semi-rant

Our visit with MIL went "okay", she gave us many food items, some that we were happy to receive and some not so happy to.

She still had food from her osechi, so we ended up eating that.

Whenever we visit her, she gives Satoshi lots of beer to drink, then he takes a L-O-N-G nap, leaving me to listen to my MIL's endless rants and chatter.

I try to help her in the kitchen, but her kitchen is so small, I usually feel like a bull in a china shop.

She also treats us more like guests than family. We tell her that we don't need to be served on fancy dishes/plates, but she takes them out and feeds us from them.

I know that because she lives alone, she doesn't have someone to listen to her everyday, but still, from the time we arrive until the time we leave, she is chattering away.

On top of all of that, the trains are usually crowded going to and from Kyoto and we end up standing the whole way. (which is about an hour one way)

When we come home I am usually pooped, mentally...I mean, Japanese isn't my first language. After living in Japan for 8 years, Japanese comes rather easily, but still my brain does tire trying to process it all.

Over the holidays, my BIL got my MIL a cell phone, it "just so happens" to be the same company that I have, since we are with the same cell company, calls to each other are free...I have a feeling I may be receiving many a call from her cell...

Thanks for listening, I feel better.

Today the weather is gloomy, need some sun....hope you have a great week!