that come into my home--ie, repairmen.  (I use the masculine form because I've never had a repairWOman here.

Mini Rant:  Did you know that I have NEVER had a Japanese repairman show up late for an appointment?  NE-VER in three years.  They show up early, park in front of my house, and walk up to the door at the exact appointed time.  They come with all the required parts to fix the washer/dryer/disposal/dishwasher/fridge/sink or whatever.  They come in teams (two or three) so the job gets done quickly.  They take their shoes off before traipsing through my house.  They work quickly and efficiently and NEVER say they have to order the part and will get back to me in two to three weeks.  They do not ogle me and do not make me the least bit nervous or fearful of my safety or virtue.  As a former homeowner, I can safely say American customer service is horrifically deficient and woefully inadequate in comparison.  (And even in non-comparisson.)  I love you Japanese repairman!  I really, REALLY love you.

*The 100 Yen Store and all of the marvelous treasures it holds.  (I've actually heard a rumor that there is a genuine 100 Yen Store in San Diego.  But it sounds too good to be true.)

*We're going to miss the millions of festivals during the summer and funny holidays and beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and interesting culture all year round...

*We're going to miss the yummy food and super friendly Japanese nationals.

*We're going to miss our friends more than anything.  Work, school and church.  We have an amazing community here.   And being so far from home, you tend to make pretty strong, close friendships.

---
Lately, to keep from getting too sad when I think about all of the above, I try to think about things I hate about living here.  No place is without its trials.  For example, Misawa has CROWS!

*I hate crows.  Yes, crows.  Yes, I actually actively hate this type of bird.  This is a farming community.  Maybe that's why there are so many stinking crows here and why they're so LARGE.  I swear they could carry off Baby Gray! (and probably would if I left him unattended.)  They're big, they're ugly, and if your son forgets to take out the trash bag on the front porch, they'll tear it to bits and spread garbage everywhere.  I H.A.T.E. them.  I don't even care that we don't say "hate."  I hope I never see another crow after we move!  (Don't think I'm excited to see YOU though, Seagulls!)

*I hate winter.  But that's not really Misawa's fault.  I've always hated winter.  At least for my entire adult life.  I hate multiple months of cold.  I hate S.A.D.  I hate melty, slushy, dirty blackish-brownish Feb/March snow, and I hate when it melts and shows all the dead brown stuff underneath it.  I really hate it when it snows in April, and even more when it snows in May.
I'm sticking my tongue out at you, Winter.

*I hate not having Target and Costco.  (But too be fair, Doug LOVES me not having Target and Costco. And I'll admit to making great use of Target.com.  But still...not the same.)

That's all I can think of for now.
But if I think of anything else I really truly hate, you'll be the first to know.

In the mean time, I'm going to go search Craigslist.com for houses in Southern California while dreaming of sunny, crow-free days!

Wish me luck!

Sapporo Report

Listen, I could go on and on about our trip to Hokkaido (next island up) for the Sapporo Snow Festival.  But you don't have time for that.  Instead I'll just give you the high(and low)lights:

1.  We saw some really cool, really large snow and ice sculptures:

2.  There was a blizzard:

Baby Gray was NOT a fan

3.  Gabe got lost for 20 minutes shortly after striking this model pose in the snow:

Lost child ALMOST causes international incident

(Doug found him with a policeman across the street.  I was busy trying to get a Swedish ambassador to translate for me.  It wasn't my favorite moment.)

4.  I bought myself a Valentine:
(I don't have a picture so just imagine red, knee-high fuzzy socks with white hearts, made out of the same ultra soft material as the following:)

5.  I bought Doug a Valentine:

(Just kidding.  I bought the socks, but not the ultra soft and fuzzy short spats.)

6.  There were absolutely no snow globes to be found in the whole city.

7.  There WAS, however, a PEACOCK!

A Few Little Things

*THANK YOU to all those who offered to help me acquire the World Market ornaments!  My friend Diane got me two sets and she says they're on the way.  (Yay!)  :)  Dear Diane,  Just so you know, I've been searching this country high and low for a Japanese-y snow globe for your daughter.  I haven't found one yet, but I'm still looking.  I have high hopes for Doug finding one in Sapporo next month.  Cross your fingers for me. (Keychain=no problem.)

