Ghett's concert

Welcome to the cutest darn end of the year concert EVER! the kids in the Orcas class at the AICHI International School put on a great show! they did four songs accompanied by hand motions. so cute!

"Day dream Believer", "Now, I'm a Believer", "The sun will come out Tomorrow" and one I didn't know, but was equally cute.

Ghett was so proud up there on the stage. they were all so good. His friends Hikati, Sorrel, Rento, Lisa, Yumi, Ghett, Koha, Yuske, Emi, and Deichi are shown on stage with him. We also know Anna, Miki, and Fudi, not shown.

I got to meet lots of the other mothers. Mami, Sun, Windi, Naoko, Junko, etc. the mothers also went to lunch afterwards. which was lots of fun

many of them speak some English, a few speak good English. Windi is also American.

It was such a nice program. I almost cried it was so cute. I was very proud of Ghett up there. So sweet, with his class, trying so hard, so proud of himself, in that ridiculous uniform, but so darn cute! He is such a sweetie.

We tried to upload the video but have not been successful, so this will be a teaser. Enjoy!

snow, friends, and new bar!

well this week i found out that gorgeous log home is no longer for rent. the owner took it off the list and put it up for sale. oh well. Beoing says the move would cost $15,000 and is still deciding how much they may pay and how much we would pay. so i am making the best of this apartment. Jaxon and i went to Nitori and got a new bar for the kitchen area and we made fresh pasta for friends last friday night! we all had a blast, and the new lay out seems to work great for fitting lots of people. it may just be that the kids were especially good so all went very well. but fun was had by all! as usual! this is a wonderful group of friends! Naoko is from Nagoya, she calls us the "United colors of Benetton" very appropriate with the boys all in different colored shirts don't you think? so cute! we have the best kids in the world!

and the three of us, Naoko, Sandrine and I are the three Musketeers! I look forward to lots of fun with them! Life is so good when you have good friends! I am so very fortunate to have found these ladies and their families! everyone gets along so well! we are bound to have a ton of fun!

In the photo is: Naoko, Sandrine and Anais, myself, Tom, Kirk, Jaxon (behind Lovey), Severin, Kelyan, Ghett, Kensho, and Matias. a great group! bound for fun!



this weekend we had our first ski trip. we were not sure about anything so we decided to stay over and check it all out. we started out at Dynaland which was rainy and foggy when we first arrived, bit quickly shaped up into a lovely day of skiing. easy runs for the boys, and a nice little play area for them too to sled. Ghett skied by himself most of the time except for the very bottom which became rather steep. we started them off on the racer chasers, but in no time Ghett was going over the bumps and all over on his own. Kirk was beaming with pride! he always has a big smile when snow is involved but the fact that Ghett did so well really made his day! a little slice of heaven for us all! one of the photos shows, mommy chasing the racer, Jaxon, who is chasing Daddy, who is chasing Ghett. lots of fun! Jaxon just wants to keep going. he actually did twice as many runs as Ghett did.

we had a wonderful fun adventure for dinner. sat on the floor, and cooked our meal in a pan on the table. we weren't sure what we were doing but we mustered through and concocted our own dinner somehow. it was a nice spread but had been sitting out a while i think, that was a bit worrisome to me. but all was good. they serve raw eggs, which we scrambled, but others just cracked open, mixed up a bit and poured over rice. eeewwwhhh!

texture does not seem to bother Japanese. we had a lovely time. lots of very nice people. and they got a kick out of us trying to do it all too. We stayed over in a little Japanese hotel with Tatami rooms to sleep in. one big room with mats on the floors, only a heater and a tv and a couple of low tables in the room. we brought out futons to sleep on and these really bad rice filled pillows, not comfortable. at first the boys wanted to bunk in the closets but changed their minds and we all nested together in a heap below the blue glow of the "moon" or light in the room.

