It was a somewhat different Christmas in the Tennese household this year. One son was away in Japan and another joined us for the first time ever. Garry's son, Michael and his wife, Alysa came from Edmonton so the table was still full with 9 diners! Claire proposed a toast and I welcomed M and A and was about to add something for Colin when my throat caught and I needed to stop. Uncle Wayne added 'and a toast to Colin in Japan'! With the family dynamics changed we also varied the menu a bit. I tried a recipe from Oprah and marinated the turkey in soy sauce, lemon juice and dijon mustard. The turkey itself didn't taste much different, (altho it was very moist) but the gravy sure did! I liked it, but found it a little heavy on the mustard side. Dessert was my lemon forest cake with icing sugar sprinkled for snow. No trifle this year. Colin has never been a big fan of turkey so didn't miss much.
We checked our computer several times thruout the evening to see if Colin was awake yet and were finally able to speak with him via Skype once he woke up around 11am, which was 8pm our time. He opened presents while we listened. I had sent some Christmas dishes, a very funny book on Japan by Dave Barry and a Samurai nutcracker holding a $500 cheque. Angie and Claire bought him a camp Wasaga t-shirt. Most of the goodies we sent were donated to 2 parties he attended. After a 20 minute chat we returned to our guests and opened some family gifts. Colin will mail us a parcel next week when he gets back from his trip to Tokyo.
I was struck with the realization that this Christmas is the beginning of a different future...that soon our Christmases will change with my kids getting older and perhaps the addition of in-laws and grandchildren at the table someday. It's not an unpleasant thought and although we miss Colin always we do know that he's having fun., learning lots and that this a Christmas he'll always remember as well because of his stay in Japan, where it's not really a big holiday. We tried to bring a little of our tradition to his small apartment, but maybe we should just let him experience a new culture in their way. I don't think he's feeling any nostalgia for what he missed with us.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
I Cried Today - I Miss My Boy!
Last night we finally had time to put lights on the tree, which has been standing ready since Sunday and the girls started to decorate it. All breakables are close to the top and the ones that kittens can swat are of course sensibly near the bottom.
No one loves Christmas more than me and I decorate extensively! I've always enjoyed doing it and am finishing the job in the daylight with Christmas music blaring. I found myself with mixed feelings when I brought out all the special 'Colin' decorations..of which there are many. Happy to see them all again and sad that I'm putting them up myself.
I've collected special ornaments since the kids were born..many have their names on them, some have pictures of when they were little with missing teeth. Every year we add more. Even tho Colin wasn't that eager in the latter years to help decorate the tree (video games always more important) I always left his out so that he was forced to put them on. After all, tradition is tradition! Well, this year it's my job and the reality that he'll be away for Christmas for the first time ever really affected me as I brought out his engraved ornaments and listened to jazz carols in the background!
I've tried to make his Japanese Christmas special and sent 2 parcels loaded with goodies he's fond of and some Christmasy things to decorate his small apt. including a very small tabletop tree. Omi sent him one too.
This is one Christmas that none of us will ever forget! I look forward to speaking with him on the 24th and sharing stories!
No one loves Christmas more than me and I decorate extensively! I've always enjoyed doing it and am finishing the job in the daylight with Christmas music blaring. I found myself with mixed feelings when I brought out all the special 'Colin' decorations..of which there are many. Happy to see them all again and sad that I'm putting them up myself.
I've collected special ornaments since the kids were born..many have their names on them, some have pictures of when they were little with missing teeth. Every year we add more. Even tho Colin wasn't that eager in the latter years to help decorate the tree (video games always more important) I always left his out so that he was forced to put them on. After all, tradition is tradition! Well, this year it's my job and the reality that he'll be away for Christmas for the first time ever really affected me as I brought out his engraved ornaments and listened to jazz carols in the background!
I've tried to make his Japanese Christmas special and sent 2 parcels loaded with goodies he's fond of and some Christmasy things to decorate his small apt. including a very small tabletop tree. Omi sent him one too.
