As I already told you, it sounds interesting to listen to "Hush, little baby" for me because the father buys too many things for his baby. I wonder if the baby believes her father when he tells her it was just a lullaby when she becomes a teenager.
I like the song which Avram made for my staying at the hospital. You can sing it with same music as "Hush, little baby."
Hush, if you can't eat Korean food, I'm gonna buy you a rice ball.
If that has some kimchee smell inside, I'm gonna try to take it out.
If you can't drink Tenjang-chigae, I'm gonna take the smell away... .
I hope he'll sing for me when I'm in labor.
It could help me to forget the pain.
I liked Korean food. I still like some very much, but I sometimes can't eat, even smell it after the morning sickness. Hopefully I can eat it again after the delivery.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Don't make me laugh
Many Japanese people think it should be romantic to marry to an American man because we learn many things about the U.S. by movies. People imagine the lives of American romance movies. For example, a boyfriend or husband calls their girlfriend or wife "honey," and she calls him "darling." In weekends, the man brings breakfast to their bed and feeds her. People think the life should be very sweet. But when you live with your partner, you don't have to call them "honey" or "darling" if you're always close to each other in your place.
In our case, we usually don't have to call our names because we're always together. We just talk. Avram says it sounds like I'm upset with him when I sometimes call his name. It happens to me, too.
The other day, Avram heard the sound of fart.(I'm sorry I always write about this, but this often happens around us though I don't know why.) I didn't! He didn't! Then I don't know who did. It could be Mameko. Anyway Avram thought it was me and asked me if I did it. I said no. He smiled. I could tell he's thinking I did, but I didn't. I said somehow the sound is familiar to him, so it must be his mishearing. Then he suddenly put his hands on my arms, looked at my eyes and said softly , "RIE, you burp and you fart... ." He kept saying something, but it was too funny he called my name and saying as if he's saying romantic words. I couldn't stop laughing and looking at his beautiful eyes, so I didn't hear his words until the end.
Every time he calls my name, tries to be serious to say some words, looks at my eyes very well, and pretends to be romantic, he makes me laugh a lot. I'm sorry, Avram. I can't be a good actress. I have no idea when we can be a couple like in American romance movies.
He calls me "Oi!" ( "hey" in Japanese) when he can't find me in a public place. Unfortunately it works better than my name. Then I can find him easily. He is smiling:D I wonder how many women look at him if he says "Oi!" in Japan. I should get used to hear he calls my name.
I will try to look at Avram like a romantic couple when he tries to be romantic before we have a baby. We'll see:)
In our case, we usually don't have to call our names because we're always together. We just talk. Avram says it sounds like I'm upset with him when I sometimes call his name. It happens to me, too.
The other day, Avram heard the sound of fart.(I'm sorry I always write about this, but this often happens around us though I don't know why.) I didn't! He didn't! Then I don't know who did. It could be Mameko. Anyway Avram thought it was me and asked me if I did it. I said no. He smiled. I could tell he's thinking I did, but I didn't. I said somehow the sound is familiar to him, so it must be his mishearing. Then he suddenly put his hands on my arms, looked at my eyes and said softly , "RIE, you burp and you fart... ." He kept saying something, but it was too funny he called my name and saying as if he's saying romantic words. I couldn't stop laughing and looking at his beautiful eyes, so I didn't hear his words until the end.
Every time he calls my name, tries to be serious to say some words, looks at my eyes very well, and pretends to be romantic, he makes me laugh a lot. I'm sorry, Avram. I can't be a good actress. I have no idea when we can be a couple like in American romance movies.
He calls me "Oi!" ( "hey" in Japanese) when he can't find me in a public place. Unfortunately it works better than my name. Then I can find him easily. He is smiling:D I wonder how many women look at him if he says "Oi!" in Japan. I should get used to hear he calls my name.
I will try to look at Avram like a romantic couple when he tries to be romantic before we have a baby. We'll see:)
Week 37 and 3days
It's so easy to gain my weight in the last month. My belly is getting bigger and bigger so quickly. I feel sorry for my belly skin.Now I can understand how Sumo wrestlers' lives are.
