Curry

Curry is one of Japan's most popular dishes.  In the USA, sushi is very popular as a Japanese dish but we don't make it often at home.  Making sushi is usually for a special occasion.  In contrast, many Japanese make curry at home very often. The great thing about Japanese style curry is that with the simplicity of the recipe, everyone can enjoy tasty dish.  Many people have their original recepes.  Japanese curry is less spicy and thicker than the Thai and Indian curry.  Commonly, it is served in three ways which is curry rice, curry noodle and curry bread.  Various types of curry are sold in boil-in-the-bag pouches and roux blocks.  It is not at all an exaggeration to say that curry is the national food of the Japanese. 

ESL 142

The ESL142 was my second English semester at NCC.  Honestly, it was much harder than the previous class.  And I'm sure it's the same for everyone.  I had to do a lot of work within a limited time since I have a child.  I felt I almost screwed up.  However, I thought that It was a great experience.  I have never finish reading English book before, although I tried to read several times.  But surprisingly, I read two books in this semester.  Also, writhing a summary of a book was my first experience. I guess it really helped me get used to writing.  Writing blogs also helped me to create ideas.  Especially, the environmental topic was very interesting for me. I hope I'll be able to this pass class, so I can take a little break to realx and enjoy during the summer.

Sauna

I used like to go to public bath called "sauna" when I was in Japan.  The sauna facility in the city area of Japan is amazing.  They have many kind of large spa pool and sauna, masssage, nail, hair cut, dinning room, and lodging. It is feeling like you are in a resort!!??  Taking sauna bath after work used to be one of the best way to rid of stress for me.  Bathing in a sauna could be unusual for the people from other country because it is done without a single item of clothing on. But don't worry, men and women are separated.  Sometimes, when I had to work overtime until late at night, I stayed overnight at sauna with my co-workers.  It may sounds weired, but it is one of my pleasant memories.  

Ise Shrine

My home town called shima-city in Mie Preficture is located in the southern Honshu, Japan. It is about about 2.5 hours from Osaka by train. Ise Shrine is an important Shinto Shrine located in about 20 miles form my home town.  It has been designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government.  Amaterasu-Oomikami, a god described in Japanese myth was enshrined in the shrine.  The People from all over Japan come to the shrine to pray for a happiness and a healthy year.  People can visit there all year around but the New Years day is the busiest because the first visit of shrine or temple at New Year called "Hastumoude" is one of our important religious event. I also like to visit "Okage Yokocho" next to the shrine grounds where it feels time slipped back to Edo period around 1700s.  I love to eat Japanese traditional sweets there!!

Teaching language

My seven-years-old son only speaks English.  I thought my son would be bilingual before he was born.  However, the thing was not easy.  And I realized that it really needs patience.  I have been teaching him a Japanese for long time.  After he started going child day care, he became more familiar with listening and speaking English.  He understands some Japanese words but he always responds me in English.  Sometimes I get confuse when I having conversation with him in Japanese and English.  It is very stressful.  He also can not communicate with my family in Japan.   Since he likes Nintendo games, I try to motivate him to learn Japanese to get a job at Nintendo when he grow up!  One of the reason I decided to go back to school is that I really felt I need to improve my English for my son, when I realized it is difficult to communicate in Japanese.  Because I felt that he won't be listen to me when he grow up if I don't speak English well.  I hope he will be able to speak Japanese better by the time we go to Japan.  Raising child in a different contry is really a big challenge.

Magnolia bakery

I wasn’t a big fun of cupcake.  However, since I read an article about Magnolia bakery on Japanese weekly newspaper in New York, I was very interested to try it.   Magnolia bakery is originally located in downtown of New York City.  The bakery became very famous since it was featured on popular TV drama “Sex and the City”.  Their shop now is located in Los Angeles and Dubai too.  When I went to the Natural History Museum last week, I stopped at one of their shop in Grand Central Station.  I personally didn’t like American cake.  It is hard to find good pastry in the USA.  Even it is three or more stars restaurant’s pastry had never satisfied me.  Therefore, honestly, I didn’t really expect it would be good.  I tried a cupcake called Japan cupcake and Chocolate cupcake. (I shared with my son.) They were both surprisingly amazing!! The sponge cake was soft and fluffy (I don’t like wet and heavy kind of sponge cake). The icing was stunningly rich and not too sweet.   I had never had a cupcake which made me so happy.  There is a famous cupcake bakery shop called “Crumbs” in Westport and it is also originated from NYC. I was really disappointed when I eat their cupcake a few months ago.  In contrast, Magnolia bakery’s cupcakes are truly great!  

