From the Heart of Tokyo 東京の中心から

Soccer Girls

サーカーの女の子たち

 
School's out, as of today, so its time to finally finish this post and put it up.  I wasn't an athlete in high school, and never had the experience of playing a sport for an audience, let alone fans.  （下に日本語で書きます。） Not so Jonah, who enjoyed football in the fall, and wrestling in the winter.  During both of those sports seasons, Monica helped Iku, American School in Japan's wonderful Sports Trainer, and learned a lot about preventing and dealing with injuries.  Finally, Spring came, and it was time for Girls' Soccer.  Monica was pleased that she had advanced her skills via a soccer camp last summer at Hope College in Michigan, USA, and a few Sunday soccer games this winter with Coach Andy here in Tokyo, but mostly that she had stayed in shape by running and working out even while not doing an organized sport.  So, she made the Varsity team, and starting way back in February, began training with the team.  After going to school all day, those practices were tough, and then after the long bus ride, the girls wouldn't get home until about 7:30.  This was also a challenging time academically, with AP tests, Honors classes, and the SAT to study for. It's Junior year, after all.  I'm happy to say that she stepped up and did her best.  I've noticed that she has studied far more this season, goes to bed earlier to get more sleep, drinks more water, and sometimes even denies herself facebook in order to get her homework done.

In the meantime, her father has continued to work on his photography skill, learning ways to improve his action shots, and even purchased a new lens which may prove better in lower light.  Even with his busy work travel schedule, Martin was able to make it to several of her games to take pictures.  Each time, he would try his best to go through the pictures that very night, eliminating the blurry and redundant ones, and putting them up on his photo sharing site as soon as possible.  I would inform the other parents, who would enjoy seeing the photos of their daughters whether they had attended the game or not, and Monica would share the photos with her teammates on facebook, where they would laughingly critique their moves and download pictures for their own facebook pages.  Here's the whole album on PIXBYMARTIN.com, many photos from the five games that Martin attended during this year's soccer season.

So, in May, Monica went with her team, Coach Carlos, and Iku, to Okinawa, where they played in the Far East Tournament.  This year, there were twelve teams involved, several are high schools on American military bases in Japan and Guam, as well as international schools in Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Hong Kong.  Some of these teams were very strong, and even though ASIJ Girls Varsity won the Kanto Plains division title again this year, the tournament title was not within their reach, and they came in sixth place.  They worked hard that week, playing in the rain and extreme mud in the early part of the week, then came some sun which is more what you'd expect in Okinawa.  Team sports give the student that special experience of dealing with other people on and off the field, and traveling with the team brings an additional dimension.  Probably good practice for college and beyond.  Plus, she's made some friends for life within this group of girls, as well as profiting from a very skilled and experienced ex-pro soccer player turned coach.  Monica had a great time, but came back very tired, with lots of bumps and bruises and even admitted to being a little homesick.  High School sports is quite an experience for the athlete... and the family.  Thankfully, we have Martin's photos to always remember this season.

今日は子供の学校年の最後の日から、ついにこのポーストを終ります。現在インラインスケートすることが好きですが、高校ころにスポーツをしなかったです。ジョナは違うので、今年は彼の高校最初の年生だので、秋にアメリカのフートボールをして、冬にレスリングをしました。その間にモニカはスポーツをしなかったが、いつもスポートをしました。スポーツのトレーナに手伝ったので、チームプレーヤーの危害を防止してみて、医療も勉強しました。遂に、春は来たから、女の子のサーカーをできます。モニカのサーカーの手腕は中かから、去年の夏に２週間のサーカーカンプに参加したので、 冬に調布にコーチアンディといくつの日曜日の試合を遊びました。それは役に立つと思います。もう、ヘルシーになってみたので、十分の眠りをし、ラーニングし、ジムも使います。そして、３月から、チームは一緒に練習をして、殆ど毎日に、学校の後に練習するから、大体７時半の夜に帰ります。なお、その間は１１年生だから、学科はすごくチャレンジだから、モニカはもっと勉強しました。いろいろ試験のため勉強してながら、サーカーもすることができました。

その間に、マーティンは写真術の趣味をがんばります。新しいレンスを買ったので、薄暗い状態があるときに、そのレンスはよくなると思います。マーティンはたくさん主張だから、試合にあまり見に行かないですが、この春に５つ試合に行った、写真を撮りました。いつも、できるだけ早くに写真を分類して、悪い写真をなくなって、いい写真を載せます。他の両親はいつも教えて、たぶん試合に行ったかどか行かなかったも、写真を楽します。 モニカのチームメートも写真を頼むと思うので、Facebookで話して、笑って、自分のに載せます。５つの試合の写真はマーティンのサイトにあるので、Pixbymartin.com に見てください。

そして、今週にモニカとチームとコーチカロスといくさん（スポーツトレーナ者）も沖縄に行きました。それはFarEastTournmentです。（遠い東の大試合？）今年に、１２つのチームは参加します。チームは地域の高校から、アメリカの軍用基地は日本で、グアムで、日本や韓国やフィリビン諸島やホンコンも国際学校からチームは参加しました。ASIJは今年も関東の師団に一番プレースを勝ったが、他のチームは強いですので、沖縄に６のプレースになりました。　今週の沖縄の天気はチャレンジだから、最初の分に強い雨が降ったで、泥はすごいなったが、最後の二日はやはり晴れ渡りました。チームのスポーツはいい機会だので、チームと旅行も面白い経験と思います。　他の人に処理することの練習は大学とか生活のためいい機会です。今週に、何回もモニカと電話で話したので、彼女は大丈夫ですが、すごく疲れただし、たくさんいろいろ打ち身とかがあるし、少しホームシックなるそうです。高校のスポーツはプレアーのため、家族のためもいい経験です。

We Love PIC Saipan

サイパンのPICが大好きです。

  

PIC is the Pacific Island Club, and I'd like to hereby recommend this Saipan resort to folks who live in Japan and want to take the family to a nearby tropical island for a few days.   日本語の書き事は下にあります。Several years ago, we decided to "get away from it all" for a few days, and on the advice of a neighbor, we took the 3 and a half hour flight from Tokyo's Narita airport to Saipan and stayed at PIC for the first time.  Since then, as "Welcome Back Members", we've come back several times, about once a year.  For the last four years, we've timed our four day/three night stays to coincide with the Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Tournament, which has only added value to what is already a great time at PIC.  Here's FAMILY FUN PIX from this year's trip.

One of the issues, is that Martin often travels for work, but even when he is home, he is always working.  So sometimes he needs to relax and have quality family time, and it seems that a short family trip to Saipan is just right.  Martin always loves an adventure, but PIC has become more of a comfortable and welcome respite from the unknown.  Leave the adventures for the longer trips, once in awhile it's just great to go to Saipan to relax.  Accumulating frequent flyer miles is good, but, as anyone who travels for business knows, it is very difficult to actually use those miles with all the program rules, restrictions and black out dates.  By planning ahead carefully, we've sometimes been able to use miles for the family to travel to Saipan, but even if we can't use miles, the cost is comparable to most travel destinations within reach, and the time it takes to travel is less (such as Thailand, China, Bali, etc).  Much time and expense accumulates when you factor in the cost of the travel between our home and the airport, taking the car with the gas and the tolls and the parking, or taking the train or the bus, but that's always an unavoidable reality when traveling out of Tokyo. 