These days I use and write the word "belly," so sometimes I get confused when I spell berries. I sometimes write bluebelly. It sounds very strange to see it.
Anyway, Mameko and I have been very well.
I do Yoga and go walking everyday. While Avram works hard, I work hard for Farmville in Facebook. It's my pleasure to support Avram, but harvesting his trees is so annoying:( It's a beautiful farm, but it's so so so annoying when trees are ready to harvest.
His character and I have to work harder than Avram. I feel sorry for his character because he must walk to harvest here and there all day.
Time to do Yoga. I'm looking forward to seeing Mameko at doctor's visit tomorrow:D
Monday, October 26, 2009
What shall we talk about?
My parents sometimes wonder and talk what they will talk between them after my younger sister leaves home. Fortunately they try to have the same hobby or common things which they both enjoy together. It's farming so far. They like to grow organic vegetables for their children and grandchildren.
A few days ago, Avram and I were taking a nice walk in Haeundae Beach. We talked about the solution of farts. I said I remember how the smell is like when I hear the sound of farts. He said it doesn't smell when I hear the sound, it means I can use my imagination to change the smell to any kinds of flavors. Maybe it's true, but it's not so easy. I said people should put some aroma oils on their butts, then I could smell it. Avram said probably dish washing soap is better for it. Even though he didn't finish his words, I got what he meant. I asked him if he meant we can see colorful bubbles from the person. He was smiling.
We Japanese say we understand each other from the silence. We don't need words to express feelings. It means we understand the other one well. It's sometimes true and it sometimes doesn't work. I guess it's working between Avram and me so far, but I wonder if we will still talk about these topics even though our children grow up. I just can imagine our children could join us to Avram's wonderland.
When we turn to our parents' age, I wonder what we will be talking about. I hope we still enjoy traveling all over the world and talk about it with our families.
A few days ago, Avram and I were taking a nice walk in Haeundae Beach. We talked about the solution of farts. I said I remember how the smell is like when I hear the sound of farts. He said it doesn't smell when I hear the sound, it means I can use my imagination to change the smell to any kinds of flavors. Maybe it's true, but it's not so easy. I said people should put some aroma oils on their butts, then I could smell it. Avram said probably dish washing soap is better for it. Even though he didn't finish his words, I got what he meant. I asked him if he meant we can see colorful bubbles from the person. He was smiling.
We Japanese say we understand each other from the silence. We don't need words to express feelings. It means we understand the other one well. It's sometimes true and it sometimes doesn't work. I guess it's working between Avram and me so far, but I wonder if we will still talk about these topics even though our children grow up. I just can imagine our children could join us to Avram's wonderland.
When we turn to our parents' age, I wonder what we will be talking about. I hope we still enjoy traveling all over the world and talk about it with our families.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Recovery Complete
After the marathon last weekend, I was a bit sore. I wanted to start running again on Wednesday, but I was too busy at work. I did not get a chance to run until Saturday. I went for a great 13 mile run. The middle few miles were along a path that was new for me. During the run, I realized that the marathon training program I did for 16 weeks really was just a way for me to get in good enough shape to do what I want to. What I really want to do is explore as much of the city and surrounding areas as I can by running.
So, now my new goal is to maintain my current fitness and see how long my long runs can become. Also, I will start bringing my bus pass so that my 4 hour runs can be one way. I should be able to see lots more new areas that way. I have also been eying the nearby mountains as possible destinations.
I don't know what Mameko will do to my schedule, but I will try to keep in shape until she is ready to be pushed in a running stroller.
So, now my new goal is to maintain my current fitness and see how long my long runs can become. Also, I will start bringing my bus pass so that my 4 hour runs can be one way. I should be able to see lots more new areas that way. I have also been eying the nearby mountains as possible destinations.
I don't know what Mameko will do to my schedule, but I will try to keep in shape until she is ready to be pushed in a running stroller.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Ethnic
Rie's latest thoughts on being Asian in America and Japanese in Asia reminds me of something I found confusing in American super markets.
When we are looking for Japanese food, we go to the ethnic aisle and we can find all sorts of food from around the world, including from Japan.
