tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37315582012-01-05T01:44:56.431+09:00What the heck is that?!?kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.comBlogger6891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-42006020120096378292012-01-05T00:32:00.014+09:002012-01-05T01:44:56.454+09:00

The New Year's holidays are looooooonnnnggggg when you have children who actually WANT to go back to school. It's a credit to my entertainment-value as a mother when my four-year-old begs to be allowed to go back to school and cries crocodile tears? when informed that it's still closed.So, thank the goddess for nearby friends. Illahee arrived today with her kiddies, bearing gifts of KFC, black

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-41819821479858176332012-01-02T00:23:00.003+09:002012-01-02T00:42:51.051+09:00

3日坊主 (mikka bouzu), otherwise known as being a "monk for 3 days," is a Japanese proverb that's usually quoted around New Years, when everyone makes all sorts of resolutions, keeps them for 3 days until January 3rd (mikka bouzu, voila!) and then breaks them. As my birthday this month ushers me into another decade (*shudder*), I'm hoping that this year will finally be the year that I get past

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-576984615582785092011-12-22T01:55:00.006+09:002011-12-28T02:02:59.609+09:00

Tentatively sticking my toes back into the pool of blogging...Life has gotten away from me this year. Well, pretty much since Little Ping marched out onto the stage. The "baby" isn't much of a baby anymore: he's a toddling (at 14 months), loves-to-play-peek-a-boo, laughing...and SO easygoing...little boy. He's a bundle of sweetness who smells like oranges. And who naps and sleeps through the

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-41060529211005937052011-03-12T21:52:00.005+09:002011-03-13T01:07:35.502+09:00

How can a heart hurt so much? You hear about natural disasters of such magnitude around the world and your heart goes out to everyone affected. But when it affects one of your own, that's when you feel like shattered glass has pierced a part of your soul.The funny thing is, I would never in the past have referred to Japan as home. But watching the devastation on TV has made me realize that Japan

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-28148727574085844482011-01-29T03:25:00.004+09:002011-01-29T03:50:10.645+09:00

So much for my New Year's resolution to post daily! Somehow January has gotten away from me, even though it isn't over yet. Mi madre will be coming for a visit at the end of February so I'm already in the future making plans about what we'll be doing. Hopefully, she won't mind working on putting together a few albums of about 1,000 photos that have yet to be "organized." Can't you just feel the

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-53899500087282220102011-01-15T23:49:00.003+09:002011-01-16T00:13:55.305+09:00

As those of you in Japan (and my poor parents) know, most three- to five-year-old girls adore PreCure, and the Pinglet is no exception. We've spent the past year listening to stories day in and out about Cure Blossom, Cure Marine, Cure Sunshine, and Cure Moonlight and acting out whatever happens to pop into the Pinglet's head.I am The.Expert. on all things PreCure. I'm also pretty knowledgeable,

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-71488510379288809182011-01-15T02:18:00.003+09:002011-01-15T02:56:17.421+09:00

I have spent the past two days touring Japan's health system. Not for myself, of course, although I could use a visit to the doc for some meds for my sore throat. Unfortunately, that will have to wait for another day.The two kidlets gave me a run for my money yesterday. The Pinglet arrived home from kindy with a huge bandage on her (kissable) chin and a major swollen lip. She thinks she is bigger

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-91001088474763567212011-01-08T02:36:00.013+09:002011-01-08T03:19:41.824+09:00

It's certainly been a while! You haven't aged a bit! (kiss, smack, hug)2010 kicked my butt. Seriously. Being pregnant during the hottest summer on record, having the Pinglet start pre-school, and having a baby while simultaneously trying to keep up with my translation quotas and making sure to keep in touch with my family and friends so that we would continue to be on speaking-terms proved to be

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-51968065745757426902010-09-22T23:46:00.006+09:002010-09-23T00:06:41.566+09:00

the birth of Mini-Ping (aka, Ken (健ちゃん))!I've been a terrible blogger. The heat of the summer and being pregnant during the hottest summer on record just completely sapped any creativity I might have had and left my blog floating around in cyberspace.Mini-Ping's birthday was a wonderful, amazing day. As with the Pinglet, my waters broke at 5:10AM while I was sleeping. It felt like a bit like

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-47481405847025029162010-06-19T01:28:00.003+09:002010-06-19T01:35:12.244+09:00

I just realized that the Pinglet didn't bring home any handmade goodies from kindy for Father's Day. I always feel for the poor dads, my own included, who had (have) to suffer those last minute gifts from their kids because Father's Day just doesn't rank up there with Mother's Day.I'll be updating again soon, hopefully. The heat always takes a toll on me as soon as May starts and am totally

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-82727226387209035082010-04-27T23:54:00.004+09:002010-04-28T00:18:10.036+09:00

The Pinglet has survived the first 2 1/2 weeks of kindy. I guess I should add that I've also survived. She LOVES it. As in, gets up at 6am wanting to get dressed and asking every 5 minutes when the bus is coming. As the bus doesn't get here until 8am, the morning can be quite vexing at times. I'm thrilled that she loves going to school so much though.Trying to ask a 2-almost-3-year-old what she

