A Twist of Fate vol.1 ~This is my grandfather's story~

This post will be very long and serious. There won't be too much joking going on, therefore if you wish, you're more than welcome to abort, but if you choose to keep reading, I thank you first for giving me this chance to share my story. So, here goes...

I was born in Hiroshima, Japan, where the first ever Atomic bomb was dropped on human soil. My grandfather (my mom's dad) M.K was a photographer for the Army during World War II operating out of his photo studio.

On the morning of August 6, my grandpa opened his photo studio in the Hondori shopping district around 7:00 a.m., just as usual. Then realizing he had ran out of cigarettes he closed the studio and decided to go to the store to pick up a pack or two. This store just happened to be a Japanese Army depot in a underground shelter. When he walked down stairs and began to say hello to the people he knew, suddenly, they heard a very large and very loud noise the ground started shaking.The people in the shelter didn't know what was happening, but everybody knew to stay put because, something terrible had just happened.

After several hours had passed the people in the shelter decided to go outside, and what they saw was indiscribable the total devastation of Hiroshima. Everything was gone. My grandfather decided to go back to his photo studio and once he got there, all he saw was a burned out building he had once called his studio.

Then he realized, he had to do something; to help injured people. People were screaming and crying out for help. It was Hell. After a while, my grandpa heard this tiny voice calling his name. "Mr. K., Mr K..," the girl said. He looked around and started walking towards where the voice was coming from. There, he saw a young lady in the emergency water tank whispering my grandpa's name. He ran up to her, but her face was severely burned.

My grandpa asked, "I'm so sorry, but do I know you?," then the girl replied, "It's me, Mr. K, you took my arrangement marriage photos several months ago...."

My grandfather's heart sunk, then he knew exactly who it was, not many people were getting married due to the war.

The girl begged my grandfather to take her back to her parents house which was many miles away. "I want to see my dad.. I want to see my mom.. Can you please take me back?" the girl asked. My grandfather decided to carry her on his back and started walking. My grandfather told her stories, and told her to hang in there because he'd bring her home to her parents. But soon the girl had died on my grandpa's back. He walked the entire day and arrived to her house late at night.

The girl's parents heard about the news that something horrible happened in the city and they were really concerned about their daughter. They were devastated for the loss of their daughter, but they were truly grateful to my grandfaher for returning her to them even though she had passed. The father of the girl told my grandpa to stay over night and the family fed my grandfather dinner and bunch of 'sake' (Japanese rice wine) to remember her life.

Many people who were in the city of Hiroshima at the time of the bombing or who later came to help the injured developed the symptoms of radiation sickness and many had died or had suffered for a long time. My grandfather was there near the epi-center, trying to help people, but had only minor symptom of diarrhea and loss of hair. It was miracle that he didn't develop luekemia or other type of cancer. He used to say the sake might have cleansed his body or maybe the girl was watching over for him.

My grandmother and mother who was only 6 month old were evacuated to the country side (town called Kake) several month earlier. My grandma heard about the horrible news, but there was no way to communicate with my grandfather or anybody in the city, so she feared the worst. Several days had passed, when my grandfather had showed up at their door, my grandmother was overwhelmed with happiness and joy.

Being a photographer (or Japanese. LOL), my grandfather always carried his favorite camera and he took many photos of the aftermath. Some of which are in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. (I added one photo to this post below.)

Because of my grandfather and what other innocent people had gone through during the WWII, I have strong feelings towards world peace and always want to do my part to spread the message.

Tomorrow, I am going to talk about the second installment of "A Twist of Fate ~And then we meet~".

Domo Arigato "thank you"

This is one of my grandfather's photo

Hiroshima A-bomb Dome; a symbol of Hiroshima

Quote of the Day

After taking a shower last night, I was walking around the house with just a thong on. My girls were already asleep, so I really didn't have to worry who's watching how I looked, except, I had JT still awake watching TV.

JT: Hey, you thong girl.

Me: Huh? What?

JT: Tell me how could that thing be so comfortable that you have to wear it everyday?

Me: Why? Don't you like it? I thought you like thongs..

JT: I do when we go out, but I don't need to see it everyday on you. You have to make it special. It looks so uncomfortable. Wear panties.

