Last Saturday's shogakko yard cleanup and recycle pick-ups

Last Saturday, May 26th, was a bit busy for us. 3 things happening last Saturday. For starters, clean up at the local elementary school was going to happen from 8am-10am, but they got out around 9:45am. Who has to attend? This time around, it was for all 1st graders, 3rd graders and 5th graders. The kids need not show up or they can either way, but you need to have 1 parent show up for you. There is a sheet of paper and you need to cross your name off and check that you indeed showed up. Since we have a 1st grader *and* a 5th grader, still only 1 parent was needed. So Noboru chose to go. Reason being that he has an American lawn mower, can mow the grass quick and fast, he also brought his weed whacker with him as well. So his job was going to be easy. Meanwhile, I did 2 loads of laundry, got them hung outside. Fixed breakfast for Branden and Noah. And the kids club where every kid who is going to elementary school was invited to go to the plaza and play until 11:45am. So, while Noboru was off helping with the schools lawn care, I could also make myself useful and do things here at the house like do the laundry like I said, feed the boys, make sure the boys got dressed and then I dropped them off at the plaza. Where they played games, "fishing" for water balloons, a make- shift bowling game. A whole bunch of games and snacks and prizes to be won. So they had a nice couple hours. I went back home and cleaned up. Noboru came home. I made sure he ate. And then when it was time, the boys called me on their cell and I went and picked them up.

Meanwhile, at 1:10pm, me and the other mom's were to meet at the park in our housing community. We were there to drive around our housing community and pick up all the discarded, newspaper and cans. Noah, and Branden and I drove the MPV (needed the bigger car for carrying the stuff) Anyway so, about 8 of us mother's showed. And we were to drive in sets of 2. Kouki/Kaito's mom was there, Keita's mom and dad and some other man were there, they drove in 1 car. Maybe he was her bil? Anyway, "the Boy next door's" mom has a small car so she rode along in someone else's car. And right away, as soon as I arrived, Genki-kun's mom (who doesn't drive) said, can I ride with you, I said for sure! Branden and Genki went to yochien together, we've known this family and vice versa forever it seems and there's a comfort there. So, yeah no doubt. No awkward weird feeling at all, she speaks not a single word of English but that's completely fine we have never had a problem talking or having a laugh with one another at all. They handed us each a map of our housing community. Broken into 3 colors, the red area, the blue area and the yellow area. Where we live is in the yellow area. They asked...since I live in the yellow zone, would I like to pick up for that area. It was also the smallest and least houses area, so yeah for sure! I said, yes.  So Genki-kun's mom and I were team yellow! Each car got 2 signs for proof we were indeed the picker uppers and not just some random maniacs just stealing their old newspapers and stinky cans ; ).....to show as we drove from house to house and also into the school lot.  So our teams broke up. The plan was, we pick up, then meet back at the park, then all follow each other to the school.

So the 4 teams all hit the road (2 teams picked up 1 color since there are lots of houses along that route). Noah is strapped into his car seat. Branden is in the backseat, Genki's mom is riding shot gun and I'm driving. We took the 3rd row of seats out the night before so we would have more room. I drove and Branden and Genki's mom got out every pit stop I made on each street. They would run check each house and would be running back to the car with stacks of tied newspapers, magazines, comic books. Cans. The beer cans and soda cans were stinky, I'm telling you right there.  And I am so glad we laid out 2 old blankets on the bottom of the car beforehand to protect the MPV. I'd stop, they'd run, gather and laugh hysterically back to Noah and I. We also had to drive the route twice. Giving everyone a second chance to bring out their stuff. We finished first. We went back to the park and waited. Kouki's mom got there only like 1 minute after us and then the next minivan and next. Finally all the cars met back up at the park and like a small gang of 4 minivans we all followed each other directly to the front of the school. At the school....It was like a drive through. They had a can spot. A paper spot. And so on. We stopped at each spot. Unloaded the car. The folks at the actual school have the hardest job in my opinion. Having done that last year. Noboru described the actual unloading everything, all the dirt and grime, Noboru called it...hell. @_@ And I sort of agree, since I was also there helping. So,  compared to last year my job was easy. Driving, I was as clean as I started. : )  I saw Saya-chan's mom at the school unloading and a bunch of the 5th grade mom's. This was the 5th graders turn with the recycle and another grade also. They had to sort, carry, lug. I greeted her though, since she's my friend. All the teachers, said, hey...Branden's and Noah's mom! and hey Genki's mom! We were like....hey!!!! : ) The teachers were waving at Noah strapped into the car seat. And Branden's teacher patted his head. : ) LOL yes he really did pat his head.  So at least they know, we did our share.  There was a long line of cars and mother's behind us. So we left. Meet up spot back at the park.

