I guess it's official: winter is on its way. Today I packed away the air conditioner, the hammock stand, my golf clubs, and cleared room in the garage for the car. I've conceded the passage of warm summer weather and the seasonal permanence of cooler weather. Although the barbeque is still primed and ready for further action until the snow flies.
As I settled back into work life and got reacquainted with my calendar, I see that I missed my Mom's birthday (yes, I am a negligent son). Sorry; belated birthday wishes - isn't it Japanese bad luck to celebrate a birthday in advance? So observing the occasion after the fact must be good luck ... right?
Friday, October 21, 2005
Thursday, October 20, 2005
"Check ya later..."
Despite the fact that the lovely and accommodating Hotel Parsons-Sheldrake is awash with wireless connectivity and Internet possibilities, I did not take advantage or pay due diligence to my blogs this past week. A series of days beginning at 4 a.m., some downright embarrassing and uninspiring worship services, and a household of 4 energetic children, the oldest of which is 3 years old, left me with too much to blog about and too little energy to do so.
After a mildly uneventful journey home today, we're back in Arkona, not doing much of anything. Although I know an accelerated worship preparation process is in the offing. I also know a piecemeal recap of the our time in Kingston, with our friends, during my conference will occur in the next little while.
Stay tuned. Or not. I'll be here regardless.
After a mildly uneventful journey home today, we're back in Arkona, not doing much of anything. Although I know an accelerated worship preparation process is in the offing. I also know a piecemeal recap of the our time in Kingston, with our friends, during my conference will occur in the next little while.
Stay tuned. Or not. I'll be here regardless.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
I ♥ Kingston
Church this morning turned out well by all accounts. The meeting after was civil and productive.
The 6½-hour car ride was generally good. It could have been a lot worse, there was only one or two episodes of backseat wailing, in stereo.
We arrived in Kingston, under a gorgeous full moon. Apparently, our hyping of our visit had its desired effect on Rei. As we were stopped at a light, she commented, "I like Kingston". By the time we had picked up some Treatsa Pizzas for our gracious hosts, she was declaring, "I love Kingston!"
Here's hoping she loves all the restaurants that we'll be re-visiting in the next few days.
The 6½-hour car ride was generally good. It could have been a lot worse, there was only one or two episodes of backseat wailing, in stereo.
We arrived in Kingston, under a gorgeous full moon. Apparently, our hyping of our visit had its desired effect on Rei. As we were stopped at a light, she commented, "I like Kingston". By the time we had picked up some Treatsa Pizzas for our gracious hosts, she was declaring, "I love Kingston!"
Here's hoping she loves all the restaurants that we'll be re-visiting in the next few days.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Preparations
As for Saturday nights, this one seems a bit busier than usual. Apart from the ordinary finishing of sermon, liturgy, children's time, there was planning for an after-church discussion of when we worship, time-wise, and negotiating such change between two different congregations. I think I've put more thought and planning into that meeting than my sermon this week...
Also, we head for Kingston tomorrow for a few days as I visit my alma mater for a conference. So there was some packing and preparing for a road trip with two young children. We'll see the Parsons-Sheldrakes and Rachel soon enough and Rei can show them her new tricks: today she whistled for the first time; she learned the word "palm" as related to our hands; and made a song request for her ocean song (which I made up especially for her - "My Reiko lies over the ocean ...").
Also, we head for Kingston tomorrow for a few days as I visit my alma mater for a conference. So there was some packing and preparing for a road trip with two young children. We'll see the Parsons-Sheldrakes and Rachel soon enough and Rei can show them her new tricks: today she whistled for the first time; she learned the word "palm" as related to our hands; and made a song request for her ocean song (which I made up especially for her - "My Reiko lies over the ocean ...").
Friday, October 14, 2005
The Final Round?
With the weather being so lovely today, I took it upon myself to get out for a quick round of 9 holes. (And they were quick, I was back home within 90 minutes - two different pairs waved me through).
The sunny afternoon and the turning leaves provided a gorgeous fall backdrop to a decent game (shooting 60, my best this season), notwithstanding all my mulligans. I conquered my nemesis, Arkona Fairways' hole 9, with a drive that landed within 8 feet of the fairway and not anywhere near the green for hole 1, which is my usual.
