Monday, March 14, 2011

All Shook Up

Can't say I am feeling entirely calm, but the kids did at least go off to school today. Today will be the last day of lunch for elementary school children at Dai Ichi Shogakko. The school year ends in March and the new school year starts in April versus August or September as in the USA.

The electrical outages are causing the most havoc more for not being implemented and several changes to the plans, but we noted the community blacked itself out last night and will likely continue to do so while their fellow countrymen are under duress. Around Japan the rolling blackouts have begun though we had a reprieve yesterday and this morning. I don't really want to deal with life without electric power, but we can generally function if we have some from time to time to recharge batteries and plan around. We continue to have gas and water. We already hang all of our clothes on the line to dry, wash all of the dishes by hand, but I do like my washer, fridge, micro, and oven! Shortages in supplies are noted here in Kamakura by friends and neighbors, but with transportation being widely effected I think this will resolve in time. Due to the threat of rain today, my husband drove the car only to find the roads very clogged. No word on how long it took.

I stayed up to read some of John O'Donohue's book "Eternal Echoes" last night- what a lovely mind he had. I keep reminding myself the world is bigger than this pickle we find ourselves in at the moment. I found this, "When we become isolated, we are prone to being damaged; our minds lose their flexibility and natural kindness; we become vulnerable to fear and negativity. The sense of belonging keeps you in balance amidst the inner and outer immensities." Makes we want to have coffee with a friend. Maybe one will stop by before the day is done.

2 comments :

  1. Thanks for inspiring Jane with this post. I love the "bigger than this pickle" expression.

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  2. Jane, I've been so slow to be in touch with you during your Japan experience...and now this! Thank goodness for your blog. I can read that you and family are ok and "weathering the storm", literally. Please know I'm sending lots of good thoughts and wishes for your safety.
    We are connected.
    Lots of Love,
    Ethel

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