So, we are now at the park yet again, 3rd time that day. : ) And we all "job well done" and stuff to each other. And then, they said, we need volunteers for October or November. "Boy Next Door's mom raised her hand, and basically everyone else did. I thought about it....what if I don't volunteer for this and next time I get volunteered to do the unloading at the school.... that part sucks and this part is easy, to me. Yeah...I stood there thinking quickly. What should I answer...and do I really wanna chance it, and not raise my hand and then be sent off to do the hard part. No way! So, I raised my hand also, and Genki's mom said cool and raised her hand and we told them right there...we will partner up next time. So they wrote both our names down already.  Plus we are only required to help once with this and by us helping twice, just looks better for us. Plus there is always that odd chance that they could be short handed next time and if I didn't raise my hand for this I could have been sent to the school. Either way, I am covered. Plus there are people who actually prefer the school such as Saya-chan's mom they just bought a brand new car Alfa Romeo? or something and there's no way she wants cans and old papers in there, which is totally understandable, so yeah some would prefer to work at the school. it's just boils down to personal preference. Where as for me, I prefer to drive. Plus this way nobody could ever say, Branden and Noah's mom didn't help or some sort of stuff like that. Know what I mean.  So that was Saturday. And what did the boys think of Saturday. They loved it. Branden thought picking up the stuff was a blast. @_@ He wants to invite Genki with us next time. : )  So Noboru did his share with helping at the local shogakko last Saturday and so did I. : )

These are just some of the snacks the boys brought back from the kodomo kai last Saturday. They were also given hot dogs, more popcorn and there was another drink also.

Go and have lunch with your ichinensei day

May 17th, was "go and have lunch with your ichinensei day" at our local shogakko/elementary school. This way us as parents can see what the kids are eating in their lunches. Get to know our fellow classroom moms a bit better. And also get to spend some quality time with our kiddo at school. This was something Noah was looking forward to a great deal. See the mini Crest toothpaste in Noah's Mario cup? With surfing Snoopy yellow toothbrush. : )

Two little boys got up to speak.Also notice the alphabet also. The kids at our particular school start English class starting in the first grade. My kids really don't need to "learn" English. Since they speak it fluently and read and write it also. But they do really enjoy English class at their school. And I'm glad our school has it. : )

This was my lunch. We had exactly what the kids had. Also, the note that came a week in advance said for me to bring, my own lunch mat, which I borrowed one of Noah's. Bring my own chopsticks. Bring a mirror and a chisai towel. Reason being they were going to use the pink dental drops to look for plaque or whatnot on the kids teeth. The note also said to bring 232 yen so us adults could pay for our own lunch. Anyway I brought everything with me.

We have those red drops at our home from our dentist. The boys use those once a week anyway, they think they're fun. @_@ So the morning of the lunch and also the day we would be using the drops on our kids, I let Noah use the drops at home that morning before school.  So he got a thorough cleaning that morning. And when it came time for the drop check. He barely had a thing on there, the Yuka-sensei and my new mom friends were like "wow!" lol. Okay, so a slight cheat, I admit. But gee, we did have the drops already at the house beforehand and we do use them anyway, plus with knowing in advance thanks to the note we all got..... about the red drop dental check, no wonder I would have my son use them at home beforehand since we also have them here. Plus in my defense I do send the boys for cleanings every six months like clockwork anyway. And that red stuff really does rock and show kids where they have missed, which is why we buy it for a couple hundred yen each time we see the dentist. Plus, they sell them for cheap at local dentists around here where we live, other moms could have easily equally done the same for all I know. And it wasn't like a test test for crying out loud to begin with. They had their dental checks at the school 2 weeks beforehand anyway and both boys came out totally fine. Anyway, Noah had a great time. And so did all us parents. That blue mirror right there in the picture is my Lilo and Stitch mirror from the Daiso, I bought years ago. It sure came in handy. Anyway we had a great time together, my little ichinensei and I. I had a lot of fun with you Noah! : )

#2 start up the “laser!” ...my thoughts on the Tria home laser

Okay if you haven’t seen Austin Powers then you probably didn’t get the title at all. ; ) And fwiw, I think it was actually Frau who was the one who yelled all the orders regarding the laser. ; )

Anyway.... I bought the Tria Home Laser in either December or January. I wanted to use it for a good long while versus just giving a rushed opinion on my thoughts about it. I know people asked me back when I bought it to review it and I haven’t forgotten and when I was asked to review it last night, I think I should. It’s been long enough to test it out.

