My Little Pleasure

She did it!

2006-02-24T03:43:00.000-08:00

I watched the performance of Shizuka Arakawa, gold medalist of figure skating, at least ten times today. First, I watched it live in the morning. Then I could watch her performance in various programs. I also read all related article on the afternoon newspaper three times.
No matter how many times I see it, I am always impressed by her splendid and cool performance. I wanted to see it at the rink!

Quail Eggs

2006-02-21T04:16:00.000-08:00

I made won-ton soup for dinner. I usually put boiled quail eggs into this soup.
I boiled two packs of quail eggs, and asked my 7-year-old son to get the shell off. He seemed to enjoy the work. When the shell went off smoothly, he shouted with pleasure. Some punctured eggs went directly into his mouth.
Other than quail eggs, I put dried shiitake and a large amount of spinach. This is taste of mother's cooking for me. My mother cooked won-ton soup in a large pan, and placed the pan in the center of the table. Won-ton soup was self-serve dish and usually there was no side dishes other than rice.
But I made salad and stir-fries today.

Blocks

2006-02-16T04:23:00.000-08:00

At the children center, my son built this. I think this is the biggest piece by him so far. During he was building, he didn't allow me to help him at all.
He said, "This is an airplane!" or "This is a train!" When I see this piece as a train or an plane, there is some parts looking so.
A little while later, many 1-year-old children came to the room with a rush as their group activity finished. My son's piece was soon broken down by them.

Torino Olympic

2006-02-14T04:28:00.000-08:00

It is the fourth day of the Olympic games. As most of games are held at night in Japan, I cannot keep watching them on live TV. I'm cheking the featured program in the next morning.
My son also wants to watch TV. It is very difficult to force him to go to bed at uaual time. I permitted him to stay in front of the TV 30 minutes more than usual. But the program never ends until next morning! So he gets up early next morning, and checks the featured program with me.
I'm sorry Japanese player missed the medals in men's 500-meter speed skating, and ski jumping. Even so, watching their effort is stimulating.
What's next tonight? Oh, I would love to check wemen's 500-meter speed skating. Best luck to Tomomi Okazaki!

Big Job

2006-02-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

I undertook an enormous amount of job. I thought that I'll manage it when I got the order, but after I got the data and reviewed it, I realized the weight of the job. I must be buried in it for a month.
I work at home when my children is sleeping. My usual workhours : 1 hour in the morning, 1.5 hours during his nap, and 2 hours at night. But I'll need more time for this job.
I tried leave my son at daycare, even once in a week. My city offers temporary daycare system for mothers like me. I immediately called the city office for reservation. But I found that all daycares are completely booked until next month!
Working at home is very flexible work style. But sometimes it is so difficult to work out enough time. I hope more daycare will be set up.

2006-02-09T04:01:00.000-08:00

I haven't written this blog for 20 days!
I have been all right, but not in best condition. Anyway, I have to restart writing now. Otherwise, I may fail to keep this blog.
I found one thing - Blog writing makes me positive.
When thinking about what to write, I try to remember something good. And when I write about my sons, I can see them objectively and positively. This is very difficult in real life.

Today, I went to a park with my 2-year-old son, and went down on the slide with him. It was long roller slide. This means I have to go up the long flight of stairs. We did it at least 10 times. He gave me plenty of exercises.

Snow

2006-01-21T03:37:00.000-08:00

It has been snowing since early this morning. This is the first snow in this winter, here at Tokyo. Children are all so excited! They spent more than four hours outside. I went out to make a snowman, too. There was 15-centimeter fall of snow at the time.
As the snow was dry, making a snowman was not so easy. I must say that I was more absorbed in playing than kids. It was fun!
We are going to play in the snow tomorrow, too.

Think of housework as exercise

2006-01-17T04:13:00.000-08:00

I read a book about simple devices of nice housework. I don't buy this kind of book myself, but sometimes borrow from the library. In the book, most impressive phrase was "Think of housework as exercise." According to the author, thinking that makes housework fun.
So, I put it in practice from this morning. When I washed dishes, I stood on my toes. When I played with my son (can I call this housework?), I patiently followed him on all fours, pushing small toy car like him. Walking on all fours with my 25 kg son on my back was so hard.
Now I can eat the banana muffin I made this afternoon without worrying!

Food Shopping

2006-01-13T04:59:00.000-08:00

Our spending on food is probably higher than average family of 5. As we don't spend much money on clothing, leisure (except for traveling to our home-town), or utilities, if I am going to reduce expenses, I must control our food cost.
But I cannot go by featured products!
Today, I went to a supermarket to buy only a pack of milk. I should have gone straight to milk, or I should have brought no extra money. I found my favorite sweet bun at its lowest price! The bun is filled with marron and custard cream. The usual price is 120 yen, and it was only 80 yen today! I have never seen this bun at this price. Then two pieces were in my basket before I knew.
Until I arrived at the cash register at last, my basket was almost full. Oh, not again!
Maybe the best way is not to enter a supermarket.

School Started!

2006-01-10T03:58:00.000-08:00

Third trimester started today at most schools in Japan. Two sons seemed to feel down. But I was relieved that I can be away from their screams and noises while they are at school. Each of my sons is relatively quiet and gentle. But when they get together...their power is not tripled, but cubed! (sigh)
While two sons are at school, I went to a neighbor park with my youngest son. It was clear today, and we could see our shadow clearly. He raised his hands or his leg, and enjoyed to see the shadow. Then I ran after him to step his shadow. When I said "Can you step mommy's shadow?", he looked around for my shadow in the whole park! It took a while until he understand that my shadow is always at the foot of me. It was so interesting.
After I returned home, I remembered Peter Pan.

Uncle

2006-01-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

My uncle passed away on January 3th and I had been at my home town for a week. He was only 57 and left two children behind - a boy aged 12 and a girl aged 9. At the funeral, his daughter did not seem to have realization that she lost her father. She sometimes froliced around and was chided by her mother. I am anxious about their mother. Though I live far from her, I'd like to give my heart to her and want to listen her problem, as a fellow mother.

BTW, most Japanese funeral services are Buddhist funeral rites. 5 monks intoned sutras for about 30 minutes. During the sutra, they played a kind of instruments called Mokugyo (temple block) in a uniform rhysm. When the rhysm started, my 2-year-old son started dancing in the chair! I understanded his feeling, but had to stop him in hurry.

My uncle died from heart attack. But he had been in good health until the day of the attack. Doctor said that it was so-colled sudden death.
How precious it is to live a normal life with family. I have to live each day with more love.

