Last fall I was helping run a youth camp training. The focus was on preparing new staffers to be camp counselors for a short term camp here in Japan. During one of the down times one of the other organizers and I got into a discussion on what I’ll call “active parenting.” But that isn’t … More The Character of Babies
I’m pretty beat. Sure, part of it is work. But the better part is due to some pretty serious playing around with my kids. Basically from the time I picked them up until the little one needed to be out to bed almost two hours later is was just sheer fun but ones with daddy. … More Friday Night
It really is the small things that add so much delight. Our little girl, who is a few weeks shy of turning one, has seemed to know her name for a while now, but she picked up something new. Over the weekend we found out if we call her name she’ll raise here hands and … More A New Skill
I’m a little bit glowing today. My little girl is growing up so fast. She just turned 11 months, and now we have her first word. Earlier in the week we heard that she might be speaking from her teachers. It was nice to hear, but we weren’t really sure. Of course we trust the … More First Words
After 15 years of living in this wonderful country, I sometimes take it for granted how many advantages there are to living here. And these advantages aren’t just tied into the city of Tokyo, where I have lived since 2012, but can also be found in many of the smaller, countryside cities. For what it … More 5 Reason to Live in Japan
I’m a day early. Tomorrow my wee little lass will be 11 months old. Sometimes the cliches feel like the most accurate of phrases. The time has indeed gone by so fast. The amount she has changed in these 11 months is startling. Except I guess not. I mean, it’s all natural. But it feels … More 11 Months of Airi
At lunch time yesterday I went to the school cafeteria as usual. It is fairly uncommon for an elementary school here in Japan to have a cafeteria, but after so many years at this school it is our normal. The children typically go up to a counter and get their own trays and plates. Teachers … More “Why Don’t You Wash Your Hair?”
Let’s look back to around four years ago. I was walking my normal route to the train station. As I neared the station I saw a local politician handing out flyers. Let me stop and clear something up. Because of election laws and traditions here in Japan, of which I will not pretend to be … More Can Politicians Change?
Like most families, the Mrs. and I feel like we are constantly in motion. Even the days that are supposed to be relaxing, are generally put to use letting us recover from the days previous. Both of us are forever filling in what little unstructured time we have with more work, especially the work that … More Sunday is for Family
The elementary school I work at here in Tokyo has a cafeteria. That’s a bit of a rarity as many schools just have their lunches in the classroom. Sometimes I bring my own lunch and eat in the staff room, but most days I opt for the school lunch. I’m not a fan of all … More Little Lunches
Deadly Troubadour 