(*) (Speaking of Diane, we met and became friends when our husbands were co-residents in Lil' Rhody.  We also had babies about the same time. This is one of my favorite blog posts ever and it happens to feature said babies.  And yes.  That is Jaren's real hair.  And Gabe's real lack of hair.)

*Interested in an irrelevant kid movie review?  I'm talking about "Up" and "Despicable Me" over here.  (Spoiler alert:  Despicable Me wins!)

* Baby Gray is nine months old and cuter than ever.  He knows how to wave, is very good at making kissing noises, (he doesn't cuddle without being forced) and he arches his whole body and throws his head back to signify extreme hunger.  (In other words, he gets himself into nursing position.)

Now that he's mastered crawling (finally) he follows me around the house from room to room wanting to be picked up.  He's hard to resist when he pats my legs and looks up at me with his pretty gray eyes.

(Yep. Still gray!)
(And yep.  Another drooler.  Nerf ammo notwithstanding.)

*Gabe is still obsessed with the word "Peacock".
Enough said.
Peacock!

*Guess what Doug and Max got to go see?

 *Sam says it's not appropriate because they're not modest.  Sam sure is cute when he's not being a punk!

and speaking of Sam and who(m?) he wishes he could live with instead of us...

*Dear Roxanna,
Can we still be friends even though I always blame my family illnesses on you and tell people to call you Roxie?  Please?  I promise to start hurling accusations elsewhere!  Pinky promise!


Goodnight All!

Tonami Clan Memorial Village -1st stop of the Fourth of July Weekend

Did I mention the Gates of Hell?  Well, we'll get to that.  But I'd better go chronologically.  The first outing of the looong 4th of July weekend was a visit, with our new friends the O-T's, to Tonami Clan Memorial Village.  ("This site honors Yasuto Hirosawa who brought Western farming methods to Japan."  In case you were wondering.)

This is Nya, Gabe, and Nya's Mommy.  They go to church with us.  Nya has been over to play a few times and Gabey LOVES her.

 (Notice Nya's fingers in the below picture...this little girl has some BIG personality.  She's a cutie-pie.)

I should mention we did a kid swap with some neighbors on this day.  Max went with the P's to a baseball game in Sendai while (their kid) Chipmunk stayed with us for the day.  Chip is Sam's best friend so this arrangement worked well for everyone.

This is Doug with Chipmunk (who is not our son) in a go-cart (not our go-cart) with a Japanese man (who is not our Japanese man.)

It was fun day until the pig farm smells and the fog rolled in.  Then it was time for us to roll out.

Next stop:  MONDAY!  Wherein we take a bunch of cars on a wild goose chase looking for pottery!

Stay tuned!

Next Stop: Lunch (and Dessert) in Matsushima Bay

Wanna know one of the many things I LOOOOOOOVE about Japan?

Vending machine ice cream!!!

Only 120 Yen (roughly $1.50) for delicious dessert on a stick!!!

Guaranteed to make travel-weary kids happy!  (And admittedly, Mom's too.)  (I don't recommend the Sweet Potato particularly.  It's not great.  But all the other flavors I've tried have been fabulous!)

Also, just because we brought sandwiches, doesn't mean we can't pose with 

the happy tofu!  

At least...I THINK it's tofu....

Me:  "Hey Doug!  Take a picture of me with this happy tofu-looking thingy!"

Boys:  Dad's taking a picture...must get in picture!!!

Doug:  Shakes head sadly but takes picture anyway.

Also, check out this super snappy tour guide:

LOVE JAPAN!!!!!

Sometimes We Do Japan Stuff - Matsushima Bay - First Stop

'Member how we live in Japan?  I know...it's easy to forget.  But we do!  And sometimes we actually do stuff off of the base!  (Quite frequently actually, I just rarely blog about it.)

But this is blog worthy:  Last Saturday we took an ITT tour to Matsushima Bay.

Matsushima Bay is about 3.5 hours  South-East (I'm making this up!?) of us and is considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. (<---that part is true.)

We left the base at 6:30 (!#$@!) and arrived a little before 11a.m.  Our first stop was...

Godaido Hall
(Info from the guide book in italics)

"On an islet known as Godaidojima, stands a worship hall which was reconstructed by Masamune in early 1609.  The 'Go' of Godaido refers to the five enshrined statues which represents the Mikkyo."  

