It has been 6 months since the earthquake in Japan on 3/11/11 that killed more than 20,000 people. My life is completely different now. "Living in the moment" is my meditation for each day. "Expecting the best, but preparing for the worst", seems to be the way for me to deal with my fears of natural disasters. My wish is that people who experience life altering events be able to embrace the RESPECT that the Japanese people seem to have in most aspects of their lives even when under extreme stress like that of the 9.0 earthquake. I will continue to be in awe of the calmness, courage, and only taking what you need attitude that was displayed after this terrifiying event. I feel completely blessed in my life right now, being alive, aware, and full of Love.
I am extremely grateful to the following people that were involved in my Japan experience: Wayne, Mamiko, Jun, Jaclyn, David, Dee Dee, Lance, Lotta, Blanca, Cindy, Richard, Jenny, Irena, Jimmy, Sayuri, Luna, Yoko, and Lilly.
and last, but certainly not least...Adam, and Hannah Lee.
When I returned home to TN and was completely "shook up" from the earthquake these people came to my rescue and I would not be so happy today without their help:
www.synergywellnessspa.com, www.pangaeanashville.com, trendy pieces of Murfreesboro, TN, Bell Buckle Family Clinic , and all my family and friends for their hugs and compassion.
My time in Japan was a like no other I have ever experienced. Learning how people are different on the oposite side of the world from America was extremely interesting. I absolutly loved walking and riding my bicycle everywhere. I had more time to my myself for reading, napping, and exploring. The question now is: Will I give that to myself in Tennessee?
Adam has been relocated to work on a project for Nissan in Japan. We will be here July 2010 through July 2011. Hannah and I are excited to be able to go along for the adventure! CHANGE OF PLANS! Earthquake of 3/11/11 has sent Hannah and I home for good, and Adam will have to finish his project with business trips.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Last trip to Japan
After 4 months of Adam traveling back and forth to Japan to finish his project there, he is finally home for good!!! He was pleasantly surprised when Delta upgraded him to first class on his 14th trip to and from Japan in the past year. He was finally able to sleep 6 hours of the 24+ hour event that it takes to get from Tokyo, Japan to Murfreesboro, Tennesee. I am now able to sleep through the night now that I am not the only parent in the house! Hannah Lee and I are glad to see him in person every day, instead of only a few minutes of Skype.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
This is called humanity
200 plus old people in Japan are volunteering to clean up radiation in Japan. They know their life expectancy is almost over anyway, so they are sacrificing their lives instead of the younger people.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Nissan news from BBC
23 June 2011 (This was taken from BBC.com)
Nissan forecasts profits fall after earthquake
Nissan said it expects to sell 10% more cars than last year
Japanese carmaker Nissan has forecast a fall in profits this financial year, following March's massive earthquake and resulting tsunami.
It said net profit for the year to the end of March would be 270bn yen ($3.4bn; £2.1bn), a 15% fall on the 319bn yen the company made last year.
However, Nissan said sales would rise almost 10% to 9.4 trillion yen
Earlier this month, both Honda and Nissan said their profits would be hit hard by the earthquake.
Honda said profits would slump by 64% to 195bn yen, while Toyota said its profits would fall by a third to 280bn yen.'Continuous growth'
Nissan said it expected to sell 4.6 million vehicles this year, 10% more than last year.
Full production would return by October following disruptions caused by the earthquake, it added.
"Continuous growth in 2011 will bring Nissan a new record volume," said Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn.
"The unrelenting work ethic of Nissan employees is an inspiration - particularly after one of the worst natural disasters in modern history. The high level of motivation and performance of our Nissan team continues to be the foundation of our success."
The carmaker also plans to double dividend payments in 2011 to 20 yen per share.
The March earthquake and tsunami hit supply lines to companies across the world, but Japanese carmakers were among the worst hit.
As a direct result, Toyota is likely to lose its crown as the world's largest carmaker.
It expects to sell 7.24 million vehicles this financial year. Honda said it expected to sell 3.2 million vehicles.
end of article....