To me, it feels like a handheld mini blow-dryer. Like a travel sized blow dryer. Except it is heavier then a blow dryer. Because of all the lasery things inside no doubt. Is it too heavy? No. But just something to keep in mind.

Pain factor. I like most people hate pain. And I was a bit afraid, if there would be any pain. First time, I used it, I was wincing my eyes. And nothing. I really did not feel a thing. Granted I use it on level 1, which is the weakest level. They said to start weakest and then gradually go up in levels if you want. I’m personally fine sticking at level 1. : )

I had peach fuzz on my arms, very lightly. And I have used this on my arms once a week then decreased to every 2 weeks and I no longer have any peach fuzz on my arms at all. I have also used it on my toes, you know, girls do get a few straggly hairs there also. Blech to admit. But true for many of us. Anyway, again, every week I would do my toe area and then decreased to every 2 weeks and now I have actually zero hairs on my toe area at all. So for that, I am really happy.

Time. The laser pointer part is small. Think the size of a slightly bigger M&M (plain chocolate not peanut). @_@ You know me, and my descriptions. But honestly most people know and can relate to the size, since most of us have eaten one. So, the size of the laser is small, then it beeps and you can move it to the next spot, then it beeps and then you move it to the next spot. And again and again. It is time consuming, but worth it for me personally. It is also a commitment because you won’t laser it once or twice and be done. It’s not an instant fix. So, you gotta really be there for the long haul. But yes it works.

Battery life. I read on some places the battery doesn’t last long? I disagree. I charge mine fully, say overnight. And when I sit down for about 45 minutes going over 2 arms, I could do both. And I only lost 1 bar of battery doing both arms. So, I didn’t find a short battery life at all.

I have yet to start on my legs, because I wanted to get one body part 100% out of the way first then move on to body part #2. Versus doing half way here, half way there. But you know, each person is different and they can do it all in bits each week if they wanted for sure. I will start my legs this weekend.

Am I glad I personally bought it? Yes. But you know may not be for everyone. : )

You know who’s doing the commercials for the Tria now. That actress from, Saved By the Bell and who was also on Beverly Hills 90210, the last few seasons. Tiffani Amber Thiessan. And according to Triabeauty.com Kim Kardashian also use this. It was in Instyle magazine and listed as one of her beauty must-haves.

Beautified...my hair appointment at the salon today

LOL, the title of this post and my stylist gets all the credit, because she's so awesome. : ) Anyway, like I mentioned last week, it was about that time for me to head to the salon once again. Haven't been there since the last week of February when I was getting my hair done for Noah's graduation.  Anyway, I called last Friday to make the appointment.

My appointment was set for today/Tuesday 10am sharp. I arrived at 9:53am but walked from my car to the building, I got there a minute or two early. Just in time, to hand them my card and sit down.

She asked me, what would I like this time.....I mentioned to her, I am now letting my hair grow out for Summer. My hair grows like a weed anyway. She totally agreed about that and we laughed. : )  Just some long layers as usual, and some, face framing layers around my face. And the super pin straight, thermal hair straighting thing I usually get. I got it cut just below the shoulders at Noah's graduation last week of Feb, about 2 inches below my shoulders so not even that short...... And now it's practically June, and it's hmm how to describe the length of my hair. Okay, if someone were wearing a tube top. (and I don't wear them for the record) anyway, it would be at the top part at the front of the tube top. So top of bra length? Not bra strap, but top of bra cup length. Top of a tube top length. Horrible description, I know. But it's definitely medium length hair. And when they straightened it today it even ended up a bit longer even, you know how hair gets a bit longer when the wave gets taken out of it. So, yeah, it's definitely growing. It's totally pin straight and just very long layers all around and face framing layers also. Think long straight, shiny, simple and extremely easy for me to take care of ( and if it gets too hot this Summer I can throw it into a ponytail or something).

