Friday, August 31, 2007
Walk On By....
Jackson is definitely a toddler now! He walks around the apartment with out direction, as if he has free will! Haha. He is an excellent little walker.
"Cheeeeeeese!"
I'm so booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooored.
Eric went to see Transformers with Hiroshisan (which is definitely fine with me!)...
I am, however, anxious for Jackson to wake up so we can get out of this mouse house and grab a bite...
Here is a photo of Hiroshisan that Eriic took this morning with MY new camera (disguised as his HIS birthday present, mwahahahahaaaa). It's the new Canon EOS 40D and it is TREMENDOUS! This is the very first pic!
ps/ Jackson is doing just great!
Eric went to see Transformers with Hiroshisan (which is definitely fine with me!)...
I am, however, anxious for Jackson to wake up so we can get out of this mouse house and grab a bite...
Here is a photo of Hiroshisan that Eriic took this morning with MY new camera (disguised as his HIS birthday present, mwahahahahaaaa). It's the new Canon EOS 40D and it is TREMENDOUS! This is the very first pic!
ps/ Jackson is doing just great!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
A Festivus for the Rest of Us!!
Here are some pics from this weekend, at the Azabu Juban festival. It was spectacular! Over 300 food stalls, all sorts of colorful treats, and the never ending Japanese wardrobe surprises! (Post dedicated to said costumes to come this week...)
:) KANPAI!!
There are so many pictures that we took - you should probably just come over and flip through our albums with us!!!
:) KANPAI!!
There are so many pictures that we took - you should probably just come over and flip through our albums with us!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
This is Jackson...
Seeing his first locust/cicada courtesy of his Dad...
(insect is on Eric's hand)
Having a snack on his foot...
Ever popular with the local ladies...
"Sharing" a bottle of wine with Daddy...
Walking with Daddy at the offices of RIM Japan, Ltd. ...
Being "SOOO Big" and having a ball at our favorite cafe corner booth...
Still being "SO Big," and loving it!
Sitting side-saddle at a sushi restaurant...
Off to take more snapshots!
(insect is on Eric's hand)
Having a snack on his foot...
Ever popular with the local ladies...
"Sharing" a bottle of wine with Daddy...
Walking with Daddy at the offices of RIM Japan, Ltd. ...
Being "SOOO Big" and having a ball at our favorite cafe corner booth...
Still being "SO Big," and loving it!
Sitting side-saddle at a sushi restaurant...
Off to take more snapshots!
Jackson Update
Here is a quickie, until he takes his nap and then I'll throw up some pics :)
Jackson has a new trick. He likes to go backwards. When he walks with his push toy, he'll start to go in reverse. So I said "Beep, beep, beep, beep," and he laughed. Now he goes in reverse and HE says "beep, beep, ..." - it is a riot! He also likes to lie belly side down on the floor and make movements that look like swimming. He has added to that a backwards slide, including the beeping noises. So cute!! When he is backing up he will look at us, as if to say "Hey, why aren't you 'Beeping'!" Priceless.
Current favorite toy: plastic toy baby fork
Current favorite food: cheese
Jackson has a new trick. He likes to go backwards. When he walks with his push toy, he'll start to go in reverse. So I said "Beep, beep, beep, beep," and he laughed. Now he goes in reverse and HE says "beep, beep, ..." - it is a riot! He also likes to lie belly side down on the floor and make movements that look like swimming. He has added to that a backwards slide, including the beeping noises. So cute!! When he is backing up he will look at us, as if to say "Hey, why aren't you 'Beeping'!" Priceless.
Current favorite toy: plastic toy baby fork
Current favorite food: cheese
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Japan heat wave claims 6
My spectacular Dad sent me an article from GulfNews.com regarding the heat in Japan. Here is part of that article:
"Published: August 16, 2007, 13:59
Tokyo: Japan sizzled through its hottest day on record Thursday, as a heat wave claimed at least six lives across the country and spurred fears of an electricity shortage.
The mercury hit 40.9 degrees Celsius in the western city of Tajimi on Thursday afternoon, breaking a previous national record of 40.8 degrees Celsius set in 1933, according to the Meteorological Agency.
