Sunday, April 27, 2008

A quick post before I fall into my futon...

Today was absolutely one of those days that I wish we could have every single damn day!! The sky was clear...a light breeze was blowing...and it was warm enough for a short-sleeved t-shirt for most of the day. Both boys were out almost all day, doing...whatever it is that they do!! I could finish up as much laundry as I could hang outside...and...I got some stuff done around the house I have been wanting to do for awhile!!! I really wanted to post something before going to bed...so I came up with a hodge-podge of things.

Every Sunday, in the Nagasaki Newspaper, there is a supplement paper that is full of store information, food andthings about town...and in the center is a "People" page, where they highlight one policeman/woman, a class or circle (dance, English, TaiChi....) and then a daycare or nursery.
Last week....much to my surprise...was Koji's daycare!!

Here is the picture.....I wonder if you can figure out which one is my lovely son?!?!?! Go ahead, click on the picture and you can see it a little better....though...really...you may not need to do that to find Koji!!!


Did you find him? Yes, he is the goofy creative one, back row, yellow t-shirt. *sigh*

His class became nen-cho , which would be the same as kindergarten in the States. Here, kindergarten is NOT a part of the public school system. If your child goes to a daycare (which is for children of working moms, only!) then the last year they are there is basically kindergarten. The other kids (children of SAHMs) will go to private kindergartens.

This year, they have many things planned for them that only the nen-cho group gets to do...in the summer, they take the kids to the Prefectural Forest (like a State Park) and go camping for 3 days....no parents!!! They usually have a blast!! Issei didn't get to go because we went to America, but, this year, our schedule works out that Koji will be able to go!! They are already getting so excited about it!!!

I'd like to send out a happy birthday message to my youngest sister Anna!!! She and her husband, Joe live in Las Vegas (baby!)....they have had some bad luck this month (suicidal pyromaniac almost burnt their apartment down in the process of burning his own down before doing himself in....and that was just the icing on the "proverbial" cake!!) But, like she said in an e-mail message...."it could have been so much worse"!!! So.....to my 'positive thinking' little sister.....I hope you have an absolutely wonderful day!!! We love you!!! We are sending big hugs...sloppy, wet kisses, and lot's of love your way!!! mwwwwwaaaa!!! (smooch!!)

I took this picture on a walk around the neighborhood....I think that these two, delicate flowers are the last of the sakura (cherry blossoms) this year!!!

This year seemed to be even more beautiful than usual....it's always beautiful, but this year just seemed different for some reason. I always tell people that if you want to come to Japan, the springtime is probably THE best season!!! (*hint hint* )

I was perusing the Margaritaville on-line catalogue on one of my breaks from all that cleaning I did and found these sandals....

It's always nice to have a goal, so....my goal for the month of May is to find the extra money so I can get these. The flip-flops I have now are just about to fall apart (I think they were hand-me-downs from my mom a few year ago!!!)....they look like I just came from the beach, about 100 miles away that I walked from!!! I need a pair of fairly nice, slightly casual sandals to teach in....am thinking that these are just the right kind!!! Love the hula motif!!! And, really........ they would look soooo good on my feet!!! :-D

Oh...and by the way...just in case anyone was concerned...my head is feeling much better. :-D The "exploding head" feeling passed and now we are just waiting for the next time...'cause you know there will be one!!!

Have a good Sunday!! I hope your day was as nice as ours was here!!!

10 comments:

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

You know who else has some great, sturdy flip-flops is Land's End. They also have a lot of cute themes. I'm not sure how much the ones you're looking at are, but the LE one's are 19.95.

You definitely deserve a new pair of shoes to keep up with your jumpin' boy!

AP said...

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I hope you had a good birthday too! We love you very much!

Mrs. G. said...

I like a kid who stands out in a picture-he usually stands out in life.

Leeann said...

Sounds like an awesome weekend for you, especially Sunday!
We spent what felt like the whole weekend at the baseball field but hey, that's what Spring is for!

Leeann

Susan said...

Deb, I found Koji before I even finished reading where he was. Some kids are just naturally born photogenic. This kid just screams,"Look at me!"
Love the flip flops! I am trying to break my toes in right now... You know after wearing real shoes all winter those little piggies are kind of tender.
Susan

Family Adventure said...

I loooooove that picture! That's just like my B boy :)

Heidi

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by! I'm totally enjoying reading about the japanese culture! I will definitely be back!

Anonymous said...

Well, shoot, that last comment was from me, but my link didn't come up.

Crystal Gable said...

That's the cutest school photo I've ever seen... So adorable.

Hope you're able to get your flip flops. They're so important. (and I'm not kidding- I wear them almost year round here).

I didn't know your sis lives in Vegas. My husband wants to move there (will never happen but he loves the energy of the city) but maybe not the pyromaniacs.

katydidnot said...

flip flops. they are heavenly. good choice. glad your head's ok.