"Sukashibashi:  The bridge connecting Godaido island with the coast was intentionally constructed with large gaps between the boards.  This is so that one can see the ripples on the water through the bridge."

Slatted bridge--awesome for strollers!  Curse whomever forgot the Baby Bjorn!  (me)

"The ceiling within the hall is decorated with the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.  This hall is generally not opened to the public except on special ceremonies held once every thirty-three years."

"Ringin' my beh-eh-ell, ringin' my bell, my bell..."

"The Godaido, which is perced on a small island in Matsushima Bay, has special significance for people throughout the area.  Within the vividly colored inside hall are the Godai Myoo Zo, five esoteric Buddhist statues."

to be continued...

Dear All of my Friends and Family,

Yeah, I know.  We're in a recession.  The job market is shaky.  Your 401K lost 93.2% of its worth.
But seriously.
Enough already.
Do you people know what you're missing by not coming to Japan?
Besides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay with me in Japan???

Yeah, you're not only missing this...

(He's reproving you with his eyes!)

and this,

(I was 9 months pregnant...sue me.)

and these punks:

(who make cookies on demand...)

You're also missing the 100 Yen Store!!!

Where you can buy this...

("Life is not easy...but not too bad.")

and this...

(Training Chopsticks)

and this...

(Flower shaped "Vegetable cutters - small")

(Used for Bento boxes...and pottery.)

and these...

("Milk Tooth Box - Also as a trinket box!")

(Where you put your baby teeth, silly!)

for only 105 yen*!!!
(Honestly, you're losing money by not coming...)

So seriously.


Get your priorities in order people!
And get to Japan!!!

*Yes...technically it should be the 105 Yen store, but that doesn't have the same ring to it, now does it!?!?

*sigh*

Well, we're back.

I got home Tuesday night and Doug got home Wednesday afternoon.

We've already acquired two extra kids (30 minutes after I got home) for a week.

(From the neighbor who watched two of my boys while we were gone.)

We've already had a fight. (My fault. Brought on by exhaustion last night.)

Sam has already been spanked. (Not by me, but evidently he deserved it.)

I've done approximately 77 loads of laundry and still have 2 or 3 left.

We had to make our own dinner last night and change the sheets on our bed--all by ourselves!! (If I'm going to do laundry for three days straight, may as well do the sheets too, right?)

The small patch of sunburn I got on the top of my left hand is already fading and soon I will be my normal, completely pasty-white self. (I also sunburned my scalp where my hair was parted, but I'll bet no one even notices when it turns to a tan!)

Doug is afraid to reconcile the budget for the month, and I just want to go back to a place where I don't have to cook again. Ever!

But, life is good none-the-less.

The boys were happy to see us (for a minute or two) and had a great time staying with their friends. Plus, they liked their souvenirs and were thrilled to get one each from mom and dad...

We got some great mail while we were gone...packages, birthday cards, and even one more Christmas card...(Thanks for the cards Kim & Jenny & Uncle Paul! Thanks for the book other Jenny! Thanks for the V-day loot D&C!)

The two extra kids I have are excellent: A big boy to play with my boys (and he's VERY well behaved) and one adorable baby girl with HUGE brown eyes... (who lets me dress her up and style her hair...)

My cankles have decreased in size somewhat...

The weather has been slightly sunny to ease my transition back into winter...

My cupboard is filled with new Tupperware which is filled with healthy stuff...(which I'm hoping to figure out a use for...)

We can get back to our nightly Vita-Mix fruit/spinach smoothies every night...

(throw in some flax seed and they keep you regular...!)

So, like I said, life is good and it's good to be back.

I suppose.

But I wouldn't mind a trip to Thailand around this time next year.

Yep. That'd be fine with me.

But in the mean time,

VIVA MISAWA!!!

Pretend I'm saying that like I mean it.

Tanabata Festival

See Doug's blog for some Japanese culture!  (Top two posts)

What I Learned About Squatters While Camping in Japan

That title got your attention, didn't it?

Today we're going to talk toilets.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Here in Japan, they have some incredibly advanced advancements.  Why, just the other day, I heard Dr. Oz (on Oprah) talking about toilets in Japan that can analyze your urine to check for disease or illness.  (I pretty much learn about all cool Japanese things from American media.  Ironic, no?!)   

