Creative Mai Takes on Australia (with Japan in her heart)

Back At It for 2011

2011-01-01T12:16:00.004+09:00

So...

Here we are. Back in Japan. And I've decided that for 2011 I am going to start blogging again. I took a bit of a break (a very VERY Long break) from blogging because ...hmmmm.... how shall I put this...I didn't realize so many folks were reading my blog. Anyway, my husband tells me that I actually never stopped blogging, but used Facebook to blog in my Facebook notes and status updates. What can I say? I like to express myself.

It's January 1, 2011 and a whole lot has changed since the last time I posted on here. We've lived in Australia, Ukraine, Tokyo, and are back in Tokyo again. Oh yeah... and we had another baby! (more on THAT later lol)

Everyday's Like Christmas I Guess

2007-08-19T07:16:00.000+09:00

My husband went buckwild in ToysRUs yesterday...and spent the evening putting toys together. I swear Isaiah must have woke up and thought it was Christmas as he saw his brand new blow up ball tosser thing that is similar to the things you see at birthday parties where kids take off their shoes and jump around.

Needless to say he is very happy today.

He is ridind his new tricycle like a champ as well!

Matane,
Mai

We Are In The Adelaide Advertiser Newspaper!

2007-08-17T09:42:00.001+09:00

Sixers' Chappell steps upArticle from: Font size: Decrease Increase Email article: Email Print article: Print Submit comment: Submit comment BOTI NAGY, BASKETBALL WRITER
August 03, 2007 02:15am
MIKE Chappell felt as if Christmas had arrived early when his agent told him the Adelaide 36ers had come calling.

One of the finest imports to play in the NBL, he had never been in a program which properly suited or showcased his silky skills, breath-taking athleticism or commitment to winning.

Fresh from a season in Japan with the Sendai 89ers where he was an AllStar averaging 23 points per game and eight rebounds in the BJ (Japanese) League, finally the right NBL club was on the line.

"I was excited when my agent told me they'd been in contact because I thought the 36ers would be a good fit for me," Chappell said yesterday when he arrived from Detroit with wife Maisha and two-year-old son Isaiah.

"The 36ers have always been a club rich in basketball tradition and I've always enjoyed the way they play the game. In the times I've spent here (in Australia), they're always a top-four side and always find a way to get there.

"The style they play under (coach) Phil (Smyth) always looks like they're having fun along the way too."

Well yes, that used to be the case. But last season's 11th-placed finish was a record club low, anything but fun and meant some very dramatic changes were in order.

Out went most of the team, with Brett Maher, David Cooper, Lanard Copeland, Matt Sutton and Darren Ng retained while Brad Newley, Brad Davidson, Axel Dench, Adam Ballinger and Chappell brought in.

Ballinger and Chappell were college team-mates at storied Michigan State University.

"I'm looking forward to catching up with Adam," Chappell said. "We've never played on the same team since college, although we've played against each other when I was with Canberra and he was at Victoria."

Chappell, 29 and a 203cm small forward, already has chalked up 88 NBL games with the Cannons, Wollongong Hawks and New Zealand Breakers since 2002, averaging 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Since last suiting with the Breakers in 2005 - where he was club MVP in 2004 - he has played in Portugal, Lebanon and Japan.

His arrival means the Sixers finally will have a foil for star small forwards such as Sam Mackinnon (Brisbane), Martin Cattalini (Cairns), and Glen Saville (Sydney) who, along with departed Breakers import Carlos Powell, in 2007 consistently exposed Adelaide's deficiency in that area.

On a one-year deal, Chappell - pronounced Shap-pell - said he had "the highest respect for Phil Smyth and Brett Maher."

Smyth spoke with his former longtime Canberra Cannons team-mate, Hall of Famer Herb McEachin, before signing Chappell.

"Herb's only ever recommended one other player to me and that was Darnell Mee," Smyth said. "When he recommended Mike, I knew he was the right man for us.

"And that's without taking into account the fact he's very talented, versatile and all the other tangibles he brings."

Adelaide opens its season against Wollongong on September 21 but will only know if Newley is staying after he fields European offers.

Baked Beans for Breakfast

2007-08-17T09:28:00.000+09:00

In Australia baked beans are a commonly served with breakfast. Being the culture craver that I am, I have taken this "full on" as they say down here and my husband smiles and shakes his head at me. He thinks its funny that I take on the cultures around us (well, certainly not all of the customs cause that could be detrimental to your relationships).

Apparently, baked beans are very high in protein and are quite tasty with sunny side up eggs and toast. My toddler doesn't seem to think so as he has requested Fruit Loops each morning. The orange juice has a bit of a tart kickback here... more of a lemony taste to it. But, lemons taste like lemons.

Speaking of Lemons, if you request "lemonade" down here in Australia (and in New Zealand) you will be served a proper Sprite. There is no such thing as our form of lemonade down this way. (Apologies to Arnold Palmer).

Of course, I've taken on some of the Aussie lingo. My next post is sure to include some.

Yours Truly,
CreativeMaiDownUnder

CREATIVE MAI SAYS GOODBYE TO JAPAN AND HELLO TO AUSTRALIA

2007-08-17T09:24:00.000+09:00

I will be changing the name of this post from "Creative Mai Takes On Japan" to "Creative Mai Takes on Australia". All previous posts will remain archived... I may even make the blog public again...