This is one Christmas that none of us will ever forget! I look forward to speaking with him on the 24th and sharing stories!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A DAY TO REMEMBER
We spoke to Colin for the first time since he left on Sept. 24th. Of course I instantly burst into tears when I heard his voice and he thought I was dumb. Colin asked me to google skype and then we simultaneously downloaded it and spoke for about an hour. Sooo good to hear his voice...a little like being in a cave, but quite clear. It was so much easier getting some answers verbally rather than writing them on msn. Once again I herald technology!
The parcel was mailed on the 30th of Oct. and he received it last Saturday so just over 8 days at a cost of $142 express post! It was a 6+ kg. package in a fairly big box. We'll try to make the next one smaller. The peanut butter cups were a big hit with his friends and there has been a request for more. It will have to be mailed this week before our 2 week trip to the Dominican because the next one is going surface, which the post office says takes 6 weeks. He doesn't seem to want much so we'll send mostly Christmas treats that would be hard if not impossible to find in Japan. Of course we'd be thrilled to receive a parcel back with some Japanese goodies of some sort.
I feel completely at peace with his being in another country. I know he's doing well and really enjoying it. He has a huge circle of friends there and loves his independence. That doesn't stop me from looking to see if there have been earthquakes in Japan every time I go on a news website though! I worry about his safety constantly so the frequent contact thru msn and now skype is reassuring to a dumb mother.
The parcel was mailed on the 30th of Oct. and he received it last Saturday so just over 8 days at a cost of $142 express post! It was a 6+ kg. package in a fairly big box. We'll try to make the next one smaller. The peanut butter cups were a big hit with his friends and there has been a request for more. It will have to be mailed this week before our 2 week trip to the Dominican because the next one is going surface, which the post office says takes 6 weeks. He doesn't seem to want much so we'll send mostly Christmas treats that would be hard if not impossible to find in Japan. Of course we'd be thrilled to receive a parcel back with some Japanese goodies of some sort.
I feel completely at peace with his being in another country. I know he's doing well and really enjoying it. He has a huge circle of friends there and loves his independence. That doesn't stop me from looking to see if there have been earthquakes in Japan every time I go on a news website though! I worry about his safety constantly so the frequent contact thru msn and now skype is reassuring to a dumb mother.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
He remembers Canada!
I thought I would try a postal experiment and send a small package to Colin to see how long it would take to arrive. That way we'll have a good idea of how soon to send the Christmas parcel. I asked him what he'd like me to send...2 books he'd left behind and peanut butter...a commodity apparently not available in Japan. This morning the request for hot sauce and a recipe of mine came...he'd like to make chili. All that ramen must be getting old by now! But, can you buy canned kidney beans in Japan? I was very surprised to hear that he hasn't eaten any sushi yet...maybe not as common as we would believe!
It's now officially a month since Colin left and the verdict is that his experience so far rates an 11.5 out of 10. I smiled when I read that as it was exactly what I thought he'd say! He's having fun, studying hard, meeting a lot of people and speaking mostly Japanese. He's well settled and loving it! That's all a mother wants to hear!
Thanks to msn messenger we usually speak twice a day. It's still a struggle to get a full description out of him, but I'm slowly learning more about his daily life and potential romantic conquests. I'm no longer getting teary at the thought of him so I'm adjusting too.
As it gets colder here I'm reminded (and a little jealous) that his climate is so much warmer than ours. It is apparently similar to San Diego's temperatures. As we get out our winter coats, he's wearing shorts and biking everywhere. My ice scraper is now in my car. Worlds apart, but it feels close thanks to technology. I found our webcam in his closet the other day. Now if I can find the other one in the girl's room perhaps we can see him too! That would be perfect!