This may have been it for the season; until next time, hole 4, until next time.
The sunny afternoon and the turning leaves provided a gorgeous fall backdrop to a decent game (shooting 60, my best this season), notwithstanding all my mulligans. I conquered my nemesis, Arkona Fairways' hole 9, with a drive that landed within 8 feet of the fairway and not anywhere near the green for hole 1, which is my usual.
This may have been it for the season; until next time, hole 4, until next time.
Identity: confirmed
Our 2½-year-old is a very self-aware individual. An episode of sensitive tempers arose in the play room as I wondered aloud if anyone wanted to play with Mr. Potato Head. She forcefully stated that she wanted to play with said toy.
I asked (and I tease because I love) if she was Miss Independent; she replied, again with much force, "No. I'm Reiko!" Shelley had to turn away so as not to laugh in our daughter's face.
I asked (and I tease because I love) if she was Miss Independent; she replied, again with much force, "No. I'm Reiko!" Shelley had to turn away so as not to laugh in our daughter's face.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Double duty
The past couple nights, Kai has woken up crying, soaked, requiring new diapers, sleepers, blankets.
This evening after one of his brief dozes, as I tried to re-settle him for a longer slumber, I felt his diaper and noted with alarm that it felt quite large and full. Wanting to avoid a wardrobe change, I was determined to get him into new gear post haste. As he wailed, I scrambled to collect new diaper, wipes, and zinc cream.
I quickly unwrapped his blanket burrito and opened up the velcro stubs to find underneath the surprising (to me) dry diaper was another dry diaper. It was then that I remembered earlier today Shelley wondering about doubling up his nighttime diaper to prevent any leaks. Sweet dreams are made of these...
This evening after one of his brief dozes, as I tried to re-settle him for a longer slumber, I felt his diaper and noted with alarm that it felt quite large and full. Wanting to avoid a wardrobe change, I was determined to get him into new gear post haste. As he wailed, I scrambled to collect new diaper, wipes, and zinc cream.
I quickly unwrapped his blanket burrito and opened up the velcro stubs to find underneath the surprising (to me) dry diaper was another dry diaper. It was then that I remembered earlier today Shelley wondering about doubling up his nighttime diaper to prevent any leaks. Sweet dreams are made of these...
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
So it begins
I arrived home this afternoon from a workshop on screening procedures for volunteers within the United Church to great excitement. Rei was jumping and bouncing around, eager to show me her new, uhm, "toy". I followed her to the bathroom where she proudly showed me her potty. She sat on it, still clothed, demonstrating her technique and pointed into the potty where the poop and pee would be.
On a totally unrelated note, I cast a few thoughts towards Winnipeg today as the CCS Learning Circle begins. While I miss the companionship of the group and the opportunities for learning and the damningly intentional mode of existence, I am quite happy to have completed my spin through the cycle. And so I send them my happy thoughts: Suckers ... er, I mean "draw the circle wide" sisters and brothers!
On a totally unrelated note, I cast a few thoughts towards Winnipeg today as the CCS Learning Circle begins. While I miss the companionship of the group and the opportunities for learning and the damningly intentional mode of existence, I am quite happy to have completed my spin through the cycle. And so I send them my happy thoughts: Suckers ... er, I mean "draw the circle wide" sisters and brothers!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Urs, Circles, Presents
Our Ursul-tastic week of good company, gaming and chillaxing concluded as we dropped Ursula off at the train station. We'll continue to live her Sex in the City life vicariously through her blog as she chums with Maya Angelou (potentially) and jetsets around Europe (indefinitely). And we'll manage to get together for some Carcasonne online.
After the train station, we circled around to King-Wah, an Asian food store, for ramen noodles, no-rinse short-grain rice and Pocky cookie sticks. Then I returned some books to the UWO libraries as Shelley circled around campus with the kids. Then onto her folks for Thanksgiving, Round 3: turkey casserole.