Adam has been completely consumed by his project in Japan. He has sacrificed his sleep, and his time with family to get this job done. He has not complained about it at all. It is wonderful to see acknowledgement for him and his colleagues in printed form. He should be home done traveling to Japan by middle of July.
Nissan forecasts profits fall after earthquake
Nissan said it expects to sell 10% more cars than last year
Japanese carmaker Nissan has forecast a fall in profits this financial year, following March's massive earthquake and resulting tsunami.
It said net profit for the year to the end of March would be 270bn yen ($3.4bn; £2.1bn), a 15% fall on the 319bn yen the company made last year.
However, Nissan said sales would rise almost 10% to 9.4 trillion yen
Earlier this month, both Honda and Nissan said their profits would be hit hard by the earthquake.
Honda said profits would slump by 64% to 195bn yen, while Toyota said its profits would fall by a third to 280bn yen.'Continuous growth'
Nissan said it expected to sell 4.6 million vehicles this year, 10% more than last year.
Full production would return by October following disruptions caused by the earthquake, it added.
"Continuous growth in 2011 will bring Nissan a new record volume," said Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn.
"The unrelenting work ethic of Nissan employees is an inspiration - particularly after one of the worst natural disasters in modern history. The high level of motivation and performance of our Nissan team continues to be the foundation of our success."
The carmaker also plans to double dividend payments in 2011 to 20 yen per share.
The March earthquake and tsunami hit supply lines to companies across the world, but Japanese carmakers were among the worst hit.
As a direct result, Toyota is likely to lose its crown as the world's largest carmaker.
It expects to sell 7.24 million vehicles this financial year. Honda said it expected to sell 3.2 million vehicles.
end of article....
Adam has been completely consumed by his project in Japan. He has sacrificed his sleep, and his time with family to get this job done. He has not complained about it at all. It is wonderful to see acknowledgement for him and his colleagues in printed form. He should be home done traveling to Japan by middle of July.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Bug out Bag
Immediately after the earthquake, it felt good to be able to pick up my earthquake survival backpack that was always sitting by the front door. This is a site that suggests always having a "bug out bag" for any disaster.
http://web.comporium.net/~klj2324/BOB-SurvivalKit.pdf
http://web.comporium.net/~klj2324/BOB-SurvivalKit.pdf
10 things to learn from Japan
This is an email that was forwarded to me.
1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.
2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.
3. THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.
4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.
10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly
1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.
2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.
3. THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.
4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.
10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly
Where to go during an Earthquake
Where to Go During an Earthquake
Remember that stuff about hiding under a table or standing in a doorway? Well, forget it! This is a real eye opener. It could save your life someday.
EXTRACT FROM DOUG COPP'S ARTICLE ON 'THE TRIANGLE OF LIFE'
My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world's most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years, and have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene -- unnecessary.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them - NOT under them. This space is what I call the 'triangle of life'. The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability th at the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the 'triangles' you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.
TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
1) Most everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when building collapse are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.
2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.
3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa or large chair.
6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency' (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
8) Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.
9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them. 10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
Spread the word and save someone's life.
The entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!
'We are but angels with one wing, it takes two to fly'
In 1996 we made a film, which proved my survival methodology to be correct. The Turkish Federal Government, City of Istanbul, University of Istanbul Case Productions and ARTI cooperated to film this practical, scientific test. We collapsed a school and a home with 20 mannequins inside. Ten mannequins did 'duck and cover,' and ten mannequins I used in my 'triangle of life' survival method. After the simulated earthquake collapse we crawled through the rubble and entered the building to film and document the results. The film, in which I practiced my survival techniques under directly observable scientific conditions, relevant to building collapse, showed there would have been zero percent survival for those doing duck and cover.
There would likely have been 100 percent survivability for people using my method of the 'triangle of life.' This film has been seen by millions of viewers on television in Turkey and the rest of Europe and it was seen in the USA , Canada and Latin America on the TV program Real TV.
Subject: Save your life with "The Triangle of Life""Triangle of Life":
Without listening or reading, simply by looking at the following self-explanatory photos, you can learn more than in a thousand words about how to protect yourself during a major earthquake...
Remember that stuff about hiding under a table or standing in a doorway? Well, forget it! This is a real eye opener. It could save your life someday.
