nostalgia

All our stuff arrived in the shipping container this week. Finally we have abed to sleep in and clothes and shoes. Opening all the boxes has somehow made me feel very nostalgic and really miss Japan. It is an experience that can only be lived while it happens and I can only keep the memories and so, it seems bitter sweet that I have been able to touch a breathe those days but now I cannot. I am truly happy to be home and found adjusting to a new life has been very enjoyable. Now 3 weeks into a full time job, I realise just how much time we spend doing work, away from our homes, and families and friends. Things just don't get done at home and I try, but I am not a superwoman :) its just time and managing it.

I often think when Long Long meets another dog, that the butt sniffing is so disgusting and I yank his head and say 'c'mon, let's go' but as a new worker in a new office, it is exactly the same for humans...well, not the actual sniffing bit of course, but the assessing, the finding out, the slight uncomfortable feeling, until it all settles down....I can see though, as much as I go through a big change, the others in my workplace also have to adjust to me, a new person, who keeps asking the same questions, in a nice way, and try not to bother them but they know their work piles up as they spend time with me...... for me, I have no allies and no friends, yet, so its best to just do my best while making friends with everyone and watch how the others interract, and listen to how the bosses speak.

In other news, maybe you know, I am a two fingered typist, yes the two index fingers stab the keyboard, I think efficiently, but do not ask what my husband thinks :) last night while washing the dishes I managed to run on of my very useful index fingers along a very sharp knife who was hiding in the water under a plate....ouch....almost in need stitches but not quite. So, now I type with my index finger and the middle finger, with a huge white bandage on my cut finger.....I am soooo looking forward to roll up to my work desk and try to conceal THAT! I am not sure how I plan to write anything :)

weeks end

This was the lucky last shot before my battery died but captures a small moment of quiet where its just me and the hound dog. He seems to wonder where his friends have gone since now, almost all day he has only himself for company. On the other hand, I have made a lot of new friends and so has Mooey. I am enjoying work, a new routine, a new schedule and what I have discovered, a new way to measure myself...the way I do and see things and the way my perspective has changed and how much I have grown up. So quickly into an international move and starting of full time work have I been able to see forwards and backwards. I feel lucky to have had the chance to slip in and out of two lives and now more than ever, I feel how much having a child has changed my life and what I believe is important. Before returning to this work, I felt a lot of what if's but now they are I know's and it isn't that bad at all! No, I am not old and rusty, in fact, I am a much more diligent, less competitive (in a good way), well balanced, mature and well rounded worker than ever. I have much more to manage and worry about than before and probably I am much more productive (but its only been two weeks so its hard to measure my productivity when I still do not know who's who and where the paper is kept).....hahahaa~I no longer sweat the small stuff and accept mistakes are part of learning and getting to know people takes time and dedication but has many, many rewards. My job content is very easy, its really just regurgitating information in a nice way, but it is enjoyable, and I like the people I work with and that is the most I can ask for.

Outside my new schedule, I have tried to keep organised with spending time with Mooch/food/bringing my lunch to work/cooking/cleaning/exercise/drawing...oh yes, my husband.....yes, him too...... and try to keep to a 9pm curfew..yes, its very early, I know....its only temporary until I get my full mojo....and seems to keep me awake at 3pm...which is the whole point of doing it. And, overall, I have kept up with all the tasks, except exrecise, which makes me feel like a slug...so I have made a new commitment and think I can keep it......along with the 2 chocolate frogs a day policy...of course ;)

my new year

Please follow today's post over here.....I got my dashboard mixed up!

