Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Akinori went back to Japan yesterday. I was sooooo sad all day. I don't know how many times I cried. I think there was a bit of PMS mixed in with the loneliness though, and EVERYTHING I watched on TV made me cry. EVERYTHING. It was getting a little ridiculous, and I think poor Sara was very confused at her mother's uncontrollable weepiness. I really wish he stayed longer, and of course he said several times, "I should have stayed longer". He said the same thing when we came two years ago, and this year extended his stay by one bleeding day!! I told him a zillion and a half times 4 flipping days was not long enough, but of course he never listens to me. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother offering my opinion when I know he's only going to disagree. Besides my constant griping though, I love him to death and miss him terribly. I was so relieved when he called to say he got in okay.

We ended up not getting to the cemetery until Monday morning. The cemetery is closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath and it's closed for all major Jewish holidays, and of course Sunday was a major Jewish holiday, so we finally got to the cemetery on Monday. It was kind of cathartic to finally visit my grandmother after so long, but still made me very sad. I was happy to finally introduce my husband and daughter to her and my grandfather though, and I'm sure they were happy to meet their grandson-in-law and great-granddaughter too.

After the cemetery we went shopping downtown and got some good omiyage for Akinori's family and all the neighbors. Of course we forgot to buy some so I have to get more before I go back. I'm going to have to ship a few boxes I think because there is no way we're getting all of our stuff back to Japan in only the suitcases I brought with me, and certainly not under the weight limit. We then met my parents at the local mall to get some family photos taken. My shithead brother was supposed to make it into town in time for the family party the day before, but didn't. Then he was supposed to get here in time for the photos, but he and his wife decided to go to her parents' house first even though we told them about the photos way ahead of time. We went to dinner after the photos and my brother's family was supposed to meet us for dessert, and by the time they showed up it was nearly 10p.m. and Sara was a mess. So we skipped dessert and made them come back with us to my parent's house where we had a nice visit, but it was ridiculously late by the time they left and we finally got to bed. Plus I was having trouble being warm to them since they had been pissing me off for days on end at that point.

Today is now Wednesday and Sara and I met my friend J and her daughter to go to the zoo. I knew that getting out today would undo all the yucky feelings I had the day before. It was great to see J too. It was probably about 12 or 13 years since I had last seen her and she really didn't look any different than I remembered her. She has a great house and her husband is an amazing artist. I really enjoyed spending time with her and her daughter today. I only wish we had more time to spend. I had to leave around 2:30 because I had a belly dance class today. Another great class. I really love this teacher and can't wait to go back to Japan and teach my students all the wonderful things I'm learning. I'm going to a group class tomorrow night and then my last class is next week. So sad.

Aside from the belly dance class tomorrow night I have lunch plans with T. If I had never moved to Japan, T and I would probably be married with children right now, which is why we have a lunch date with Sara and not a dinner date while my parents babysit. I could write a whole book about my romance with T, and I definitely think it would make a really great movie, but it is completely innocent these days. I just enjoy seeing him for drinks or lunch when I come into town, and we reminisce about the old days and have a good catch up. Of course I make sure I am looking my absolute best when I see him, but really, what else would you expect? Speaking of which, it's time for me to go and get some beauty rest for tomorrow. 'Night!