The hands of time

This week has been a whirlwind of excitement and change. 

Jude finished preschool and attended Kindergarten orientation this week.  We scheduled his upcoming home visit with his Kindergarten teacher, and we are looking forward to the beginning of his school career.  Hopefully, he will be the future, graduating class of 2024.  Crazy, huh?!

Husband turned 40 this week, and we celebrated last night with a huge, epic karaoke birthday party at our favorite karaoke joint.  Husband is still recovering from last night's festivities.  Let's just say we partied like it was 1999, but our bodies are not the same as they were in 1999!

With all that's going on, sometimes I just wish I could stop time and take it all in.  I wish Jude would stay this age just a little longer, because 5 is a great age--the best age, in my opinion.  His world is full of discovery and curiosity.  He wants to know about everything.  Our conversations are a constant why this, why that, how come...he desires all the answers to everything, never stopping or being content with the answers given.  Instead, he continues to constantly probe us, in an attempt to understand everything that exists in his world.  Sometimes it's exhausting.  I spend countless hours on the computer researching things, because I don't have all the answers to his questions.  Even then, sometimes he's still not satisfied, continuing to ask even more questions.  His thirst for knowledge is unbelievable.  I've never met a child this inquisitive. 

So, I wish I could make the days a little longer or stop the rotation of the Earth just so I can enjoy Jude being 5 a little longer.  Everything about him at 5 is wonderful, and I don't want it to end. 

I know it seems selfish of me to want to keep my son 5 for just a little longer.  I'm sure this age is quite frustrating for him, never getting all the answers he wants, sometimes not being able to understand the answers given because they are too complicated for his 5 year old mind. 

But every day passes quicker than the one before, leaving me yearning for all the yesterdays even while I'm in today.  I know I sound crazy, but I just want to hold on to every minute and every second just a little longer-- just long enough to absorb everything about each moment, permanently implanting it into my memory where it will last forever. 

In utter shock

So, a couple of weeks ago I bought Jude a new American style backpack for school.  It was a rather cheap one (made in China) with Iron Man on the front.  Since Jude wanted it, I threw it into our basket without thinking twice. 

Well, yesterday I decided to remove the tags on the backpack and let Jude start taking it to school.  When I went to cut off the tags (which were in English), I stumbled across a small tag that said, "CALIFORNIA PROP 65 WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm."  I was like huh, what the...??

So, I went on-line and did a little research about California's Proposition 65.  Basically, the people of California are tired of their lakes and streams being polluted, and they are tired of toxic substances being used in everyday products without the consumers' knowledge.  So, by passing Prop 65 in 1986, the state of California requires businesses to notify consumers if any hazardous chemicals exist in their products, on their property or at their work place. 

So, after reading about Prop 65, I thought how could a backpack manufacturer make a backpack, knowing it contains harmful chemicals, and then market it to children, hoping they buy it and wear it on their backs, exposing them daily to potentially dangerous chemicals?  How? 

Look, I know there are cancer causing chemicals everywhere.  I'm aware of that.  But to put harmful chemicals in a kids' backpack is just wrong!  It shouldn't happen.  Ever! 

So, before you buy products for your kids to use and wear, please check the labels. 

By the way, I tried multiple times to get in contact with the manufacturer of the backpack, but my calls were never returned! 

Needless to say, I went on-line to L.L.Bean and purchased Jude a new, safer, better backpack, and it was 20% percent off!

Jude Breakdancing to Billie Jean

Turn up the volume to hear the music and the smack! 

(I love my 5 year old!  He's the best!)

Yummers

Even if you don't like salmon, you'll L-O-V-E, LOVE Morey's Marinated Wild Alaskan Salmon.  I found this super-duper delicious salmon one day when I was meandering through the freezer section at Costco.

This lovely little box comes with 6 individual wrapped pieces of marinated salmon.  It is by far one of my most favorite foods ever.  So, if you shop at Costco, you should definitely get some.  And if you are a pathetic soul that doesn't have a Costco card or a Costco near you, check your grocer's freezer section.  You might be lucky and find it there. 

***By the way, I was not paid for this product endorsement.  However, if Mr. Morey, the marinated salmon maker, feels the need to give me free fish, I'll take it kindly. 