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-43582278618126133572010-04-11T23:25:00.004+09:002010-04-11T23:29:07.589+09:00

Last night, Ping and I spent hours putting together the Pinglet's things for her entrance ceremony for kindergarten. Little did I know that I had to actually sew nametags on her shirts. With a needle and thread. And hands made up of all thumbs. It was not a pretty night.The Pinglet, however, shone at her entrance ceremony. Even with the crookedly sewed on nametags. Photo and video editing at

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-34546113674515649612010-03-30T01:16:00.002+09:002010-03-30T01:25:28.910+09:00

I've been feeling a bit guilty lately when it comes to making dinner. Unlike when I was pregnant with the Pinglet, I have had MAJOR cravings with this little one (blog nickname pending!). While burning the midnight oil doing translations, I've found myself eating pickles, chocolate cookies and drinking ice tea...hmmm...sounds good right now, actually.I've tried to keep these food choices to

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-84877563240455112342010-03-11T00:26:00.002+09:002010-03-11T00:26:57.053+09:00

graphics for moms

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-1216996037596369782010-02-19T02:01:00.001+09:002010-02-19T02:01:03.049+09:00

Prima ballerina, originally uploaded by aurora94.I forgot about this video from when we went to New York. This is at the Children's Museum in New Jersey. The Pinglet was completely enthralled with her own dancing prowess. Could it be that she's a prima ballerina in the making? Or will her mom's genes prove to be strong and she'll trade in her tutu for a pair of soccer cleats?

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-23997103901844793262010-02-16T00:00:00.002+09:002010-02-16T00:16:37.871+09:00

Apparently, the art of following rules in Japan starts as early as pre-k. Ping and I just went through the Pinglet's list of rules and regulations for school tonight. I started to zone when I came across directions such as, "The child should bring a handkerchief and packet of tissues to school every day. The handkerchief should be placed in the front pocket of the school shorts; the tissues must

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-2827630110726895052010-02-07T19:47:00.001+09:002010-02-07T19:47:03.903+09:00

Loving her uniform, originally uploaded by aurora94.Here's the Pinglet, too excited about her school uniform to form a full sentence!

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-23400749662178984552010-02-07T03:54:00.004+09:002010-02-07T03:56:33.306+09:00

My baby girl in her youchien finery. She's growing up!

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-33238460150814019192010-02-01T23:46:00.006+09:002010-02-01T23:55:08.142+09:00

It was a wild weekend of debauchery. OK, well, not debauchery per se, especially with a baby present, but a fun weekend anyway. I had a great time meeting up with four other local bloggers (two that I meet up with regularly IRL) and getting away from it all for a few days.It had the makings of a perfect weekend--champagne, karaoke, and an onsen--and other than a wet and rainy Saturday night,

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-66614377223753793102010-01-30T00:18:00.007+09:002010-01-30T00:26:24.524+09:00

We decided to take some professional photos of the Pinglet when we were in NY. The Pinglet took to it like a duck to water even though the words, "She's 2," had a spasm of fear flicker across the photographer assistant's face. She did keep falling over though when the flash went off. Just like a Weeble.I am off for a GNO with illahee, gaijin wife, yokomatsu family, and life in rural japan and I'm

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-83575101030252255262010-01-27T22:53:00.003+09:002010-01-27T23:10:04.262+09:00

I have no excuse why I haven't posted in, oh...a month, so let's just skip the part where I desperately make up completely unrealistic reasons why I haven't been in the mood to blog. OK? OK! Glad we're on the same page.I am sitting in my quiet house, contemplating whether or not I wish to actually do some work tonight (probably not, but sometimes a little ice cream can work wonders with your

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-32696510221036849712009-12-09T16:17:00.002+09:002009-12-09T16:18:12.050+09:00

Check out the Pinglet's status on Santa's "naughty or nice" list!

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-89573000833797002722009-12-05T02:18:00.005+09:002009-12-05T03:36:58.542+09:00

Does it make me a bad mother if I caved into the Pinglet by buying a プリキュアー stamp set because I was too tired to deal with the tantrum that would surely have occurred had I not done so?The Pinglet (and therefore by extension, I) had a difficult day today starting right from the get-go. I was shattered from working last night until 5AM and was resting on the couch while the Disney Channel did some

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-13778384470928161962009-12-03T01:40:00.003+09:002009-12-03T02:05:02.137+09:00

It's nice to escape from the reality of Japan every now and then. Today, the Pinglet and I met up with illahee and gaijin wife for some English, Starbucks, and nachos at the Hard Rock Cafe. Unfortunately, GW had to leave early so rather than the 12-course meal I had envisioned, I had to settle for a hurried catch-up in between the clothes racks at the Gap while trying to control a whining Pinglet

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-10921934053008880572009-11-11T00:38:00.002+09:002009-11-11T01:19:03.521+09:00

