Oh the luxury of having a long lie! Today, even though I woke earlier, I fell asleep again and didn't get up until just before 9am.
Keita is taking part in Nishiura Tetsuo's concert (for those who don't know, he's a baseball related singer/songwriter) and so has the day off and didn't need to leave the house until just before 11am to practice whatever they are going to be doing. Me, another mother and the head coach are going to the actual concert but don't have to be there until 6pm so it's been a lovely relaxing day.
Just as well that Keita didn't have to go to practice today really because on Thursday he got hit in the throat (ouch) and ended up at the emergency room. Other than losing his voice for a day and a sore throat, he is none the worse for wear but the Doctor said he should take it easy over the weekend. Luckily it was one of the younger (non-regular) boys that was batting and so it didn't hit him at the speed it could have done.
Aya and Daisuke have more or less finalised a date for their wedding. It's probably going to be October 2nd next year and will be at a venue just outside Osaka but near enough to get there and back easily. They are going again next week to finalise the booking and have asked me to go with them to see what I think. Once that's done, they will no doubt be emailing everyone overseas to invite you all!
Other than that, nothing else has been happening!
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Monday, 16 August 2010
Last weeks tournament started off well. Keita pitched the first day and only let in one hit the whole of the match. Next day was a repeat performance by Keita in the first match but then they lost the second one - Each pitcher can only pitch one game so it was a different boy in the 2nd match. It would have been nice for them to win the tournament but it's been so hot and muggy that I was quite relieved not to have to go for a third day!!
On Saturday we also finalised Keita's High School. It was the school he'd initially decided on - PL Gakuen in Osaka. It's a relief not to have to keep humming and hawing when people ask where he's going. He still has to take the entrance exam but I've a feeling that's just a formality!
Very soon a group of the mothers from Keita's elementary school baseball team are coming for dinner/drinks (or really drinks/dinner!!) so this has to be short and sweet. Tomorrow Keita's friends will come for their annual sleep over so it'll be all systems go in the kitchen on Wednesday morning again!
On Saturday we also finalised Keita's High School. It was the school he'd initially decided on - PL Gakuen in Osaka. It's a relief not to have to keep humming and hawing when people ask where he's going. He still has to take the entrance exam but I've a feeling that's just a formality!
Very soon a group of the mothers from Keita's elementary school baseball team are coming for dinner/drinks (or really drinks/dinner!!) so this has to be short and sweet. Tomorrow Keita's friends will come for their annual sleep over so it'll be all systems go in the kitchen on Wednesday morning again!
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
So much for having long lies over the weekend - even though I had the chance to, I was up by 8am both days!
The firework party went well and although there were about 18 of us it seemed less because of the space! I decided that there was going to be no cooking at all this year and bought everything from Costco so it was a lot more relaxing than other years. Poor Lisa had to work and only arrived home after the fireworks had finished. Since Daisy isn't as fit these days, I decided to keep them at home rather than putting them into the kennels overnight and wondered how noisy they would be but I didn't hear a peep - although the fireworks were so loud they could have been barking their heads off and we wouldn't have known.
On Sunday I did NOTHING apart from read a book and tidy some of the aftermath in the afternoon. Kana's 2 friends had stayed overnight and didn't leave until early afternoon so I couldn't have done anything even if I'd wanted to.
Monday I went and got my hair cut and then it was time to collect Setsuo, Keita, Riku and his dad. By the sounds of it, I think they had great fun. They watched a firework display from the hotel roof on the Sat night, had a BBQ and 'swimming' in a river on Sunday and then hiking up a mountain on the Monday before leaving (Setsuo was a wimp and took the cable car with another father and the mothers!) In a way, I wish I'd also gone but having a quiet house and no schedule was also nice.
From the 13th there is another tournament so unless they lose the first match, there's going to be baseball on the 13th, 14th and 15th. Hopefully no more until I'm back at work!
