Why I Love Japan

A few weeks before we went on spring break in March I found a library on Rokko Island that has a few shelves of English books. I checked out 2 Japanese cookbooks, a travel guide to Hong Kong and a novel that had been translated into English that looked interesting. These books were all due back by the end of March.

For those who know me I am notorious for not returning books on time to the library. My parents joke that I funded the new wing at our small library in my hometown. I do not know why I have such an issue returning books, but I do.

So I had these four books and I looked at them when I first brought them home and then they sat on my shelf until Wednesday (May 13) when I finally returned them. My lateness wasn't intentional. I tried to return them once and the library was closed. Then I just kept forgetting to take them. The library has no drop box so you can only take them when they are open.

I took the books in on Thursday and handed them to a lady while repeatedly saying gomennasai gomennasai (sorry sorry!). I pulled out my wallet in fear of what the late fees would be. After al, this is Japan. The lady turned to a coworker who then came up to talk to me (apparently the first lady didn't speak english).

"These books are very late. Please try to return books on time in future. Arigato gozaimas"

She then handed my library card back to me and went back to her book cart.

I love Japan.

Chop Chop

Sami was in desperate need of a haircut. She hadn't had it cut since September, and while we loved the length, it needed a trim. However Sami had a something different in mind. She begged me to let her get it cut to her shoulders. I really was hesitant but in the end I gave in.

Before


I think "Billy" the hairdresser was so excited to do a little girl's hair that he decided to play around and so a funky up-do twist after he cut Sami's hair. It was so cute that I may have to go back just to get it done again.

"The Twist"


After

So this morning we took out the twist, washed and dried her hair. He wound up taking off 5-inches and then adding in some long layers. I was nervous, but I love it.

An Awesome Surprise

Yesterday I came home from a long day helping out at the school and working on some CHIC things to find a delivery slip in my mailbox. Usually the slips say who the package is from, but this time all it said was "USA".

I bribed Sami to walk with me by telling her I would let her pick out a treat from the grocery store near the post office. The post office is a little over a mile away from our house –– downhill there and uphill home.

I handed the worker my slip and she and came back laughing and carrying a huge box. The side of the box said it weighed 14 pounds and 12 ounces. I about fell over, especially knowing how much it costs to ship 15 pounds to Japan. So uphill I carried this just shy of 15 pound box home.


My super special, full-of-surprises friend Val sent me a taste of "home" package. I think she somehow knew I was a bit homesick. I was totally blown away and speechless.

Sami & I began to open the box. It was like Christmas in Japan.

Sitting at the top was a card and a bunch of pictures. Some of the pictures was of us from Christmas and of the kids from Christmas, and she even sent a few of Illinois and NC.

Noah sent Sami a "love" note and a photo of himself and Maia sent Sami a box of fruit snacks. She was so excited.

Next was a bag with relaxing candles, bath wash and some pretty matches, that as you can see in the note, Noah picked out for me.

Next was this Ohio State tumbler that included a note saying every time I use this Val hoped it reminded me of "home".


Then came the "goodies". Tons of "USA" type stuff from candy to dip and drink mixes to gravy to biscuits to Spanish rice to Chex Mix to almost every item Hostess makes.

I have to admit I was crying over a box full of Hostess King Dongs and Cupcakes. Not that I missed them, as to be honest I am not sure I have eaten them since college, but because I was just missing "home".


At the very bottom was a Mexican cooking magazine, as Mexican food is just not found here, an Illinois newspaper and a Real Simple magazine.

Here is all our stash spread out. The only thing missing is appetite suppresants to keep me from eating all this food.

Little things like this show me that proximity doesn't make a friendship, the heart does.

So thank you Val. Thank you for bringing a smile to not just me, but my whole family.

How Old Am I Again?

I am hooked. It only took two short weeks and I am already hooked on the new 90210 TV show. I do not think it is near as good as the original cast (which spanned the exact years as my high school and college days) but I am already loving/hating characters and storylines.

Maybe it helps that some of the old "gang" are making reprisal roles and guest visits. Or maybe because we are all waiting on abated breath to see just who is the father of Kelly's son (I am hoping Brandon, but it is looking doubtful) And well Ryan Matthew, the hot, scruffy, delicious English teacher really helps too. (Of course Matt would debate Lori Loughlin, the hot mom, helps)

Please tell me I am not the only one addicted to this teeny bopper TV show. And I know there are others who were devoted 90210 fans back **gulp** eighteen years ago. It's okay. You can admit your guilt here. After all I need someone to discuss the previews for next week with. Is Brenda moving in on hottie Mr. Matthews under Kelly's nose? And who do you think the daddy is? And well, is Silver and Dixon going to get together?

Old gang
New gang

Office Re-Do

I can actually say I look forward to going in the office to work... my home office that is. How can I not?

Before


After