As they clean house for the permanent move to the cottage, we took home a set of dishes to replace our chipped and cracked wedding-presented ones. We also brought home our Christmas present microwave and promptly proceeded to make some popcorn. (I had initially typed "poopcorn" - what a slip that is!)
After the train station, we circled around to King-Wah, an Asian food store, for ramen noodles, no-rinse short-grain rice and Pocky cookie sticks. Then I returned some books to the UWO libraries as Shelley circled around campus with the kids. Then onto her folks for Thanksgiving, Round 3: turkey casserole.
As they clean house for the permanent move to the cottage, we took home a set of dishes to replace our chipped and cracked wedding-presented ones. We also brought home our Christmas present microwave and promptly proceeded to make some popcorn. (I had initially typed "poopcorn" - what a slip that is!)
Monday, October 10, 2005
Thanksgiving and Retail
Turkey: round two was replaced by pork chops at my parents' farm. It was a pleasant family gathering, despite the absence of our working mom and gas-less brother. Urs got to talk hockey some more and Rei delighted in the attention - once she warmed up to everyone.
My brothers have been taking second jobs to fill their time and bank accounts: Daisuke at HomeSense, discount decor and furnishings; and Keizo at Best Buy, electronics and gadgets. My sister had already worked at Banana Republic. One of the motivating factors for their ventures into retail is the employee discount. Maybe they're onto something ... does the LCBO give employee discounts? Perhaps I'll look into SportChek, or HMV, or Chapters/Indigo, seeing as I only "work one morning a week".
My brothers have been taking second jobs to fill their time and bank accounts: Daisuke at HomeSense, discount decor and furnishings; and Keizo at Best Buy, electronics and gadgets. My sister had already worked at Banana Republic. One of the motivating factors for their ventures into retail is the employee discount. Maybe they're onto something ... does the LCBO give employee discounts? Perhaps I'll look into SportChek, or HMV, or Chapters/Indigo, seeing as I only "work one morning a week".
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Happy, Merry, Thanks-Christ-giving-mas
We had our first, and last, Thanksgiving-Christmas supper hybrid at Shelley's childhood home.Her folks have sold the house and will be trailering through the States come Christmas time. They hosted Thanksgiving supper and added the family Christmas with the cousins.
The pedometer I got for Shelley's dad was on sale so I had a bit of money left to spend on him; can't go wrong with a pound of assorted licorice candies. In return, I received a wooden carving of a smiling Buddha and a puzzle book of the latest UK-Japanese craze, Sudoku.
Round one of the turkey tour: completed.
The pedometer I got for Shelley's dad was on sale so I had a bit of money left to spend on him; can't go wrong with a pound of assorted licorice candies. In return, I received a wooden carving of a smiling Buddha and a puzzle book of the latest UK-Japanese craze, Sudoku.
Round one of the turkey tour: completed.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Games Galore
Even though we're sitting in the same room and a perfectly operational board game of Carcasonne is in our possession, Urs and I are seated at our respective computers playing online. It saves us having to keep score, draw tiles, speak to each other; you get the picture.
This, after many days and games of Carcasonne and a night of Blackjack. It reminds me of a saying, something about a good thing and too much ...
This, after many days and games of Carcasonne and a night of Blackjack. It reminds me of a saying, something about a good thing and too much ...
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Hola amigo!
The church phone rang this morning and I, as always, answer it with a professional, "Hello, Kenji speaking". Those who know me would proceed with the conversation; those who don't - telemarketers, people wanting my services for marriage or baptism - ask for the minister. It gives me a quick gauge on the situation.
To my great delight, the answer on the line was a cheery, "Hola!" meaning it could only be one household: the irrepressible Bellsworths of Orleans. "Hola" became our standard greeting after our time together in Nicaragua (you might try to trick me, but I'd catch on pretty quick that you weren't Molly or Stephen). We whiled away the morning catching up on each others' news. As is so often the case, the months slip by, despite best intentions, and we lose track of our friends.
I proudly told stories of Rei and Kai, Molly told stories of her daughter, Emma. We compared Hi-5 stories and expressed relief that our kids weren't the only ones obsessing about that wonderfully diverse quintet. Our conversation has evolved from talking about reality TV (Survivor 11, Amazing Race 8, etc.) to sharing our dislike for Hi-5 Jenn's new look for season 2 or our appreciation for Curtis' haircut.