Me: I don't know, JT.. I used to hate it, but now I can't wear anything else.

JT: God, there is no way that thing is comfortable. It's like BUTT FLOSS.

ME: :D (Did he just say BUTT FLOSS?)

I could not stop laughing for a while. JT says funny things sometimes. Just sometimes.

Now today's questions:
1. Do you girls prefer regular cute panty (bikini) or a thong?
2. Gentlemen, do you guys like thongs on your women or something else?

The Reason I Fell in Love...

One reason I fell love with JT is when I found out he listens to Sade.

We both love music. But we listen to different types of music, so we go back and forth over what to listen to. However, there is no back and forth when we listen to Sade. And our daughters grew up listening to her music.

This is "Clear Heart" by Sade. JT and I dance together to this song. There is no promo video, but it's a beautiful tune to listen to on Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy...


PS; I did a guest blog on MJ's Note to Self. It was a great experience. You can view my guest post here

Run Away Home

How old were you when you moved out from your parents house? Was it something you had to do or chose to do?

It was the end of summer when I left my home in Japan at the age of 15, just two months away from my sweet 16. I headed to a private high school in Maui, Hawaii. It was my choice to move to Hawaii because I really wanted to learn English (and get away from my strict daddy! hehehe).

If I think about it, I was just a kid who wanted to do everything in the world, but had no clue where to begin. I couldn't speak English nor understand it. I used to eat lunch alone in the cafeteria because I didn't know how to go up to all the students I had never met before. The tactic of saying "hello" to strangers in school was my worst enemy because I was afraid that they wouldn't say "hello" back.

Things got better as days passed. After a year in Hawaii, I moved to Berkeley, California to finish my high school. My English was also getting better. If I could start over my high school days, I wouldn't think for a second and would jump on the joy ride. "Back to the Future" I say....

Not that I regret those innocent teenage years, but I honestly believe I would have been able to enjoy it more if I had known and spoke English like I do today.

Now that I have come out of my shell, I can say "hello" to the people I do not know (do you know what blogging is? lol). My world has opened up so much more than before.

But all and all, I am here today because of my "old me" who was 15, scared to make new friends at school in the land of America. I'm celebrating my 35th birthday in 8 days. It's been 19 years since I left my beloved country Japan. What a long road I have traveled, but also it has been one joyous journery.

Today's question;

How long is too long to stay at your parents house? You know, when you date someone who is 20-something and wanted to come over to his house, but he says, "uhhhh, I live with my parents." Or if a girl says, "Well, I have to ask my mom and dad."
Is that a turn off?

In your honest opinion, what age should we all move out from our parents??

Have a lovely weekend, my friends!

One Funny Day

So you know, when you work at a beauty salon as a receptionist, there are ton of phone calls and ladies to deal with. But what I have learned from working at my new job is that women are not the only ones who want to be and feel pretty. Men do, too!!!

Today was my second day at the new job. The first customer who walked in this morning was 70 year old man to get pedicure!!! And I'm not kidding!

He was a tall old man (sorry, but he was not young!) with glasses and I thought maybe, just maybe he came to make an apppointment or buy a gift card for his wife. But no, Sir, he wanted his feet to feel pretty!
Me: Good morning. How can I help you this morning?

Old Man: Oh yes, I would like to get pedicure, please..

Me: Oh! Oh! Sure, sure.... (I'm in shock as I book him with a technitian.)

Old Man: And I want Delux Pedicure..

Me: Sure thing (I am dying because I want to laugh and scream so hard!)

When he was done, he was all happy and smiley. He came to my front table to pay and he said,

"Oh it is a great feeling..."

I said to him, "Oh that's great to hear. I'm glad you enjoyed it." (I gave him a HUGE smile.)

He said, "I'll be back again!" and waved goodbye....

Then, I got a call from this lady that she wants to make an appointment for her facial and nail. As I try to book her, she told me she wants to make an appointment for her husband as well.

Lady: Oh, by the way, if there is any available space, I want my husband to get pedicure, too.

Me: Let me check.. Hold please.. (I'm laughing again as I check the computer screen)

Lady: (I hear the lady talking to the hubby) Honey, do you want manicure, too??

Hubby: No.. Just pedicure..

