My nail art...

So, after washing dishes multiple times, my cheap ass nail tips started falling off. These are the only ones left on (pictured above). I thought I would show you how pretty my nails looked. And, it only cost me a whopping 100 Yen (that's about a buck.) I know, I'm such a cheap ass! Pretty, huh?!

***By the way, I do have more than 3 fingers. (Hee-hee)

The smell of death...

So, our beloved Mr. Jack-o-Lantern has been sitting on our table for 3 days now. But, this morning when I woke up, I smelled something putrid in our apartment. It took me a while to figure out what was causing the funky smell. I walked around our place sniffing the air the way a dog does when it's dinner time. I smelled the trash can, and it didn't smell great...but it certainly wasn't the cause of the foul smell. Then, when I sat down to eat breakfast, I realized what it was....it was a decaying, mold filled Mr. Jack-o-Lantern. Yucky!


(This is the inside of Mr. Jack-o-lantern. He's growing mold! Yuck!)

(The top of Mr. Jack-o-Lantern was stuck shut by this long, hairy fungus mold stuff. Boy, that can't be good for my asthma!!)

(You can tell that Mr. Jack-0-Lantern has seen better days! You can see the hairy mold/fungus in his right triangle eye. Nasty!)

I guess with the heat and humidity here in Japan, Mr. Jack-o-Lantern didn't stand a chance. Needless to say, Mr. Jack-o-Lantern has been disposed of properly and will no longer be a bio-hazard!

Just another day in Weenie's World!

They are coming!

It's official! YaYa and PoPo (my parents, duh!) are coming to see us. YAHOOO!!! They will be here on December 17th, and they will stay until January 9th. Lord help us all! Okay, okay, they aren't that bad. In fact, for old, retired people they are quite entertaining. PoPo can entertain us with his amazing ability to use the "F" word as a noun, adjective and verb, and he can tell us his favorite dirty jokes. And, YaYa can entertain us with her stories about PoPo doing thing he shouldn't be doing...like falling off the roof, etc. So, we are very excited to have them with us for the holidays. I'm sure it will be a great Christmas, New Year and my birthday.

Since all the grandparents on my side are dead now, YaYa and PoPo should be able to stay the entire time...unlike their last visit when my grandmother (my dad's mom) kicked the bucket. They cut their last trip to Japan short to return home for my grandmother's funeral. So, with all of the grandparents dead, hopefully this trip should be a better one. I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but PoPo had a hell of time being here with his mother dying on the other side of the planet. So, I'm sure this trip will be much more relaxing and fun.


So, with that said...WATCH OUT JAPAN! Two more beaners are on their way to corrupt your way of life! We are loud mouthed, opinionated, feisty, and slightly deranged! Your world will never be the same again!!

Happy Harroween!

Today is Harroween! (That's what how the Japanese pronounce Halloween in Engrish, I mean English.) Yippee! We are going to dress up Jude in his Batman costume, minus the mask and cape, and take him to some of our American friends' homes for trick or treating. As you may remember, we lost his mask and cape at his school Halloween Party. So, Jude will just be half Batman. I'm totally looking forward to getting piles of candy, so my kid can be bouncing off the walls...NOT! But, Halloween is a rite of passage in a young boys life, and I would never deny my kiddo that...even if we do live in Japan.

So, Happy Harroween!! ( By the way, we are a day ahead of you people in the states.)

This week's marathon training...

I ran 4 miles Tuesday, 4 miles Wednesday and 3 miles Thursday. So, my marathon training is going as planned. However, before each run, I've had to take Singulair to help open up my bronchial tubes (Singulair is a small, little pill taken once a day-used to control asthma and allergies). Since I got a cold, about 2 weeks ago, my asthma has been a problem, along with a nagging phlegm filled cough. But, I haven't let it stop me. Remember, I'm in control of my bunk ass lungs...but, sometimes I swear my lungs never got the memo!


I'm running 7 miles on Saturday. I think it is supposed to be 48 degrees Fahrenheit, rainy and windy. But, we train in the rain!

I think I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese...I really think so!

The other day all of our forks were dirty. So, instead of washing them, I just used chopsticks. I felt a little weird eating honeydew melon with chopsticks! It was hard to grab the humongous pieces of melon with them...but I managed pretty well...considering I'm a midget Mexican momma from Texas!

Nail art...why not!!

Okay, I'm a simple woman who can be dressed and ready to go in 8 minutes. I certainly would not consider myself high maintenance. In fact, Husband has to often remind me to fix my hair. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a frumpy house wife, either. I usually never leave the house without concealer, eye liner, mascara and my Victoria's Secret Angels Bra (remember....I nursed Jude for 16 months...my banana boobs need all the help they can get!).

But, when it comes to my nails, I usually just leave them alone. I'm lucky if I cut them once a month. I know some women like to get fake nails put on or get manicures...but I'm not one of those. In fact, I don't really like long nails because I can't pick my nose. Honestly! And, I'm afraid I'll scratch Jude if I have claws.

But, here in Japan, young girls and women love to paint their nails and cover them with jewels and glitter. I think it's a bit silly, over the top, and a waste of time and money.

