I took a one day break and let the group go off
on their own. I would have loved to have gone with them to Kyoto but I
had an observation that I couldn't get out of (actually, I didn't try- I
figure if they are going to give me extra money then I should do the
job). I would love to write about the observation as it was
interesting, but I don't think that would be very responsible of me. I
didn't worry too much as both Maggie and Dad have been to Japan about
five times between them. And I had also given them very specific
maps/directions/etc
On Thursday as soon as I had finished work at the elementary school I
raced to catch the train to Tokyo. I think some people might be
bothered by long journeys but I rather enjoy them. I don't like the
price in Japan (about $200 for one way) but I do like the ease of the
trains (though I think Europe has Japan beat). Even when alone I don't
mind the almost five since I like to read and have a smart phone. I had
King Rat for book club and being on a train for about five hours
actually allowed me to finally get into it.
I made it to Tokyo at about 10:30 and was relieved to see that it
wasn't raining (forgot my umbrella at school) and that the hotel was
really easy to find (I highly recommend the Comfort Inn in Tokyo Higashi
if you have family in town- super easy to find and decent breakfast,
though if you are just with a bunch of mates a hostel s better). I was
also relieved to see that the others had made it and that they were
ready for the next day.
We had a day and a half in Tokyo and tried to take in a lot. We
made it to Asakusa but it was raining so that put a bit of a damper on
doing any shopping at the stalls leading up to the temples. We then
made it to the Imperial Palace where it wasn't raining but cool, which
is nice since there isn't any shade there. We stopped for lunch at Hard
Rock Cafe ( a little cliche but so good- I had this California burger
with avocado, cucumbers, bacon, and cheese) and then made it to Harajuku
for shopping and the Meji Jingu Shrine. The Shrine is one of my
favorites as it isn't red but left in it's natural wood. It is really
cool how you are literally steps away from the craziness that is
Harajuku ( a major shopping street) and yet you feel like you are in the
woods. Sheila enjoyed the flowers there (note to self for future gift
ideas- gardening tools) and the rest of the group enjoyed the peace.
We window shopped in Harajuku and then made big purchases at the 100
yen store (aka the $ store). I had assumed that Maggie had already
taken the group to one but this was Dave's first time and he floored by
the selection and quality of goods. I was happy to be there for his
"first time."
To end the evening we went to Shibuya to see the Hachi Statue
(though it was really crowded) and the major cross walk that is similar
to Times Square and that is featured in a lot of movies. To fully enjoy
the amount of people without being overtaken by them, we went to the
Starbucks that sits at one end of the cross and people watched. I so
wanted a white chocolate mocha but I played by the rules and got a
vanilla frappe (which is supposedly free of caffeine).
I had hoped to shop in Shibuya (English book store) or at least get a
bite to eat at one of the dozens of restaurants there, but the group
decided to head back to the hotel and look for food there. My dad
doesn't do well with jet lag and had been up by about 4 or 5 every
morning, and Sheila was tired from walking. I think Maggie and David
wanted to keep the peace.
Unfortunately there wasn't really a lot of selection near the
hotel. The staff had directed us to a lovely "sticks" place that had
cheap beer (to David's delight), but it was one of those whole in the
walls that only sits about 7 and it was full. The lovely restaurant
below it that sat us right away unfortunately only really served fish
(not for Dave and Sheila- and probably Maggie either). So we started
wandering and ended up at a cheapo Chinese restaurant. Everyone seemed
to like it, but again I was upset that I couldn't show everyone a nice
meal.
The following morning we slept in a bit and then hit up Tokyo Tower
for our final site. I myself hadn't been there but enjoyed it. I mean,
it was your typical tower, but it didn't have a long wait and it had
nice areas for sitting once you got up into the tower. I feel bad that
Sky Tree will steal its thunder...
Afterward we had what was going to be a quick lunch at a Chinese
place (David picked on the basis that they had chicken) and
unfortunately it took quite a long time. It was good, but the place
only had two workers and was popular with other diners. Thus we ended
up having to pretty much run back to the hotel to pick up luggage and
then catch the train to Narita (I just escorted them). Good-byes were
quick but not sad as I am going home this August.
Overall it was an ok trip. Maybe not as good as others we have had
in the past (last summer was fun taking Dad and Maggie to Nagoya and
Tokyo Disney) but I really enjoyed getting to know David better (he is
perfect for the family) and it was nice to finally put a person behind
the name that is Shelia. I could get into some of the drama that was
had, but I don't know who reads this and there has been enough drama
this year.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Visit Pt 3
continued from before...
