A little under the weather!

Well, the cold has settled in over Japan and everyone is getting out there stoves (gas heaters - will tell more in my next post), kotatsus and hot carpets. Uniqlo (Japan's version of Gap) is having their annual sale on sweat suits and all the newspaper ads are advertising the best deal on winter stuff (above mentioned items). In addition, I have mananged to catch myself a nice little cold. Not that bad mostly just a bad headache. It gets me every year. You know in the US we have central heating, but in Japan most homes use kersosene (I think it's kerosene smells like it) stoves. I just fired mine up tonight for the first time this year. I held Luna for the first time today. She no longer has to live in the incubator and I fed her a bottle of milk. She is so cute. It was such a nice feeling. She is still pretty small. She weighs approximately 2000 grams now and after about another week she will be coming home. My wife Rie came home yesterday - she is well but still in a bit of pain. I have to apologize, not much of a post tonight because my head is killing me. I will get back ASAP. It's funny how addicting this blog stuff is. I can't go through a day without checking my stats or posting. I'll tell you what though, it's about the most free type of information sharing in the world. It' so nice to be able to connect with people from all over the world and hear such constructive (and sometimes unconstructive opinions. Let's all hope the people of northern Japan that have been effected by the recent earthquakes may soon find solitude and comfort and that those that have perished have crossed over to a better place/life..etc more peaceful than this one. Also, for the Japanese hostage as well as all the rest of the people (no matter what their religion or race) that are suffering may have a better life soon. Someday, hopefully people will learn to cooperate with each other, agree to disagree with each other and learn to look at each other as fellow humans. It can happen...I know it doesn't seem so, but I really believe it can happen some day. We at least owe to our children to try. After all, it really is a very small world. All you have to do is go outside and look up at the night sky and stars, realize how large the universe really is and when looked at from that perspective one can see that the difference between a black person and a white person, an American or Iraqi, a muslim christian or jew is so insignificant and if we can just learn to look at each other with an open mind we really are only a very small step away from a whole different type of world. Well, as you can probably tell the drugs must be kicking in. Time to turn in for the night.

Comments

[John Ziemba]

Yeah--kerosene's 'toyu'. Turn it up high and keep warm so you can get rid of that cold. I used to catch them all the time in Japan until (don't laugh) I started eating yogurt on a daily basis. They say it takes a few months to really kick in.

[Darren]

I know what you mean about being addicted to blogging.

John, I might have to try the yogurt tip as I am always catching colds in Japan, too.

Personally, though I am dreading the inset of cold weather I've got my own kotatsu to look forward to this year :)

[Asami]

hi.
my name is Asami, Im 20years old Japanese girl.
I always looking fowerd to see your blog.
but today is first time to write message.

I always hope "Happiness" on your family!

sorry,my English is not good..

[Peter]

John:
Thank you, I think the yogurt thing sounds like a good idea. I have started eating it. I am trying to eat it everyday. I'll let you know what I think. One thing I do know for sure is that its helps with digestion (for me at least).
Thanks

[Peter]

Darren:
Yeah, it's hard not having central heating like in the US, especially when you like to take showers in the morning, brrrrrrrrr. There is something however, about sitting next to a warm heater in the cold, something primitive yet enjoyable. The same goes for the kotatsu. Also, it's a nice break from the humidity.
Thanks

[Peter]

Asami:
Thank you for the nice post and thank you for wishing hapiness upon my family and I. Life can sometimes be hard and it is really good to hear things like that. You don't have to apologize for your English, I think it is quite good. Whatever you do please don't ever give up or get discouraged and don't ever be afraid to post your comments on my site. I and I would have to guess that many of my visitors would be very happy to hear your opinion.
Arigato!

[kel]

Peter my friend...it's funny thatIfound you...your new little baby looks very sweet. You are missed here in PDX not to mention Miller Pt (haha)...cheers, kel.