However, yesterday I went to the big ass 100 Yen Shop (the Japanese version of a dollar store) near my apartment. I was walking around aimlessly in search for useless crap I didn't even know I needed when I stumbled across jeweled nail stickers. You apply them to the tips of your nails and then paint clear nail polish over them. I bought them and applied them to my nails. They turned out okay considering I applied them in a moving car on the way to pick up Jude from school (my friend was driving...so no lives were at stake during the application). I was quite pleased with how my nails looked. I showed all the other moms at the bus stop, and they were also impressed with my 100 Yen find. (FYI- 100 Yen is about $1.10.)

So, now my nails look like the one's pictured above. I showed Husband my "manicure" when he came home from work. His exact words were "that doesn't look like you or something you would do." My response was "When in Japan, do as the Japanese!" Husband laughed...

Just another day in Weenie's World!

Super Model!

As you know, I'm debating whether or not to pimp out my kid. I've been approached multiple times by people who think I should model Jude. In Japan, Westerners are in high demand when it comes to modeling for store promos and catalogues.



So, the other night, we pretended Jude was modelling for the camera. These are the pictures I took....by the way, Husband is in the back ground. I tried to crop Husband out, but he got mad. So, I left the pictures alone. The pics are untouched...as you can tell...


(This is Jude's monster face...so he said.)

(This is Jude's modeling face...so he said.)

(This is Jude's regular face. Cute kid, huh??!!)

Mr. Jack-o-Lantern!

(AAAAAaaaahhhh! It's scary!- I turned off the lights and put a candle inside the jack-o-lantern...Jude screamed like a maniac...as you can see!)

So, I finally broke down and bought a pumpkin. I think it cost around 9 bucks. I wasn't too pleased with the price, but I didn't want to deny my child. So, we brought the pumpkin home and gutted the poor thing. This is the result...

(OOOOOOoooohh, spooky!)

(The pumpkin kinda looks a bit "Rock-a-billy" because of the stem. I love it!)

(Jude was upset with me because I made him put down the carving utensils...it was just too dangerous! For future reference, a 4 year old and knives don't go well together!---Luckily, no one was injured...except the pumpkin (hee-hee).)

(Jude was having WAY too much fun with the mini-carving knives. He said he was pretending to be Bear from Man Vs. Wild (by the way, we love that show!).)

Just another day in Weenie's World!

Sleeping Beauty!

The other day Jude fell asleep watching TV. I took a picture and thought I would share. Sorry, but I couldn't resist!

Crock Pot, anyone??

Do you like to cook in your Crock Pot? Need ideas for Crock Pot recipes?? Well, I did! Luckily, Twin's Mom found a great blogger who cooks everyday with her Crock Pot. It's called "A Year of Crockpotting." Here is the link to the site:



http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/crockpot-bacon-wrapped-cornish-game.html

I love the recipes! She has a great one for Rotisserie Chicken. It sounds yummy, and I can't wait to try it.

As a busy mom, Crock Pots are a great way to cook a healthy, home style, inexpensive meal for my family.

So, enjoy all the great recipes...I know I will!

Thanks Stephanie! You rock!

Just another day in Weenie's World!

2,000 hits!

Today my blog has been visited over 2,000 times! Whoo-hoo! I feel special...not special like drooling on myself or wearing adult diapers special, but special like someone actually wants to hear what I have to say.

Thanks again to my loyal readers out there that have to get their "Weenie" fix regularly. Ooh, wait...that didn't come out right...I mean...thanks to my loyal readers who check out my blog on a regular bases.

Domo arigato gozaimasu!!! (That means thank you very much in Japanese.)

Too damn nice!

Okay, I'm typically not a nice person...I can admit that. I talk about people and I typically only do things if they benefit ME is some way. But lately I've been doing really nice things for other people. I'm not sure what has come over me??!! I'm sure...looking at it from the outside...it just appears that I'm a nice, sweet, doting mom who is willing to help others out....but, I'm not that! I'm not nice! I don't claim to be kind or sweet or any of those things, but my actions lately would make you think otherwise. I would hate to give people the wrong impression...that I'm a nice, helpful, decent human being. Lord knows I ain't!

These are a few of the "nice" things I've done this week: I've been taking Jude's friend to school because her mom just had another baby, I took care of my friend's kid while she was at the doctor (Jude was at school--so, it was just me and the kid for a few hours), and I volunteered my time to babysit 14 kids so some moms could get together for a meeting.

If someone had just met me this week, they would be getting the wrong idea about me. They would think I'm a nice person who does nice things. So, I better quit being so damn nice or people are going to start expecting "nice" things from me...and I would hate to disappoint them.

Phew, it seems that all this niceness is causing me to feel really uncomfortable, and it's a lot of work. I'm certainly not accustomed to it...that's for sure!





So, off I go...to be bitter, bitchy, opinionated and foul mouthed!

Coughing up a lung!

So, this morning, as promised, I got up at 5 A.M. and ran about 4 miles with my running buddies. It was cool and crisp out this morning. But, again my bunk ass lungs would not cooperate! I coughed and coughed. It was like I was choking on giant lung cookies! Luckily, I had my inhaler and took a few puffs. After my inhaler, I was good and ready to run another 4 miles. As you know, my inhaler is like speed--it's a stimulant that opens up my bronchial tubes so I can breath, but it also makes me hyper. So, I felt great after the run.