It's now officially a month since Colin left and the verdict is that his experience so far rates an 11.5 out of 10. I smiled when I read that as it was exactly what I thought he'd say! He's having fun, studying hard, meeting a lot of people and speaking mostly Japanese. He's well settled and loving it! That's all a mother wants to hear!
Thanks to msn messenger we usually speak twice a day. It's still a struggle to get a full description out of him, but I'm slowly learning more about his daily life and potential romantic conquests. I'm no longer getting teary at the thought of him so I'm adjusting too.
As it gets colder here I'm reminded (and a little jealous) that his climate is so much warmer than ours. It is apparently similar to San Diego's temperatures. As we get out our winter coats, he's wearing shorts and biking everywhere. My ice scraper is now in my car. Worlds apart, but it feels close thanks to technology. I found our webcam in his closet the other day. Now if I can find the other one in the girl's room perhaps we can see him too! That would be perfect!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Who Will Eat The Leg?
Not a question ordinarily asked, but let's face it...we don't like dark turkey meat and the leg always goes to Colin. And as I asked it I realized that I do miss my boy and that this Thanksgiving is only the first of the special meals that he'll miss in the next year! He's not fond of turkey to start with and didn't even realize that it was Thanksgiving this past weekend...a zillion miles away from here and his meal no doubt consisted of rice of some sort.
We msn messenger every day now and it feels as if he's in the next room as I bombard him with questions, which he answers succinctly as if they're a bother. But the daily contact is welcomed on this side anyway and the main reason why I haven't had a need to blog in the last week. As one friend asked me..is it out of sight out of mind or absence makes the heart grow fonder? No doubt a little of both on my part...my heart couldn't grow any fonder for Colin and it's a bit easier to accept his being away with every passing day. We're already talking about how much he'll be changed when he returns. For his part, he's busy with a new life and probably not thinking too much about Canada at all at this stage. I try to keep him abreast of daily happenings in our house as well as Winnipeg and Canada. The girls anxiously await every new blog and love talking to him live on msn. We look at the pictures over and over noticing something new every time! The Winnipeg Free Press is on strike as of today so news will have to come from tv or the internet and it's election day in Canada. Will Harper grab a majority this time? How did Colin spend his weekend?
We msn messenger every day now and it feels as if he's in the next room as I bombard him with questions, which he answers succinctly as if they're a bother. But the daily contact is welcomed on this side anyway and the main reason why I haven't had a need to blog in the last week. As one friend asked me..is it out of sight out of mind or absence makes the heart grow fonder? No doubt a little of both on my part...my heart couldn't grow any fonder for Colin and it's a bit easier to accept his being away with every passing day. We're already talking about how much he'll be changed when he returns. For his part, he's busy with a new life and probably not thinking too much about Canada at all at this stage. I try to keep him abreast of daily happenings in our house as well as Winnipeg and Canada. The girls anxiously await every new blog and love talking to him live on msn. We look at the pictures over and over noticing something new every time! The Winnipeg Free Press is on strike as of today so news will have to come from tv or the internet and it's election day in Canada. Will Harper grab a majority this time? How did Colin spend his weekend?
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Internet is Truly a Wonderful Thing!
The last 24 hours have been so great! Can you even begin to imagine how nuts I'd be by now if I had to wait for the regular mail to arrive with a letter or pictures from Japan! We've been checking for his posts every morning and are so disappointed when there's no news, but we understand that he's had to use someone else's internet access and there is a limit to how much anyone wants to impose on other people's generosity! Colin finally got internet and not only were we able to msn messenger in real time last night but he also posted great pictures (on facebook) so that now we have a good concept of how he lives. The computer will be a good link for him to his other friends as well!
His apt (room) is definitely small, but the flooring is nice and it appears that he's settled quite well. 2 doors and a window bring in lots of sunshine! We'd also be interested in seeing pictures of Mana and Mio and the exterior of his builidng and how it's situated in relation to the street. He overlooks greenspace and a road and stores...something to look at...it makes you feel connected to the world when you can always see people....it's a good thing. I don't want Colin to be lonely...he's never lived alone before. It's usually fun at first!