EXTRACT FROM DOUG COPP'S ARTICLE ON 'THE TRIANGLE OF LIFE'
My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world's most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years, and have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene -- unnecessary.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them - NOT under them. This space is what I call the 'triangle of life'. The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability th at the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the 'triangles' you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.
TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
1) Most everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when building collapse are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.
2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.
3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa or large chair.
6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency' (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
8) Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.
9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them. 10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
Spread the word and save someone's life.
The entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!
'We are but angels with one wing, it takes two to fly'
In 1996 we made a film, which proved my survival methodology to be correct. The Turkish Federal Government, City of Istanbul, University of Istanbul Case Productions and ARTI cooperated to film this practical, scientific test. We collapsed a school and a home with 20 mannequins inside. Ten mannequins did 'duck and cover,' and ten mannequins I used in my 'triangle of life' survival method. After the simulated earthquake collapse we crawled through the rubble and entered the building to film and document the results. The film, in which I practiced my survival techniques under directly observable scientific conditions, relevant to building collapse, showed there would have been zero percent survival for those doing duck and cover.
There would likely have been 100 percent survivability for people using my method of the 'triangle of life.' This film has been seen by millions of viewers on television in Turkey and the rest of Europe and it was seen in the USA , Canada and Latin America on the TV program Real TV.
Subject: Save your life with "The Triangle of Life""Triangle of Life":
Without listening or reading, simply by looking at the following self-explanatory photos, you can learn more than in a thousand words about how to protect yourself during a major earthquake...
April Showers in Tennessee
We are experiencing what the weather has to offer in TN today. Downpours of rain, flooding the yard. I am getting Hannah's schedule figured out for the next quarter. Adam will be spending his time in Japan, China, and Thailand. The technology of Skype is perfect for this second phase of upset for our family. As I look over the pictures of the week before the big earthquake, I am so grateful we were at Sankien Gardens viewing the plum blossoms. Hannah had carefully placed a stone in each bamboo fence top, it was such a ritual, and I wonder if they got shook out of their spot. We even build a Kairn at the top with the big pagoda. Adam actually found a treasure next to the pagoda that was a beautiful stone with Japanese writing on it. It looked like a forgotten piece of stone thrown off to the side of the trail, so we adopted it and brought it home. It will be fun to show it off after it makes the long journey by boat from Japan to Tennessee. Adam just spent the whole week packing up the house, giving away food and items that cannot be shipped, and getting all the lease items back to Tokyo Lease. I want to give a "shout out" to Mamiko. She was so wonderful helping us pick out the items for our home in a fast frenzy. You may not remember that our house hunting trip was cut down to 3 days instead of 5 because of airline issues. Mamiko became by massage client, and it was fun getting to know her. I am hoping that she makes it TN to visit us, and unwind from the daily anxiety of living in Japan at this time. I enjoyed getting to do my work while I was there. I also gave massages to a couple friends, and children that were in Hannah's Montessori school. I miss Jun my acupuncturist/massage therapist in Yokohama.