When we are looking for hair care products, we go to the appropriate aisle, but the people pictured on products labeled "Ethnic" don't look anything like Rie.
How can Rie be ethnic on aisle 3, but not ethnic on aisle 10?
Does she lose her ethnicity somewhere around aisle 6?
Do they make this announcement after we leave? "Clean up on aisle 6."
When we are looking for Japanese food, we go to the ethnic aisle and we can find all sorts of food from around the world, including from Japan.
When we are looking for hair care products, we go to the appropriate aisle, but the people pictured on products labeled "Ethnic" don't look anything like Rie.
How can Rie be ethnic on aisle 3, but not ethnic on aisle 10?
Does she lose her ethnicity somewhere around aisle 6?
Do they make this announcement after we leave? "Clean up on aisle 6."
Asians
I can see cultures, customs, food, thought, ideas, and so many things came from China through Korea to Japan. Even medical care and giving names to babies.
I guess that's why people think I'm Asian when I'm in the U.S.. People don't see me as Japanese. In Asian countries, we say China, Korea, Japan, and other countries in Asia are all different. But when we are in western countries, we often can understand the basis of people's thought. We can see similar sense of feelings.
Yes, thinking of baby names is not so easy for us. Sounds like for my other Asian friends too. But the name is our first gift for our baby, so it's very important and fun to work for it. Don't worry I always ask Avram what he thinks.
Time to think and talk about her name.
Talk to you later,
Rie
I guess that's why people think I'm Asian when I'm in the U.S.. People don't see me as Japanese. In Asian countries, we say China, Korea, Japan, and other countries in Asia are all different. But when we are in western countries, we often can understand the basis of people's thought. We can see similar sense of feelings.
Yes, thinking of baby names is not so easy for us. Sounds like for my other Asian friends too. But the name is our first gift for our baby, so it's very important and fun to work for it. Don't worry I always ask Avram what he thinks.
Time to think and talk about her name.
Talk to you later,
Rie
Baby Names
You may think that naming a baby is pretty straight-forward. If you are not Japanese, you might even be right. I think many Americans give a name to their baby because it sounds nice, or it is the name of their favorite singer, or because it is their name, or because it is another family member's name. Sometimes, they might look up its origin and what the name means, but that is usually an after-thought.
Rie, on the other hand, is taking our role in naming our child very seriously. In Japan, you don't worry about the sound so much as the meaning. Rie has been looking for good characters from the Japanese writing system that they borrowed from the Chinese. But, it is not enough to just find good meanings. It is also important to count the number of strokes each character takes, how many strokes of the pen each name takes, and even how many strokes the last letter of the family name and the first letter of the given name total. It all seems very exhausting to me, but luckily Rie has the energy and skill to name a baby.
Here is a picture of one page from the notebook Rie uses to do her work:
Rie, on the other hand, is taking our role in naming our child very seriously. In Japan, you don't worry about the sound so much as the meaning. Rie has been looking for good characters from the Japanese writing system that they borrowed from the Chinese. But, it is not enough to just find good meanings. It is also important to count the number of strokes each character takes, how many strokes of the pen each name takes, and even how many strokes the last letter of the family name and the first letter of the given name total. It all seems very exhausting to me, but luckily Rie has the energy and skill to name a baby.
Here is a picture of one page from the notebook Rie uses to do her work:
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Test Results
Last week, Rie had some tests done at the doctor's office. She had an x-ray, an ekg, and a blood test, just to see if everything is going okay near the end of the pregnancy.
We got the test results today - sort of.
Rie received a text message on her cell phone today. It said "Your late pregnency test is Normal. Have good time.>>(jeil woman hospital)"
We got the test results today - sort of.
Rie received a text message on her cell phone today. It said "Your late pregnency test is Normal. Have good time.>>(jeil woman hospital)"
Monday, October 19, 2009
Such a great husband!
Avram had looked forward to the marathon for four months. He did the training very well.