New Year

2006-01-01T05:58:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Year!
In Japan, there is a saying that you should plan for year on the new year's day. Here is my new year's resolution.

I'll try to be a little more proper on everything.

For example,
Putting things back to their place.
Paying attention to what my children say.
Getting a job done early.
Keeping away from snack.
Updating this blog constantly.

I cannot say that I'll do these things perfectly. I just try these "a little more" than last year.

Our Christmas

2005-12-27T03:48:00.000-08:00

I have been away from my blog for four days! I must write about our Christmas.
On 24th, we went to a Christmas Concert of local wind orchestra. We went the same concert last year, too. Last year, we arrived at the site promptly on time, but it was too late to have our place. We had to listen to it at the lobby. So, we left home earlier this year and arrived at the hall 30 minutes before the start. But it was too late! All seats were occupied. We managed to take standing room. Their performance was great. As most Christmas songs were also familiar to children, my sons enjoyed, too. During one song, three Santa came in to give a little gift for each kids. All children were so excited, but my 2-year-old son was asleep in my arms at that time. I wanted to show him the seen!
After we came home, we made pizza and cake together. We have had pizza for Christmas for several years. It is easy to make for good taste and rich appearance. It is brothers' job to put vegetables and bacon on the crust. For Christmas cake, I tried Bushe de Noel. To tell the truth, I tried it several years ago, but I failed to roll the sponge and there were too much cracks on the cake. This year, I was careful to bake the sponge moist and rolled it very very carefully. It was perfect! All my family clapped when I finished. I was so happy. I'm sorry that we ate the cake before I took a photo of it.
At the night, my three sons got a present from Santa. My husband and I were excited as same as them. They were all so pleased to find it next morning. The oldest son got new Lego block set. Second son got a simple robot kit. The robot is in form of snail, and it follows black line on paper. And finally, youngest son got toy train and rails. He loves it so much and never let his brothers to touch it.
I enjoyed Christmas time with my family very much.
But I was very sad to know another train accident in Yamagata. 5 people were killed. They should have spent happy time with their family. I hope that such an accident will never happen again.

Gratin

2005-12-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

We had vegetable gratin for dinner today. Gratin is one of my favorite foods. As my mother hates white sauce, she has never made gratin or cream stew. So I had never had gratin until I was 18. When I had it for the first time at a restaurant, I was really moved! After I got married, I often cook gratin especially in winter.
My sons also love gratin. When I put various vegetables in gratin, my 2-year-old son, who refuses to eat vegetables recently, eats up them. (Today, I put spinach, Chinese cabbage and salmon.)
Only drawback of gratin is that washing dishes is a little troublesome.

Weekend at home

2005-12-18T04:37:00.000-08:00

My third son is now recovered from his cold, but his brother caught a cold instead. When one of three sons gets a cold, it is often passed to his brothers (sigh).The oldest son is doing well as of now. I hope he won't get knocked out.
As we couldn't go out this weekend, we stayed almost all this weekend at home. I lay down with my son in his bed for many hours. He falls into a doze soon, but wakes up and calls me when I get out of his bed. So I spent many hours loafing around.
Oh, there is one thing we did this weekend. We watched "Finding Nemo" on video. We missed to rent the video when it was most popular and forgot about it. We all enjoyed the movie. But it is doubtful that three sons understood all the jokes and father's feeling. I want watch the movie again with them when they get a little older.

Handmade Wreath

2005-12-15T04:26:00.000-08:00

My seven-year-old son brought home a handmade Christmas wreath from school. The base is vine of morning glories, which they had grown since this April. I helped to prepare the ornaments. How does it look?

By the way, my two-year-old son has had a fever since last night. He was very good during the day, but developed a fever in the evening again. As he asks me to sleep alongside him, I was lying around for almost two hours. I'm glad I have no work today.
I have slight chills now. Even though it is really cold for these days, the strongest cold-air does not seem to be the only cause. I'll go to bed early tonight.

Just looking

2005-12-11T03:55:00.000-08:00

We shopped in a huge mall. The mall was full of Christmas goods. We enjoyed looking around them, but did not buy one, as there is no place to put them. Whenever I walk into an interior store or variety shop, I feel the necessity of keeping my house clean and tidy. Even if I get nice ornament under the present situation, it would be buried in assorted odds and ends!
Year end is time for general house cleaning. I'll go ahead and cut down the amount of things in my house.

Lottery

2005-12-08T03:50:00.001-08:00

I bought some "Year-End Jumbo" lottery tickets. I don't buy other lotteries, but I have bought this lottery for ten years. I have not won anything.
A few days before, there were ten winners of past lottery on the newspaper ad. I read their experience in it. One of them held his lottery tickets in the freezer and it might work well. Why in the freezer?
According to the ad, more than fifteen thousand people won more than ten million yen (about hundred thousand dollars) in the past 5 years. Actually there are lackey people.
The joy of lottery is wondering what to do if I win the money. But in fact, even if I win the 1st prize, 100,000,000 yen, I will not be able to handle such a great deal of money. So I would like to give most of the money to charity. I want the money to be used for disadvantaged children in the world.

Strawberry

2005-12-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

I had some strawberries for the first time this winter. I didn't buy it myself. It is more expensive than orange or apple.
After dinner, I asked my 9-year-old son to wash and get rid of the stem end of them. He recently uses knife well. After he finished, he counted them and said, "Well, divide 13 by 3..." So I cut in without delay. "You're forgetting your mom and dad!" Then he cut each strawberry in two and calculated again. 5 pieces for each, and extra 1 piece for dad.
They quickly vanished into stomach. I hope they enjoy the strawberry more slowly.

Christmas Tree

2005-12-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

I put the Christmas tree out of the closet today. My sons put ornaments on it. Until last year, the tree was taller than my second son. But this year, my son is taller than the tree.
I left them decorating the tree for a while. Then I found that most ornaments are put on upper half of the tree. I told them to check the entire balance. And they want to put anything - origami, little dolls, and pictures - on the tree. The result is a chaotic tree. I can say that this is a joyous and childish tree, but I have a longing for a stylish tree like the one at a department store!

New Flashlight

2005-11-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

I bought a new flashlight. It doesn't need battery. By clicking the handle for 3 minutes, it lights for 20 minutes continuously.
I have told my sons not to play with flashlight, because I hate waste of battery. It can be dead at blackout! But they don’t waste batteries for this new one. I can accept their playing with it. They put the light in the dark room, saw various things through transparent colored plastic sheet, and made circle of light on the wall. I did all of them in my childhood.
But I have to remind them to return the flashlight in position!

