Apr 13
2008

Hoping for warmer weather

in Uncategorized

Despite my last two posts, life isn’t all fun and games. Sometimes we have to do things that aren’t fun or are hard. I have delayed writing this post somewhat because I just wasn’t ready to face it. Today we were walking around outside with Squirrel and I was noticing that the sakura are almost completely gone from the trees now. The only vestige that remains to tell that they were even ever here are little piles of wilting blossoms that cling to the walkways. I am sad to see them go, they are so beautiful. But I realized that although we have to say goodbye, it means that warmer weather is on its way.

As I thought about the blossoms I decided to think about this post in that way. So, with that being said, “G” is for “Goodbye”.

The Fuji family is leaving Japan. Writing about leaving Japan makes it feel too real, and I just haven’t been ready for that. But now that the paperwork has gone through and things are official, and we have just booked a trip to the US to go house-hunting, I cannot procrastinate writing about it any longer. Mr. Fuji’s company needs him in the US, at their office in Irvine, California, and so has asked us to go and we have accepted.

This is very bittersweet for us. It is sweet, because we will be close to family again. This will actually be the closest that I’ve been to my family since I graduated from high school. We’ll be living about an hour away from where I grew up! Squirrel’s grandparents are ecstatic that we’re going to be close. Mr. Fuji is excited for the change of pace at work.
Other than that, I would classify things as being more on the bitter side. I love it here, and would choose to stay in a heartbeat. I can’t even begin to think about how much I’m going to miss this place that feels so much like home to me now. I also have this fear (probably irrational) that when we move I’ll have nothing to blog about anymore. Life here is so interesting and educational, and I worry that life will become predictable and ordinary.

That being said, I’m going to try and put those thoughts out of my head and savor every last drop of my time here. Our move date is June 28th, so until then, let’s have some fun! I’m hoping that this goodbye will be like the sakura, that although I must say goodbye, it signals that warmer weather is on its way.

{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }

Lulu April 13, 2008 at 7:54 am

Oh wow I didn`t see that coming! Going home now doesn`t mean you won`t be back one day!

I can understand though, I am worried about leaving just for a year because to me this feels like my home. I hope everything goes well and that you have the best couple of months leaving up to your departure!

Best of luck with your new adventure!

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Adriana April 13, 2008 at 10:14 am

That’s so sad. I hope you are able to come back to Japan since you love it so much. This gives you an excuse to do all your favourite things before you leave.

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Bobbi April 13, 2008 at 10:15 am

TRULY bittersweet!
But, as one adventure ends, so another begins!!!

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Meet the Dubreuils April 13, 2008 at 1:22 pm

Wow, I can’t believe you’re coming back to the states!! Best of luck house hunting and moving:)

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Phoe April 13, 2008 at 3:44 pm

No matter what you write about, I’ll read it. I adored living near Irvine, I bet you will too. Only 20 minutes from the beach!

As much as I love England, I do get homesick still, so enjoy the CA for me at least. :)

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molly! April 13, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Sorry that you are sad about leaving! I hope that going home proves more fun and exciting than you think. I am still looking forward to reading the blog!!

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soybeanlover April 14, 2008 at 5:37 am

I’m sorry and congratulations. I just started reading your blog, and it is always sad and a bit more lonely when someone leaves here.

Best of luck, and enjoy being gone before it gets really yucky here, tons of adventures await in Irvine!

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Melanie Gray Augustin April 14, 2008 at 6:23 am

Oh my! I have tears in my eyes! Seriously!

It’s funny, after my last post that you’ve just commented on… I have such torn feelings about staying/going. You wouldn’t believe the number of times that when I’ve wondered if I could raise a child in this country that I’ve said to myself, well Fuji Mama does it, and so well!

Japan will sadly miss you, but I know that life back “home” will be wonderful for you as well and that you’ll always find something to blog about!

Enjoy your last few months here. I’ll have to find my way over to Tokyo before you do leave so I can invite myself for that afternoon tea ;)

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gleek April 14, 2008 at 7:55 am

oh wow.. very bittersweet. i’m sad :( i’m sure you’ll be happy to be close to your family but japan is also an amazing place to live. please do blog a lot before you leave! and blog a lot when you arrive back in the US :)

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Melissa Hodgen April 14, 2008 at 8:36 am

I definately think you’ll get warmer weather in CA. I’m sure your family is exatic about having you back.
How sad to see all the blossoms on the ground. It’s reminds me of the ugly part of a snowfall, when everything’s melting and muddy.

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The Richards April 14, 2008 at 10:24 am

I’m sorry you’re leaving Japan, that’ll be tough. But there’s always something to look forward to, right? Like Krispy Kremes (remember when we went together down in CA?? Good times).

If by any chance you decide to take the super long way home, make sure you stop in and say hi to us in NYC!! ;0)

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Christine April 14, 2008 at 4:48 pm

Seems like you are touching people with your sad, so sad story… 11 comments already!
Don’t be sad… It seems you can blog about cooking (and knitting?) and other things from anywhere in the world! But I understand how you feel. I asked myself the same question, because – as you know – I love blogging as well. And I decided to start a blog about places in Vermont, for travelers, … with the same tone I blogged about places in Asia… I am telling you this because that might give you some ideas about your own blogging future…
PS: I am going to have a weekly quiz on the blog called “Where is this place?” Why? Because I thought your guessing game a few weeks ago was SO, SO FUN for me!
PS2: I also love the quote on your blog… about the emigrant not really being home anywhere anymore… I used to say that a couple of years after I moved from France to Canada… it’s so true indeed!
Anyway, keep the spirit up… think about all the wonderful memories and things you learned and discovered.. how much “richer” you are!

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karipuce April 14, 2008 at 7:16 pm

coucou fuji mama it’s karipuce
if i understand you leave japan and you are sad, i am sorry
do you continue your blog? can i do for you a “bannière”?
What’s your favorites color for do it? do you want some photo on the “bannière”?
byebye
karine karipuce
( excuse me for my very bad english!!!)

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dianeinjapan April 15, 2008 at 1:46 am

Oh, Fuji Mama–you’re leaving Japan! I know how you must be feeling– really, I do; we thought we might be leaving as well, but looks as if we’ll be here longer. But anyway, don’t worry–you’re an interesting person with lots of great stuff to blog about, whether you’re in Japan or the States! I wish you all the best with house-hunting. I’ll look forward to reading about your transition.

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billywest April 15, 2008 at 11:16 am

Sorry to see you go. Keep your chin up!

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Meg April 15, 2008 at 11:36 am

How sad to be leaving Japan. It is really is so bittersweet to leave a country you love.
I love your posts as you seem take full advantage of your location. Plus I learn so much.
I am happy for me though as you will only be 1.5 from me! So if Irvine gets to be a bit dull, although I am sure it won’t, you are always welcome in Sunny San Diego!

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Jean April 16, 2008 at 12:41 pm

Selfishly, I’m thrilled you’ll be moving so close to me! Can we get together? But I I hear ya that Irvine ain’t no Japan, so I can completely understand how hard it will be to leave. Hugs!

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Tartelette April 21, 2008 at 1:37 pm

I understand how you feel, it would be bittersweet for me to go home now, I feel like I am not done with all the things I want to experience, but it will also mean new ones and enjoying the things I miss. Think about the chocolate!!

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Jen April 23, 2008 at 3:24 pm

This was such a great post. YOu are a great writer! We will welcome you back to CA with open arms. :)

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m88 January 30, 2015 at 1:44 am

Hi, I think your site could be having web browser compatibility problems.
Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however,
if opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues.

I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other than that, fantastic site!

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