Me: LOL....

We had three male customers today, they're in 70's, 50's and 40's.... There is nothing wrong with "metrosexual", but honestly they didn't even look like they'e metrosexual. But I could say they just love the feeling of being taking care of??? I respect all those men who marched in to our salon with smile on their faces because some men do avoid situation like that at all cost.

Actually, I have told my hubby to get pedicure, me and him together before.. It feels good and men should also emjoy pampering themselves. It's okay, it's just pedicure.

Tomorrow, we are welcoming "Firefighter R..."

I can't say his real name here, but apparently, one of our regular customers had bought him a gift card and he'll make a guest appearance at our store to get nail and facial done. And he is a firefighter.

On a happy note, my husband brought our daughters to work today to surprise me... They were so fasinated by the number of nail polish on the wall. Everybody was screaming and said to me how precious my girls were and my boss told them they could get pedicure for being so cute!!!!

I can't describe the joy on my daughters faces. Their face lip up instantly and they were smiling while they're getting their nails done (and they are only 2 and 4, my friends...)

It's been rough being apart from my girls, but I would cherish all the kind words from all of you and try to think positive.

Thank you so much for all your warm and kind words....

xoxo

I'm drained..

First off, I have a great news everybody!!!

I didn't get fired today! Yaaaaaaayy!

But honestly, I am exhausted and I'm drained. I got up 6:30am and drove my BFF Miss K's daughter Little Miss M to her school and then drove my daughter to her school.

Then I quickly posted my last blog and went to work.....

It was indeed hard day for me. Not because the work was difficult to do or learn but because I was away from my baby Soapy the longest time for the first time since she was born. I could not stop thinking about her.

Then this lady came in with her little daughter who was 2 1/2 years old, the same age as my Soapy. The mom was getting pedicure as she read a book her daughter who sits quietly on her lap. I was almost in tears because I wanted to hold my girls. How pathetic!

When I came home, the girls (Ju-Ju and Soapy) ran to me and gave me huge hugs.. Then I started crying. I was so happy to see my daughters. It's funny, I go out with my hubby and friends sometimes, and I am very excited when I do. I don't know why, but today was somewhat different. I felt like I was missing all the good stuff in my daughters' lives. I may be PMS'n but seriously, I missed my girls so much. And I really don't like it...

I have to go back to work tomorrow again and I won't see my girls until later the evening. I honestly have found new respect for all those working mom's out there... They work hard and they come home and be the moms they need to be.

I am still trying to get used to all the craziness and the new lifestyle that I need to adjust. I am sure I will be seeing crazy clients soon or later, but today, my heart is a bit low...

Maki goes back to work

Something interesting happened last night.

My mom-in-law called me and asked if I wanted make extra cash. I was like "??? doing what???" Apparently, the beauty salon & spa that both me and mom go to need a receptionist and they can't find anybody. So, the owner Mr. B called mom to see if, I, Maki would be interested.

I'm a 24/7 stay at home mom who is raisng the most wonderful kids in the world, bloggin daily and doing some crafting.. I was kind of getting antsy and wanted to find something else to do.

So, I called Mr. B and he asked,
"Can you please work for me? You'd be perfect for my salon,"
So I said, "Sure..,"

"Great!, then come in tormorrow morning at 10."


Me : "Whaaaaaa??? Tomorrow???"

Okay, Ju-Ju goes to school, so I'm not worried about her. But Soapy? My little angel?

Oh my god, Oh my god....

Now I called back Mom and said in panic,

"Mom, he wants me to come in tomorrow! What about Soapy?"

Mom: Oh, oh, oh.....OK, Then I'll watch her... (oh, that was easy.. lol)

So, now I'm about to get ready for work; it's been 5 years since last time I worked.

It's fair to say that I'm kind of excited and nervous at the same time. I also know that I may go insane because I'm going to be apart from little baby Soapy:(

I know she'll be fine with her grandma and I'm the one needs to grow up a bit. It's going to be just like when I first time brought Ju-Ju to school; happy for her being able to learn and make friends, but somehow I felt little bit of sadness for letting her go.

Well, wish me luck my friends, wish me luck. Maybe I may bring some juicy story, say Maki made a stupid mistake and got fired!!