Yesterday we went to the stadium for the marathon at 5:30 am even though it started at 8:00 a.m. I wondered why we need to leave so early. It was for our baby Mameko and me:)
We got to the stadium around 6:00am and got the best spot to follow and see his run. He brought a down jacket, gloves, warm hat, and ear cover. He told me I should bring my winter shoes, but I forgot. I wore summer sandals instead. It was colder than I thought. I needed those things to warm Mameko and myself. He said "See, I told you. You don't listen to me and don't write down what I say." That's the word that I usually say to him. Does it mean we don't listen to each other everyday? Anyway he was right. I needed the things he brought for us all day yesterday. Thanks to him, I could enjoy cheering him and making a video of his run outside in the morning.
We have two Korean university students we help with their English practice. Avram is good at letting people have confidence and motivation. He listens to people and encourages them well. Those students are comfortable in the English class and now they try to talk in English more and more. I always wish I could have been like him when I was a teacher. Those two students enjoy the class very much. I like to see their smiles in the class.
I like the reasons why Avram runs, how he enjoys himself, and how he thinks of others. I learned hiking, backpacking, and biking. I have learned how to enjoy the life and how to create it everyday. It's fun to share many things with him.
I can tell marriage to a foreigner is not the problem. Everything depends on the person. If you have a good communication and think of the other, it could work for making each other happy.
My family loves Avram. They know he's great. One problem is they think that I tricked such a wonderful man into the marriage. I can't tell whose fault it was. He chose me too:D
Dear Milo,
Is this just his trick?
Yesterday we went to the stadium for the marathon at 5:30 am even though it started at 8:00 a.m. I wondered why we need to leave so early. It was for our baby Mameko and me:)
We got to the stadium around 6:00am and got the best spot to follow and see his run. He brought a down jacket, gloves, warm hat, and ear cover. He told me I should bring my winter shoes, but I forgot. I wore summer sandals instead. It was colder than I thought. I needed those things to warm Mameko and myself. He said "See, I told you. You don't listen to me and don't write down what I say." That's the word that I usually say to him. Does it mean we don't listen to each other everyday? Anyway he was right. I needed the things he brought for us all day yesterday. Thanks to him, I could enjoy cheering him and making a video of his run outside in the morning.
We have two Korean university students we help with their English practice. Avram is good at letting people have confidence and motivation. He listens to people and encourages them well. Those students are comfortable in the English class and now they try to talk in English more and more. I always wish I could have been like him when I was a teacher. Those two students enjoy the class very much. I like to see their smiles in the class.
I like the reasons why Avram runs, how he enjoys himself, and how he thinks of others. I learned hiking, backpacking, and biking. I have learned how to enjoy the life and how to create it everyday. It's fun to share many things with him.
I can tell marriage to a foreigner is not the problem. Everything depends on the person. If you have a good communication and think of the other, it could work for making each other happy.
My family loves Avram. They know he's great. One problem is they think that I tricked such a wonderful man into the marriage. I can't tell whose fault it was. He chose me too:D
Dear Milo,
Is this just his trick?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
That's "Wow!"
I have seen some "Wow!" things in Korea. For example driving at red lights, going on sidewalk by scooter, and pushing people away without "Excuse me." This morning I had an other very unusual experience.
I went to a women's bathroom. Fortunately it was very early morning, so only I was in the bathroom. I went in a toilet. Then I heard some people. I was surprised those Ajumas(elderly women)'s voice was very low like men's. More people came, but their voice were low too. While they were talking in toilets, I was wondering if they are women. I was not comfortable to hear them in the bathroom. Also the scent of something pervaded the air after a while. When I went out the toilet, one man came out from the other toilet and more men came out from others. There were six rooms in the bathroom. Except mine, men were in other bathrooms. I felt relieved they tried not to go up and see if mine is empty.
Probably their idea is practical, but it's very uncomfortable for me. When I went outside, a young woman came in. She saw many men were in the bathroom. She wondered if it's women's side and checked the sign. She seemed like she doubted I'm a woman. I wonder if it means Korean women go to men's bathroom if they were empty even if other men are there. Can those men finish working then?