My good friend Sandy noticed a book in her son, Marc's apt. that she thought might interest me and she was right! Marc is a doctor who did a brief intern stint in Japan earlier this year. She went out of her way to find the book for me at the library and I laughed til I cried on Saturday evening when I read it. A really funny book that I have to try and find for Colin...Dave Barry Does Japan...an American's view of Japan.
13 days gone and I can finally make it through a day without tears. I'm growing up, but not exactly getting used to the fact that Colin is gone for a year. With every passing day, the gulf just gets easier to handle. In fact I realized late last week that I'm no longer worrrying about Colin ( well ok, small white lie- I did worry when he went to Fukuoka for a concert). He's safe, school has started, he has a regular routine, is familiarizing himself with Saga and has friends. Our life goes on here without him. Milk in our fridge is lasting longer and I haven't had to clean the microwave because no one else seems to use it. But...those very miniscule advantages to his absence don't make up for the fact that my boy is gone and I do miss him. Love you my boy, take lots of pictures and enjoy every second!!!
His apt (room) is definitely small, but the flooring is nice and it appears that he's settled quite well. 2 doors and a window bring in lots of sunshine! We'd also be interested in seeing pictures of Mana and Mio and the exterior of his builidng and how it's situated in relation to the street. He overlooks greenspace and a road and stores...something to look at...it makes you feel connected to the world when you can always see people....it's a good thing. I don't want Colin to be lonely...he's never lived alone before. It's usually fun at first!
My good friend Sandy noticed a book in her son, Marc's apt. that she thought might interest me and she was right! Marc is a doctor who did a brief intern stint in Japan earlier this year. She went out of her way to find the book for me at the library and I laughed til I cried on Saturday evening when I read it. A really funny book that I have to try and find for Colin...Dave Barry Does Japan...an American's view of Japan.
13 days gone and I can finally make it through a day without tears. I'm growing up, but not exactly getting used to the fact that Colin is gone for a year. With every passing day, the gulf just gets easier to handle. In fact I realized late last week that I'm no longer worrrying about Colin ( well ok, small white lie- I did worry when he went to Fukuoka for a concert). He's safe, school has started, he has a regular routine, is familiarizing himself with Saga and has friends. Our life goes on here without him. Milk in our fridge is lasting longer and I haven't had to clean the microwave because no one else seems to use it. But...those very miniscule advantages to his absence don't make up for the fact that my boy is gone and I do miss him. Love you my boy, take lots of pictures and enjoy every second!!!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Will Wonders Never Cease????
I'm in stunned awe...my boy owns a vacuum cleaner. Those Japanese girls must be having a wonderful influence on him! If the Japanese can get him to vacuum then I have failed as a mother and that's ok.
Of course Colin's latest post brings so many more questions! After a few tries I was able to email him directly on his new phone, which apparently doesn't cost him anything so that's great. (turn it on silent at night C cuz we're all up now and dying to talk to you!) I hope he asked if long distance costs via email. Guess it doesn't if it's working like the internet. At least now we have instant contact. I'm so happy!!!!!!! For the first time in a week.
What will he do with all the stuff he's bought when he leaves? Do the Japanese resell stuff? I know that they don't do that kind of thing in Europe. Claire read his post and is now dying to visit, but Colin is still in the glory days and not ready to have visitors yet. (as if we'd have the money to do that anyway!!!)
I finally found time to start reorganizing his room at home yesterday...threw out a bag of old math papers etc. and saved all the Japanese language class notes. Found the aeroplan card we've been looking for and pizza hut and movie cards...do they still have money on them I wonder? I also found 2 summer housecoats...should I send one or did C. buy a kimono of some sort? Does his apt have heat? Did he buy sheets for his futon?