Thank God for modern drugs!

Just another day in Weenie's World!

Couch Potato!!

This is how I look and feel!!

Okay, maybe I'm not that round, yet!

This past week I felt like doodoo! I caught Jude's cold and it's been causing me hell for the past 9 days. I've got this phlegm filled cough like a smoker with emphysema. I sound horrible, and I'm sore from hocking up giant loogies. So, needless to say, I didn't run all week. In fact, I missed my very important 6 mile run this weekend. I feel like such a schlep. I wanted to run, but my bunk ass lungs just wouldn't cooperate. So, I did no physical activity for a whopping 9 days. I swear I can feel my ass spreading right now!! But, I am feeling a little bit better today, and my cough isn't quite as violent as it has been. So, tomorrow I'm setting my alarm and going to go run...no matter what. I can't get behind on my official "Official" marathon training...I'll never be able to catch up!

So, wish me luck!

Why do I open my mouth???!!!

So, when Husband returned from his business trip last week, he gave me a beautiful necklace with a Jade pendant similar to the one shown here. There is a congi character or writing on it that says happiness or good health or some crap.

Anywho, it's really pretty so I wore it the other day. I even wore a low cut shirt to showcase my pretty new necklace my sweet husband bought for me while he was away. So, when I was at the grocery store, I saw a casual American friend of mine. (By casual, I mean we see each other everywhere and always say 'hi' and that's all.) I don't know here well, but we always greet each other and all that jazz. So, this was our conversation:

I said, "Hi, how are you?"

"I'm fine, thanks," she replied.

"Boy, I wish this would rain would stop," I casually mentioned to her.

"I know what you mean," she replied nicely.

"I thought the rainy season was over," I said with a fake laugh as I pulled my hair back to get it off my sweaty neck.

"Ooh, I like your necklace...that's really pretty!" she said.

"Oh, thanks...my husband bought it for me on a recent business trip," I replied.

"Can you read it....what does it say?" she asked in a sweet, harmless voice.

"Sex Goddess!" I replied.

Her eyes got as big as billiard balls when she heard my response. She was obviously shocked by my answer. I saw her eyes bulge and then she blinked compulsively for about 3 seconds. I could tell she was not in a comfortable place. So, I just smiled and walked off. As I walked away, I grimaced and said to myself 'why on earth would you say that?' Jeez, I can't go anywhere without saying something absurd! Lord help those around me!

Just another day in Weenie's World!

The Texans!

These are the Texans. They moved to Japan on the same day as us. In fact, we were on the same plane together. They remind me of all the good things about Texas. They are kind hearted folks and welcoming in every way. Mr. Texan will open a door for anyone and help strangers carry heavy things. (You never see that in Japan!) He reminds me of Texas Chivalry. If he wore a cowboy hat (and I don't think he does), I'm sure he would tip it to any person in a friendly 'Hello.' Just seeing Mr. Texan in blue jeans reminds me of Texas. Even though Mrs. Texan isn't from Texas, she's still Texan through marriage. And, technically that makes her a Texan and a good friend of mine! They are a great family with the cutest little girls! Watch out Mr. Texan, you better get that shot gun ready! You've got 2 little heart breakers on your hands!





They are kindhearted, uncomplicated, loving, welcoming people. I'm so glad we met them. In their presence I feel safe and at home.



Being here in Japan can be difficult at times. It's a foreign land to me. But, these people have truly made it feel like home...Thanks Texans!

Birthday Party at School!

Here are pictures from Jude's school birthday party. Enjoy!

(Look at Jude's cheesy half-ass smile!)

(Again, Jude with a silly half smile!)

(Cute kids, huh?!)

Happy birthday to my sweet Baby!

Move over Martha Stewart!

Watch out Martha, here comes the Brown Betty Crocker!

(Here are the cupcakes I made and decorated for Jude's birthday party at school.)

(Just to prove that I made the cupcakes, I took a picture of them naked.)

(Here are the 19 gift bags I prepared for Jude's classmates.)

Parent Teacher Conference...sorda!

Today was weird! I taught my adult class in Ome today. At the beginning of class, one of my older students, Tom (who's 77 years old), told me that his son was coming at noon to talk with me. I assumed Tom's son wanted to join the class...boy was I wrong! (I'm foreshadowing here, folks!!)



At 11:55, I saw the figure of a tall, long haired gentlemen standing at the door. I got Tom's attention and pointed at the door. It was Tom's son. He was the tallest Japanese man I had ever seen...probably about 6 foot 2 inches. I welcomed his son into the class and asked him very slowly if he wanted to say hello to the class. In perfect English he responds, "No thank you...I don't want to talk...I'm quite shy." I was completely taken back by his perfect English. He reminded me of a handsome Johnny Depp with long unmanageable hair and a goatee. He kept flipping his long salt and pepper hair from one side to the other. It was like a Pantene commercial. His locks flowed from side to side in slow motion...almost covering his eyes, yet allowing them to barely peek through. He looked very mysterious. He was dark skinned and his face looked weathered-- not like that of a 65 year old skinny old smoker lady who spent too much time in the sun....but weathered like James Dean. He was quite handsome, distinguished looking, and stunning. Tom had mentioned earlier that his son was a professional skier, and his skin showed it. Tom had also mentioned that his son was 50 years old. However, he didn't look it. Tom's son looked older and mature, but not 50. Again, he was striking...