I went to a women's bathroom. Fortunately it was very early morning, so only I was in the bathroom. I went in a toilet. Then I heard some people. I was surprised those Ajumas(elderly women)'s voice was very low like men's. More people came, but their voice were low too. While they were talking in toilets, I was wondering if they are women. I was not comfortable to hear them in the bathroom. Also the scent of something pervaded the air after a while. When I went out the toilet, one man came out from the other toilet and more men came out from others. There were six rooms in the bathroom. Except mine, men were in other bathrooms. I felt relieved they tried not to go up and see if mine is empty.
Probably their idea is practical, but it's very uncomfortable for me. When I went outside, a young woman came in. She saw many men were in the bathroom. She wondered if it's women's side and checked the sign. She seemed like she doubted I'm a woman. I wonder if it means Korean women go to men's bathroom if they were empty even if other men are there. Can those men finish working then?
Another Fun Marathon
Today was the culmination of my 16 week training schedule. It was a cool, sunny, and windy day. Great for running. Me and a few thousand other people lined up at 8 am to wait for the starting gun. There were lots of announcements in Korean for me to ignore. At one point, everybody stopped milling around and got in single file lines. They all gave shoulder rubs to the person in front. Then they turned around and returned the favor. That was something uniquely Korean to me.
After a lot of talking and many rounds of less and less enthusiastic applause, the balloons were released, the cannon boomed, and the shredded paper was blown into the air. We were off.
My goal for this race was to go slow enough to enjoy the whole thing and not be too sore afterward. Unfortunately, that is difficult to do when the crowd is cheering, the racers are zooming by, and the weather is so lovely. I wanted to keep my pace at almost 10 minutes per mile, but I was well under 9 minutes per mile for the first hour or so.
The course looped back and forth upon itself a few times and criss-crossed the city. Much of it was also along the river or out among the rice fields. It was very pleasant. I checked my watch frequently and tried to slow down, but did not have much success.
After a bit over an hour, I passed Rie on the side of the road and stopped to say hello. After a quick, out and back, I passed her again in the same spot and stole a kiss at the turn of a mile. Now I was only two hours from the end and still feeling good.
Unfortunately, the drink stations on this run were about 30 minutes apart. That was a bit spread out for me and I often found myself thirsty. However the sponge stations were frequent enough for me to keep the concentrated salt from my drying sweat from burning my eyes.
About an hour into the run, the man running with a big blue balloon that said "4:00" on it passed me by. He was setting a 4 hour pace for the run and many people were trying to keep up with him. Since, my target time was 4:15, I was happy to see him go by. I lost track of him in the distance and concentrated on slowing down. A while later, I spotted the balloon about 1/2 mile ahead. He stayed there for the better part of two hours.
Keeping the 4 hour group in sight started to play with my mind and I ended up having delusions of adequacy. I thought "If I can keep them in sight to mile 20, I can slowly reel them in the final 6 miles and finish in under 4 hours." Even though I did no speed work in my training, I figured a strong kick at the end could see me through.
By mile 20, the 4 hour balloon had disappeared in the twists and turns of the city, and I was suffering from the fast start. They say that the marathon is three races: two 10 mile races and a final 10km run. I enjoyed the first 10 mile run. I got tired on the second 10 mile run. During the 10km run, my legs started to get pretty heavy. I slowed down a lot and was eager for the end. I was paying for not sticking to my race plan. Also, it turns out that my strong final kick was last seen in my final cross-country race in 1986.
I finished in a disappointing 4:08. I was hoping for a much slower and more comfortable 4:15. In some of my previous races, I tried to go faster, but for this one I was trying out the theory of "Value Running." The theory here is that I spent a lot of time and effort training for this 26.2 mile race, I didn't want it to end too quickly. But, it did.
I did my final half-lap in the Gyeongju stadium, got my finisher's medal, and enjoyed some snacks.
I tried to stretch well, but there is still some soreness in my legs. I probably won't ride my bike to work tomorrow.
After a lot of talking and many rounds of less and less enthusiastic applause, the balloons were released, the cannon boomed, and the shredded paper was blown into the air. We were off.