Yes!  That's right!  An incredibly high-tech toilet!  Like so many of the toilets here that go above and beyond the call of duty by providing not just a place to, e-hem, relieve yourself, but also a warm seat on which to rest your...seat, special potty music to mask any unpleasant sounds coming from...where ever, and best of all, a hot stream of water to clean your...self with.

They are marvels of cleanliness, happiness, goodness, modern technology-ness, and did I mention happiness?!?!

And then we have..."The Squatty Potty"...which is found here just as frequently.  

Many times the public bathroom will offer both options.  Sometimes squatters are the only option.   As they were at our beach side camp site this weekend.  (Which wasn't actually a camp site.  Just a beach with a strip of lawn where we set up 5 or 6 tents.  But more on that later.)

The "Squatty Potty", or "Squatter", is like a tiny Urinal embedded in the ground.  And, as the name implies, it must be squatted over to be used.  (At least to be used effectively.)

Here's what I learned about Squatters while camping:

They do have some advantages!

There are some advantages to Squatters...if you're the one in charge of cleaning them!!!  You see, the whole bathroom becomes one big toilet.  Which makes your job fairly simple.  If someone were to miss the squatter, (easy to do) it doesn't matter.  Because the bathroom floor is lined with drains.  So if you miss the hole in the floor, well, the floor will work just the same.  Basically, the moment you set foot inside, you can feel free to pee.  (freely)  

Because, let's face it: we're striving for efficiency, not accuracy here.  (This is evidently also the motto my sons live by.)  This makes cleaning a breeze.  Simply hose the whole place down.  

After racking my brain for hours, this is all I can come up with in the "advantages" category.

Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages:

For the unskilled in squatting, there are no handles to offer assistance.

Yes, that's right.  You basically have to be in excellent calf-health to use squatters easily.  It also helps to have perfect balance.  Because there is nothing whatsoever to hang on to.  This may pose a challenge for the "less-then-graceful", but I'm sure I wouldn't know anything about that.

You have to pull your pants down...and up...at the same time.  

Although it's important to pull your pants down before "going" you'll also want to pull the bottoms up at the same time.  So as not to cause bunchage which might possibly touch the floor.  (See above mentioned "advantages")  And make sure you situate them at the right height.  Too high, no go.  To low, no bueno.

Cuts down on reading time

Doug wanted this mentioned

The uninitiated child is NOT cooperative

Children not used to squatters may or may not be cooperative when confronted with squatters.  The consequences can be dire.  A visit to the hypno-therapist before camping is advisable.

You are really close to the bathroom floor.

Which we all know is disgusting.

Tips:

Take your time and try to relax!

Rushed release may result in regrettable splatter.  i.e. pee on your shoes.

Bring your own soap.

They're not even providing a toilet seat.  Why would they provide soap?

Consider bringing your own toilet paper.  

Though I haven't personally seen it, I hear sometimes it isn't provided.

I hope this wealth of information makes your next visit to the Squatters a pleasant one!  Good luck!!!  (You'll need it.)

Any potty experiences you'd like to share???  Do tell!

22nd Annual Japan Day

***Northern Japan is in BLOOM!  See Doug's blog for the very first pictures!***

When? April 4th

Where? Edgren High School

Hosted by? Misawa International Club

What? Almost 30 classrooms filled with hands-on events and displays including calligraphy, kite making, clay, bonsai and a tea ceremony.

Some of the cool displays...

Max trying the Kogin embroidery under the watchful eye of a volunteer...

Beautiful Bonsai...
If you're the last person finished with your kite, be prepared to pose with the Kite Making Club!

Sometimes I forget he's only 7...and he's 31...

--The End--

Two Pressing Japan Questions: ANSWERED!

People frequently ask, what (American Product) do you need that you can't get there?

Actually, between the BX and the Commissary, we're pretty well covered.  We have all of the staples.  The only thing is, there is no VARIETY!

For example: at the Commissary right now, I can get chocolate chips and baking chocolate.  But can I get the brands I want?  The good kinds that came in on top in the Cook's Illustrated Taste Tests?!  

No.  

I cannot.  