Whirlwind Travel _ Around The World in 30 Days

2007-08-17T09:20:00.000+09:00

In April we moved from Sendai Japan to Detroit Michigan... Our wedding was at the end of June... The next week we went to a family reunion in Alabama... Went back to Michigan... The next week to a family reunion in Washington D.C. ... Then the next took 4 flights to move to South Australia.

Now... that may not seem like much to you but MAN did we have jetlag!!!

So glad to be settled in Australia... for now.

I will continue from this point with blogs about our life here in Aussie.

Mom and Son

2006-12-08T19:33:00.000+09:00

I felt so strange without Isaiah in South Korea with me. It makes my day to see him smile...to read a book to him. I am so happy to have such a beautiful, loving child. It's amazing to be able to sit back and watch his personality develop. His sense of humor is more apparant these days...and anytime he hears music he starts dancing.

Squat Like A Tiger

2006-12-08T14:38:00.000+09:00

Does a Tiger actually squat?? If not, which animal does?

Well, you have to in Japan if you want to use a public toilet. This was one of the first cultural difficulties I had to face:

How on Earth am I supposed to pee all the way down there and not wet my clothes??

So, thank goodness, the toilet in our apartment is just the opposite. It's this super high-tech butt warmer, butt sprayer, along with a host of other butt luxuries that you can't possibly imagine. And it's eco-friendly. It was made so that you can wash your hands in the water that will refill the toilet in a tiny sink above the tank! Now, I never do this... but it's kinda of cool to see the water squirting out of the spout ready for me to use:

Mike's Subway Shout Out

2006-12-08T14:17:00.000+09:00

There was the coolest poster of Mike on all the subway cars in Sendai about a month ago. It looked like this (minus the yellow blanket in the background):

Everytime Isaiah saw it on the train he'd yell out "DAH-Dee" "DAH-Dee" while pointing frantically non-stop. Needless to say... it attracted lots of attention since the subway cars are always so quiet. How this child knew this was his Daddy's back I have no idea.... but he knew. LOL

Photos of Our Trip to Sendai Zoo

2006-12-08T14:11:00.000+09:00

We had such a great time with Iku's family last month at Sendai Zoo. Here are some photos from our first Japanese Zoo Trip! Simply click on the photo to view the entire slideshow. Enjoy :)

Sendai Zoo

Our Japanese Halloween (Intended for posting on October 27, 2006)

2006-12-08T14:06:00.000+09:00

Japanese Halloween

Here are some photos from our Halloween Party in October. We had Soooooooo much fun! :) Click on the photo below to view the entire set.

Our Neighborhood in Sendai

2006-12-08T14:05:00.001+09:00

Japanese Autumn

Join Isaiah as he takes you on a tour of our neighborhood in Izumi Chuo, Sendai City, Japan. You will see the same things we see each day. Click on the picture below to view the set. Enjoy the slideshow!

Black Hair Care in Japan

2006-12-08T07:58:00.000+09:00

I've recently receive a lot of emails from other black women asking me about my experience in Japan. They especially want to know how I manage my hair here. Here are some of the things I've said:

I've personally have had wonderful experiences here in Japan as a black woman... now, South Korea... that was a whole nother story.

In terms of hair care, I am on the lucky side. I learned how to do my own hair (perms, styling, the works) while I was in college... so I always am able to still look like I am getting my hair done while we are abroad. Plus, half the time when you go to the beauty shop people don't style your hair like you want it. I usually bring a 4-pack of Vitale perm and large bottles of Creme of Nature Moisturizing Shampoo from the beauty supply store and that will last me several months. If I run out, I just ask someone who is coming over to bring more.

My flat-irons (Helen of Troy) are absolutely wonderful. Luckily the electrical ports are the same as the U.S. here... in Portugal I ended up frying my flat irons in an outlet!

I am very afraid to get my hair done in the salons here. In Lebanon and Portugal I could go to the salons... they have thicker hair and know how to blow dry so good it looks like your hair has been pressed :)

I had one horrible beauty salon experience in New Zealand... enough said. I don't even want to revisit what happened.

Maybe I will try to go get a wet set soon... I will keep you all posted on how that turns out. Hopefully I won't come home with a jeri-curl instead!! If someone reading this knows where a good salon for Black women in Japan is located, please shoot me an email or a post.

I'm still not mentally ready to write about my trip to South Korea. All I can say is boy is it good to be back in Japan!!

Mai

Cross Cultural Contamination

2006-12-08T07:46:00.000+09:00

I just returned from S.Korea yesterday. I am still in such cultural shock that I don't even know where to begin in describing my trip.

I need a minute...

I have to figure out how to write on this without seeming completely jaded and offensive.

I'll be back...

Freezing My Buns Off in Japan

2006-11-24T22:54:00.000+09:00

Okay. It's so freakin COLD in our apartment in Japan!!!

Now... I must say that I have experienced different types of cold in various countries on different continents but the cold that i experience here in Japan is the kind that can make you go crazy!!

It's not that it's so cold outside... but it is so freaking cold inside of our apartment. We have an air conditioning unit that is supposed to function sufficiently as a heating system... but it only stays on for 5 minutes at a time.. in which it turns off. And you have to go walk over to it and double click in order for it to come back on again.