My goal for this race was to go slow enough to enjoy the whole thing and not be too sore afterward. Unfortunately, that is difficult to do when the crowd is cheering, the racers are zooming by, and the weather is so lovely. I wanted to keep my pace at almost 10 minutes per mile, but I was well under 9 minutes per mile for the first hour or so.
The course looped back and forth upon itself a few times and criss-crossed the city. Much of it was also along the river or out among the rice fields. It was very pleasant. I checked my watch frequently and tried to slow down, but did not have much success.
After a bit over an hour, I passed Rie on the side of the road and stopped to say hello. After a quick, out and back, I passed her again in the same spot and stole a kiss at the turn of a mile. Now I was only two hours from the end and still feeling good.
Unfortunately, the drink stations on this run were about 30 minutes apart. That was a bit spread out for me and I often found myself thirsty. However the sponge stations were frequent enough for me to keep the concentrated salt from my drying sweat from burning my eyes.
About an hour into the run, the man running with a big blue balloon that said "4:00" on it passed me by. He was setting a 4 hour pace for the run and many people were trying to keep up with him. Since, my target time was 4:15, I was happy to see him go by. I lost track of him in the distance and concentrated on slowing down. A while later, I spotted the balloon about 1/2 mile ahead. He stayed there for the better part of two hours.
Keeping the 4 hour group in sight started to play with my mind and I ended up having delusions of adequacy. I thought "If I can keep them in sight to mile 20, I can slowly reel them in the final 6 miles and finish in under 4 hours." Even though I did no speed work in my training, I figured a strong kick at the end could see me through.
By mile 20, the 4 hour balloon had disappeared in the twists and turns of the city, and I was suffering from the fast start. They say that the marathon is three races: two 10 mile races and a final 10km run. I enjoyed the first 10 mile run. I got tired on the second 10 mile run. During the 10km run, my legs started to get pretty heavy. I slowed down a lot and was eager for the end. I was paying for not sticking to my race plan. Also, it turns out that my strong final kick was last seen in my final cross-country race in 1986.
I finished in a disappointing 4:08. I was hoping for a much slower and more comfortable 4:15. In some of my previous races, I tried to go faster, but for this one I was trying out the theory of "Value Running." The theory here is that I spent a lot of time and effort training for this 26.2 mile race, I didn't want it to end too quickly. But, it did.
I did my final half-lap in the Gyeongju stadium, got my finisher's medal, and enjoyed some snacks.
I tried to stretch well, but there is still some soreness in my legs. I probably won't ride my bike to work tomorrow.
A Fun Weekend
Yesterday, Rie and I headed up to Gyeongju. This was my third visit and Rie's fourth. Gyeongju is famous for its history, museums, temples, and resort areas.
We got up there after lunch and checked out the parking and reception areas for the marathon. The stadium was busy with some sort of Lions Club festival/competition, but there were a few signs up for the marathon.
From there, we headed to our Pension up in the hills. Rie's friend just opened the EuroVille Pension. It is located at the end of a dirt road and well within earshot of many roosters. We stayed in the England Villa and had a great room. There was a picnic bench and BBQ out front and a kitchen in the front room. The bathroom was big enough to have a big plastic lounge chair in it, for those who need to rest in the middle of a shower or bath.
After a buffet dinner at a nearby hotel, we turned in for the night and slept soundly for a few hours. At 5 am we woke up and went to my marathon. After that, we came home and Rie napped for a while.
Tomorrow, it is back to work for me and Rie can relax some more.
We got up there after lunch and checked out the parking and reception areas for the marathon. The stadium was busy with some sort of Lions Club festival/competition, but there were a few signs up for the marathon.
From there, we headed to our Pension up in the hills. Rie's friend just opened the EuroVille Pension. It is located at the end of a dirt road and well within earshot of many roosters. We stayed in the England Villa and had a great room. There was a picnic bench and BBQ out front and a kitchen in the front room. The bathroom was big enough to have a big plastic lounge chair in it, for those who need to rest in the middle of a shower or bath.
After a buffet dinner at a nearby hotel, we turned in for the night and slept soundly for a few hours. At 5 am we woke up and went to my marathon. After that, we came home and Rie napped for a while.
