Birthday Presents!!!

Lapita is looking at Teddy's warm, fluffy gift  :)

Even though Adam was busy at work, he baked many biscuits and sent them as soon he came back from work.

And I was lucky that I could have two different BDay presents on the same day! yay!

Thank you Adam, They make me happy, I really appreciate this.

I enjoyed his presents, one being the biscuits he baked and the other is moccasins which are made in Australia and are very warm shoes.

I'm wearing them everyday, they keep my feet warm always, just as Teddy's heart always feels warm to me.

Also his handmade biscuits are making me smile every time I eat them.

I can taste the love he put into these biscuits !!! gentle sweetness, nice cute shape.

They make my heart and feet warm!

２周年 記念日！Our 2 year Anniversary

On 23rd September, we had our two year  Anniversary.
I can feel the time passed quickly, although it was not that recent that we became a couple.

It's amazing that I met Adam, since we live in different coutries.
and we are still continuing a good relationship, with distance.

when I look back over the past two years, I know I was happy to be with him even though
we had a big crisis in Japan.

In 2 years there have been many crises in my personal life as well, it started with a tax investigation, then big earth quakes, then Fukushima nuclear plants explosion and melt-down, then I had some trouble with my work.

I'm greatful to Adam for being good to me, supporting me from Australia.
He called me sometimes and encouraged me, that helped me alot.

ありがとう　Adam XX

I really hope we can be even more happy after he will be in Japan.
And hope we wont give up even though we might have challenges in the future life.
I'm sure we can find much happiness that makes a big happiness in the end!

これからも　よろしくおねがいします。

Two Year Anniversary

Akiko and I have had our two year anniversary!
It has been over one month since that day, now finding time to write. I can sometimes be a lazy blogger at times.

I am fortunate to have Akiko in my life. Two years have passed quickly and with many fond memories. I feel more comfort, warmth, and growth since she came into my life, and for this I am grateful!

At this moment, I am awaiting confirmation of a student visa, so I may study Japanese language in Tokyo, and start the next stage in my life, with Akiko by my side.
When I receive confirmation, I will write again. Fingers crossed!

Tea from Teddy and Lapita is back to Tokyo

I've got a parcel from Australia today, from Adam. :)

in side was a tea cup and tea.

same cup and same tea that he uses, I will enjoy the same things with you in tokyo!

Thank you Teddy.

And I have Lapita back with me today!

He seems a bit tired, looks sleepy... even though he eats hay.

I'm really happy to be with him now.



French Cafe´(we could enjoy together)

Yesterday, I went to the Chermside shopping centre to visit the Apple shop and see if I can have my old iPhone fixed. After I had finished at the Apple store there wasn't anything else that I needed to do there, but I fancied a coffee.

There is a French "style" cafe´ in the mall. It's uncommon to find French style cafe´s and restaurants in Australia. I know Akiko really likes French things :P and I know it is very common and popular in Japan but in Australia I have never been to any French shops. I decided I would try this one in Chermside.

As I sat there, drinking my coffee, I noticed a few couples walking by, they appeared to be happy, maybe it was youth's charm, puppy love, or the simple joys of human attraction. Whatever may be the reason for those people looking happy was not important, they appeared to be happy, enjoying their attraction and their companionship. It was nice to see it, but at the same time it made me feel lonely.
I realized, "here I am alone, looking around, longing, suffering." Sometimes reading the news on my phone, and sometimes looking around to take in the view. I realized in the moment that I noticed the couples, and the feeling of longing rose within, that I was alone, looking at people walking by, wishing I was somewhere else, or with someone else (Akiko). I felt I looked desperate sitting there alone, wishing I wasn't.
I got up from my seat shortly after I finished reading the news. Headed through the mall toward the bus terminal. Still noticing couples laughing, exchanging looks of desire and enjoyment with each other. As they smiled, kissed, touched each other softly, I again felt sorry for myself. I dont look at people for more then a second or two, but I couldn't help notice what was in front of my eyes and to notice how I envied them.
When I sat on the bus, heading home, as the evening closed in, and the sun set, I read The Lotus Sutra Guide and again realized I was alone, but this time it didn't matter. I wanted nothing other then to feel alive without wanting what I don't have. A calmness came from with and without, I let go and allowed myself to be as I was, but I didn't not suffer in being in that moment.
I told myself, "why not be as a tree, expressing my nature, standing tall wherever I am, without suffering when the sun sets and darkness is all around. just to be as I am, without attachments to what may be outside of myself, or what is not within reach."
I do wish that I may live many more years though, so i can be together with Akiko, to express my attraction, my appreciation, live as lovers do. There may be dark times there too and I would be a fool to think we would live without challenges and levels of sorrow. I can only prepare myself to be like a tree. To stand by her as I am, in darkness and in light.

Visiting Mum in Adelaide

I am  now back in Brisbane after 4 days in Adelaide.

I enjoyed my time in Adelaide. 

My Mother has been working a lot in her back yard, her garden is now full of life and peaceful.

I very much enjoyed standing amongst and walking around the garden.