So, if you can imagine. This gets to be very cumbersome when you are trying to go to sleep. But, if you don't continue to get up and double click you run the risk of waking up with a cold!

Poor Mike, he has to wear super warm socks to bed because his feet and legs hang off the edge of our Japanese bed.

Shoot... I wish I could find one of those pajamas like Isaiah's. You know the one-piece pajamas with the enclosed feet that are made of fleece.

Hold please. I must double-click now.

What are we going to do when it begins snowing outside??

Tonight it's 39 degrees.... but I swear I can see my breath and I don't mean it stinks either.

Someone please email me an electric heater!!!

Freezin My Buns Off In Japan,

Mai

Crazy 88's Thanksgiving

2006-11-24T22:43:00.000+09:00

Were you a Kill Bill fan?

Wait till you get a load of these photos.

The restaurant where we ate Thanksgiving was like the scene from Kill Bill Vol1 Crazy 88's. When we arrived it was liked walking onto a movie set! There was a river running throughout the bottom of the restaurant with bridges and fish swimming in it.

We ate upstairs in a private room... with about 25 of Mike's teammates and wives/girlfriends. The woman sat together and all of the men sat at the other tables.

When we first got there Isaiah screamed when he saw Andrew Ecker's coat because it has fur all around the hood like a polar bear. It took a while for Mike to calm him down. But... once he was calm he was very happy to see everyone.

We ate Sukiyaki and Syabu Syabu together... and it was very VERY Oishii de su ne! (Delicious)

It was all you can eat and we were stuffed by the time we left there.

We are very grateful to have such an amazing group of friends around us here in Sendai.

Domo Arigato!

Mai

Free Gmail Invites

2006-11-24T22:13:00.000+09:00

Hi,

I have about 90 Gmail invites, for anyone who wants a Google email account. Most of my friends already have gmail accounts.... so if you need one send me a message!

The Taxi From Hell

2006-11-18T15:46:00.000+09:00

Today I had to go to the mall to pick up some things for Isaiah. Before I knew it... it was 2:55, and Mike's game started at 3pm online. So, I decided to take a taxi home.

Bad move.

I put the bags and Isaiah into the taxt... then the stroller...then finally I sat down. Before I could get in all the way "BAMMMMM"! I could feel the tears begin to well up in my eyes as the pain radiated in my ankle. I told myself "Don't cry... Don't cry. Be strong." The driver looked at me with his mouth dropped open. He began to speak in Japanese. I just put my hand up and politely asked him to stop. I needed a moment. I looked at my ankle... already beginning to bruise and swell.

I said, "Please... take me home" (in Japanese)

If you see an American limping down the street pushing a stroller in the freezing cold thats me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR KHARI

2006-11-10T22:20:00.000+09:00

Dear Khari,

We wanted to wish you a VERY Happy Birthday on Skype earlier today... but I think you were still at school when we called and talked to your mom. So, this is our official Japanese shout out to a very special "young man" who is celebrating his birthday (with class) in China this year.

We love you Khari. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Love,

Auntie Mai & Zaiah too!

What the CRAP??!?! Everything is in Japanese

2006-11-10T22:13:00.000+09:00

Okay... this is SO not funny.

Somehow I have triggered our computer to only show webpages in Japanese... which of course creates a heck of a problem for me when I am trying to write a new blog post and can figure out which buttons mean what and the website.

I must figure this out soon..

Yes, I am a habitual blog neglecter. I have had my hands full with lots of work (The Gift and The Curse Pt.2). And Mike's season officially began this week so we had events to attend here in Sendai.

Crazy stalker person is sending me crazy messages to my cellphone once again... even more out of control than before.

And I made the nastiest Udon ever... and I mean EVER. I tried everything to make it taste better... miso paste, seasonings... nothing worked. I will stick to making things I know how to cook... like chicken and okra.

~Mai

Mai the superhero

2006-10-26T09:23:00.000+09:00

If I were a superhero, I supposed I'd look like this:

But.... I suppose I am a bit of a superhero on days when I am in family mode and I actually look like this:

Fire Beneath My Rear End

2006-10-24T17:14:00.000+09:00

I almost got fired by one of my important clients today.

I've been a bit behind on my work lately, and missed some of my deadlines. He is running an important corporation, so he was not happy about this... to say the least.

So, I tried to resolve the situation and sent him some work. I could tell he was still upset with me, cause he only sent one sentence in response.

"I have read your work and I must admit it is very impressive." end of email

Whew, that was a close one.

Isaiah has been sick nonstop the past couple of weeks. That daycare is like a setup. They must have a thing going with the medical system here. Some kind of kickback based on the amount of kids you send there from your school. So, I have been running a bed and breakfast and an infirmary here at the apartment 24-7. Hence, my work has suffered.

anyway, that's why there have been no updates. But I will scare my japanese scary story soon.

Mai

Fire In My Belly

2006-10-19T20:35:00.000+09:00

The Indian food burned, like no other... I sat in the restuarant , tears in my eyes and sinuses wide open, wondering why on earth I had decided to order the daily special...

First of all, I broke rule #1 of dining abroad while extremely hungry. I order something that was written in another language that I don't speak, that was not accompanied by a photo, and was listed as a "daily special".