Reason for Blank Period

2005-11-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy for the past week. This is mainly because we suddenly tried to buy a condo.
Now I live in a rental apartment near Tokyo. But we want to live in Nagoya, our home town, in the future. Last week, we found that newly built condominium is on sale. The application period was from November 19 to 26. We asked my sister (she lives near Nagoya) to go to the model room and check it. After that, we drove for more than 5 hours to Nagoya and applied for it. The layout of the house, dwelling environment, and various equipments seemed to be perfect for us. We pictured new life in excitement.
But we could not buy the condo. This building is so popular that more than 240 families applied for 95 condos. Three families applied for the room we chose. On November 27, yesterday, they held an open drawing. We drew a losing number. It's really too bad.
Anyway, we learned a lot about purchasing a condo. We dreamt a happy dream.

Tea with Milk and Honey

2005-11-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

I have had a scratchy throat over the past few days. I have a bit of cold. I want to sleep longer than usual, but I cannot. I have to wake up early in the morning to work before my sons gets up. It is very cold in the early morning. As there is no heater, I wear heavy clothes and wrap myself with blanket. It is so funny that I cannot show my figure to others.
When I work early in the morning, I have a hot drink in a big mug. When my throat is in a bad condition, I like tea with milk and honey. Cheap tea bag is enough for this. The color becomes a little strange by honey, but the taste and smell is mild.
Now, it is not early morning. My sons went to bed. I'll make a cup of tea and start working!

Picture Books

2005-11-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

I got two English picture books: "Go, Dog, Go", and "Richard Scarry's Best Word Book". This is the first time I got English books for kids. The reason is that I want to make them feel familiar with English.
As you know, I and my husband are Japanese, and we have lived in Japan since birth. We always speak Japanese, of course.
There are many mothers in Japan trying to make their kids be bilingual. For that purpose, they speak to their kids in English at home, show English videos, and send kids to English school.
On the other hand, I feel it difficult to do those things myself. But I want my kids to start learning English smoothly at junior high school. (Many Japanese have a lot of trouble in learning English.) So, I got those picture books for a starter.
My sons showed great interest in those books. I read "Go, Dog, Go" several times to younger two sons, while oldest son checked the other book fascinatingly.
I want to get some more books. Please recommend some easy books.

Influenza Vaccination

2005-11-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

I got a ful vaccination with my three children. (My husband will receive it at his worksite.) It cost about 30 dollars each. As children must get it twice, the total costs will be more than 200 dollars.
New type of virus might spread this year. Anyway, I hope my investment will be worthwhile.

Play Catch

2005-11-13T23:15:00.000-08:00

My first and second sons are not good at ball handling. It is said that ball handling improves in proportion to the number of times they play with a ball. But, usually, my sons are reluctant to play with a ball. I understand the feeling of them, as I hated playing with a ball, too, when I was a child.
Today, I and my husband succeeded in inviting them out to play catch at a park. They have improved since last time. I think they can feel it interesting now.
But playing catch didn't last long. They started to play in the sandbox soon. They love playing with sand.
We shouldn't try to control the way of children's play.

2005-11-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

When I and 2-year-old son were playing with a ball out of doors, he happened to look up the sky and said, "Look! A shooting star!"
I looked up the sky. There I could see an air-plane and jet contrail in the distant sky. The sky was so blue, and the contrail looked really like the tail of the shooting star.
How poetic he is!
We kept looking the sky for a while. Children sometimes give me such a prescious exerience. I felt gratitude toward him.

Tokyo Motor Show

2005-11-06T23:37:00.000-08:00

My husband happened to get the ticket of Tokyo Motor Show as a gift. So we went there today, the last day of the event. It was so crowded with auto manias and just-looker including us.
The exhibition booths of automakers were very pompous. I couldn't believe that they were prepared for just two weeks. We enjoyed the stage of Toyota i-swing, new personal car, and the Fine-x. Are they cars?
Surprisingly, the booths of auto components suppliers were very interesting. There were many unfamiliar parts. When we asked "What’s this?" to the service person, they gave clear and detailed explanations. We learned much about the mechanism of a car.
The most interesting exhibition was about motion-capture technique. I had heard that many CG movies and games use the technique to create realistic computer-generated characters. But according to the parts maker, the technique is also utilized to improve work condition. Before they mass-produce the parts, they check if the work posture is proper by the motion capture and their proprietary software. By adjusting the height or angle of work table properly, they can improve the productivity. I was surprised.
We enjoyed very much, but very tired after long long walk!

In the Early-Evening Sky

2005-11-05T23:31:00.000-08:00

When we were driving to the neighborhood supermarket, we found very fantastic scene in the western sky. The Venus and thin crescent moon were side by side. It was so beautiful. We stopped our car and watched the sky for a while.
While we were shopping, they had gone. Instead of the Venus, the Mars was in the eastern sky. We brought out the telescope and tried to catch it. But it was difficult for us to bring the star into our view! We had difficulty even when we watch the big moon before this. The Mars was very clear in the sky, but it took so long to catch with telescope. At last we could see the red star in the scope. But before I could exchange the eye-piece to higher power one, children touched the telescope and it moved slightly! We lose the sight of the Mars again.

The Venus and crescent moon will be seen tomorrow, too. I hope the sky is clear in tomorrow evening.

Mars is near to the Earth

2005-11-02T22:59:00.000-08:00

The Mars was at the nearest point to the Earth on October 30. I have often enjoyed watching the red star by naked eye, but never with the telescope.

Today, the weather was fine all the day. And tomorrow is a national holiday in Japan. It means that children can rise late in the tomorrow morning, thus they can stay up late tonight. So I wanted to bring our telescope outside and watch the Mars with it.
When I looked up the sky at 7:30, however, it was covered with cloud! The weather forecast said it should be clear up. It was off for tonight.

Unless we catch the Mars soon, it will go far away. It won't come so near until 2018!

They got tall

2005-10-31T21:01:00.000-08:00

In Japan, the size of children's clothing is indicated in body length in centimeters, like 90 and 100. My three son's sizes were respectively 80, 120, and 130 last autumn. But they got tall so much this summer and now the sizes are 90, 130, and 140.
The second and third sons can wear the hand-me-downs. But there is no clothe of size 140!
I usually buy their clothes in the previous year on sale. However, I totally forgot to buy 140 clothes last autumn or spring. So I prepared a set of them from necessity, in a big hurry. I bought underwear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, and parker. They cost so much! I have to give up my own clothes this year.