condensing time

This lovely animal has drifted into his old routine, even letting Mooey chase and bash and bother him, without any retaliation.....he is such a good boy.....I have been trying to appreciate the passing hours as these will be my last with this big, little boy, while he is little. I'm trying not to over think the many hours in daycare v's work experience and feel excited for both of us to do a new thing involving a lot of growth, it is a good thing!.....growing up!.......but often, to get there is a bit of hard work on the heart and mind......
so taking time to absorb beautiful images and word by SO-EN a delight to read. Thanks again to the magical Miho, who is now my living portal to Tokyo!....
After discovering the local library I borrowed quite a few books, notably these excellent, illustrated stories.....Special Kev (above) has the most creative and funny illustrations and the story and terminolgy used is so Australian!...I was having a chuckle at the use of words for a red head, "blood nuts, carrot tops, ginger nut"....so funny, I had forgotten these stinging schoolyard words which probably scar red heads for life.....
and this very cute story of old timers, Goldilocks and the 3 bears, The 3 little pigs etc....beautiful colours and illustration style, I really love this book! It is illustrated by Anne Wilson. I will look for a link!

This is a very cute animation and clever word play which you can understand, even if not the exact words. I watched this many times, natsukaashiiii~ Thanks Miho for reminding me of the amazing design work I now miss. I received my myki (public transport pass) in the mail....and the design....gosh, I have been spoilt in Japan! The website is OK and user friendly but the actual card and plastic pocket design..............uuuughhh...its av, av, average. However, despite all the whinging you hear about the system, and the better ways in which it has been rolled out, I believe the system will be much better in the long run.

easy tuesday...

..the last Tuesday before I am a regular worker....time to take in a cup of green tea and cookie and read a book sent to me by the amazing Miho. She designed it and of course it is beautiful!
**Honto ni arigato Miho!!**
I was also fortunate to get all these lovely pencils from the op shop for $1 which was a bonus for me, the bonus being undone when the Mooch ran directly into an old couch and split his lip open.....in this case not only does an icypole work as a distraction but has a useful function to reduce swelling!.....
and to my thoughts on organisation....I fear it will be the thing that stresses me the most about going back to work, so, a clothes, shopping and food plan should help me through the first few weeks, I hope....

i dont mind at all...

I'm not at all offended by hot cross buns in January...I love them and I'm happy to eat them for months!...especially when coupled with a good coffee......mmmmm

in the morning

I'm ok

I miss drawing and so have just bought some manky pencils and textas from the supermarket until my nice ones arrive....actually, I'm much happier with the result! It is more due to a very nice new scanner, not really expensive at all but I guess just being new means newer technology allowing it to do a better job at scanning than an old printer, a noisy printer, an awful one, really!....I raked a lot of woodchips in the garden today. Although I exercise a lot I dont do that kind of physical work. I didn't realise how hard it is and how much energy you need to do it, and its just a small garden! But amongst all the sweating and swearing, it is very satisfying to get dirty hands and make progress and clean up the garden...and there is some time to think thoughts about life generally and the state of the earth and how things die and grow and die and grow and what was in the earth a long time before we got here. I have not finished but its too hot for an inexperienced gardener (me) and my apprentice Mooch and coffee is calling my name. It is my one true indulgence!
......while we worked, he took a rest...can you believe this lovely hound dog just traveled to and from Japan and spent the past month in quarantine? He is an amazing dog, so calm and gentle and sweet. I expected him to be affected and a bit out of sorts but this is how he always is, seeks the sunny spot and every so often come out to see what's happening. Even his morning routine is the same, he comes to check in every one's room to say good morning!...and of course he is so happy to see everyone, bit tail wagging and sneezing and yawning and licking his lips, all signs of a very happy whippet!

one more sleep

What more can I say?

chalk

Since we moved I have done no crafty projects with Mooey, but it really doesn't take too much effort, so, after purchasing a cheap bucket of chalk we made up lots of games, including drawings and pegs and balls...... it was so nice and so much fun!
Things I'm missing about Japan: service (yep you know it), 100 yen shop, beautiful bakery treats, details, details (magazines, little bits and bobs - LOFT, ITOYA, OKADAYA, - green tea, green grocers, convenience stores, public transport)....
Things I love about Oz: space, blue skies, summer, clean drinking water from the tap, family nearby, quiet, quiet,

The balance about equals I think xxx

my last days revisited...

