A cold wind blew through

I'm not sure if it signifies the end of summer, but few nights ago a long gust of cold wind blew through Tokyo, and the temperature has thus plummeted. Good news in that I no longer need the AC on all night, so I'm not waking up with sandpaper eyes. It's strange though, because it doesn't really feel as if I've enjoyed this summer, seeing as I've been working throughout, and haven't really done any of those typical summery things (beach, bbq, holiday!)
Looking forward to Jay and Miyu returning home this weekend. I've really missed them, and I feel as though I've missed out on Jay walking and almost talking. Seriously, he's now up on his feet most of the time, and can take up to about 10 steps unaided. I think the daily interaction with a bigger family he's been getting up in Fukushima has been very positive, and has taken the burden off Miyu as well. She's sounding a lot more relaxed on the phone, and didn't really sound like she wanted to return! It would certainly make life a lot easier if we lived in close proximity to family, as several friends here in Tokyo can attest to.
I've recently discovered a very cool section of the Open University HP here, which basically provides a number of course for free. Although there's no contact with lecturers, you can work your way through various course materials at your own pace, and can interact with other students on-line in various subject related forums.
It's such a fantastic idea, and I hope they continue to develop and expand on the available programs - education for all!

Am I?

I am the man I think I am
but am I the man you think I was?

space

It's not often that you can say Tokyo feels uncrowded, but if you were to visit at the moment, you'll see that it's true. Why? Obon. People must head home at this time of year and pay respect to the ghosts of ancestors past, who are visiting at this time. If one chooses to stay in Tokyo, you'd notice that people kick back a bit, and the pace slows. The mad rush that is the pulse of this lively city takes a week long siesta. And that is where I am - in a hazy siesta. I feel older. A thought crossed my mind the other day thinking "wouldn't it be nice to buy a porsche". A sure sign that I am approaching my mid-life crisis. In view of this, and to lend it some clarity, I've decided to laser cut my eyes and discard my glasses in November. The question is, will it change anything?

No.1 Jay

Flying, flying, flying bye, bye - is it really a whole year since Jay was born? Well, seeing as he had to try and haul a kilo of mochi (pounded rice),tied to his back with two furoshiki, across the Watanabe livingroom, I guess it was!
He really didn't appreciate it though, as his screams of protest attested, but he was able to stand and take a few steps, so those present were satisfied that he was strong enough to carry on the family line ; )
As a reward, we unveiled a massive fruit tart with one candle in the middle, and Jay soon forgot about the mochi, and tried desperately to gorge himself with the brightly coloured fruit. Again, he found frustration though, as I had to try and hold him back as flashbulbs popped for his birthday photos/videos. Then an auntie unwrapped a superb toy and all was calm again as Jay got playing. He was so engrossed that he barely noticed me leaving the scene, soon to be whisked back to the bright lights of Tokyo on a speeding midnight bullet train.