So, Tom's son sat next to him, and I chatted with the other students briefly. As everyone filed out of the classroom, Tom's son said to me, "My father has been taking English class for almost 10 years now, and I have not seen much improvement in his English...can you please tell me what is your method of teaching and why?" I was stunned and dumbfounded by his question and long flipping hair. It was like I was being interrogated by Johnnny Depp. I wanted to giggle with glee, but somehow I remained calm. It struck me that I was having a Parent Teacher Conference except the parent wasn't a parent but a son-- an incredibly, tall, dashing, long haired, stunning 5o year old son that was making me hot. And, Tom just sat next to us looking bewildered and sad-- as if he were in the principal's office, and he had just been caught throwing spit balls. It was just so bizarre!





I explained to Tom's son what I had been teaching and my current method for English teaching. I apologized that his father hadn't learned much English in the last 10 years. But, I did mention that I had only been his teacher for the last 5 months or so. After a 15 minute conversation with his son, I felt relieved but like a moron. His son was able to articulate and express himself in words I hadn't heard since I read my last college text book. I was quite impressed. Then, right before we left, I gave him my e-mail address just in case he had any further questions or comments regarding his father's English education. When he saw my e-mail address, he asked me in Spanish if I knew Spanish. I replied back, "Claro que si!" Then, we began to have a casual conversation in Spanish. He spoke Spanish as if he had lived in Spain his entire life. It put me to shame! He rolled his R's and spoke every word perfectly. I truly felt like a coconut at that point. I explained to him that my parents never taught me Spanish and that I learned it in college. He could tell I was not a native Spanish speaker.


Shortly after our Spanish conversation, we parted ways. I had to pee really bad and dashed out the door to the toilet. As I was walking to my car, I saw them again and waved good-bye.



This was my first Parent Teacher Conference experience sorda!


Just another day in Weenie's World!


*****By the way, Husband edited this blog entry for me. Hee-hee!

Yuck!

Have you ever woken up unable to see? Have your eyes ever been crusted over with funk and sealed shut? Well, that's how my eyes were this morning. It seems that Jude gave me his cooties. Damn that boy! I guess with him coughing in my face and me wiping his snotty nose, it was inevitable that I caught his funk. I don't have fever (thank God), but I do have a runny/stuffy nose, giant loogies in my chest, watery eyes and a sore throat. Oh, did I mention that today is Jude's birthday??? That's right, the kid is 4 today! YEAH!! The only problem is...I have to make an appearance today at his school. His class is having a party today, and I have to go and help out. I usually love to do that sort of thing, but not today when my eyes are watery, and I'm hocking up phlegm like a 95 year old smoker. Plus, I hate to spread the funk to the other kids. But, it is too late to cancel. And, I hate to screw up his school schedule. So, off I go to Jude's school. However, one good thing is....I'm heavily medicated! I took lots of allergy/cold meds this morning, so I'm starting to feel better. Or, perhaps now I'm just slightly high, and I've simply forgotten about my cold symptoms. Man, I love modern medicine!

So, I will take tons of pictures of the party at school this afternoon and post them later. Please forgive me for having puffy eyes and a drippy nose!

He caught one!

(Here is PoPo standing in his backyard with an unlucky fish!)

As you know, PoPo is retired. He spends his days drinking beer and fishing. On this lucky day, he caught his biggest fish, yet (since retirement). YaYa took a picture and e-mailed it to me. I thought I would share.

I am the brown Betty Crocker!

So, Jude has his birthday party at school tomorrow. I've been busy making and decorating cupcakes for the event. I have also stuffed 19 goodie bags filled with candy, pencils, rubber bats and miniature plastic jack-o-lanterns. (We are doing a Halloween theme for his birthday this year.) I also included a little note card that says "Thank you for celebrating my 4th birthday with me!"

In Japan, it is custom that you give your friends presents on your birthday. Well, actually, you give your friends presents for helping you celebrate your birthday. I know, it kinda doesn't make any sense. But, it's like giving away goodie bags as party favors. So, I've been busy as bee...preparing the cupcakes and goodie bags. I'll take tons of pictures tomorrow and post them so you can see.

Well, I've got to get back to decorating cupcakes!

"I'm on Fire!"

Have you seen the movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad or Ricky Bobby? It's a Will Ferrell movie that came out in 2006.

Anywho, Jude watched the movie recently and loved it. It was about his favorite thing...race car driving. The kid is totally into NASCAR and car races. He loved the movie. So, now every time he strips down to his undies, he screams, "I'm on fire!" Then, he runs around our apartment waving his arms like he's on imaginary fire. It's the funniest thing ever!

Just another day in Weenie's World!

Running...