More questions...is the yen /dollar chart still on his computer and if so what is the rate now with the US economy going to pot? 1.2 trillion dollars vaporized on Monday...how will that affect his meagre money supply? Did he apply for the extra scholarship before he left...I'm not sure.
School has started...he has an early class. What excitement...learning in a foreign country. We're all learning with him. Good luck today! Love you so much!
Of course Colin's latest post brings so many more questions! After a few tries I was able to email him directly on his new phone, which apparently doesn't cost him anything so that's great. (turn it on silent at night C cuz we're all up now and dying to talk to you!) I hope he asked if long distance costs via email. Guess it doesn't if it's working like the internet. At least now we have instant contact. I'm so happy!!!!!!! For the first time in a week.
What will he do with all the stuff he's bought when he leaves? Do the Japanese resell stuff? I know that they don't do that kind of thing in Europe. Claire read his post and is now dying to visit, but Colin is still in the glory days and not ready to have visitors yet. (as if we'd have the money to do that anyway!!!)
I finally found time to start reorganizing his room at home yesterday...threw out a bag of old math papers etc. and saved all the Japanese language class notes. Found the aeroplan card we've been looking for and pizza hut and movie cards...do they still have money on them I wonder? I also found 2 summer housecoats...should I send one or did C. buy a kimono of some sort? Does his apt have heat? Did he buy sheets for his futon?
More questions...is the yen /dollar chart still on his computer and if so what is the rate now with the US economy going to pot? 1.2 trillion dollars vaporized on Monday...how will that affect his meagre money supply? Did he apply for the extra scholarship before he left...I'm not sure.
School has started...he has an early class. What excitement...learning in a foreign country. We're all learning with him. Good luck today! Love you so much!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Always Wondering
We haven't heard from Colin in over 36 hours and in our house we have a long-standing joke....are you dead in a ditch? When we don't hear from our children it's a natural reaction from concerned parents. (or helicopter Moms..those who hover over their children. Dr. Phil did a show on them yesterday) Of course our fears are alleviated when we hear the key in the door or we receive the comical text message 'dead in a ditch. Home soon.' I imagine that using Mana's computer is getting old for her and Colin is very busy with his first day of school and getting to know Steve. Yesterday should have been his language proficiency test...I'm sure that he did well.
I see that no money has been withdrawn from his account so either he hasn't started a Japanese account yet or hasn't been able to withdraw any or hasn't needed to. Or he's dead in a ditch. Do they even have ditches in Saga? I wonder...once a cellphone is purchased in Saga will it cost him to receive a long distance call? I downloaded google earth yesterday to try and get a sense of what Saga looks like. Either I'm doing it incorrectly or it's very flat, small and surrounded by rice fields.
The Canadian Blood Service called yesterday to ask Colin to donate. I was actually able to talk to her without my throat catching and proudly told her that he'll be away for a year in Japan. Oh Wow, was the reaction.
Garry had to eat the leftover egg slop (don't call it that!!!!) on Saturday because Colin wasn't here to finish it off. I drove Garry to the airport at 530am this morning to go to Toronto...early to the airport in the dark twice in one week to drop off the men I love.
So...it's girls only in our house for the next 3 days. On Thursday the girls are getting awards from their high school (Claire is working and will miss the ceremony) and Friday is Martin's wedding. (they're both going) I get to be the keeper of the fish. I'm busy with work and getting ready for Saturday's garage sale and waiting to hear more tales from the boy...
I see that no money has been withdrawn from his account so either he hasn't started a Japanese account yet or hasn't been able to withdraw any or hasn't needed to. Or he's dead in a ditch. Do they even have ditches in Saga? I wonder...once a cellphone is purchased in Saga will it cost him to receive a long distance call? I downloaded google earth yesterday to try and get a sense of what Saga looks like. Either I'm doing it incorrectly or it's very flat, small and surrounded by rice fields.
The Canadian Blood Service called yesterday to ask Colin to donate. I was actually able to talk to her without my throat catching and proudly told her that he'll be away for a year in Japan. Oh Wow, was the reaction.