Hannah misses her friends from Japan. I had handmade her birthday invitations for her friends at Treehouse Montessori. They had pictures of each child with Hannah at different play dates she had. We enjoyed Hannah's birthday party at Nana's home this year. It would have been nice to have it in Japan with our friends there. I was really looking forward to it. It is so sad that we did not get to say goodbye to everyone there. I am keeping in touch through email with Blanca from Costa Rica, now living in Germany. Her and I had the Izu Penisula adventure together. I email with Lotta from Sweden. She not only taught me how to make the best herb burgers, but also the adorable Japanese bookmarks. Actually, Adam had a synchronicity moment this week when he ran into Richard from Austrailia in the cell phone store. He then got to go out to eat with him, his pregnant wife Cindy from Singapore, and their son Aiden who was in Hannah's class. Cindy is the one who inspired and taught me to make the Bento Boxes. I get to keep up with her through FB, and her blog. They all met up with Lance from Nashville and had a great evening together in Yokohama. I just found out that Lance will not be coming home in July, it will now be September. I send Dee Dee positive energy to help her manage the one parent experience. We are still trying to get Landon and Hannah together for a play date. I am so grateful that Adam has a "big boy" job, and takes care of us. It is hard being separated though.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Prince in Charleston, SC
The Prince concert was amazing! He had me singing, crying, screaming, and smiling the whole time. He focused on his classic hits, and threw in lesser known songs occasionally. His band and beautiful full bodied back up girls were incredible with sultry voices. He is 52 years old, and still moves like a 22 year old! He was even "locking and popping". His facial expressions are priceless, his hand gestures are perfect, and the words he says are hilarious. It more than met my expectations, and I hope to get to see him again. After he sang "Purple Rain", purple confetti went all over the stage and audience.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Prince Welcome to America Tour - Charleston, SC
Anyone that knows me, knows that my idol Artist is Prince. I have reached levels of mass hysteria over his work, and then humanely backed away to allow for space. Imagine my upset when I found out he was now touring in America, and I happened to be in Japan with husband and daughter for Nissan working assignment. So, after fleeing Japan after the earthquake... when I was dealing with jet lag in L.A., and "all I wanted to do was have some fun...all the way to Santa Monica Blvd...."I thought what would make me get back my groove now? It obviously was if Prince had finally released where he would be in America soon, so I could go see him. The information had just been posted, and I have always wanted to check out Charleston, SC. I got Leslie and I front row, floor tickets. Now I just need to get on stage to dance with him, and my Trauma will be healed my healing energy to send to Japan will be amplified!!! I am thrilled to be alive, and want to "put the oxygen mask on myself, so I can put it on others, before we crash".
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Now that we are safe, and well taken care of at Nana's home...we are feeling the healing. Hannah has gotten thru a yucky cough with cherry bark medicine. She stopped throwing up, and lowered her fever today, and she has rested. Hopefully today she will start eating. We spent time in the yard today, and found a 7 leaf clover! I am receiving wonderful amounts of loving attention and sympathy. Tuesday was the most eye opening day ever for me, as I took the time to appreciate every single breathing moment. Friends are gently letting me feel my emotions, and talk about my upsets. I went to www.synergywellnessspa.com and was welcomed back by loving arms and hugs from my collieges. My nausea is slowing down, and I am ready to heal. Adam is back to work, and not being told anything about our future, yet. Face book finally has my 99% approval rating on an efficient way to get the word out, and get word back to you..fast...when you need it! Hannah and I are making fun plans for how to spend the next 4 weeks in TN. We are sending our loving energy to Japan. Life is Great!
Sunday, March 13th
Adam and Hannah got up around 6:30 am, and they let me sleep until 9:30am. I woke up rested, but full of panic. Leslie and Matt skyped me as soon as I turned on the computer, and asked me when we were leaving. I turned on the TV and saw things were getting worse. I went into panic mode, and told Adam we had to leave immediately. He called his boss at Nissan in TN and his boss agreed we should do what we needed to do. Adam called to book flights. He told the travel agent we would go anywhere except China. She looked at South America, Canada, Australia, etc...and said we could not leave until Monday night at midnight. Even though I would have liked more time to get our bags together, I knew we could not wait that long. He put a hold on that flight, and told her to keep searching and call us back...she never did. Adam called Lance and they were wanting to leave too. Adam then called a different travel agency, and was able to find 6 tickets flying to LA, but we only had 45 minutes to pack our bags. We did it. It was interesting running thru the house making quick decisions on what we would be taking in our 2 carry ons. We each ended up with 2 pair of pants, 2 pair of shoes, 3 pair of underwear and socks. I picked out my favorite jewelry, and grabbed Adam and I's "love journal" that we write to each other back and forth on. Hannah got her blankie, her baby Carol, and her leapster. She has not complained one time about leaving everything else behind. The Sullivan's have a car, so they picked us up to drive to airport. I walked outside with our ex-patriot plant that has been passed down who knows how many times, and UT (our fish), with his food. The first ex-pat neighbor I saw, I handed him the plant and fish with feeding instructions, and said please take care of them until you have to leave, and then put them on your doorstep and hope for the best. We got to the airport and were given meal tickets, but only had time to get a quick bite at McDonalds, so we gave tickets to people who had been sleeping in the airport trying to get out. They were thrilled! As we were lining up to board the plane, another quake happened, and our flight was delayed a little. We spoke to a Canadian man who had been at the airport when the earthquake happened and told us about standing on the runway for 3 hours, and then being jammed into a small room with about 2,000 people in it. At one point there was 20,000 stranded at the Narita airport. He was relieved to be getting on the flight with us. We are so thankful that NISSAN took care of us and got us out of there fast. We received phone calls from management when we got to L.A. welcoming us to America!