As mentioned before, I began my official "Official" marathon training this week. No more screwing around...it's time to get serious. S0, I ran 3 miles Thursday, 4 miles Friday and 6 miles Saturday. I wasn't looking forward to Saturday, but my running buddies pulled me along especially during mile 5 when I wanted to stop and walk. So, thanks New Yorkers for pushing me to the end. I needed that! I spent the last 5 minutes of our run telling dirty jokes...that always helps!

So, here we go again! I know I can do it, I've already done one marathon and multiple half marathons. (By the way, I keep typing "marathong" instead of "marathon." What the hell! I giggle each time I do it. Hee-hee!) So, I know I can do another marathon...it's in me.

Welcome to the world of marathon training! I hope you can make it to the end...

Asthma Sucks!

So, as you know I'm an asthmatic Hispanic momma. Even though I've got a disease, I don't let it define me. I am in control of my own destiny, not my bunk ass lungs. I will decide what I do, not my disease. However, with that said, I have had to make a few sacrifices here and there when it comes to having gimp ass lungs. I know I have to take my meds. I used to fight that as a kid, but now I realize they are a necessity and necessary for daily functioning. And, I know that I can't eat certain foods because they trigger asthma attacks. And, I know when the air quality is crap, I should stay indoors and run on a treadmill. But, again, I'm in control.

I never knew running a marathon was possible with asthma. But, as you can see it IS possible. And, it is possible again. However, right now I've got to wait. I'm dressed and ready to run, but my lungs are telling me otherwise. I planned to run right after I took Jude to the bus stop this morning. But, the air is dry and dirty today, and I'm feeling the affects of it. So, I had to take a "time out" and come home and take a Singulair pill. Now, I'm waiting patiently for it to kick in so I can go run. Again, I'm in control of this disease, not the other way around.

Actually, I'm quite pleased that I'm still alive at age 30-ish. I thought for sure a few times that my days were numbered. And, I was almost waiting for the "big" asthma attack to take my breath away for the last time. But, then I got good, new, better drugs....state of the art meds that changed my life and made normal living possible. Praise Jesus for that! So, to all you wonderful people out there that donated your time and energy to be part of a drug trial testing new asthma drugs, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I thank the medical community for giving me a life worth living! So, in return, when I kick the bucket, I will donate my body to a local medical school. I hope to be poked and prodded in the worse way so future doctors can learn all they can from me and my bunk ass lungs! My family isn't too thrilled about it, but I think of it as my way of giving back to the medical community that saved me.

According to the website MedlinePlus.com:

"Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. Your airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways become sore and swollen. That makes them very sensitive, and they may react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When your airways react, they get narrower and your lungs get less air. This can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, especially early in the morning or at night. When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it's called an asthma attack. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that your vital organs do not get enough oxygen. People can die from severe asthma attacks. Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: quick-relief medicines to stop asthma symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute."

Harvest Moon

Last night we ran as a family under the glow of a harvest moon. Husband pushed Jude in his Ironman Baby Jogger, and I ran along side them. The moon was beautiful last night. It was huge, round and orange. It reminded me of a giant pumpkin high in the sky. It was cool last night and perfect for running. We ran only 3 miles but it felt great. Since it's already starting to get dark around 5:30 PM, we were all wearing flashing lights and reflective belts for safety. I'm sure we looked like Christmas trees running down the road!

And, yesterday was my "Official, Official Start" of my marathon training. Hello Tokyo Marathon, here I come!

Husband is Home!

Yippee! Husband is home! My world is back in order!

You don't realize how much you love someone until they're gone. I love my husband, duh! But, when he's gone, I realize just how much I truly love my little brown Mexipino. I hate it when we're apart, but it makes me realize just how lucky I am to have such a wonderful man in my life!

Missing pumpkin patches...

(This picture was taken last fall at Showa Park. The leaves on the tress were starting to change colors. This was the first picture I took in Japan!)

When you have kids, you change. You celebrate everything together. You cherish the seasons changing and watch as your kid changes with them.

So, usually by now I would have taken Jude to a pumpkin patch for pictures and to pick out a pumpkin for Halloween. But seeing that we now live in Tokyo, Japan, that won't be happening this year. Missing our American holidays is one of the draw backs of living in Japan.

I miss everything associated with fall. I miss pumpkin patches and haunted houses. And seeing as how we live in a concrete jungle called Tokyo, I don't think we will be able to find a pumpkin patch to play in this year. However, last year we carved multiple pumpkins at YaYa's house, roasted pumpkin seeds, and went trick or treating at the beach. Jude had a great time. This year, we'll only be carving one pumpkin because they cost so much here in Japan. Another thing I miss about Fall are the scrumptious sweet potatoes I used to eat, especially the ones at Texas Road House Steak House. Japanese sweet potatoes are good, but much drier than American ones. I've tried repeatedly to add brown sugar and marshmallows to the Japanese sweet potatoes, but they come out dry and nasty.

I've tried my best to decorate our apartment with "Fall" like items to remind Jude of the way we used to celebrate the change of seasons. However, I've failed miserably!

