Remember that I had one goal: Complete the easiest task on PTA with competence. So, after the introductory meeting, which I described in the last post, I went to the leader and confirmed what all I had understood. I actually had understood the whole meeting and what I would need to do and had actually… Continue reading Incompetent Competence
PTA, SOS and other Acronyms
You know how when no one in a group wants to do a certain task and so everyone points a finger to nominate someone else? Well, that kinda happened to me, unawares. Several months before the end of the school year, I realized that I had suddenly been nominated to be the next contact person… Continue reading PTA, SOS and other Acronyms
Back in the Saddle
It has been a very, very long time since I last posted. Last I wrote, I think I was stateside for a visit. It was a whammy of a trip– great, full of encouragement, fast-paced, but with some hard personal things that got thrown in my lap– and I arrived back to send my child… Continue reading Back in the Saddle
Essential Tips for Traveling with Tots
If I had to choose an audio intro to this post it would be that chorus— Hit me with your best shot! I don’t know about the rest of the lyrics, but I feel like this would be an appropriate chant for the approach of this topic. Friends… I am on my sixth or seventh… Continue reading Essential Tips for Traveling with Tots
A Little Slower
I have an electric bike which is a momma-must in Japan. It is absolutely wonderful. Lower to the ground, I have easier control for when my kids are wiggling around, or when they feel the instant urge to lean out and point at something. It also relieves a lot of the effort of pedaling 60lbs… Continue reading A Little Slower
Sugar Bugs
A long time ago, while I was still in college, I worked as a professional nanny in the summers. There was one family I spent a summer with and the mother of a very all-American family had an interesting way to stress the importance of brushing one’s teeth to her 3 year old and 18… Continue reading Sugar Bugs
Noises in the Night
A few weeks ago, we heard a startling cry in the middle of the night. I instantly knew it wasn’t my children. My husband had comically tumbled out of bed to a standing position, ready for action. I told him it wasn’t the kids and he peeked outside our curtains to see where the noise… Continue reading Noises in the Night
City Sounds
There are lots of sounds I’ve become accustomed to after years of living in Japan. The nasally, high-pitched calls of Irasshaimase! when you enter a store. The sounds of crosswalk signals, train crossings, and buzzers for people who are cutting it too close. The almost silent sound of approaching cars with their noiseless engines. There’s… Continue reading City Sounds
Where do we begin?
Last week, my primary work goal was to send out thank you cards to our supporters who graciously donate, which allows us to be able to work and live here. I don’t get to send them out nearly enough as I want to, nor as many times as I actually do give thanks to God… Continue reading Where do we begin?
MB and XYZ…
I find personality tests and differences fascinating. I’ve heard people say that it puts people into boxes and then people feel compelled to behave a certain way or excuse or promote behaviors based on it. Well, I disagree with the first, but can see the second happening. I think we all know that these tests… Continue reading MB and XYZ…
Ninja Mom 