Dressing in Kimono & recent photos

These are recent photos I thought you might enjoy. Our precious baby bot was so exhausted at lunch time that he fell asleep clutching his string cheese.
Zander loves the slide.
Anika pulling her baby brother around our backyard
Once again exhausted at lunch time the following week.
My precious baby boy, I can't believe he is walking and talking.




I joined a culture group through the OSC (Officers' Spouse's Club) and just love it. We get together twice a month with the Japanese women in our group and share something that has to do with either American or Japanese culture. For the month of November our Japanese ladies dressed us in Kimono and on November 29th we are going to our friend Cary's home and will treat the Japanese ladies to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Next month the Japanese ladies are coming to the Waskiewicz home for a traditional Christmas luncheon. It is so much fun and so interesting to be a part of this group.





We were so fortunate to have these lovely women dress us up in their elaborate and beautiful kimonos. My friends Aggie, Cary and Dianalyn were there to partake in wearing a lovely kimono (we missed you Sarah). It took about 45 minutes to dress us. It is almost impossible to dress yourself in kimono so we had someone actually dressing us. There are many layers underneath and if you are getting married you can have as many as 20 layers underneath your kimono. The more elaborate the function you are attending the more layers you will have. Sleeve length is determined by your age. The longer the sleeve length, the younger you are, notice my sleeve length:) They mistook me for a 20 year old, ha, ha! Basically they bind you like a mummy. Scarlett O'Hara had it easy. If you are dressed in kimono it is virtually impossible to use the potty. Sitting down would be interesting too, we didn't try it. It is hard to breath, we were all experiencing a little difficulty, you just had to make sure you didn't think about it.





It was funny, because we kept asking Mitzuko, who was dressing me, what do you do if you go to a 6 hour function and you have to go to the bathroom. She responded, "YOU DON'T"! We wanted to make sure all was not lost in translation, but it was very clear, YOU DON'T!








Cary getting prepared for her Obi Tie
Obi ties begin as a 16 foot long piece of material, there are many ways to tie an obi as you can see in the photo below. Mitzuko went all out with a fancier obi on me.



Below, Cary, me, Aggie and Dianalyn. To expose your ankles is asking for an invitation for well ...you know, sex. Also showing your wrist is an invitation. That is what the Geisha girl's do and that is one way to distinguish the difference between a proper Japanese lady and a Geisha. All Japanese women wear there hair up when wearing a kimono so they are exposing the back of their neck. The back of the neck is considered very sexy within Japanese culture.


They placed me in a traditional Japanese pose for a photo when you are in kimono. At least that is what they said:) They could still be laughing today:)




Me and Mitzuko, my very kind dresser.




Dressing someone in kimono is very hard work, our Japanese friends were exhausted.

I wanted to display the entire kimono, there are little pockets in the wings for nick knacks.

Thanks so much to our Japanese friends for such a memorable outing. They took us out to lunch afterwards and gave us little handkerchiefs as gifts. I baked them miniature pumpkin bread. It is traditional to present a small token as a gift when we meet with our group every other week. I feel so lucky to be able to experience such amazing things.

I was supposed to go to Tokyo today with Cary, Aggie and Mitzuko. This wasn't a scheduled culture group event it was just something Mitzuko wanted to do. We were going to take the train to Tokyo and meet Mitzuko. Mitzuko was going to take us to a pearl dealer she knew and get great deals for us on pearls. The more pearls the group buys the better the discount. Lunch is also included.

Unfortunately I threw out my back (that is why I am stationary and actually blogging) and couldn't go, but Cary offered to pick out some earrings for gifties. I can't wait to see the black pearl earrings she picks out.

I promise to be a little more faithful with blogging and communication in general. This move has been very long and stressful. We are still unpacking boxes. Usually everything is unpacked, hung and organized by now. It took so long to get our things that by the time that everything arrived we were completely immersed in our daily life.

Lexi is busy with school, soccer, ballet, Girl Scouts and tennis. Lexi loves school and is doing very well with adjusting, but misses her friends immensely. Alexis loves her teacher Ms. Watkins. John and I had a parent teacher conference last week and Lexi's teacher made some very positive comments and her report card was good.

Anika and Zander keep busy playing in the backyard with the many wonderful children our neighbors have. Anika is strong willed and as cute as ever. A difficult combination when you have to discipline. Alexander is watching his sisters and following suit and chasing after them, now that he is walking.

John has been working very hard and loves his job and boss. He likes to get out and golf every now and then, although he won't be golfing for awhile. John tore ligaments in his ankle and has a cast and crutches.

I have been busy with the kids (4 dependants/kids now) and getting things organized. When we arrived I started working out 4-5 times a week and participating in the culture group. I am also coaching Lexi's volleyball team, which started after soccer season ended about 1 month ago. The volleyball team travels so Lexi and I are fortunate to be able to see many parts of Japan. This last Saturday the team traveled to Yokosuka Naval Base, leaving at 0630 and returning at 1500. We lost our game, but the girls certainly did not lack in spirit or cheering each other on. It was 25-22 with both the 1st and 2nd game. I am sure the 3 hour bus ride down and early start didn't help. The team won the week before on their home court.

Please keep in touch we miss ALL of you immensely.