Thursday, May 24, 2007
UNCLE WILLIAM
William is visiting Japan and we met up for lunch today. Talked about what was up, brothers and sisters, and some old friends who we used to hang out with.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Baby Food Cooking Class
Attended baby food cooking class organized by the local health care center today. It was a big class, more than 45 mothers with babies showed up. And, so it happens, the A/C was out of order. We sat in a room warmed up with human body heat of 90 people... Anyhow, midwife, dietician, and dentist gave a lecture, and we had tasting of actual baby food, which was very helpful visually, texture and taste wise, and Q&A at the end.
It's always interesting to see the other people at such gatherings. A mother wearing a huge diamond ring asking some very basic questions, which makes me wonder how she brings up the baby, or maybe she doesn't but someone else do for her. And there were some people who had questions that you should have obvious answers. The best was "I'm worried about food poisoning." --- me too, honey. Thanks for the statement and what's your question?
Tonchan started moving her jaw from last week, getting ready for eating. It's the next step to be more like a human...
It's always interesting to see the other people at such gatherings. A mother wearing a huge diamond ring asking some very basic questions, which makes me wonder how she brings up the baby, or maybe she doesn't but someone else do for her. And there were some people who had questions that you should have obvious answers. The best was "I'm worried about food poisoning." --- me too, honey. Thanks for the statement and what's your question?
Tonchan started moving her jaw from last week, getting ready for eating. It's the next step to be more like a human...
Sunday, May 20, 2007
LUNCH
Beautiful weather today, a must go out weather. Went to Shibuya to get some make up stuff for myself first, then we went to Omotesando. Had a healthy, organic buffet lunch at Crayon House.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
きのこおやき
In between rains, went out for a short walk to Azabu Juban. People from Shinshu (Nagano Pref.) were selling vegetables and the other products at a park there, and we bought Kinoko Oyaki (mushroom steamed bun) for snack.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
My hair!
It seems that I started losing my hair because of hormone. It's really freaky seeing my hair all over, everywhere. Now I can understand why Britney Spears shaved her head....
六本木ヒルズ散歩
Went to Arisugawa park to meet up with a Yuka and her mother today. The moment we met, rain and thunder rumbling started, and we run to Roppongi Hills. We also met up with Sana and her mother there and had lunch while we waited for the rain to stop. It's great hung out place since it has a baby room with feeding room. So, we fed our babies there, chatted, and whatnot. When the weather got better, we sought for snack at Harrods Brompton. It was pretty decent place and they didn't seem to be bothered us bringing in the baby strollers. This will be added to the list of restaurants we can go with the baby.
Went home, bath Tonchan, and she went to sleep around 8pm.
Went home, bath Tonchan, and she went to sleep around 8pm.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
My 1st Mother's Day
A beautiful gift from my husband. I thank his parents bringing him up to do such things. His gifts and flowers are the reminders of such events, even my birthday!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
神田明神祭
After we went to a public library to get free books for Tonchan, we went to Nihombashi to check out Kanda Myojin Festival. The music of festival excites me, like Pavlovian response. Lines of OMIKOSHI, the portable shrine, and the people holding it in the same rhythm, ah, it's GREAT!!
Tonchan was dressed up in a cute HAPPI coat of shrine parishioner of Nihombashi Muromachi area to cheer. I imagine she'll be dressed in the uniform and will run around next year's festival....
Tonchan was dressed up in a cute HAPPI coat of shrine parishioner of Nihombashi Muromachi area to cheer. I imagine she'll be dressed in the uniform and will run around next year's festival....
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Ice cream is not too bad for your diet
May 9th is a day of Ice Cream. According to Japan Ice Cream Association, ice cream isn't that bad as you think. Body consumed ice cream start working to bring back the body temperature up, and it burns the energy of the ice cream. So, at the end, the calorie will be a lot less than it's displayed.
What a great news! I usually don't eat sweets but ice cream is different. I feel less guilty about eating it from now on. BUT, I should stay away or be moderate having it while I breast feed my baby....
What a great news! I usually don't eat sweets but ice cream is different. I feel less guilty about eating it from now on. BUT, I should stay away or be moderate having it while I breast feed my baby....
Monday, May 07, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Parents' visit
Invited my parents for one night stay over, as my duty as their daughter. Told them to go check out Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi, a newly opened shopping mall where Ritz is.
