Japan 101- the slideshow

Thanks to my sweet hubby who put this all together- it is the pics from Japan- and we took a LOT, so just know it is long. We were also experimenting a little with our camera, and to be honest the colors and sights of Japan surprised me.


I hope you enjoy it!
I also hope you are enjoying the snow, the music, and the countdown to Christmas as much as I am!

Surprises in Japan

I know that nobody wants an entire recap of my recent vacation, so I have whittled my 300 photos down to just a few of the best for you to enjoy or hate. After that I may need to blog about Christmas, because I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED!!!!!!
*phew*
Yes. This is a public toilet. I dreaded these squatters so badly.....I have no idea how those little Japanese women in there high heels and tights and miniskirts even handle these things. If you were lucky, there was a bar to hang on to as you squatted....but that makes wiping...well, nevermind.
Funny thing, though, the regular toilets were DECKED out with heated seat, bidet squirters of nice warm water, and even musical flushing sounds so no one can hear you tinkle. I loved those toilets, man, Just loved them!

Mr. Sammy took this picture at a quiet park just across the street from the Olympic Arena. The colors were so great, I was amazed! We packed heavy coats, but really didn't need them. This was such a nice place, I wanted to share it. The parks are all so serene- a big contrast to the squished buildings and neon signs.
This is the Landmark Tower, the tallest building in Japan, where the hotel is located. Turns out my husband had been working around this area on his mission, but didn't know it because the area had changed so much in the past 20 years. The metal art was in the courtyard outside the mall, which linked to the hotel you see behind it. Yep-it is 70 stories high, and sitting in the window was enough to make you dizzy and your hands sweaty, but it was gorgeous.
Not an uncommon thing, my kid in a picture with complete strangers....but the kids were especially fascinated with his looks and hair. I love this picture because of the kids in uniform and all the peace signs. You better throw a peace sign if your in a photo in Japan!
This little barber shop behind me is very special....above it is the apartment my hubby lived in for 7 months while serving his mission in Hachioji. The town was amazing- with a great street of sidewalk sales and quaint shops (well, some not so quaint, as the vendors yell out strange things to try to get you to come shop)and we toured the small LDS meeting house and visited with missionaries who happened to be there, and met up with a local member who was a friend during the mission. I have never seen my hubby giddy over anything....but he was giddy this day. I also call this my "take a picture it will last longer" day, because I left my hair curly, and I was stared at, double takes, and watched all day. Weird. I felt like Angelina or something.
This was taken at a shrine that had a flame burning (in the metal wing) that has been linked to the flames of Hiroshima. Around it were strings of various origami, and a history board was posted nearby. It was kind of a somber feeling here, but my son was fascinated with the story and ended up really loving this site.

I realized I have barely made a dent in my favorite of favorite photos.......so, oh well, more later to come..... I hope there is something here of interest or beauty.

What Vacation?

SO don't go around thinking I am so lucky and spoiled.....real life awaits us all and is ready to greet you whether you are ready or not.

WARNING- TRAUMA PHOTOS

This is little Masty G on the table at the clinic waiting for stitches......if you look close enough, you will see a few pink-ish areas on the right side of the gash in the middle of the wound. That would be his SKULL with a bloody film over it.....Let's just say he took a snowboard to the head (fluke of a story, total accident, just a plastic cheap snowboard, so GO FIGURE!)and it gashed open his forehead. Hubby gets queasy over this stuff and had to wait in the waiting room...I was sick and shaky, but come on, can you really show how nervous you are when your child's skull is visible? I think not.


Here he is after the 3 layers of stitches. It is still weeping a bit of blood. Ouchy.


Man. I think I need another vacation!
Thank heavens for Insurance and Health Savings Accounts. This little boy is proof that plans like this can save a family's budget!

Notes from my Vacay

Wow.... you know December is busy anyway, but add an over sea trip to the mix and I am really just a bit behind. I will be posting about this surprise vacay over the next few days.... enjoy!



This is my honey and Masty G enjoying their Bento Boxes for lunch.....my little guy was so cute working with the chopsticks (I sucked, and my hubby was embarrassed to ask for a fork and knife for me). I took this picture because they looked so happy and cute. I, on the other hand, was recovering from a small breakdown of sobbing and starving. Apparently in Japan you don't just eat anywhere....you find a proper bench or table to eat at respectfully. It took us a LONG time to find this little sitting area, and I was tired and hungry, and well, I am kind of like a toddler like that. Sorry honey...I promise I will do better next time.