There's a typhoon on it's way north so looks like we're going to be in for a rainy day tomorrow which will be a bit of a relief from the constant sun (actually we did have an hour of spectacular rain on Monday just before the bus was due to arrive back but luckily it stopped before we had to unload everything).
Keita's high school news - I phoned the owner of the club to tell him we'd decided on a school only for him to tell me to hold off for a bit because one of the 'other' schools is desperate for him to join theirs and wants to meet him. They are playing at Koshien at the moment so I don't know when the meeting is going to take place so everything is still up in the air although I've a feeling Keita will still want to go to his initial choice.
The firework party went well and although there were about 18 of us it seemed less because of the space! I decided that there was going to be no cooking at all this year and bought everything from Costco so it was a lot more relaxing than other years. Poor Lisa had to work and only arrived home after the fireworks had finished. Since Daisy isn't as fit these days, I decided to keep them at home rather than putting them into the kennels overnight and wondered how noisy they would be but I didn't hear a peep - although the fireworks were so loud they could have been barking their heads off and we wouldn't have known.
On Sunday I did NOTHING apart from read a book and tidy some of the aftermath in the afternoon. Kana's 2 friends had stayed overnight and didn't leave until early afternoon so I couldn't have done anything even if I'd wanted to.
Monday I went and got my hair cut and then it was time to collect Setsuo, Keita, Riku and his dad. By the sounds of it, I think they had great fun. They watched a firework display from the hotel roof on the Sat night, had a BBQ and 'swimming' in a river on Sunday and then hiking up a mountain on the Monday before leaving (Setsuo was a wimp and took the cable car with another father and the mothers!) In a way, I wish I'd also gone but having a quiet house and no schedule was also nice.
From the 13th there is another tournament so unless they lose the first match, there's going to be baseball on the 13th, 14th and 15th. Hopefully no more until I'm back at work!
There's a typhoon on it's way north so looks like we're going to be in for a rainy day tomorrow which will be a bit of a relief from the constant sun (actually we did have an hour of spectacular rain on Monday just before the bus was due to arrive back but luckily it stopped before we had to unload everything).
Keita's high school news - I phoned the owner of the club to tell him we'd decided on a school only for him to tell me to hold off for a bit because one of the 'other' schools is desperate for him to join theirs and wants to meet him. They are playing at Koshien at the moment so I don't know when the meeting is going to take place so everything is still up in the air although I've a feeling Keita will still want to go to his initial choice.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Last week I decided to treat myself to some books from The Book Depository (free shipping no matter where you live) and ended up ordering 15!! I'm always happy when I know there are books on their way, but that happiness is 10-fold when they actually arrive. Not only do I have some books to read but Setsuo has agreed to leave me at home and go to one of the big tournaments with Keita this week - they'll be away for 3 days - so not only do I get to read until late, I ALSO GET TO SLEEP AS LONG AS I LIKE!!! It's going to be heaven! Can't tell you how ecstatic that makes me feel!
Another good thing is that we have decided to take down the batting cage that was up on the 4th floor. Keita wasn't really using it that much and I since he's not going to be here to use it after March, we decided it could come down (although both Keita and Setsuo are now having second thoughts). Saturday is the firework display so we would have had to take down the netting anyway but once it's totally dismantled and taken away, I'll get the verandah cleaned and we'll have a huge space again.
**I've just gone upstairs to check on the progress and it's down! The carpenters are just clearing up the last of the bolts and joints. I'd forgotten just how big the area is and am now excited about having all that space again. (It's pathetic how easily pleased I am!!)
Aya had a good time in China (although Daisuke wasn't happy that she went as it was 'boy' friends she was meeting. I can understand his feelings but I know they are just friends so understand Aya wanting to meet up with them as she'll have few chances in the future. She should have kept quiet or said it was girls she was meeting! Being Miss Honesty doesn't always pay!