And, this year we will be celebrating Jude's birthday without family and life long friends. (Jude's birthday is on the 21st.) Last year Jude had multiple birthday parties and cakes for his birthday. BJ and her husband J were certainly the hostess with the mostess and helped Jude celebrate a great 3rd birthday Halloween style. They opened up their home to our family and friends and helped create wonderful memories for our kiddo. We even had a ghost pinata and a spider made of cup cakes for his birthday. Thanks BJ and J for the great time last year! Jude often looks at his pictures from his last birthday and smiles. So, this year Jude decided that he wanted to celebrate his 4th birthday at the local indoor pool. Considering he loves swimming now, he wanted to invite all his friends to join him for an afternoon of swimming and cup cakes. Even though YaYa and PoPo can't be here, they have been showering Jude with boxes and boxes of gifts for his birthday. Of course like any good mother, I've been hoarding them away in the closet until his party. For his birthday party this year, I've invited about 20 of his classmates and friends.

But, even though we can't be in the states for his birthday or back with our family, we will be celebrating Jude's birthday with a new group of friends this year. And, I hope he will look back and smile at these new photos and new friends we have made here in the Land of the Rising Sun! I know I will!

FYI

If you are reading this blog you are: a wonderful personal friend of mine, a family member, a Japanese student of mine, a friend of Rice Spice's, or you stumbled across my blog while searching the net. Look, chances are if you know about my blog that's because I invited you in to read it. So, if I'm ranting or bitching about something or someone, rest assure that I'm NOT complaining about you! If I invited you to my blog, that's because I like you, you are my friends or relatives, and your opinion matters. So, please don't think I'm talking about you when I'm bitching and moaning. I'm just venting and your eyes are the lucky ones that get to see my inner thoughts. So, please don't take anything I write seriously or to heart. Remember, YOU were invited....into my world!

***I currently have my blog set to "private." Search engines can't find it. So, you have to know the URL to access it.

My beloved BJ...

How I miss thee!

How I miss your shiny freckled smile and beautiful red hair!
How I miss the way we used to laugh together in a chair!


Okay, this was my attempt at poetry today...and it sucked. But the message is this: I miss making new memories with BJ. We never have a dull moment together. Somehow, someway, silliness surrounds us.

We've made the best memories and created great stories together. I miss that.

So, BJ...How I miss thee!

Here is one silly story we created together:
http://weenie-mymisadventures.blogspot.com/2008/05/why-blog.html

Enjoy!

He wants to marry me!

So, the other day Running Babe told me that her son, Bean, wants to marry me. Bean told his parents that he was going to live with them forever and marry me because I'm nice to him. Running Babe's ex-husband mentioned that I'm currently taken, but Bean didn't seem to mind. He will share me with Husband. (Bean just turned 5 years old.)

Just another day in Weenie's World!

Fitting into the Mommy Mold!

****Read at your own risk....foul language below!****

Okay, I'm a mom. But, I'm having a hard time fitting into the "Mommy Mold." I don't do or say things that other mommies do.

For example, I'm marathon training now. Most of the mommies I come in contact with think I'm a.) nuts for training for a marathon and b.) selfish for taking that time away from my family. This is what I say to you mommies out there that think I'm nuts and selfish....fuck off! First of all, I need to stay in shape to care for my kid. And, I'm leading by example and showing my kiddo that physical activity is important and necessary for healthy living. And, I'm showing my kid that women are just as strong as men. And, I'm showing him how hard work and persistence can help you achieve your goals in life. So, a big "Screw You" to you mommies out there that think I shouldn't train again for another marathon.

And, my potty mouth isn't helping me, either, when it comes to fitting into the "Mommy Mold." I've been known to occasionally drop the F-bomb in front my kid and his friends. I know I shouldn't but sometimes it just slips out. I can't help it. I try to put on my filter when other kiddos are around, but sometimes bad words just slip out. And, so what if I say the occasional hell, damn or shit. Does that make me a bad parent?? I think not!

Okay, and so what if I find my husband incredibly sexy and hot, and send him dirty text messages..is that bad??? Aren't we supposed to be hot for each other???

It seems like most mommies out there have lost themselves in their children. They have become these voiceless, lumpy, stagnant human beings that lack luster and life. I actually feel sorry for women like that. What a horrible existence they must lead! And, what makes it worse is these women are judgmental hags. They judge me and others around them. If you aren't the perfect little "Mommy" they think you should be, they look down on you.

So, to you ladies out there who think I'm not the perfect mommy....kiss my ass!

Weird!

So, I just finished writing the blog entry about missing Husband. And, as I was writing and sitting at the computer, the mini-blind chord attached to the mini-blinds in this room started to swing back and forth, hitting the metal blinds making a weird noise. I immediately thought we were having an earthquake. So, I logged on to the JMA (Japanese Meteorological Agency) website to check if there was an earthquake. According to them, nothing happened. And, I don't have the AC or heater on, so that couldn't have caused the movement. WEIRD!!

And, the other night I turned off my computer before going to bed. During the night, I got up to go pee and saw the glow of the computer screen from my bedroom. After I used the toilet, I came to the computer room to turn off the computer again, but it was off. I know I saw it on before I used the toilet! WEIRD!!