Gaspe Peninsula

Gaspe was the final destination of my trip in Canada.  It took about twelve hours From Montreal by bus.  I and my friend were exhausted when we get there.  We stayed in the motel near the bus stop and we went to buy dinner to the town which is located the walking distances from the bus stop.  The town looked empty and quiet.  My first impression about Gaspe was deserted place. I just saw few people in the supermarket area.  I don't think I can live here.  Next day, we took a bus another an hour to see Perce Rock.  It is popular photographed spot in Gaspe Peninsula.  Perce was a small tourist village. The view of Perce Rock was very beautiful!!  We also visited museum and unique shops there.

This ten month journey gave me an unprecedented experiences and memories.  I had many encounters during this journey and I’m still getting in touch with them. Our dream is travelling across Canada once again when we retire.  I can hardly wait it!!

Quebec City

Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec.  It took three hours from Montreal.  Quebec City is charming, adorable and romantic.  When I walking around the city, I couldn’t believe this is in North America. I’ve never been to Paris but many people said it is like Paris.  I like the colors of the buildings and a lot of café.  People were very friendly to the tourists.  There are many family operated petite hotels in the city.  It is reasonable than staying regular hotels and feels like at home.  Since we have been in the youth hostel for many days, we were very happy to stay nice and relaxing private room.  We enjoyed great dinner at Petit Champlain area.  The menu was only in French and the waiter didn't speak English very well.  Although it was a challenge, everything was excellent.  People said that visiting in Quebec City in winter is also beautiful.  I hope I could visit there again sometime near future. 

Montreal

I just remembered I haven’t finished the story of my travel experience across Canada. 

Montreal is the second largest city in Canada.  Almost 70% of their population speaks French.  When I arrived in Montreal, I felt like I came to Europe. I like the combination of modern downtown and historical area of Old Montreal.  I also impressed about how people are very friendly there.  It was a big difference from Toronto or any other big city.  Although we can’t really communicate, people tried to have conversation with us and helped us a lot almost everywhere we go. 

I had a memorable episode at Montreal.  I and my friend were trying to find how to get to the youth hostel and we were looking at a map at the subway station.  One guy asked us if we need a help.  He kindly took us to the youth hostel, although it was late evening.  When we get to the youth hostel, we realized that it is not very good area.  He asked us “Are you sure you want to stay here?”  We said “…Mm..Yes…”   Because we hadn’t thought any other option and we were too tired to look for another one.  Surprisingly, he offered us to stay his house.  We were little hesitated because it could be a bad choice…???  But he really seems not like that kind of person.  Then, we agreed. (I wouldn't agree if I were by myself...)   He gave us a nice confortable room and he prepared a breakfast for us next morning.  Additionally, he borrowed a car from his brother and drove us around for sightseeing.  At a lunch time, we offered to buy his lunch for thank you.  But he said “You don’t have to do that. I just want you guy to enjoy staying Montreal.” He was really a nice guy.

His kindness really made our trip more memorable and enjoyable.  I love Montreal!!

A phone stress

Today, I tried to make a payment for my car insurance.  Since I forgot to send a check by mail, I had to pay it over the phone to meet the due date.  First, the machine said that press your zip code to verify. Next, it asked me “if you want to make a payment over the phone say Yes or No”.  Then, it said “Do you want to pay current amount? Or the whole amount of rest of the year? Or other amount?”  I said “Current amount” but the machine didn’t recognize my pronunciation.  I shouted on the phone “Current amount!” for three times.  Finally, the phone was transferred to the assistant.  It gave me more stress.  The customer assistant speaks so fast and unclearly.  I had to say “Excuse me?” and ” Could you speak more slowly?” many times .  When I finally finished making a payment, he started to offer life insurance.  I just wanted to finish this conversation.  I just said “I’ll call back if I’m interested.” and hang up the phone. How come so difficult about just making a payment?   When I hang up the phone, I was so exhausted and depressed.

