Puppies!!

Today I got some great news. And some cute photos! Taka told me two weeks ago that his dog, a golden retriever, was going to have puppies soon. He knows that I really want a dog, actually two dogs, so he offered one puppy to me. But unfortunately, pets are prohibitted in my apartment complex so I had to regrettably decline his kind offer. It was a shame. But I am jealous of whoever the new owner of the puppies are, but I really hope they have a happy life in their new homes.
Please read Taka's warm and happy email below.

"Hi Glenn
Today is good beautiful day.
First time news.
Today morning is add new family.
My dog birth to 3 puppies.
First puppy was female born at 4:47AM. She weight is 600grams.
Second puppy was male born at 5:17AM But he was dead. .It is very sad.
Third puppy was male born at 5:55AM. He weight is 610grams.
Two puppy are full of vitality.
It is born and has mother milk at once.
Have a great day and see you this wedesday.
Taka"

To celebrate, this is the place to buy cake! This shop's cake and stuff is really delicious, and the staff is friendly too. I recommend it, especially the vaniall cream puffs!!!
Check it out: http://www.grace-grace.jp/grace_index.html

"Spring has come"

That was the title of the email which Ms. e sent me a few weeks ago. After that email, the weather changed numerous times, warm, cold, and warm, and cold again. It was annoying. But finally, I really feel that spring has finally come. That is good news.

Also, recently, two good things happened to me. First, a very kind and generous person gave me a Dijima roll. I was really caught off guard and surprised because I know you have to wait in a long line to get it. And, for the record, it was delicious!

The next thing was I got a free newspaper. This is how it happened.
I subscribe to a business newspaper.
When I left my house around 5:25 am last week, the newspaper had not been delivered yet. This had happened one time before, and I really wasn't so concerned, but I really wanted to check about the stock market that day, so I was a little annoyed. And while I was walking, about 200 meters before the station, I saw a newspaper delivery man. I didn't know what company he represented, but I stopped him.
And I said: My business newspaper hasn't been delivered yet.
He said: I am Mainichi Newspaper, and I also have the business paper. Do you use my company?
I said: I don't know. Maybe. I know that I don't use Yomiuri(because I terminated the contract with Yomiuri last year), but if I use Mainichi, or Asahi, to be honest, I don't know.
He looked perplexed.
And then he said: Ok, here you go. Take it. And please remember Mainichi!!
I said: Okay!! Thanks a lot!!
You could never get a free paper from the delivery boy at 5:30am in America. Never.

That day I sold one of my stocks. It was a good day.

Hope everyone has a good week!

An Apology and a Thank you

Tomorrow is Sunday, and it is my new day off. From May until I retire, I made a choice to take a day off on Sunday. The reason for my decision was the following: About 10 years ago, I hurt my back very seriously. I couldn't walk for about a week, and for about 3 months after that I could walk fine but I had pain in my legs. It took about 6 months for me to be able to go jogging again. Then, almost every year after that, I would always hurt my back a little once a year. Then again, two years ago, I hurt it again pretty bad. Then last November, then January, and then again in February, I hurt it. Three times in about 3 months! I was miserable and it was pathetic. So I decided to go to the doctor's. I saw two doctors, and they were both very kind and helpful. I was relieved. Basically, they gave me the same advice about rehabilitation and treatment. And also they both told me that if I want to work and live both mentally and physically healthy for many years in the future, then I have to take one day off a week. So I decided to take off on Sundays. However, many people who come to my school on Sundays so this was a big problem for me. But unfortunately, I had no other choice. So I would like to take this opportunity to officially apologize to all of those people who were inconvenienced by this decision. I sincerely apologize.
In addition, I would like to say truly Thank you to many many people who expressed their concern about me and sent me emails or asked me directly, about my condition. I was deeply moved by so many people's kindness. Thank you very much.

Hope everyone has a good week!

