What A Lovely Day

What a lovely Japanese Summers day!

First start off with a quick dip at the local pool. ￥150 for an adult, children under 3 are free. My son really enjoyed himself.

Next, a simple lunch at Saizeriya. I made sure to fill up on caffeine at the drink bar.

And then off to CostCo to pick up some essentials like the National Geographic & a big, bright beach towel.

Wrap it off with a new Lilo & Stitch bag from a local store and being able to watch the evening thunderstorm roll through from my balcony with my Son in one arm and a beer in the other.

Today was a great day.

Just a perfect day,
Drink Sangria in the park,
And then later, when it gets dark,
We go home.
Just a perfect day,
Feed animals in the zoo
Then later, a movie, too,
And then home.

Oh it's such a perfect day,
I'm glad I spent it with you.
Oh such a perfect day,
You just keep me hanging on,
You just keep me hanging on.

Just a perfect day,
Problems all left alone,
Weekenders on our own.
It's such fun.
Just a perfect day,
You made me forget myself.
I thought I was someone else,
Someone good.

Oh it's such a perfect day,
I'm glad I spent it with you.
Oh such a perfect day,
You just keep me hanging on,
You just keep me hanging on.

Fun with Fireworks

Summer is on the way and it's now time for some outdoor fun. After work today we went to Cainz Home, it's a large home maker store here in Japan and bought some general home supplies. Dish washing liquid, mouth wash, a water gun and FIREWORKS. You know, really important stuff.


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Here we have a range of fireworks packs for a range of budgets. In the cabinet we have a selection of sparklers and flair style sticks ranging from the pocket money price of ￥88 to ￥998. Above we have two bags of more complicated and impressive fireworks for ￥980 or ￥1480. I decided upon the ￥498 bag of sparklers & sticks and the ￥980 fireworks bag. (pictured below)


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Having grown up in Sydney where fireworks have been illegal since I was about 9 years old due to too many stupid kids getting their eyes burnt out, it's always a bit of a naughty pleasure to be able to freely buy fireworks for myself. Also I couldn't resist buying a water gun.

Naturally we had the safety precaution of lighting the hand held fireworks from a candle (I didn't want the top of my thumb to be cooked again) and a bucket of water to drop the finished sticks into as well as a large open space to set off the larger fireworks. Tonight we had a blast. (literally)

My wife held our son and he giggled and chuckled as the flair sticks were waved about in front of him. And there was plenty of "ooh's" and "ah's" when the brighter stuff came out. Along with surprise to discover there was a cannon ball style firework in the big bag. We only realized what it was when the ball was sent high into the air with a thunderous bang and exploded in a pretty orange display in the sky.

Very satisfying for this Sydney boy living in Japan. And thankfully no injuries.

New Anpanman Toys

Anpanman is quite a popular character amongst Japanese children. My son had lots of fun watching the Anpanman New Years show. Also not too long ago we won an Anpanman Play Mat (pictured below) so it almost goes without saying that he squealed with delight when I brought home some toys for him.

They were given to me by one of my students after she completed some Golden Week cleaning. Thank you M.Y!



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From Center Top we have
1 Anpanman play bus with six magic bean characters. You twist the handle and a character falls through a slot and out a door on the side. This was my son's No1 favorite.
2 Anpanman bounce toy. With a soft head and rubber cord you can bounce this toy much like a Yo-Yo.
3 Swimming Anpanman ball. Inside we have Anpanman inside a plastic ball, he is wearing a life preserver and is surrounded by floating balls. Tonight in our bath together he really enjoyed playing with it and cried quite fiercely when it was taken away from him, until he was reunited with the bus in 1.
4 Anpanman sand play set. We were surprised that this set was in such good condition, it was almost like it was brand new!
5 Anpanman aquarium picture book. Very Nice.

I couldn't bring everything home today, so that's all for now. Yes, there was more!

It was very generous of my student and keeps within my ideology of reducing waste & recycling where possible. Thank You!

We won an Anpanman Playmat

Look what arrived with Pelican Delivery today!


It's Anpanman!

We always buy Nepia Genki nappies as they are simply the best quality. And when you have a toxic load, you certainly want a nappy that will hold it in.

But with all things in Japan they have a points system, collect enough points and you can enter a competition. So you could imagine my surprise that we actually won something.

There was also a wall poster and DVD in the delivery box, but I will save them for later.

It will make our apartment feel more homey.