I can get Tollhouse Chocolate Chips and Baker's Baking Chocolate.  Passable, but definitely not extraordinary.

I can get Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil which earned a "Not Recommended"  (*See below for the review.)  But not Columela which came in on top at "Highly Recommended".

I can get facial moisturizer, but I canNOT get Clean and Clear Oil Free Dual Action Moisturizer. (I've been using it since 9th grade!  I can't switch now!!!) 

Today we went to the BX to look for new Crocs for the boys.  And what did we find?  Well, Crocs.  For boys.  Name brand.  The problem is, I can't buy name brand.  In fact, my head might explode if I tried.  They cost something crazy like $24 a pair!  WHY would I pay that much when I can get them at Target or Wal-mart for $4 a pair?**  They're going to get trashed on asphalt either way.  It just ain't happenin'!

So there you go.  I don't actually NEED any emergency care packages.  (Unless you feel you must.  Then who am I to stand in the way of your better judgement.)

Next question:

What are some of the more obvious cultural differences?

Off the top of my head?  Cleanliness and Happiness!

"What's that you say?  We American's are clean and happy, aren't we!?!?"  

Well, maybe a little, I suppose, but let's look at the competition:

When is the last time you saw a CHEERY construction zone in America?

When is the last time you were greeted in a restaurant by no fewer than 6 smiling (GENUINELY HAPPY!) employees?  (Admit it.  Never.  You can't fool me.  I used to live there.)

And when is the last time you saw a Road Crew sweeping up after themselves?  (I never see a road crew NOT sweeping up after themselves here.)

And in what other country do you remove your shoes so frequently AND get your bum cleaned for you, by your toilet,  with soothing warm water?!?  (Besides probably a bunch of other Asian countries of which I know nothing.)

All of these things are common occurances here.  So you see!  Like I said:  Clean and Happy!  Happy and Clean!  Don't you wish you were here?

That's all for today.  Any OTHER questions???

*Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Cooks Illustrated taste test results:
 “Nothing remarkable here—just greasy, no flavor,” summarized one taster. “Where did the olive go?” said another. This oil was judged to have a “kind of rancid” aftertaste that was reminiscent of not only “soil,” “tree resin,” and “ammonia and grass,” but even “kitty litter smells” and “a set of sweaty hockey pads.”

**Oh right.  Because there is no Target or Wal-mart here.  Guess we'll have to go without.  I can't risk losing my head.

Trip to Toys R Us in Hachinohe, Japan

It takes about 30 minutes to get to Hachinohe.  Longer if you make any detours.

First stop:  The beach... (Doug ran down to the water and then back to the car.  He has needs too, ya know.) where we acquired four neat-o shells...

...then we had to swerve off the road to get a shot of this super cool house.  Wealthy plantation owner perhaps?

Next stop:  Lunch at the newly opened 100 Yen Sushi in Hach.  The boys really needed some chicken nuggets (and mandatory cucumber rolls).  I like the tempura shrimp rolls.  YUM!

Two and a half hours later, we finally made it to Toys R Us.

Where many wonderful surprises awaited us.

Example:  It's a Seat Cushion!  It's a Back Rest!  NO!  It's a HEAD COVERING!!!

I believe these constitute some sort of flare (You learned all about flare on Katie's Blog, right???) since they seem to be made to dangle. Only, these flare are only for the Hard Core who want to be cute:  (I should have gotten me one.)

Remember Sylvanian Families from when we were kids?  I don't either.  But Gabe evidently digs 'em.

Every little girl dreams of having her own rice cooker.  And now she can!!!  (I thought the sunny-side up egg was a nice touch.  It's a very common garnish around here.)
But wait!  There's more!  You too can have your OWN 

HELLO KITTY SUSHI RESTAURANT!!!

(Why?  WHY DON'T I HAVE A GIRL????????????)  

Seriously though...isn't this awesome?

I just thought this little kid in his olive green three-piece suit was super cute.  (That's 'kawaii' to you!)

And finally, if only I were a woman with disposable wealth, I could have made all of my wildest dreams come true...with Mango flavored KitKat!!!

Okay, so I'm not actually a huge mango fan.  But still...awesome, no?  Just not quite $8 awesome.  

Ah well.

Life is good in Japan!