Off course they were happy being with their grand daughter, never leave her alone. Good form me as I can do my stuff and don't have to hold her whenever she demands. BUT, I can't let it happen too often as I get stressed listening to my mother, keep saying we should have more babies.
Parents are greedy. They never be satisfied with you.
I try to be nice to them, tell them that this is my life, and not theirs. They can't understand what I'm saying.
"What's wrong with wishing you happiness?". You can't decide what's my happiness is. It's in me to feel when I'm happy, and it's not theirs. Admit it, it's your happiness.
My mother thinks that I tell her such things because I don't like her around. Yes, exactly. I want her to be independent. She's still young and many years to go. She already finished bringing me up, and I became independent. They did a good job, and I'm thankful that I became what I am today.
Having a baby made me think strongly that it's good to be alive. It may sound strange, but you don't need any sublime purposes to live, but it's good you're here. It's a miracle you're born to this world: isn't that a enough reason to be happy? So why can't I be happy? Why can't they be satisfied with what I am??
They've been always wanting me to be better on everything. I tried keeping it up, as a child trying to gain their love. But, one day, I realized that they would never be satisfied whatever I do. So, I gave up responding to them. I started seeking my life, not what they designed me to live.
Now, my mother is shifting the target to my sister, as I won't listen to her about doing what she wants me to do. Well, I thought she agreed on some of my talks, but guess she doesn't want to hear it from her own daughter....
After they left, my baby kept crying almost 1 hour before finally going to sleep, which was unusual. I guess she was tired of hosting my parents, or listening our conversation, thinking what was waiting for her in future.... I promise I'll leave you alone!
Off course they were happy being with their grand daughter, never leave her alone. Good form me as I can do my stuff and don't have to hold her whenever she demands. BUT, I can't let it happen too often as I get stressed listening to my mother, keep saying we should have more babies.
Parents are greedy. They never be satisfied with you.
I try to be nice to them, tell them that this is my life, and not theirs. They can't understand what I'm saying.
"What's wrong with wishing you happiness?". You can't decide what's my happiness is. It's in me to feel when I'm happy, and it's not theirs. Admit it, it's your happiness.
My mother thinks that I tell her such things because I don't like her around. Yes, exactly. I want her to be independent. She's still young and many years to go. She already finished bringing me up, and I became independent. They did a good job, and I'm thankful that I became what I am today.
Having a baby made me think strongly that it's good to be alive. It may sound strange, but you don't need any sublime purposes to live, but it's good you're here. It's a miracle you're born to this world: isn't that a enough reason to be happy? So why can't I be happy? Why can't they be satisfied with what I am??
They've been always wanting me to be better on everything. I tried keeping it up, as a child trying to gain their love. But, one day, I realized that they would never be satisfied whatever I do. So, I gave up responding to them. I started seeking my life, not what they designed me to live.
Now, my mother is shifting the target to my sister, as I won't listen to her about doing what she wants me to do. Well, I thought she agreed on some of my talks, but guess she doesn't want to hear it from her own daughter....
After they left, my baby kept crying almost 1 hour before finally going to sleep, which was unusual. I guess she was tired of hosting my parents, or listening our conversation, thinking what was waiting for her in future.... I promise I'll leave you alone!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
リカちゃんブログ
Licca chan, the Japanese version of Barbie doll, started her blog!!
She's a forever-11-year-old character from Takara (now Takara Tomy as two companies merged recently), celebrating her 40th anniversary today. Her life story is already designed 10 years ago when she had her 30th anniversary, and according to that, she was going to get married to a French diplomat at age 25, after going out with 4 boyfriends: Wataru, Masato, Isamu, and Kakeru.
Off course I had a Licca chan doll, enjoyed cutting her hair and putting makeups with oil paint like typical girls do... I remember, when I was in kindergarten, I got excited about calling Licca chan telephone call which you dialed in and she just kept talking and hung up after a few minutes. After 30 some years, technology progressed and she stepped up to the blog, which means the targets are also older people who's capable of reading blogs like my age..., or whoever in charge enjoys the blog, who is also around my age.... Mmm...