This being Japan and June the next day was extremely rainy. I felt bad because the same thing had happened in March when my sister and dad had visited. So like last time, instead of sending them to some tourist place like Kurashiki old town or Okayama Castle, I put them on the train to the mall. It's a nice mall and it is a little different than US malls, but for the most part it is just a mall...
I did my day of work and then picked up the travelers around 5pm during which it was quite sunny. In fact, I had only done a little bit of work because the kids had been sent home early due to Typhoon warnings. Teachers of course stayed at school while the children battled the winds and water on their bikes. Poor things. I know it was in the name of safety, but like I said it was pretty clear by 5, the time when kids usually go home. And oddly enough we never get out early or delayed for snow, and snow actually accumulates so it is better to beat the big storm as opposed to rain that passes by. Oh well, the group I met had enjoyed the mall and the scenery on the train (if you live around here, they went via Nimi and Takahashi which goes through mountains and along a big river).
We rushed home to meet Motoaki and then met Motoaki's family at a local Italian restaurant. We had wanted to do something more traditional, but the only places that had space for our group also only had floor seating, which I didn't think would work (my dad and Sheila have bad knees and David is a bigger guy). But the Italian food was high end so I think everyone enjoyed. We split it up so that Maggie and David were sitting by Motoaki's sister and that my dad and Sheila were by Motoaki's parents. This meant that Maggie and the sister communicated in broken conversation and I translated for the parents. I think Motoaki's family is a little surprised that my dad is engaged but they were very polite.
As usual we did the gift exchange. Maggie giving Motoaki's family photo albums, soap, and deluxe Oreoes (mint) and Motoaki's family giving Sheila and my dad snacks, Maggie hand towels, and David socks (out of nowhere). I think that they would like to get my dad something else but aren't sure on sizes.
Anyway, after dinner the in-laws headed home and we headed for karaoke. If you think I am a mic hog you should see my sister. Her and David both put in about a billion songs. My dad sang the ones we put in for him, and Sheila joined in on one or two. It was pretty low key as the older folks and myself were tired. I think this was the first time ever that I requested to go home when we got the warning call from the front desk. I felt bad because David and Maggie were having fun, but I was exhausted and we all had to be up early to get to the train station so that the tourists could go to Osaka/Kyoto.
Maggie gave me things that night and then stayed up playing with Finn for a little while. He loves her and is pretty obedient when she is around.
This being Japan and June the next day was extremely rainy. I felt bad because the same thing had happened in March when my sister and dad had visited. So like last time, instead of sending them to some tourist place like Kurashiki old town or Okayama Castle, I put them on the train to the mall. It's a nice mall and it is a little different than US malls, but for the most part it is just a mall...
I did my day of work and then picked up the travelers around 5pm during which it was quite sunny. In fact, I had only done a little bit of work because the kids had been sent home early due to Typhoon warnings. Teachers of course stayed at school while the children battled the winds and water on their bikes. Poor things. I know it was in the name of safety, but like I said it was pretty clear by 5, the time when kids usually go home. And oddly enough we never get out early or delayed for snow, and snow actually accumulates so it is better to beat the big storm as opposed to rain that passes by. Oh well, the group I met had enjoyed the mall and the scenery on the train (if you live around here, they went via Nimi and Takahashi which goes through mountains and along a big river).
We rushed home to meet Motoaki and then met Motoaki's family at a local Italian restaurant. We had wanted to do something more traditional, but the only places that had space for our group also only had floor seating, which I didn't think would work (my dad and Sheila have bad knees and David is a bigger guy). But the Italian food was high end so I think everyone enjoyed. We split it up so that Maggie and David were sitting by Motoaki's sister and that my dad and Sheila were by Motoaki's parents. This meant that Maggie and the sister communicated in broken conversation and I translated for the parents. I think Motoaki's family is a little surprised that my dad is engaged but they were very polite.
As usual we did the gift exchange. Maggie giving Motoaki's family photo albums, soap, and deluxe Oreoes (mint) and Motoaki's family giving Sheila and my dad snacks, Maggie hand towels, and David socks (out of nowhere). I think that they would like to get my dad something else but aren't sure on sizes.