*sniff*Ohhhhh, I have the WORST headache. The Pinglet came down with a horrible cold two weeks ago and passed it on to me last week. Now I know what she was moaning and complaining about. I'm actually on the tail-end of what I consider to be swine flu and laughing doctors have informed me is actually a cold but still feel like I'm in the grips of the pandemic. It doesn't help that my so-called "

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-8234273518796705142009-11-07T22:42:00.003+09:002009-11-07T22:44:16.403+09:00

And I thought that I would have a problem...SKorean woman passes driver's exam on 950th time

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-77220130855331581592009-10-22T00:29:00.009+09:002009-11-06T01:22:22.891+09:00

DAAAAAAAAAAAAA YANKEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS WIN!!!!!!!!!Yes, it's taken a baseball game, my most favorite of pastimes, to get myself out of lurkdom on my own blog. Is it even possible to be a lurker on your own blog? Discuss.So, I really have no excuse for why I haven't blogged in, oh, over a month. I actually forgot that I had a blog, which is not cool. I know. I wish I had some excuse for being

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-90681720319864450612009-09-21T00:01:00.004+09:002009-09-21T00:49:10.751+09:00

*Disclaimer: Do not click on the links if you are the parent to a two-year-old toddler and have just gotten through a major screaming match...and no, it's not the Pinglet in the videos!The Pinglet is the living, breathing, walking version of the definition of a two-year-old. I thought I knew what I was in for, but oh my living goddess, how naive can one person be?The Pinglet throws tantrums three

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-75230810469821693552009-09-12T03:07:00.002+09:002009-09-12T03:09:20.179+09:00

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-50296669355557917622009-08-30T03:13:00.010+09:002009-08-30T04:07:51.074+09:00

So, it's official...I'M ON THE ROAD!!!!!!!And oh, what a long, long, long, looooooooooonnnnggggggg process it was.If you've been following my driving school saga, you'll know that after obtaining my permit at the end of July, I had to complete 19 hours of driving lessons and 16 hours of instruction before I could qualify to get the hell out of that place graduate. I decided that it was time to

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-36920120552050403792009-08-21T01:20:00.013+09:002009-12-03T02:09:04.604+09:00

Inspired by this post, I thought you'd like to "hear" some of the Pinglet's latest conversational attempts. It's hard work trying to (1) figure out what language she's trying to speak and (2) then try to figure out what word it sounds like. It probably takes me about 3 days to decipher a new word, by which time the Pinglet is completely frustrated and has pretty much been reduced to using, "No/

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-8967454782114365362009-08-18T01:37:00.003+09:002009-08-18T01:54:01.863+09:00

I'm sitting here at the computer at 2AM, miraculously without a job due tomorrow, but unable to sleep because of a chronic headache that's making my head feel like it's stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey. Why that particular vision? G-d only knows.Last night's excursion at 2AM was due to a job that I had been procrastinating on for a week which was due this morning. I ended up finishing it at 7AM

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-78131036246954363792009-08-14T02:11:00.002+09:002009-08-14T02:13:01.995+09:00

Doesn't the Pinglet look like she's ready to take someone down? That's right...don't mess with me, buddy.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-41945925482004701102009-08-13T22:36:00.006+09:002009-08-14T01:08:45.795+09:00

I have to put up a new post because last post was #666 and I'm a superstitious ninny.So, hmmm...not much to report other than the fact that I'm trying to distract the Pinglet from the fact that all of her friends are away and the only playmate around in a 50-mile radius is me. This is harder than one would think.Imagine, if you will, a 2-year-old toddler who throughout the day will casually drop

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-84549006405622760712009-08-12T01:10:00.004+09:002009-08-12T01:14:58.400+09:00

The Shining, Part 2, starring the Pinget in the role of Jack Torrence.Autographs available upon request.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-89120537321797254332009-08-12T01:01:00.003+09:002009-08-12T01:09:34.963+09:00

Here's to a wonderful 14 years together on the eve of our 9th wedding anniversary, Ping. This photo is one of my most favorite recent pictures of you. Watching you with the Pinglet has me falling in love with you over and over again. Who knew that the night you sang 「ズルイ女」by シャ乱Q (although not directed at me since you had never met me before then) would have been the start of this amazing journey?

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-90151334266774093352009-08-08T01:36:00.004+09:002009-08-08T01:51:23.803+09:00

I just spent the past night having the shit scared out of me by Stephen King's newest(?...well, new in Japan at least) novel, Duma Bay. I have a love/hate relationship with Mr. King, in that I can't put his novels down, but tend to curse him in the wee hours of the morning when I have to go downstairs in the gloom to go potty.Hmmm...going potty. Strange how my vernacular has changed since the

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-17455882732872661872009-08-01T02:18:00.004+09:002009-08-01T02:43:22.487+09:00

Well, I finally got around to having the Pinglet's second birthday party.She had a ball with her little friends playing in the pool and with the bare minimum of fights over what toys belong to whom, how long so-and-so can use said toy, and spillage of various liquids on my (very-hard-to-clean-pain-in-the-ass) floor. The Pinglet enjoyed the day very much, which ended with dinner at an udon (