Going through my memory card and looking at my last days in Tokyo.....and first in Oz...isn't this a typical scene in Australia?....wide open road and no cars>...dry grass and no developments....just a lack of visual (and auditory) noise.....keeps you calm and relaxed?.....compared to busy, busy, busy Shinjuku...I do miss you Shinjuku.....but I know you are very cold and little bit snowy, just a dusting.....so I'm happier being warm....
some fruits in Shinjuku gyoen...a lovely part of town....now frozen in the ground and the small ponds....we skimmed stones on the ice on this last day....
and tried to warm up a little in the bright sunshine...

enjoyed these very, very clever interactive Xmas windows at Isetan..such a clever and fun idea.....these windows have been a constant source of inspiration, not to mention what's for sale inside....
the skeleton of our old place, now just an empty house...our stuff will arrive here next month so just a few more weeks of sleeping on the floor....
and a last Xmas party, such an amazing, dedicated group of teachers. Mooey will go from this to 30 kids....I feel a very hard time coming up for me to let go and let him grow up. I know it is better for him to go in with the big kids so he can grow too, but it is very hard, harder than I imagined to realise, the early days are over and that's it, no more days. I have had a most wonderful and rich few years with this guy and I am so lucky to have had that. I feel quite sad only for myself that it is over but I'm happy for him because now he can really start to discover his own potential, and that is truly exciting!

hot, hot...

Its beaches like this, which are only minutes from where we live that make it worth coming back to Oz....especially in a heatwave. Even if its just for an hour, to have so much freedom, clean water and quiet is such a delicious treat and something I would also not really appreciate if I had not lived in Tokyo. There are some things however, that are revealing themselves...the things I am starting to miss.....service is probably to most visible.....everyone can vouch for the often poor quality service they receive in Australia but it is really annoying! In fact today, the check out lady threw my loaf of bread on the counter which tumbled to the floor, spilling the goods out of the bag and she just looked at me, impatiently, while I picked it up...grrrr....she had also slammed the watermelon on top of all the stone fruits.......GGRRRR...considering food is expensive compared to the same in Japan I was freaking out a little.....this, followed by standing in a line for 15 mins to buy a light bulb..............It is usually a surprise when you get good service and fortunately I found this in an excellent barista, by far the best coffee maker in a long time....so, you take the good with the bad as with all things in life :)

everyday sunshine

I'm so glad to be here, in the summertime, with warm and dry heat and familiar smells, like lemon scented gum trees and that funny smell of the road after it has rained. Summmertime is linked to many happy days as a kid growing up at the beach with my sister and friends. Now, living close to the beach and soaking up the sun and sea is one of lifes great pleasures for me. Today, at the beach, Mooch and I poked around the sides of a jellyfish, tried out a new foam 'surfboard', got a cut knee on an old corally rock, made sandcastles, talked about seaweeds and sponges and just soaked up the lovely atmosphere of other families chattering and laughing and enjoying the days before school and work returns in earnest. I too feel these are the sweetest days since soon, I too will be a worker. I mean a paid one. I have managed to overcome my biggest stress about returning to work, arranging childcare. I found, by luck only, a suitable place, so now I can go back to work with a slightly less guilty load to carry, knowing he will be well cared for, well, it is my hope, no one can do a better job than the Mummy or Daddy of course!...So when we share a babychino, such a treat, with a 'marshlallow', and chat about small and funny things, I am really soaking it up. These days and moments which will not last but make my life worth living, just for these little things, tiny things, but so valuable. This new year is exciting for us all and I will try to write about it, not get boring, keep connected with you. I lived the past few years reading several blogs daily and now I think, they will not be part of my routine, at least not daily. But, I like to peek into others lives, especially those creative or funny or organised or healthy or just excellent motivated women's blogs. Have a great weekend, I'm going to laugh and swim and see family and I hope to draw a new banner for my blog - SUMMER!

