Happy Birthday to Me!

From Guidebook to Japan by Amy Chavez, which was left in our apartment:

"In Japan, one of the first questions asked of an acquaintance is often, 'How old are you?' Supposedly, Japanese people ask this so they can immediately classify you into their societal structure to address you with the proper level of respect. I'm inclined to think, however, it's merely a method to judge how safe you are to be around. Women who are 19 or 33.... are in their unlucky years when dire misfortune is likely. Who wants to hang around these people?

"By the time you reach 60, called kanreki, you are truly harmless. This is because the Japanese use the Chinese zodiac, which is divided into five 12-year cycles. At the end of 60 years,you have completed one life cycle and become a baby again. At age 60, many people wear red because the word for baby in Japanese is 'aka,' the same word as the color red."

I think Bruce is relieved to know that I am truly harmless. For my birthday, he made me breakfast (the fresh oranges here are highly superior to the ones from California we can buy at the commissary).

We then went to Joyful Honda for building materials -- more patio garden projects.

And I had to include this picture, above -- it's the Japanese version of Tyvek!

We then had district meeting, which was inspiring as always. I just love watching these young missionaries at work, the way they take on leadership roles and responsibilities. It's really awesome.

But they're still kids -- as evidenced by the activity following the meeting -- pictured above. Those of us who had not tried natto were invited to have that experience. From wikipedia: Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtillis var. natto.  Some eat it as a breakfast food. Natto may be an acquired taste because of its powerful smell, strong flavor, and slimy texture.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natt%C5%8D

Now doesn't that make you hungry?

Elder Loi-On had brought some, which he served in small cups someone found in the kitchen. Bruce downed his in two bites. I took a few tentative nibbles and then just got it over with -- it really wasn't as bad as I expected! Sister Bybee, who is standing in the picture above, was ready to rush out of the room if need be -- and she did, with her companion Sister Jolley following closely on her heels (in support, not because Sister Jolley needed to hurl as well). It was pretty entertaining, all around. The elders have it on video, and they got a good laugh seeing Sister Bybee bolt for the door.

After district meeting we came back to our apartment where I baked cookies and brownies while Bruce continued to work on our patio garden, for my birthday. Then, later in the evening, we had the district over for brownies, cookies, and root beer floats. It was crowded and noisy and fun in our little apartment -- they indulged me and let me show photos and talk about my kids and grandkids! I'm sad I didn't think to take any pictures, though!

It was a wonderful and memorable birthday -- and for the next few days we enjoyed the heart attack the sisters left on our door!