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-41770944322808251832009-07-18T22:48:00.003+09:002009-07-18T23:24:08.463+09:00

...the Pinglet's birthday, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...well, except for a tiny-almost-2-year-old bug, who just last night came down with a 39 degree fever, topped off with a swollen eye. Yes, it is the traditional "birthday sickies and blues," which means that party plans have been cancelled, for yet another year. Her first birthday was called off for a spate of the '

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-35616917879226518962009-07-14T00:45:00.009+09:002009-07-14T01:06:10.712+09:00

When the Pinglet walks into one of those cute kiddie kitchens where there are pretend stoves, sinks, fruits and vegetables, I feel a brief twinge of fear. I watch other children, both boys and girls, happily bustle around the kitchen making whatever concoction happens to strike their fancy at the moment, and can see exactly how it must be at their houses at dinnertime. Mom in the kitchen (because

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-44328548348001782322009-07-08T23:49:00.003+09:002009-07-08T23:51:03.248+09:00

Jobless Woman Arrested for Setting Hello Work Adviser Ablaze on StreetI understand hating Hello Work (kind of reminds me of Hello Kitty), but daaaaamnnnnn, girl!

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-5293929796078486772009-06-20T01:13:00.008+09:002009-06-20T01:49:02.671+09:00

Scene: The local children's centerActors: Pinglet and her Frenemy, MAudience: Kuri and KAct I, Scene 1:The Pinglet appropriated her new best friend's doll today, which she consulted when deciding if she wanted to go down the slide one more time (cue the Pinglet, looking the doll in the eye and asking, "More?") She was apparently satisfied with the answer because she continued her trips up and

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-3490819256619354822009-06-17T00:44:00.004+09:002009-06-17T00:53:14.959+09:00

Nao jammin' with Tao. She "played the drums" for 30 minutes without a break. Tao will be contacting her soon to sign her on as their main drummer. Can you see the feverish light in her eyes?

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-38065168270239035692009-06-13T01:41:00.008+09:002009-06-17T00:47:48.078+09:00

I've started something I always swore I would never do.I'm going to driving school in Japan. One of the biggest wastes of money on planet earth, yet here I am sitting in an ancient classroom with a bunch of college students who can barely answer the instructors when they ask them a question. I've gone three times so far and were it not for having to take the exam in Japanese for my permit, I

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-24996868447519748162009-05-30T02:34:00.004+09:002009-05-30T02:53:40.942+09:00

Dear Ms. Pinglet,Before we proceed any further with our business relationship, I would like to bring something to your attention.Throwing a fit on the train on the way home because you wanted to go on the RED train heading in the completely opposite direction does not endear you to other passengers who have the misfortune of sitting in the same car as you.Nor does it give your Mommy sweet, little

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-43302759437776384232009-05-26T03:23:00.002+09:002009-05-26T03:58:14.928+09:00

Ohhh, I am so in for it. For the past few days, the Pinglet has been a virtual parrot, repeating whatever she hears, although I'm pretty sure she doesn't understand most of what she's saying.I love watching her verbal skills grow. She'll sit down and have an actual "conversation" with you, although most of it's gibberish to the untrained ear. Ping and I, however, can identify certain words within

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-26802069254319371272009-05-15T00:30:00.004+09:002009-05-15T00:41:04.884+09:00

Now that my translation season is sort of winding down (by which I mean that I can get more than 3 hours of sleep a night without having to worry to much about deadline), I've decided it's time to get a start on getting our house together. We've lived here for nine months and in that time, I've managed to leave my walls in the pristine condition that they were in when we moved in (My floors, on

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-69545285222865459952009-05-08T02:16:00.006+09:002009-05-08T02:58:12.678+09:00

The Pinglet is a chatterbox. She talks morning, noon and night, although it is mostly in a language unknown to the world at large. Ping and I have gotten good at deciphering what she is trying to tell us, but for the most part we are clueless, a view the Pinglet will definitely share when she is a teenager.She's made up a language all her own, which she peppers with real words in English and

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-68930759448245698132009-04-27T00:03:00.003+09:002009-04-27T00:29:01.570+09:00

mmmm, Mmmmmm, MMMMMMMM...god, I LOVE spaghetti. I would eat it all day, every day if I could. Could there be any better invention than spaghetti? I think not!Why do Mommy and Daddy even bother with forks and spoons? It's easier to eat it like this. Pick up a clump of spaghetti with one or two hands, lean very far forward to make sure you don't drop any of it on the floor, and shovel it into

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-87149412251253228462009-04-22T01:41:00.003+09:002009-04-22T01:58:27.359+09:00

This weekend, I crawled out of my cave (where I've exiled myself in order to finish a translation that was a week late due to a stomach virus that destroyed everything in its path) to go to dinner with Ping and the Pinglet.Pre-Pinglet would find Ping and I dining elegantly at one of our many haunts: French cuisine, top-quality Japanese restaurants, you name it. What they don't tell you after you