We've also stayed at the Guam PIC a couple of times, which is very nice, a different flavor resort, bigger and more elaborate, as Guam is as an island compared to Saipan.  Guam PIC sits on a wider beach with more exposed waves, so it is great for windsurfing and fine for snorkeling, whereas the Saipan PIC is in a calm lagoon with a lovely sunset.  The food at Saipan is very good, I am totally satisfied with the three restaurants at the resort, but the food at Guam is even more everything.  The facilities and staff of both PIC's are really great, but being bigger, Guam's PIC also has more activities to offer, (such as a great dinner show) so it really just depends on what you want.  Another reason to choose Guam over Saipan, would be if you wanted to shop, as Guam has KMart and lots of other stores, that is, if you choose to leave the resort... which we don't.

Our family especially enjoys going to Saipan to watch beach volleyball during the Marianas Cup Tournament, which is directed and emcee'd by Jon Cramer who currently runs the Guam PIC, and we see the same faces every year, people who live on Saipan or Guam and are involved as players, sponsors and spectators.  During the tournament, Martin can do his "Action Photography" thing, Monica gets to know the players, including some very cool pros, like Jen Snyder and Paul Baxter, Jonah enjoys being "ball boy", and I like watching the games, and following the drama of who gets to partner with a pro, and how that plays out.  This is a unique tournament, because many teams of two enter to play, then before the tournament starts, teams are chosen to partner with pros.  So this year, two male pros and two female pros from the US were involved, so ultimately, there were four teams which had a pro plus a good player in the mix.  These "mixed" teams are always fun to watch, but definately have competition from the semi-pro teams who are used to playing with each other.  It's also really fun to watch the exhibition games on Friday night.  This year, there were only four pros, all from the US, so they split up, Paul and Jen, against Andrew and Claire.  Jon was hilarious as he emcee'd the games, declaring that seasoned veterans Paul and Jen were competing against the youngsters.  With every point, Jon's myriad of ways to describe age vs. youth became more and more intense, and while the game itself was exciting the watch, it was just as fun to listen to Jon's play-by-play commentary.  

There are some things we do almost every day when we are at PIC, such as play in the Lazy River, play frisbee, ping-pong, and listen to the great live music at night.  There's lots of other fun activities, including Point Break, which Jonah really likes, as well as the very fun water slides.  We always play in the pool at night, right there next to the live music of the Buoy Bar, we shoot down the water slides a few times in the dark, then we play water basketball and water soccer.  It's crazy fun.  Over the years, we've also enjoyed archery, in-line skating, golf, tennis, scuba lesson, snorkeling, windsurfing and wall climbing.  But also simple walks on the beach, swimming, sunning, and just relaxing with a good book in the pleasant climate.  When the kids were younger, we'd often put them in "Kids Club" which they very much enjoyed, because of the Clubmates.  PIC has some great evening entertainment for the whole family, something different every night provided by the creative and personable PIC Clubmates.  You really don't have to leave the resort the entire time you're there in Saipan, though recently, Monica went into town with Jen and the girls, and she had a great time and said that the village marketplace was very interesting.

The three restaurants at Saipan PIC are the Magellon, the Seaside Grill and the Galley.  I recommend that you get the Gold Card, which lets you eat three great meals a day during your entire stay.  The Magellon has wonderful buffets, with vast and varied selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The especially nice thing about the Magellon, different from some other buffets, is how much care the chefs and servers take in presentation and quality.  With buffets, sometimes the other guests make a mess, but at the Magellon the staff handles that right away.  Remember, this place is truly kid friendly.  We always make a reservation for one special night to dine at the Seaside Grill.  This is like a fancy French restaurant, with great fish selections as well as steaks, and we always dine on the patio.  Once or twice each stay, we also eat at the Galley, because they have special yummy selections, like pizzas, Japanese bento, and some other cultural specialties.  I've noticed that now they are serving Russian and Chinese specialties, as well as Japanese and Korean daily specials, perhaps to reflect the nature of the evolving guest clientele.  Also, the Galley is open 24 hours, and does take out.

Over the years, we've gotten to know some of the staff at the PIC Saipan, and when we come back, we are immediately reaquainted.  Everyone says "Welcome Back" with a genuine smile of recognition and it really adds to the feeling that we are going on a nice little long weekend to a very familiar place.  Recently, our Welcome Back status seemed to increase, and we got all kinds of perks.  We had our room upgraded to an ocean view, (which was totally wonderful), we got free wireless internet, (YES!!) and they gave us these welcome back bucks which we could use for drinks during our stay.  We also get a good discount at the giftshop, which is a great place to stock up on good quality swim suits and other name brand clothes at American prices and sizes.  So, if you decide to go to PIC Saipan, please tell them that the Tokyo Murrays sent you.  And, "We'll be back!" (We hope!) 

Here are Martin's 2010 MARIANAS CUP BEACH VOLLEYBALL pictures from our trip in February.  These and more reside on his Action Photography website, Pixbymartin.com.

今度の物語はサイパンのリゾートホテル。８年間ぐらい前に、初めてサイパンに行ったので、何回もPICに泊まったので、私たちはとても推薦します。４年間前から、毎年サイパンにの旅行はボレーボールの勝ち抜き試合に同じときに行きます。今年のマーティンは撮ったのボレーボールの写真のリンクはここであります。 　マーティンは家族とか色々写真を撮ったので、それはここにあります。時間があったら、見てください。

すみませんですが、時々に日本語の書き事は少ないので、今度はそれです。次のブログの物語はいつものように、たくさん日本語で書くつもりです。約束。

 

Most Dedicated

最高の熱中した

Here's a proud parent bragging. （日本語は下にあります） The ASIJ High School wrestling season came to an end with the winter sports banquet last week, and Jonah was awarded a special bobblehead trophy, Most Dedicated Wrestler (Attendance and Attitude)  We went to watch several of the matches this season, and know that all the boys on the team were working hard, as wrestling is a very demanding sport.  We're pleased with Jonah's dedication in his first season of Varsity Wrestling, and hope to see him apply himself to other areas with as much enthusiasm as he showed for wrestling.  Thanks so much to Coach Karnitz and Coach Wacha for their hard work throughout the season.

Starting back in November, right after football season ended, Jonah would stay after school to practice with the team, almost every night getting home around 7:30.  Even throughout the Christmas holiday, he would pay attention that he ate right and got enough exercise.  Jonah never had to worry about making his weight class, competing in the 101 pound division and weighing a few pounds less.  Instead he was trying to gain mass and strength.  Wrestling is one sport where kids of all different shapes and sizes can participate, and opponents are basically the same size.

