Hanging the Clothes Out

When I first arrived in Japan, I remember distinctly thinking that everywhere in the city looked a little well......slummy. Many readers know that downtown Yokosuka is not the prettiest of cities in Japan. Well, compare it to the likes of Kyoto and it's really no match for that type of competition. However, there was a real distinct reason for my snooty opinion. Everywhere, I saw clothes hanging out to dry. In America for the most part, I never saw clothes being hung out to dry. I blushed at the embarrassing idea of someone grabbing my skivvies off the line.

However, after staying here for almost 2 years now, I succumbed to hanging out my clothes as well. I mean, maybe just maybe people who have lived in Japan their whole lives are on to something. We do have a dryer. It's about a third of the size of an American sized model. It takes about 3-4 hours to dry a load (Japanese washer sized load) of laundry. The clothes come out wrinkled and the house rises in temperature about 10 degrees. In the Summertime, it pretty much makes our home uncomfortably hot and humid. Japanese dryers are extremely inefficient. After spending about 2000 yen (give or take about $20.00) on 2 metal clothing rods, clips and a little clippy hangy thing to clip up unmentionables, I had all I needed to hang up my wet clothes.

Now, anyone who has spent time in and around Tokyo and Yokohama area during the middle of Summertime can tell you it gets hot. So hot in fact that the first load of laundry that I washed (including a pair of jeans) dried in less than an hour. Not to mention there was no "shrinkage" or wrinkling. The Japanese rods for hanging clothes seem to be efficient in the sense that they don't leave a "dent" or "fold" in the clothes compared to if they were hung on a conventional line. Plus since I am the queen of laziness, I took my girlfriend's advice. When I hang my clothes out to dry, I hang all of the shirts on plastic hangers. When they're dry, I just hang them up on the rod in my closet. They also have all kinds of nifty gadgets to help clothes dry faster and with less wrinkles. I'm so bulking up on those items (along with the very cool toilet seats) before we leave.

This reminds me of a past show that Oprah had on with some ideas on staying "green", or more environmentally friendly. The show interviewed a couple who were trying little things around their home to be more economically and environmentally friendly. I almost fell down on the floor laughing when the Southern California couple mentioned that, to save money and energy, they cleaned out the lint trap of their dryer every time they finished a load of laundry. OK, two things wrong with this picture. #1 Weren't they ever taught as children to clean out the lint trap every time?? Not only to save energy but, to prevent fires?! #2 They're still drying their clothes in the dryer in Southern California. Where it hardly ever rains and temps climb to the 80's and up during the Summer.

The clothes dryer literally sucks up so much energy and money. I'm probably saving about $25 per electricity bill by hanging up my clothes to dry. Plus, the colors on my clothing are staying brighter and as I mentioned before there's no shrinkage or wrinkling. The sheets for my bed dry in about 20 minutes. (When I'm potty training, that makes all the difference) By the end of the day, I've completed 2 times the amount of laundry I could have completed had I used the dryer. I can only imagine how quickly clothes would dry out somewhere in Arizona or Southwest Texas? Many homes have covered patios where clothes don't even have to be in the sun to dry (saving some clothes from fading from the sun).

I know, I know. This sounds preachy and I've probably spent to much time here and have lost touch with reality of things back home. (Some Home Owners Associations don't even let people hang their clothes out to dry on account it makes the neighborhood look trashy, low income, or have an unsightly nature) I'm just putting the idea out there though. Give it a try. There could be savings of a few hundred dollars a year. Who cares if the back yard looks a little trashy when you've got a clear conscious and a heavier wallet?

Eight Random Things

Internet peer pressure strikes by way of a tag from Claus over at Grand Stream Dreams, who requested for The Japan Years crew to think up eight random things about me us. Since Nicki isn't here to defend herself, this list may be skewed a little to the Mike side of things... I'll try to remain neutral though.

1. Nicki and I were originally set up on a blind date by our friends at Gingers Mom. Funny thing is, six months before we met we were both at the Gingers Mom/Gingers Dad wedding and neither of us even remember seeing the other one there.