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-50959801689849237802009-04-12T00:21:00.006+09:002009-04-12T00:53:07.261+09:00

I lived every mom's dream today...a lie in until 11:30AM! (I know...put your eyeballs back into your head.) Ping decided to give me a break from the past week of wiping up vomit and diarrhea (the Pinglet's and my own) and took her out to play all morning. I emerged from my bedroom blinking in shock when I saw that it was almost time for lunch and the two of them were nowhere in sight. They

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-52396978500268434192009-03-30T00:43:00.003+09:002009-04-02T23:54:24.841+09:00

We had a wonderful visit with Nana, who came all the way to visit the Pinglet from New York. I know she doesn't come to visit Ping or I anymore. Your position starts slipping the moment you have a little one around for the grandparents to dote upon.The Pinglet remembered Nana from her visit to New York in December and didn't blink an eye when she saw a strange, jet-lagged woman sleeping on the

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-54629783494691016282009-03-21T23:50:00.002+09:002009-03-29T00:27:00.194+09:00

Just fooling around with my blog design!UPDATED to say:This is the new design! Will be working on getting links, etc. back in this week. :)

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-85979565616463472072009-03-20T12:26:00.004+09:002009-03-21T23:52:00.394+09:00

I've started putting up photos and videos of the Pinglet's antics on Flickr. They're not public so if you'd like to see them, drop me a comment here and I'll email you the information. I think you'll need to have a Flickr account to see them.Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-29217164686319933912009-03-20T00:28:00.005+09:002009-03-20T00:30:39.484+09:00

You have to wonder...Why don't they just sit inside?

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-43612778313827596902009-03-19T03:50:00.003+09:002009-03-19T04:05:41.341+09:00

Evening WearFresh-out-of-the-bath Pinglet "Get Outta My Face" Babycakes models a number personally selected for her by wardrobe designer, Ping "No-I'm-Not-Colorblind" Daddy-O (Photograph by Kuri "Going Krazy" Mamma-Mia)This fantastic wardrobe was carefully chosen by Ping to compliment the spring season and the upcoming Easter holidays. This was tame compared to her daytime wardrobe, also selected

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-20053256009101824702009-03-14T23:20:00.003+09:002009-03-14T23:27:21.170+09:00

One of my bloggy friends, Pass the Sara, just posted a 3D photo of her baby so I thought I would dig up the Pinglet's old pictures.It takes a minute to find the face in the blur of images, but you can see she has Ping's mouth, nose and eyes, as well as his bone structure. I sort of wondered if I was just incubating Ping's clone for a while. :)From the above to today...it goes fast!

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-76195329347660980062009-03-09T21:18:00.002+09:002009-03-09T21:37:32.071+09:00

God help me...the Happy Vomiter is back! Hopefully for only one day, but still, it was scary just how quick I went into Vomit Mode and checked the Pinglet to make sure she was OK, cleaned her up, cleaned the floor, and kept the other diners from noticing that my daughter had basically turned into the Exorcist. I'm pretty amazing, if I do say so myself.The Pinglet has days where she falls asleep

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-77626336951002047812009-03-01T01:37:00.007+09:002009-03-01T02:33:13.774+09:00

Road trips always bring back memories of college and the many times my friends and I all jumped into a car and just took off with no special destination in mind.Ping, the Pinglet and I did just that today to meet up with Rachel, illahee, and gaijinwife in Oita for some foreign wife contingent R&R. I always get a bit apprehensive when we have to take the Pinglet anywhere in the car because she has

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-38798275890609795542009-02-27T03:35:00.005+09:002009-02-27T04:03:23.523+09:00

....would you be my, would you be...my neighbor?Remember Mr. Rodgers? That was one weird show, wasn't it?Remember when I first moved to our new place and I decided I was going on a mission to meet everyone in the neighborhood? I seem to have achieved this goal, according to one of the women I met the other day, who said (and I quote), "I don't think that there's anyone who lives here who doesn't

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-28195501372648493772009-02-17T00:30:00.008+09:002009-02-17T01:45:31.163+09:00

I spent the evening watching the Pinglet pretending to talk to a company with Ping's cell phone, apparently complaining about something they sent in the mail. I have no idea what she was saying, but it included expansive gestures towards the letter and a lot of shouting. I am totally stuffed. We went out with some other moms and their kids today to a children's play place, where the Pinglet went,

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-45466528136379607882009-02-12T02:23:00.007+09:002009-02-12T02:52:09.702+09:00

Ever had a chance to entertain a Japanese audience with your renditions of ABBA while watching Mamma Mia with some good friends and sipping sparkling wine from a can? Never mind the fact that I have the DVD and have probably seen it about 100 times since January (thanks to the Pinglet).Two friends and I went out to lunch and a movie on whatever holiday it happens to be in Japan today (I don't

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-29489153369111760452009-02-10T01:55:00.005+09:002009-02-10T02:02:54.118+09:00