Another good thing is that we have decided to take down the batting cage that was up on the 4th floor. Keita wasn't really using it that much and I since he's not going to be here to use it after March, we decided it could come down (although both Keita and Setsuo are now having second thoughts). Saturday is the firework display so we would have had to take down the netting anyway but once it's totally dismantled and taken away, I'll get the verandah cleaned and we'll have a huge space again.
**I've just gone upstairs to check on the progress and it's down! The carpenters are just clearing up the last of the bolts and joints. I'd forgotten just how big the area is and am now excited about having all that space again. (It's pathetic how easily pleased I am!!)
Aya had a good time in China (although Daisuke wasn't happy that she went as it was 'boy' friends she was meeting. I can understand his feelings but I know they are just friends so understand Aya wanting to meet up with them as she'll have few chances in the future. She should have kept quiet or said it was girls she was meeting! Being Miss Honesty doesn't always pay!
Thursday, 29 July 2010
For most of June we had nothing but rain and coldish days but then it changed drastically and for the past few weeks we've had temperatures of over 35 so it was a pleasant surprise to wake up to not only a coolish breeze, but also rain. For most of the day it's been pouring down although right at this moment it looks like it's tapering off and the forecast for tomorrow onwards says it's to be hot again. Not exactly pleasant when you have to be out in it all day.
Last month we had another meeting with the owner/head coach to discuss what High school Keita will go to. He got quite a few 'offers' from the top baseball schools in different parts of the country, and 3 weeks ago we went to look at one of the ones in Osaka. It was one I'd never have thought he'd choose to go to but after seeing it, talking to the coaches and also to the parents of one of the boys who is 2 years ahead of him, it's very likely that he's going to choose that one. Wherever he goes, he's opted to board so the fact that it's less than an hour away and we can go and see him play (many don't allow phones or visits) means we can see how he's doing. Also, 3 boys from a different but local team that he knows through playing matches are also going so he won't be totally 'alone'. Nothing has been decided but it's looking more and more likely to be the one. His friend who he's been with since elementary school has opted to go to a school outside of Osaka as there is more chance of getting to play at Koshien that way (to play at Koshien is what they all dream of but Keita says he's not that bothered. He's set his sights even higher - to go professional!).
Aya left for China this morning to meet a couple of her old Uni friends who are already there. I think she comes home either Sat or Sun morning so isn't there for long but at least has the chance to see them again.
After next weeks lessons, I'm on holiday for 2 weeks and really looking forward to the break. Most likely we won't be going anywhere but knowing that I don't have a schedule to keep is going to be bliss - I bet next week drags by!
Last month we had another meeting with the owner/head coach to discuss what High school Keita will go to. He got quite a few 'offers' from the top baseball schools in different parts of the country, and 3 weeks ago we went to look at one of the ones in Osaka. It was one I'd never have thought he'd choose to go to but after seeing it, talking to the coaches and also to the parents of one of the boys who is 2 years ahead of him, it's very likely that he's going to choose that one. Wherever he goes, he's opted to board so the fact that it's less than an hour away and we can go and see him play (many don't allow phones or visits) means we can see how he's doing. Also, 3 boys from a different but local team that he knows through playing matches are also going so he won't be totally 'alone'. Nothing has been decided but it's looking more and more likely to be the one. His friend who he's been with since elementary school has opted to go to a school outside of Osaka as there is more chance of getting to play at Koshien that way (to play at Koshien is what they all dream of but Keita says he's not that bothered. He's set his sights even higher - to go professional!).
Aya left for China this morning to meet a couple of her old Uni friends who are already there. I think she comes home either Sat or Sun morning so isn't there for long but at least has the chance to see them again.
After next weeks lessons, I'm on holiday for 2 weeks and really looking forward to the break. Most likely we won't be going anywhere but knowing that I don't have a schedule to keep is going to be bliss - I bet next week drags by!
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Well, well, well, I've finally found my way back here! It's been a mixture of nothing much to write about and having no time to write even the mundane things.