At the Giant Buddah, in Kamakura, this was one of my favorite stops. The courtyard was empty so we had lots of time to roam and take pictures and sniff the giant pots of incense that were burning. Yummy. (seriously, I loved it). Surprisingly, my son said this was one of his favorite stops as well. You can go inside it, and it looks like the Statue of Liberty from inside (just smaller, but same material). The overall feeling of this shrine was just beauty and peace......I was so glad I got to see it.


At the mall, it was the 15 year anniversary and Christmas all rolled into one. I kind of got a kick out of the Christmas "I Love You" theme of the mall.....it reminded me of Valentine's Day, but hey....who's going to say anything? Another thing I saw was "Happy Merry Christmas" which struck me as funny. (But more on the English signs later). This was on the last night, as we were heading out to dinner (the best Katsu and Tempura ever!) a bittersweet night. I was anxious to get home and see my 2 boys, but so sad to see my Japanese adventures end.



At the train station- please note the CROWD of people pushing their way onto the train. It was not unusual to see a few small school children running to and fro on and off the trains alone- that freaked me out. I was so worried for them. Then we stepped into the middle of this mess to ride a train to Tokyo, and I was worried for US! It was JAM PACKED, and I tend to get a bit anxious and claustraphobic, so this took some effort to remain calm, but it was so funny, being squished in this train, where not a person spoke or whispered (well, except for me, the LOUD AMERICAN). They were so polite they even wore a doctors mask if they were feeling under the weather- which looked weird and took some getting used to also, like being surrounded by a bunch of Asain Michael Jacksons or something. It was all a bit of an adventure- and I would never had made it from one place to the next without my hubby and his Japanese skills....
Well, enough for now. I am off to an Activity Days field trip. Be PATIENT as I try to catch up on blogs. I swear, I will be a nice bloggy friend once again very soon!

Ko nee chi wa

Little blog, and all big blog friends.... guess what. I am sitting in a hotel in Yokohama and it is 4:30 on the morning here (about 12:30 in afternoon at home)and it is so cool!

I am overlooking the bay out of the window (67 stories high) and this hotel is connected to a mall with an amusement park under it, and it is bustling and happening. I am snapping photos like mad , of course, but oopsy- forgot my bridge cables to connect to the huuby's lap top. I will tell you all about it when I get home. For now thanks to sis for holding down the fort and babysitting (we brought the youngest son with us....I think we are wearing him out, though!) and I really should try to sleep more....I can't believe the strange state of jet lag that is taking over with this time difference!

But I can say this....Japan is amazing, bustling, well lit and twinkling, and everyone's movements are small and voices are pleasantly soft. I feel large and loud! Even my son is matching the height of little old ladies and adults and children alike are staring at his bleached tips and following him around in stores. Ahhh...to be a strange foreigner! What a great feeling!

The day is really here.....

It happened. My phone beeped with a text...."Have U read the Ensign?".....it is an article on caffeine sodas and energy drinks, both of which I am currently consuming at an alarming rate.

I tell myself.."I will just read it, then ponder it for a few days (while finishing off my fridge packs of Diet Coke and Dr Pepper)". Then as I am reading it, I think....well, why not? Why just stop this insanity? What if....just WHAT IF my poor meager soul is missing something in the process of chugging down caffeinated beverages, and what if....just what if, this is part of my heart racing when I get angry and my shortness with my kids.....and my sluggishness in the morning? JUST WHAT IF?

So I have officially begun my souls decaffeinated experiment. Aren't we to "experiment on the word"? Can I do it for six months and just see if I feel better...maybe my spirit will be stronger or my kindness will be kinder or my heart will be softer.

That is not a bad thing. Can't I just follow the little feeling in my heart as I read that....you could do this it and it could help you feel better......

can't I do that?

I did NOT.......

I am copying this post idea just because it is the best one I have seen in a while....and because..

I was not the crazy lady who jumped amazingly high to grab the free king size candy bar they were tossing out at the midnight showing of Twilight. I did not get so excited about Hershey's with almonds that I fell on the arm rest and my leg got squished in the cupholder as someone else did not land on top of me. It did not hurt like a mother and make me blink back tears and so it looked like I was weeping for Edward.

I most certainly did not burn my hand because I grabbed a candle that was burning for hours, to blow it out. I have been lighting/blowing out candles for like, 30 years or so, and I am sure I would never do that. I also would not swear and drop the hot wax when my thumb didn't sizzle against the glass.