After weeks of training, the first meet was held just before the Christmas break, with several more dual meets and tournaments in January and February, usually on Saturdays, but sometimes also on weekdays after school.  As usual, Monica worked as a student athletic trainer, but with her little brother on the wrestling team as well as several friends, she also volunteered as a team manager.  This meant that she helped with most practices as well as every meet, often getting up very early on a Saturday morning and catching the bus with Jonah and the team to some far away place for an entire day in a sweaty gym.

In January, when it's cold even here in Tokyo, the ASIJ Varsity and JV teams went to Okinawa for four days and competed at "Rumble on the Rock" against several other schools at a military base there.  Most of the time they were busy wrestling, but they also enjoyed bowling, a trip to the beach, and eating Nathan's hot dogs at the American Village there in Okinawa.

Jonah says that the highlight of the season for him was his last match, held in Futakutamagawa, where he pinned his opponent in only 40 seconds and walked away with the 2010 Kanto Plains League bronze medal for the 101 # weight class.  We were there to see it, and of course, Martin took pictures.  Martin's Action Photography skills are improving. 

American School In Japan (ASIJ) is a good size school for kids who want to be involved in sports while attending an international high school in Tokyo.  It's big enough that they participate in many events, as well as having excellent facilities and coaches, but it is a small enough school, that kids who might not otherwise be able to participate in JV or Varsity sports, can find a place on a team.  Monica's involvement in the student sports trainer program, headed by professional sports trainer, Iku, has been an excellent opportunity for her, and may lead to a future career.  We realize that this also may not have been possible at a smaller or larger school.

The winter sports season is over, and the spring season has begun.  Monica tried out for soccer and made the Varsity team!  So it looks like now that Wrestling is over, we'll be spending our Saturdays watching and supporting Soccer.

Here's Martin's Wrestling pictures from this season.

この書き事は概略だけです。　ちょっと自慢している。ASIJの高校レスリング時節は終ったので、冬のスポーツの記念イベントを起こりました。そしてジョナは特別なボッブルヘードのトロフィーを貰いました。最高の熱心のレスラーという賞です。私たちはうれしいですが、 レスリングチームには、全員はいつも一生懸命したと思います。コーチカーニツとコーチワカも感謝の感情があります。

１１月に、アメリカンフートボールの季節は終わりから、レスリングの練習をしました。殆ど毎日の夜に、学校の後に７時半に帰りました。クリスマス休み間も、大体ヘルシーな料理を食べて、運動をしました。チームの中に、ジョナは４４キロの体重で、最も小さいメーンバーので、４６キロのクラスで競争しました。彼は大体増えてみました。レスリングは色々寸法と形の人は参加できるので、いいスポーツです。

たくさん練習の週間後に、最初の試合はクリスマス前に起こったので、１月２月もたくさん試合に参加しました。時々水曜日に、大体土曜日に起こりました。いつものように、モニカは学生のスポーツトレーナーだので、今度弟はチームにいるとか、いろいろ友達たちもレスリングをしてから、チームマナジャーもやりました。そして、二人はチームと大体すごく早い土曜日の朝に、起きて、遠いところに行って、汗まみれのギムに一日中に過ごしました。

１月に、チームは一緒に沖縄に４日間に行きました。トーナメントは面白かったと言ったも、アメリカンのホットドッグを食べて、浜に行って、ボーリングもしてくれました。家族の中に、ジョナだけは行ったことがありました。

レスリングの季節には、ジョナのハイライトは最後のトーナメントだと言います。ジョナは４０秒の以下に相手をピンをやりました。二子玉川に起こったので、家族も見に行ったので、マーティンは写真を撮りました。それは関東地方の分割のブロンズメデルを勝ちました。

ASIJはいい学校です。いいサイズだので、いい教授団と設備もあると思います。 学生のスポーツトレーナはいいプログラムだので、モニカはいくさんというプロートレーナに最高の尊敬があります。とてもいい機会です。たぶん、学校はもっと小さいかどうか、大きいだたら、無理だと思います。

それから、冬季節は終わりので、春のスポーツ季節は始まったので、モニカは女の子のサーカーチームに適性検査のような、”Try-outs"したので、やった！バシティーチームにやりました。そして、ここから、私たちはサーカーを見に行きます。ところで、ジョナはパドミントンクラブに参加する決めていました。

マーティンのレスリングの写真はここにあります。

ASIJ High School Football

日本のアメリカンスクールのフットボール

 

When Jonah came home from school and told me he planned to play football,  my automatic reaction as a mother was concern.  But then I realized that, as the smallest kid on the Junior Varsity team, he'd have to try very hard, the practices would be good for fitness, and then there's the camaraderie of belonging to the team.  Well, Saturday was the last game, and it has been an excellent season for Jonah.  As it turns out, this football season has been great for the whole family.  ところで、日本語は下に書きます。

During our many years at ASIJ (American School In Japan), we've attended many sporting events, plays, musical concerts, and basically any event that the kids were involved or interested in.  We've watched a few football games over the years, but this is the first time that we've gone to almost every game, even those that were away at military bases.  We'd go to watch Jonah's games, the High School Junior Varsity team, and then we'd stay for the Varsity games which were always very exciting.  As I sat in the stands, cheering for our team, I enjoyed mingling with the other parents.  The Team Moms, Kelli and Lisa, each gave me a program, so I could look at the jersey number and know the players names, most of whom I know as friends and classmates of Jonah and Monica.

Some of the boys on each team are exceptional athletes, it is such a pleasure to watch them perform, running, catching, throwing, kicking, blocking and tackling. A few are so aware, it's quite amazing to see them look around at the other players on the field and understand exactly what they need to do.  I think this is a characteristic that will serve them well in life, no matter what they do.  Some are not exceptional, but are trying very hard to do their best, getting better every time.  The coaches have the respect of all the players and parents as they consistently work the students hard in practice, but they are fair and kind.  Jonah learned so much during football practice from the coaches and other players, and I was impressed by his organization and responsibility, even down to taking care of his equipment, watching his nutrition and sleep, and making sure that his jersey got washed.

The players from the other teams were also admirable, even though they hardly ever beat us.  Most are from military bases, but we also played some Japanese High Schools, in fact, last weekend, the JV played two Japanese HS's at once, that's why there are three different colored jerseys on the field.  The cheerleaders were always fun to watch, they really take their role seriously but with a smile, and you could see their skill progressing through the season.  Every home game, two students from ASIJ would sing the National anthems, first the Japanese one, then the American one, while everyone stood silent and respectful.  One of the Varsity parents announced the games, he sounds very professional.  Of course, there are many other unsung heroes, such as the officials of ASIJ who had to make the very difficult decision of forfeiting a distant away game during the flu season.  It was disappointing, but surely the right decision.

Monica fully supported the team as a student athletic training.  Besides games, she would usually attend practices during the week after school to help Iku with taping, icing, and stretching the players and all manner of injury prevention and care.  Iku is quite a role model for Monica and the other trainers, this is such a good opportunity to be exposed to the medical field while still in High School, and she appreciates it very much.

