Point A to B

I had a couple interesting commuting experiences in Japan this week. Yesterday I missed my normal ride home so I commuted via train. I have ridden many trains but this was my first time going through Osaka during rush hour. I think that all 17 million people that live in the Metro area were traveling at the same time. Despite the congestion it is really easy to get around. There really is no need for a car here other than for me to get to work. Public transportation is great.

Today was another milestone. I got my car this afternoon and today was my first day ever to drive in Japan. This evening I drove home from work in the same rush hour traffic. For those of you that don’t know, they drive on the other side of the road here. The fact that I was able to make it home with any significant damage to the car, myself, or any pedestrians is something I am proud of. I plan on doing some driving this weekend around the island (less traffic) to hone my skills. I also probably need to remove my finger grooves from the steering wheel.

The car is pretty cool. It is a Toyota Prius – one of those hybrid jobs. Its smaller than what I am used to, but very cool. They area very popular here and I had to wait some time to get it.

Sorry for the lack of pictures with the Japan posts. My camera is in Iowa!

So Much, So Fast

As we were packing up our house in New York, Sean Patrick was just beginning to sit up. He was wobbly, falling back and hitting his head quite often. He was also up on all fours rocking and moving around like an inch worm. That was the end of July.

Just a few short weeks later he

--is sitting up unassisted all of the time

--is crawling FAST

--is pulling himself up on the couch, exersaucer, cabinets, and anything else nearby

--had two teeth poke through his gums

--is saying da da da da da

He thinks he can

--let go of the couch, exersaucer, or cabinets

--take a few steps to mom (not a good plan unless I lend him my hands)

Life has drastically changed for me as I have barely a moment that I am not getting him out of something. I am really hoping he does not walk until 12 months. Yes I am that selfish. I mean he does not need to be an overachiever. He is extremely curious and seems to have his Dad's interest in technical stuff as he is always searching for a cord to pull.

I know it stinks for Pat that he is not seeing this first hand. I am recording what I can catch. Many more firsts will be coming our way in Japan when we are all together.