I swear I didn't skip breakfast and then count down the minutes until McDonald's serves lunch to go get a Big Mac. I would not eat something so huge, gross, and unhealthy, and I really wouldn't eat it and think it tasted great and wolf it down in a matter of of minutes. And that would never make me skip down the aisles of the grocery store because my belly is happy and full.


I also did not spend $12.00 on two ornaments that I had to have. I would never get suckered in to walking down the Christmas aisle and actually falling for the most expensive ornaments on the shelf. Never. Even if they would look great on my tree I am sure I would save that money for canned corn and butter.

I also did not decide to just SIT after Thanksgiving dinner and let all the other valiant volunteers wash all the dishes. I know I would never feel relieved that someone else started cleaning up first and I would NEVER tell myself that too many people in the kitchen is chaotic.

And I also should make it clear that I did not just get stuck on the neighbors roof while trying to knock my son's ball out of the big tree in our back yard. I did not have a gathering of neighbor kids cheering me on, and then realizing when it was time to climb down that I was scared to death. I did not make such a spectacle of myself and would never do such a silly thing.

That goes for all of the above.

My Tools of Vanity

I wanted to call this my Favorite Things....like Oprah, you know, but I was afraid that you might think I was giving things away. I'm not. We are on a budget. BUT if you want to know my favorite tools of my vain self, here they are. Enjoy.




This brush was bought on a whim, because I left my trusty wooden round brush of 8 years home on vacation. I needed something cheap and quick. I had no idea what a great brush I was getting. It has a cool squishy gel handle that is super easy to twirl and grip (even if it does snag a hair) but stays cool. The metal center gets HOT and now my hair dries in 5 minutes or less- as opposed to 10-15 with my old brush. I am in LOVE with this brush, and it was around 5 bucks. (Great stocking stuffer for yourself)

Now my silly secret. Avon's ANEW products ROCK my world. I have used one form or another of this stuff for over 10 years now, and my skin cries when I run out. I have tried others, thinking there MUST be something better out there, but even Clarins and Lancome , or Oil of Olay for bargain shoppers, doesn't do the trick. I break out like a teen.....this feels great, smells great, and goes on sale often enough to let me afford it. If your skin is thirsty, feed it this.

Again, I bought this because it was a deal (even had a coupon), and it is the BEST! My sister gave me a Lancome bag with their Defencils mascara in it (top selling mascara in the world), and I think this is so much better. I wish I could marry this, because a nice thick dark mascara is a necessity in my vain shallow world. Since daily application of false eyelashes is totally out, I need lushy mascara. This stuff does not disappoint.

These shirts have me running to Seagull Book to find the latest color. They are long enough to cover your not-so-high in the back jeans. The sleeve is not so short that people can see deodorant flakes and armpit stubble, or my less than perfect arms giggling around, and the neckline is perfect under dresses and jackets. They look great alone- especially with a chunky necklace (like the one I won from Jillene) or scarf. I have 4 of these, and want more. Is that okay?

Last, but not least.......

This is essential. Bags under eyes and fatigued induced crankiness are not becoming. Again, I have used Unisom, Advil PM, and even Excedrin PM. I hate getting in bed tired but feeling back aches or headaches and not being able to sleep. ONE tablet and you are resting in minutes, and by the time morning rolls around you are really feeling good. The best part is after I wake up and get going I feel completely normal (unlike Unisom, where I am groggy for hours.)

I hope you enjoy my favorite things of the year. I had a few more, but this is so long- I will save them for another day. In another lifetime (if I believed in those) I am sure I was a panel member for Allure or Marie Claire. Thanks to this blog, I can enjoy my own reviews NOW.

Even if you didn't miss me.....

......I surely missed my own musings about the random ordinarnary-ness that is MY LIFE. I even SEWED an apron (miracles never cease) during my holiday of thanks.

But guess what..... Santa visited me a little early, and so I now have a computer tower that actually works.

I *heart* Santa so much. He is such a nice guy, and usually a jolly fellow....and I tossed and turned with excitement all morning (yes, a Saturday morning on a holiday weekend) and finally got up at 7:00 a.m. to play with my new toy.

Thanks Santa!

And to the all the rest of you- of course my life has been fabulously normal, but still satisfying none the less. You will hear all about it soon! Please don't be sad if I can not catch up on your past posts. I will do the best I can.

If you have anything that you are sure would make me laugh, get jealous, or feel better about myself (this means you have are admitting stupidity), please feel free to include it in your comment. I have missed all of the above.

The Power of the Osmond's

So here we are, me trying to sneak in a bit of blogging while the kids are getting ready for school. They are bickering.