Now, I happen to have eaten a great deal of Indian food in my lifetime... but never ever was the menu written in Japanese.

But, hey... I figured I was out with my friend... having a great time... why not take a chance. So, we both did. Then stared at each other across the table with tears brimming in our eyes from the heat that was beginning to also make our lips swell... until we burst out laughing.

Unfortunately I don't have a photo of what we looked like... but I guarantee you, I won't be ordering that dish ever again!

Whew!
Mai

A Walk Along Cloud 9- Japanese Hot Springs

2006-10-19T20:04:00.000+09:00

Have you ever taken a walk along Cloud 9? Well, two weeks ago I did when I made my first visit to the Japanese hot springs.

Picture yourself stress free and completely relaxed... surrounded by pure serenity and natures most precious scenery. Now, imagine your body submerged in natural, healing, hot water... clean and clear. And one more thing... you are completely butt naked.

I swear I have never felt so at ease in my life. The hot springs made me feel like a pampered goddess. Once I got there, all of my inhibitions were left behind. I felt so comfortable with myself, my body, and the experience that I was about to have. As I peeled away my clothes, I felt like I was taking away layers of stress and preoccupation. I didn't care about anything... all I could do is feel the tension melting away from my muscles.

There is a process that must be followed at the hot springs in order to ensure the natural beauty and effects are preserved. Cleanliness is first, and you are required to shower before entering the hot springs and you are prohibited from taking bathing suits and other items of clothing in with you.

During our visit, the women all went to the outdoor hot springs first. I had no idea of the amazing scenery that I was about to witness. The outdoor japanese hot springs are set in the middle of the forest, and there are lights that illuminate the natural setting. It was a cool evening so you could see the steam rising from your body and the springs. Each area has a different temperature and you can switch springs at your leisure. If you lean against the natural stone you can see fish swimming in the clear river that runs below the edge of the rocks. If you are lucky, you may even spot a deer lapping water nearby. My friend told me about a visit where she saw a monkey in the trees above. (I am not sure if that was so relaxing)

After spending a half hour in the outdoor hot springs, the women were informed that it was almost time for the men's slot to begin. So, we headed indoors to go to the other hot springs.

Just as I thought it couldn't get any better, Part 2 began. This time the area was not as large, but the water was just as relaxing. They had areas where you could just lay back and watch the stars as you soaked and immersed your skin in the minerals. I layed back and thought about the women that had been doing this for hundreds of years...I thought about how I would never go again without the onsens.

After we exited the second set of japanese springs we went inside to the womens room to sit and shower, shampoo, cleanse, and pamper ourselves. Then, just when you think it is over... you go into another set of indoor hot springs for one last good soak. Upon exiting, you don't rinse the minerals... as they are good for your body and well being. You towel down, dress, and leave as radiant and rejuvinated as you could possibly be.

Above you will see a photo of the whole group before entering the hot springs that evening!

Ah... such pleasure and serenity. I will never go without the hot springs again!

A song comes to mind as I reflect on this experience... (smile)

"At first I was afraid, I was petrified,

Thinking everyone would be looking at my backside.

I spent all those lonely nights

Thinking how I'd do it wrong

Then, I grew strong

I let go and went along..."

("I Will Survive Remix by Mai Campbell")

One Happy Toddler.

2006-10-19T19:42:00.000+09:00

There is nothing that will bring a smile to my face faster than seeing my baby boy laughing. This picture is a perfect example of what it feels like to be happy!

Isaiah & Iku (and if you look closely you can get a glimpse of mom in the background!)

And yes, I know I am a bit behind on my blogs. Don't worry I have about 10 coming back to back for ya!

Mai

Wind in my face

2006-10-09T08:50:00.000+09:00

By the way,

It was extremely windy in Sendai yesterday. Iku says there is a Typhoon coming.

Isaiah doesn't like the wind blowing in his face, so he scrunches his nose up and tries to cover his body from it each time. You can see him scrunching in action on this photo that Iku took! I thought it was funny. :)

Mai

Festivals in Sendai, Japan

2006-10-09T08:37:00.000+09:00

Yesterday there were festivals going on everywhere in Sendai.

It was great to see all of the beautiful costumes and performances in the various suburbs of Sendai. Isaiah (although very sleepy) wanted to run around and go on stage. He didn't appreciate me holding him back from his attempts to steal the show. In the photo you, if you take a good look at his expression... he isn't exactly smiling at the camera. That was taken after he got upset with me for not letting him run out with the other children.

I went on my first Japanese "road-trip" yesterday with Iku and a Romanian woman named Roxanna. We went to Niigita (I may have spelled that wrong) for Mike's basketball game. It's a two hour drive from Sendai by car. Isaiah slept most of the way there... we passed many rice fields and the countryside on the way there. The stadium was very big, and there were vendors outside with all kinds of foods cooked fresh in front of you. Isaiah ate Yaki Sobi. I had some type of shrimp dumpling. I wish I had tried this cabbage dish though... my friends all got it and when I sampled it, it was delicious!

Midori, Yuko, Junko, "Kenichi's Wife" (her name begins with a Y, but I can't remember it right now), Iku, Roxanna and I all had a really good time. The 89ers had a 20 point lead for most of the game, but in the last quarter they lost by 3 points. We couldn't believe it! But, it happens...

