A little this and that

I’ve had a couple pokes and prods to get back to writing. I didn’t really intend on taking a break. But, suddenly I realized it had been almost two months since I last checked in. Life has been continuing to pass day by day. The autumn leaves are finally out, which always delights me.

At this point with COVID, we are still avoiding big crowds and rarely take mass transit. Therefore, we are still spending lots of time at home and only traveling to places within biking distance.

This past week, my son had a day off of school (recognizing Labor Thanksgiving Day or Kinro Kansha no Hi, which has nothing to do with turkeys and everything to do with giving thanks for labor and production), giving us a chance to go check out the colors of the season at Heirinji Temple. The day included a long bike ride, a few brightly colored trees, carrot udon noodles, and lots of laughs.

We have rented a car a few times to get away for a day or night. These trips have been sanity savers on so many levels.

At the end of October, we rented a car and drove to Kawaguchiko. We made a pit stop along the way to visit our friends at Kasamatsu Farms. We had never met face-to-face, but formed such a connection over the past year and a half that we took the chance while we had it. It was quite dramatic getting there between a delayed rental car, horrendous traffic, and a kid suffering from horrible car sickness; but we eventually made it. Our visit was short, yet heartwarming as we immediately confirmed our friendship. This family business has not only supplied our tables with amazing vegetables, but also provided a lifeline of sanity, knowing that not everyone in Japan wants to triple wrap every item in plastic and sustainable practices are achievable here. At some point, I really hope to go back again and get my hands dirty!

After our visit, we finished our trek and explored the Kawaguchiko area. We went to a magnetic train demo museum, hiked up a hill to see a famous view of Mount Fuji (only to discover the viewing area was under construction!), and took our son to experience a ninja school (Oshino Ninja Village). While the activities were fun, the real treat were the amazing views of Mount Fuji. We could not have had better timing, as the mountain was not hindered by clouds the entire time we were there. We would gasp in delight every time we had a new view. The trip was one of the most revitalizing experiences we’ve had in a very long time.

The sunrise view from our hotel room!

While out and about in Tokyo recently, I was introduced to an old co-worker of my husband’s. She was super fun to meet and we clicked right away. At one point in our conversation, she asked me if I liked living in Japan. My husband and I both laughed. I can honestly say that right now I don’t enjoy living in Japan. I feel more isolated that I have ever felt in my life and the challenges of living in a foreign country feel extremely magnified. For the past two years I find myself being excessively irritated by things that would normally roll off my shoulders and my general enthusiasm has tanked. I find myself not wanting to talk or communicate with people because my list of angst far outweighs my joys. I don’t like feeling this way, but it is my current truth. Without my American breaks (visiting friends and family in the US), I am struggling. I increasingly find it hard to cope.

My frankness evolved into an interesting discussion about life, basic needs, and our desires.

At home, not much is going on. We get through each day as best we can. My son goes to school and studies tons of kanji as well as his multiplication tables. My husband works from a desk in our bedroom, peaking his head out for tea and random chats. I spend my days reading, watching too much tv, tending to our house, and getting out periodically for groceries, friends, and volunteering. Earlier this week, I was able to buy 30 organic yuzu (which is really hard to find) and I made ponzu and yuzu honey.