A Living Hell

It began yesterday with some minor sniffles and continued today with headaches, drowsiness, a stuffed nose and sore throat. Hay fever season has begun in earnest!

I have been wearing a surgical mask whenever I am outside and I have been taking Anti-Histamine tablets that I brought from Australia, but none fo this has been doing very much to help.

This morning I held my sun up to the window and as we looked out upon the hills we witnessed a whole cloud of pollen being blown out of the trees into the air. A wave of terror swept over me as I saw it, knowing that today would be a very bad day for me.

I was very glad to come home and give my son a bath and change into clean clothes that hadn't been dusted with pollen.

Its SNOWING

Good morning bloggers, rise and shine as it's SNOWING OUT THERE! W00T!!

Okay, okay, deep breath. I'm fine now.

Seriously thought, you could imagine my amazement to see snow from my own home. This morning was the first time in my life I have ever seen falling snow from inside. Growing up in a beachside down in Sydney, I never saw falling snow. And as last year was too warm, there was no snow where I live.

This year is different!



A frozen wonderland



And to quote from Legend, Mortal world turned to ice... Here be goblin paradise!

Now I need to come to grips with the fact that I must now go to work in this weather... Sigh.

It's too cold outside

The highlight of my day was watching Legend on DVD.

It's cold & miserable outside right now. When I came back from the shops earlier it was 3 degrees, now it's 2! If there was snow outside for me to enjoy that'd be worth it, but there isn't anything, it's just very cold and dry out there. Sigh.

I don't want to go out, I don't want to go anywhere! I doubt that the weather will be any better tomorrow. Still it's nice to just relax at home, listen to music and generally do nothing. Though I can't do that every day.

Having a cat in your life

Cats are great companions. They can teach you many things about life and about yourself, in return they only ask for food, shelter and a few cuddles. Not much if you ask me.

I have almost always had a cat in my life. My first cat was with my family for 18 or so years before she died. (I was 15 at the time) My second cat Zefram (pictured) came into my life in January 1997. He was a stray kitten lost on the street, I picked him up in my jumper (it was cold and raining) and took him home. He has been a part of my life ever since. Many have said how lucky he was.

He has taught me many things, how to care for something that's completely dependent on you. How to anticipate the needs of something that can't really communicate. How to enjoy quiet companionship.

When I was planning my move to Japan I spoke with many people about my desire to bring my cat with me. Some people said I should give him to a friend or family member. Some people said I should just dump him on the street. Very few people said I should take him with me. Maybe you would choke at the idea of spending $900 on a plane ticket for a cat, but there was no question for me. I couldn't bare to be without him.

He's been a part of my life for so long, though the ups and downs. Providing me with affection when I have needed it and giving me space when I needed that too. There was no way could I leave him behind.

Zefram isn't a child substitute, he hasn't been spoilt or pampered, just a well looked after and loved pet. Leaving him behind wasn't a choice. To me it isn't a home without a cat, so I brought my cat to Japan with me.

At last

At last I am one with the world once again!

I am connected to the internet through the provider BiGlobe. It's 100M FibreOptic for about ￥3500 per month. Woo!

Sorry for the lack of updates everyone, but I will post about more interesting matters shortly.

No Internet

Sorry about the lack of posts.

I have moved into my new apartment (yay!) but we don't have the Internet connected (wah!) so I have been unable to connect to the world.

Wednesday we will have the fibre-optic 100M connection installed, so Wednesday night I can do my first post from the new apartment. First thing to fix is the lack of Engrish on my blog.

Running around on Sep 13th

Today we took the baby bed and a few other odds and sods to the new appartment. The youngest brother helped with bringing things up from the car, it was a big help. Thankyou M.

Also we went to Nitori and picked up the computer desk, while there wasn't enough time to set it up, it will be nice for tomorrow to put the computer up high. Away from little fingers.

Later we went back to our Aunt's house where my son was being minded. It's a big help having family who are prepared to chip in when there is work to be done. Of course we stopped in for a visit after today's work and I had a beer and some snacks there.

Just running around town.

Well, we survived the Typhoon. There wasn't much damage across the country.

However all the rivers were at their highest levels with many almost bursting their banks, however the authorities were prepared for this and had put up sandbag levies which have held.

Today involved setting up a few minor house wares at the unit. Such as kitchen dish drainer and an insert for the sofa that allows me to rest back like a king.