There are many plants growing all around the yard.

I could hear the birds singing, bees buzzing, and I could smell a variety of scents from trees, flowers, and the earth. It was a really nice experience to be amongst and admire the life of plants.

This Lemon tree was attractive, there were many lemons growing on its branches, the flowers emitted a sweet fragrance, and there were many bees suckling at the flowers all around and within the outer and inner world of the tree. It felt so alive, so real.

I visited the tree a few times while I was staying at my Mother's house. One day I spent 30 minutes standing very close to the tree admiring the fruit, listening to the sound of bees, smelling the fresh scent. 

I tried my best to take a photo of one of the bust bees. I would stick my head and upper body within the tree. I felt I was part of the inner world of the tree. The bees didnt mind me as I follow them and snapped very close photos of them while they were working.

I also found an old birds nest in the lemon tree.

I also enjoyed finding the small life within the garden. These clovers may be small and hard to see but they are very beautiful when you take the time to get up-close and see where and how they live.

This is Roger's Habanero Chili.
These chili are rated as one of the hottest in the world.
I picked a few of the bush and ate a small amount raw to try it.
The taste was sweet, a pleasant flavor, and yes it was extremely hot!

We found a tiny mouse climbing on the tall grass and eating grasses. She was very cute.

I had a nice time in Adelaide this time. My Mother and Roger seemed calm and I could enjoy relaxing there. 

I was thinking about dear Akiko each day. She is now in Kobe, I think she is feeling a bit better because Kobe is safe. But because the future of her life in Japan is hard to foresee it seems she is still a bit worried and stressed.

I know she thought I didn't miss her, because I was busy with my family, but it's not true. I think about her each day, I can see her in my mind and heart, and I do miss her. I dont know exactley how she feels, or how she is thinking these days. I just wish that I could help. It seems I cant be part of her life now. I can only chat with her online. She doesn't need me to be with her, I dont feel the same, but I will continue to support her if she just wants to be alone now.

Please take care Akiko, and contact me anytime about anything if you like. I'll try to help if I can. 

Poor Japan, a Sad and Terrible Disaster

I am at work now, I am working the morning shift which means I sleep from around 3pm-12am. When I woke to go to work I only just found out about the earthquake and tsunami which has hit Japan.
I am worried about Aco, although I know she is safe now, I wish her life and business will not be greatly effected by this horrible disaster. I also wish that Japanese families and people who have been harmed will have the support of others in their community to recover and get through this hard time.
My best wishes to the people of Japan, and to Aco and her friends and family.
Please be safe.
It is so hard to be away from Aco, when something like this happens it naturally creates an uneasy feeling.
I wish I could be near her, and confirm that she is ok.

早起き Waking up in a morning

今日は久しぶりに超早起きしました！

といっても７時３０分ですが。。。

いつもは、１０時か、下手すると１１時起床のわたしなので、自分でもびっくりです。はは。

早起きできた理由・・・それは、Adam　との会話で少し元気がでたことかもしれません。

最近の私は、ちょっぴりダウン気味、体調が悪くて、気持ちまで沈んでいました。

ここ１ヶ月以上ずっと身体の調子がわるくて、気功をしていてもすぐ疲れてしまって、

やる気「０」でした。。。

教室では仕事なので、元気よくふるまっていましたが、終わると疲れがでてしまって

本当に身体が弱ると心までマイナス思考になるのですね。

いつもなら、どうってことなく流せることでもすごく気になったりして。

Adam が　仕事から帰ってきて自宅生活に戻ったとたん、今までずっとSkype 毎日、

朝、夜と一日２回会えたのに、突然、会えなくなったからというのもきっかけとしては、

あったのかと思います。

帰っても、Adam　はもう寝ているし、起こしちゃ悪いし、なんかとっても悲しくなって、

でもその時は、それがそんなに辛いなんて自分でも気づかなかったのです。

今思うと、なんかAdamと距離を感じてしまったことが、悲しかったのかな～と思います。

そして、ある晩、お話ししたいと私から声をかけて久しぶりにSkype で話したら、

すごく気持ちが楽になって、自分でもびっくりしました。　：P

やっぱり　Adam　は　私の人生のかなりをしめているな～と実感しました。

ありがとう　

Valentine's gift from Adam

Thank you very mucy for your beautiful and cute Valentine's Day present.

This morning, I had a delivery at home around 10am.

I didin't expect that it was Valentine's gift, so it was a happy surprise!

As I haven't got vase at home, I brought these flowers with me to my office.

I thought i would be good to look at them while working. They can ease my stress and I think sensei can enjoy them as well.

ありがとうございます
　




I will keep little curly bear at my home and will talk to him everyday when i go home.

The gift from Adam

These beautiful flowers are a gift from Adam.

I'm very happy to see them every day :)

ありがとうございます

so sweet roses...

These pink roses just arrived today at the office.

these red roses are nicely arranged in a basket.


They give me positive energy and I can feel ease just by looking at them.

15days left Before leaving Tokyo

We have 15 days left before our next meeting!

I'm really looking forward to seeing you Adam, and I am happy to be next to you again soon.