Stuck in the airport

Have you ever been stuck in an airport because your flight got cancelled or delayed? Unfortunately, I have. Many times. Too many times. It can be a miserable experience. So, I really feel for all of the folks stranded at Narita and Kansai Airport, who can't return to their homes in Europe. I am sure all of you know, but just in case, I will ask the question: Do you know why they are stranded? Because a volcano erupted in Iceland and ashes from volcanic eruptions enter the air and cause poor visibility for planes and can also cause engine failure. So the airlines cancelled all of the flights in and out of Europe. It is the biggest such shut down of flights since 9/11, the terrorism attach in America

If you were stuck in the airport what would you do? I would walk around a lot, pace, call/email my friends and family, sleep, probably drink some beer and try to eat some food. But the only good food which I saw at Narita airport the last time I was there was ramen (see pic below). But eating ramen, ramen, and more ramen for a few days in a row, isn't so healthy i think

Anyway, I hope they can go home soon...

The below article is pretty interesting. You should check it out.
"Ash-stranded Europeans low on cash, nerves"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100420a3.html

Exercise and losing weight

Since I gained about 5 kilograms since New Year's, recently I have been thinking about exercise and going on a diet. I can make many excuses for putting on the pounds. The easiest excuse to make is that I hurt my back. But excuses are for losers. So I will not make any. Instead, I will do something about it. Luckily for me, my brother is a personal trainer so I can get advice from him, for free. I like "for free!" :) The other day, he sent me the below article:
"Exercise less, but harder"
http://www.cbsnews.com/

stories/2010/02/25/earlyshow/health/main6241810.shtml

I think it is basically on the mark. Plus I think it is necessary to add that balance is important. In my case, I like to take long walks. The purpose of these walks is not to burn calories, but rather to simply be in nature and feel all of nature's wonders: the wind, the sun, the smell of the river, the beauty of the sky, etc.
And, one more think. Eat less! This is very crucial, and Mr. F is a great example of that. In about 6 months, only from watching and monitoring his calorie intake, he lost about 15 kg. And as of today, no rebound. The other day he lifted up his shirt and showed me his stomach. It wasn't the sexiest stomach I have ever seen, but it was thin. I could almost see his abdomen muscles. I was impressed with his effort and success. I have to learn from that.

Drugs in China, and Tea

I don't think anyone who reads this blog does drugs, but just in case, here is some advice.
Don't try to smuggle drugs into China!!
If you don't understand what I mean, then you must read the below article.
"A high price for drug smuggling"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/ed20100411a2.html

On to a more happy topic, below is a photo and also an email from Ms. R. She studies Japanese tea ceremony as well as English and many other things. For example, she sings in a Choir too. I am jealous of her, because I like Japanese tea and would like to learn how to make it. Also, I have a terrible voice-I am tone deaf, so I think it is really cool and beautiful when someone can sing well. When I sing, it is ugly!! ;(
And, while on the topic of tea, the other day Ms. M told me that her friend's father runs the oldest Japanese tea shop in Kyoto. The next time I am in Kyoto, I definitely want to check it out.

From Ms. R:
Tea Ceremony

I viesited Mr.S house last weekend. He is parson of rumors by my tea ceremony class. The person is tea ceremony maniac. Do you understand attachment photo. This is a [TSURI GAMA] hanging pot. It's a hang pot on a chain from the ceiling This is a tool to use only in March. Tea ceremony has many things only of the season. Please check my blog.

Korean Movie and Tsukiji

First, last weekend I watched a Korean movie. I think the title is "The Chaser." I may be mistaken, but I think it was the first Korean Movie I have ever watched. It is a suspense thriller type of movie. I am not crazy about Korean TV or movies music, but to be honest I liked it a lot and recommend it IF you like suspense, thriller type movies. (And a special caution to Ms. M: Please do not watch this movie. I now you don't like sad, scary movies, so this movie is not for you!!)Because there was no English subtitles or voice over, I had to watch the movie with Japanese subtitles and also Japanese voice-over. To be honest, I really don't like Japanese voice over. But this time, it was very easy to understand. I was pleasantly surprised.