Blog is a hot topic

2005-10-29T22:47:00.001-07:00

On today's newspaper, there was an article about blog. It was a relatively big story. There were several reminders when we use blog.
And in the evening, a TV program also featured blog. It was a news analysis program for kids. They started from "What’s a blog", and introduced some blogs by children. They added some reminders, too.
The blog seems to rapidly become a familiar name these several months.

I was lucky to find Andrea's blog just after I started mine. Her blog was the stepping stone to blog world for me.
After I read and watched blog, I felt like to enjoy the interaction with congenial friends more!

Blog is a hot topic

2005-10-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

On today's newspaper, there was an article about blog. It was a relatively big story. There were several reminders when we use blog.
And in the evening, a TV program also featured blog. It was a news analysis program for kids. They started from "What’s a blog", and introduced some blogs by children. They added some reminders, too.
The blog seems to rapidly become a familiar name these several months.

I was lucky to find Andrea’s blog just after I started mine. Her blog was the stepping stone to blog world for me.
After I read and watched blog, I felt like to enjoy the interaction with congenial friends more!

Exercise with Dumbbels

2005-10-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, exercise with dumbbells caught on in Japan, after it was introduced on a popular TV program. I bought a pair of dumbbells (1.5kg each) and a text book at that time. The instructor says in the book, "Just carry on the exercise, 15 minutes a day, for 3 months." I must confess that I have tried to keep the exercise at least several times in these ten years. But my longest record was only 2 months. Hmmm….
Today is the second day. As I declared the start of my new routine on this blog, I feel like I can carry on the exercise this time.
Note:
My short-term goal is 1 week. (too short?)
Even though I miss doing the exercise one day, I will restart the next day.

Getting Fatter!

2005-10-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

I’m getting fatter lately. I guess the reason of that is eating dinner late every night. I prepare dinner for children at about 6:30, but I don’t eat with them. I just sit at the table and talk with them. Then at around 10:00 pm, I eat dinner with my husband. (He comes back home at 9:30 and goes to bathroom.)
I have kept this routine for more than three years. I know that eating late at night is not bad for weight, but I did not get weight until last year. The situation changed this year. Maybe my age is related. My mother had been slim when she was young, and got fatter since middle age.
I must do something from today!
I'll do exercises with dumbbels first thing after posting this.

Future Car

2005-10-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

Tokyo Motor Show started. I'm not so interested in cars, but I was attracted by the picture of "Pivo" on the newspaper. The cabin of Pivo rotates by 180 degrees. If you stray down a lane and come to the dead end, you don’t have to go back. Just rotate the cabin and go forward! It’s amazing…

Melon Bread

2005-10-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the subject of food again.
I made melon breads with my friend at my kitchen. Melon bread is an original Japanese recipe for bread. It is a sweet bread with a crunchy cookie crumbs on top of it. It doesn't include melon at all. It just looks like a melon. I like to bake them enough to make the surface crispy.
My friend started baking recently influenced by me. (She is almost devoted to baking now.) This was the second time we made bread together. I'm glad to have a friend sharing common interest.

Fresh Spring Roll

2005-10-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

I made fresh spring rolls for the first time. It is a popular Vietnamese food and I've purchased at a supermarket in my neighborhood several times. As my sister told me that it is easy to make, I tried.
The fillings were smoked salmon, ham, Japanese basil, leaf lettuce, bean-starch vermicelli, and cucumber. I think almost any fillings would work.
Actually it was simple to make. And it looks gorgeous as the cut surface is colorful.
The sauce is mixture of sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise. I bought the chili sauce for the first time. I am going to try other new dishes to use up the sauce soon.

New parent's home

2005-10-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

My mother's new house was finished two weeks ago. We drove for five hours each way to see the new house and stayed a night.
It was as nice as a model house of homebuilder. In the spacious living room, there is a tatami area, about 15cm higher than the wooden floor. We can relax both on the sofa and on the tatami. The kitchen unit and bathroom unit are latest. The bathtub was so nice that I wanted to be in it as long as I could.
Unfortunatelly, my mother, like me, is not so good at putting her house in order. And she has just moved to the new house. So, everything still seemed to be in a mess. I want to help her, but she lives so far that I cannot visit there so often.
I have a plan to visit the house at the first of Descember. I hope that the house is well arranged until then.

Just before the Delivery Date

2005-10-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

I worked very hard these three days and nights, as the delivery deadline was this morning. No matter how I work hard on a routine basis, I am in a tight situation at the last day without fail.
I often say to my sons, "If you have something to do, do it ahead of time." But I cannot say this when it is getting close to my own deadline. I expect them to learn something by watching my pinch.

Cake from Cake Shop

2005-10-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

My husband came home early with a cake! I sometimes make some kind of cakes by myself, but it has been long time since we ate cakes from a cake shop. It was a roll cake of sweet potato. Though it was very good, I couldn't enjoy the cake in a relaxed manner. I had to put it in my mouth quickly before my sons tried to take it out of my plate. Phew… when will they be able to taste a nice cake more slowly and in a decent way?

Rainy Three-day Weekend

2005-10-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

It has been rainy most of this weekend. The Civic Sports Festival was planned for yesterday, but was postponed to today by the rain. And today, it was cancelled again.

Yesterday we went to a huge shopping mall. At first, we went to the book store. We spent about one hour or so reading there, as usual. I bought a paperback book. Then we moved to goods for children. We were just looking. I wanted to look some other ladies' wear shops in the mall, but all members except me wanted to go home! They are not interested in fashion at all... I have known that for years. I came home in disappointment and decided to go there without my husband and sons again in few days. (Of course, only my youngest son must go with me.) I'm not so stylish, sorry to say, but it does not mean that I'm not interested in fashion at all. I want to maintain a reasonable level.
This is where I stop complaining. I have another thing to write. My 2-year-old son stood on one for the first time. He found it fun and tried again and again. His brothers said "It's easy!" and joined to balance on one foot. I told them to close their eyes. Then it turned out to be more difficult then they thought. It was a little discovery for them that we depends on sight so much.

Bicycle Riding License

2005-10-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

My 9-year-old son got a bicycle riding training at the school. They took a written test about traffic rules and a skill test on the ground. A few policemen also attended the lesson.
Their computer teacher prepared an original license card for each student, which looks exactly like a real driver's license. Individual photo is printed on the card and the card is laminated. My son was very pleased to receive it, and seemed to realize the importance of riding bicycle in a cautious manner.
I think it is very good to give them such a lesson. I sometimes see dangerous riding manner while driving a car. In many cases, such rider is a child or an old person. I want police to give such a training for elderly persons, too.