It's always so good to reconnect with friends (and rule over them in the medieval French city of Carcassonne, right Urs?).
To my great delight, the answer on the line was a cheery, "Hola!" meaning it could only be one household: the irrepressible Bellsworths of Orleans. "Hola" became our standard greeting after our time together in Nicaragua (you might try to trick me, but I'd catch on pretty quick that you weren't Molly or Stephen). We whiled away the morning catching up on each others' news. As is so often the case, the months slip by, despite best intentions, and we lose track of our friends.
I proudly told stories of Rei and Kai, Molly told stories of her daughter, Emma. We compared Hi-5 stories and expressed relief that our kids weren't the only ones obsessing about that wonderfully diverse quintet. Our conversation has evolved from talking about reality TV (Survivor 11, Amazing Race 8, etc.) to sharing our dislike for Hi-5 Jenn's new look for season 2 or our appreciation for Curtis' haircut.
It's always so good to reconnect with friends (and rule over them in the medieval French city of Carcassonne, right Urs?).
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Woke Up this Morning...
I fell out of bed this morning, literally: body slamming into the floor. Our mid-night efforts to help Kai sleep have led to an experimentation in the "family bed" experience. This particular night I was on my side, resting on the edge of the mattress so as to allow for the flailing arms of our baby. Apparently, I tipped too far the wrong way gave myself a rude awakening. Such things didn't happen at the convent...
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Hoefer Hoedown
Urs arrived today for an extended Arkona stay before her European vacation. While here, as well as some waste-o and wine, there will be much gaming (includeing golf maybe) and crime dramas watched. She'll see her Puppet Jesus at work, be indoctrinated in the ways of Hi-5, and might meet Sue at the post office who sends on the tapes of the various incarnations of "Law & Order" and "CSI" to the Vancouver area. Throw in a couple of family Thanksgivings and it'll be a gay old time.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Sibling Rivalry?
This morning at breakfast (maybe lunch, it was a meal anyway) Rei tells me: "Kaede is my best friend."
Unprompted and unexpected it was nice to hear; don't know when, if ever, I'll hear that again.
Unprompted and unexpected it was nice to hear; don't know when, if ever, I'll hear that again.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Boxcar Kenji
The plan for yesterday was: board train at 14h30, meet Shelley and the pajama-clad kids at the station in London at 19h16, back home by 20h00.
The actual play-by-play is too long and involved to blog about in a thorough fashion, but arriving home at 10h00 this morning could be an indicator of all the commotion.
The train was running late as it was (possibly missing my connection) until we were stopped in Oshawa, told of an hour delay due to an incident further along. Well-supported rumours and conjectures said it was a suicide attempt, although I have yet to see/hear anything official to confirm or debunk that news.
After an abrupt departure from the Oshawa station, we pulled alongside the train in question and those passengers loaded onto our already-full carriage. More waiting and the eventual arrival at Union Station, Toronto, two hours after my connecting train to London. Winding our way to the "Special Services" desk, we learned another train, leaving in 5 minutes, would be taking us to our destinations.
Hurriedly, we sprang to the back of the doubled-looped line and waited for the 5 minutes that stretched into 40. Apparently others in line got free Harvey's, courtesy of Via Rail. I did not.
The second leg was mostly uneventful. Two good deeds: asking a McGill TA if he's really in the best mood to be marking students' essays; and, helping an elderly couple relocate their heavy bags to the proper car (which they had managed to miss by 4 doors upon embarking).
Just minutes from London, we stopped again for a long time. No reason was given; I dozed off. Finally off the train and into the station, after long last, I see Shelley and Kai. They'd been waiting an hour-and-a-half. That didn't stop them from smiling at my arrival.
Too late to go home, we spent the night at Shelley's parents' where Rei was soundly sleeping. We got home this morning, I pulled together a wedding service for this afternoon. I should be wrapping up my sermon for tomorrow about now. Home sweet home.