Martin had a wonderful time during the games.  He attended as many as he could with his busy travel schedule, and took hundreds of photos.  After each game, he would rush home to his computer and spend many hours going through the photos, discarding the blurry and duplicate ones, cropping a few, and then would put them on my photo sharing site for all the parents and players to see as soon as possible.  Martin's hobby is action photography, and football is an excellent chance to practice and improve this skill.  Actually, he's an advanced propulsion engineer, working in the automotive industry, but with things the way they are in that field, he needs to keep his options open. 

Saturday, November 7th was the end of the season, the photos from those games are here:

  JUNIOR VARSITY       and   VARSITY

If you missed them, photos from the other games are here in this folder:     

ASIJ FOOTBALL 2009 Season   

Martin's  Pro Photography Site is here: PIXBYMARTIN.COM   

今度、全体のブログを日本語で書けないので、これは要約です。 ジョナは初めてアメリカンフットボールを遊びました。彼はチームの中に一番小さい人だから、私は心配でした。でも彼はとてもよかったです。毎日学校の後に練習をした、いつもがんばりました。練習から強くなったので、チームの関係から、友情はよかったです。家族もフットボールを楽しかったです。

８年間に、ASIJと参加したけれど、今年は初めてたくさんフットボールの試合に見に行きました。時々調布であるので、時々軍の基地に見に行きました。  ジョナはJVので、高校の若いチームです。そして、JVの試合後に、Varsityの試合を見ます。Varsityの選手は１１～１２年生だので、その試合はもっと興奮させる。私は他の両親と見て、いつも面白いです。選手のジャーシーの何番を見て、紙は名前を分かります。その人人はモニカのジョナの仲間だから、知っています。

いくつ選手は上手なスポーツマンだので、みなはがんばります。試合を遊びながら、いろいろ手腕を使って、毎週だんだんよくなります。二つチームがあるので、４人コーチがあります。選手はコーチに尊敬します。練習、試合、ジョナはたくさんいいことを貰いました。自制とか、頭の中が整理させたとか、 自分の物のため信頼できったもなります。

チアリーダーもがんばります。愛学校心は大会です。いつも、試合前に生徒は日本の国家を歌います。それ後に、アメリカンの国家を歌います。皆は立って、静かなって、敬意を表します。いろいろも手伝い人はあります。 いくさんは学校のスポーツトレーナだので、モニカはいつも彼女を手伝います。いくさんは鼓舞させる人から、モニカは医者のようになりたいです。モニカと他の学生のスポーツトレーナは選手にいろいろスポートをしました。仕事はときどき大変だけど、モニカはよく感謝します。

マーティンもフットボール季節を楽しかったです。出張から急がしだけど、よくできれば、試合に行きました。たくさん写真を撮りました。試合後にペソコンを使って、悪い写真を捨てて、長い時間かかります。早くのほうが写真がウエブに載せるので、選手の両親に教えます。最近からの仕事は大変なったので、たぶんカメラマンになりたいです。笑。上のリンクを行って、写真を見てください。

Baseball, Rain or Shine

野球、雨か日向

 

こんにちは、野球のファンみなへ、下に日本語で書きました。ところで、家族と友達たちも、今月２１日の日曜日に、神宮にゲームを見に、行くつもりです。一緒に行きたかったら、連絡をしてください。

For ex-pat kids, the end of the school year is a bittersweet time, as many friends move away.  This year, due to the economy, there are more friends than ever relocating back to their home countries.  Some have known for months, but for others it will be a sudden and unexpected move.  We hope that doesn't happen to us!  We would like to stay put, as the children are getting a good education and this is home for now, but all ex-pats know that the familiar can become a memory with very little warning.  Uncertainty is challenging, but I don't dwell on it.  I like to look at the positives and enjoy the simple blessings of the present, one of which is Japanese Baseball.  Besides watching it on TV, I want to go to as many games as I can, never knowing if we'll be here for another baseball season. 

In April, Martin's brother, Chris, came to Tokyo for Jonah's Confirmation.  It was not Chris's first visit to Japan, but it was our first chance to take him to a Japanese baseball game.  He's a Cardinals fan, and every time we go to St. Louis, we work it out to see a game together, so this was a chance for a seasoned baseball fan to see Nippon Professional Baseball.  Martin roamed around taking pictures of the baseball players and fans.  My good friend, Costanza, also went with us, to enjoy her very first baseball game ever, anywhere!  Even though we are primarily Seibu Lions fans, Jingu Stadium is close, we do like the Swallows, and it worked with our schedule.  Unfortunately, it rained, but you can't have everything. 

Actually, rain isn't a problem if you're sitting in the Swallows cheering section, because Yakult Swallows fans all carry a small plastic colorful umbrella, which they wave in a special way whenever the team scores a run or when the team song comes on, which is a popular Tokyo area festival song.  At the game we saw, the fans got to put those umbrellas to double duty, as it rained off and on throughout the game while the Swallows scored several times.  The Swallows also have some very cute cheerleaders.  Martin took a few pictures of the cheerleaders, which I put HERE.

So, while Costanza apparently quite enjoyed her first baseball game, with Chris and I giving pointers, she could actually read the players names on the scoreboard which I really struggle with.  Chris also enjoyed his first Japanese contest and mentioned several benefits.  It is very accessable.  The ticket prices are a lot less, in this case the game wasn't sold out long before, the stadium is smaller and you are closer to the action, plus, he noted, you can drink beer and not worry about driving home, because you're returning on the subway.  There's a lot of action on the field, more hits, and more runs, more infield play.  Lots of stealing, bunts, and once in awhile a homerun.  Usually there are about two foreigners on the team, and they are usually pretty interesting players to follow. 

That day, the Swallows were versing the Hiroshima Carps, who had a good size contingent of hardy fans, considering it's on the other side of the country.  Probably many of these fans were brought up in Hiroshima and now work in Tokyo, and having their team come to town is a good excuse to get together after work for some baseball entertainment.  That game I cheered for the Swallows, but in a couple of weeks, on Sunday, June 21st, when we will watch the Seibu Lions from Saitama play Yakult at Jingu, I'll be sitting in the visitor seats.  The game is at 2pm that day, so we will skate in City Run, and after lunch, go to the baseball game which is right near CR Goal.  If you want to join us, please let me know.