Getting my classes organised for the start of the school year is always a headache but especially so this year. Most of the classes were okay but I needed to find a later time for one class that was going into the 2nd year and that was hard. I had two classes of the same age running back to back and needed the 2nd class to start an hour later which the mothers weren't happy about but I finally got the mothers of the boys to agree so the girls are in the first class, the boys the second. It's actually working out well with them split that way and I have the threat that if they don't behave, they'll be put into the girls (or boys) class! This year I could only find the time to add one new class so my numbers are mostly the same (I could have added one on a Tues but I've been trying to keep that day the way it is since I don't need to start until 4.30).
Other news, Daisuke came round a couple of weeks ago to have a 'chat' with Setsuo. He was all rigged out in a suit, shirt and tie - all specially bought for the occasion - and asked if Setsuo would 'allow' him and Aya to get married. It was quite sweet really and also quite amusing watching the pair of them, I don't know who was the most nervous! I think if they can find a place that's not already booked they'll get married sometime this year but so far there's no date set.
Lisa seems to have settled into her new job and having to get up early hasn't stopped here from going out wining and dining a couple of days a week. Kana is enjoying uni life and also has a part time job so I don't see that much of her.
Keita is busy as always and their team has just won a tournament (over 40 teams) so I expect there'll be another write up in the Sports Houchi newspaper again tomorrow. Keita, Riku and another boy were interviewed and the guy even cornered me to ask what mine and Setsuo's names were! After the tournament ended on Sunday, there was a night out and I suffered the next morning because of it!
Here's a few photos from the last two days of the tournament, all in the wrong order as usual!
The coach being thrown in the air!
Newspaper interview (note the height difference!)
Pitching
Happy boys!
Keita with Riku to the left
Getting my classes organised for the start of the school year is always a headache but especially so this year. Most of the classes were okay but I needed to find a later time for one class that was going into the 2nd year and that was hard. I had two classes of the same age running back to back and needed the 2nd class to start an hour later which the mothers weren't happy about but I finally got the mothers of the boys to agree so the girls are in the first class, the boys the second. It's actually working out well with them split that way and I have the threat that if they don't behave, they'll be put into the girls (or boys) class! This year I could only find the time to add one new class so my numbers are mostly the same (I could have added one on a Tues but I've been trying to keep that day the way it is since I don't need to start until 4.30).
Other news, Daisuke came round a couple of weeks ago to have a 'chat' with Setsuo. He was all rigged out in a suit, shirt and tie - all specially bought for the occasion - and asked if Setsuo would 'allow' him and Aya to get married. It was quite sweet really and also quite amusing watching the pair of them, I don't know who was the most nervous! I think if they can find a place that's not already booked they'll get married sometime this year but so far there's no date set.
Lisa seems to have settled into her new job and having to get up early hasn't stopped here from going out wining and dining a couple of days a week. Kana is enjoying uni life and also has a part time job so I don't see that much of her.
Keita is busy as always and their team has just won a tournament (over 40 teams) so I expect there'll be another write up in the Sports Houchi newspaper again tomorrow. Keita, Riku and another boy were interviewed and the guy even cornered me to ask what mine and Setsuo's names were! After the tournament ended on Sunday, there was a night out and I suffered the next morning because of it!
Here's a few photos from the last two days of the tournament, all in the wrong order as usual!
The coach being thrown in the air!
Newspaper interview (note the height difference!)
Pitching
Happy boys!
Keita with Riku to the left
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
We've had a busy couple of months with Kana's (can't find the photos) and Lisa's graduation and then Kana's entrance ceremony
Lisa and her friend Nami
Lisa at the entrance to her University
Kana and Lisa in the University grounds
On both days it was really cold and raining slightly for Lisa but pouring down for Kana. Although the ceremonies were held at the main campus in Nishinomiya, their campus is in Sanda which is actually much prettier although smaller and even colder!