I didn't get home until late because after we drove back to Sendai I still had to catch the subway back to our house. Me, Mike, and Ryan had a casino night. I was the dealer and we played Blackjack for 10 cents a hand for a couple hours. In the end, the bank went for bust... they took all my money! Who says the house is at an advantage???

Well, I must get my nerve up for our hot spring visit in a couple hours. Thanks for all the moral support to those of you that have left messages about the hot springs!! LOL

Sayonara for now!
Mai

A Special Thank You

2006-10-09T08:36:00.000+09:00

I'd just like to send out a special thank you to the runny nose toddler at the daycare center. If it weren't for you, none of our throats would have been sore this weekend.

Arigato!

Crouching Toddler Hidden Cellphone

2006-10-07T09:56:00.000+09:00

My 18 month old son has turned into a ninja overnight.

He suddenly has taken on this stealth like sneaking persona...to get into all kinds of things he knows he is not supposed to mess with.

Like just now, the room was very quiet... so I went over and saw that he had my cellphone tucked away into his pajama pants. He also goes into my purse (when I am not paying attention) and takes my cellphone, opens it, and calls people from my call list. I am telling you... I have got to figure out how to lock the keys on my phone. Apparently, he has... and I couldn't get incoming calls for an entire day. My friend, Yuko, came to my house to inform me that my phone said "Hello. I am driving now," each time she tried to call me.

You probably are thinking I should get some things to keep him interested and active. That's not the problem. I have a giant toy bag stocked with toys, blocks, books, activities... but it's electronics he wants. More than anything he wants to play with our cellphones, the laptop, and the remote controls, oh and the cable box.

I bought him a toy cellphone that really talks... do you think he wanted to play with that silly thing???

Uh, oh.. he has Mike's eyeglasses... gotta run!

Mai

Just When You Think You're Safe...

2006-10-06T17:51:00.000+09:00

Your man gets you.

Remember how I was so relieved about the "no tattoos in the hot springs" news the other day?

Well, Mike called me this afternoon to inform me that his head coached has arranged for us to attend the hot springs with him on Monday, so we were going. Oh, and yeah... his teammate Ryan is going with us.

Before I hung up with an attitude he informed me that although we do have to be naked in the hot springs, the one his coach chose is divided amongst gender.

Naked hot springs here I come...

The things you do for culture!

Maybe I can take some saran wrap to at least feel like I am covered up...

Creative Mai Takes On The World

2006-10-05T12:08:00.000+09:00

Creative Mai Takes On The World

Let's Go Streaking!

2006-10-05T11:55:00.000+09:00

Well... I just found out last night that because I have tattoos I am not allowed in many of the hot springs. Tattoos here are associated with the Japanese mafia. So there will be no skinny dipping in the hot springs for Mai!!!

So...
By the way, that tattoo picture is not of me!! :)

Views From A Japanese Window

2006-10-05T11:15:00.000+09:00

Last night... sometime around midnight, I heard the clickity clacking of what sounded like heels on the pavement on the street below.

I wonder who that was running, and where was "she" running to so late at night. I sat and gave scenerios of who it could be and what they were doing out so late. He thought it was funny.

In the morning, when I look outside our patio window, all I see is rooftops. Some rooftops are like those you would picture when you imagine a home in Japan... with all of the tiles, curves, and architectural detail. Other apartment rooftops are very flat and you see a couple peaks here and there. On this particular morning it is very cloudy and you can feel the moisture in the air. Daylight enters our apartment around 5am each morning. At times it makes you feel like you have a tinge of insomnia. Your mind is telling you it's morning since it's light outside, but your body is screaming "COME ON YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!". Although Mike has a watch, a clock, and a cellphone with a display he insists upon asking me every morning around 5am, "What time is it Mai?"

As I posted on my blog, Isaiah caught a cold at school. I should have known this was coming when I picked him up two days ago and a runny nose kid greeted me at the door. I gave Isaiah that instant look like, "I sure hope you weren't playing with HIM." And of course... sure enough he must have been. I wish you could see my interaction with his teachers and headmaster (Teachers are called "Sen-se" here--- Mi-ho-san is one of Isaiah's teachers, Michi-ko-san is the headmaster). It's gotta be hilarious from the outside looking in... me with my limited vocabulary and keen sense of Pictionary--- them with their limited English and wonderful expressions. They laugh at my Japanish and encourage me by saying "Very Good Communication". I actually would have attended my Japanese class yesterday, but I was home taking care of Isaiah, thanks to the runny nose kid. Miho and Michiko say that Isaiah plays really well and communicates with the other children with his expressions and is laughing all day. That makes me smile, because I love to see him happy.

Well, I have to call a client in Chicago now...I have to add some "sizzle" to the copy on her nutritional website.

All is well in Japan.

Matane,
Mai

French Toast and Bacon

2006-10-05T09:04:00.000+09:00

Here in Japan, Michael is always... always hungry. I gotta admit, the portions ARE pretty small here. But hey, I have to work with what I have. Even the grocery shopping carts are petite here. So, you can really only buy a small amount of food at a time. It wouldn't make sense to buy a bunch of food, because the refrigerator is small.

Somehow due to the portion size I end up cooking 3 meals a day. You see, because the sizes are smaller, there aren't really any leftovers once Mike gets done eating.