昨日の晩に、ジョナの中学生の卒業の式のように出席をしたので、それはとてもほろ苦いでした。その間は、いろいろ長い時間会ったの友達と最後の会う時と思います。アメリカの学校から、今月は学校年は終ります。　モニカとジョナのために、毎年この間はちょっと難しいです。友達たちは遠くに引っ越します。今年はもっとそれのように、ジョナは日本に来た時の最初の一番いい友達はアメリカに引っ越します。そして、彼は出るまで、ジョナはいつも一緒に遊びます。もちろん、景気後退から、みなのエクスパットは、私たちも、確信が持ってないです。(uncertain)  そして、私の考えは説明しにくいだので、毎日は貴重です。そして、たくさん日本の野球に行きたいです。笑。

４月に、マーティンの兄はジョナの教会のイベントを参加しに日本に来ました。その時に、 初めて日本の野球の試合に見に行きました。クリスは野球のファンです。彼はセントルイスに住んでいるので、ジョナのようにカダナルズのファンです。コスタンザさんという私の友達も、一緒に行きました。彼女の始めの野球のチームです。マーティンはたくさん写真を撮ったながら、クリスと私はコスタンザさんに野球について教えました。コスタンザさんは漢字を知っているので、スコーボードで選手の名前を読めました。西武ライエンズが一番大好きですが、ヤルコルトのスワルスはいいチームだし、神宮は近いだし、私たちのスケジェルはできました。でも、クスタンザちゃんは広島が大好きなので、その試合でカープのファンになりました。

試合はとても楽しかったですが、雨が降りました。スワルスのファンのため、雨は問題じゃないと思います。いつも小さい傘を持ってきます。毎のホームランは起こったら、傘はダンスをさせた。そして、その日に、二つの理由を使いました。スワルスもとてもかわいチアリーダーがあるので、もちろん、マーティンは写真を撮りました。それはここにある。

そして、クリスは日本の野球とアメリカの野球を比較しました。 たくさん違いますが、両方は楽しくて、面白いです。日本の野球の値段は安いですので、入りやすいので。パークは小さいので、見やすい。そして、ビルの女の子はかわいです。地下鉄で行ってから、ビルを飲めます。はは、でも、クリスは飲みません。笑。日本の野球はよく活動があるので、たくさんヒット、時々糖類、バント、ホームランもあります。そして、もっともっと楽しいです。Here's a pix of the scoreboard, I put some explanation in English in purple text for my non-Japanese friends.

広島カープも面白いチームですが、その日にスワロスのほうが強いでした。広島はたくさんファンがあるので、私の考えはたぶん、ファンは広島で生まれたので、東京に仕事から、引っ越しました。仕事の後に余興のために、野球の試合はとてもいいと思います。　覚えて、６月２１日の日曜日に、西武ライエンズは神宮で、スワロスと遊ぶので、家族は試合に行きます。それは２時から始まるので、CRのスケートあと、直接に行くので、一緒に行かなかったら、教えてください。

Far East, Here We Come

ァーイーストへ、行こう

 

下に日本語を書きます。When Monica tried out for Varsity Soccer this spring as a Sophomore, she knew it was a bit of a long shot.  ASIJ (American School in Japan) has had a strong team, and many of the previous year's players were returning, as well as several skilled players upcoming.  But she gave it her best in try-outs and was very happy to make it onto the Varsity team of 18 players.  So, given that starting point, the season has gone pretty well for Monica.  Coach Aranda is a former professional soccer player, and the girls highly respect him.  He works them hard in practice, which is almost every day after school.  It's not just about developing soccer skills, but also physical capability, endurance, and team play.

After the season started, I was disappointed to note that Monica wasn't playing that much.  She would often sit out nearly the whole game on the sidelines, or get in during the last few minutes of the game.  Monica was much more understanding of this.  "Mom, I'm just not as good as the others.  This is Varsity.  The better players need to play.  It's what's best for the team." 

Oh, I see.  I never played Varsity sports in High School.  Neither did Martin or any of our siblings.  This was a new experience and Monica seemed to be handling it well, doing her best at practice, then watching and waiting for a chance to play.  For my part, I attended as many of the games as I could, cheered for ASIJ, and sent subliminal messages to the coach to put my daughter in the game.  Sometimes he would tell a couple of the regulars who were resting from play to stand at the sidelines and call for subs.  Then, as if receiving one of my messages, he would glance over at the bench and call "Monica!" and up she'd pop to join the game. 

Martin went to several of the games and took some very good pictures.  He's growing his "Action Photography" skill, and his pictures actually got better as the soccer season progressed, I think.  HERE are the soccer pictures.  ASIJ is usually in yellow, sometimes in grey uniforms.  Monica is #21. 

ASIJ has dominated the Kanto Plains division, with 14 wins and 0 losses this season.  Monica has improved her skills, though has a distance to go, and has mostly enjoyed the rigorous practices and games.  That said, it was a bit tense here as we waited for the decision about which 15 of the 18 players would be chosen to go to the week long Far East Tournament in Okinawa in Mid-May.  (Okinawa is the largest of the southern islands of Japan.)  Teams from English speaking International and American Military High Schools from various parts of Japan, Korea, and some other nearby countries will be there.  Monica spent the last several weeks trying not to get her hopes up about being chosen, just tried to do her very best, playing on a team full of strong players.  Last Friday, Coach Aranda announced his decision.  Monica is on the Far East tournament team and she's going to Okinawa!  Go Mustangs!

この日本語で書くことは要約だけです。モニカは１０年生だので、バセティー女の子のサッカーのチームになったはぎりぎりと思います。去年の選手は戻るし、いくつの選手はよくなるし、ASIJのチームは強いです。 でも、モニカはがんばったので、１８人のバセティーチームになったけど、最初の試合の間にたくさんベンチで座りました。コーチアランダは前にプローサッカー選手だので、練習で少し厳しいけど、生徒は彼に尊敬します。殆ど毎日に学校後に、練習か試合があるので、チームはいろいろ事がよくなります。

両親は試合を見に、行ってみます。マーティンはいくつ試合に行って、たくさん面白い写真を撮りました。それはここにある。時間があったら、見てください。私は試合に行って、いつもチームをかっさいします。そして、考えてながら、非話しながら、コーチの頭にメセギは”モニカが試合に入れてください”と送ります。ときどき、試合で、コーチは普通の選手を入れて、あとからの思いつきのような、”モニカ、行こう！”と言いました。私はほほえます。

時期は過ごしたながら、モニカはだんだんもっと遊びました。 そして、最近試合が四半分か半分は遊びました。でも、心配間過ごしました。仲間の５月にチームは沖縄に行って、大試合をします。問題は１８人チームから１５人選手だけ行くことができます。モニカはそれについて考えなくみていまったが、もちろん無理です。その大試合は一週間です。モニカの学校、ASIJは関東地方で、一番いいだけど、たくさんチームは参加します。チームはインターナショナルの英語を使うの高校です。そして、軍用の基地からも来ます。（その女の子は強いです！）それは日本から、韓国から、色々近い国も来ます。大試合の名前はファーイストですね。昨日は普通の時季の最後の試合です。もちろん、勝ちました。時季は１４試合勝った、０試合負けた。

ついに、コーチは決定は発表しました。モニカは沖縄に行きます！ゴオオ　マスタングス！

2009 Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball

２００９年のマリアナスカップのビーチボレボール

 

日本語の要約は下に書きます。Who are those hunky guys Jonah is hanging with?  They're the Japanese beach volleyball players in the Marianas Cup in Saipan earlier this month.  Jonah's Japanese has improved enough that he can carry on a decent conversation with these pro players, and he and Monica were glad to see Fujimatsu-san and his partner, Matsumoto-san, who have participated in the tournament all three years that we've attended.  Here, Jonah is waiting in line with the pros to do POINT BREAK.  Apparently this was their first time, and they watched for awhile and took some pointers from Jonah and the clubmates before giving it a try.  It was pretty fun to watch these superb athletes trying out a new sport.  Martin happened to be roaming around with his camera and caught some good pix of their early attempts. 

