Monthly archives of “May 2020

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Camera Updates

Recently, I bought the following items:

  1. Scarf Neck Strap
    I’m really liking the neck strap since it’s comfortable. The only con was that it was a bit long. In fact, it’s so long, that I can now sling my camera as if it were a shoulder purse, with the body dangling right above my hip. I’ll still use it though.
  2. Peak Design wrist strap/cuff + Anchor links
    I really like the wrist strap because it gives me more freedom than the neck strap. It also gives me peace of mind that I won’t drop the camera. The cool thing about the Peak Design is that I can quickly interchange the straps I use without having to fumble with the grommets.
  3. Camera body grip (JJC)
    I have mixed feelings about this item. It kind of makes it more comfortable but at the same time makes the camera body considerably more heavy. And, there’s a sharp edge where it hits my palm and I’m not liking the feeling. Heavy and sharp metal? Ugh, I don’t know. I’ll probably try it out but knowing myself, I’ll most likely take it off. Luckily I opted for a cheaper alternative. The grip by Fuji was more expensive.
  4. Shutter buttons (not pictured)
    I got these because I liked the concave design. