TFiJ31: Moments of Gratitude 2009

Hey! Long time no video. Winter vacation has started, and I FINALLY feel free to make time for video editing. Since 2009 is about to end, it’s time to take a look back at all the fun stuff and memorable family moments. The clip is roughly chronological, starting back in January and progressing through the year, up until last week when we had our first big dump of snow. Some of the big highlights from 2009 include:

• Papa starting a new job at Toyo Gakuen University, in Chiba (east of Tokyo, nearish Tokyo Disney Land).

• Relatedly, beginning our “tanshin funin” lifestyle. This means that during the week I lived in a tiny apartment and commuted back to Toyama on Thursday nights, only to return on Sunday nights. Long story short, this was a big change for our family!

• Family “camping” trips to our Chiba apartment (March, May, September, December). We all packed into our little shoebox and enjoyed the sites of Tokyo and surrounding area.

• Luke’s continued swimming success. He competed in several meets and earned his 2nd medal (a bronze in the 25m backstroke). Since he was often the youngest swimmer in the pool, we were very happy about his results (although you’ll likely get a different story from Coach Mama!)

• Luke climbing Mt. Tateyama (in Toyama) this summer with me and grandpa Mase.

• Visiting the Noto Peninsula in September. The occasion was a swim meet for Luke and Mama, but our friend Kaoru came along to help take care of Max, so we were able to visit the beach and go hiking. Very nice place!

• Luke dancing on the big stage in Yatsuo during the Owara festival. This was shown live on local TV, so Max watched and danced along. Fun!

• The summer visit of Shinobu’s friend Yumi and her three awesome kids, Ikuma, Kazuma, and Nao. We had a total blast with them.

• Luke and Max going crazy about Michael Jackson- I’ve been listening to him practically every day since he passed away!

So besides all these “events”, there were numerous quiet and subtle joys, some of which you’ll see in the video. When I look at all the smiles and good times, I feel this glorious overwhelming gratitude for everything. I hope when you watch this clip you’ll think about all that is good in your life and feel likewise.

Take care, everyone, and have a great 2010!