Kana seems to be enjoying herself so far and already has a group of friends that she mainly hangs out with (1 other girl and 3 boys). I thinks she was getting fed up at the beginning with everyone asking if she was Lisa's sister but seems to have got over that now.
Lisa came back home at the end of February after living alone for 3 years and to be quite honest I wasn't really looking forward to it, thinking it would be stressful for everyone but surprisingly, it's been really good to have her back home and she's fitted back like she's never been away. She's still living a life of leisure with a couple of days here and there where she has to go for exams for her company but she starts working properly from the 2nd week of May although the first week they have an 'orientation' program staying at a hotel. I think she's quite looking forward to it.
Keita is now in his 3rd and final year of junior high school and has the school baseball coach for his homeroom teacher. (I was just relieved that he stayed in class '3' which means I didn't have to sew on new labels for his sports clothes!) Baseball wise things are going okay although they haven't done that great in any of the tournaments so far this year. For players like Keita or his friend Riku, it doesn't really matter that much because they have already been 'spotted' but for the other boys, they really need to get good results in the tournaments. The last tournament looked promising - Keita pitched really well for the first two stages (and got another write up and his photo in the paper again) which got them into the main part but the following week they got beaten in the first of two matches. The coach had wanted to play Keita in the 2nd match since it looked like the first team would be an easy win but because of errors, we lost! There are still a few more tournaments though so hopefully they'll do better.
We've also had the first 'meeting' to talk about what senior high school they kids want to go to but we've been told not to make any decisions before the summer. Although I haven't been formally told, I know there are a few schools who have asked for him and there is one or two schools I'D like him to go to but we'll just have to wait and see.
Aya and Daisuke now have 2 dogs - one they bought themselves and one I bought as a surprise for Aya's birthday.
The female, Mocha
The male, Rex
We'd bought Rex planning to give him to Aya 4 days later but because Mocha (who was really small) caught bronchitis, the vet said we should keep them apart for about 3 weeks so I ended up keeping him in my office for that time since we couldn't let him come upstairs without having all his injections plus I didn't fancy his chances with Spike and Daisy! They are now 4 months old and have grown a lot, especially Rex. It was nice having a pup again but also nice to be able to hand him over. Aya was just about demented with them at one point and I'm sure regretted getting them more than once but they've settled down a bit now.
And that's basically it! English lessons are a headache at the moment trying to reschedule classes and make room for another new one but hopefully that's going to get resolved this week. Until it does, I have combined two classes so now have 14 x 8/9 year olds in one class. Last week Lisa helped and hopefully she will again this week too - if not, it'll be pretty stressful as they aren't the most well behaved class to start with!
Lisa and her friend Nami
Lisa at the entrance to her University
Kana and Lisa in the University grounds
On both days it was really cold and raining slightly for Lisa but pouring down for Kana. Although the ceremonies were held at the main campus in Nishinomiya, their campus is in Sanda which is actually much prettier although smaller and even colder!
Kana seems to be enjoying herself so far and already has a group of friends that she mainly hangs out with (1 other girl and 3 boys). I thinks she was getting fed up at the beginning with everyone asking if she was Lisa's sister but seems to have got over that now.
Lisa came back home at the end of February after living alone for 3 years and to be quite honest I wasn't really looking forward to it, thinking it would be stressful for everyone but surprisingly, it's been really good to have her back home and she's fitted back like she's never been away. She's still living a life of leisure with a couple of days here and there where she has to go for exams for her company but she starts working properly from the 2nd week of May although the first week they have an 'orientation' program staying at a hotel. I think she's quite looking forward to it.
Keita is now in his 3rd and final year of junior high school and has the school baseball coach for his homeroom teacher. (I was just relieved that he stayed in class '3' which means I didn't have to sew on new labels for his sports clothes!) Baseball wise things are going okay although they haven't done that great in any of the tournaments so far this year. For players like Keita or his friend Riku, it doesn't really matter that much because they have already been 'spotted' but for the other boys, they really need to get good results in the tournaments. The last tournament looked promising - Keita pitched really well for the first two stages (and got another write up and his photo in the paper again) which got them into the main part but the following week they got beaten in the first of two matches. The coach had wanted to play Keita in the 2nd match since it looked like the first team would be an easy win but because of errors, we lost! There are still a few more tournaments though so hopefully they'll do better.
