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Zaniness

I am continuing to figure out what it means to practice gratitude. It's not as intuitive as one would think.


At least for me. But I'm trying every day. I believe that truly embodying gratitude for being alive, for having family and friends, and for everything that makes up our existence for better or for worse, is the way to create a legacy that will ripple into the world and ultimately make it better. My goal is to leave the world a little better than the way I found it.

The boys helped me with a new year's eve car wash. They scrubbed the tires like the pros they are. Then it was time for the silliness, which I fully approve of.


When it comes to the boys and their shenanigans my policy is that they should be crazy and silly while they have the chance. I am grateful for their zaniness, their questions and curiosity, and their fresh perspective on life.


Usually on new year's eve in Japan folks eat soba noodles. It's a traditional thing. However, we happen to have received these high end udon noodles recently so Eri made us an unbelievably delicious udon lunch, topped with a soft boiled egg and kakiage. 



Kenzo was practicing his Japanese reading, but he won't let me film him. So I grabbed audio when he wasn't paying attention.


He was reading one his books from the library, a traditional Japanese story called Kasajizo. He's still at the stage where he's more focused on sounding out the words than comprehending the story, but he's getting more confident every day. I praise him for efforts every time. 

At sunset we took a family walk to enjoy the last sunset of 2022.



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