She's a forever-11-year-old character from Takara (now Takara Tomy as two companies merged recently), celebrating her 40th anniversary today. Her life story is already designed 10 years ago when she had her 30th anniversary, and according to that, she was going to get married to a French diplomat at age 25, after going out with 4 boyfriends: Wataru, Masato, Isamu, and Kakeru.
Off course I had a Licca chan doll, enjoyed cutting her hair and putting makeups with oil paint like typical girls do... I remember, when I was in kindergarten, I got excited about calling Licca chan telephone call which you dialed in and she just kept talking and hung up after a few minutes. After 30 some years, technology progressed and she stepped up to the blog, which means the targets are also older people who's capable of reading blogs like my age..., or whoever in charge enjoys the blog, who is also around my age.... Mmm...
Saturday, April 28, 2007
ラーメン缶登場
You can eat Ramen in can sold in a vending machine in Akihabara, following canned Oden. It comes with a small fork so you can eat it right there on the street. It should taste good, as it's produced by one of the best ramen restaurant in Tokyo, Musashi.
Don't laugh that it's a Japanese strange street food. The idea originally came from giving out such canned food for the people who suffered in the natural disasters such as earthquake. Some areas are already stocking canned Oden for emergency food. Very smart.
I've heard that volunteers who went to support when Niigata was hit by a big earthquake a couple of years ago that they had to waste so much food because these food won't last over days and weeks and needs constant cooking with manpower. With canned food, you don't need anything (it's a pull top can; you don't need an opener) but can eat it right there.
This canned Ramen is so popular you can't buy it even you wait on line. What a huge hit for vending machine canned food.
Don't laugh that it's a Japanese strange street food. The idea originally came from giving out such canned food for the people who suffered in the natural disasters such as earthquake. Some areas are already stocking canned Oden for emergency food. Very smart.
I've heard that volunteers who went to support when Niigata was hit by a big earthquake a couple of years ago that they had to waste so much food because these food won't last over days and weeks and needs constant cooking with manpower. With canned food, you don't need anything (it's a pull top can; you don't need an opener) but can eat it right there.
This canned Ramen is so popular you can't buy it even you wait on line. What a huge hit for vending machine canned food.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Fur coat...?
I saw a women in a fur coat today. It was quite warm today again, and wasn't chilly at all, but I guess she needed it over her sweat... I don't understand....
今朝のテーマソング
From my favorite kid's TV program:
Pitton Hebehebe ぴっとんへべへべ
http://www.nhk.or.jp/kids/nihongo/
(Click on the right box on the screen, and hit right top box in blue)
Playing in my head from this morning.....
Pitton Hebehebe ぴっとんへべへべ
http://www.nhk.or.jp/kids/nihongo/
(Click on the right box on the screen, and hit right top box in blue)
Playing in my head from this morning.....
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thought on lunch
Gorgeous weather today. Took a walk to Azabu Juban and Roppongi Hills with Tonchan. Stopped by for my lunch at a reasonably well received restaurant, Rxjxx, and it was surprisingly bad I can't resist writing about ....! The restaurant is facing to a garden and has tables out, and I thought it was a family friendly place since I saw many mothers with kids/babies there. It was off peak, around 13:30, I imagined they could manage the service no problem, but I guess I was wrong.
Ordered the lunch before taking the table, so that I wouldn't have to wait too long. Took a seat which was right next to the serving corner that restaurant staff always came by. Settled Tonchan beside me. I was prepared. But they weren't, I guess....
The dish I wanted, salmon, was gone. Well, that happens. Ordered a hamburger steak instead. Asked them to bring me a drink first so that they wouldn't have to wait for me to finish my lunch. Next time when a staff came to my table, he brought me a main dish. I thought I had salad to come first, but, well, that happens. The hamburger steak had rice on the side, which was amazingly terrible. First I thought it was some special, healthy rice, but it wasn't; wasn't simply cooked well. It's so difficult screwing up cooking rice, and I've never had such bad one in my life. Really really bad. I looked around, couldn't believe people were eating this crap!! I left most of it. Then, the salad came. Still my drink wasn't showing up. Finished the food, wondering were my drink was, a staff came over and asked me if I finished my drink.
"Mmm, no, it's not here yet..."
He freaked up and came back with my drink, finally.