A taste of home

(Photo via Dallas News)

The worst part about living overseas is missing my favorite hometown and homemade foods, especially Mexican food.   And in Japan, you really can't find good Mexican food.  In Tokyo, there are a few places that serve okay Mexican food, but it costs a million dollars and your first born.  And seeing how I ain't about to give up Jude for a taste of home, I decided to make caldo de pollo (Mexican chicken soup) today. 

As I cooked, the smell of the soup tantalized my nostrils, taking me back to my childhood.

I can clearly remember my mom (YaYa) making caldo de pollo in our modest home on the east side of Houston.  I can remember our small kitchen getting warm because of the simmering pot of caldo my mom was cooking.  Then, YaYa would always open the kitchen window and let the cool November air in, letting the delicious smell of the soup escape through the screen. 

Today when I was cooking, I didn't open any windows.  Instead, I inhaled the fragrance of the soup deeply, never wanting it to dissipate, hoping it would penetrate the walls of my apartment and always remain. 

Yikes!

Today I watched The Shining.  Since I'm a super-mega-horror-film buff, I totally dig movies like these.  However, I have a crazy imagination with an even crazier mind that takes hold of these images, usually dreaming about them and being scared shitless.  

 And, recently in my old age, these types of movies scare me even more.  Now, my mind keeps conjuring up the most frightening scenes, replaying them over and over, giving me the hebie-jebies. 

I'm not sure why allow myself to watch these movies.  I guess somewhere deep down I enjoy being scared shitless.  It makes me feel more alive. 

Just for you

Have you ever wondered what a Port-O-Potty looks like in Japan?  Well, this is it.  That's right, a squatty-potty shitter!  Gotta love Japan!

+13,000

Holy shit! My blog has been viewed over 13,000 times!

When I started this useless blog back in May, 2008, I never thought anyone would read it. After all, who gives a rat's ass about a 4 foot, 10 inch Texan living in Tokyo, Japan? Well, apparently, you fine folks do!

There have been times where I've considered deleting the blog because I thought no one was interested in our misadventures, but you, my faithful readers, have kept me going and writing. And, for that, I thank you.

From the bottom of my midget, Mexican, momma heart, domo arigato goizaimasu (thanks, thank you very much).

Thanks for taking the time to stop by Weenie's World! It's much appreciated!

Movin' on up

My little swimmer has passed level 2 and is now going to be in level 3 swim lessons. Hooray! Hip, hip, hooray!

You people have no idea how long Jude has been in level 2, possibly years--maybe 18 years, at least it feels that way! This is a very big step for him, and I'm so proud of his achievement. After level 3 is level 4 (duh!) and then swim team. That's right, swim team!

For those of you without children, you are probably rolling your eyes or about to press that large X on the right hand corner of your computer screen. You're probably thinking, who gives a shit that your kid has passed to the next level of swim lessons? Right?! Well, it's not just about swim lessons, it's about finding out what he's in to, discovering what he likes. And he likes swimming!

For me, finding an activity that my kid enjoys is important. It's about offering him a little bit of everything and seeing what he gravitates towards.

I want to offer Jude every opportunity to try everything out there, whether it be swimming, Karate, pottery making, art, baseball, music, or whatever. I want to help him discover all the fun that can be had by discovering something you enjoy.

I know I'm glad my parents gave me the opportunity to discover music. I don't think I appreciated it much as a child, but now I do. And I just want to give my kid the same chance to fall in love with something the way I fell in love with music.

Going with it

Okay, I live in Japan. Duh! I live here temporarily as a result of Husband's job. When our job is done here, they (Husband's employer) will kindly move us to wherever they think we need to go to continue his job.

That's how I live. I never know what's coming down the pipe. I don't know how to plan for a future when I don't know where the future might take us. I live day to day never really knowing what lies ahead.

At first, the idea of this was totally, utterly frightening, especially for a seriously Type A personality, like myself. The idea of not being able to plan every second of everyday for the next 10 years scared the shit out of me, but then I just let go. Now, I'm not saying I'm not Type A--I don't think that will ever change, but, now, I just go with the flow. Instead of using pen on my calendar, I only use pencil. That way I can make changes, and there are always changes. Always.

