The Friday Five and Other News
1. What is the sweetest thing you've ever done for someone else?
I really don't know. This would be my opinion naturally, and often what you think is the sweetest/kindest thing is not noticed or appreciated as such. I like doing things for people I love, but it often takes me a while to think of so it usually doesn't make it in time for a birthday or other special occaision. I tend to do them when they come to me regardless.
OK, here's one. I don't think it is the sweetest thing, but it is something I consider to be sweet. A few Christmas' ago, I made little stollen buns for every member of my choir as well as the pianist that played for our concert and of course the teacher/conductor. That was around 17 members at the time. I made a double batch of stollen to do so, and it took a lot of time and effort. I kneaded in a lot of good will, with their delight in mind. I think they enjoyed them.
2. What do you wish people would do for you?
I don't expect anyone to do for me what I am unable to do for them, so every little kindness is really special. I think it is important to feel needed but also to receive acknowledgement for one's efforts.
3. What are your simplest pleasures?
I'm listening to some relaxing piano music now while I type, which is quite pleasurable. My breakfast time and snack time are as well.
4. What makes you feel all warm & fuzzy?
Doing something nice for someone, and seeing my kids being kind to others.
5. How do you define love?
There are various kinds of love. For example,
There is love for a child, which is a giving love and unconditional.
There is love for a friend, which is a sharing sort of love.
There is love for a spouse, which is a commitment.
There is love for a lover, which is physical.
Here is a definition that covers them all - Affection, benevolence, good-will and concern for the welfare of the one loved.
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It looks like we won't be able to go on a trip as a family this summer. Julian has school until the second week of August, and Audrey has cram school in the second week. I start work on the third week. There are a few days between Julian's school and Audrey's cram school but not enough to go far. I suggested a night at a hotel we used to go to, but the problem is Hana. We'd have to put her in a hotel of her own and that would cost extra. I'm still kind of hoping we can do that though.
Alex had his second interview with the furnature store and got an offer. He had his first interview with the travel agency and passed that so will be having another interview there. He will have to ask for an extention on the offer of the first in order to be able to consider both jobs. I hope he can get the extension. I am excited for him, and also dreading his leaving home.
We are getting a steady trickle of trial students but our financial situation is still strained. We got a new loan from a government financial institution to try to tide things over. Hubby keeps telling me to not spend so much on the credit card, but I think he needs to consider his spending before he worries about the petty food costs. We have three grown kids and I am only buying what we need to eat, and being as thrifty as I can. I think the biggest strain is the schooling. I hope our student numbers go only up from here. It's been really hard since COVID. So, even if we could go for a trip, we'd have to wait until the loan comes through. *sighs*
I suppose everyone has heard about former Prime Minister Abe being shot and killed. This was a shock to all of us here in Japan. According to the news, the 41 year old man shot him with a handmade pistol (Firearms are illegal in Japan except for hunting rifles). He seems to have served in the Self-defense Force for a while. I really can't believe it. If this was the States, I would assume such a leader would have had bodyguards. But this is Japan. No one expected such violence. It's like a scene from a scifi novel. Hubby is of course ranting about it being a conspiracy.
Books - I'm reading a fantasy series by Will Wight, called the Cradle. I think someone mentioned it - if you were the one, thank you <3 I am enjoying it and going through it like wildfire. I thought for sure there must be a game based on the series, but I haven't found anything. I'm not particularly into games, but my son is making a sword fighting game atm at school and I could totally see the series as a similar game.
Did I mention that I had watched the first episodes of the new Dune series? I enjoyed it and hope to see more. I am watching Manifest at the moment.
I really don't know. This would be my opinion naturally, and often what you think is the sweetest/kindest thing is not noticed or appreciated as such. I like doing things for people I love, but it often takes me a while to think of so it usually doesn't make it in time for a birthday or other special occaision. I tend to do them when they come to me regardless.
OK, here's one. I don't think it is the sweetest thing, but it is something I consider to be sweet. A few Christmas' ago, I made little stollen buns for every member of my choir as well as the pianist that played for our concert and of course the teacher/conductor. That was around 17 members at the time. I made a double batch of stollen to do so, and it took a lot of time and effort. I kneaded in a lot of good will, with their delight in mind. I think they enjoyed them.
2. What do you wish people would do for you?
I don't expect anyone to do for me what I am unable to do for them, so every little kindness is really special. I think it is important to feel needed but also to receive acknowledgement for one's efforts.
3. What are your simplest pleasures?
I'm listening to some relaxing piano music now while I type, which is quite pleasurable. My breakfast time and snack time are as well.
4. What makes you feel all warm & fuzzy?
Doing something nice for someone, and seeing my kids being kind to others.
5. How do you define love?
There are various kinds of love. For example,
There is love for a child, which is a giving love and unconditional.
There is love for a friend, which is a sharing sort of love.
There is love for a spouse, which is a commitment.
There is love for a lover, which is physical.
Here is a definition that covers them all - Affection, benevolence, good-will and concern for the welfare of the one loved.
=====
It looks like we won't be able to go on a trip as a family this summer. Julian has school until the second week of August, and Audrey has cram school in the second week. I start work on the third week. There are a few days between Julian's school and Audrey's cram school but not enough to go far. I suggested a night at a hotel we used to go to, but the problem is Hana. We'd have to put her in a hotel of her own and that would cost extra. I'm still kind of hoping we can do that though.
Alex had his second interview with the furnature store and got an offer. He had his first interview with the travel agency and passed that so will be having another interview there. He will have to ask for an extention on the offer of the first in order to be able to consider both jobs. I hope he can get the extension. I am excited for him, and also dreading his leaving home.
We are getting a steady trickle of trial students but our financial situation is still strained. We got a new loan from a government financial institution to try to tide things over. Hubby keeps telling me to not spend so much on the credit card, but I think he needs to consider his spending before he worries about the petty food costs. We have three grown kids and I am only buying what we need to eat, and being as thrifty as I can. I think the biggest strain is the schooling. I hope our student numbers go only up from here. It's been really hard since COVID. So, even if we could go for a trip, we'd have to wait until the loan comes through. *sighs*
I suppose everyone has heard about former Prime Minister Abe being shot and killed. This was a shock to all of us here in Japan. According to the news, the 41 year old man shot him with a handmade pistol (Firearms are illegal in Japan except for hunting rifles). He seems to have served in the Self-defense Force for a while. I really can't believe it. If this was the States, I would assume such a leader would have had bodyguards. But this is Japan. No one expected such violence. It's like a scene from a scifi novel. Hubby is of course ranting about it being a conspiracy.
Books - I'm reading a fantasy series by Will Wight, called the Cradle. I think someone mentioned it - if you were the one, thank you <3 I am enjoying it and going through it like wildfire. I thought for sure there must be a game based on the series, but I haven't found anything. I'm not particularly into games, but my son is making a sword fighting game atm at school and I could totally see the series as a similar game.
Did I mention that I had watched the first episodes of the new Dune series? I enjoyed it and hope to see more. I am watching Manifest at the moment.