new year, new things

Happy New Year and happy new internet connection!....What a year already! I got a job, quickly, and I am very happy despite the shambles arrangement called 'childcare' which parents are subjected to.....ugh....but look above...our beautiful Long Long arrived safe and sound from Tokyo and almost finished his prison term...ahem..I mean quarantine....I am so looking forward to having him home and showing him his new digs. I have prepared some very comfy mats for him in the various sunny locations inside (in an attempt to get him not to sleep in our makeshift beds on the floor)...pure heaven for a whippet. We can visit him and he is well cared for but it will be nice to have him home for good....
and this little guy...what a great job he has done being uprooted twice now and done such a good job to hang in there, always with a smile and a cuddle and sometime a smashing but its pretty normal for a 3 year old I guess. I think the biggest change for me this year will be letting him grow up a bit by going to daycare more often, well, a lot....and us not spending anywhere near as much time together.. its natural for a parent to do this and almost everyone I know has been through it but now its my turn. Lucky I am excited about going to work because it helps keep me motivated and positive. Finding the 'right' care is the hard bit......someone described the whole thing like removing a band aid, do it quickly and get it over with, then it becomes easier....good advice I think....living it will be the challenge.

Life back in Australia is incredible, really, this is a beautiful place to live, Melbourne, so open, so sparsely populated, so pretty and clean and reasonably safe, so many, many places to play or sit and think and have a coffee, such a beautiful place to raise children, so external. My appreciation for this place would be nowhere near as thorough and wholehearted had I not lived a Tokyo life for a few years. Tokyo is wonderful, but in different, more internal ways, so I am lucky to have the chance to live both. For the meantime, here and now, with lovely friends, family and my sweet partner, mooch and pointy nosed pooch, I could not be happier.

Happy New Year!

Oh I am sorry for no posts for weeks....life has been abosrbed in moving across countries, spending time with family and friends, visitng the seas, parks and open spaces and just getting back to life in Oz. It has been a pretty smooth transition to date with house, car and now a FT job waiting for the new year. There will be more changes this year adjusting to a new schedule and I worry a lot about being a FT worker again and how my Mooch will cope but I know it is just my turn now and after the first few weeks all will normalise......I hope.....I miss aspects of our Japan life and the lovelies we have met but when I walk behind the mooch on the track to the beach and he holds his Uncle's hand so gently and comfortably and then jumps into the water with my sister and then when we get home crawls all over Grandad and chats happily to Nana, I know, this is the place we are meant to be right now.....it is so lovely to be quiet at this time of year and just be. Japan has truly grown up my mind a lot the past two years, I am so happy to have that knowledge and experience and it is so true that time away makes you appreciate home and those there all the more....for all that learning I am very thankful. Here's wishing all of you my friends, a most wonderful 2010, full of challenges and fun, positive experiences and things to learn from, time with loved ones and moments to savour, good foods and nice drinks and appreciation for our lives and the energy we devote to making these the best days we can. I have a lot of photos from my first week back, trying to capture those things I have seen with the most fresh eyes and I will show them when I get internet connection at my home...(after 2 weeks of waiting)....Happy 2010~~!!