Karaoke

When I was in Japan, I used to go to karaoke a lot.  It was the great way to rid of stress.  In Japan, the Karaoke box is very popular.  The karaoke box means that the place provides the small private room which people can enjoy karaoke with friends and family.  The price is based on the hour.  They also provide food and drink.  I don’t like to sing at a bar or the front of the people who I don’t know.  I just want to enjoy it with my close friends and family. I wish there is karaoke box around here.  Anyway, it is one of the pleasures of visiting Japan.

My previous job

I used to work at Japanese cosmetic company called Shiseido which located in Darien.   I worked there for 7 years.  I was working in the regulatory affairs group in R&D department.   My main job was that submitting product labeling information to FDA.   And another responsibility was that providing product technical information to Canada and South America branch office to help them for registering the products to their health ministries. It was challenging because I didn’t have any background of sciences.  Luckily, my boss helped me a lot to learn and get used to my work.   Through the job I had really good relationship with the people in Japan, Canada, Brazil and France.  Overall, I enjoyed working there.

On the other hand, I had a bad impression.  While I was working there, the chief of our department has changed three times.   They come from Japan and their assignment is usually three years.  I didn’t like this policy. Because, when they get used to the new assignment and surroundings it’s already time to go back to Japan.  How they can provide fare evaluation to the employment?   I thought that they should make them thlonger assignment or hire local person who can control the office. 

Community farm

I started grow vegetables at community farm in Norwalk two years ago. The farm is owned by the city and they rent it to the residence ten dollers a year.  I thought it is great idea.  It is fun to grow vegetables and we are happy to eat fresh and safe vegetables.  But I learned that it really needs a lot of work to maintain the plants.  Last year, we planted beans but the insect eated up all the leaves.  Since it was very hot last summer, the beans started dried up after they lost leaves which were working as a shades.  Finally, I had to dug out all the beans.  Also, the egglant and lettace didn't grow well.  However, some other vegetables which are the tomatos, carrots, cucumbers and herbs grew very well.  I also like to have contact with people in the community at the firm.  I can't wait for spring!

Max

Our pet, Max, is a gold fish.  He has been here for a year.  Soon after I got him from the pet shop, he got weak and he was always floating like lying down on the surface of water.  I thought that he was sick already when I got him at the pet shop and he won't live long. I went to the pet shop and explained the symptom to the shop assistant but I couldn't get good solution.  I realized that they are not really a expart. I decided to check on the web and look for the symptom for long time.  Then I finally found it.  It said that it is not actually a sick, it is just too much air in the stomach.  I was feeding a fish flakes that floats on water.  The problem was that when he eats, he swallowes a lots of air with it.  I went back to pet shop and found the food which sinks in the water. As soon as I changed his food, he got better. We are happy to have Max as a part of our family.

Kids birthday party

The Birthday is the one of the big celebration in the U.S.A.  Especially for the kids, it seems having a birthday party is very important.  As a mother, my son's birthday is a happy day but I feel pressure every year at this time. I was suprised about kids birthday party here.  My son has attended variety of birthday party since he was born.  Gym party, Musium party etc... Many of the parents spend more than $300 for the birthday party.  When I was a child, the birthday cerebration was simple and held at home.  Honestly, the birthday party trends here is unbelievable for me. However, it is said "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"  I'm running around to find a place to have my son's birthday party again this year.

Salad Dressing receipe

I like to eat salad but I can't good Asian style salad dressing from the supermarket.  I got this salad dressing receipe from my friend.  It is so good with the Asian style dinner.

• Sesame seeds      30g
• Onion   Sliced     1/2
• Carrots Sliced     1/2 cup
• Garlic                   1 glove
• Vegetable Oil      350cc
• Rice Vineger       100cc
• Soy Sauce            130cc
• Sugar                    35g
• Ginger                  3 Slices

Put all the ingredients in the blender and puree until they are smooth.  It can be  preservable in the refregerator for two weeks.  Check it out!!