We've traveled to Saipan several times over the years during holidays from school, but ever since we happened to be at the Pacific Island Club during the Marianas Cup, we've targeted that particular weekend for our trip to Saipan.  We always stay at PIC, which has so much to offer, there's been something for everyone as the family has grown older, beginning way back when the kids were young enough to enjoy "Kids Club" and make friends with the Clubmates, to now when they are free to roam the entire club independently, enjoying the snorkeling, lazy river, archery, etc as well as Point Break, Jonah's favorite.  PIC employees are all kind, with attention to safety and guest comfort, the food is really good, (Gold Card is the way to go), the flight from Tokyo is just over three hours.  We think its a relatively affordable family trip that yields in quality family time, life experience and good memories.  A big part of keeping memories is with pictures.

Here I introduce Martin's new website where he will put his best pictures, www.pixbymartin.com.  Last year's Volleyball pictures were very well received, and since then he's made progress with his equipment and his skill, so I made him a new website with a domain all his own with the idea that he could sell downloads of the pictures for a very modest price.   [a set-back was that I didn't have some setting quite right, and downloads were inadvertently free for the first week.  Oh, well, Grand Opening Special, I guess.] It was like a working vacation, but he really enjoyed taking pictures of the photogenic athletes, while Monica and Jonah and I thoroughly enjoyed watching exciting matches on the beach and from our ocean front hotel room balcony. 

M&J had their favorites, they would watch Fujimatsu-san's games, they would find Jen Snyder, and various other players.  Last year, Monica met Jen and her partner Janelle, who are the American Women's Pros, and Monica and Jen really hit it off.  This year there was a wonderful smiling reunion, and Monica hung with Jen most of the time.  Martin's got lots of great pictures of Jen and Janelle, who, as the offical pros, played the exhibition games on Friday night, and then were split up via a lottery and played with amateur players for the tournament games.

The US Men's Pros again this year, were Olympic Gold medal winner, Phil Dalhausser, and Paul Baxter.  The women's games are fun to watch, the athletes are skillful, lovely and graceful, but the men's games are hyperactive.  The jumping is so high, the ball gets smashed again and again, it's really an amazing spectator sport.  Please enjoy Martin's Pictures of BEACH VOLLEYBALL.  There are five galleries:  Please take your time and enjoy these pictures in slideshow mode on your pc.

　　　　　　　　　　　Friday's PRO Exhibition金曜日のプローの展覧会     　　　

Women's Saturday土曜日の女性　     　Men's Saturday土曜日の男性    

Women's Sunday日曜日の女性     　　　Men's Sunday日曜日の男性

ジョナとりっぱな体格の人々ですか？答えは日本人のビーチボレボールのプローです。 マリアナスカップに参加する人です。ジョナの日本語は上手じゃないけど、話せます。それで、この写真はポインとブレイクが待っています。二年前に、モニカとジョナは藤松さんと松本さんも会いました。いつも彼たちの試合を見て、楽しかったです。ボレボールプレーアはすばらしいスポーツマンだので、新しいスポートをしてみたら、面白いです。そして、ジョナは ポイントブレーキのポインターを教えました。笑。

八年間の中に、学校の休みの中に、何回もサイパンに行きました。三年前に、偶然に、ビーチボレボルのタノメントの間に、サイパンに行ったから、毎年、マリアナスカープの間に、サイパンに行きたいです。とても楽しいです。いつもパシフィクアイランドのクラブで、止まります。小さい子供ころから、モニカとジョナはPICを楽しました。いろいろことをできます。 例えば、アーチェリーとか、シュノーケルとか、水泳などをできます。私たちには、サイパンのPICはいい家族の時間を過ごせます。PICの従業員はとてもいいです。いろりろ言語を話せて、逆様は大切な感情と思います。料理もおいしいです。いつもゴールドカードを買います。それはいい方法と思います。家族のため、サイパンの旅行はいい生活の経験だし、いい家族の過ごすことだし、いい思い出すことをなれます。彼の忙しい仕事から、それは大切です。マーティンはたくさん写真を撮りました。

ここに、マーティンの新しい写真のウエブサイトを紹介をします。www.pixbymartin.com　 去年のボレボールの写真はいい熱烈な歓迎を貰ったので、今年に、私は新しいサイトを作って手伝いました。新しいレンスとか、今年の写真もいいと思います。努力だったけど、彼は楽しましたと思います。私と子供二人は試合をみてながら、マーティンはいつもビーチで、バルコニからも、写真を撮りました。

藤松さん間、モニカはジェンというアメリカ人の女のプローが好きです。去年会いました。モニカは一週末中ジェンと一緒に時間を過ごしました。いい役割モデルだと思います。マーティンのサイトで、ジェンとジャネルのビキニのボレボールの写真はHEREここにあります。それは金曜日の夜に、プローとプローの試合です。アメリカの女性は日本人の女性の試合と、アメリカ人の男性と日本人の男性の試合を見ました。すごい！

ところで、アメリカ人のフィルダルハワサーはペキンでオリンピックのゴルドメデルを勝ちました。ポールバクスターもとても目がいいです。女の試合はきていだので、面白いです。男の試合はよく活動的な試合です。来年もマリアナスカップに行きたいです。写真をリンクは上にある。スライドショーのモードを使って、見てください。ゆっくりどうぞ。

  

It's not sumo

それは相撲じゃな

 

日本語を下に書きました    There are many opportunities for   interscholastic athletics available at ASIJ.  (American School in Japan). MS and HS.  These are sports that the students practice three times a week after school, then generally compete with other Kanto Plains International schools on Saturdays.  Besides athletics, there are so many other options, such as putting on a school play, chess club, yearbook, jazz band, etc. etc.  All these activities are led by excellent teachers and coaches.  It is a fine opportunity for the young people to try out new activities, some which may develop into life long interests. 

Last year, Monica did volleyball and soccer.  This year, she has been doing athletic training (medical) and scorekeeping for the boys football, basketball and soccer teams, but on Sundays she attends a soccer clinic.  When the next season starts, she'll try out for girl's soccer, and hopes to get a spot on the Varsity Team.  Good luck, Monica.

During his stint in Middle School, Jonah has been in the school play once, cross country three times, baseball, and now wrestling.  Yes, wrestling.  When he first came home and told me he planned to do wrestling, I groaned inside.  Wrestling!  Oh, no, he might get hurt!  He's smaller than the average boy in his class, but in wrestling, with the different weight classes, that doesn't matter, as he'd be wrestling boys his own size.  The training is intense.  Really, the sport is all about becoming stronger and healthier.  His coaches give very good advice and the boys really listen.  They run, they do exercises, they learn safe moves, and they watch their diet and get enough sleep.  They want to do their best individually and as a team.  Here's photos of Jonah wrestling.

 Of course, they think about the competition.  In cross country, Jonah was always essentially competing against himself, trying to improve his own time each week as he ran the 2.1 mile course.  With wrestling, they generally have three matches at an all-day tournament.  Other international schools attend the tournament, but since ASIJ is such a big school, our boys are often paired with wrestlers from their own school.  No problem.  There is a healthy competition between the students and the schools, but there is no animosity.  Everyone is just trying to do their best.

This week, Jonah went on a a ski trip to Naeba, Japan, with his entire class, returned Friday night, only to get up bright and early today, Saturday morning, for his fourth and final wrestling tournament of the season at one of the US military bases.  So far, he has come in second, first and third place, respectively.  He was very excited when he won the gold medal the week he got first place, but whenever he loses a match he doesn't berate himself.  He just tries to think about what he can learn from it.  What a great attitude.  I think a lot of that comes from the coaches, Coach Loveman and Coach O'Brien.  They are just super.  Thanks for everything.  BTW, today, he went 2 and 1, and came in second in his weight class for another silver medal.  Good job, Jonah.

Martin has really enjoyed taking photos at the wrestling tournaments.  It's a chance to improve his technique because indoor sports photography is quite challenging.  I think his photos are getting better and better.  I've put a few of them up on SMUGMUG.  These are photos from the 1st tournament and from the 3rd tournament.

これは要約です。物語るはジョナのレスリングについてです。 子供の学校で、対校試のスポーツをすることの機会があるので、毎学校年に三つの時季です。いろいろスポツがあるので、スポーツの外にもの活動もある。大体、子供は決め手あとで、毎週、三回学校の後で、スポーツのトレインイングをして、土曜日に他の関東の国際の学生と試合があります。

去年、モニカはバレボールとサーカーをしました。今年に、いつも学校の後で、スポーツの練習と試合に出席をして、プレイアーの医療ことをします。あれもバスケとボールとサーカーのスコーアキーパーもします。でも、次の時季に、モニカは女の子のサーカーをしたいですが、バセティチームを上げたいけど、難しいです。今度、毎週の日曜日にサーカーのクリニクに行って、練習をして、改良をやってみます。がんばって、モニカ。

今ジョナは８年生の中学生だので、この３年間に一回学校の劇をしてので、それは面白い経験でした。その以外毎時季に、スポーツをしました。クロスカントリーは毎年の秋に参加して、毎年の春は野球をして、今彼はレスリングをしています。初めて彼は私にレスリングをするつもりと言ったときに、私は心配だから、オーノーと言いました。でも、いつも同じサイズの生徒とレスリングをしてから、大丈夫です。コンデイチョンイングはとてもいいです。二人のコーチもいいです。ジョナは強くなって、楽します。この写真のグルプは全部はジョナが参加するです。

もちろん、競争も大切のポイントです。クロスカントリをしてながら、   毎週3.5キロメートルのコースを走りながら彼は自分の一番の短い時間はゴールです。そして、自分の競争でした。レスリングには、ちょっと違います。毎週三回学校の後に、チームはコーチとトレイニングをします。土曜日に他の学校と会って、トーナメントは一日中がかかります。各自の生徒は３番のマッチをします。ＡＳＩＪは大きい学校ので、時々自分のチームの人は相手です。問題じゃないだから、皆は一生懸命です。

今週ジョナは学校のクラスと苗場にスキーをしに行きました。金曜日の夜に帰ってけど、今朝すごく早いに起きて、最後のレスリングのタノメントを参加しに、アメリカの軍の所に行きました。ここまでに三つのタノメントで、最初は２位、次は１位、次は３位に入れた。勝ったら、負けたら、ジョナはいつもいい態度があります。今日二つを勝った、一つを負けたので、も一回２位があるので、も一つの銀メダルをもたらしました。

マーティンはレスリングの写真を撮ることを楽しました。彼の趣味だので、屋内のスポーツの写真を撮る事は特別チャレンジです。これは最初のタノメントから、これは３番のタノメントからです。見たら、多分あなたも面白いと考えると思います。

Turning 13

13歳になっている。

 Please look below the Japanese for English.  こんにちは皆さん。そうですよね、 日本に帰りました。今度 最初に日本語で書いて、できると思います。泣。アメリカへの旅行はとて も忙しくて、よかったです。たくさん色々所に行って、たくさん色々友達と家族に会って、たくさん色々面白いすることをしました。後で、時間がある時に、写真を体系付けてみて、物語も言いたいです。たとえば、バイクを乗るの経験について。

今、ジョナの誕生日について話したい。昨日、息子はティーンエイジャーになりました。とても大切な日と思っているので、時差ぼけがあるけど、家族は気に入るナレストランで祝いました。そして、昨晩、六本木のＣｈａｒｌｅｓｔｏｎ＆Ｓｏｎに、食べに行きました。家族の流儀は誕生日に食べ物を選ぶことができるので、ジョナはカボナラを食べたかった。レストランの友達に教えてので、びっくる誕生日のデザートが貰いました。もう、レストランのライットは暗くなったので、皆は歌いました。ジョナは恥ずかしくなったが、嬉しいと思います。今日彼の考えは初めて回転寿司を食べてみたので、二人は一緒に行きました。多分からは大人の味がなりました。

いつも最近の誕生日で、 アメリカの旅行の最後の日か飛行機であるので、彼は日本に着いた後の日はいいですと言いました。この写真は日本に入れる時です。とても疲れたけど、ジョナはトビがすごく寂しいだので、家に着いた直に車で友達の家に行って、トビを会いました。私は運転をできるけど、いつも道に迷う。そして、ナービを使って、日本語であるので、難しいだけど、できました！着きました。トビは元気です。友達二人は完璧な代用親です。インディは兄のようですから、トビは両方家が好きと思います。

前にセントルイスでマーティンの家族と私の 母とジョナの誕生日を早く祝いました。その時に、チーズバーガの形のケーキがあて、楽しました。その時も、野球の切符も貰いました。ジョナの気に入るチームはＳｔ．ＬｏｕｉｓのＣａｒｄｉｎａｌｓですね。それで、一緒に野球の試合に見に行きました。下に少ないマーティンの野球の写真を載せました。ところで、その試合は面白かったので、勝ちました。あれは二番の野球の試合がこの夏で見ました。今週火曜日に日本へ帰る前の日にミネアポリスでツインスとウワットサツを見ました。思い出して、６月で日本で西武ライオンスとＧｉａｎｔｓを見て、後で、デトロイトも野球の試合に行きました。多分ジョナは十分の野球の夏だと思います。

Hi Everyone.  Yes, we're back in Japan.  I started this post writing in Japanese this time, just to be sure that I could still do it.  Yikes.  The trip to America was good, but sooo busy.  We went many and various places, met with many and various friends and family, and did many and various things.  Later, as soon as I get a chance, I'll organize pictures and tell stories.  For example, the experience of riding motorcycles in Tennessee.  But now I want to mention that Jonah became a teenager yesterday.

