On its way

Typhoon Hagibis (known as Typhoon 19 in Japan) is heading our way.  Labeled a "super typhoon," everyone seems to be talking about it.  From the school yard, to the park, online, and elsewhere, it is definitely the topic de jour.  I'm grateful I already have my emergency kit packed and ready in case we need it.  Having it right in my entryway closet makes me feel more at ease.

While having an emergency kit on hand is very important, there are other simple things to do to prepare as well.  Today I went grocery shopping.  I picked up crackers to eat with the peanut butter our most recent guest gifted to us.  I grabbed ingredients to make hummus along with vegetables to cut up into sticks, and the stuff to make nabe (soup).  I also purchased plenty of snacks. 

I did not purchase bottled water, as so many others did before me.  Part of me was surprised by the almost empty shelf, while another part of me wasn't surprised at all.  Instead of purchasing water, I am going to fill all the water bottles I own, a pitcher I use for tea, and several jars with tap water.  This way, we will have water in case the water gets turned off and I don't have to purchase more single-use plastic.

One thing I didn't buy was instant ramen.  The entire aisle of prepackaged noodles with seasoning overwhelms me.  While the US has its chip aisle, Japan has its ramen aisle.  Since we don't typically buy instant ramen (only having it for emergencies), I just stand there looking at all the available choices. 

Instead of making an uneducated guess as to what we would actually eat, I asked my husband to stop by the store on his way home and pick up several packages for us.  Maybe we'll eat the cups of noodles, and maybe we won't.  But it is better to have them on hand and not need them, than unable to get them in an emergency.  If we don't eat them, I'll probably just store them for the next typhoon or other natural disaster.  Their shelf life is shockingly long.

Store #1 - AEON

Store #2 -  OK!

Store #3 - Don Quijote

Also Don Quijote

What he came home with

While he was at the store, I was outside cutting the last of our basil and making pesto.  Many plants don't survive typhoons, especially fragile ones like basil.  The rains coming down often include salt water, which destroys tender plants.  I simply tossed garlic, basil, parmesan, walnuts, olive oil, and salt into my food processor and blend until it is the consistency I like.  Then I freeze it in silicone muffin cups for easy use later.  I didn't loose my basil and now I have pesto for later.  It's a win-win situation.

Tomorrow I will bring everything from our little courtyard inside - the laundry poles, potted plants, and my son's toys.  I will also grab the umbrella stand we keep by the front door.  Basically anything that could fly away in really strong winds will be brought indoors.

I will also make the hummus and veggie sticks since I prefer to get things done ahead of time.  I'll make sure I have all of the laundry done, so it is one less thing that requires water for a couple days. 

Typhoon Hagibis is forecast to hit Tokyo on Saturday.  We are not planning to leave the house.  Instead, I have organized games, puzzles, a new coloring project, and a couple science experiments (my son is obsessed).  My son also has his toys and we all have plenty of books to keep us entertained.  We might also watch a movie.

Although typhoons are intense, my family just stays at home with our storm shutters pulled closed.  While I'm not looking forward to it, at least we'll be together and making the most out of the day.  And hopefully, it will just pass on by without too much fuss (wishful thinking that I'm sending out into the universe).