Now, I'm not complaining here. I'm just letting you know what it's like to be me: a midget, Mexican momma living in Japan.

And, frankly, I'm getting used to a life where I only use pencil.

To my sweet Bobik the Wonder Dog

Today I thought of you. Husband and I were remembering the countless times you went carpet surfing on our carpet in Texas, and how you would rub your itching bung hole as you surfed down the hallway, and how you made us laugh out loud in the process. I miss those little moments where you had the power to create joy and laughter in our house simply by being you.

You were the greatest, silliest dog to ever exist, and I'm still so grateful we got to meet you and be your pet parents for those wonderful 4 years. And I know you are up in heaven watching over us, and I just wanted to let you know that even though you are gone, you are still able to bring us joy and laughter.

So, Bobik...thank you for everything you gave us in those short 4 years. I miss you!

To the car designers of the world:

I think a new, mandatory air conditioning vent should be required in all new vehicles, and this vent should be located under the steering wheel, and it will be known as the Crotch Cooler, and it will do just that-- cool your crotch. Because, you see, in the sweltering heat, ones' crotch sweats... a lot, and an AC vent blowing cool air on it would be nice, really nice. And, since it could get a little smelly as a result of said vent, I advise that this vent have some type of air freshener permanently installed inside of it. That way the whole car doesn't end up smelling like sweaty kooter.

I know this Crotch Cooler vent sounds a little bizarre-o, but, trust me, I know lots of women out there would pay kindly for it. I know I would.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Weenie

The Pixie cut

If I was 10 pounds thinner, I think I could pull off the Pixie cut.

I had this hair style when I was 18, and thinner. I loved it. It was so easy and fun. Even though I looked like a little boy from behind, I didn't care. There something to be said about being able to wash your hair with a bar of Ivory soap.

Who knows, maybe I'll get the balls to whack my hair off again. I think it would be liberating, and an excuse to wear really large earrings and tons of mascara--Lord knows I love mascara!

What do you think?

Utopia

Okay, if you think I'm nice, you have me all wrong. There isn't anything nice about me, and I'm okay with that. Life's too short to think about what other people think of me.

With that said, I have a tendency to piss people off because of my I don't give a shit what you think attitude. So, if I piss you off because of something I've said, I make no apologies--no regrets!

If I've never pissed you off, and you genuinely think I'm a decent person, that's because you are someone I love and care about. Only a select few of you know the kindness that exists in me. I shower you with it, and I'm happy to do it. For you lucky ones, I'm glad you are in my life. In fact, I wish I could put all of you together in one city, a Weenie Utopia, and surround myself in your presence. You mean that much to me.

Yukata

During summer festivals, young girls and women wear their summer kimonos or yukatas. Here are just a few yukatas we saw on Friday.

Too precious!

Tanabata Festival in color

On Friday, we attended a Tanabata Festival near our apartment. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the event.

Jude playing in the streamers.

The streamers blowing in the gusty wind.

Jude still playing in the streamers.

The view down the street, jam packed with people.

This is my absolute favorite picture from the night! This picture captures Jude perfectly. This is how my sweet boy always looks when he smiles. It just melts my heart!

Men carrying a Mikoshi (a portable shrine).

Husband and Jude.

Husband and Jude walking under the streamers.

Jude jumping in the streamers, having a blast.

Reason #28 why I love Japan: awesome festivals for the whole family to enjoy!

Tanabata Festival in black and white

Jude winning a fish--a real, live fish that is now a new member of our family.

Jude ordering a snow cone.

Some guy selling squid.

This is what we saw at the Tanabata Festival on Friday.

Motherly moment

Jude sleeping on my shoulder on the train.

Sleeping

Today on the train this old guy was sleeping next to me. I thought he was cute, so I took his picture.

So, if you live in Japan and ride the trains, and I happen to sit next to you, be warned--I will take your picture!

Our Stay-cation

Jude is off all week for summer vacation, so we decided to head downtown. Husband has to work, so it's just Jude and I. I've made reservations for the night at our favorite hotel, and I even made reservations for dinner tonight at Jude's favorite Japanese restaurant. It should be a fun filled 36 hours, including a visit to our favorite dinosaur museum.