The Pinglet at her baptism in December...Can she look any more annoyed at all the attention?And a bit happier after she was able to change and start spilling things all over herself and anyone in the surrounding area.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-89317680997408704982009-01-22T12:48:00.005+09:002009-01-22T13:37:49.791+09:00

Isn't it fantastic to be a part of history? Not your mundane, run-of-the-mill history, but a real, live shake-up of the status quo? I had tears in my eyes on the eve of January 21st (which, just happens to coincide with my mom's 60th birthday! Happy birthday, Mom!) when I watched Barack Obama being sworn in (not once, but twice) as the first African-American President of the United States. The

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-37144744942084983332009-01-11T01:34:00.001+09:002009-01-11T01:34:57.267+09:00

Like father, like daughter, originally uploaded by aurora94.Some kids need a security blanket, but the Pinglet prefers other implements: the remote control, a truck, and even a cup of ramen noodles, her father's favorite food.I'm dreading the day when she decides that nothing but a full-course meal will do to get her off to dreamland.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-5930193544907811882009-01-08T00:59:00.002+09:002009-01-08T01:06:25.205+09:00

Got this from illahee. It's spot on!Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...You Are a Joan!You are a Joan -- "I need to succeed"Joans are energetic, optimistic, self-assured, and goal oriented. How to Get Along with Me * Leave me alone when I am doing my work.* Give me honest, but not unduly critical or judgmental, feedback.* Help me keep

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-15473517040747545972009-01-07T03:40:00.005+09:002009-01-07T03:43:51.949+09:00

The Pinglet ADORED her cousins. They were great about entertaining her and keeping her out of my hair so I could enjoy a few moments to chat with my family and friends.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-31876902182963407702009-01-07T03:12:00.003+09:002009-01-07T03:39:47.951+09:00

Why do people in Japan always say "a happy new year"? It's something that's always puzzled me.We had a perfect trip to New York for Christmas and New Years, including a major snowstorm that kept me from going clothes shopping and replacing my threadbare duds. The Pinglet never adjusted to New York time so we haven't had too many problems getting her back to Japan time. Nice for us, but I'm sure

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-23971696119794820412008-12-17T00:29:00.004+09:002008-12-18T00:02:47.364+09:00

Note to self: Do not gorge yourself on too many Butterfinger miniatures, especially since your digestive system is in no way ready to handle the taste of Nestle chocolate after being deprived of it for so long. Heed this warning or you shall once again find yourself visiting the powder room in your non-central heated home, freezing your bootyhocks* off and waiting for the agony to end.I blame

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-32918155915783831842008-12-07T00:20:00.002+09:002008-12-07T00:21:28.280+09:00

The Face, originally uploaded by aurora94.Rare footage of The Face, one that is rarely seen in the public eye and is ESPECIALLY reserved for Mommy. Courtesy of illahee!

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-89327149612385815242008-12-05T00:53:00.002+09:002008-12-05T00:58:30.521+09:00

To The Management,I would like to applaud you for your efforts, while futile, to soothe and calm me during my 4AM activity period.Keep up the good work, but please understand that it is I who will decide when I will grow out of this stage. If I remember, I'll let you know what was bothering me when I can explain things a little better. My limited vocabulary--"pan-pan" (Anpanman), "hai," and "

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-53210538188317166812008-12-05T00:50:00.002+09:002008-12-05T00:52:20.137+09:00

Pretty pumpkin girl, originally uploaded by aurora94.It's been a long couple of weeks. The Pinglet has kept us on our toes starting off with a cold right after getting her flu shot, followed by strep throat, and then by a stomach virus (which she also gave to Ping and I).She's now almost fully recovered, but has decided that being awake between the hours of 4AM and 7AM works well with her

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-19653190869982813602008-11-22T02:09:00.003+09:002008-11-22T02:22:32.304+09:00

Ever read that book when you were a kid? I'm sure we've all had those kinds of days.From start to finish, that was my day today with the Pinglet. Perhaps it was the constant whining that began before 7AM and lasted until right before she closed her eyes to go to sleep. Perhaps it was the clinginess that lasted for those 12 hours. Perhaps it was the fact that she cried when a child attempted to

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-12591587200374921472008-11-20T23:56:00.006+09:002008-11-21T00:18:23.639+09:00

I think I may have a clone.The other day, I took the Pinglet to get her first flu shot. She was, of course, absolutely horrible, which I know is just retribution for my days at the peditrician, when I would be backed up against the wall refusing to open my mouth to have my throat checked.I always wondered about the grim expression on my mom's face. Certainly, it was more torture for us that it

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-58946742367357605772008-11-20T00:14:00.004+09:002008-11-20T01:00:01.254+09:00

I L!O!V!E! Christmas. The earlier the decorations and window displays go up, the better. In Japan, the Christmas decorations were on the shelves before the Halloween decorations had even been taken down. I heard grumbles from the peanut gallery about how early it was, but secretly I was already humming Christmas carols and starting to make out my Christmas to-do list.This year, my Walton-sized

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-18787256943338685082008-11-17T00:42:00.002+09:002008-11-17T00:51:33.082+09:00