Anyway, after dinner the in-laws headed home and we headed for karaoke. If you think I am a mic hog you should see my sister. Her and David both put in about a billion songs. My dad sang the ones we put in for him, and Sheila joined in on one or two. It was pretty low key as the older folks and myself were tired. I think this was the first time ever that I requested to go home when we got the warning call from the front desk. I felt bad because David and Maggie were having fun, but I was exhausted and we all had to be up early to get to the train station so that the tourists could go to Osaka/Kyoto.
Maggie gave me things that night and then stayed up playing with Finn for a little while. He loves her and is pretty obedient when she is around.
Happy Birthday
My birthday. It happened, as it usually does, on July 4th. Didn't do
much for it but that is more due to me and my age. Anyway, thought I
would mark it.
In all reality, I lucked out with a pretty good birthday in that the observation I was supposed to do on another teacher got canceled. I love work and all, but I also love not working. Who doesn't? Anyway, I ended up spending the morning calling home and having long chats with two of my Aunts. They were both getting ready for holiday fun as they live in America. My one aunt was going away to a cabin by the lake with her daughters and granddaughter and my other aunt was planning for some low-key festivities as her daughter recovered from foot surgery. Of course we spent most of the time gossiping about my father and my sister's trip to Japan (which I just remembered that I need to update about).
After that I had a huge salad for lunch with avocado and mozzarella cheese while watching daytime TV with Finn. So lucky to have a new channel (well, new to me) DS Family. During the day it has Ellen, Dr. Oz, and shows like The Middle and New Girl. At night it has a lot of good old reality like Wife Swap, Top Chef, The Fashion Show, and Super Nanny.
I then spent a looong time at the pool trying to avoid the old people, and finished the night with McDonald's. Motoaki had to work late so Mac was the easy option. Plus I had been craving it. And it was my birthday. AND, seeing as how it was the 4th of July, it was the American thing to do. Motoaki brought me some cheese cake and two slices of some fruity cakes for himself. I wasn't too bothered as I am not a cake person.
Then on Friday we went out for Yaki Niku (BBQ that you cook at your table) with Motoaki's mom and sister. They are really too nice to me. And I am not just saying that. For my birthday they gave me a Louis Vuitton purse. They were really excited about it and I had to work hard to also be "excited." I know, I know, what a brat. But I am just not a designer girl. And they had already given me a Louis Vuitton wallet earlier this year as a souvenir from Paris. I am not responsible enough for such finery, but they said that I deserved it now that I am an adult, LOL. I will have to remember to use it around them. I had actually been thinking about splurging on myself this summer and getting a Fossil Bag at the outlet in Kurashiki, but I guess I should use the Louis... Luckily when the baby comes they will start spending money on it and leave me to my cheap, $10 purses I get at the mall.
What really made me laugh was that Motoaki got nothing on his birthday from his family. But I guess his mother knows that while he helped, it's me who is really giving her a grandchild. Anyway, here's to being 29!
In all reality, I lucked out with a pretty good birthday in that the observation I was supposed to do on another teacher got canceled. I love work and all, but I also love not working. Who doesn't? Anyway, I ended up spending the morning calling home and having long chats with two of my Aunts. They were both getting ready for holiday fun as they live in America. My one aunt was going away to a cabin by the lake with her daughters and granddaughter and my other aunt was planning for some low-key festivities as her daughter recovered from foot surgery. Of course we spent most of the time gossiping about my father and my sister's trip to Japan (which I just remembered that I need to update about).
After that I had a huge salad for lunch with avocado and mozzarella cheese while watching daytime TV with Finn. So lucky to have a new channel (well, new to me) DS Family. During the day it has Ellen, Dr. Oz, and shows like The Middle and New Girl. At night it has a lot of good old reality like Wife Swap, Top Chef, The Fashion Show, and Super Nanny.
I then spent a looong time at the pool trying to avoid the old people, and finished the night with McDonald's. Motoaki had to work late so Mac was the easy option. Plus I had been craving it. And it was my birthday. AND, seeing as how it was the 4th of July, it was the American thing to do. Motoaki brought me some cheese cake and two slices of some fruity cakes for himself. I wasn't too bothered as I am not a cake person.
Then on Friday we went out for Yaki Niku (BBQ that you cook at your table) with Motoaki's mom and sister. They are really too nice to me. And I am not just saying that. For my birthday they gave me a Louis Vuitton purse. They were really excited about it and I had to work hard to also be "excited." I know, I know, what a brat. But I am just not a designer girl. And they had already given me a Louis Vuitton wallet earlier this year as a souvenir from Paris. I am not responsible enough for such finery, but they said that I deserved it now that I am an adult, LOL. I will have to remember to use it around them. I had actually been thinking about splurging on myself this summer and getting a Fossil Bag at the outlet in Kurashiki, but I guess I should use the Louis... Luckily when the baby comes they will start spending money on it and leave me to my cheap, $10 purses I get at the mall.