Don't worry, I'm bringing my camera to document any misadventures, which are likely to happen when you set a midget, Mexican momma loose in Tokyo with an inquisitive, outspoken 5 year old little boy.

Much better

This weekend was spent cleaning mold from our AC units. We have a total of 5, and they were all covered in mold. Yes, mold! M-O-L-D, Mold, with a capital M!

Actually, Husband cleaned, and Jude and I harassed him as we watched him clean the mold. After a full day of it, I got a head ache and decided a margarita was in order.

There's nothing better than a frozen margarita with a touch of mold.

Hell, after a few drinks, I forgot about the mold. I think I should drink more often.

Costco in Japan

How do you make a midget, Mexican momma happier than a clam? Set her loose in a Costco in Japan. That's how!

Shopping at Costco in Japan is an experience like no other. The store is crowded with people constantly bumping into one another with over-sized shopping carts filled to the rim with goodies. It's the only place where you can get 5 kilos of squid or 1 kilo of dry kelp or 5 liters of Shoju (Japanese grain alcohol). And if your heart desires, you can also get 2 pounds of corn chips, a few designer purses and bed linens for American sized beds.

It's one of the only places where I can go shopping and actually read the packages. Needless to say, I love it. I can spend hours there.

And today I did just that. I was in a bit of a hurry, so I bumped more carts than usual, giving a few people the stink eye. I apologized, but didn't really give a shit if I ran over a few toes or small children. You see, my Costco is crowded, and I mean crowded--like a sold out concert crowded. People stop and gawk at the strange American items they've never seen before, trying to decipher the English written on the packages. I get frustrated and start pushing my way through, demanding people move out of my way or be run over. This is one of the few places where I'm allowed to do this. People just assume I'm a rude foreigner, and I'm okay with it. Sometimes in Japan, you just have to be rude.

So, today I spent part of my day buying useless shit in bulk. It was awesome! I felt so American!

Thank you little baby Jesus for Costco in Japan!

Tragic

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/teens-drown-wading-louisianas-red-river/story?id=11312631

If you are a parent, it is your job to keep your child safe. One way to do that is to teach your child how to swim. This shouldn't be an option.

Sometimes I get bored waiting for Jude at swim lessons. I usually read a book or play Scrabble on my iPhone. Several times I have considered quitting the lessons because it interferes with our after school schedule. However, after hearing this story, I will never, ever complain again. Instead, I will continue to pay for lessons and continue to enroll Jude until he is an excellent swimmer. I owe him that.

If you're a parent, be a good one and teach your child how to swim. Please.

Everything is as it should be...

...Husband is home! My world is perfect again!

7 years later

Husband and I have been married for 7 years, and after several weeks apart, I still get nervous to see him again. My pulse quickens, my heart flutters, I get butterflies, and I get so anxious when I see him for the first time.

I hope that feeling never ends.

Welcome home, Husband! I missed you!

A very big Thank You!

That's right, the king of the castle, the ying to my yang...my Husband has returned to me. He's slightly darker than when he left, courtesy of running in the Texas heat, but we're happy to have him back.

A very special thanks goes out to all my North Texas running buddies who took care of Husband while he was visiting for work. Your hospitality and kindness made Husband's stay very enjoyable and fun. He really enjoyed hanging out with y'all, and listening to all your great stories. By the way, I was incredibly jealous that Husband got to hang out with y'all while I was here dealing with the MOLD!

Anywho, thanks so much, y'all, for taking care of my man, for letting him borrow a vehicle, for feeding him multiple times, for throwing a bar-b-q in his honor, for everything! You guys are amazing friends, and I'm so thankful to have y'all.

Husband said that even though he hasn't seen you guys in almost a year, it seems like just yesterday we were all hanging out. To him, it seemed like no time had passed since we moved away.

I guess great friends are like that. No matter how long we are apart, we are able to pick up right where we left off, like no time had passed. Regardless of the years we've been apart, we just keep on keeping on like nothing has ever changed. Good friends are like that. They are always there for you regardless of anything-- regardless of the time, the distance, the time change, the whatever, good friends are just that-- GOOD!

So, thanks again to all my North Texas peeps who showed Husband a great time. You guys are amazing, and y'all rock!

Domo arigato goizaimasu! (Thanks, thank you very much!)