2. I've been playing the guitar off and on for more than fifteen years. During high school, I was in a garage band that we named "Dementia" because it was a cool word that came from Metallica's song, The Frayed Ends of Sanity.

3. Nicki has seven brothers and sisters (if I got that count right), not to mention all the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. There's almost always interesting news coming out of her family.

4. In Josh's nearly four years of life, he's already established himself as a traveller. He's already flown the voyage from the US to Japan (or vice versa) three times now. In addition, he's traveled the length of California, from San Diego up to about Trinidad (north of Eureka on the coast). He's also road-tripped from coast-to-coast in the USA; travelling through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. One day, he'll ask us why he never gets to go anywhere and we'll tell him it's because he's already seen and done it all.

5. Nicki's first job growing up was working as a server at a Japanese restaurant in Sacramento. Mine was as a bagger and cashier at a Food Lion grocery store in Richmond, VA.

6. I have an unnatural dislike of vacuum cleaners. It's not that I don't like using them, I have just never liked that sound. I have to leave the room unless I'm in control of the thing.

7. Nicki loves Abyssinian cats. One day, if we ever get a pet, it'll more than likely be an Abyssinian.

8. Before our Japan Years are over, our goal is to visit China, Thailand, and possibly Australia and New Zealand. Singapore's on our list too, but not as high up as the rest of those places. Stay tuned to see if we can do it all.

Oldies But Goodies

If Josh looks a little bit younger in the new pictures I posted to the Gallery (dated 07/23/2007), it's because most of them were taken in 2006. Rainy seasons aren't good for much, but this current one provided me with some much needed time to catch up on some old photos that have been patiently awaiting digital processing.

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Sea Paradise is an amusement park and aquarium located on an island up in Yokohama. I've only been there once, but Nicki and Josh have been up there a few times. It's a fun place to visit whether you like roller coasters, slow rides, or water-based animals.

Yokohama International Food Festival

The food at this festival was wonderful. Vendors representing countries and cultures from around the world were there. Spanish food, Belgian beer, and Japanese hospitality... what more can you ask for?

Enoshima Aquarium

Probably our favorite aquarium in Japan (so far). Enoshima is accessible by the Enoden line... a great little old train line that meanders slowly through the beautiful coastal route between Kamakura and Enoshima. The aquarium puts on a great dolphin show, the exhibits are well lit and well kept, and Josh loves that he can touch little sharks in the "hands on" area. Sushi, anyone?

Soleil no Oka

This park has a lot of summertime potential. Unfortunately, we were there in February. It's located near Miura Beach across the peninsula from us and on our particular visit the wind was blowing us like a tornado in a meat locker. I'd love to see this place on a warm day, though. Paddle boats, playgrounds, and petting zoos. And my favorite perk... after you pay your 1000-yen parking fee, the entrance to the park is absolutely free. So load up your car with some energetic kids and head on over!

I mentioned it before and I'll say it one more time... our pics are in the Gallery dated 07/23/2007, or just click here.

Children's Hall

It has been raining now for about 3 weeks and I've (and Josh) gone a little bonkers in the house. Not to mention packing on the pounds with all of my cooking recently. Today I had "Had it" and was up for an adventure. Something to do on a rainy day? The options in the neighborhood can be pretty sparse and they do get old after a while. I decided to take a train trip to Tokyo to visit The Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall (Tokyo-to Jido Kaikan). This place was established in 1964 with the goal of improving children's health and imagination. This 5-floor building smack dab in the middle of Shibuya is a fantastic place to take the kids and fairly easy to find. Josh and I spent 2-3 hours in there and were really only able to experience 1.5 of the floors. Some activities include a wood shop room, clay and ceramics, origami land, recycled materials and ideas for fun crafts, computer corner, two indoor play areas, science area, music studio, mini theater, infant play area, library, and a playground on the roof when the weather is good. Oh yes, and here's the best part, it's absolutely free! There's no charge for any of it. This must be one of the hottest spots in Tokyo for all Moms. In the lobby there is a map and Event calendar available in English.