We did a little food shopping and bought some odds and sods. It's starting to feel a lot more like home. This weekend I will stay there by myself. It'll be nice to not have to drive so early in the morning to get to the station. 5 minutes from unit door to train station platform can't be beaten!

Moving More Stuff

Today we spent even more time moving stuff.

The computer is great, though I need an Internet connection to be able to install some of my favourite programs like:
iTunes
AcDsee
Zone Alarm

Also we went to NiTori today and picked up a few more basic items, a computer chair and placed an order for a computer desk with protective plastic cover. Lots of money has been spent, I hope NOT to do this again any time within the next 8 years.

Moving Stuff

We are moving a whole bunch of small things today to the new appartment. So it looks like we are going to be living there real soon!

Woo!

Also we bought a bunch of home wares at Cainz Home today. Including exchanging one laundry pole that the wife thought was too small for one that was too big (and the one we returned was okay, she didn't open it to it's full length!)

Still, my son had fun standing on the escalator (as I held his hands).

The Appartment, so far

Tonight I took a few toiletries, books and clothes up to the new appartment. But the place is still far from liveable.

We have:
Panasonic Large HD TV.
Panasonic HDD DVD Recorder.
Sanyo Washing Machine.
Hitachi Refrigerator.
Toshiba Vacuum Cleaner.
Mitsubishi Microwave Oven.
and futons and stuff.

We have, being delivered soon:
3x Fujitsu Air Conditioners.
Mouse Computer Cube PC. (It looks sexy on the website, don't you agree?)
Sofa.
Double Bed.
Extra shelving for the kitchen.

We have yet to purchase:
Dining table & chairs.
Computer desk & study chair.
- probably more, but I can't think of anything right now.

So as far at the moment, the place is almost liveable. But of course the gas is not turned on and the Internet connection hasn't been connected.

But the forecast is that we will move in next week some time! Can't wait.

While I am grateful to my wife's family for letting us stay for so long, it will be good to move out and do things our way. I am sure they are also tired of having us under foot all the time. Plus it will then become a "visit" to go and see them.

The Big Electronics have arrived.

Today we waited around at the apartment for the guys from Yamada Denki Deliveries brought the new TV, Fridge and Washing Machine.

After they installed them this afternoon, the place looks so much more liveable. Though it has a long way to go before I can call it home.

There's still no Internet or Gas connected.

I am itching with anticipation of moving in to my Own Place!

Got the Keys!

Woo! We got the keys tonight! Holding them in my hands feels so strange.

It's all in my name, I didn't have to use anyone else to get the home loan. The housing company staff have been so helpful in this whole process. The staff at my company have supported me by completing the requested forms.

But of course there is nothing in the place and the gas has yet to be turned on and Internet connected. And you all know how VERY important it is to have an Internet connection.

Home Loan Papers

Phew! I'm tired.

Drove the best part of an hour to Kawagoe to appear at the bank to sign the home loan paperwork. The salesman from the housing company was there to meet us and provide extra information during the signing process. Very good customer service.

So all in all it was an annoying experience, I had to write my name and address in Kanji about 12 times, my son was grumpy (we were meant to go yesterday when his grandmother had a day off and could mind him) and wanting attention, my hanko was made in a rush and it cost ￥15000 and the drive there and back wasn't enjoyable.

Still, it's all over and now we just have to wait until the 31st when the funds are released and the unit will be transferred into my name. Woo!

Changing home details

Japan is a funny place. Because of the home loan approval process, we have to change our registered home address BEFORE we actually move in. I don't get that.

So it means I have to update my Alien Card, health care card, social security details, retirement fund details and childcare payments before the place is even mine.

This is quite a lot of work, I'm going to go postal on someone if the home loan falls through!

Money from Australia

This has been such a pain in the ass!

I have made so many calls to my bank in Oz, faxes and emails on their internal system just to get a few bucks from Oz to Japan. Still, the exchange rate is now at ￥106 for $1, that's unbeatable.

2002 Feb it was ￥60 / $1
2004 Aug it was ￥75 / $1
2006 Mar it was ￥86 / $1

But ￥106 is insane!
Of course the actual rate was ￥103.89 by the time my money arrived in my account, it was still more than I could have hoped for. If I was a superstitious man, I'd say that there was some kind of guiding force helping me buy this place.

Of course I am a firm atheist / evolutionist. I am proud to be a highly evolved chimpanzee who likes to take 2 showers a day. Still, a home of my own creates a stable environment for my children to grow and increases the odds that my DNA / Y chromosome is passed to another generation.