Today, Ping, the Pinglet and I spent the day at the park, where we let the Pinglet get loose in all her toddler glory.In sharp contrast to the cpnstant volley of warnings I heard other parents giving their children about the dangers of wandering too far and picking up things they shouldn't, the Pinglet was a blur as she zipped around, picking up a leaf here, a flower petal there.And splashing

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-24787875021767654112008-11-10T22:49:00.002+09:002008-11-10T23:04:42.956+09:00

I'm contemplating the message an 85-year-old man was giving me yesterday when I passed him wearing a hat with the word "Orgasmic" on it.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-47835279982940694722008-11-09T00:11:00.002+09:002008-11-09T00:53:00.167+09:00

I was thrilled (and even that would be an understatement) that Obama will be in the White House for the next four years. Even though I live overseas, I follow politics in the U.S.--probably more than I do in Japan--and religiously send in my absentee ballot for every election that I'm eligible to vote in.It's hard to describe how I'm feeling right now about Obama's victory, but it probably can

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-51539076861446655972008-11-02T00:21:00.001+09:002008-11-02T00:21:53.742+09:00

Cheerleader with a 'tude, originally uploaded by aurora94.In a country that doesn't celebrate Halloween (but has Halloween decorations and candy for sale, right next to the Christmas decorations, which are already ON SALE(!)), we had a rocking party with kids from around the neighborhood, including illaheebaby and her gorgeous kidlets dressed to the nines!I had originally only planned on having

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-34058245319396305692008-10-31T01:02:00.004+09:002008-10-31T03:05:39.704+09:00

The Pinglet fixed our phone tonight. Ping had been struggling to find out the reason why our cordless phone just beeped constantly--changing batteries, switching cords around, and the method we've all used before...shake the phone hard in the hopes that it will start working. But nothing doing.I think the Pinglet was tired of watching us and decided to lend a helping hand. She somehow wrestled

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-28525791582905853082008-10-28T02:55:00.004+09:002008-10-28T03:13:28.541+09:00

With a title like that, we all know who I'm talking about, now, don't we?The Pinglet has decided that she is now old enough to know her own mind and has started to throw (mini-)tantrums. They seem like full-blown ones to me, but I have been assured that they will get worse in time, which has struck fear in my heart.She is a full-on throw-her-body-on-the-floor, kicking and screaming tantrum

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-10293617700612579602008-10-24T21:15:00.001+09:002008-10-24T21:18:17.616+09:00

Gov. David A. Paterson's top aide, who failed to pay income taxes or file returns from 2001 to 2005, was afflicted by "late-filing syndrome," a condition that made it difficult for him to fill out his tax returns, his lawyer said on Wednesday. [Read more]

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-59478025666570580182008-10-23T00:00:00.003+09:002008-10-23T00:20:09.287+09:00

I'm not sure how to describe the day that I had today.The Pinglet and I were out from 9AM to 5PM, going non-stop, with a quick nap in between while Mommy shopped around town**. We went to a children's play place at the local mall, which for some reason known only to the powers that be, is free every Wednesday. Packed chock-full of kids and mommies, with the occasional daddy watching over their

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-12179522476985755232008-10-18T23:00:00.002+09:002008-10-18T23:26:21.206+09:00

The Pinglet had her first taste of Europe this past weekend. We went to visit Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki (photos coming soon), which is where Ping and I went a few times a year, in our pre-Pinglet days. It was fantastic, and just to annoy me, the Pinglet slept through the night both nights at the hotel--in a crib no less--and I had my first unbroken night of sleep in a year and a half.Of course,

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-37480649175274412032008-10-08T23:50:00.001+09:002008-10-08T23:50:05.513+09:00

I.WANT.MY.CAFFEINE.FIX...NOW!!, originally uploaded by aurora94.The newest reason for a Pinglet that wakes up at night more times than I care to count (courtesy of Ping):Maybe she sees ghosts?And yes, he's serious.Hmmm...maybe it's due to her caffeine intake at Starbucks. Their Java Chip Frappicino's are to die for.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-6021061083198541862008-10-03T22:28:00.003+09:002008-10-03T22:37:56.651+09:00

A short message from the Pinglet:"digjiaojigjrioajigodjifjajfojgihaijdifjeoaijfiojgiahiofjodij bye fdaiofjgijasiojgiaosg"She said "bye!" Her first word (well, if you don't count her saying the word "red" randomly on her first birthday with Bapu)!! She said it to Ping today when he left. It was so quiet I thought I didn't hear it, and of course, no amount of cajoling would get her to say it again.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-55267527903143725562008-09-28T00:19:00.002+09:002008-09-28T00:35:36.000+09:00

The day starts out like any other. The Pinglet wakes up before 5AM for the day (yes, you read that correctly), and welcomes a stumbling Ping and I to her new swinging single pad. She likes to greet us with a shrill shriek just to make sure that we've heard her.After breakfast, we like to go outside for a "walk," which means that I either attempt to steer the Pinglet in one direction and she runs