I have to say it was pretty fun. We don't go to Tokyo too often. When I do, I always get a little excited and make sure I look pretty good. After all, as Tokyoites might say, "I don't want to look like country folk!"

If there's any Mommies interested, check out the link to the site. The only thing that the webpage left out on the directions from Shibuya station was to leave out of the East Exit of the station. Head North down Meiji-dori about two blocks and turn right on Jido Kaikan-dori. There will be a street sign on the corner in English marking the street (Labeled Children's Hall with an arrow).

Science Geek

My brother is coming to visit.....what to do with a 17 year old boy in Japan? Well, first things first. My dear brother is a Science geek. He proudly wears this badge. While he's here, I want to take him somewhere where he can take a look at some of the most cutting edge technology Japan has to offer. Akihabara is neat but, besides shopping there isn't much to learn. I did a search online and came up with Tsukuba City and The Toshiba Technology Museum in Kawasaki. Both options seemed promising but, I had some major questions. The number one question was if we traveled all the way up to Kawasaki or Tsukuba City, would there be enough information in English to make it worth our while? Number two question being, Tsukuba City sounds promising but, what exactly in the city would I be going to see? Anyway, if someone out there in cyberspace could help me out or, point me in the right direction, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

There's a Storm Brewin'

Okinawa has already been hit by this storm and she's well on her way up north to the Kanto Plain. As of today, we are in TCCOR III or, Tropical Cyclone Condition Of Readiness III. The highest is I (one), so hopefully all we will see here tomorrow is a heavy tropical storm. Yesterday was graced by a flurry of folks at the commissary stocking up on food items and other necessities. Although typhoons are never anything to scoff at, since we've been here they have proven to be pretty weak compared to their hurricane cousins. Don't worry, family, we are taking the necessary precautions and are playing it safe to all standards. An FYI that we will most likely have our computer turned off so that it doesn't fry.

Last night, I made a big pot of Giambotta and this afternoon used some on a garlic toasted hoagie for lunch - YUM! The leftovers should last us through the weekend. Other than that we are just waiting for the storm to pass so maybe we can finally have some clear sunny weather. ETA for the storm is Sunday evening.

Mission Accomplished

'I am only doing what I can do'

That has been my mantra while I've decided to slowly turn over a new leaf. While ignorance can be bliss, if we are aware of our purposeful ignorance, it can lead to a guilty conscience. Mainly, I'm working towards being more environmentally friendly. Namely changing the things that I knew would be fairly easy to change. For instance, every week our recyclable trash (bottles, cans, glass bottles) ends up spilling over with water bottles. I absolutely love drinking out of a water bottle. Because of the rumored high lead content in the Japanese tap water, I buy flats of water bottles and use this for my drinking supply for the week. Even though they are recycled, there are only so many times a plastic bottle can be recycled, and the label and cap are non-recyclable. To solve this, I finally caved (to my husbands suggestions) and bought a water filter pitcher and a reusable drinking bottle that I really like. It has the bottle style top and is insulated to keep the water cool. Plus, it fits into my jogging stroller cup holder.

Another thing that I did was buy a fabric bag that I can use over and over again for carrying groceries. Like plastic bottle caps and that thin plastic label on the water bottle, plastic grocery bags are non-recyclable. Most folks use them once (or twice for lunch bags) and they are done for. Destined to go to some land fill. So, for 97 yen I bought a reusable grocery bag with the words, 'I am only doing what I can do'. This made sense to me. Because, in reality I know I'm not doing much but I'm comforted by knowing that I'm doing something. The local grocer has little laminated cards that are to be put in my basket during check out to alert the cashier that I don't need a plastic grocery bag. I'm sure that the store offers some incentive for bringing our own bag but hey in this case, ignorance really is bliss. Oh yes, does anyone know how to say, "No bag please." in Japanese? Lately, I've just been crossing my fingers in the universal 'No' style but I was hoping for a more polite statement.

A few months ago, I planted seeds for tomatoes and Ichiban eggplant along with several other herbs. The most recent news broadcasts of China's agricultural habits has me even more horrified to eat the half priced frozen shrimp or any other fruit/vegetable/former living thing from the supermarket. I trust that Japan's rules on imports are fairly stringent... but still I wonder?