The actual play-by-play is too long and involved to blog about in a thorough fashion, but arriving home at 10h00 this morning could be an indicator of all the commotion.
The train was running late as it was (possibly missing my connection) until we were stopped in Oshawa, told of an hour delay due to an incident further along. Well-supported rumours and conjectures said it was a suicide attempt, although I have yet to see/hear anything official to confirm or debunk that news.
After an abrupt departure from the Oshawa station, we pulled alongside the train in question and those passengers loaded onto our already-full carriage. More waiting and the eventual arrival at Union Station, Toronto, two hours after my connecting train to London. Winding our way to the "Special Services" desk, we learned another train, leaving in 5 minutes, would be taking us to our destinations.
Hurriedly, we sprang to the back of the doubled-looped line and waited for the 5 minutes that stretched into 40. Apparently others in line got free Harvey's, courtesy of Via Rail. I did not.
The second leg was mostly uneventful. Two good deeds: asking a McGill TA if he's really in the best mood to be marking students' essays; and, helping an elderly couple relocate their heavy bags to the proper car (which they had managed to miss by 4 doors upon embarking).
Just minutes from London, we stopped again for a long time. No reason was given; I dozed off. Finally off the train and into the station, after long last, I see Shelley and Kai. They'd been waiting an hour-and-a-half. That didn't stop them from smiling at my arrival.
Too late to go home, we spent the night at Shelley's parents' where Rei was soundly sleeping. We got home this morning, I pulled together a wedding service for this afternoon. I should be wrapping up my sermon for tomorrow about now. Home sweet home.
Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
Wednesday Night, II
Following the evening lecture, we ventured into Kingston's night in search of live Maritime and folk music. Having heard that Shores of Newfoundland's Wednesday gig had migrated to "The Merchant" from "Tir Nan Og", we set forth and delighted in our good fortune to hear our news was accurate.
I was surprised and further delighted to see Chris, husband of a classmate of mine, strumming, and squeezing guitars and accordians, respectively. I cast about in a search for his wife, Heather, and to her surprise and delight, appeared at her side. How serendipitous, they had just moved back into the Kingston area that very day. Will the Circle be unbroken indeed!
Following the evening lecture, we ventured into Kingston's night in search of live Maritime and folk music. Having heard that Shores of Newfoundland's Wednesday gig had migrated to "The Merchant" from "Tir Nan Og", we set forth and delighted in our good fortune to hear our news was accurate.
I was surprised and further delighted to see Chris, husband of a classmate of mine, strumming, and squeezing guitars and accordians, respectively. I cast about in a search for his wife, Heather, and to her surprise and delight, appeared at her side. How serendipitous, they had just moved back into the Kingston area that very day. Will the Circle be unbroken indeed!
No Such Thing as a Stupid Question
Wednesday Night
After Sr. Helen's touching stories of men and women abused by the justice system, I was struck by the contrast with ex-con, home decorating maven, Martha Stewart and her re-release onto the TV airwaves. Braving the public microphone to ask her opinion on this, I overheard behind me, "That's so off-topic, she's talking about murders."
Bristling, I resisted the urge to confront my critics with a triumphant "HA!" when Sr. Helen remarked that violence doesn't have to involve bloodshed. Corporate deceit cheating thousands of innocents of their savings, betraying their trust, is an act of violence.
For the record, my copy of Dead Man Walking is signed "Kenji - Embody the change you seek". Sure she's quoting Ghandi, but that works too.
After Sr. Helen's touching stories of men and women abused by the justice system, I was struck by the contrast with ex-con, home decorating maven, Martha Stewart and her re-release onto the TV airwaves. Braving the public microphone to ask her opinion on this, I overheard behind me, "That's so off-topic, she's talking about murders."
Bristling, I resisted the urge to confront my critics with a triumphant "HA!" when Sr. Helen remarked that violence doesn't have to involve bloodshed. Corporate deceit cheating thousands of innocents of their savings, betraying their trust, is an act of violence.
For the record, my copy of Dead Man Walking is signed "Kenji - Embody the change you seek". Sure she's quoting Ghandi, but that works too.
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