For breakfast this morning I cooked french toast, bacon, and eggs. Isaiah ate a banana, cereal and a piece of bacon as well.

Last night I cooked my homemade version of sweet and sour chicken which turned out to be really tasty...

Mike told me 3 times how much he liked dinner last night... so I think that recipe is a keeper.

Don't Be Jealous

2006-10-04T17:17:00.000+09:00

Last weekend my friends got together and had a ball in New York City.

If you look to the right, you will see Lauren, Joslyn, Angie, and Dom just having a grand ole time at a club.

Am I jealous??? YEAH.

Sike... I gotta admit, seeing the pictures DID make me miss my girls a whole lot, but I am so happy they had a great time.. Afterall, they deserve it.

I remember the last time we partied hard in New York. We thought we were the hype squad of the club and so did everyone else! We danced and danced and laughed and sang like nobody was watching...

Maybe I can convince one of them to come over here to club with me in Tokyo....

Get your passports ready ladies!

If you had to guess what these 4 ladies did for a living what would you say? Well, Lauren is an interior designer, Joslyn (excuse me Dr. JBones) is a doctor, and Angie and Dominique are both actresses (also juggling other professions). An eclectic crew huh? Think that's untraditional you should see us when we all get together!!!

This post is dedicated to all my homies who ain't here :)

Mai

Another Eating Adventure in Japan

2006-10-04T16:39:00.000+09:00

Today I ate something called Onigiri with Iku.

MUY DELICIOSO!!! TRES BIEN!!! YUMMY YUMMY!!!

And that comes from someone who was quite skeptical at first.

It was like packed rice wrapped in seaweed with a little pork and shrimp inside. There were 4 pieces and it was served with some sliced pickles of some sort.

My friend, Iku, at a sandwich that was like crustless bread with a piece of breaded pork inside.

I thought I would still be hungry after eating what looked like an American appetizer, but I was very satisfied.

So Onigiri gets two thumbs up in this sista's book!

Matane,

Mai

Stacking Writer's Blocks

2006-10-04T16:25:00.000+09:00

It only takes one moment of hesitation for a writer's workload to pile up.

A case of writer's block left me with a heavy load recently.

I am not sure how it began... maybe with the fact that we renovated a house, moved to another country, and immersed ourselves in another culture (simultaneously) got the best of me.

Want to know the cure to writer's block? Write something that takes very little brainpower to release all those distracting thoughts from your mind.

Daycare Initiation Process

2006-10-04T09:47:00.000+09:00

Well, I am supposed to be in my first official Japanese class today but, I was informed that Isaiah has begun his daycare initiation process at 10pm last night.

Normally he sleeps from 8pm until 7 or 8am, but not last night. He woke up at 10pm screaming and didn't stop until around 5am. I tried everything... I thought it was his new mattress. I thought he didn't eat enough at dinnertime and was hungry. I thought his room was not dark enough. But sure enough at 5am I saw the trickle of mucus running from his nose. "Ah...," I thought to myself, "it's the daycare initiation blues."

I happens everytime. By the time we are through traveling this guy should have a really strong immune system cause he's getting exposed to all kinds of strains of colds from kids.

So, around 8am I called my friend Iku and told her I will have to start my class next week instead.

I suppose it was inevitable.

Let the Pediacare begin!

Motherhood calls...

Lady Mai in NYC

2006-10-03T16:30:00.000+09:00

This photo always makes me think of good times in NYC.... This makes me miss my friends. I can't say I miss the crowded subway though. Or the smoking roommate. But man it's great to have good friends that you can laugh with and just relax in being you....

Brooklyn WHAT!!!

For my homies who ain't here !!
LOL

Big Sister Lactose

Lazy Ladies in the States

2006-10-03T15:37:00.000+09:00

Living in Japan has already showed me clearly that we are very lazy in the United States.

They walk EVERYWHERE here. I swear I should have brought better shoes.

And when they aren't walking... they are riding bicycles.

Forget "having children" being an excuse. Cause the women here are quick to strap a baby on their back and jump on a bicycle to go somewhere. IN HIGH HEELS mind you.

The fact that the women here walk for miles and miles, ride bicycles (and motorcycles at times) does not stop them from doing it in top fashion. Yes, you read right the first time. They walk for miles and ride bicycles with babies strapped on their back with skirts and high heel shoes on.

I feel very out of place walking around pushing Isaiah's stroller with my sneakers on. But, I must spare my feet cause I know that if I attempt to keep up with the Joneses I will suffer from hammertime for years! (For those of you who don't know what "hammertime" means, it basically means busted looked toes.)

Yesterday I had to drop Isaiah off at his Japanese school for the afternoon and it was pouring raining outside. I was baffled as to what I could do to keep the rain off of us. Clearly he is way to heavy for me to try to carry a full mile... and I can't push this umbrella stroller and hold an umbrella over our heads. Not to mention I JUST flatironed my hair.

So... I had to sacrifice the hairstyle and threw on a sweatshirt and took the umbrella to hold over my baby's head so at least he wouldn't get wet.

I have found the true Superwomen of the world. Here in Japan they do it all... and without attitude.

I've got some lessons to learn... clearly.

Creative Mai

Put In My Place

2006-10-03T15:34:00.000+09:00

Apparently I am quite uncultured.

