Mommy's awesome obento. Kenji hasn't been feeling well for almost a week now. Today also he had to stay home for the morning. But they came later at just before noon with another one of Fay's unforgettable handiwork's.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Deryk's Undokai
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Vladek's Dark Fortress
A lego set called "Vladek's Dark Fortress" which I would have had no idea about had I not looked it up on the net. Fay and the kids brought back a big bag of lego pieces from a throw-away one day, and it took me 3 months to finally complete it. Actually, I haven't even finished it. But it's pretty awesome.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Rollerblading and Skateboarding
Rollerblading and Skateboarding
So we were playing ball tag, and I was told to throw a ball from like 10 meters away and hit them on the trees. First of all, getting past the leaves and branches was hard, then when I hit Deryk on the knee, he said that since it hit his knee-pad it didn't count. After a couple more throws I hit him square on the chest. He said that his clothes were armor so it bounced off.
So I started aiming for their arms and faces. When I hit Kenji on the arm--an unmistakable hit--he was shaking the tree obviously out of boredom. He claimed that every time he shook the tree it created a FORCE-FIELD around him. So it didn't seem to count either.
In the end, after like over 100 throws, they each had like 50 points and I had 0. Games are never fun for them unless they win, and not only win, but never lose any points.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
One of Promise and Hope
...I have more unanswered questions, less theories, and thus, more frustrations. Despite my frustrations, I've scrambled one conclusion--that I'm not meant to fully understand.
So I've given up my deep thoughts and have turned them to ones of my family and our future; real down-to-earth thoughts; ones of logic and realism; futuristic and old-age thoughts.
Having turned 25, I feel no more capable of facing my life then the year before. But I think that I've already accepted that I'll never feel those comforting thoughts, nor do I want to. I feel that I'm behind 10 years than that of an average successful person, but I'm hoping to catch up--to make 20 years of progress in 10.
Thank you for helping me out, babe, and for making the 1st year of our new life together on our own one of promise and hope.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Airplane Museum.
We went with Grandma, daichi, Sam and Leika,Oli and Lily and Aaron and his kids.
They had a stamp rally. where you go around looking for the stamp to your passports, when you find them all you get a small present. ( Toy)
We had so much fun, txs for inviting us to go with you. O/L
Friday, April 15, 2011
Update: April 16' 2011
Crawling out of bed at 7 o'clock, our day hits us with a bang with Mommy's yummy breakfast. Too excited (or apprehensive) about school, the delicious breakfast suddenly becomes difficult for Kenji and Deryk to eat. Daddy gulps down his coffee and asks a few questions about school to see if you boys are still on the same page.
Mommy leaves the house with Kenji at 7:40, and before she comes back I have already left with Deryk to his kindergarten. I come back 10 after 8, and daddy and mommy have a little chat time, before I have to leave for work at 8:15.
The morning is quite the rush. We're still trying to get it down to a routine, but for a while we'll be adjusting and readjusting.
Monday's through Friday's I see you for a short time in the morning, and sometimes at night. But we get to spend Saturday's and Sunday's together, so we're happy.
Our lives have become quite the conventional one. Kenji goes to the Elementary school that every other mother around this area will send their 6-11 year-olds. And Deryk goes to Kindergarten just like the other kids his age do. Meanwhile, daddy works 5 days a week, and mommy takes care of the house and is looking for a part-time job to fill in the gaps.
Our weekends have been busy lately with meeting and visiting friends and just enjoying the community. When I wake up in the morning one of the 1st things I do is look at the news. When I get home after a shower and dinner, fay and I watch a TV series. Such a conventional life. Am I happy? Yes.
We are still Christians and try to live good lives. We pray. We interact with Godly people--people who are trying to do good. We do our part to support missionary work. And in all of our actions we try to do the loving thing.
In all of my life I have never felt so included into society and the world. On one hand, I worry that I'm getting sucked in; on the other I know that I have never been able to communicate with the vast majority better than I do now.
You boys are happier, and more fulfilled. There's a certain glow in your eyes--a beam of joy and inner excitement. It makes me convinced that we are in the right place at the right time. Because I live for mommy and you. You are my world. And God and others of course.
Mommy leaves the house with Kenji at 7:40, and before she comes back I have already left with Deryk to his kindergarten. I come back 10 after 8, and daddy and mommy have a little chat time, before I have to leave for work at 8:15.
The morning is quite the rush. We're still trying to get it down to a routine, but for a while we'll be adjusting and readjusting.
Monday's through Friday's I see you for a short time in the morning, and sometimes at night. But we get to spend Saturday's and Sunday's together, so we're happy.
Our lives have become quite the conventional one. Kenji goes to the Elementary school that every other mother around this area will send their 6-11 year-olds. And Deryk goes to Kindergarten just like the other kids his age do. Meanwhile, daddy works 5 days a week, and mommy takes care of the house and is looking for a part-time job to fill in the gaps.
Our weekends have been busy lately with meeting and visiting friends and just enjoying the community. When I wake up in the morning one of the 1st things I do is look at the news. When I get home after a shower and dinner, fay and I watch a TV series. Such a conventional life. Am I happy? Yes.