What really made me laugh was that Motoaki got nothing on his birthday from his family. But I guess his mother knows that while he helped, it's me who is really giving her a grandchild. Anyway, here's to being 29!
The Pool
My poor blog. I really haven't forgotten you. Just been, er, busy.
Anyway, nothing amazing to write about but there have been things that have been sitting on my mind that I thought I would add. First off, the pool.
About 2 weeks ago I finally got serious and joined the local indoor pool. I have been there before but had stopped going when I added my second job. Then, when I finished my second job I got pregnant which made me tired and all ideas of exercise went out the window. But after looking at my weight and realizing how bad I looked in some photos on Facebook, I decided to get my butt in gear. I realize that I am pregnant and that it is OK if I am looking heavy, but it is not OK for me to be lazy.
Anyway I can't believe that it took me this long to actually go because the minute I hit the pool it was so refreshing and relaxing. And easy. I set up my own routine of swimming 5 laps (250 meters), walking 5 laps, and repeating three times. I make sure to check my pulse and stop between laps to relax. But I have had so much energy from it and such a sense of calm. I usually go right after work and stay for about an hour, giving me just enough time to get home, walk Finn, and make dinner. Before I spent that hour watching crap TV or using the internet (so that is one reason I haven't been blogging so much).
Of course this is Japan so there are some things that do frustrate me (or maybe this would happen in the states too- I don't know because I haven't been a member of a pool in America since I was like 10). First off, the old people. They are all extremely polite to me but they are also in their own worlds. They walk two or three across and they always seem to be in my way. Not that I can't share, but it is frustrating to see them standing in the middle of the lane gossiping. ESPECIALLY when they are in one of the swim lanes. The pool has about 6 lanes. One is used for walking, two are used for lessons (kindergarten/elementary/Jr High) and the rest are for swimming. It makes me so mad when you get three older ladies parked in the middle of a swim lane talking about who knows what. Korean dramas? Sales on eggplants? I don't mind on slow days (once I went with Motoaki and there were only four people total in the pool) but on crowded days when I have other things to do it makes me so angry. Go to the edge of the pool or the walking lane. Or just get out of the pool to talk!
The other thing I hate are the lazy over achievers. These are the older people who will do one really fast, really impressive lap, and then just stand at the end of the lane for about five or ten minutes before doing another. This wouldn't be so bad if they were to share the lane with someone else, but whenever someone else joins them they seem to get uppity about it. I understand that they are old and they need to rest between laps. BUT I am pregnant and still manage to keep my break time between laps to a minimum, or am nice to anyone who joins my lane. Not that I am a saint, I am just conscious of the fact that there are probably other people that want to do laps as well. Again, if there are only three people there that day, take your time. But not when you have four people sharing the lane next to you.
Anyway, so the old people definitely annoy me. But then on the other spectrum are the little people. I love kids and I have patience with them. And when they are in the pool they are great (mostly because they have teachers yelling at them to swim faster and harder). But when they are in the changing room or in the lobby they are crazy. They run around, jumping on furniture and playing tag. I know they are just kids but when I was a kid I went to dance school and waited quietly in the changing room. The same for piano lessons. I knew what my mother expected of me and about respect, and I didn't lose that just because she wasn't there to see me. And the thing is the teachers don't say a thing. In the pool it's all yelling but out of the pool it's a blind eye. I can tell the old people get really angry with the little kids and I am always afraid there will be some cross-generation throw-down with myself in the middle.
It would probably be better if I went later at night but I still do get tired and I feel bad since I don't always get to spend as much time with Motoaki or Finn as it is. If I go right after work Finn doesn't notice (whats another hour to him- and don't worry- he has a toilet and water so he is fine- I usually get home to find him a sleep) and Motoaki isn't home anyway. So it works out best for me to get it done earlier. And it's really not that bad, just something I dwell on while swimming laps. I think because I always hear about rude Americans, but haven't seen this in America. Maybe its where I am from?
Also, on another slightly off topic note, I read the blog of a woman from New Zealand who has three small children in public school in Japan. Anyway, all schools in Japan have swimming at school and when she was attending the meeting about safety/rules, she asked about sending sunscreen along with her kids. She was told that sunscreen was not allowed because it made the pool "dirty." Obviously she was angry, especially when someone said, "The kids won't burn that bad." Then some other mothers got on and also commented how it was the same for their children at other kindergartens and elementary schools. That is so crazy. I asked Motoaki and he also thought it was crazy, but that he wouldn't know how to go about it if it were a school rule. I love Japan, but some days...