Once I posted my message about being grossed out from eating cow tongue my inbox became flooded with emails from family and friends. They wanted to school me on how cow tongue is a delicacy and something they happen to love.

So.... it is I who is shameless for turning up my nose to this delicacy.

I have to admit... that gravy was quite tasty before I knew what it was.......

Creative Mai

I'm Getting Naked Under My Clothes - Sept 25, 2006

2006-10-02T16:21:00.000+09:00

"This is Japanese Custom," has become the most popular phrase in my daily interactions lately.

I went shopping with Midori and Iku today. I had such a wonderful time. They showed me all the great places to get deals in Sendai.

During lunch I asked them where I could go to get a relaxing massage and maybe sit in a sauna or something like that. They told me about the Japanese hot springs. After hearing all the wonderful things about these natural hot springs it was set.

I was all for going. But, before we could set a date Midori said, "But there is one thing, you cannot wear clothes here in the hot springs."

I was like, "You mean you have to be butt naked???"

"Yes," she replies with a serious nodd.

I looked to Iku, who nodded as well.

"You mean butt naked, but is it co-ed?"

"Yes." Midori replied, looking somewhat amused at me.

So, I sat and thought about it. "But don't people look at you?"

"NO!," She exclaimed looking shocked. "Well, maybe just a little... but no."

"This is Japanese cutsom, Mai" they told me. It seems like I am hearing that a lot lately.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you... but if I am in a place where everyone is butt naked, I am going to look.

So... the questions sit in my mind:

a. Do I go to the hot springs and get butt naked and relax and enjoy the nature of things?

b. And if I go, do I take an occasional glance for goodness sakes?

c. Can I have a shot of sake first to get my nerve up???

d. Will they take special notice to me because I am a black woman when I am naked?

I am thoroughly amused by these questions as I seriously debate entering the world of nudity.

Ah, to culturally assimilate...

This is the life! :)
Mai

Lost In Translation... Well, Sort Of - Sept 22, 2006

2006-10-02T16:15:00.000+09:00

Konnichiwa!... or Ohayo (Good Morning) rather

I know it's long overdue, but I figured I should write to say we have arrived to Japan safely. Isaiah was wonderful on the plane ride. We had a direct flight from Detroit, which was 14 hours. After we got to Tokyo we had to catch the bullet train to Sendai. When we arrived the entire team met us at the station and we immediately went to dinner as a group and they gave me and Mike new cellphones that were already active. Our address is the same as I posted before. If you haven't already, please download Skype to your computer. We are able to call anyone who has Skype internationally for free. If you have a webcam it works even better... If we call anyone that doesn't have Skype, the rates are just 2 cents per minute.

Visual Dependency
I truly must thank my family for years of practice in playing Pictionary at a time like this... I have to admit embarrasingly that I go around town drawing pictures of what I am trying to say when my attempt at Japanese fails me. Luckily, everyone here has been understanding and I am always greeted with a smile .... well, maybe it's more of a laugh. Apparently, to Isaiah, I look as though I am also practicing sign language since I am much more expressive with my hands here and he has begun signing things at people when they talk to him. This is not a country where I can even attempt to get by cheating with my English... I found a free japenese class for adults with children under 9 that I am going to begin. All I have to purchase is the text book.

Sendai... what it's like
I really should begin journaling our travels. Seriously. I don't know what I was thinking... Mike and I talk about the similarities and differences in cultures everywhere we go. We have a list of characteristics that we loved about different places.

Downtown Sendai is like a unique blend of New York City's Times Square and downtown Auckland, NZ. This was quite surprising, as I expected it to be very small and unmodern. It takes me about 15 minutes to get from our suburb, Sendai- Izumi Chuo, to downtown where it's quite bustling. Okay, the difference between Sendai and NYC is that Sendai is super clean. They have very strict recycling laws here and you don't find trash cans all over either.

It rained the first few days after we arrived, and we had serious jet-lag. Actually, we still do and wake up faithfull at 4am each night. This week the weather has been beautiful. People walk around with umbrellas when it's sunny outside, and that's different.

Portions are served very small here compared to America. And Japanese people in Sendai drink Green Tea like it's water. You are supposed to drink at least a pint of green tea per day for maximum effects.

Deja Vu
Right now as I am typing, Isaiah is screaming "DAD-DY!" out of the patio screen window that overlooks a small street. I am laughing to myself because I remember Kiana doing the same thing to Keino when they lived in an apartment building near Howard University and saying how inappropriate it was! :) Mike is gone a lot at practice... I mean they work him hard here. He gets picked up at like 9am each morning and dropped off around 9pm. They say it will lighten up once the season begins in November. He's been on two road trips so far for exhibition games and they go for a training camp in the mountains for 4 days in about a week or so. Hence, Isaiah has been missing him and randomly yelling out DAHDEE after he hasn't seen him for hours and goes into my purse for my cellphone and says "DAHDEE" when he flips it open, thinking that's how he can talk to Mike. Everyone is very supportive here it seems.

I take Isaiah down the street (3 blocks away) to the mall to play with other kids everyday after I am done with my work. Isaiah, for some reason, gravitates to the older kids that like to do flips and somersalts in the play area. Luckily it is well cushioned. They really like to touch his hair when they see him. And the children always run up to me and say "Hello", but if I try to say anything else in English to them they look at me strangely... so I assume they know the word "Hello" and assume I am American when they see me.