We've also had the first 'meeting' to talk about what senior high school they kids want to go to but we've been told not to make any decisions before the summer. Although I haven't been formally told, I know there are a few schools who have asked for him and there is one or two schools I'D like him to go to but we'll just have to wait and see.
Aya and Daisuke now have 2 dogs - one they bought themselves and one I bought as a surprise for Aya's birthday.
The female, Mocha
The male, Rex
We'd bought Rex planning to give him to Aya 4 days later but because Mocha (who was really small) caught bronchitis, the vet said we should keep them apart for about 3 weeks so I ended up keeping him in my office for that time since we couldn't let him come upstairs without having all his injections plus I didn't fancy his chances with Spike and Daisy! They are now 4 months old and have grown a lot, especially Rex. It was nice having a pup again but also nice to be able to hand him over. Aya was just about demented with them at one point and I'm sure regretted getting them more than once but they've settled down a bit now.
And that's basically it! English lessons are a headache at the moment trying to reschedule classes and make room for another new one but hopefully that's going to get resolved this week. Until it does, I have combined two classes so now have 14 x 8/9 year olds in one class. Last week Lisa helped and hopefully she will again this week too - if not, it'll be pretty stressful as they aren't the most well behaved class to start with!
Monday, 18 January 2010
A pretty uneventful weekend.
It's been nice not having to go to BB every Sat/Sun apart from the duty days and means I have time to relax and do whatever I like. It also means that I'm finally able to meet up with some friends from the English group and have some great English conversation for a change!
On Sunday we went to the home since they were having a 'rice cake eating' party. It was quite funny seeing all the men and women pounding the rice (they are all at different levels of senility). Setsuo's father had his turn too but wasn't really that interested! They made the rice cakes and those that could, got to eat it. It was a shame for Setsuo's father because he really loves it but because of the choking hazard, wasn't allowed any (he did get zenzai which is red bean soup with small bits of mochi in it) and he kept pointing to the rice cakes and motioning that he wanted some.
And that was the weekend!
It's been nice not having to go to BB every Sat/Sun apart from the duty days and means I have time to relax and do whatever I like. It also means that I'm finally able to meet up with some friends from the English group and have some great English conversation for a change!
On Sunday we went to the home since they were having a 'rice cake eating' party. It was quite funny seeing all the men and women pounding the rice (they are all at different levels of senility). Setsuo's father had his turn too but wasn't really that interested! They made the rice cakes and those that could, got to eat it. It was a shame for Setsuo's father because he really loves it but because of the choking hazard, wasn't allowed any (he did get zenzai which is red bean soup with small bits of mochi in it) and he kept pointing to the rice cakes and motioning that he wanted some.
And that was the weekend!
Thursday, 14 January 2010
So far, we've still managed to escape all the snow that's going about the country (world?) but it sure is cold these days. This morning when I did the usual ritual of wiping down the window frames, the condensation that had gathered had actual frozen in both Keita's and our bedrooms (Kana is lucky enough to have a her bedroom on a different side of the house). Even though there was ice on the frames, the rooms themselves are quite warm once we get over the initial shock of going from warm living room but I think it really is time to get the blankets out again. The pond where the turtles are in is also covered in ice but I reckon it's warmer with that layer - or do they need it broken to breathe? They haven't been appearing for a while so I think they must be sleeping for the winter (either that or dead from lack of air - now that I've typed that, I'm going to have to go and check after work!)