Who knows, maybe I'm just getting old and my mind is playing tricks on me!

Husband...

(This picture was taken several weeks ago at a Mexican restaurant in Roppongi. This is one of the most recent pictures I have of Husband.)

As you know, Husband is away on a business trip. He's been gone 13 days, 1 hour, 33 minutes and about 45 seconds...but who's counting??? Okay, okay, I am. I miss my little dark-skinned Mexipino! He's my ying to my yang! I'm Lucy and he's my Desi. I'm his Yoko and he's my John. Sorry for that rant, but I really do miss him!

I miss every thing about him now. I miss the annoying way he shakes the milk every morning. After he pours his cereal, he'll shake the milk for about 1 minute until it's frothy. Then, when I go to get some milk for my cereal, it's all bubbles. I usually hate that but now I miss that! I miss the way he leaves the toilet seat up and I almost fall in when I have to pee in the night. I miss the way he grinds his teeth when he sleeps. I miss his Chapstick kisses. (Every night before bed, Husband moisturizes. He applies lotion to his hands and Chapstick to his lips.) I miss the way he smells. This morning I rummaged through his closet to find some clothes that smell like him.

I know he hasn't been gone long, and he really isn't even that far away, but I still miss him. Jude and I were talking about how much we miss him this morning when we woke up. This was our conversation:

"Do you miss Daddy?" I asked Jude.

"Yep, I do," Jude replied.

"Me too, sweetheart," I told him.

"He's the best Daddy ever!" Jude told me.

"I know he is...we are lucky to have him," I replied.

Then, we just laid there in bed snuggling. (As mentioned before, Jude has been sleeping with me since Husband left.)

When Husband left, I was okay with the trip. I knew we had tons of things to do while he was gone. But, as the days and nights pass, I realize just how much I need him and want him. After 5 years of marriage, I still love him with all my heart. In fact, I think I love him more now than I ever have. He truly is my best friend and husband. He's a simple little man with the biggest heart and with the greatest patience. He's really is my better half! He's calm, reserved, polite, intelligent, loving, spiritual and caring beyond belief. After all, he's put up with me for the last 7 years of my life (we "dated" for 2 years before we got married). And, putting up with me can be difficult at times, especially with my foul mouth, bad manners, and lactose intolerance! He's a good man and I'm lucky to have him! I thank God for him every day.

I just can't wait to see him!

Tasty Tampons...

So, last night we had a slumber party at Running Babe's house. Since Husband is away on business, we thought it would be fun to have a sleep over. So, it was me, Running Babe, Bean (her son), Jude, another friend's kid and a dog named Ethan. Running Babe's neighbors went to Yokohama for the weekend and needed someone to take care of their dog. Running Babe agreed to watch the dog because he's mild mannered and very cute. He's a Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix.

So, last night after a movie, we finally fell asleep. Jude and I slept with Running Babe in her bed. Ethan, the dog, slept in the living room. But, at some point during the night, Ethan got a hold of some feminine hygiene products...tampons to be exact. And, when we woke up this morning, there was an unused, chewed up tampon scattered around on the living room floor. It was too funny. Running Babe was a bit embarrassed over the situation, but it was funny as Hell! We couldn't stop laughing. Then, later in the morning, Ethan starting coughing. Instead of hocking up a fur ball, he hocked up a cotton ball. Hee-hee!

Just another day in Weenie's World!

8,579...Can it get any worse???

The stock market closed down some 600 points again today. I just need to bend over and take it up the you-know-what! This is getting ridiculous!

But, you know, I must admit, I kinda saw this coming. Last year, when Husband and I were getting ready to move here to Japan, we went on a month long vacation to visit friends and family members. It was called "Weenie's Farewell Tour." Anywho, Husband and I were marveling at all the stuff our friends and family members had...like big ass TVs, fancy gigantic houses, giant gas guzzling SUVs, new bubba trucks, cute clothes, and so on. Husband and I wondered how they could afford such lavish items. We both said in unison, "Credit!" We discussed how people were borrowing too much money and living beyond their means. It seemed like an epidemic or a plague of over spending to keep up with the Joneses. It seemed like everyone was trying to out do the other person by having more and better stuff. It seemed like people were consuming too much as consumers!

As you know, I'm a simple person. I always have been. I like nice stuff, don't get me wrong. But, I don't buy stuff I can't afford. I have a terribly guilty conscience, as you know. And, I can't sleep at night knowing that I have credit card debt or any other kind of debt. I feel guilty. I feel guilty knowing that I owe someone money. PoPo always told me, if you can't afford it, you don't need it. Simple as that. So, I have never lived beyond my means. Neither has Husband. Some people get a "high" from buying fancy clothes or cars. But, not me. I get a "high" by saving my money and watching it grow. That makes me feel good. I know I'm weird compared to most.

But, I just don't understand why most Americans think they need so much stuff they can't afford. Perhaps most people are trying to fill some void they have in their life. Maybe they have a loveless marriage or weren't shown enough attention when they were children. What ever the cause is, over spending just needs to stop. If you ain't got it, don't spend it. How hard is that??? Seriously, please tell me! I would like to know!