"You are uglier"

"no, you are."

"Hey , I just looked at your face, and I know the monkey that wants his butt back."

They both laugh.......

I am not laughing. (Suddenly I realize the wisdom in my parents banning of the word 'butt').

Then the football stealing begins..... with the "give me that it's MINE!" and laughing as one runs from room to room. My pleas are ignored. SO are my threats of grounding, no playing, money minused off their chore charts.

What's a mom to do? What every parent does this time of year.....switch on the Christmas music. HOORAY it's the Osmond's singing "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas". Footballs are returned, jackets are pulled on, and voices begin singing. It's a Christmas Miracle.

I smile and remind them.... "Santa is watching you."

I love Christmas music. Too bad my hubby is such a SCROOGE he won't let me put up the tree until after Thanksgiving. *sniff sniff*

If you own the Osmond album you know exactly what I am talking about.

I hate to say I told you so

But.....

An e-mail from a relative today really got me thinking. He was venting about his financial struggles and the frustration he is feeling. He even sent a letter to the President saying, "Where is the help for the little guy?"

While I understand what it is to struggle, and I hate to see anyone suffer, I am so grateful for the goal me and my hubby-sammy made almost two years ago to BE WEIRD and start paying off our debts. The recent financial pain has not hurt us as bad, and we have been able to remain calm in crazy times, and hopefully we have taught our kids who to do so also.

We have sacrificed (hello cruise I missed!) but also been blessed (unexpected trips, anyone?) and I have not regretted ONE DAY of putting my extra money towards what matters...the future.

What is so great about having something now? The only things I need now are my family, my health, and my ability to believe. I hate to sound all sappy and preachy, but please....if you know are digging yourself deeper, just stop. I promise.....it is easier than you think.

this picture was taken the day we gave back our Honda Pilot and quit making a car payment. Man, I love that extra cash flow each month!

I never woulda thunk it...

That a Whopper with Cheese (yes I have ordered that before) has 220 more calories and 18 more grams of fat than a Big Mac. Huh?

I also didn't know that Burger King has the worst mayo of any food chain, and that Chick Fil-A is the overall best place to grab a bite at in the mall. Orange Julius???? Never again! Plus I will never again sneak a bite of that Awesome Blossom at Chili's. No No!

I was Christmas shopping yesterday (I even wrapped a present... I am so excited.... I had on the Christmas music and was dancing around my house.....but don't tell anyone I am just like a big old elf in disguise) and passed this, and I had heard it was a cool book. After peeking at it I could not put it down. So I will be the lady in the mall/grocery aisle/parking lot who is crazily referring to her eating book before she orders.

Be patient with me. Plus, how can a guy who even kind of likes Diet Coke be bad? I am just saying, you guys........

Door Busters

As you know, I am a coupon clipper, and Sunday night is my night to gently browse the ads in search of the next great sale item. Ummmm, FOUND IT! K-Mart (don't dis, ya'll, once in a while you can find something there!) a super cool MP3 (on Hammy's little Christmas list) with TOUCH SCREEN- SLASHED from $99 to $49.

This was the exclusive Black Friday prices BEFORE Black Friday. Yippee! I got some cash burning a hole in my pocket for Christmas, but being the GOOD LITTLE ANGEL that I am I decide to go on Monday. (This is a 3 day sale starting Sunday).

Monday I RUSH down there...... I am so on top of this, you know...and NOTHING. The shelf is empty. I ask if they have brought them out yet..... a woman who looked like she was struggling, and also avoiding eye contact, makes a phone call or two and tells me there are no more. She sold the last ones a bit ago....and NO RAIN CHECKS on exclusive sales items.

"How many did you have? Didn't this sale start yesterday?" SHe answers....."Well, I think on this we got TWELVE" (This she says like 12 is the best number ever and I am crazy for not getting there fast enough.)

Wait a sec...... TWELVE for an entire 3 day sale that was listed in the paper, the SUNDAY paper sent to thousands of Utah homes, and this being the only K-Mart in some 40 mile radius? Really ?

That means I had as many kids in my family than you have of MP3 players. I get the same amount of donuts as you stock for a big sale..... I see the same amount of roses as you buy to sell hundreds of customers....that just kind of sucks.

SOOOO this is my official K-MART IS STUPID post. I know, I know, you guys already knew that, but I guess my faith in the humanity of the retail world is just a bit naive. NO MORE! I doubt every ad I see from now on.

(ps, it took me like 20 minutes to write this. I miss my computer. Wahhhhhhhhhh!)