We are still Christians and try to live good lives. We pray. We interact with Godly people--people who are trying to do good. We do our part to support missionary work. And in all of our actions we try to do the loving thing.
In all of my life I have never felt so included into society and the world. On one hand, I worry that I'm getting sucked in; on the other I know that I have never been able to communicate with the vast majority better than I do now.
You boys are happier, and more fulfilled. There's a certain glow in your eyes--a beam of joy and inner excitement. It makes me convinced that we are in the right place at the right time. Because I live for mommy and you. You are my world. And God and others of course.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Good ol' Monopoly
Monopoly is sorta' a traditional Tamba game. We bring it back to life every time we have a reunion.
Awesome Get Away to our country-side home
Kenji and Deryk, we need to remember this alright? We cannot underestimate the power of disasters. Indeed, it causes great pain, separation, and loss. But hearts are warmed, families are united, and the shortness of human life is realized.
Just chatting
Well, it was a great time for us brothers to get closer. Koji was back after 4 and half years of being in Columbia. And Hik and Mas had come to visit for a few days from Saitama.
Himeji Castle Zoo
Checking out those rides
Monkey says "Boo!"
Tamb's Local Hangout
Bowling
Two alleys. Three games. And daddy sucked. Well, I wasn't really trying so hard. Ha
Billiards
We went for billiards after bowling. Got two tables for an hour. Played triples. Losers had to pay tribute to the winners.
Dinner Competitive monopoly
Left to Right--Alisa, Koji, Dad, Mas, Me, Kengo & Deryk, Kenji & Joe, Aigo, and Mac.
Himeji--Lunch
Gosh, man, I look like a half-century old there
Himeji--Kenji and Deryk Hanging on Mas
Tamba Home--Fay's Crepe Special. The occasion was Koji's Birthday gift to my dad
Friday, March 18, 2011
The role of daddy
"Kenji also needs a daddy--not just someone who works and brings in money. I realize that he, more importantly, needs a daddy who can give him a piggyback ride, collect sticks with him in the mountain, and splash around in the snow and mud."
Kenji and Deryk are not without their favorites. For the first 4 years of Kenji's life he was with only a mommy, and for Deryk it was his first 3 years with his daddy. After daddy and mommy met and assumed the role of parents to both, instinctively and naturally they would, for the months and years to come, cling to one more than the other.
However perfect our union was, it was with sacrifices and compromises--as every couple must be willing to make. Mommy and I were once single parents and were both father and mother to our own, but when we met that had changed.
But slowly.
Yet quicker than I thought.
The transition period had its immense hardships. Slowly but surely we were taking on the roles that we were meant to.
The catastrophic earthquake that happened in Miyagi prefecture on March 11th was a time of tremendous loss and heartbreak for millions. But amidst this tragedy, I'm seeing something beautiful happen: hearts and lives are uniting, compassion and care are regaining its importance, and there is much more of a recognition of human frailty. What you have spent years trying to build can be destroyed in a minute.
Fay and I have put everything into building our lives despite setbacks and lack of moral and community support. We have come far. And when this earthquake hit and the panic and confusion of it caused us to evacuate, for a moment I considered that we were also putting into jeopardy everything that we have built so far.
Perhaps I was wrong.
Today Deryk was in tears and he told me that he thought I didn't like him anymore. I realize that this time away from work is a healthy get away; a time that was much needed to regain a closeness with the thing that is more important than work--my family.
Often, work can take predominance over everything, even the things that are more important. Though without work, thus without money, one cannot live and support his family, everyone needs a time to come away from the trees to see the forest; to be able to put things back into perspective.
Just as Deryk needs a mommy, Kenji also needs a daddy--not just someone who works and brings in money. I realize that he, more importantly, needs a daddy who can give him a piggyback ride, collect sticks with him in the mountain, and splash around in the snow and mud--things that mommy's usually don't do but that boys need.
Though there was much loss and pain and separation because of the earthquake, I'm sure that we are not the only ones who are experiencing reunion.
Kenji and Deryk are not without their favorites. For the first 4 years of Kenji's life he was with only a mommy, and for Deryk it was his first 3 years with his daddy. After daddy and mommy met and assumed the role of parents to both, instinctively and naturally they would, for the months and years to come, cling to one more than the other.
However perfect our union was, it was with sacrifices and compromises--as every couple must be willing to make. Mommy and I were once single parents and were both father and mother to our own, but when we met that had changed.
But slowly.
Yet quicker than I thought.
The transition period had its immense hardships. Slowly but surely we were taking on the roles that we were meant to.
The catastrophic earthquake that happened in Miyagi prefecture on March 11th was a time of tremendous loss and heartbreak for millions. But amidst this tragedy, I'm seeing something beautiful happen: hearts and lives are uniting, compassion and care are regaining its importance, and there is much more of a recognition of human frailty. What you have spent years trying to build can be destroyed in a minute.
Fay and I have put everything into building our lives despite setbacks and lack of moral and community support. We have come far. And when this earthquake hit and the panic and confusion of it caused us to evacuate, for a moment I considered that we were also putting into jeopardy everything that we have built so far.
