Reflections

Do you know an entire year has passed since we moved to Tokyo? Yes, an entire year and then a little. Ian and I marvel at this. The year has flown by for us. It seems like an appropriate time to take a look back and a look forward. Here are some of our thoughts.

(From Ian)
What I miss about the U.S.: Family, friends, Marion rugby, Chipotle, hot wings, my motorcycle, grass, a good, cheap gym, being more literate than a 3 year old.

What I love most about Japan: having Amanda and Addy with me, public transportation, convenience, our church, only use the car once a week at the most, it's more different than any place I've ever lived, people use text messaging rather than talking, customer service...that should be in there twice.

What I don't miss about the U.S.: People talking on their cell phones...at any time, at any place, driving everywhere, rude, uncaring store clerks, traffic.

What I don't like about Japan: Only being as literate as a 3 year old, overcrowded trains, sidewalks, train stations, being the lowest priority in the train station because we have Addy in the stroller, I have a hard time finding shoes, working late, generally un-kid friendly, no grass, bigger government bureaucracy than the US (at least to get a driver's license).

(From Amanda)
What I miss about the U.S.: family, friends, Smooch (our cat); a regular-size oven; an American-size dryer; my career (sometimes); baking; gardening; long, lazy summer nights.

What I love about Tokyo: walking, walking, walking, except when it's raining; the train system, our church family, Polar Bear Club; using my Japanese language skills to meet new people; Starbucks.

What I don't miss about the U.S.: driving everywhere; having a mortgage.

What I don't like about Tokyo: going to the grocery store more than once a week; not being able to communicate in all situations; the pushing and shoving to get on the trains or elevators; young, able-bodied people who sit in the priority seats on the trains; how frickin' early the sun sets.

What I've learned: 1)The human condition is a fact. Nothing is more universal than emotion. A smile and a laugh are the same in any language. 2)I'm stronger than I thought. I'm not afraid to be on my own. I'm not (as) afraid of getting lost. 3) I'm the most powerful force in Addison's life - at least for the time being. With great power comes great responsibility...

What I'm thankful for in Tokyo: Shoko, my sensei; TELL (Tokyo English Life Line), the counseling service I thought I wouldn't need when I heard about them more than a year ago; sharing so much time with Addison; giving Ian the opportunity to advance his career.