A comment on the squat potties again. avert your eyes if you are squeemish. As we all know we wear no shoes indoors, only slippers, there are special indoor shoes, and bathroom shoes too. i realize the necessity of bathroom shoes when they have a squat toilet, in the floor. people pee on the floor! so of course you don't want it tracked everywhere. so far we have used them only in public places, to pee. there is a flat area in the back and a hole in the front that takes the water away. when you are doing your "morning constitutional" it is not comfortable to hang out on your haunches, and i was worried that if i was not properly perched i might miss and poo on the floor! jeez!

anyways. the bathrooms and sinks were shared, next door to our room. which seemed ok at first untill eveyone was coming and "going" all night. ugh.

today we were at Takasu snow park, which was wonderful! Kirk enjoyed himself on the slopes a little before taking Jaxon up. Ghett had a ball in the play area. We built a huge snow fort and he pelted people from the top of the mountain with his haul of snowballs he brought up in his sled. they didn't know what to make of him at first. then a couple little girls took him on.

after lunch we all went up skiing. and had a nice long run. lots of fun. Jaxon melted down mid afternoon, so Ghett and I got to ski together. he did great! top to bottom, and mommy had to ask for a break! this old body is soooo out of shape!

the trip up was good, not too far to go, 28 tunnels! but after the first few the boys could care less. the trip cost us $71 in tolls! ugh. mommy got a kick out of the monkey signs along the road. never saw a monkey but there were lots of signs!

we are having a great time! miss you all! more later! off to put the boys to bed! we are all bushed and happily exhausted!

enjoying a lovely evening alone in the little black recliner in front of the grand window, with this amazing view of the city. everyone has been asleep for a while. i went out grocery shopping at 7:30, left kirk to tend to the boys. enjoyed myself thoroughly walking down all the isles, and checking out a little specialty store with American, Italian, Mexican, etc. foods. loved it! came home after a few hours and decided to check out the new Cantinetta Carnitas that just opened at the base of the apartment. It is the younger, cooler sibling to the fancy shmancy Italian restaurant next to it. It was wonderful. just a nice little sandwich with Pancetta, Pomodore et basil. and some wonderful red wines, yes, wine(s). and Tiramisu to top it all off! mommy had a very nice time! this place will keep me sane and very happy.

today the plumber came again, still no smell for him. but they put in vent traps to divert the smell and hopefully keep it from backing up into the apartment. nice transition from lovely dinner to stink, huh? oh well. that place can make me forget the stink, or at least if it rears it's ugly smell i'll go down and have some wine!

Jaxon and I set off to the post office today, sent some letters successfully. but were unable to retieve a letter for Kirk because we were at the wrong post office. darn! so close!

but we got the number for it, and the navi system got us close. i hate being disoriented. i'm all lost, looking around where to go, and forget which side of the street i'm supposed to drive on. i guess i just reverted back when i was under stress. luckily the lady saw me coming, and luckily i saw her too! ugh. then when we finally found the place they have these funky parking things, that lock you in to your space till you pay. the directions are all in japanese. it's not hard but it is all in japanese. so I called for help! the poor people at the relo japan office know what a pain i can be! but i got the car out finally, got the letter, and Jaxon and I set off to McDonalds to lick our war wounds and play.

oh my god! when we got there, there were dozens of little kids, from two to six. and they spotted me and came over in a herd. all saying "Hallo! Hallo! Hallo! Hallo!" like a flock of birds! too funny! again, i was surrounded! they all were trying out their English on me. telling me their names, each saying "Good morning!" or "Good job" and giving me the thumbs up! too funny! there was a little ring leader who would comment and then they would all laugh. especially if i said something in japanese. little shits.

needless to say, it got old fast. cute as they are. they all have loud, high, piercing little voices. that repeat over and over and over. if i hadn't started with a head ache i certainly would have gotten one. I was sitting there thinking, "can't someone make them go away?" finally, Sionara got through, and nice to meet you! and all was quiet. yeah!