At the same time, I become more worried about my work.

Since we will have investigation in January I have to do more work,  more than I expected.

In the end of the year, each year, we are normaly busier than ordinary time. And I should prepare for the time during which I will be absent from work.

Noone can replace me :( so I'm a bit worried about my company....

Anyway we have only 15days left and I think I should do what I can do right now to get ready for our holiday and for my work as well.

I hope I can be well prepared before i leave tokyo.

Present from Adam

I received really beautiful flowers from Adam on my Birthday.


 Actually, they arrived one day before, but it was so nice of him.



And he sang for me, "Happy Birthday to You" :) ...at midnight, in the early hours of my Birthday.

その後。。。after that day

Adam is home and he seems to enjoy his days off.

I'm glad if he is happy.

and I'm grateful that he likes the gifts i sent from japan.

アダムの休日中に、荷物が届いて本当によかったです。

船便だったのでどうなることかとおもいましたが無事届いてよかった。

元気に、病気しないで仕事に復帰してくださいね。

Soon, I will be a Foreigner

Aco and I often talk about and consider our plans for our life together. I am planning to move to Japan by the end of 2011. 

When I returned home last night, I was pleased to find a parcel from Aco containing the books we found about living in Japan as a foreigner. The books cover many topics, from visas, nationalization, the rights of workers, opening a business etc...

ありがとうございますあこ！

I hope I can be accepted as a foreigner in Japan. I have an affinity for the country, it's cultural mannerisms, its topography, and for its finest human, Aco :)

Dreaming about you, Aco.

Last night I dreamt of you, Aco.
We were together, it was your home town, but the location was completely unlike the place in which you really live. In my dream, not far from your home, we walked by a cliff side. Long, vibrant green grass and vines grew in thickets and hung over the edge. A chain fence ran along a footpath through the grass to a flight of stairs which lead to where your apartment was.  Over the cliff side, a deep valley chasm, mist rising before a waterfall at the other side. The colors were deep and dark green, around the waterfall was colored by rich brown earth. Enormous tall trees grew along the river banks on the far side.  Vines hung down like necklaces from the branches. It was amazing, the feeling of being by this valley.

During the dream we seemed to be stuck in a perpetual loop of arriving at this cliff side. Each time there was a different aspect of the area which stood out noticeably. At times, we were confronted by danger, other times I had to protect you, Aco, from people who wished to harm you. And at other times we simply stood by the cliff in awe of the beauty and the tragedy.
In one instance, there was a lot of pollution. Papers in the grass, and papers, wrappers, scraps of human waste were being carried by the wind and hung in the mist like ascending white birds. I remember feeling shocked by this sight. I was moved by the beauty of the natural world, and at the same time mournful over the pollution which seemed to be at battle with the purity to the natural world... As if the wind not only carried the papers, it was fighting to be rid of them. The wind could not clear it all away... the papers span around and back down, circling and scattering around the land. I felt a sadness which seemed to be the sadness of the world itself. I could feel the sadness and longing of the earth to be free from the harm which the human world imposes on it, and the sadness of witnessing something pure and beautiful fall into darkness.

We returned time and again to this cliff side path. It seemed as if that was the only setting for the dream, I can't recall us being anywhere else. I remember you, Aco, were so beautiful in my dream (as you are in real life). You felt so special to me, you were pure as the earth was. I wanted to save you, as well as the earth from the cruelty of men, of humankind. I believe this was the theme and mood of my dream. I wanted to preserve the purity I felt in you as well as in the chasm of the valley, and witness the end of harmful ways.

Adam @ Work

Hi Aco, and readers.

Adam here, I'm supposed to be working at the moment. I should be baking a cake or preparing some other type of dessert. Just now, for a few minutes, I want to write about how I feel day to day, about my job. My job is enjoyable, most of the time. I work as a Chef for a catering company that services the mining industry. The workers that we cater for can be quite rough and can be hard to deal with, which adds a bit of pressure to my job. I'm a bit shy, so I find the abrasive nature of some Australian country folk to be quite challenging.

There are always two chefs working here, on separate twelve hour alternating shifts. Day after day, keeping the kitchen open around the clock. I am responsible for my own menu planning, food preparation and kitchen management. There are days when I am proud of what I cook, and days when I am out of ideas...  

Every time I go to work, even the night before I have to take the bus to out of town, I start to miss Aco. When I am home, on break, which is usually 16 days, Aco and I communicate everyday. I love it. She is my comfort, and my fresh air.

I am always thinking of my dear Aco. Especially when I come to work out here in the wild Oz, surrounded by wild animals. I feel a deep appreciation for having her in my life. When I think of her, I remember that there are good qualities in human kind. Aco is the most gentle, lovely, admirable, and adorable person that I know. I feel a bit more gentle myself, when I remember her kind smile, her voice, her touch. I realize how fortunate I am. Meeting her, has changed the way I feel, about myself, about relationships, about my future. Being by her side is my motivation for keeping up this hard work. The money I make, and save, brings me a little closer to the goal, to be by her side as soon as possible.