Finished and knocked out...

2005-10-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

I finally finished reading "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" last night. I was very shocked by the last event. What would happen in the next book? I cannot predict the end at all.

It was so shocking that I wanted to talk about it with my husband. But my husband has not read it yet and refuses to know the contents...it is understandable. He is not good at English, and he must wait until the Japanese translation is published.

AED

2005-10-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

I watched a TV report about the use of AED (automated external defiblliator) in Japan. Last July, ordinary people were admitted to use the AED legally. But AED machines are still insufficient, and most people, including me, don't know how to use them.
Though I've heard of AED, I have seen the place with an AED only once. It was the World Exposition held in Aichi during this summer. According to the TV report, the AED was applied to four people at the site, and all lives were saved.
If given the chance, I would very much like to learn how to use it.

Fragrant Olive

2005-10-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

I smell the fragrant olive (Kinmokusei) flower for the first time this autumn. The whole atmosphere was redolent slightly of the flower. I looked around but couldn't find the source of smell, little orange flowers. The smell seemed to come from far away.
I like this season the most. I feel relaxed and open-minded.

By the way, my reading "Harry Potter" is in the final stage. Now I'll finish my job assignment quickly and find out who the "half-blood prince" is!

Apple Cake

2005-09-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

I cooked apples with cinnamon and sugar. The sweet and sour scent filled entire kitchen and my nose. Then I put it in the cake dough to bake an apple cake. The smell of baking cake was also very good.
When my son came back from school, they didn't say "I'm home", but said, "They smell so good!" The cakes went into our stomach before I took their photo.

Brother's Reading

2005-09-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

When I was washing dishes, my youngest son asked me to read a picture book. I told him to wait a moment until I finish the dishes. Then my oldest son came and said, "Do you want me to read it?" Two boys went to the next room and enjoyed the book together.
My oldest son doesn’t like his homework of reading aloud very much. Ordinarily he is reluctant to read aloud, even very easy book, when I ask him to read it for his brother. Today, however, his reading was full of expression and attractive.
Again I realized how nice it is to do something voluntarily.
In addition, he gave his brother a bath after that. Therefore I could take a bath for myself while he took good care of his brother. When I got out of the bath, he said, "Have you already finished? You should have stayed longer." How dependable he is!

Fall Rice

2005-09-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

I made Gomoku-Gohan, boiled rice mixed with various ingredients for dinner. Gomoku means that five ingredients are involved other than rice. I am under the impression that autumn is the best season for this rice, though we eat it at any season of the year. I mixed carrot, burdock, chicken, konnyaku, and shimeji mushroom. It is a pain to cut all ingredients into small pieces. But after putting all of them into the rice cooker with seasoning, all I have to do is turning on the rice cooker.
I found a recipie for Gomoku-Gohan in English. Please try one of the popular Japanese dishes.

What autumn brings to my son

2005-09-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

My son's asthmatic begin to wheese at this time of year. He couldn't attend school yesterday. I wanted to be beside him more, but his younger brother didn't allow it jealously.
I have read that massaging around the base of toes works for asthematic. So I gave him massage on bottom of his feet. It seemed to really work! He loved it and asked many times.
I and my husband often give massage on bottom of feet each other. I believe it is good for our health, and what is more, it feels good!

Special day

2005-09-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

I spent the whole day at home.

I didn't go a single step out of the door.
I didn't put my makeup on.
I didn't have word with people other than my family.

I was not in bad condition. I did some house chores and played with my son at ease. Only once in weeks or months, there is such a day. It is special rather than boring.
However, I'll go out tomorrow. Spending a whole day at home is special event just because it is unusual.

Acorn

2005-09-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

I went for a walk and found some acorns. They were fat and short. They look like sawtooth oak acorns. (I saw the word "sawtooth oak" for the first time. Actually the leaves are in sawtooth shape!) I put a wooden toothpick on each of them to make spinning tops. It is very simple toy, but my sons tried again and again. Additionally, I wrote faces on them. They are cute, aren't they?

Athletic Meet

2005-09-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect day for an athletic meet. I got up early in the morning to prepare lunch for five. 12 big rice balls, croquettes, fruits, and so on.
I like to watch races such as putting ball in basket, bringing big ball in a two some, or playing cavalry battle. Some children were in a big hurry, and others weren't. Especially when a trouble happened, I could see their teamwork. My son's grade was fallen into groups of four, and raced in tandem with every one foot tied with a string. I have done it long ago. It is more difficult than it looks. Some groups fell over.
The relay race was really exciting. My son looked a little nervous, but he ran well.
Some parents watched only their own children's event, and waited under the tree when the other grades are playing. It would be real waste not to watch their races and dances with children. It was really fun!

Autum Begins

2005-09-15T23:21:00.000-07:00

It was very cool today. I felt that autumn has come at last, after the intense late-summer heat.
Autumn is the best season for reading! I began reading "Harry Potter" in late July, but I am only halfway through now. The Christmas ended and new term began in Hogwarts. I don't know who is the "half blood prince" yet. I'm very concerned about it.
Though it is difficult to take time to read recently, I am reading it by degrees.

Observation of Children

2005-09-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

It is easy to find my children's bad points and I tend to nag at them…and I feel disgusted with myself each time.
I subscribe some Japanese mail magazines. My recent favorite one is "Growing with children", which introduces a short episode of the author's children everyday. The author says, "Observe your children everyday at least for three minutes. Then you'll find their beauty."
When I read his episode, I am impressed how interesting the children's points of view could be. After reading it, I think I can observe my own children more objectively then usual. When I am in objective mode, I can say "Looks like fun!" instead of "What’s going on! (in temper)" to see their mischief.

Vorer Turnout

2005-09-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the general election for the Lower House members in Japan. This election has been of high interest to the public, as a result of the Prime Minister's strategy. More young people were expected to turn out to vote.
The actual voter turnout was 67.5%, 7 points higher than the previous election. It reached to late 60% for the first time in 12 years. It was high, but actually lower than I expected. What would make the remaining 30% go to the polling station?

Longing for Piano Playing

2005-09-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

I got a direct mail inviting my son to music class for kids. In the envelope, there was information for adult classes, too. It reminded me of my longing for piano playing.

When I was 5 years old, I started learning electronic organ, Electone. I kept learning it for 10 years. After that, I joined the brass band of junior high school and started to play the horn. At college, I was a member of the orchestra. I love to play instruments.