Temperatures also soared to new highs in parts of Tokyo and across the country, spurring vacationers to take cover indoors at the height of the "bon" summer holidays.
Six people died overnight in eastern Japan from heatstroke, including a 13-year-old boy who collapsed in the capital after basketball practice, the Yomiuri newspaper reported. Many others were hospitalized.
Elsewhere, rail tracks were bent out of shape in the sun, and firefighters struggled to deal with fire alarms set off erroneously by rising temperatures, according to news reports.
The heat also got the best of sumo wrestler Takamisakari, who smashed into his practice room window as he nearly collapsed following practice on Thursday, reports said.
Meanwhile, scorching temperatures were expected to boost sales of beer and other beverages, as well as electric appliances like air conditioners and fans, as consumers scrambled to keep cool."
Dude - I told you it was hot! I of course have no idea what they are talking about with the beer sales...
"Published: August 16, 2007, 13:59
Tokyo: Japan sizzled through its hottest day on record Thursday, as a heat wave claimed at least six lives across the country and spurred fears of an electricity shortage.
The mercury hit 40.9 degrees Celsius in the western city of Tajimi on Thursday afternoon, breaking a previous national record of 40.8 degrees Celsius set in 1933, according to the Meteorological Agency.
Temperatures also soared to new highs in parts of Tokyo and across the country, spurring vacationers to take cover indoors at the height of the "bon" summer holidays.
Six people died overnight in eastern Japan from heatstroke, including a 13-year-old boy who collapsed in the capital after basketball practice, the Yomiuri newspaper reported. Many others were hospitalized.
Elsewhere, rail tracks were bent out of shape in the sun, and firefighters struggled to deal with fire alarms set off erroneously by rising temperatures, according to news reports.
The heat also got the best of sumo wrestler Takamisakari, who smashed into his practice room window as he nearly collapsed following practice on Thursday, reports said.
Meanwhile, scorching temperatures were expected to boost sales of beer and other beverages, as well as electric appliances like air conditioners and fans, as consumers scrambled to keep cool."
Dude - I told you it was hot! I of course have no idea what they are talking about with the beer sales...
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Firecracker, Firecracker, Boom Boom Boom!!
Tonight we are going to the Sky Lounge to watch some fireworks, with an open bar and snacks! Even Hiroshi-san is going! Expect a post tomorrow! Late tomorrow haha just kidding.
West Siiiiiide!
Here's my nephew throwin' down a gang sign (not really). I swear to God, this kid melts my heart!!
Holy Heat Batman! And, Why is the Room Shaking???
Okay, I was intending to post about the crazy heat of the city. I'll get to that in a moment. In the mean time, here is a pic of me lying around with my friends in our apt. (You might recognize the one in red, that's my pal Marcia Cross from Desperate Housewives...)
(Actually, it is a painting by artist Leon Kroll, visually capturing the sultry city heat in this painting Summer—New York.)
The more pressing update is what woke me from my slumber at 4:15am. No, it wasn't the sun rising to shine in our windows like the second coming (the sun is actually rising closer to 5am now...). It wasn't even Eric vigorously shaking me awake. It was in fact an earthquake level 4! It actually woke me up. It felt indeed like someone was shaking me awake. I heard the plastic curtain push-opener rods clicking together and saw the lights that hang over our mini table swaying. It was like something out of a movie, or amusement park, with a little horror thrown in. Add to that the grogginess of mid-night sleep and I was pretty alarmed. I hit Eric and said "Baby, EARTHQUAKE!" he definitely does not hae the mom-awake-radar because he sleeps through baby cries, sun shining, and obviously now earthquakes.
It seemed like it went on for an eternity. I was concerned about Mr. Little Man but was reassured by the realization that he was in the safest place, his "Unicef" crib (see previous post with pics!). My next concern was if it was going to get worse. I've seen Armageddon and I don't want to fall down into the bowels of the Earth like the guy in the opening scene who leaves his little dog behind. (Or maybe that was Men In Black??? Does it matter? You surely get my vibe by now...) Our building is a new one, so it sways with the movement of the tectonic plates. I had a preconceived notion that experiencing an earthquake would involve rapid shaking and jagged movements. The swaying of our building was almost enjoyable until the fear took over.