Garry had to eat the leftover egg slop (don't call it that!!!!) on Saturday because Colin wasn't here to finish it off. I drove Garry to the airport at 530am this morning to go to Toronto...early to the airport in the dark twice in one week to drop off the men I love.
So...it's girls only in our house for the next 3 days. On Thursday the girls are getting awards from their high school (Claire is working and will miss the ceremony) and Friday is Martin's wedding. (they're both going) I get to be the keeper of the fish. I'm busy with work and getting ready for Saturday's garage sale and waiting to hear more tales from the boy...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Settling In
It was a big relief for us to hear that things are being purchased, that Colin isn't sleeping on the floor and that he can eat. Of course though, the more we hear the more we want to know. Darn my journalist training...I could ask questions all day!
The girls think my little sentimental outbursts are funny and I guess in a few months I might feel that way too. For now I'm still missing my kid and worrying about him just a little. Mana and Mio seem to be doing a phenomenal job acclimatizing him, but now they have Steve to worry about as well.
It's all a gigantic learning curve..for everyone, the tutors, the boys and the families left behind!
The major request now from everyone is for photos...we want to see what you see Colin! Get that internet hook-up so that you're not relying on Mana's computer!
One more thing...what would you like me to do with the box of cigarillos on your dresser? Shall I give them to the girls?
The girls think my little sentimental outbursts are funny and I guess in a few months I might feel that way too. For now I'm still missing my kid and worrying about him just a little. Mana and Mio seem to be doing a phenomenal job acclimatizing him, but now they have Steve to worry about as well.
It's all a gigantic learning curve..for everyone, the tutors, the boys and the families left behind!
The major request now from everyone is for photos...we want to see what you see Colin! Get that internet hook-up so that you're not relying on Mana's computer!
One more thing...what would you like me to do with the box of cigarillos on your dresser? Shall I give them to the girls?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
It Was Good, It Was Fun. I Like It!
Colin, honestly. I now have some answers to my questions (posted under comments in Colin's blog yesterday), but the details are somewhat lacking and reminds me of his earlier English journals in grade school. Do I need to bring Mrs. Macintosh in here to teach you how to fluff it out? Also, it's apparent that Colin is not reading my blog...no response to anything I've said.
I started to wash his bedding in hot water on Thursday and it's sad for me to be getting rid of his smell...even if it is a bad one. Yesterday I picked up enough money on his floor and dresser to buy a lottery ticket so I used his pertinent numbers...birth date, age, leaving date, returning date and his weird magical number '37'. I haven't checked the results....maybe I'm a winner. Would he want his mother to visit next year if I was? Did Sebastien take the Smash Brothers Cutout?
The time change is frustrating me...when we're awake, he's asleep so I know I have to wait 14 hours to hear anything new and yesterday's info was sparing. How hard is the surface of the floor? I've heard that some are tatami and soft. How good a futon could it be if they got it from Mana's house to his place? I remember futons being cumbersome. At least he's not sleeping on the floor!
Random Thoughts
-I passed a red van with the personalized plate reading 'sagapo' on Wed....aother break down moment for me...Saga is the city he's in
-my computer wallpaper is a beautiful picture of Colin sitting in a gondola in Venice so I see him every time I sit down here smiling back at me
I'm really happy for my son. I really am. This year is the fruition of a lot of hard work and dreams. When do I stop being such a sentimental mush bag.? I'll bet he never thought I'd be so weepy. I never thought I would be. Anyway, I have a busy day showing houses, clipping the kitty's nails (again) and maybe take in a quick bike ride to see the rapidly turning leaves later this afternoon. Have a great day Honey. I can't wait to hear about all the things you bought for your apt! Tell us what things cost there please!