Because I had a 'New Year' party to go to on my birthday, we had the family one a day earlier. We intended going out for a Chinese meal but because it was so cold, we ended up going to a pub restaurant in Juso instead and then came back here for presents and cake. The NY party was for the mothers and boys in the school baseball club and although Keita is only there for training practice ie he can't use those balls so doesn't play in any matches (in fact doesn't even have the uniform other than the cap!) we were both invited too. All but one of the mothers I know either from Keita's last BB club or the kindergarten he used to go to so it was a good boozy night! Luckily next day was also a school day so we all got home at a reasonable time.
Other than that, not a great deal else has been happening.
Because I had a 'New Year' party to go to on my birthday, we had the family one a day earlier. We intended going out for a Chinese meal but because it was so cold, we ended up going to a pub restaurant in Juso instead and then came back here for presents and cake. The NY party was for the mothers and boys in the school baseball club and although Keita is only there for training practice ie he can't use those balls so doesn't play in any matches (in fact doesn't even have the uniform other than the cap!) we were both invited too. All but one of the mothers I know either from Keita's last BB club or the kindergarten he used to go to so it was a good boozy night! Luckily next day was also a school day so we all got home at a reasonable time.
Other than that, not a great deal else has been happening.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Monday, 4 January 2010
Happy New Year!!
After 13 days off, I'm now officially back at work although only have one lesson this afternoon (and one student from there has already cancelled - maybe the other two will too!)
Because I had the school Christmas party earlier last year, the last week of teaching went past quickly and with less stress than usual. On the 23rd Dec we went to the young carpenters wedding which was nice as he is Korean so there were a lot of guests in Korean outfits (he and his wife also changed into Hanbok too). Since the next day was Christmas Eve, it meant the usual last minute shopping for me but we got everything we needed and all wrapped up and placed under the tree (in the classroom).
Christmas day was a normal working day here but once Setsuo, Aya and Daisuke were finished we all went out for dinner as usual and then came back for the presents. A lot of people think it strange to keep the presents until night time but it's something we've always done (birthdays too) since it means we all have time to be together without one of us needing to rush off to work, school or whatever. By the time everything was opened and looked at it was almost midnight which meant bedtime for me and Keita who had baseball early the next morning.
Setsuo finished work on Dec 28 and we also had the bonenkai (end of year party) for his company that night but after that it was just relaxing with a bit of food shopping thrown in. Now that there is just us in the house, there's no pressure to make traditional japanese new year food but I did buy/cook what I knew everyone would like. On New Year's Eve Kana and Keita wanted to watch one program whereas the rest of us didn't so they went into Keita's room. After about an hour though, Setsuo and Lisa both fell asleep so I read for a few hours and then it was time for the NY noodles. We always end up too full and unable to sleep so this year we shared 4 portions between the 5 of us (actually I thought there was more until I looked in the cupboard!) and what we did have was probably a much better amount. I think I was first in bed, followed shortly by Setsuo and Keita lasted until around 2am but Kana and Lisa stayed up until 5.30 watching TV. Needless to say they weren't around until about lunch time. Aya & Daisuke had gone to the temple in Kyoto (they were brave because it was blowing a gale and easily the coldest day/night we'd had so far). They hadn't got home until 5am but she still managed to come round by lunch time. After having something to eat we went to see Setsuo's father in the home. He was especially delighted to see Keita and I haven't seen him smile so much for ages. This home looks like it's a lot better than the last one and he seems to have settled in fine. It's also great for us as it's only about 10 minutes away by car so hopefully we can go and visit during the week too. On the 2nd we all got up early and were out the house to collect Aya by 8am and headed off to the gravesite in Kyoto. After a sushi lunch we were back home by 1pm and had time to just chill out.
Yesterday was the start of the year at baseball and there was loads to be done as we are now the 'top year'. Because a lot of the previous students are really only home during NY, we have to prepare food, drinks etc for all the boys and families that have 'graduated' from the club. There was probably about 150 of us. The younger year's mothers really helped a lot too which was good as there are only 9 of us in our year (there are a few more boys but some have parents who are divorced, mothers sick, etc) After getting home, I had 3 loads of washing to get through plus all the things from BB so I was in bed relatively early again.