So, wondering why I had to pay JPY1,200 for such lunch, I figured it was for the table and status to be in this restaurant at THE ROPPONGI HILLS. Looking around, there was a huge group of mothers with infants using 10 tables, bulky baby carriers of the latest styles, with perfect makeups, curly long hairs, dressed in GUCCI, and whatnot. This wasn't a kind of place for me, wearing rugby shirt and jeans with a baby in Combi baby carrier. It was a to-be-seen place for wanna-be-fashionable people. I don't think I'll ever go back.
So, went on walking to B2F which has food court, bought a tuna & avocado role for the real lunch, and finished it at the table on the public space. It was good roles.
Ordered the lunch before taking the table, so that I wouldn't have to wait too long. Took a seat which was right next to the serving corner that restaurant staff always came by. Settled Tonchan beside me. I was prepared. But they weren't, I guess....
The dish I wanted, salmon, was gone. Well, that happens. Ordered a hamburger steak instead. Asked them to bring me a drink first so that they wouldn't have to wait for me to finish my lunch. Next time when a staff came to my table, he brought me a main dish. I thought I had salad to come first, but, well, that happens. The hamburger steak had rice on the side, which was amazingly terrible. First I thought it was some special, healthy rice, but it wasn't; wasn't simply cooked well. It's so difficult screwing up cooking rice, and I've never had such bad one in my life. Really really bad. I looked around, couldn't believe people were eating this crap!! I left most of it. Then, the salad came. Still my drink wasn't showing up. Finished the food, wondering were my drink was, a staff came over and asked me if I finished my drink.
"Mmm, no, it's not here yet..."
He freaked up and came back with my drink, finally.
So, wondering why I had to pay JPY1,200 for such lunch, I figured it was for the table and status to be in this restaurant at THE ROPPONGI HILLS. Looking around, there was a huge group of mothers with infants using 10 tables, bulky baby carriers of the latest styles, with perfect makeups, curly long hairs, dressed in GUCCI, and whatnot. This wasn't a kind of place for me, wearing rugby shirt and jeans with a baby in Combi baby carrier. It was a to-be-seen place for wanna-be-fashionable people. I don't think I'll ever go back.
So, went on walking to B2F which has food court, bought a tuna & avocado role for the real lunch, and finished it at the table on the public space. It was good roles.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
BREAK@BABY ROOM
BREAK@BABY ROOM
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
Went to Shibuya for shopping for the new place. Muji, Loft, and stopped by a baby rest room at Seibu for diaper change. Great to have such space for babies and parents to rest, to feed, etc. while shopping.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
NEW TOY
NEW TOY
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
She was helping me ordering grocery at co-op from catalog.
"Nothing I can eat!!"
She went crazy. Noise paper makes fueled her move.
Ended up such shredded pieces....
Monday, April 16, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Small reunion party
Went to Shinjuku for a gathering with friends from junior high who were living in Tokyo. Had to feed Tonchan first, and was late for about 30 min, but could make it OK. Great to catch up with some old faces, especially we had 2 new comers joined from this time since we started this gathering for about 4 years now.
Move to da Noa's Ark
Big day, the move. It always amazes me the techniques of movers, how lightly they carry furniture.
This time, they had 3 people, started 9, ended around 4 in the afternoon, without lunch. They had another move to work on after ours. Crazy.
This time, they had 3 people, started 9, ended around 4 in the afternoon, without lunch. They had another move to work on after ours. Crazy.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
Went to word's health care center for 4-month consultation. Her weight is 6,780g, and height 61.3cm. She's growing steadily. Met with Sana and her parents there too.
About the consultation - they give you advise on the safety, baby food, and mental health that you'll need to know of for the next phase of baby crawling, but it was soooo boring. Other mothers weren't really paying attention but busy chatting with the other mother friends. I was distracted by a wig that one of the women waring for the entire time.....
The most of the Japanese people, well, general Japanese people aren't usually very good at giving presentation. They just read the materials. Especially it comes to the government employees, they just do what they're told to do. I felt my tax money is a little bit wasted....
About the consultation - they give you advise on the safety, baby food, and mental health that you'll need to know of for the next phase of baby crawling, but it was soooo boring. Other mothers weren't really paying attention but busy chatting with the other mother friends. I was distracted by a wig that one of the women waring for the entire time.....