I think people need to reevaluate what makes them happy in life. Don't get me wrong, I want to live the American dream, too. I want to have a cute house, with a cute yard and all that. But, I'm saving my pennies to get it. And, now Husband and I are living "in poverty" to achieve our American dream. We "pretend" we can't afford things now. We tell people we are poor and can't afford things. Because theoretically, we are poor. Husband doesn't make a whole lot of money. And, there are 3 of us living off of it. So, we skimp and save every where we can. I buy groceries on sale days. I only buy clothes if they are on sale and necessary. We have the cheapest cell phone policy on the planet! We drive used old cars. Husband rides his trash bike most days to save on fuel. (He found the bike abandoned in the parking lot of our apartment complex. It was rusted and needed a seat. So, Husband fixed it and rides it almost every day to work. His co-workers are collecting money to buy him a new one because his looks so bad.) We don't have cable or satellite TV. I don't even have an IPOD! I bought each of us a Thermos so I can save on bottled water. We are the cheapest people we know. And, most of our friends will agree with that statement! But, we are happy.

But, ya know, in the grand scheme of themes, stuff is so insignificant. It just clogs your house and your mind. And, when you die, no one remembers your stuff anyway. They don't go to your funeral and say, "Wow, she used to wear Prada shoes!" No one cares what clothes you wear or what kind of car you drive. Seriously, no one cares! And, if they do care, then they probably aren't worth knowing in the first place!

So, please stop spending money you ain't got! Please! Quit trying to get things you don't deserve. If you want those Prada shoes, get a great job that pays you enough to afford those Prada shoes. Or, save your pennies to get those Prada shoes. But, please for the love of God, stop spending money you don't have. You see where that has gotten all of us in the last few weeks!!

Green tea needs sugar!

Okay. I live in Japan, duh! Green tea is offered at almost every restaurant for free. Instead of serving water, most places serve hot green tea. (And, there is typically no sugar or sugar packets on the table.) That's fine. Except, I'm a Texan! I want sweet tea. I have spent my entire life drinking sweet tea from Luby's Cafeteria and from Chick-fil-A restaurants. I love sweet tea. There's something wonderful about pulling up to a Chick-fil-A drive thru and ordering a large sweet tea in the middle of the afternoon. It makes you feel cool, refreshed and satisfied. And, here in Japan, I don't want to drink hot green tea that tastes like chloroform or sea weed. I don't want to drink boiling hot unsweetened green tea when it's 95 degrees outside. I'm sorry, but I don't want that!

But, I have learned to make compromises. I know I can't have sweet tea anywhere on this island. So, the other day I bought some sugar cubes at the grocery store. I placed a few of them in my purse in a plastic baggy. Now, when I go out to eat, I drop a few sugar cubes in my green tea and stir it up. Then, the tea tastes like sweetened chloroform, and I can handle that.

Just another day in Weenie's World!

Emergency Contact

So, I am now the emergency contact person for a few of my friends' kids. Crazy, huh?! I find it completely bizarre that I am someones emergency contact person. I just had this realization that I'm a grown up. You would think that graduating college, getting married, pooping out a kid, and moving to another country would make me feel like an adult or grown up, but it hasn't. I still feel like the same free spirited, loud mouthed, midget Mexican. But, now...all of a sudden I feel like I have been thrust into adulthood....all because I'm listed as an emergency contact person. Now, other people rely on me. Wow! It is such a weird feeling to know that in a time of crisis, I could be called upon to perform.

And, my first "performance" occurred yesterday. I got a call from Bean's after school daycare yesterday. (Bean is Running Babe's son.) Bean had had an accident and needed a change of clothes. They couldn't get a hold of his parents, so they called me. I rose to the challenge and took clean, dry clothes to the kid. He was very appreciative and so were his parents. They both called me later and thanked me for helping out their son. I had no problem doing it.

But, after that I felt weird. I know I'm an adult. After all, I'm.......30 something years old. But, I've never really felt like an adult before. Even when I work or meet with Jude's teachers, I still feel like me. But, yesterday I FELT like a grown up. And, quite frankly, I didn't like it. I feel old knowing that I'm listed as an emergency contact person. In my mind, when someone says "Emergency Contact Person" I think of the old white haired lady who lived across the street from my childhood home. I think of someone having nothing to do except to sit and wait by the phone. I think of someone white haired, whithered, wearing an apron, making casseroles, and listening to Frank Sinatra. I am NOT that person! Instead, I'm a foul mouthed, over-opinionated, pocket sized, Hispandex, who doesn't even know how to make a casserole!

Uggggg...adulthood sucks!

9,447

Today the US stock market closed at 9,447. It lost slightly over 500 points today or about 5%. According to Yahoo! news, it is "estimated Tuesday that Americans' retirement plans have lost as much as $2 trillion in 15 months." It seems that the whole world is feeling the credit crunch right now. I just thank God that I'm young and can recover.

Lord help us all!

Hey Jude!

So, this morning Jude wanted to take some pictures for his daddy. He had just woken up and his hair was crazy. Here are the pictures:





I know, I know, the kid is super silly!

Just another day in Weenie's World!