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-40029617029652128362008-09-19T00:05:00.001+09:002008-09-19T00:05:25.814+09:00

Mommy's Little Helper, originally uploaded by aurora94.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-83114903357283694052008-09-14T00:27:00.008+09:002008-09-14T01:12:28.952+09:00

Ahhh...look at that sunshine. OK, it's still a bit dark, but I'm sure I just saw a little hint of light right over in the corner of the room. Ah ha! There it is...it must be morning. Time to get up! Up, UP, UPPPP, Mommy and Tosan! Rise and shine!Hmmm...it looks like they don't hear me. I don't like to do this so early in the morning because I have to warm up my vocal cords, but drastic times

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-73352929908127806932008-09-04T13:01:00.004+09:002008-09-04T13:18:38.943+09:00

What does that mean? I've always wondered.We're finally in our new place! We moved last Saturday with the help of the Pinglet, who was my little assistant, taking things out of boxes after they had already been packed, crawling into said empty boxes to pretend she was on a ship, etc., etc. Everything got packed eventually by 3AM on Friday night.Our new place is about a billion times bigger than

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-47143321395595510522008-08-24T02:23:00.009+09:002008-08-24T02:49:39.878+09:00

This is so Japan. Check out what the spokesperson for the Japanese synchronized swim team had to say about the collapse of one of the athletes. You know, just as long as no one's inconvenienced.The Nap: My current lifestyle reduced to 200 words. A great article if just for this one perfect line: "THE NAP makes us do crazy things, like weird hip-rotating dances and bizarre rituals such as turning

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-77086637871372295812008-08-24T02:21:00.001+09:002008-08-24T02:21:08.588+09:00

Synchronized swimming, originally uploaded by aurora94.I can only wonder what goes on behind such a cute expression.Tonight, we went to a restaurant that I haven't been to for a year or so. It was one of mine and Ping's favorite Italian places but is pretty far from where we live (and will be even farther when we move on THURSDAY and OMG, I'm not even packed, what am I going to do, tried to pack

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-25133132322552499122008-08-17T17:29:00.004+09:002008-08-17T17:32:11.887+09:00

9.69What else is there to say???

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-40446246013161826612008-08-11T00:57:00.005+09:002008-08-11T01:47:59.397+09:00

Here is a running list of the ailments affecting the Ping/Kuri/Pinglet household:Natsubate (Conditions: Tired but unable to sleep, lethargic, no appetite, brain feels like it's wrapped in cotton; Can be confused with jet lag or first few months with newborn): Ahh, natsubate. A well-known condition in Japan which works well when you need an excuse for not being able to do any work (Doesn't work

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-32408887716318980012008-08-09T01:04:00.006+09:002008-08-09T01:56:11.321+09:00

I'm long overdue for a rant about Japan. But it's a perfect time...the weather is unbearably hot, I'm sweating so much that I think I've lost 2/3'rds of my body weight (don't I wish), and I'm going to have to really start packing to move at the end of the month to our new place, while trying to keep the Pinglet out of everything and not melting into a puddle. I'm not in a very happy place at the

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-24573998147688591922008-08-05T23:57:00.006+09:002008-08-06T00:38:13.659+09:00

My, oh my...yesterday was quite the costly day for me. I've been taking the Pinglet out a lot during the day because she's decided that she only needs to nap once a day (even though I was more than happy to nap throughout the day with her when necessary). Unfortunately, even though she's made that executive decision, she's quite squiffy when she gets to her witching hour, which pretty much lasts

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-43559450124927264122008-08-05T23:55:00.002+09:002008-08-05T23:57:00.795+09:00

Online dating, originally uploaded by aurora94.The Pinglet meeting her friend, Jonah, from BABYMOON online for the first time!

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-68732504829014740652008-08-01T00:18:00.010+09:002008-08-01T00:40:04.039+09:00

Scientist(Who knew a leaf could command such attention?)Grump(Also known as "Grumplestiltskin", holding on to our missing phone. I wonder if it will turn up once she graduates high school.) Smiley Bestselling author Olympian

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-78364440036908004912008-07-24T02:01:00.008+09:002008-07-24T02:19:26.072+09:00

So, the semis (cicadas) came out in full force last night, and one confused insect woke the Pinglet up from a sound sleep at 4AM by chirruping outside my front door.Now that the semis are here, I know that the summer's arrived. The only good thing about their arrival is that their departure will signal the end of the dog days of summer and the sooner we start this process, the sooner I'll be

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731558.post-64678121421825541582008-07-22T02:45:00.003+09:002008-07-22T02:56:15.052+09:00

The birthday girl and Mommy, originally uploaded by aurora94.The Pinglet's one year birthday has come and gone. I can't believe that a year has passed already! It seems like just yesterday that she made her (very boisterous) way into the world.We had a great time with Bapu and Nana, especially since we had to cancel the Pinglet's party with her little friends because of a touch of the 'runs.

kuri, ping & the pinglethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010557297967944726noreply@blogger.com7