Cats are masters

I believe in science.  But I question the concept of evolution when I look at my cats.  The law of natural selection doesn’t seem to apply to them.  One of them is a hunter.  She crawls very slowly and low on the floor whenever she sees a bird on the porch railing, only to be … More Cats are masters

Eat it to save it

I once read that there isn’t a good translation for the Japanese word “mottainai.”  Mottainai has some elegant uses, however, it’s commonly used to express the desire for no waste.  Time is precious; time is mottainai.  Don’t waste paper; paper is mottainai.  According to Japanese dictionaries, mottainai is seeing that the value of something or … More Eat it to save it

Usual, but normal?

I sometimes work late evenings, training clients in Japan via video conference.  I like one-on-one sessions, as I get to know the client on a personal level.  However, these sessions come with an occupational hazard.  Afterwards, I often need time to decompress. So, with a cup of tea in one hand and a TV remote … More Usual, but normal?

How are you?

I was fresh off the boat when someone first asked me, “How are you?” I translated my Japanese response into English and said, “I’m a bit tired.” That was the truth.  I worked and also studied at a graduate school until my wedding, and the day after we said “I do”, my husband and I … More How are you?

Am I special?

Twenty-five years ago, I flew over the Pacific Ocean and crossed an invisible border.  When I landed on the U.S. soil, I became a person who couldn’t speak.  That was a fundamental shift from being a person who couldn’t speak in English.  That inability, which had been a fraction of my being since it didn’t … More Am I special?

Happy New Year!

I’ve lived in the U.S. for almost a quarter of a century, but still find it hard to fully adjust to the rhythm of American life.  Time glides smoothly through the first half of the year; spring and early summer make me cheerful and confident. Then, the school year ends by late June, and a … More Happy New Year!