Although I really had enjoyed playing the electronic organ or horn, I have wanted to be able to play the piano. But there is a big problem. Having or playing a piano is not permitted at most rental apartments! Before I can learn it, I might have to buy a house.

Littering

2005-09-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Typhoon No.14, as powerful as the Hurricane Katrina, caused great damage to west Japan yesterday. As the typhoon is moving very slowly, the strong wind continued all day today even in my area.
I heard plastic bottles and cans were rolling outside. I cannot believe that some people litter streets casually! When they drink juice or smoke, they should take the bottles or cigarette butt with them to home or trash box. I think this is so natural. And it is parent's duty to raise our children to feel this is natural, too.

Good Night...

2005-09-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

These days, it took long for my 2-year-old son to fall asleep after going to bed. He requires that I lay beside him until he falls asleep. When it takes long, I get irritated as I cannot work nor read.
I thought insufficient exercise was the cause of his difficulty in falling asleep. So, I went for a walk in the rain with him today. He was pleased to wear the rain boots and raincoat. He enjoyed walking in puddles.
Additionally, I played the piano concerto of Mozart on CD when he went to bed with me.
He fell asleep soon! And I also felt so relaxed while listening to the Mozart music after a long interval.

Class Representative

2005-09-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

While I could not find time to write this diary, the second term started at most elementary, junior, and high schools in Japan. In this term, there are some big events at the elementary school of my sons. The first is the athletic meet, which will be held on September 17th.

On the second day of the new term, my 7-year-old son said that he will get in the relay race as one of the class representatives! I was very, very surprised to hear that. As I myself is not good at sports at all, I have not been expected much on my sons about sports. I'm very proud of him. I want him to try his best, whatever the result is.

Letter from a Friend

2005-08-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

I got a letter from a friend who lives in Nagoya, where I had been lived until last year. I was very happy to see her name on the envelope.
She is a mother of two boys, and we were best friends. Since I moved here last year, we have exchanged letter once in several months. Even though we don't communicate regularly, I still feel very close to her. I believe we continue to be good friends so long.
I'm not very social and I don't have so many friends. But I will value my relationship with few intimates.

Make-believe Play

2005-08-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

The make-believe play by my sons has continued today. Whole the room is a small town. Trains and cars move back and forth, there are constructions very often, and the characters keep talking for hours. "This road is now under construction. Make a detour, please." "What? I must go to the hospital to see my friend." "Then this way, please!" They are saying something like that. It sometimes seem to be so infantile. But I like to listen to their strange and unexpected story.
The town consists of plastic trains, hot wheels, Lego blocks, books, and so on. Many preschool boys play with the plastic trains and rails. But few of them continue to use them until 4 grade of elementary school, I think. I wonder until when my boys keep playing with toy trains.

Last Weekend in August

2005-08-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

Most public open-air swimming pool closes at the end of August. So we went to Kawagoe Water Park yesterday. It was very crowded. I enjoyed floating on the water holding a beach ball in my arms at the streaming pool. After that, however, my son told me to pull him in the water at full speed. He was so easy and pleased, while I was so tired.

Today, we went for cycling after two months interval, because it was very cool here. We took onigiris (rice balls) with us and ate under a tree. 12 onigiris were not enough for five of us. My sons have a good appetite these days. Next time I am going to make at least 15.

Staying up late

2005-08-26T23:41:00.000-07:00

Typhoon No.11 passed through east Japan last night. The rain and wind were so strong. I was working at home then. Recently I cannot work while my 2-year-son is taking a nap. I never fail to fall asleep with him! So I must work at midnight to deal with assignment. It becomes vicious circle...

Come back soon!

2005-08-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

I sent the microwave oven for repair. It stopped with an error message. An engineer came to my house to repair it on site, but he couldn't identify the cause of trouble. He said that it takes about 10 days. I must do without it for 10 days!
I realized how much I owe microwave after it left. As I didn't set the rice cooker to keep warm as usual, I had to eat cold rice. Maybe I should use the keep-warm function of rice cooker until the microwave returns.
I haven't bake bread or cakes over the past month because it is too hot. But today, it is a little cool and I feel like baking. I tend to feel like baking when I cannot!

2005-08-22T22:54:00.000-07:00

Last week, we went for a drive to Shikoku. I crossed the Seto Ohashi Bridge for the first time. It is the longest bridge in the world with expressway and railway. The total length, including six bridges, is about 10km! It was really spectaclar. I found it hard to believe that human constructed such a thing. In the middle of the bridge, there is a rest area on an island. We stopped there and enjoyed the view of the ocean.
The toll was about 40 dollars. I felt it a little expensive.

Catching the Moon with kids

2005-08-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Last night, we enjoyed watching the moon. As I had practiced the operation of telescope the night before, we could catch the moon smoothly. My sons were excited at their first experience. "It is the same as the picture on the astronomical book!" Actually, the surface of the moon can be seen on the book. But watching for themselves is completely different experience. We enjoyed sky watching until some clouds came to hide the moon.

Catching the Moon

2005-08-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

I caught the moon with the telescope for the first time! As this is my first operation, I tried alone as a preparatory exercise. Though I could see the moon very clearly and big, it was difficult to catch it in the scope. It took almost one hour! It seems to take me weeks before I can operate the telescope smoothly. As soon as I caught it, I connected the telescope with my PC and stored the picture, before it went out of the scope. This is my first astronomic photograph!

Sleeping Car

2005-08-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

I returned to my house this morning. We went to Izumo, my in-laws place, by airplane, but we came back by train. It was an express train with sleeping cars! We got on it last evening and arrived at Tokyo this morning. It took more than 12 hours. Our seats or beds are double decker. Though it seemed to be an old train, we all enjoyed the long journey. We ate box lunch (box dinner?) sold at train station, read magazines, and were lying about. After children fell asleep, I was watching out of the window. The night view was fascinating. (At the time, one of my sons fell off the lower bed.) After the travel, I asked children, "Which way did you enjoy, airplane or train?" They all answered "Train!"

Free Time

2005-08-14T00:40:00.000-07:00

I'm at my husband's parents' house. On usual weekday,I take care of three childrdn. But now, there are four adults for three children. I can enjoy my own time. Unfortunately, I left the book at my house! When we dropped at a book store, I got "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator" by Roald Dahl, in Japanese. I'll read this now. Two of my sons are out with their grandfather and the left one is sleeping. This is my vacation!

Thunderstorm

2005-08-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

I was looking forward to watching sky tonight. It is the Perseid Meteor Shower's peak. But it's raining buckets! This is no time for shooting star.
What is more, it became a thunderstorm and we heard some big thunderclaps. The power went out temporarily. I can't believe that children don't wake up in such a loud lightening!