I started to wash his bedding in hot water on Thursday and it's sad for me to be getting rid of his smell...even if it is a bad one. Yesterday I picked up enough money on his floor and dresser to buy a lottery ticket so I used his pertinent numbers...birth date, age, leaving date, returning date and his weird magical number '37'. I haven't checked the results....maybe I'm a winner. Would he want his mother to visit next year if I was? Did Sebastien take the Smash Brothers Cutout?
The time change is frustrating me...when we're awake, he's asleep so I know I have to wait 14 hours to hear anything new and yesterday's info was sparing. How hard is the surface of the floor? I've heard that some are tatami and soft. How good a futon could it be if they got it from Mana's house to his place? I remember futons being cumbersome. At least he's not sleeping on the floor!
Random Thoughts
-I passed a red van with the personalized plate reading 'sagapo' on Wed....aother break down moment for me...Saga is the city he's in
-my computer wallpaper is a beautiful picture of Colin sitting in a gondola in Venice so I see him every time I sit down here smiling back at me
I'm really happy for my son. I really am. This year is the fruition of a lot of hard work and dreams. When do I stop being such a sentimental mush bag.? I'll bet he never thought I'd be so weepy. I never thought I would be. Anyway, I have a busy day showing houses, clipping the kitty's nails (again) and maybe take in a quick bike ride to see the rapidly turning leaves later this afternoon. Have a great day Honey. I can't wait to hear about all the things you bought for your apt! Tell us what things cost there please!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Not Enough Answers Coming from Japan
Of course the boy is dead tired and obviously culture shocking as observed from his "So Much Japanese' comment (which I found really funny btw)....but...we have so many questions. His apt. is described as small, which we were expecting, but just how small exactly? Does it have an address? How is the food, what is he eating, can Colin understand people, can they understand him? What is the climate like, what does Japan look like? Are there many trees? What was the busride like? Tell us everything Colin!!!!
News From Home in Wpg.
-the cats have discovered toilet paper in the girl's bathroom...no need to add anything else to that
-the girls' Europe trip will be $1,000 each more than Colin's trip 2 years ago
-I was elected to the board of Directors at my Remax office on Wed.
Random Thoughts
-I'm distressed to learn that internet may not be available in his apt...that will really limit communication especially when school is out
-my good friend Sandy is helping me cope having had 2 sons leave home-she's becoming my mentor on the path to rational thought
-there really is no rational thought at this early stage- I still really miss my kid and yes, the tears still flow
-I trust him implicitly to make good judgement calls and know that he is safe now that he's in Saga
The journey begins!
News From Home in Wpg.
-the cats have discovered toilet paper in the girl's bathroom...no need to add anything else to that
-the girls' Europe trip will be $1,000 each more than Colin's trip 2 years ago
-I was elected to the board of Directors at my Remax office on Wed.
Random Thoughts
-I'm distressed to learn that internet may not be available in his apt...that will really limit communication especially when school is out
-my good friend Sandy is helping me cope having had 2 sons leave home-she's becoming my mentor on the path to rational thought
-there really is no rational thought at this early stage- I still really miss my kid and yes, the tears still flow
-I trust him implicitly to make good judgement calls and know that he is safe now that he's in Saga
The journey begins!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Colin's First Real Day in Japan and not in Canada
Whew! I woke up at 6:00am to find a nice email from Mana, Colin's tutor (mentor) to say that she'd heard from him when he arrived in Tokyo. So I checked his blogspot (Japanfromuphere.blogspot.com) to find the very briefest of descriptions. I'm incredibly relieved to hear that the planeride (flight?) went safely and now can't wait to hear the details. Can they understand him? Is his Japanese ok? Did he sleep on the plane or was he too hyped? What kind of food does Jesus cook? What does his room at the Hyatt look like? I hope there are lots of photos being taken!!!!!
Meanwhile we had our first reality check last night...Colin, can you go pick up Angie from work? Oops...guess not. Funny thing...this morning we were all more tired than yesterday morning when we'd had no sleep!
And the real question...can I talk about Colin without getting teary? Darn, not so far.
