Fun Stuff

It has been a while since I posted some of the quirky things I run into over here so since I have this week off and I am just sitting around waiting for the baby to arrive, I thought I would put a page on the blog for your enjoyment.
The first shot is of some socks I saw for sale. I don't know how hard they work, but the price was right at 99yen!
The second shot is a shop in our neighborhood. I haven't taken the time yet to find out what it is that they actually do. But then again, maybe it is more interesting if I don't know.
The third shot (GOON!) is of some diapers we got for Sumire. Designed by Gino Odjick I believe. Maybe there is a future for Sumire in hockey!
The fourth picture is a poster I had to share with you. Across the top it says: Attention all blind people!
The fifth picture is a new tobacco ad for Camel. I find it funny that the Marlboro man image has been replaced with a noodle delivering hairy hippie on a 50cc scooter! How cool is that!
The sixth picture was on a fuel delivery truck. You wouldn't see that at home!
The seventh picture is a popular snack food in Japan. I haven't been tempted enuf to try it yet.

The bottom left picture is an example of what old men in Japan do when they aren't playing pachinko. They go to these man made fishing holes and fish. Their fancy gear makes it clear that this is serious business & they aren't just playing around!
The top picture on the right is typical scenery in Tokyo - buildings, elevated highways, and reclaimed land extending into Tokyo Bay.

And the final picture is of the building across the street from the maternity hospital that Yuki goes to. I wonder if the plane actually crashed there and serves as a memorial or if it was put there to compliment the landscaping.

Spring is here!

Spring has arrived and one of the perks of my job is I get a week off to enjoy it. The weather has been mostly fantastic this week and Yuki and I have been out for walks everyday enjoying the sun and the sights of spring. Apparently walks are supposed to hurry the baby along too!

i finally got around to YouTube!

I finally got around to figuring out YouTube. WOW! What an easy way to share videos. The whole world can watch the clip but ah well, it isnt that entertaining so I doubt they will. Anyways, check out our visit to the doctors this week by copying and pasting this link into your browser address bar. Just click on the play in the middle of the screen and it should go. If not go to the following address:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTZsLPxre2A
let me know if you need help.

Cherry Blossom Time!

Well it is that time of year again when Japan goes crazy for cherry blossoms. The custom basically involves hanging out under cherry blossoms and enjoying their beauty but really it is just a time to get off work early, hang out with friends and drink and party under the cherry trees.
We had a cherry blossom party scheduled for this Saturday at school as we have a big tree on the school grounds. But the weather didn't cooperate and we only had one blossom open up for the party (top right picture). Heaters were put under the trees (top left picture) to try and have nature cooperate but that didnt work... So, we attached some pink paper to the cherry tree (bottom right picture) to give a bit more of an authentic "blossom" feeling and everyone seemed to be able to enjoy themselves.
The party was to raise money for our upcoming Habitat for Humanity trip and we still had a good turnout of people to support us. The habitat participants provided babysitting services so the parents could enjoy some time on their own and relax.
The trees should be in full bloom for when Mom arrives in a couple of weeks!

New addition to the family!

As the porch at our new place points North it gets low sun and because now and we are on the first floor with a lot of traffic outside, we decided to splurge for one of the hot new hitech washing machines that they have over here. The thing is amazing! You put the clothes in, add soap and softner, then come back in an hour and not only are your clothes washed but they are DRY too! All in one machine!