Last Night...

2005-08-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

I was planning to anwer the last questions, but I was caught up in reading Harry Potter.
I went to bed at 1 o'clock. Sleepy...

Tagged!

2005-08-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Andrea. I'm very pleased about it.
But answering those questions in English is a challenging work for me!
(Understand from my previous short posts, please.)

So please allow me to answer only partially.

What was I doing 10 years ago? I was 24 and just married. By my husband's transfer, we moved toTokyo from Nagoya. It was first experience for me to live out of my hometown. I was very worried whether I could be accustomed to new environments, but I could found some good friends soon. I was working as a temporary staff at a bank. The work was interesting and challenging.

What was I doing 5 years ago? I was a mother of 2 sons. They were 4 and 2 years old. I have moved back to Nagoya again, by my husband's transfer. I started attending a baking class once a month. It was so fun. I was attracted so much that I got tools - new oven, baking pans, rolling pin, and so on - one after another. Around that time, I started working as a freelance translator of computer manuals, in the home. It was right working condition for me.

What was I doing 1 year ago? I again moved to near Tokyo, here. I was then a mother of 3 sons. My work as an industrial translator was going so well.

What was I doing yesterday? I was helping my sons with their summer homework, book report. First I intended to sit back and allow them to do, but I couldn't. Helping appropriately is really difficult.

What am I doing today? I'm working with the long English composition.

Five snacks I enjoy Cheese cake, cream puffs, any sweet bun, with iced cafe au leit.

Five bands I like I usually don't listen to band music. I rather like solo singer. Usually I listen to Japanese music - Miki Imai, Rimi Natsukawa.

What 5 things would I do with a million dollars ? Get a house with little farm. I'd grow vegetables with my sons. Get a piano. Make a donation to Uniceff.

Phew. I'm getting tired. To be continued to tomorrow!

Harry Potter

2005-08-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

I'm reading "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince". As English is not my native language and my vocabulary is not so rich, reading is not easy. I often come across unknown words such as "allegiance", "with a jerk", "expectant", and so on. However, I skip all of them whether I can guess the meaning or not. If I check unknown words in a dictionary every time, the Japanized version will come before I finish!

First Star Watching

2005-08-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we were going to use the telescope for the first time. Let's watch the moon first! Where is the moon?
But the moon had gone. It is new of the moon.
So we decided to go out without the telescope and just watch the night sky. As we live near Tokyo, the sky is not dark enough. We barely found the great triangle in summer and some other stars. To see more stars, we have to go far away.
However, my sons were watching the triangle for a long time. They seemed to be interested in stars. We talked about space for a while. It was quality time.

Little glass blower

2005-08-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

I couldn't write this diary for three days. So much has happened and I was very sleepy...

1. Refrigerator arrived. As the passage is narrow, it squeaked in. The men had to move the kitchen cabinet, too. After I put foods and drinks in the new refrigerator, I was satisfied with the extra room. And the door is good. When I open it, it doesn't get in the way.

2. Drive to Azumino, Nagano. We visited the museum of Chihiro Iwasaki, wasabi farm, and glass atelier. At the museum, we enjoyed drawing with volunteer assistants. At the wasabi farm, we were impressed by the cold water. The most special experience was blowing glass. However, our main purpose was to eat Soba. We ate it for lunch and dinner.

3. Telescope arrived. I set up it today. I must read the guide book more before I can go out with the telescope.

4. I put a vinyl swimming pool at the balcony. My sons enjoyed playing in the water very much.

In Tokyo, the highest temperature is above 30'C for these ten days. It is really muggy.

Location Shooting

2005-08-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

Right in front of my apartment, location shooting was done this morning! It was for a kids' TV program about a hero. Unfortunately, my sons do not watch the program, and showed no interest in the event. Moms and children in the neighborhood went out to watch it. The leading actor, a young man, was kind enough to shake hands or sign an autograph for his fans.
I was rather concerned the actor of monster. He looked very, very hot in the costume. He must be so tired...

Shinagawa Aquarium

2005-08-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went to Shinagawa Aquarium with children. The undersea tunnel was fantastic. Big rays and sea turtles attracted my sons most. As it was Sunday and so hot outside, the aquarium was very crowded. Watching the Dolphin show was a big job. The seats were full almost 1 hour before the show starts! We waited about 30 minutes at the standing space, but my youngest son could not wait and fell asleep. He didn't see the show at all.
Though the show was really amazing, it ended too soon. I'd like to go there on a weekday next time.

Astronomic Telescope

2005-07-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

We bought a refrigerator. I can't wait for it to come next week!
As the service point for this shopping, we got more than 30,000 points. It means that we can get goods worth 300 dollars for free. Then my husband suggested getting an astronomic telescope. We have not been interested in sky watching at all. Why telescope?
But I thought it was not so bad idea and we ordered one. There are two concerns.
1. Where should I put the telescope?
2. It might get forgotten after we watched the crater of the moon and the rings of Saturn.
Does sky watching become our new hobby?

Eel Day

2005-07-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

It is Midsummer Day of ox. On that day, we eat eel to develop stamina and get through the heat in Japan. It was actually hot today. I finally turned on the air conditioner during the day.
Eels are usually sold after boiled or grilled, all I have to do is to heat them in a microwave and put them on hot rice.

KAPLA

2005-07-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

I took my sons to a children's house to spend the hot daytime hours at a cool place. There we played with KAPLA, wooden bricks. I've heard of the name, but this is the first time to play with it. Elder sons eagerly built a tower. While they were building, the work came down several times. And the sound was also good. They enjoyed KAPLA very much. However, it was hard work for me to keep my 2-year-old son from breaking the works.

Typhoon No.7

2005-07-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

It was raining all day because a typhoon is moving near Japan. Now the rain is keeping off but the wind is strong.
I watched uncrowded Exposition site on the TV news. It seemed that the rain and wind were not so strong there. The people were enjoying the pavilions without waiting in line. They are really lucky!
By the way, the space shuttle "Discovery" will be launched soon. I will watch the news with my sons tomorrow morning.

Refrigerator

2005-07-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

I went to an electric appliance shop to look refrigerators. It is eleven years since I bought one, and I suspect that it is going to break soon. The noise is large and the freezer may not cold enough.
I was surprised at the very low power consumption level of new models. According to the brochure, the power consumption of most energy-saving refrigerator is only one-eighth of that of old one manufactured ten years ago.
There are various features other than energy-saving. I'm interested in the French-type door. I'm going to compare various functions and models before I decide which one to buy.