Meanwhile we had our first reality check last night...Colin, can you go pick up Angie from work? Oops...guess not. Funny thing...this morning we were all more tired than yesterday morning when we'd had no sleep!
And the real question...can I talk about Colin without getting teary? Darn, not so far.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Colin is in the air!
It's departure day at long last! A day Colin awaited eagerly and his Mom dreaded. We all woke early at 335am to find Colin already showered and dressed in a brand new rather dapper navy blue pair of cotton pants and light blue and white striped dress shirt. The boy was eager to get going! He said he slept about an hour and lay awake imagining various scenarios upon his arrival. What will the future hold?
We dashed off to the airport in a light drizzle and found we needed to wait 1/2 hour until the check-in gate opened. We were met by Kate and Sebastien, 2 good friends, who also came to send Colin off. I vowed to remain calm and was fine until check-in when tears flowed, but I quickly recovered. This was not how I wanted my boy to remember me! We took lots of pictures and he waved and disappeared thru the US Customs door at 545am! Off on his year long adventure! Chicago, Tokyo, Fukuoka and finally his permanent destination...Saga. We meanwhile returned home to one more brief hour of shut eye....all of us exhausted especially after the previous night's thunderstorm, which had kept us awake half the night.
United Airline's website said the plane arrived in Chicago early and every time my cell rang I hoped it would be him to tell me that all had gone well on the first leg. Colin had said that he would try to upload pics and updates on his blog while in Chicago, but I guess that wasn't possible. Did he manage to get an exit row seat so that his legs wouldn't be cramped? I won't know until tomorrow because now he's in the air on the way to Tokyo...incommunacado. I expect the first email to contain the word 'awesome' somewhere! We're waiting...
We dashed off to the airport in a light drizzle and found we needed to wait 1/2 hour until the check-in gate opened. We were met by Kate and Sebastien, 2 good friends, who also came to send Colin off. I vowed to remain calm and was fine until check-in when tears flowed, but I quickly recovered. This was not how I wanted my boy to remember me! We took lots of pictures and he waved and disappeared thru the US Customs door at 545am! Off on his year long adventure! Chicago, Tokyo, Fukuoka and finally his permanent destination...Saga. We meanwhile returned home to one more brief hour of shut eye....all of us exhausted especially after the previous night's thunderstorm, which had kept us awake half the night.
United Airline's website said the plane arrived in Chicago early and every time my cell rang I hoped it would be him to tell me that all had gone well on the first leg. Colin had said that he would try to upload pics and updates on his blog while in Chicago, but I guess that wasn't possible. Did he manage to get an exit row seat so that his legs wouldn't be cramped? I won't know until tomorrow because now he's in the air on the way to Tokyo...incommunacado. I expect the first email to contain the word 'awesome' somewhere! We're waiting...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Japan Eve
So...Colin really is leaving tomorrow! After years of saying that he wanted to go to Japan he's made it happen. My boy and I spent our last day together having lunch and packing and then his last Canadian supper was tacos. Ok, something's not right there! We figured that tacos might be a rare commodity in Saga, Japan.
I had my emotional hissy fit yesterday and only cried once today. The thought of my first born going away for a year is almost unfathomable to me. To not see him every day is heartwrenching for me as a mother, but I know that it'll be such a great experience..he'll meet so many people, see such great sights, eat different foods and come back a much changed man. I'm not so worried anymore...I think I'm jealous!
Bon voyage my babe! I can't wait to see the pictures and hear about your travels. I love you Colin!
I had my emotional hissy fit yesterday and only cried once today. The thought of my first born going away for a year is almost unfathomable to me. To not see him every day is heartwrenching for me as a mother, but I know that it'll be such a great experience..he'll meet so many people, see such great sights, eat different foods and come back a much changed man. I'm not so worried anymore...I think I'm jealous!
Bon voyage my babe! I can't wait to see the pictures and hear about your travels. I love you Colin!
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