As I wrote yesterday, our family's going to visit my husband's parents today.
This morning, mother-in-law called and told us a relative would visit there as well. I've met him only a few times since I got married, but my first impression of him was favorable. His talk was so funny and interesting. :D In addition, he used to be a professional soccer player and played national soccer team, so I'm interested in the time he was a player. ( Now, he's a coach.)
I hope his talk or enthusiasm for soccer will arouse his interest. :D
My family is supposed to visit my husband's parents tomorrow because we'll celebrate for our son aged five. It doesn't mean his birthday but the gala day for children aged seven, five and three, what we call "七五三" in Japanese.
The festival is one of the Japanese things. It originates from the following.
In the old days, the existence rate of children aged three was very low as compared with that of the present day. (Needless to say, that of kids aged five and seven was far lower.) The parents at that time expressed their gratitude to God (of the shinto) for the growth of their children. To add to that, they prayed for their health and wholesome growth.
Incidentally, my son isn't five years old yet. In fact, his age is four. The reason I wrote * our son aged five* is when a baby is born, we count one year old to celebrate for the gala.
(It depends on regions or their customs, though.)
When I was reading an English newspaper, an article caught my eye. It said some American conservative commentators censured President Barack Obama's for gesture when he met Emperor Akihito in Japan.
When he arrived at the Imperial Palace, the Emperor welcomed him. Then, the President greeted him with a handshake and nearly 90-degree bow. The commentators accused the behavior, according to the article.
In fact, the President has been criticized for its behavior even if anyone takes up the post. I know they're nitpicking at the President, but it seems to be childish. They would know the proverb: When in Rome, do as Romans do...
Ever since my son entered kindergarten, he has enjoyed spending his new life with his friends. He has several close friends and he *loves* them. haha In particular, one of them seems to be congenial to him. They always play and spend time together in the kindergarten.
His mother is so kind, considerate and is full of the affection toward her son and friends, including me. That's why there're always many friends around her. :D
The other day, she suggested to me she would take care of my son during my work. I was really glad to receive her offer. However I was afraid it would be tiresome for her because she has a 4-month-old baby. Nevertheless she told me she would willingly take care of my son.
In addition, she said, "My son likes to play with your son together, so he must be excited to invite him. ;D Oh, don't worry about my baby. In fact, I often take care of my friends' kids while their moms are out and take them to their home."
According to her, her son is looking forward to playing with my son together at his house, so I decided to entrust my son to her.
I can't thank her enough for her kindness.
I was absent from an English club yesterday because I had to prepare for my English class, submit a few reports to my company and do house chores etc. As I wrote before, I've been tied up with my work and so forth recently. It was true I was thirsty for having spare time to study English.
To satisfy my eagerness to brush up on my English skills, I took part in a free English conversation class this morning. Upon entering the room, I started to talk. lol Needless to say, I'm very talkative, so I couldn't stop talking. haha
There were 7 of us this time. It might look like too many people, but I enjoyed myself to my heart's content. ;D hehe