Peach

2005-07-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

I ate a peach for the first time this year. The good smell of peach caught me at a vegetable store. Before I cut it, I told my sons to touch and smell it. It was very sweet and juicy.
Despite the age of plenty, there are a lot of problems concerning dietary life. One of the problems is that we don't have much chance to feel the season by food. I know that peach is one of summer fruits, but my sons don't. I want children to know the smell, touch, and the season of foods. I think I should positively serve seasonal ingredients, not only banana or frozen blueberry that are available all through the year.

Helping Housework

2005-07-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

We had sandwiches for lunch. I just prepared the ingredients, and told my sons to sandwich them. At first, they did not want to help me. But I reminded them that they usually prepare their lunch by themselves at school. When my sons hate household chores, I often say, "Are you a guest or a member of family? " Then they fully understand their situation. Japanese children allegedly do not help housework very much. I am going to make them do more household chores this summer.

Summer Vacation

2005-07-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

The first term ended today at most elementary schools. According to the report card, my sons seem to work enough at school. The long summer vacation will start tomorrow. I want them to read a lot of books. I also want to read a lot. Their homework does not seem to be so hard, but the number one problem is the free study. What should they do? I think I must lead them to some extent. But I must take care not to help them totally.
Anyway, I try to positively enjoy the vacation with children, even though my house will be very loud and messy!

Cooking in Summer

2005-07-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

The Meteorological Office announced that the rainy season seemed to end in Kanto region. I heard a cicada buzzing very early in the morning. It was yet 4:30! I realized that midsummer has come.
It is hard to cook in the hot kitchen. I found a cooking magazine when I was waiting in the checkout line at a supermarket. As I read "Dishes to get through the summer!" on the cover of it, so I bought one. I'll try new dishes this summer!

Kawagoe Water Park

2005-07-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

I finished the job as quickly as I could and sent to the client at 10 in the morning. Then I went to a leisure pool at Kawagoe with my family. There were various types of pool; kids' pool, streaming pool, sliders, and wave-making pool. The slider was long enough and thrilling! As I must wait in line for the slider, I tried it only once.
This water park was very nice, but a little too far from my house. It took almost 1 hour even we ran on the highway. I'd like to find another pool near here.

This is a challange!

2005-07-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

I undertook an urgent job last evening. I'm working very hard this weekend. I have just completed translation. I must check the document again tomorrow. Oh, it is already one o'clock on Sunday. I must go to bed now.

Lasting long?

2005-07-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

It is almost one month since I started this diary. I couldn't write only 2 days in this period. This is very good performance for me. To continue more, I must practice to post a blog from my cell-phone, as I have a plan to stay at Izumo, where my husband's parents live, for one week in August.

Baking

2005-07-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

I made some bread. I put mayonnaise, cheese and basil on them before baking. The good smell of freshly baked bread makes me happy. When my sons and husband eat them and says "Yummy!" I feel happy again. It makes me to feel like baking again soon. When my youngest son will enter kindergarten in two years, I want to get a part-time-job at a bakery.

Art

2005-07-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

I went to art galleries in the department store. I am looking for a picture for my mother's new house, which is now under construction. She wants a landscape painting in soft touch. Today, there were works by Mari Maeda. They were not landscape painting, I was very impressed. I thought that I want one of her works someday in the future.

His Great Discovery

2005-07-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

My 2-year-old son closed his eyes tightly and said, "It is dark!" Then he opened them again and said, "Wow, it is bright." He repeated that several times. I was impressed how he found the role of eyes by himself. He seems to find something new every day.

Water Strider

2005-07-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

I took my sons to a little park near my house in late afternoon. It was still hot. They love to play at the sandbox, and spent almost 2 hours there. They aren't tired of making rivers, mountains, and tunnels with sand.
There were some water striders in the puddles. I wondered where they were from. When the boys tried to catch one of them, it flew! It was the first time I saw it flies. To tell the truth, I have never thought that a water strider flies. Come to think of it, it is very natural.

Library

2005-07-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

I went to the library. At the children's book area, we enjoyed the story hour. It is held on every Saturday at 11:00. My son likes the song for story hour, which we sing before and after the stories.
I borrowed some books. Now I'm reading "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Trader" in Japanese. I would like to try to read the original book some day.

Banana

2005-07-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce how we enjoy bananas.

1. Banana with ground soybean
Cut banana into 5mm-pieces. Put ground soybean and sugar, if you like, on them. This includes a lot of dietary fiber.

2. Frozen banana
Just cut banana into 5mm-pieces and freeze them. If the pieces are stacked, it may be difficult to separate each one when they are frozen. I put a cellophane wrap in a plastic Tapperwear and spread banana pieces on it. My sons eat this instead of ice cream.

As banana is inexpensive, there are always some at my house. Is there any banana recipes you recommend?

Home Made Bracken-Starch Dumpling

2005-07-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

I received goods that I ordered through the Internet three days ago. They are some confectionery ingredients including bracken starch, ground soybean, and brown sugar syrup. I immediately tried to make bracken-starch dumplings. The process is very simple. And it was fun to mix the sticky dough in the pan.
The dumpling was very good as it was made at a Japanese-style confection store!

Shopping Bags

2005-07-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

I read the newspaper well for the first time in these several days. I have been very busy these days.
I was interested in the agenda for charging for shopping bags distributed at supermarkets. I usually bring my own bag when I go shopping and don’t receive them. It is not so lazy to have my bag with me, as it can be folded as small as a wallet. On the other hand, I understand that not all supermarket bags are thrown out. Those who use the bags at home, for example to separate trash, are against the charging.
I think that not only shopping bags but also plastic trays for fish or meat can be decreased.

Classroom Visit

2005-07-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

I went to the classroom visit. I watched an art class of first grade children. They cut origami variously and connected them. Each work was unique and interesting. Everyone seemed to enjoy the work.
After the class, the teacher and parents had a meeting. The teacher explained how the class has worked for the 1st term.
On the wall of corridor, there was a decoration for Star Festival. On strips of paper, each child wrote his or her wish. My son wrote, "I wish to be a motor man of Shinkansen bullet train."

Abacus

2005-07-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

My 9-year-old son passed the 6th degree exam at the abacus school. He started to learn abacus one year ago. I think he is improving smoothly.
When I was a child, there were a lot of abacus schools and many children learned there. Nowadays, few children go to abacus schools. Even though, it is said that learning abacus is effective in improving concentration very much.
It will be fun to see his growth.