She spent forever cutting my hair, making sure there was not a split end in sight, making sure everything was perfect and even. The shampoo lady and one who ran the flat iron through my hair twice during my hair straightening process, talked my ears off. : ) And it was very nice. I like the chit chat, I really do. Then a male hairstylist passed by (he must be new, I didn't recognize him but he's so nice too ) .....He said in Japanese, what are you reading? I said , "a gossip magazine." He looked and said, "hey that's Halle Berry. What are they talking about?" he asked...... I said,  she feels the paparazzi are invading her space regarding her daughter and she is upset about it. "ahh I see" he said. And then we both talked about how gorgeous Halle Berry's daughter is for a few minutes before my regular stylist came back. : )  Everyone is just so nice at the salon. They all like to chat and talk. They are all very friendly.  Plus my head got massaged and so did my shoulders.  From 10am to 1:25pm. A super long time to be there, but worth it in the long run.

Anyway, my hair is now done for Summer. Won't have to think about it now and it's going to be easy to take care of. Think I'll head back to the salon, end of August or beginning of September.

5th grade sewing at the local shogakko, plus planting rice and good eats that Branden’s class makes

At the start of March, it was either first week of March or last week of February, Branden brought home a huge stack of these order forms. At the time, I was busy with Noah's graduation so did not have the time to post this then, but luckily I have the time to now. I recall Branden brought them home on a Thursday and they were due the following Wednesday. That evening, Branden and I looked at them together. What are they? Sewing kits. At our particular school here in Japan, kids start sewing at the start of 5th grade and go all the way through the end of 6th grade. As you can see there are so many to choose from. I see Elmo on this top pic. And a dragon one also.

This T&C Surf is the one Branden wanted. And I agreed. But, we did go through every page and looked at each one carefully together. This one was big and I liked it had the non slip parts to open it or hold it on the sides. I also liked what came inside this particular model, so yeah he made a good choice.

They all come with basically the same thing inside, but this is what came inside Branden's.

They also have baseball sewing kits of your favorite team if that's more your style.

From the Mr. Man show. They also had Spongebob.

Soccer team. Basically not to worry, whatever you like, I am sure you could find a sewing kit that you liked best. So much to choose from. So we wrote the info in the ordering form, placed the money inside and Branden took that to school.  The last week of the 4th grade was when Branden brought his surf one home.

Start of March found me, not only labelling things for Noah and his soon to be ichinensei stuff. I also found myself in the kitchen in between coloring elephants and penguins. : ) Labelling Branden's sewing kit. We ordered this bag for Branden so he can carry his sewing kit it this, this was also available on a school order form, this bag was 300 yen, so it was afforadble. His sewing box fits in here perfectly. So when the kids go from their classroom to the sewing room, he can just carry it in here. Like a messenger type bag. And his name is on this.

Everyone had to order this. Because they will practice on these first.

Branden's sewing kit.

Nice scissors and all things inside.

Close up.

See the circle (do it this way) and the x (don't do it this way ; )

Where they will sew the buttons.

Learning to sew different types of buttons on! Go kids go! : )

Remember the muffins Branden's 4th grade class baked last November?  They have a very thorough "Home EC" at our local elementary school. They start cooking pretty young at our shogakko. By 4th grade they were all cooking and baking up a storm. Though Branden and Noah have been cooking at home with me since they were young toddlers (starting simple of course). I think it's really good for them to be also getting this at elementary school too.

Branden's class also made their own miso. I found this to be impressive. And 2 weeks ago, they made stir fried veggies. 3 weeks ago, they made salad dressing. Every week they are either whipping something up in the huge kitchen classroom that their school has or they're getting their sewing on! : )

Also, yesterday, Branden's class planted the schools rice, in the huge big rice field plots near the school. He brought home a note last Friday, saying, he needed a spare pair of clothes, with underwear also (in case someone were to fall in the field and need a full change). Sandals or Crocs, to walk to the fields from school and they all planted the rice barefoot. They also needed a chisai towel. I made sure I had it all packed up. And yesterday when I picked up Branden. He was so happy. He said how much he loved planting the rice. And that they will now care for this rice and they will eat this rice at their school when it's harvested next Fall. Just like they are eating the rice the class planted last year.The younger grades like Noah's class, are taking care of the schools vegetable garden etc. They all take turns. I really like the elementary school Branden and Noah go to....here in the Japanese countryside, they learn a lot and not just from inside a classroom either. Lots of hands on stuff! Good school, good school. ; )