First thing I did when I woke up was my usual, "I survived!" Second thing was to check the net for a recap of last night's thrill ride. Damn it if Peru didn't steal our thunder! 7.9, shmeven point niner. Oh well. It definitely is better to have survived a level 4. We win after all!
See here for more information on earthquake preparedness, including delightful cartoons. Below is an example of this priceless advice.
So back to my original post. What is up with the heat in the city??? Last night (as in dark, after the sun went down, when it should be less HOT) Jackson and I were waiting to meet Eric at our picnic bench at The Mermaid in Akasaka. We arrived at 7:30, thinking it would have cooled off a bit. Huh-huh, yeah, no, it hadn't. The thermometer on the stroller registered 87! What is up with that? Concrete absorbing a retaining the heat, no breeze, high humidity, basically August in Tokyo. Today it is supposed to be 40 C (105 F). Crikey!
Just look at the line below snaking in front and wrapping behind the building of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Tokyo. (No - we have never eaten one here. As I said, look at the line! It is ALWAYS there...) Of relevant interest is the number of umbrellas in said line. See how clear the sky is? Yep, those are for some sort of shade. We no longer make fun of these people. Umbrellas are a very big deal in Japan; the selection is enormous and the price range varies. Clear ones, however, are only 80 cents. I'm considering buying Eric a lacy one. Not.
In case you thought I was fibbing about the doughnut line wrapping AROUND the building, here is an aerial view I took from our helicopter. (And by helicopter I mean a restaurant on the 12th floor of Takashimaya department store...)
Below you can see another umbrella, -ella, -ella, used for shade. The woman is covered in shade from the tree as well. She is sharing a spot of grass with a guy wearing only his under wear. Question is answered, briefs it is.
I miss my SUV with AC. TTFN.
(Actually, it is a painting by artist Leon Kroll, visually capturing the sultry city heat in this painting Summer—New York.)
The more pressing update is what woke me from my slumber at 4:15am. No, it wasn't the sun rising to shine in our windows like the second coming (the sun is actually rising closer to 5am now...). It wasn't even Eric vigorously shaking me awake. It was in fact an earthquake level 4! It actually woke me up. It felt indeed like someone was shaking me awake. I heard the plastic curtain push-opener rods clicking together and saw the lights that hang over our mini table swaying. It was like something out of a movie, or amusement park, with a little horror thrown in. Add to that the grogginess of mid-night sleep and I was pretty alarmed. I hit Eric and said "Baby, EARTHQUAKE!" he definitely does not hae the mom-awake-radar because he sleeps through baby cries, sun shining, and obviously now earthquakes.
It seemed like it went on for an eternity. I was concerned about Mr. Little Man but was reassured by the realization that he was in the safest place, his "Unicef" crib (see previous post with pics!). My next concern was if it was going to get worse. I've seen Armageddon and I don't want to fall down into the bowels of the Earth like the guy in the opening scene who leaves his little dog behind. (Or maybe that was Men In Black??? Does it matter? You surely get my vibe by now...) Our building is a new one, so it sways with the movement of the tectonic plates. I had a preconceived notion that experiencing an earthquake would involve rapid shaking and jagged movements. The swaying of our building was almost enjoyable until the fear took over.
First thing I did when I woke up was my usual, "I survived!" Second thing was to check the net for a recap of last night's thrill ride. Damn it if Peru didn't steal our thunder! 7.9, shmeven point niner. Oh well. It definitely is better to have survived a level 4. We win after all!
See here for more information on earthquake preparedness, including delightful cartoons. Below is an example of this priceless advice.
|
So back to my original post. What is up with the heat in the city??? Last night (as in dark, after the sun went down, when it should be less HOT) Jackson and I were waiting to meet Eric at our picnic bench at The Mermaid in Akasaka. We arrived at 7:30, thinking it would have cooled off a bit. Huh-huh, yeah, no, it hadn't. The thermometer on the stroller registered 87! What is up with that? Concrete absorbing a retaining the heat, no breeze, high humidity, basically August in Tokyo. Today it is supposed to be 40 C (105 F). Crikey!