The next topic of the day is about the following article:
"Tsukiji to shut out sightseers for one month"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100407a8.html

I have never been to Tsukiji market, but if I have the opportunity one day, I want to go. But even if I had the chance to go sometime during the next month, I couldn't. Because all foreigners are prohibitted from entering the market for the next month. The reason is: the foreigners have bad manners and don't follow the rules and the locals who work there and go there to buy fish for their restaurants are simply fed up with all of it. All of the hoopla about whale hunting and tuna fishing probably didn't go over to well either. I am American, but to be honest, I can understand the Tsukiji people's way of thinking. But it is a shame because Tsukiji is one of the Top Three most popular sightseeing spots for foreigners in Tokyo. When my parents visited Tokyo a few years ago, the went to the market at 5:00am and I remember they told me "Tsukiji Market is awesome. It is a must see!!" I hope the foreigners can learn to control themselves and have better manners and follow the rules, and I hope fish market re-opens to the general public and foreigners soon.

The below photos are from the restaurant, Bistro Grits, which I recommended a few weeks ago.

Roll cake and Mangos

Did you know that one of my favorite desserts is Roll Cake? Well, if you didn't, now you do. I don't eat dessert so often, and I hardly ever eat sweets or junk food, but roll cake really hits the spot. It is not too sweet, and there is something about the texture which I really like. When I am walking from the station to here, I always pass the "Doujima Roll" shop. There is almost always a very long line outside of the shop. On the weekends, maybe people wait in line over an hour at least to get one. That is unbelievable, and I am impatient, so I could never do it.

And, while on the topic of "unbelievable," did you hear this news:
Season's first sweet mangoes fetch ¥200,000
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100407f3.html

If the exchange rate is 100yen to 1$, then that means $2000 for mangos. Wow!! But unfortunately, I can not afford it.

Wakayama Cherry Blossoms, Baseball, and I-pad

I have never been to Wakayama to see cherry blossoms, but one day I wanna go.
Read here for Ms. N's diary of her trip and look below for her pictures:
"Hi !I and my husband went to WAKAYAMA.There is Marina city and Kimiidera.It was a bad weather.But, it was not rain,blowing wind and yellow sand.Kimiidera is good place.I have really taken to Kimiidera.Cherry-blossom come out a little. I enjoyed in Wakayama."

The baseball season began and for me that is a good thing. Because I love baseball.
As I do every year, I will make a couple of predictions.
First, the Giants will win the Japan Series.
Second, the Rakuten Eagles will finish in last place.
Third, the manager of the Tigers, Mayumi, will resign by July.
Ah, and about the Major Leagues, the World Series will be the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Seattle Mariners. Of course I predict that the Phillies will win!

On to another topic, Apple's I-pad went on sale the other day in America. I read that it is really good for downloading books and magazines and things like that. If it goes on sale in Japan, I think I will get it.

The Maiko Experience

When I opened my email on April 1st, I got an email from a friend, Ms. M. I was suprised a little because she only emails me about once or twice a year. She started the email like this:
"While you were away, I changed. and i also changed my job!! Look at my pics!" (Look Below)
Ms. M works for an airline company, and it is a good job, so I was stunned to hear she changed job. But next when I looked at the photos, I was even more surprised...WOW! A Geisha! So I emailed her back something like this: "really? what happened?! you really became a geisha?!"]
and then she replied:
"its a joke!!
working as MAIKO , it has regulation. my age is out of that regulation.
maybe real MAIKO are under 20-year-old girls.
its long long ago....
SO I and my friend just experienced as MAIKO style."

She got me! I actually believed her april fool's prank email for a minute. I am sometimes gullible too....

The past couple of days have been really nice. And the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! It is fantastic! Spring has finally officially arrived! Let's enjoy it!

I know it is a little early for fireworks, but that is Okay.
"What's your favorite hanami memory?"
Read here for the answers of a few friendly people:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20100330vf.html

Great Pics Ms. M!!!

I'm back

Hi. Yesterday was April 1st, April Fool's Day. Did you play a prank(=an April Fool's joke) on anyone?

Just before arriving at Narita Airport at 4pm on Tuesday, the pilot said "There are clear skies and temperature in Tokyo is 9 degrees Celcius." I was surprised...9!? I was expecting around 15 or so degrees. It was much cooler than I expected. And then on Wednesday...it was dreary and rainy all day. But I am lucky because the cherry blossoms around here aren't in full bloom yet. In about a day or two, with some sun and warmer temperatures, I think they will fully bloom. I am looking forward to sitting under the blue sky and pink leaves and sipping some wine or having a lunch box or something like that...I do it every year, and every year it is special.