The most of the Japanese people, well, general Japanese people aren't usually very good at giving presentation. They just read the materials. Especially it comes to the government employees, they just do what they're told to do. I felt my tax money is a little bit wasted....
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Saturday, April 07, 2007
ALMOST...
ALMOST...
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
She's been practicing turning over, and today, while I was distracted something else, she was on her stomach, quietly, and looking around, enjoying the different view.
Friday, March 30, 2007
PRACTICE
PRACTICE
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
She started practicing roll over a couple of days ago, and now she can round on her head.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
青山墓地
青山墓地
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
Went to Aoyama cemetery for walk. It was sunny and really warm. Saw some groups of people for preparing HANAMI (cherry blossom watch party), mostly freshmen, as it's commonly said that's their first job joining the company. I used to think what a crappy job it is for them, but now I think it's a good excuse to send them out, as most of them are not fully capable of doing their jobs yet (usually the most of the Japanese freshmen start OJT after joining the company.). Or, it's part of the training. Well, I missed the chance, as I've never worked in a traditional Japanese company....
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Mmm...
Mmm...
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
Found these baby shirts at Roppongi Hills. Was debating to myself if I buy it or not....so tempting....
散歩
散歩
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
It was really warm today, 23C, and took a walk up to Roppongi Hills. Saw cherry blossom in full bloom while walking. Spring is certainly here.
青山墓地
青山墓地
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
Went to check out cherry blossom at Aoyama cemetery. Not quite in the full bloom yet, but, if the weather will keep being this warm, it should be by the end of this week.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Meeting after the Touch Care Class
The member gathered at Yuuka's residence for discussion after the class how their mothers performed the massage on them, while their mothers were talking over coffee and sweets. Here's another photo from the meeting.
Touch Care Class at Aiiku Hospital
Went to Touch Care Class at Aiiku Hospital this afternoon. Here's the member of babies waiting for the demonstration of the Touch Care massage done by their own mothers.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Thursday, March 08, 2007
ブランケット
ブランケット
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
She's into pulling stuff these days, and is busy pulling and biting this blanket today.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
あきちゃんと
あきちゃんと
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
Aki came over for lunch, showed up with branch of plum flower and a bottle of vino rosso for celebration of Hinamatsuri, the girls festival. Chikage got Osh Kosh baby carrier from her, which matches to her overall.
Friday, March 02, 2007
お友達
お友達
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
Sana and Yuuka came over with their mothers to have lunch at Kurodas. Babies were touching (or smacking...?) each other, looks like checking the other small human beings.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
CARD FROM MARI-SAN
CARD FROM MARI-SAN
Originally uploaded by piroko_kuroda.
Aunt Mari sent a card to Chikage for her first HINAMATSURI. The card plays Hinamatsuri song AND the paper lantern illuminate.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Babies Gathering 2/26/2007
4 members gathers at Kurodas while their mothers were having lunch of black bean chili and white chili. Here's more photos.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Chie Cooking at Kurodas
Chiepon came over to learn how to make potato pancake, and also cook some Japanese dishes with Mama. She brought Koya dofu as I requested!!
Dinner was great, we were too busy eating and completely forgot about taking the photos....
Thank you Chiepon!
Dinner was great, we were too busy eating and completely forgot about taking the photos....
Thank you Chiepon!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
蓮根ご飯
Cocked rice with lotus root in LE CREUSET. It worked very good and got the crispy part! I don't think I can use the rice cooker again...
Saturday, January 20, 2007
JEN&TONCHAN
Jen arrived last night, and is practicing how to look after a baby, and this is a quiet, happy moment of being with the baby.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
稲荷寿司
Went to Suitengu to thank for the safe birth and all today. Returned the charms and belts, and got some sweets and rice they offered to the god which we can eat and receive favors by doing so. As Tonchan's feeding schedule was tight, we went to Amazake Yokocho （甘酒横丁）for shopping first, and got lots of food. Tofu and Tofu pudding, Inari zushi （いなり寿司）and yellowtail and radish sushi (ブリと蕪の押し寿司）at the original Inari zushi place called Shinoda Zushi（志乃多寿司）, and Sukiyaki croquette from Imahan. Oh, you can't miss Amazake, as the street was named after. Tonchan's debut to subway went well, and over all, it was a successful day.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
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