No Grasp of Your Reality

Today was an interesting day. Off to a slow start, after a late night of killing time. The kids and I pretty much played all day in doors — it was pouring rain, wtih a high of only 53. Got a little laundry done. I gave all the kids a bath around 3pm — so I didn’t have to do it late, in preparation for church.

Plans to go to the Stawberry Festival with the Judges were foiled because of the downpour.

Around 4pm We then went to Battaglia’s for Andrew B and Joe Sauer’s graduation party. Lots of fun. Saw some people I hadn’t seen in a while.

I had spent some of the afternoon while the kids were napping researching japanese gardens, and MAry brought a book on rock gardening with her for me to borrow. Some cool ideas in there as to how to give the illusion of a naturally rocky terrain.

Thomas had so much fun with his friend Tyler and all the rest of the little kids there. They were playing GI Joes, only they were making them ride around on these mystical looking dragon figurines. Funny to watch. He stayed with the Albrechts, and is spending the night.

I took Tabitha and Aiden home. The Collins, our neighbors out back, had invited us over for dinner, but I had already planned to go the graduation party for dinner. So, I called over on the way, and they were still all there, so the kids and I went over. Amy and Ray Gemmill, who used to be our downstairs neighbors and who grew up with Eric Collins, were there. It was so cool to see them again. They haven’t changed a bit. Ray’s personality is a lot like Erics, and I can totally picture them all hanging out together. Jeff and BJ Hickman (Jeff is Ray’s cousin) live kitty corner to us, and they were there too. Lots of fun. We stayed till like 10:30.

When we got home, there wasn’t any parking left (our neighbors had a huge party today) so I parked pretty close to the 10th street end of our block. After putting the kids to bed, I moved the car to where a spot opened up, about three car lengths in front of our house.

Coupling was on tonight. That show is hilarious. Watched it while sorting socks.

Tom sent me roses today. That was the highlight of my day. This little 80ish year old guy came up to the door, barely visible behind the roses, they were so big, and said, “Someone really loves you…” Very cute. The roses were all perfect, and they were contrasted with baby’s breath. Gorgeous, velvety red roses. Tom had put a note saying he ‘loved me and missed me a lot’. I was talking to Kate one the phone when they were delivered and I kept saying to her, “I’m not crying”. Heh. Tom doesn’t often do the flowers thing. This is fine. I usually have grocery store flowers decorating the house. So, when I do get them from him, it is really special. His signature dozen roses, too. Awesome. Eric was like, “Why’d he have to do that? Now my wife is going to expect flowers!”

Was talking to Jim Sauer at the graduation party. His job’s looking a little shaky as of two weeks ago. New boss. Amazingly calm about the whole thing, though. It was just out of the blue that I asked him about work.

Well, I don’t see Tom online. I think I was subconsciously waiting to say goodnight. IT’s like 2:30 PM on Sunday there.

Church in the AM… ‘night.

The food is so expensive here! You have to look hard to find a place that will sell you a decent, filling dinner for less than $20.

Last night, we went to the Barbacoa in Omote-sando for dinner. It’s a bit pricy at 6000 yen (~$60) per plate, but that’s including all you can eat and drink for 2 hours. I’d been there before with the site folk, and for the second time, the place defeated me. We gave up after about an hour and a half, as we were unable to withstand the onslaught of skewers of pepper steak, garlic steak, sausage, chicken, lamb, and…. wait for it…. baked cheese.

Anyway, my boss had been complaining that it’s hard to find any meat in this city, but he has been silenced. Now, we’ll be oozing that disgusting meat sweat for the day. Thank God the showers here are wonderful.

The actual work is being done over the weekend, so I’ll be really busy the next few days, and probably won’t have much time to write or be touristy.

Tell my kids “hi” if you see them, and that their daddy misses them.

I made it home from England, and I’m back on the road again. This time, my travels take me to Japan, home of samurai and Hello Kitty. I was able to wander around this morning, and I walked down to the Palace. I’m still a bit confused at the relationship between the the Emporer and the “real” government, but the palace is a pretty cool place. Crossed over the “moat” that surrounds it, and walked around the park in the southern corner.

Check out the pics that I’ve taken.

I sent an email to Berek Smith, whom I casually know from the rtdisc yahoo group. In addition to spending time getting to know him, I’m looking forward to his assistance in penetrating the cultural veil that exists towards “gaijin”.

Ben and Liz came over tonight. We rented Bill Murray’s Lost in Translation. Sofia Coppola has a sort of Wes Anderson style of directing, of which I have a strong appreciation. The film was of a man on a business trip in Tokyo. Made me wonder how close of a resemblance was portrayed. I don’t know if Tom has seen it yet… will have to ask. I haven’t finished my article. Must be going. Overdue. Babysitting in the morning.

The memorial day party was amazing. Food and drink were excellent. It rained, but thanks to Mary Judge’s canopy, the food was safe and dry. We had about 80 people, and they filled the kitchen, dining room, living room and outdoor canopy. What a fun day. The pics, which are also here online, came out nice too.

And so begins the loneliness. Tom left this morning for Japan. His mom drove, and we all rode down. When we dropped him off, he did not look back. Becky said, “are you ok?” and I said “nope… lets just go”. I was definitely fighting tears.

I need to get an article written. I’m off.