Jaxon had a blast as usual. McDonalds is McDonalds, and this one had a big outdoor play area. so he was all good.

we then went and hunted for the houses i had seen on line. we found both and both are lacking in some way. the first is very large, has a great RED, open kitchen, but on a busy street, and far away from the subway line and friends homes. the busy street is the clincher, i want somewhere the boys can ride bikes. i'd love for them to finally learn.

the second was a fantastic location, huge park directly across the street, close to subway, other Ex Pats, very cool building with a courtyard and big rooftop terrace deck thing, nice rustic wide plank pine floors. but tight, tight living quarters. long narrow rooms. gorgeous but small.

i was looking around the outside when the woman came home, and yes, you know me, i asked to see it. she let us in and the boys were all over in a moment! jeez! it is very cool, but small, not much more space than we have now, but i could make it work for that park.

we went over and the boys made a ton of friends there again, instantly. too cute. it has a great playground, big ball field, trails, a tower to climb, and tons of room to run. we spotted an outdoor pool nearby too, not sure if it is public or not. regardless, the boys had a blast!

but..... then i was online and discovered the mother load of a house! a LOG home, in japan! four big bedrooms, open kitchen, big decks, with nice big glass windows and doors. brand spanking new! and a huge basement family room! no western appliances, but i can live without the oven for this place. 2,990 sq/ft! no way! it is not far from a subway, and close to my favorite grocery haunt.

but, Boeing has not approved a move, and it is in the upper money range. they may not agree to pay more for me to move. who knows? but boy would that be nice! i'll have to hunt it down tomorrow and see about a park nearby, but the place is big enough to run around in, and the neighbors won't be able to hear them! friends won't be living close, but hell, they can come to us with this place! it is amazing!

the first little place though is the front runner, with the park and being close to friends, grocery, pool, Dr. etc. a little farther to the subway though. haven't seen the inside so it may be cramped and small, but we'll see. it is a lot less expensive so Boeign may just go for that? not sure what their criteria will be for deciding if we can move or not.

In the mean time it at least keeps me busy looking around and learning the area. and with the view here and the wine bar downstairs there is no big rush,

tomorrow i go to get my hair fixed. there is a guy, Aki, who did hair in New York, and travels back to get supplies yearly. so he speaks English, and says he can get me back to a more natural shade than glowing yellow. a friend Kelli went to him, and her hair is good, he gave her a really cute cut. not sure if i'll cut or not. you know, kirk likes it long. and old ladies with long hair are no good. and i am getting old. may be my last chance to have it long!

will see how i look with the color and then decide. hopefully i won't need it all shaved off!

talk to you again soon! Sionara!

fun in the sun

this week has been beautiful warm weather and we have been really enjoying it. went to the zoo with friends the other day and hanging out at home today.

I walked from the zoo, through the Botanical gardens to pick up Ghett at school the other day and discovered the Nagoya driving school. tons of cars going round and round and practicing driving. there were literally a hundred cars coming and going. i found it sort of funny. but that's me.

went to the mall to get shoes, and backpack for Jaxon to start school next month and the boys got sucked into the video machine at the Hello Kitty store. again, funny! they are just little zombies!

the zoo is wonderful, and we were there for feeding time for the seals! the zoo keeper even gave some fish to the kids to toss to the seals. It was quiet a crazy, wavy, feeding frenzy!

when i went to pick up Ghett after school we wandered back through the Botanical gardens, and saw some gorgeous sights. This beautiful white bird, monster sized Koi, and waterfalls and ponds. The cherry blossoms are starting to bloom so it is really nice. Can't wait for all of the flowers, bushes and trees to burst forth! it'll be quiet a show!

Got a little lost in the maze of paths, but the signs are really of no help. but they are rather pretty don't you think?

the gardens are of course, mainly tradition Japanese style gardens, but there are also different areas with more flowers, a rose garden and the Green house has different rooms with different parts of the world represented, cactus, and jungle plants, etc.

Ghett had a fun time at "switching" day at school. He got to be in the first grade class with his possible, future teacher, Mr. Daly. Ghett really liked him, because he sang songs, and did a great science lessons for them on leaves. He is very excited for first grade.