All About The Benja-Yens!
Man oh man it's expensive here in Japan. I bought cheap discount towels last week that cost $20 a piece. A box of oatmeal cost $6 and a jar of spaghetti sauce was also $6 bucks. I took a cab the first time I went downtown, and when we arrived it cost $30!! Needless to say, I take the subway now which costs around 2 dollars (200 yen). Isaiah really likes riding the subway trains.

Midori, Yuko, and Junko
I have 3 friends here that I talk to regularly, so far. The coach's wife Midori (who has lived in Arizona and Cali for 2 years previously and understands most English), Yuko (the trainer's wife who has me call her husband's cellphone when she doesn't understand what I am trying say to her), and Junko (the assistant coach's wife, who seems super nice but doesn't speak English except "Nice to meet you."). Midori is a dental hygenist and takes classes in the evenings. Yuko is more "earthy" and invited me to take ceramics class with her. Yuko tells me different people want to meet me so they can practice their English with me. Yuko has offered to take care of Isaiah whenever I want to go do something. I have no idea what Junko does during the daytime because I haven't figured out how to ask yet. I have learned that you cannot say you want ANYTHING here without someone going to get it. Seriously. The Japanese culture is extremely accomodating, to say the least. Everyone is so helpful and generous with hospitality here. Everytime Mike comes home he has something that someone wanted to send to us. We have to be careful not to express needing or wanting anything around here.

The only thing I haven't been able to find that I want is applesauce for Isaiah. This post is getting long... sorry. I know I have left so much out, but I could go on and on with stories and details. Sent with lots of love from across the Pacific.

Sayonara,Mai

Tongue In My Teeth In Japan - Sept 30, 2006

2006-10-02T15:47:00.000+09:00

Bet you are wondering what in the world that means, huh?

You can't imagine.

Well, let me explain...Yesterday Mike's team (The 89ers) had an exhibition game here in Sendai against a team called The Broncos. I had it set up where I was meeting my friends Iku and Yuko at the subway stop near the Stadium an hour before the game. Iku was going to introduce me to some more of her friends there. (Sidenote: Iku speaks English pretty well, she spent some time in Australia learning in a course this year. She's a grad student the same age as me, whose boyfriend, Shinya, is Mike's teammate).

So, anyway... back to the story. Isaiah and I arrived to the station on time, and he had a ball walking up all the stairs holding the girl's hands. The game was very exciting. This league is really profesisonal so, they pull out all the stops. Isaiah was dancing around and clapping his hands and yelling when the crowd would chant together. There were yellow jerseys and scarfs everywhere...like I said, it was exciting.

Anyway, I went to the restroom, and when I returned Junko passed me a bottle of tea and a warm package with food in it. I noddled "Arigato" (thank you) and Iku explained to me that her boyfriend's parents bought them for us and the food was a meat patty that was very good. The tea was absolutely delicious and I had to admit the meat patty was quite scrumptuos.

Well, the game continued and we talked and watched and laughed together. I was half way done with my meat patty when the girl to the left of me asked how I liked it. I said it was very tasty and the gravy was good. She replied "Beef tongue." I thought I didn't hear her right, or she'd got her English screwed it. So I smiled and turned to Iku for a quick translation. She nodded her head and said "Beef Tongue. Yes. This is Beef Tongue you are eating it. Do you like it?" I said, "Wait, do you mean from a cow???" She smiled... "Yes. It's good, right."

Oh snap.

So, I sat faced with a cultural dilemma. I didn't want to offend...and Shegan warned me that if I turn food down that is given to me, I will offend in Japanese culture. But, the images of cow's tongues in my mind began to make my stomach turn. So, I tried to suck it up and continue to eat because they were watching me. I took another bite. A big one to get it over with. That succulent gravy was now cow tongue gravy in my mouth... I could feel the texture of the tongue when the meat rolled around my mouth. I tried to smile. I began to feel the nausea rise and I thought of what I was eating and what it looked like before it was cooked. I just couldn't get past the psychological. I tried to not feel like I had been tricked... shoot, maybe they thought I liked eating things such as cow tongue.

Isaiah shreiked and broke my trance. I felt his diaper and YES! It was wet!!! My son had saved me from a very very unfavorable situation. I quickly scooped him up and excused myself, carefully placing the meat patty in the diaper bag.

I went to the family restroom, and after I was done changing Isaiah I felt something uncomfortable between my teeth. I looked in the mirror and sure enough, there between my teeth was a hanging piece of cow tongue. And that is the story of how I got tongue in my teeth in Japan.

Mike's team (The 89ers) won, and Mike had a good game. He thought it was so incredibly funny when I told him what happened that he decided to share it with the other American import, Ryan. Does this make me closed-minded? Am I unwilling to totally immerse myself in other cultures? Should I feel bad for not wanting to eat cow tongue with tasty gravy?

So the moral of the story is... beware of the Japanese "meat patty". No, it's always ask what the heck it is before you eat it. (And keep a diaper-wearing toddler nearby).

And to think, I was worried when Midori wanted to take me for Japanese Meatballs last week...

Toothpick anyone?

Yours Truly,

Culturally Adventurous Mai (Apparently)