Love coffee shop

I love to go to coffee shop.  I go to cafe almost everyday for relaxing, studying, and meeting my friends.  It is kind of addicted.  I started to go there for studying at first.  I can't concentrate to study at home because so many interruptions.  I'm grad to have coffee shop like Starbucks here and there now. I like their amazing choice of coffee menu and free unlimited wifi service.  I also like starbucks's sandwiches.  I think they taste much better than Subway sandwiches.  

Workers of nuke energy plant

Fukushima nucler energy plant, which is Tokyo Electoric Power, has caused varous troubles since the earthquake.  Overseas media said that there were concerns on safety issue of the plant for long time before the earthquake.  I agree that they have a responsibilty to fix those problems immediatry and obligation to compensate the damages.

On the other hand, I feel very sad to hear the news about people who work at the nuke plant.  Yesterday, three workers were hospitalized because they had exposed when they were working at the building next to the no.3 reactor.  And the another news said that one of the worker told his wife on the phone that he only sleep one or two hours on the chair and getting only nutrition bar for the meal at work.  The wife said that her husband hasn't gone back home since the earthquake.  I just so sorry for those workers especially downstream workers, who have been forced to work under extreme conditions. 

People in the disaster area

Still more than 250,000 people are staying the evacuation center in Japan.  People are suffering shortage of many supplies. Especially, fuel shortage is the serious problem.  They don't have fuel to heat up evacuation center and to transport supplies. Many people would not be able to sleep because of the chill, hanger and anxiety.

I don't know how I describe my feeling about what is happing in my country.  It is absolutely deviated situation.  Japanese has been dealing with many harricanes and earthquekes.  However, many people probably wouldn't imagine this huge catastrophe.

However, the Japansese broadcasts says that the people in the evacuation centers are waiting for supplies patiently and many of them are working hard to help each other although in this tragic situation. I never heard the news of violence or dispoliation. I'm just very proud of those Japanese. 

In addition, I have been concerning about the workers at the nucler enery facility. They are working with a huge risk of thier life.  I assume that the family of the worker's suffering are also immeasurable.

Heart-breaking story

I read this heart-breaking story at yahoo Japan on 3/14.  Here is the contents of the article...

“Everybody, escape from here right now!!” –The whole town of Minamisanriku in Miyagi Prefecture was engulfed by Tsunami.  Miki Endo, who works at the Minamisanriku town office in crisis management section, had stayed in the office with other workers after the M9.0 earthquake.  She kept working to order a full evacuation to the residence over the community wireless system. When the deadly tsunami came, she shouted on the microphone “Tsunami is coming! It's more than 20-feet! Everybody escape from here now!!” The woman who survived by hearing Miki's warning said that she just grabbed her cell phone and rushed to the high school which on the hill.  And when she looked back toward her town, she saw that the big wave coming toward to near the hill with sweeping off trees, houses and everything. The town hall was completely destroyed. Miraculously, ten of the town hall workers were survived by hanged onto the tower of the building.  However, Miki was gone. One of the workers saw she swept away into the water.

I believe that her announcement saved many people's life. She was only 25-years-old.

Tsunami

My home town called Mie Prefecture is located near by Pacific Ocean. My grandparents lived in the house which over looking a beautiful beach.  Every summer vacation, I stayed there with my cousin and went to the beach every day. I have seen tsunami a couple of times when I was staying there.  Before tsunami comes, the sea tide gets extremely low.  It is horrible scene to watch the sea water goes out very far. 

The tsunami that occurred yesterday in Japan were many times more powerful than I saw.  I would assume that it was unimaginable horror for the people who live in the northeast of coastal area of Japan. On Japanese TV, all the regular programs are cancelled and they keep reporting the situation of the incident. I saw that one of the whole town was sunk into the water.  Many people are still can not find their loved ones safety.  I knew that we can't control the force of nature, but this incident made me realize it again. 