OK, enough of the tree hugger stuff and on to the real juicy stuff. The stuff this entry was titled for. Mission Accomplished! I finally found Ice Cucumber Pepsi. It took a couple convenient store tries but I found it and gave it a taste test. I saw a lot of comments on other websites giving in depth criticism of this drink. I think these folks fail to realize, we aren't taste testing the lasted $80 bottle of wine here, it's Pepsi for crying out loud! The smell I think was the worst part about it. Other than that it tasted like any other sweet soda drink to me. The aftertaste was a little disappointing. Mike and I agreed that while it wasn't awful, it probably wouldn't be something we would spend 146 yen on ever again.

Kit Kat seems to be on a roll this Summer with new flavors. I just spotted another one; Kiwi Fruit. This one has been my most favorite out of the bunch.

Since we've been feeling down the last couple of weeks, we decided to take advantage of the July 4th holiday and drive to Enoshima Aquarium. On the way, we stopped at the Cantina in Zushi for a bite to each. Delicious as usual. The Aquarium was great. This was our second time there and I have to say that I enjoy it much more than Sea Paradise. If the weather wasn't so yucky we would have spent more time exploring the area more, but it was drizzling off and on all day and we had a late start so it was lunch and the Aquarium. The dolphin and whale show was fun as usual. I often wonder though as the trainers do their song and dance they think, 'This is why I majored in Marine Biology so I could become a jig dancer in a wet suit?' All the same it was fun and Josh absolutely loves the fish every time we go.

Summer has just started and I'm already smelling the burnt marshmellow smell of Yakiimo wafting from street grocers. WTF? Summer just started! The pool just opened! They haven't even started Summer Festivals yet! Although I do love Yakiimo, I'm really enjoying summer time melons,peaches, Kyoho grapes, and cherries so, I'm hoping that maybe today was a fluke.

In other news to try and make my life count for something, I'm finally going back to school. YEAH! Josh proudly goes around saying, "I'm going to school and Mommy's going to college" this alone is enough for me to live up to this goal.

The Many Drinks of Japan

Japan has ever changing trends. Never to be outdone is the food industry, which regularly changes the flavors of their products to keep consumers interested. Drinks are no exception. As the season of summer is well upon us, corporations have been coming out with a slew of new drinks. One of which is the Minute Maid Pineapple drink containing Lactobacillus Plantarum 122. According to the quote on the little 210 mL bottle, "Plant Origin Lactic, Lactobacillus Plantarum 122 is plant origin lactic acid bacteria discovered from Pineapples".

Because literal translations of Japanese for the most part just create more confusion for the English reader and because I am completely clueless when it comes to reading Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana, the subject intrigued me and I decided to do some research.

Putting additives to drinks is nothing new. Jamba Juice has been doing it for a long time (hence, "Would you like a free boost with that?" and just in the last 2 years Minute Maid has been experimenting with adding different additives to it's drinks for their US consumers. In Minute Maid orange juice you can find calcium, fiber and "mild" versions of orange juice. The later promises to be gentler on the drinker's stomach.

While I couldn't necessarily pinpoint specifically why Minute Maid added this particular chemical, I know it has something to do with stomach and digestive health. Which is all the rage in a country where stomach cancer and other aliments are one of the leading causes of death among it's citizens. After looking up Lactobacillus Plantarum 122 on Wikipedia and struggling my way through all of the scientific jargon, I found that this chemical or something closely related is found or used in yogurts and cheese. A certain bacteria that promotes health. Very general, I know. If anyone could shed some light on the subject, it would be much appreciated.

The drink itself was pretty tasty. Sort of like a pineapple milk type drink. Mild and not acidic at all. It comes in a small 210 mL bottle. About 100 kcal per bottle. In other food news, the new Kit Kat flavors lately have been banana, orange, and melon. I really like the orange. It reminds me of Christmas time and enjoying the Toblerone Chocolate Oranges.

We've also just recently purchased a new computer. Our old one was about 7 years old so it was time. I'll leave the technical stuff for Mike to talk about.