Anyway, nothing amazing to write about but there have been things that have been sitting on my mind that I thought I would add. First off, the pool.
About 2 weeks ago I finally got serious and joined the local indoor pool. I have been there before but had stopped going when I added my second job. Then, when I finished my second job I got pregnant which made me tired and all ideas of exercise went out the window. But after looking at my weight and realizing how bad I looked in some photos on Facebook, I decided to get my butt in gear. I realize that I am pregnant and that it is OK if I am looking heavy, but it is not OK for me to be lazy.
Anyway I can't believe that it took me this long to actually go because the minute I hit the pool it was so refreshing and relaxing. And easy. I set up my own routine of swimming 5 laps (250 meters), walking 5 laps, and repeating three times. I make sure to check my pulse and stop between laps to relax. But I have had so much energy from it and such a sense of calm. I usually go right after work and stay for about an hour, giving me just enough time to get home, walk Finn, and make dinner. Before I spent that hour watching crap TV or using the internet (so that is one reason I haven't been blogging so much).
Of course this is Japan so there are some things that do frustrate me (or maybe this would happen in the states too- I don't know because I haven't been a member of a pool in America since I was like 10). First off, the old people. They are all extremely polite to me but they are also in their own worlds. They walk two or three across and they always seem to be in my way. Not that I can't share, but it is frustrating to see them standing in the middle of the lane gossiping. ESPECIALLY when they are in one of the swim lanes. The pool has about 6 lanes. One is used for walking, two are used for lessons (kindergarten/elementary/Jr High) and the rest are for swimming. It makes me so mad when you get three older ladies parked in the middle of a swim lane talking about who knows what. Korean dramas? Sales on eggplants? I don't mind on slow days (once I went with Motoaki and there were only four people total in the pool) but on crowded days when I have other things to do it makes me so angry. Go to the edge of the pool or the walking lane. Or just get out of the pool to talk!
The other thing I hate are the lazy over achievers. These are the older people who will do one really fast, really impressive lap, and then just stand at the end of the lane for about five or ten minutes before doing another. This wouldn't be so bad if they were to share the lane with someone else, but whenever someone else joins them they seem to get uppity about it. I understand that they are old and they need to rest between laps. BUT I am pregnant and still manage to keep my break time between laps to a minimum, or am nice to anyone who joins my lane. Not that I am a saint, I am just conscious of the fact that there are probably other people that want to do laps as well. Again, if there are only three people there that day, take your time. But not when you have four people sharing the lane next to you.
Anyway, so the old people definitely annoy me. But then on the other spectrum are the little people. I love kids and I have patience with them. And when they are in the pool they are great (mostly because they have teachers yelling at them to swim faster and harder). But when they are in the changing room or in the lobby they are crazy. They run around, jumping on furniture and playing tag. I know they are just kids but when I was a kid I went to dance school and waited quietly in the changing room. The same for piano lessons. I knew what my mother expected of me and about respect, and I didn't lose that just because she wasn't there to see me. And the thing is the teachers don't say a thing. In the pool it's all yelling but out of the pool it's a blind eye. I can tell the old people get really angry with the little kids and I am always afraid there will be some cross-generation throw-down with myself in the middle.
It would probably be better if I went later at night but I still do get tired and I feel bad since I don't always get to spend as much time with Motoaki or Finn as it is. If I go right after work Finn doesn't notice (whats another hour to him- and don't worry- he has a toilet and water so he is fine- I usually get home to find him a sleep) and Motoaki isn't home anyway. So it works out best for me to get it done earlier. And it's really not that bad, just something I dwell on while swimming laps. I think because I always hear about rude Americans, but haven't seen this in America. Maybe its where I am from?
Also, on another slightly off topic note, I read the blog of a woman from New Zealand who has three small children in public school in Japan. Anyway, all schools in Japan have swimming at school and when she was attending the meeting about safety/rules, she asked about sending sunscreen along with her kids. She was told that sunscreen was not allowed because it made the pool "dirty." Obviously she was angry, especially when someone said, "The kids won't burn that bad." Then some other mothers got on and also commented how it was the same for their children at other kindergartens and elementary schools. That is so crazy. I asked Motoaki and he also thought it was crazy, but that he wouldn't know how to go about it if it were a school rule. I love Japan, but some days...