Strong Earthquake in Japan

I’m watching Japanese TV all day since this morning.  I usually don’t say home and watch TV on day time but today is a different.  It is because that a major earthquake happened in my country, Japan.  It was the largest earthquake in record history in Japan which is Magnitude 8.8.  Also a strong Tsunami hit Miyagi Prefecture, which is the Pacific Ocean side of northeast area, and it looks like causing extensive damage. The largest earthquake hit about 11 hours ago and still powerful aftershocks are continuing.  Also there is another earthquake hit Nagano Prefecture just few minutes ago and they still don't know there is a relation between the one biggest one.  Tsunami warning and watch has issued almost all coastal area of Japan.  I felt like what's going to happen to Japan!!  I have nothing to do besides praying.  Fortunately, I still haven’t heard any damage about my hometown, which is Mie Prefecture, but I can’t get my family on the phone.  It is because the phone is not working many area of Japan.  It is terrifying situation.  

Ottawa

We bought a Voyageur bus pass at Toronto for travelling east coast of Canada.  We decided to go to Ottawa at first.  It took about five hours to get to Ottawa from Toronto. Ottawa is the capital city of Canada.  We visited the house of parliament, a symbol of Ottawa which rise on the parliament hill nearby Ottawa River. It was beautiful Gothic building and I felt like I’m in England. You can see great view of the parliament across from the Ottawa River.  Ottawa is a compact and well-maintained city.  By-ward market square which is located in downtown Ottawa was interesting and relaxing.  It is one of the oldest and largest markets in Canada. There are many little restaurants hidden in the back of the street.  We enjoyed eating lunch and watching street performance.

Toronto-Niagara Falls

I and my friend headed to Toronto after we left Banff.  Toronto is the providential capital of Ontario and it is the biggest city in Canada. We visited CN Tower which is the tallest tower in the world, Casa Loma, which is the historic mansion, Fort York, Royal Ontario Museum. etc..  Since we did not have many choices of the restaurant in Banff, we were excited about the food in Toronto.  We ate Chinese food at China town many times during the stay.  Dim Sum was fantastic!! It is one of my favorite food.  Chinese food in Toronto is authentic and less expensive since there are more than 200,000 Chinese lives there.  We took a day trip to Niagara Falls. It is the one of the most famous tourist spot in the world. The view of the Niagara Falls were unbelievable.  I was impressed to see a big and powerful nature of beauty.  I took excursion boat to get closer to the fall, I felt like I an very small, minuscule part of nature.  Although I have been wearing poncho, I got soaking wet.                  

Canadian Rockies –wild animals

I have seen many wild animals during the summer.  When you are driving, hiking and biking, there are numerous opportunities to watch wildlife in Canadian Rockies.  Either early morning or before sunset is the best chance to see large mammals, such as a bear, moose, Elk and mountain goat.  It was really interesting to see a bear crossing a road.  I was so excited when I saw grizzly bear first time. I believe it was on the way to go to Jasper National Park which is located about 150 miles from Lake Louise.  We saw couple of bears walking side of the road from the tour bus.  Driver stopped the bus and told us that those are grizzly bears.  He explained that Grizzly bear has humped shoulder, elevated forehead and brownish silver fur.  He said that they may grow about to 8 feet and weigh more than 800 pounds.  I played that I’m not bump into them during biking or hiking.  I saw lots of other wild animals during staying there.  I really enjoyed spending days watching wild animals. 

Canadian Rockies

Banff National park is located about 100 miles west from Calgary, Alberta.  Since my hometown usually don’t have snow, winter in Banff was bitterly cold quite inconvenient to getting around.  But I was happy because I could try something new.   It’s skiing.  That’s all people can do in snowy winter there.  When spring comes, I fell in love with the beauty of the scenery.  I was not expected to stay long in Banff at first, but I finally stayed there until summer.  I visited many places around Banff National Park. One of my favorite places is Lake Louise which is located about 60 miles from Banff.  The best time to visit there is right after the ice of the lake melted.  The color of the Lake Louise turns creamy blue and was amazingly beautiful.  I still cannot forget the color.  Another favorite place is Lake O’hara. I was suggested to go there by local person who lives in Lake Louise and he said that it is the most spectacular place in the Canadian Rockies.  Instead of taking a tour bus, I rent a bicycle to get there from Lake Louise. I believe that it took more than 3 hours.  Parks Canada has limited summer access of people to enter the Lake to protect environment.  Luckily, I and my friends allowed getting in to the shuttle bus which runs by national parks to enter.  After 30 minutes ride on the shuttle bus, we started to hike to Lake O’hara.  During a hiking, I was very impressed fantastic view of mountains, trees, lakes and wild animals. The refraction of mountain on the lake was like art.  It was so peaceful and refreshing.