Just look at the line below snaking in front and wrapping behind the building of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Tokyo. (No - we have never eaten one here. As I said, look at the line! It is ALWAYS there...) Of relevant interest is the number of umbrellas in said line. See how clear the sky is? Yep, those are for some sort of shade. We no longer make fun of these people. Umbrellas are a very big deal in Japan; the selection is enormous and the price range varies. Clear ones, however, are only 80 cents. I'm considering buying Eric a lacy one. Not.
In case you thought I was fibbing about the doughnut line wrapping AROUND the building, here is an aerial view I took from our helicopter. (And by helicopter I mean a restaurant on the 12th floor of Takashimaya department store...)
Below you can see another umbrella, -ella, -ella, used for shade. The woman is covered in shade from the tree as well. She is sharing a spot of grass with a guy wearing only his under wear. Question is answered, briefs it is.
I miss my SUV with AC. TTFN.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
:(
Jackson has a cold - I guess. He has a runny nose, it is like water streaming out of his little nostrils. Yuck. Poor baby.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Photos to cheer your day!
Here are some recent pics, for all of our friends and family who miss Jackson, here he is!! (Did I mention he is WALKING?!?!)
(By the way, no shirt in this pic because he had a big spill of water...)
Fun at dinner with Daddy
Every little Prince should wear a crown...
Happy little baby in this stroller/pedestrian city...
Oh shucks how cute is he with his fork and spoon!! (Well, my soup spoon, his baby fork)
ps/ It is 5 o'clock - my favorite time of day because 1) The bells ring at Sophia University next door and they are beautiful, and 2) It's wine time hahaha.
Kampai!! (Cheers) - MM
(By the way, no shirt in this pic because he had a big spill of water...)
Fun at dinner with Daddy
Every little Prince should wear a crown...
Happy little baby in this stroller/pedestrian city...
Oh shucks how cute is he with his fork and spoon!! (Well, my soup spoon, his baby fork)
ps/ It is 5 o'clock - my favorite time of day because 1) The bells ring at Sophia University next door and they are beautiful, and 2) It's wine time hahaha.
Kampai!! (Cheers) - MM
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Baby has new shoes!
In this first pic - please note the magazine that he shredded on the floor!
In the last pic he is saying "uh-oh" - wish you could hear it, it is so cute!
In the last pic he is saying "uh-oh" - wish you could hear it, it is so cute!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Trifecta
Last night was our anniversary. Seven years ago we were married at the Sunspot Lodge at the top of Winter Park ski resort in Colorado. Magic. It was the best wedding a girl could have - thanks Mom and Dad!!
Here are a couple of pics of us last night before dinner with Jackson. We had a fabulous weekend!
Infomercials
Here's the thing. In Japan, some networks show past episodes of American t.v. shows (as I have previously discussed). Sometimes, there are no commercials and the program ends at about quarter to the hour. The next several minutes of air time are often filled with infomercials, in Japanese of course. This can include everything from "privacy curtains" to herbal supplements to Proactive ads with Lyndsey Lohan... More often, we have some sort of Japanese beauty treatment, or the Slim Shaper (some gyrating apparatus to tone your muscles while you watch more t.v.), and Billy Blanks Tae Bo demonstrations (complete with intense music and dramatic expressions, and again, the Japanese dialogue - or shouting). The Billy Banks infomercial, although really quite annoying, is actually okay for us because Jackson loves to "dance" to it! He actually looks like he is doing his own toddler version of calisthenics! Kawaii!!
My question is: Is it time to move back to HOME when I am keen on the advertised privacy drapes, even though I can't understand the description??? I guess that just means one of two things. Either the actors are really demonstrating the effectiveness of this product extremely well, or I have been in this shoebox for way too long. Hmm...
My question is: Is it time to move back to HOME when I am keen on the advertised privacy drapes, even though I can't understand the description??? I guess that just means one of two things. Either the actors are really demonstrating the effectiveness of this product extremely well, or I have been in this shoebox for way too long. Hmm...
Friday, August 3, 2007
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