All in all it's probably been one of best holidays for ages. It was nice to be able to spend so much time with us all together - usually there is at least one missing - and the kids really get on well with each other now that they are all older.
I've left my camera upstairs and can't be bothered going for it so will add photos next time.
No real new year resolutions other than trying to find a bit more time to see friends (other than baseball ones!) and to post here a bit more often!
Hope everyone had a great holiday and that 2010 is a good year for us all.
After 13 days off, I'm now officially back at work although only have one lesson this afternoon (and one student from there has already cancelled - maybe the other two will too!)
Because I had the school Christmas party earlier last year, the last week of teaching went past quickly and with less stress than usual. On the 23rd Dec we went to the young carpenters wedding which was nice as he is Korean so there were a lot of guests in Korean outfits (he and his wife also changed into Hanbok too). Since the next day was Christmas Eve, it meant the usual last minute shopping for me but we got everything we needed and all wrapped up and placed under the tree (in the classroom).
Christmas day was a normal working day here but once Setsuo, Aya and Daisuke were finished we all went out for dinner as usual and then came back for the presents. A lot of people think it strange to keep the presents until night time but it's something we've always done (birthdays too) since it means we all have time to be together without one of us needing to rush off to work, school or whatever. By the time everything was opened and looked at it was almost midnight which meant bedtime for me and Keita who had baseball early the next morning.
Setsuo finished work on Dec 28 and we also had the bonenkai (end of year party) for his company that night but after that it was just relaxing with a bit of food shopping thrown in. Now that there is just us in the house, there's no pressure to make traditional japanese new year food but I did buy/cook what I knew everyone would like. On New Year's Eve Kana and Keita wanted to watch one program whereas the rest of us didn't so they went into Keita's room. After about an hour though, Setsuo and Lisa both fell asleep so I read for a few hours and then it was time for the NY noodles. We always end up too full and unable to sleep so this year we shared 4 portions between the 5 of us (actually I thought there was more until I looked in the cupboard!) and what we did have was probably a much better amount. I think I was first in bed, followed shortly by Setsuo and Keita lasted until around 2am but Kana and Lisa stayed up until 5.30 watching TV. Needless to say they weren't around until about lunch time. Aya & Daisuke had gone to the temple in Kyoto (they were brave because it was blowing a gale and easily the coldest day/night we'd had so far). They hadn't got home until 5am but she still managed to come round by lunch time. After having something to eat we went to see Setsuo's father in the home. He was especially delighted to see Keita and I haven't seen him smile so much for ages. This home looks like it's a lot better than the last one and he seems to have settled in fine. It's also great for us as it's only about 10 minutes away by car so hopefully we can go and visit during the week too. On the 2nd we all got up early and were out the house to collect Aya by 8am and headed off to the gravesite in Kyoto. After a sushi lunch we were back home by 1pm and had time to just chill out.
Yesterday was the start of the year at baseball and there was loads to be done as we are now the 'top year'. Because a lot of the previous students are really only home during NY, we have to prepare food, drinks etc for all the boys and families that have 'graduated' from the club. There was probably about 150 of us. The younger year's mothers really helped a lot too which was good as there are only 9 of us in our year (there are a few more boys but some have parents who are divorced, mothers sick, etc) After getting home, I had 3 loads of washing to get through plus all the things from BB so I was in bed relatively early again.
All in all it's probably been one of best holidays for ages. It was nice to be able to spend so much time with us all together - usually there is at least one missing - and the kids really get on well with each other now that they are all older.
I've left my camera upstairs and can't be bothered going for it so will add photos next time.
No real new year resolutions other than trying to find a bit more time to see friends (other than baseball ones!) and to post here a bit more often!
Hope everyone had a great holiday and that 2010 is a good year for us all.
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