Saturday, March 12th
At midnight, the electricity came back on and I immediately logged on to Face Book to let people know we were safe at the moment. It was wonderful to see all the messages that people were sending to us. We spent the day in a daze. We finally got the house put back together, and the broken things put away. We were glued to the TV. We finally went outside around 4pm and went to check on Dee Dee, Landon, and Lance. We all relived our stories, and didn't know what to do next. I got a call later that night that the French Embassy was recommending us to shut off heat, and not go outside, to not breath the air because of the nuclear power plant radiation leakage. Also, they said to fill up tubs with water in case we needed it. I followed those instructions, not knowing if it was over-reacting or not. I decided that electricity would probably be limited soon anyway. It was so cold when we went to bed, I decided to leave the bedroom heater on low. (each room has individual heater/air conditioner). Of course we had Hannah in bed with us again. The aftershocks all day long made you feel like you were on a ship. I finally had to take a nausea pill before I went to bed, which helped me to sleep deeply.
Earthquake 3/11/11
We spent all of February in complete bliss. Our time home in TN during Christmas filled up our hearts, and then Grammy eased us back into Japan in January. The weather has been warming up, and we have enjoyed every "family weekend", as Hannah calls it, where we three just hang out together and play games. When I felt the smaller quake on Wednesday March 9th, I got a very strong message in my body that things were not going to be ok. Thursday March 10th I refreshed the earthquake survival kit with fresh water, food, and flashlight. Friday morning March 11th I called Dee Dee (the other Nissan Mom) and asked her to walk with me. We talked about how irritated I was feeling, and how we both felt so vulnerable wondering when a big earthquake was going to happen, and I talked about my fear of taking showers. At 2pm I picked Hannah up from school. At 2:30pm I asked her if she would take a nap with me, so we could be awake when Adam got home at his usual very late Japanese hour. I took a quick shower, and was dressing for a nap..at 2:46pm the quake started. Hannah was next to the bed coloring, so I grabbed her, sat on the floor, and faced her toward me and cradled her head. The quake just kept going and going and getting stronger. The standup mirror came crashing down and hit my left shoulder, and her right elbow. She said "it broke my elbow!" When it finally stopped, I checked her elbow, and there was just a cut, and I forgot about my shoulder until I found the wound the next day. We carefully walked downstairs and saw the damage throughout the house. We got the earthquake backpack and headed to Dee Dee and Landon (Hannah's 4 yr old school mate) who live in same neighborhood. We all came outside with the other women of the neighborhood. A big aftershock came and we sat down in the street. The other women were screaming for us to move from behind Dee Dee's car that looked like it could roll out of drive way because it was moving so much. Everyone went to the park in our neighborhood to be in an open field. We continued to feel the aftershocks...which are still happening at this moment 6 days later..and could go on for 2 months. Dee Dee had a radio that was announcing in Japanese what was going on. The neighbor translated that we now needed to move to higher ground because of tsunami threat. The four of us got in Dee Dee's car and drove up to the Country Club. The electricity went out in our neighborhood when the quake happened, but the club had power and the TV going, and we were immediately bombarded with images of fires and raging water. We could not get a hold of our husbands until 5pm, because the phone lines were jammed up. Adam's co-worker offered a car ride to get him and Lance (Dee Dee's husband) home, because the trains were not running. They were in grid lock for 2 hours and then Adam told his Japanese friend that he needed to get home to "his" family, and he and Lance could walk to the nearest station and try to get a taxi. Thank goodness Adam had a flashlight because it very dark with no electricity at this point. They got to a station, and Adam heard a voice saying "Yokohama" in English. He went to the guy who was from the UK and found out he was going near our neighborhood, so the guy let Lance and Adam take the taxi with him and his Japanese companion. These two had been waiting in line for a taxi for 3 hours, and when Adam found them, it was their turn next! They were very crowded for 3 hours in the taxi, but Adam finally made it home shortly after 10pm. Around 6pm Dee Dee and