Cherry Blossoms are Here

One of my absolute favorite times in Japan is cherry blossom season. They have finally bloomed near our apartment, so here is a quick look. Pics are from my phone, so not the greatest.

They are truly impressive every time they bloom.

MLB at Tokyo Dome

Last week, the Mariners and A's came to Tokyo for their Opening Game. Ten and I went to the Boston/A's game 4 years ago and had a great time, so we got tickets as soon as they started selling them.

Here are a few random pics of the game....Ten has a bunch on his phone that are way better but oh well.

First, they did the opening ceremony (pics above). They brought out the U.S. and Japanese flags and did a tribute to the victims/volunteers/survivors of the earthquake. This was really nice, but it really was quite a downer. For the rest of the game between innings they also did something earthquake related.....showing images, people speaking, etc. I kind of think MLB was off on this decision. It just made the whole atmosphere so gloomy and depressing. Those of us living in Tokyo definitely have not forgotten March 11, so I wasn't sure why we needed the constant reminder. I think most people wanted to have a good time and escape reality a little...not relive it.... anyway rant over.

Our seats were actually really nice, and we had a great view of the field. However, they had no backs!! Oh Lord I thought. In all honestly, we only made it to the middle of the 6th inning before I was too tired and we had to leave. Ten was also exhausted since he had just gotten back from Hong Kong a few hours before, so he didn't mind.

I think the funniest part of the game was that none of the fans were cheering for a particular team...instead they were just cheering for Ichiro...haha. I mean it was nice to see him play (since he probably won't be for too much longer), but it was so hilarious that he was the only one to receive any applause. We felt kind of bad for the rest of the players.

Other aspects that I love about baseball games in Japan...the food they sell. Curry, ramen, bentos, etc. It is amazing that people eat these things in the packed seats without spilling it on their neighbor. I so would have made Ten get me something if I hadn't been so tired. ;-)

Also, maybe the most exciting part was that Ten almost caught a ball! He just barely missed...and probably would have gotten it if he hadn't had the camera in his hand....really sad.

Overall, the experience was kind of bleh this year. It was fun, but not quite the same as being back home and cheering for your home team. However, a night out is always a good time! 

Beginning of April Catch Up

Yes, I do realize that I am becoming an extremely lazy blogger. Oh well.

• I finished reading my first e-book! I was curious how the Kindle App would work with my iPhone, so I bought "The Duggars:20 and Counting!" I was surprised that I actually really liked the whole e-book thing. I am terrified of getting a Kindle since I've seen so many dropped and destroyed on trains, buses, etc...so I put it on my phone. Worked just fine for me!! I will never by a paperback again when I can avoid it!!
• So, yes I did buy a Duggars book. If you are not obsessed with the Duggars, then this probably isn't for you. However, I love them and their crazy ways, so I finished it in one  weekend...haha.
• Ten and I went to the Mariners and A's opening game at Tokyo Dome a few days ago. We only made it to the middle of the sixth. Thinking I will blog more on that later in the week.
• I have committed myself to blogging at least twice a week going forward because of aforementioned laziness!
• We got a Bugaboo Bee Plus stroller last week, and I am absolutely in love with it. It was kind of more than we had wanted to spend, but it just seemed like the best out of all of our choices! Now, we just need a baby to put in it...though we have had a lot of fun pushing around stuffed animals ;-)
• Yesterday, we went for a 5 mile walk since the weather was so nice. We also stopped at a yakitori stand on the way back home....Ten said he didn't want to order anything....and then decided to eat half of my stuff...typical.
• I love the app MapMyWalk!! I have been mapping and tracking everywhere I go. I have this crazy idea that after the baby is born I'm going to try something different from the gym....running possibly? So, I'm using this app to help me stay in somewhat manageable shape until then. 

Anyway, in all honestly I have been super busy with household things and baby things over the past few weeks...and actually getting busier by the day...However, I do love blogging...so not quite ready to call it quits.