Freezing My Buns Off in Japan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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...

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

Creative Mai Takes On The World

Let's Go Streaking!

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

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

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.