I went back to our homes to get candles going, and put food in freezer. I was not able to check in with Adam again until about 9pm. Hannah and I put pillows on the floor in front of the staircase by the front door, and wrapped up in blankets. We watched Shrek on our portable dvd player that I happened to have charged up the day before. We ate fruit for dinner, and stayed calm. Our friends came by around 9:15pm to check on us and helped lift the heavy screen off the couch. We were very cold and tired, so we went to bed right after that. I took things off the wall above the bed, and left the standup mirror on the floor. It was so good to have Adam back home...if it was our time to die, I at least wanted us all three to be together.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Plum Blossoms
We went to Sankien Gardens to view the Plum Blossoms. Their blooms mean that Spring has started in Japan, however today it snowed! There is a fruit called Ume that comes off this tree. The Ume is processed and put inside a triangle of sticky rice and wrapped in seaweed, and it is called Umeboshi. Leslie and I both tried one right before she left Japan, and we both liked it's sweetness. Hannah Lee was obsessed with putting little stones in each bamboo fence stick. It seemed like a good meditation to me, since it took her at least 30 minutes to do it. We finally got her to walk up to the 3 storied Pagoda, where she created Kairns (mounds of rocks).
There was a special music performance happening this day to celebrate the plum blossoms.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Roppongi
I managed to get myself 90 minutes from our home to meet some girls for a drink at a New York style restaurant in Tokyo called "57". Roppongi is a part of Tokyo that has a rich night life. I was impressed with myself that I did not have any trouble getting there and back because I had to take 2 buses, 8 trains, and a taxi to do it all. There is an English publication printed in Japan for Ex-Pats called http://www.living-a-broad.com/, they have a monthly gathering. It was interesting to meet some new people and hear about why they are living Japan, and how their experience is going. I met some kindred spirits, and hope to see them again.
When I made my way home late that evening, I was surprised that the trains were shoulder to shoulder crowded. It was mainly business men just going home from work on a Thursday night. I am very concerned about their lack of sleep. I took pictures of two interesting signs I saw on the subway. The first one is an SOS button that should only be pushed if someone is dying because the train will come to a screeching halt. The other sign says "Your seat should only be as wide as your bottom, not the width of your spread legs." I find the illustration to be hilarious! I think the other public notice is good that reminds people that smoke grows wider than the human body.
Playdate with Xavier
Xavier and Hannah are in the Ladybug class at their school. She likes all the boys in her class, but has a special connection with Xavier. Maybe it is because he will be 4 on April 4th, and she will be 4 on April 11th. We had him over to our home for the first time, and they enjoyed every minute of it. In the Fall, they were caught kissing on the mouth at school. They now know that they are only allowed to kiss on the cheek.
Countdown to Nana's visit
One more of Hannah's grandmothers is coming to visit us in Japan! Hannah keeps asking when she will be here, so we made her a "time loop". Each loop represents a day, and each day as she pulls off another loop, she can see how many days are left until her Nana gets here. We are all excited!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Umbrella Condoms
Our monthly Date Night was this weekend, and we went to a great restaurant called LaBoheme. As well as the free kleenex's that are passed out in Japan, we like the plastic cover for your wet umbrella that is at most places you go. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the entire staff gave us greetings and salutations even though it was a packed out Saturday night crowd. I had snow crab and avocado salad with salmon and spinach pasta with cream sauce. It was divine! We strolled through China town after that. Shark for dinner anyone? I dragged Adam to Karaoke to sing duets with me. Some girls want "stuff", I want romance! Maybe I have been inspired by Glee too much these days. Adam had more fun than it looks like in this picture, we signed up for one hour, but ended up staying two! It helps that you can keep ordering beers by picking up the phone in your private room. The new Karaoke system rates your singing after each song. The highest we got was 76 out of 100 on the Sonny and Cher song "I got you Babe".