Perhaps I was wrong.
Today Deryk was in tears and he told me that he thought I didn't like him anymore. I realize that this time away from work is a healthy get away; a time that was much needed to regain a closeness with the thing that is more important than work--my family.
Often, work can take predominance over everything, even the things that are more important. Though without work, thus without money, one cannot live and support his family, everyone needs a time to come away from the trees to see the forest; to be able to put things back into perspective.
Just as Deryk needs a mommy, Kenji also needs a daddy--not just someone who works and brings in money. I realize that he, more importantly, needs a daddy who can give him a piggyback ride, collect sticks with him in the mountain, and splash around in the snow and mud--things that mommy's usually don't do but that boys need.
Though there was much loss and pain and separation because of the earthquake, I'm sure that we are not the only ones who are experiencing reunion.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Evacuation
At 8p.m on March 13th we made a swift departure from Kanto and arrived in Tamba at 1p.m the following day, but not without its obstacles. A closed expressway, shortage of gasoline, a 6.0 earthquake in Shiz, and a major detour--were only a few things that made ours an evacuation rather than just an ordinary trip.
These are not hum-drum days of unchanging monotonous life in Japan. Symptoms show that something is amiss if not seriously underway. 60 earthquakes of over 6.0 magnitude, and over 200 of over 5.0--rattling and breaking the very foundations of this country that we call our home--is no small matter. We are not in a war, but the danger is not much different. We are being hit at all sides by what we are familiar of as the natural disaster, but this is moving about as if it has an agenda of its own.
Though risks are involved, we have decided to remove ourselves as far as we can from the danger. Once the nuclear plants are under complete control, and the earthquake plates pose no signs of danger, we hope to return home. Let's pray for it
These are not hum-drum days of unchanging monotonous life in Japan. Symptoms show that something is amiss if not seriously underway. 60 earthquakes of over 6.0 magnitude, and over 200 of over 5.0--rattling and breaking the very foundations of this country that we call our home--is no small matter. We are not in a war, but the danger is not much different. We are being hit at all sides by what we are familiar of as the natural disaster, but this is moving about as if it has an agenda of its own.
Though risks are involved, we have decided to remove ourselves as far as we can from the danger. Once the nuclear plants are under complete control, and the earthquake plates pose no signs of danger, we hope to return home. Let's pray for it
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Earthquake Update!!
SENDAI (Kyodo) The death toll from Friday's devastating earthquake and tsunami in northeast Japan will likely surpass 10,000, the police chief of hard-hit Miyagi Prefecture said Sunday.
The magnitude of the devastating quake was meanwhile revised upward the same day from 8.8 to 9.0, making it one of the largest in history, the Meteorological Agency said.
According to the agency, said there is a 70 percent chance of another quake greater than magnitude 7 occurring within three days, and a 50 percent chance of one hitting in the three days after that.
We'll be having an official blackout from 6:20-10:15 tomorrow morning to 16:15-22:20, I think, of the same afternoon. The food racks of all of the convenience stores and supermarkets are bare due to the high demand and sudden cut of restock. Half of the gas stations are out of fuel, and the other half have had lines of cars for the past 24 hours, causing major traffic jams. This is when money has little worth, and when friends and loved ones are most important.
Mommy and I have contemplated many things--of packing up and leaving tonight perhaps out of this quake-infested place. But then our thoughts went out to our loved ones, and if anything bad were to happen to them or to us, we agreed that we'd want to be near them. Other than my family back in Tamba, all of our loved ones are right here, so this is where we're staying for now, earthquake or no earthquake.
In times like these people you love become exceedingly clear. The ones you want to protect, and to ensure are safe, are those who you want to be with through times of ultimate danger.
The magnitude of the devastating quake was meanwhile revised upward the same day from 8.8 to 9.0, making it one of the largest in history, the Meteorological Agency said.
According to the agency, said there is a 70 percent chance of another quake greater than magnitude 7 occurring within three days, and a 50 percent chance of one hitting in the three days after that.
We'll be having an official blackout from 6:20-10:15 tomorrow morning to 16:15-22:20, I think, of the same afternoon. The food racks of all of the convenience stores and supermarkets are bare due to the high demand and sudden cut of restock. Half of the gas stations are out of fuel, and the other half have had lines of cars for the past 24 hours, causing major traffic jams. This is when money has little worth, and when friends and loved ones are most important.
Mommy and I have contemplated many things--of packing up and leaving tonight perhaps out of this quake-infested place. But then our thoughts went out to our loved ones, and if anything bad were to happen to them or to us, we agreed that we'd want to be near them. Other than my family back in Tamba, all of our loved ones are right here, so this is where we're staying for now, earthquake or no earthquake.
In times like these people you love become exceedingly clear. The ones you want to protect, and to ensure are safe, are those who you want to be with through times of ultimate danger.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Life is Precious
Life is precious, and we fear to lose it, but in the end it is ultimately not ours to choose. We are forced to surrender our lives over to the one that created it and to the one that caused the disaster to happen.
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