Seasons, A Cultural Moment

Japan is a very seasonal country.  The food, merchandise and clothing all change like clockwork as the seasons change.  I love nabe.  It is a soup base that you can just throw whatever meat and veggies you want into.  However, according to the calendar, summer is just around the corner, so no more nabe soup [...]

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A Definition of Cold

Today I witnessed a new definition of cold.  I’ve mentioned here before that we live in a country that does not have central heat.  This week it has been in the 20′s at night.  Folks, when you don’t have heat, that is cold!!!  I’m so thankful for electric blankets and down comforters.  The only problem [...]

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Cultural Moment: Heated Seats

We live in a country without central heat or air conditioning.  In the month of August, the temps can reach 100-105 F.  Right now, it is in the 30′s.  It’s cold.  We have kerosene heaters and a few electric space heaters that take the edge off and we dress warm.  We drink hot drinks and [...]

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A Divine Appointment

I usually spend Saturdays doing housecleaning, cooking for Sunday and other miscellaneous activities that don’t get done before the weekend.  This week, I decided to spread my cleaning throughout the week so that I could be free Saturday and made plans accordingly.  As I was preparing to leave the house, my husband received a visit [...]

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A Cultural Moment

It felt like a surprise party and I was the guest of honor.  Let me explain…I mentioned during a several weeks ago blog post that I was having a relatively minor surgery here in Japan.  That is if any surgery with general anesthesia can be considered minor, but I digress.  I mentioned that overall it [...]

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Cultural Moment

Today I experienced another cultural moment.  I am convinced that the Lord wanted to me meditate some more on the truths in my last post about small harassments!  I visited Starbucks today with a friend.  It was not the one that I usually go to, but I know that I can’t special order here, so [...]

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A Cultural Moment

Haircuts in the USA are something that I always look forward to.  I’ve been going to the same beautician for almost 25 years (except for the years in Japan).  Best case scenario, I’m in and out in 30-40 minutes.  Not so in Japan.  I always enjoy the whole process here, once I get in the [...]

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A cultural moment…

I’ve been back about three weeks now and some cultural issues have smacked me in the face.  I knew they were coming, but while living in the states it is easy to forget.  The thing that I am dealing with now that is sooooo difficult is the heat. The temps are in the 80′s which [...]

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Throw Away Cars

On Tuesday, we threw away this car.  WHAT!!! I hated to do it.  First, it was a free gift from my God.  Second, it seemed a terrible waste to my American way of thinking.  I drove this Nissan Laurel for 4 years.  I loved it.  Never had any problems with it.  It had around 80,000 [...]

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Proud day!

Matsui becomes 1st Japanese-born World Series MVP I’m not a Yankees fan, but the part of my heart that belongs to Japan is proud! Giving thanks for… ~the technology that allows me to watch American ball games LIVE! ~blogs that provide me with recipes that are yummy and save money.  Tonight we are having Cream [...]

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