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Meiji Shrine
Next to Yoyogi Park is the most popular Shrine in Japan. The Meiji Shrine was built for the Emperor and Empress that modernized Japan. We visited the garden area first which has a tea house, coy pond, iris garden, etc. There is a special spot where the spring water comes up in a barrel, and we stood in line a long time to get a picture of it. I think they consider it to be highest quality of water and also to be a spiritual power spot. The Shrine had gorgeous architecture.
Sunday with Grammy and Grampy
The best place to go on Sundays in Tokyo is Yoyogi Park. All the eccentric people come out to play. The guy offering free hugs is continuing a peace movement that the tour books talk about. We didn't get a hug, but he was happy for me to take his picture. The tightrope walker was amazing as he danced on the rope without falling. Hannah asked for a turn, and did well while holding my hand. The guy seemed thrilled that she was interested in trying it. The Power Rangers acted like they were after Hannah, and she quickly grabbed Adam's leg and didn't let go. Overall, she enjoyed the attention. We even got to experience "being in a bubble"! We also got to watch a mime, a storyteller, guys doing tricks on bikes, drummers, people flying kites, and the Rockabilly dancers. It started snowing while we were there, but melted before it hit the ground.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Scary times in Japan
Grammy and I were walking thru a park when we got the call that Hannah Lee needed to be picked up from school because of an almost 104 degree temperature! We rushed to get her. She was lethargic, and I had to carry her home. Thank goodness the other Nissan Mom took control and brought me Tylenol and then drove us to a clinic. Hannah was diagnosed with type B influenza and is on a 5 day anti-viral for the first time in her life. It was not surprising because type A and B influenza has been going around the school this week. She is feeling better today. We are very excited for Adam to get home this evening after being apart for 3 1/2 weeks. He had Nissan business in China and Thailand. We will spend this evening and tomorrow with Grammy and Grampy, and then they leave early Monday morning.
Also, yesterday was the biggest volcano eruption in 50 years in Japan! Click on the article below for amazing pictures.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1351064/Japan-raises-alert-following-volcanos-biggest-eruption-50-years.html
Also, yesterday was the biggest volcano eruption in 50 years in Japan! Click on the article below for amazing pictures.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1351064/Japan-raises-alert-following-volcanos-biggest-eruption-50-years.html
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
After school nature walk
The day was beautiful, so we decided to end it outside walking around. We played along the way. There is a high viewpoint where you can see Mt Fugi and the ships in the ocean. We hung out there watching the sun go down. Grammy had sushi (for the first time) for dinner. She liked the Salmon Mayo Aburi, which is raw laying on a little bit of rice.
Garden Day with Grammy
The signs of early Spring have begun with the first cherry blossoms (white), and then the plum blossoms (fuchsia). Grammy loved exploring Sankien Gardens...the old tea houses, homes, and shrines (and taking pictures). We experienced the green tea ceremony. There was a couple having a photo shoot, probably for their marriage ceremony. I got to make a wish in the stone wishing well that we came across.
Tuesday with Grammy
Our morning started off as usual with breakfast, and Hannah cutting confetti. She is obsessed with using her scissors this week. She can cut equally well with her right and left hand...which leads me to believe she will be ambidextrious. I wonder if she will be good playing instruments because of this? After we left her at school we walked the nature area behind our home. We explored the graveyard area and Grammy says it looks like a mini skyscraper city. The area was locked up behind gates, so we could not get too close to it all. Our research says that 99.8% are cremated and then placed in the family grave. The ritual includes two family members holding a bone of the body with chopsticks to carefully place into the urn, starting with the feet so as not to have the person layed in upside down.
Later we biked to an older area of Yokohama and shopped a little and then had tomkutsu, which is lightly fried pork cutlet on rice. There were no forks, so Grammy was forced to use chop sticks...which she struggles with. (but at least it was not bones!)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bike ride to Yamashita Park with Grammy
Today we biked to see the ocean at Yamashita Park.
We enjoyed expoloring a new area to Hannah Lee and I on the upper deck of the Park.
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