Tomorrow, it is back to work for me and Rie can relax some more.
All's well with the baby
We had two successful visits to the doctor in the past two weeks. The videos don't seem to work on my computer, so no new pictures. But, that is fine, because the last two videos were short and you could not really see much.
Rie had some blood tests and other extra tests this week. We did not get any phone calls, so I guess all is good there.
We spent an extra 30 minutes with the doctor on Friday and asked all sorts of questions about the delivery and post-delivery. I can cut the cord if I want, the hospital will provide night-gowns for Rie, and I have to bring a blanket for myself to use when I sleep on the couch.
Our next visit is in two weeks. That will be week 37 and the beginning of the normal window for delivery.
Rie had some blood tests and other extra tests this week. We did not get any phone calls, so I guess all is good there.
We spent an extra 30 minutes with the doctor on Friday and asked all sorts of questions about the delivery and post-delivery. I can cut the cord if I want, the hospital will provide night-gowns for Rie, and I have to bring a blanket for myself to use when I sleep on the couch.
Our next visit is in two weeks. That will be week 37 and the beginning of the normal window for delivery.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
One week to race day
One week from today I will be enjoying the Gyeongju Marathon. We have reservations at a nice Pension and will drive up there on Saturday.
Today, my race packet came in the mail. It included a really nice long-sleeve shirt, a timing chip, my numbered bib, a race booklet and a 10% off coupon for an asics product. Not the best swag bag ever, but the race was not that expensive and the shirt is one of the best I have ever gotten. There is absolutely no advertising on the back.
The race booklet had pictures of all the international stars who will be competing in the elite category and a map of the course. The course seems to follow the river mostly, so it should be fairly flat. I should have no trouble finishing in well under the 5 hour limit. Also, the course passes near the Start/Finish line twice, so Rie should get to see me a few times during the race. It looks like it finishes with a half-lap around the municipal stadium, so there should be a good crowd and lots of energy at the finish.
I am still bummed about only running 11 miles this weekend, but my training schedule got me to an enjoyable 23 mile run two weeks ago, so I may as well follow it until the end next Sunday.
Today, my race packet came in the mail. It included a really nice long-sleeve shirt, a timing chip, my numbered bib, a race booklet and a 10% off coupon for an asics product. Not the best swag bag ever, but the race was not that expensive and the shirt is one of the best I have ever gotten. There is absolutely no advertising on the back.
The race booklet had pictures of all the international stars who will be competing in the elite category and a map of the course. The course seems to follow the river mostly, so it should be fairly flat. I should have no trouble finishing in well under the 5 hour limit. Also, the course passes near the Start/Finish line twice, so Rie should get to see me a few times during the race. It looks like it finishes with a half-lap around the municipal stadium, so there should be a good crowd and lots of energy at the finish.
I am still bummed about only running 11 miles this weekend, but my training schedule got me to an enjoyable 23 mile run two weeks ago, so I may as well follow it until the end next Sunday.
Avram gets excited.
Avram is always calm. He thinks of our families first. It makes me very happy.
This season, he's a little bit busy for watching college football and U.S. soccer. Then you can see he gets excited.
He sits in front of the computer and doesn't look at me at all. When his team gets points, he turns to look at me and smile with saying "Yeah!" When his team is losing the game, he gets shocked and put his face to the floor and hits it. It looks like he sees the last of the world. It's fun to see that Avram.
I'm nice as a wife even if he doesn't listen to me at all during the game. I waited for him for a few hours until the games finished today. I pretended I'm reading a book though I don't like to read.
I guess playing or pretending to be a nice wife or husband makes the life happier and easier. It has worked for us so far:)
P.S. I don't mean we tell lies to each other. Thank you.
This season, he's a little bit busy for watching college football and U.S. soccer. Then you can see he gets excited.
He sits in front of the computer and doesn't look at me at all. When his team gets points, he turns to look at me and smile with saying "Yeah!" When his team is losing the game, he gets shocked and put his face to the floor and hits it. It looks like he sees the last of the world. It's fun to see that Avram.