last lovely dinner

We enjoyed a dinner for two at a beautiful restaurant, whose specialty is fugu, sashimi and otherwise....a beautiful, small, quiet place where the chef prepared all the foods in front of our eyes. He hardly spoke, the food did all the talking. He did tell us that he had been cutting fugu for 17 years. It is amazing to watch and soak up this kind of culture, it is nowhere other than this place.
His knives are on the left, one for each task, a beautiful clean and organised workspace with minimal tools....here is our dinner by course, there is no menu, you just get the days special range....carefully planned and prepared for balance of flavour, beauty of colours and foods in season....
Just to tempt us, small tasting of various pickles, fish guts, tofu, sweet beans and spinach....
Followed by a dashi flavoured jelly with the skin of fugu in the bottom...OK I did try it at least....fish skin is not my favourite texture....
Followed by beautiful, beautiful fugu sashimi, sliced in front of us by expert hands....amazing....
Followed by daikon radish boiled in broth with some small veges (carrot and greens and skin of yuzu) and no, not a brain but balls! The testicle of a cod fish!!...so f.u.n.n.y translating that with gestures, the usual Aussie hand gesture - is as if you are holding two melons, the chef simply held his thumbs and fore fingers in a ring, about as small as two marbles and put them in the place so there was no mistaking what they were....I couldn't stop giggling....yep, I tried it, yep it wasn't that good, people eat it for texture which is like thick cream......not so much flavour, my loved one ate mine, so he ate two testicles, which has been very good fun to tease him about.....he said it was rude to leave it....
Followed by kara age, fried fugu...it is such a tasty fish....
Followed by horse mackrel simmered in soy and sweet stuff with a little bit of mushrooms and sesame seeds...
Followed by nabe, or a hot pot, which first had the tofu boiled in it, the most silky and beautiful tofu I have eaten, served in a ponzu, or yuzu and soy (and other things) sauce...amazing!
I had 2 glasses of wine and since I almost never drink I was forgetting to take pictures.....I missed the photos of the nabe which was fugu and a lot of beautiful veges and mushrooms and a piece of mochi...all dipped into the ponzu before you eat it. Usually the nabe/hot pot sits in the centre of the table and you just take what you want but we were served bits and bobs last night...lovely!
The dish above is a rice and egg dish which is poured into the remainder of the hot pot liquid to soak up all the yumness from all the previously cooked foods.....it was just so nice...but gosh, FULL...I couldn't breathe very well by this stage.....oh, the pickles on the right were also very special....in fact one of my favourite dishes, so delicious
LASTLY, chef pulled out a huge and beautiful kaki or persimmon. Since they have just about finished the season here, I have had my share of skinning and eating them, and they are a hard fruit, so takes some time to get the skin off without cutting your fingers....watching him skin it was like he was cutting butter. I'm sure his knife was very sharp but gee, it was so amazing to watch his skill. I could only eat one piece......The night sums up the best of Japan for me, quiet beauty, holding onto old and beautiful traditions, transient moments and respect. The rush and gush of the city is the flip side to what I love but taking time for the quiet things was so wonderful! And to have a last moment with my darling, just us two, and soak up the last few moments in this place. Leaving on a high is just so a good thing to do!

lasy days...

Golden Autumn leaves still so pretty.....enjoying our lasts this week...foods, shops, places.....Long Long goes tomorrow....my fingers are crossed for him xxx

10 days

or thereabouts...left in this place.......love it and hate it.....like anywhere. I sold my coffee maker and scanner, two of my most used possessions.......I will inherit and iphone soon and get a new scanner made in this century (well, I may exaggerate but 2 years is a long time for gadgets).........so there is nothing bad about it ;) Life is almost in boxes....I am enjoying just a few things to choose from to wear, not so many toys to clean up and just having less around.....I am excited to go home and hear those very flat and wide Aussie accents and the very relaxed manners of summer and the coffee shops open early when its still and quiet.....

getting better

We are all recovering from the swine flu epidemic in our house and just having the left over coughs and sniffles. Being house bound at a time when you are supposed to be packing isnt so bad, unless you are 3. Bored, bored, bored.......It's the first time I have ever made mini chocolate self saucing puddings for morning tea...look at my apprentice!...He was so happy to help me, poor kiddo....he is taking longer to recover, I guess because he is a kid, but he is his usual self. We have been talking to him about going to Australia and everyone we will see what we will do and that we have to say goodbye to friends here and the usual routine of our life. He nods. We will see. Just take it daily, enjoy the space, the smell of dry air in summer, quiet, morning coffees at favourite cafe spots, beach, know that Long Long will be nearby and home after a few short weeks and that we are home.