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Invasion
So now that summer is here (or summer/rainy season) the bugs have
returned to Japan. For the most part, we are doing ok. Before buying
the house we were warned that we were going to see a lot of bugs in our
house due to it being so close to the river and wood, but so far we are
getting by fairly easy. We got mukade (centipede) powder that seems to
really work (because I have seen dead ones in our shed or just outside
of the house) and Motoaki was able to kill the wasp nest and the bee
hive before they became massive (he is such a brave guy). We have been
managing to keep things clean enough to escape any cockroaches, ants,
beetles, etc and that snake I saw one time last year (the first week
moved in) hasn't returned.
BUT within the past week we seem to have been invaded by small centipedes or millipedes (I don't really take the time to count the legs). When I first started seeing them I freaked out as I thought they were baby mukade (my biggest fear in Japan) but once I realized they were harmless, they became more of a nuisance than a menace. For the most part they don't harm anything. And they are super easy to catch. If they are on the ceiling I just stick a plastic jar under them and they eventually fall into to it, after which I throw them outside. Although maybe I should be killing them... And if they are on the floor I stick an empty toilet around them and when they start to climb it I take it to the toilet and shake them out to a watery death. About a week ago I would maybe see one a day.
Sorry for the bad pics but here are two in the house.
BUT ON SUNDAY I caught 12. TWELVE! Six on the living room ceiling, two on our bedroom floor, two in the hallway, and two in the shower. Now, this could be because a) we had a huge rainstorm all weekend long and they may have been seeking safety and/or b) Motoaki wasn't around so I was kind of lazy and spent a lot of time lying about, looking at the ceiling while Finn brought random toys to me to throw. Anyway, it makes me wonder if maybe we need to do something about them. Motoaki (who'd been in Nagoya) got home at 1 am last night so I didn't have time to ask, but I will tonight. They really aren't that bad as for the most part they don't seem to bite us, they are very calm when caught, and they haven't been found anywhere near our food. But I am worried that maybe they eat wood or something. And I also worry that they will bother Finn or that he will start eating them (he eats enough random bugs and frogs outside as it is...).
On a side note, I will say that in going through this I am reminded of all of the random Asian beetles that everyone had a problem with in Iowa a few years back. I remember thinking that my mom was overreacting when she would go around killing what seemed to me to be harmless little bugs. But now I can definitely relate...
UPDATE= We looked into it and they are harmless for the most part and should go away after the rainy season. You can spray for them, but the spray would probably do Finn and me (due to being pregnant) than the bugs actually do.
BUT within the past week we seem to have been invaded by small centipedes or millipedes (I don't really take the time to count the legs). When I first started seeing them I freaked out as I thought they were baby mukade (my biggest fear in Japan) but once I realized they were harmless, they became more of a nuisance than a menace. For the most part they don't harm anything. And they are super easy to catch. If they are on the ceiling I just stick a plastic jar under them and they eventually fall into to it, after which I throw them outside. Although maybe I should be killing them... And if they are on the floor I stick an empty toilet around them and when they start to climb it I take it to the toilet and shake them out to a watery death. About a week ago I would maybe see one a day.
BUT ON SUNDAY I caught 12. TWELVE! Six on the living room ceiling, two on our bedroom floor, two in the hallway, and two in the shower. Now, this could be because a) we had a huge rainstorm all weekend long and they may have been seeking safety and/or b) Motoaki wasn't around so I was kind of lazy and spent a lot of time lying about, looking at the ceiling while Finn brought random toys to me to throw. Anyway, it makes me wonder if maybe we need to do something about them. Motoaki (who'd been in Nagoya) got home at 1 am last night so I didn't have time to ask, but I will tonight. They really aren't that bad as for the most part they don't seem to bite us, they are very calm when caught, and they haven't been found anywhere near our food. But I am worried that maybe they eat wood or something. And I also worry that they will bother Finn or that he will start eating them (he eats enough random bugs and frogs outside as it is...).
On a side note, I will say that in going through this I am reminded of all of the random Asian beetles that everyone had a problem with in Iowa a few years back. I remember thinking that my mom was overreacting when she would go around killing what seemed to me to be harmless little bugs. But now I can definitely relate...
UPDATE= We looked into it and they are harmless for the most part and should go away after the rainy season. You can spray for them, but the spray would probably do Finn and me (due to being pregnant) than the bugs actually do.
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