I'm nice as a wife even if he doesn't listen to me at all during the game. I waited for him for a few hours until the games finished today. I pretended I'm reading a book though I don't like to read.
I guess playing or pretending to be a nice wife or husband makes the life happier and easier. It has worked for us so far:)
P.S. I don't mean we tell lies to each other. Thank you.
Sorry, Avram.
Thanks to our families and friends, we have many baby things now. Today I washed brand new clothes, which we bought for our baby this summer.
Now no place to dry Avram's laundry.
Sorry, Avram. Maybe you're not my first person today:D
Love,
your wife
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
"When you were born,"
When the due date, November 17th is coming closer, our parents and grandparents tell us how we were born, what happened then, and how they were. It is great to hear that.
Japanese people don't talk about it so much. The reason why they don't tell it to their children depends on the person. Especially my mother doesn't talk about herself. But now she starts to tell me about my father and her. Finally I learn about my parents. They had a good story how they fell in love.
I like to hear how our parents felt when they had us, how Avram was born, what kind of boy he was, and so on.
I will tell about it and how Avram and I feel when we have the baby to our daughter. Then she will know how much her families love her.
Japanese people don't talk about it so much. The reason why they don't tell it to their children depends on the person. Especially my mother doesn't talk about herself. But now she starts to tell me about my father and her. Finally I learn about my parents. They had a good story how they fell in love.
I like to hear how our parents felt when they had us, how Avram was born, what kind of boy he was, and so on.
I will tell about it and how Avram and I feel when we have the baby to our daughter. Then she will know how much her families love her.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Mameko vs/& Avram
Avram was fixing the computer with a screwdriver in the living room when I came in yesterday. When he saw me, he tired to shoot his bellybutton screwdriver missile to my belly. Of course, he was joking because he loves me:D But, Mameko was upset with her father's tries, so she tried to kick and punch him hard. Her hard work was a little painful for me.Avram said she's not attacking him. He said she was trying to catch the screwdriver for their communication. According to him, he knows it because he's her father. I don't know if it's their communication or fight, but either way only I DO get hurt from it. That's not fair :(
If it's true he's having a nice communication with his daughter, why does he have that way to his wife?
We both have nice big bellies now, we sometimes have the contest. Avram is trying to catch me, but he can't beat me anymore. He's
losing his weight from his big runs. He lost nine pounds in a few months. Our weights are getting closer, but hopefully I won't get to his weight.In Japan, pregnant women's weight control is very strict. I am not so serious about it, but I try not to eat too much for Mameko and me.
P.S. I'm not carrying a watermelon.Mameko is very active, especially when she hears her father:)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
21st Century Heartbeat Music Therapy
We got a CD in the baby class. It's an original recording of classic nursery songs set to a real human heartbeat. According to the CD jacket, it's proven by research to calm babies and stop crying.
One night, we listened to it. We could hear the heartbeat in the songs. When we listened to Mary Had A Little Lamb, Avram said it should be "Mary had a pink i-phone, pink i-phone, pink i-phone" these days. It makes sense. Times have changed. Those songs could change too, but I like original one.
Though I like original songs, I wonder if the father in Hush Little Baby spoils the baby too much.
The father buys many things everytime his baby cries. When does the baby learn patience?
I learned one thing from this CD quickly. It is that this CD works for Avram very well. It already worked. He would fall asleep earlier than our baby and wouldn't wake up for her at midnight.
Now we have to talk about the day schedule and who stays up with the baby every night.
One night, we listened to it. We could hear the heartbeat in the songs. When we listened to Mary Had A Little Lamb, Avram said it should be "Mary had a pink i-phone, pink i-phone, pink i-phone" these days. It makes sense. Times have changed. Those songs could change too, but I like original one.
Though I like original songs, I wonder if the father in Hush Little Baby spoils the baby too much.
The father buys many things everytime his baby cries. When does the baby learn patience?
I learned one thing from this CD quickly. It is that this CD works for Avram very well. It already worked. He would fall asleep earlier than our baby and wouldn't wake up for her at midnight.
Now we have to talk about the day schedule and who stays up with the baby every night.
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