Jaxon and Kelyan had a blast showing us around the zoo, being our tour guides, Ghett too did a great tour guide impression, "mam, this is the pond" but his accent was more like a delayed lisp. very cute though. I found a stand with ice cream and what appears to be wine and beer! my kind of a zoo!

Oranges are all over Nagoya. I'm a bit surprised since it has been so cold here. but the cold doesn't seem to last long i guess. we have had 17c for the last few days, i'm told that is close to 70'. whatever it is, I'll take it!

my search for a house is progressing. Kirk has forwarded my emails to Boeing, and the people at the relo company are talking to me, and looking into it. i have found two homes with four bedrooms, that cost much less than what we pay now. so i am hoping Boeing will agree, being that over the next three years they will at least break even, or even come out ahead.

these are the two i am looking at

http://www.japanhomesearch.com/FindhomeWeb/searchRes.asp?screens=quick

http://www.japanhomesearch.com/FindhomeWeb/searchRes.asp?screens=quick

what do you think?

today is lovely and i have really enjoyed my view and deck, but the boys are playing in their room with all the toys, they could really use more space. and the other day when they were able to go to the park with all those kids, they were in heaven! i really think if we could come home and go to the park and ride bikes on our street, they would really love it!

i'll make home anywhere. but seeing them running around having so much fun is really priceless. i hope Boeing agrees. wish me luck.

well, it could've been worse

well, i spent the day checking out the area near a friends house that has a home available nearby. I am not sure which one it is, but both are nice.

they are right across the small one way street from a park, with lots of room to run, a skate board thing, and traditional toys. a big plus! it's only a few blocks from several American friends, big big plus. I haven't been inside but from the floor plans it has four bedrooms, so that is good. it does not seem to have a yard, or big garden, though on the website a garden was listed, hmmm? probably just the few feet of gravel along the side or in back, but there is a balcony on the top floor which is good. not mammoth like ours now, but the home is much bigger. it was built in 2007, so new! hopefully with western appliances.

not sure if it is worth us putting out all the expense to move. Kirk certainly doesn't see any benefit in moving. and we will wait and see what comes of the odor issue. Our current location is great and of course, can't say enough about the deck and view, (in fact i'm sitting in the doorway to the deck right now trying to enjoy the beautiful blue day) but three years with more space and friends nearby, sure would be nice. hard to decide, but decisions don't have to be made now.

Had a lovely lunch at "Goblin" along the street at the Hoshigaoka Terraces. It is a great little outdoor shopping area, and the "Goblin" is one place you can sit outside and enjoy the day. It was a wonderful lunch and i was able to enjoy a glass of wine, quietly, alone, in peace. I did meet a gentleman who is the assistant coach for the professional soccer team here in Nagoya. He is from Serbia, has been here two years, doesn't speak any japanese, but does speak French. go figure? It was nice to chat.

got my hair done this morning at the salon downstairs. I must say the guy gave it his best shot and it came fairly close, for someone who has probably never touched blond hair before. I knew bleach would be involved but i'm afraid to say he left it on too long or something. I am very blond, kind of yellowish. but it blend sort of well. for a first try, not too horrific. not great either, somewhere in between.

The guy wrote me a note to be translated. I am assuming it is an explanation, or an apology! lol! I had his coworker take our picture, and they were laughing, "maybe she's gonna track me down later to get me back!" don't know. but i figure it's just hair. hopefully it can be fixed.

In the states I never worried about my hair because I always knew it could be fixed. my buddy Lisa always could save the day! but here in Japan? dont' know if they really even have the product necessary? Lisa can you send an all over color or rinse?something close to my natural color? or COME QUICK! you've done it before! better move up your visit, and have you come every couple of months thereafter? PLEASE?

anyways, others have to look at it, not me. oh well. lesson learned.

Kirk has taken the boys somewhere so i think i am going to go for a small run or long walk. whatever i end up having the energy for.

miss you all!