Turning 13 is such an important event, that even though everyone was jet-lagged, we wanted to go out to eat to celebrate.  So we went to one of our favorite Roppongi restaurants, Charlston and Son, because he was very hungry for carbonara, and the tradition is that you choose the dinner on your birthday.  At the restaurant, I told my friend who works there, that it was Jonah's birthday, and they surprised him with a special dessert.  They dimmed the lights and sang a birthday song twice, and everyone in the restaurant joined in.  Jonah was pretty embarrassed, but it was all fun.  Today, Jonah had the idea that he wanted to try Kaiten Sushi for the first time, so he and I went there together.  I guess he's getting grown-up tastes. 

Usually, Jonah's birthday occurs on the last days of our trip to America, or even while we are in the plane flying home, so it was nice this time for him to actually be "home" when he had his birthday.  Even with full-blown jet-lag, that was better than while on the move.  Above is a picture I took from the air just as we entered Japan.  Jonah had been missing Toby so much, often asking when could we go get him from our friends' house where he had been staying all summer.  As soon as we landed, I communicated with Kusacchi and he agreed that we could come, so even though everyone was really exhausted, we moved the suitcases into the apartment, then got in the car and made our way to their home.  I'm fine with driving, but I'm always lost, so it's quite a challenge.  I can just barely use the Japanese navi system, but it worked this time, and we made it.  Above is a picture of the navi system in the car.  As you can see, it's not simple.  We had a wonderful reunion with our little Toby dog.  Our friends took really good care of him, better than we do, I'm sure.  They are wonderful surrogate parents for him, and Indy is just like a brother.

Jonah had another birthday celebration earlier, while we were in St. Louis with Martin's family, while my mother was also there.  At that time, his wonderful Aunt Robin and Uncle Matt gave him a cake in the form of a cheeseburger.  It was so cool.  And, among other nice presents, Jonah got tickets (from his Uncle Chris) for a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.  Remember, Jonah's favorite team is the Cardinals, and his favorite player is Albert Pujols.  So, we all went to Busch Stadium and enjoyed a fabulous game.  Very exciting, especially because the Cardinals won.  Thanks Uncle Chris!  Here, I'm putting just a few pictures of the game taken by Martin.  In June, we saw a game while still here in Tokyo between his favorites the Seibu Lions, and the Tokyo Giants at Tokyo Dome, and then while in Detroit, we watched the Tigers beat the Cardinals (oops), and then, just on the last day before we left the US, while in Minneapolis visiting Uncle Brett and Aunt Jackie, we saw the Twins beat the White Sox.  Jonah may have gotten his fill of baseball this summer. 

Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Photos

マリアナスカップの浜のバレーボールの写真

今度殆ど全部は英語だけど、下の写真に行くのリンクと説明は日本語です。

Sometimes every day is so busy, so many things we want to accomplish, that actually leaving home is necessary to reconnect within the family.  Just this year, Martin's travel schedule has been quite challenging, with multiple trips to the US, Europe and Asia.  Still, a trip to Saipan is a welcome respite. 

Yes, we love Saipan.  The Pacific Island Club is the perfect place to take the family.  It's only a 3 1/2 hour flight from Tokyo, and since we've been there several times, the staff always welcomes us back.  It's very safe for the kids, and relaxing for poor overworked Martin.  We got lucky two years in a row when the school's winter break coincided with the Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Tournament which is held right there at PIC.  Martin recently got a new camera, and he really enjoyed taking pictures of VB players.  (especially ones wearing bikini's.)

Monica plays on the High School Volleyball Team, but Beach Volleyball is very different.  For example, in the gym there's a six person team, on the beach its two.  I think the net is quite a bit higher, and the sand makes for a way different play.  It's really fun to relax in the sun and watch the action.  The players are attractive in their swimsuits and muscles, and the scenic ocean backdrop is delightful.  Monica joined a VB clinic taught by the pros on the first day, and befriended some of the players, especially Jenn Snyder, pro from California, and Sonny, a very cool dude (semi-pro, I think) who we knew from last year, and of course, Marino, Monica's friend who has been a PIC clubmate since we first started going to Saipan.  The Marianas Cup is quite a big deal, with over a hundred players on the roster, so besides pros from the US, Korea and Japan, there were lots of Japanese players to chat with and watch, and the locals were all very enthusiastic players.  Everyone was a good sport.

So, as Volleyball was the main event, we got an ocean view room and could watch games on the beach as well as sunsets from the balcony.  But even when there's no tournament going on, Saipan PIC is a great place to visit.  Besides putting in plenty of time as "Ball Boy" for the tourney, Jonah had a lot of fun on the boogie board, went snorkeling, played baseball, archery and of course, swimming.  As you know, Martin and I enjoy frisbee so we did some of that, and while he was running after Marianas girls with his camera, I enjoyed reading my book and watching the action at the net.

  This link, GROUP 1,  goes to Martin's best volleyball pictures. 

Some were taken with his Cannon D20, and some with his newer D40, using a couple of different lenses.  Before coming to Japan, he had many hobbies, but now, as he's so busy with work, photography has become more important as a hobby. 

このリンクはマーティンを撮ったの一番いいの写真につないでいる。彼はキャノンD２０と新しいD40を使いました。

日本に来た前に彼はいろいろ趣味があったが、今仕事から急がしなので、写真術は一番趣味になりました。

But he took so many good volleyball pictures, that we made a second group.  　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　This link, GROUP 2, leads to yet more good pictures of hunks playing volleyball, and powerful lady players in bikinis.

たくさんいい写真を撮ったと思うので、これも乗せました。これもハンサムボレボールのプレアと元気なビキニを着ている女性ボレボールをしています。

Group 3 are just a few pictures that Monica and I took while in Saipan.  Not as good technically as Martin's, but we girls tend to take different pictures than he does. 

このグルプはモニカと私がサイパンにいる撮ったの写真です。私二人の写真はマーティンのより下手ですが、たぶん違ういろいろ面白い主題です。

      Group 4 are Martin's pictures of the family on the trip, not necessarily  having to do with volleyball.  Though there are some of Monica participating in the clinic run by US Pro players, Jenn and Janelle.  But there are also some nice sunset and beach photos.

このグルプもマーティンは撮ったの写真ですが、いろいろ家族について、必ずしも ボレボールについてじゃない。でも、この写真はモニカはクリニクを参加するです。アメリカ人二人、プロージェンとジャネルはボレボールのツリクを教えました。

And finally, Group 5, are a few flower pictures there at the club.  最後ノグルプはサイパンの花の写真です。

Just a quick note here.  My computer had major problems, which wastes a lot of time, and I'm afraid to try to update my main website for fear it will disappear altogether.  (It currently shows the ski slope picture, while here in Tokyo the plum trees are blooming.) My class on website design at Temple is almost over, and I'm still trying to make the most of it.  I'm planning to very soon change my main website over from Frontpage to Dreamweaver, but I haven't yet reached that level of assimilation.  Stay tuned.