Canada - Vancouver

I travelled across Canada when I was 20’s. It was my most enjoyable and memorable trip.  First, I flew to Vancouver and stayed there for three month.  Downtown Vancouver was smaller than I thought. But I impressed about beautiful beach and well organized big park. With the approaching winter, I started felt boring because it was raining almost every day.  So I decided leave Vancouver and headed for Banff, Alberta by bus. Eventhough it took about thirteen hours, I was excited because it was my first time to travel with long-distance coach. To be honest, I was not really interested in mountains since I grew up near the ocean. I just decided to go there since I'm in Canada. However, the nature of the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks has changed my opinion 180 degrees.  I was amazed to see beautiful mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. I thought that I haven’t seen anything so beautiful before.

Paper towels

Our home, my challenge now is that reducing the consumption of paper towels.  My husband is the biggest user of the paper towels.  One day, I asked him try using less paper towels because they cost a lot and not good for the environment.  He said that “Sharing hand towels are not healthy that’s why I’m using paper towels.  My first priority is our health, not an environment.”  I thought what he saying makes sense, too.   I decided to put a pile of clean hand towels in the bathroom, so we can use a new hand towels every time.  I’ll see how this thing goes.   

Paid plastic shopping bag

To reduce garbage and protect the environment, my good idea is to charge on shopping plastic bags by law. I believe it could lead to a huge reduction in resource consumption.  I have been concerned about giving away so many plastic bags at a supermarket.  I was always worried about the most people may be just throwing them in the garbage after unbaged.  If the shopping bags are not free, many people would start to use recycle shopping bags.

The old navy was giving away to the customer a free recycle bags when you shop during a sale. I thought it is good idea to attract customers and it is helping to raise awareness of environmental concerns.  I hope many businesses come up with this kind of earth-friendly ideas.

Recycle separation

Since I am learning environmental issue in my class, this week’s my Theme is what we can do about our environment.  I think that recycle situation is depending on the area you live.  I live in a condo in Norwalk and our recycle bins are sorted by “bottles and cans only”, “papers only” and “cardboards”.   That’s only choice we have.  When I separating recycle garbage, I always stuck with what to do with plastic containers.  There are many kinds of recyclable plastic package.   I believe that burning plastic will generate harmful substances to the atmosphere.   May be there is a guideline but I have never seen?   My opinion is that the city should announce to the people aggressively about guideline of separating recycle garbage, so people will become more conscious bout recycling. 

My first Peapod delivery

Last week was my nightmare.   My whole family got a flu!!  I decide to order foods by Peapod since no one can get out of bed.   Thank god we have this great service!  Delivery fee which $9.95 is not so bad.  It was hard to go on the computer with headache and fever but there was no other way to feed my family, I thought.  Peapod delivery came next day at 8:00am.  It was earlier than I expected.  Good service!!  But when I opened shopping bags, I was disappointed.  I ordered 5 pieces of Bananas, but there was whole bunch of Bananas.  The ground beef was too old and smelly.  The wrong amount was charged for ground pork which was $10.99, instead of real price of $2.99.  Finally, I had to go buy dinner. Are we just unlucky?  At least, I learned that I should not buy meats through Peapod delivery.

Valentain's Day

Today is Valentain's Day.  In America, both men and women exchange gifts on Valentain's day.  However, in my country, it is a big day for women to confess their love to men they like.  Another interesting custom on Valentain's day is "giri-choco".  It is obligation Valentain's chocolate for men's co-workers, bosses and friends.  I did not like this.  When I was working in my counrty, I used to buy many chocolate for my co-workers and bosses because it was like part of women's job in the office.  We had to make sure everybody gets one because many men will dissappoint if they didn't receive one.  Even though, they knew it is only giri-choco.  Many women think this custon would dissapear.  Do you have any interesting Valentain's custom in your country?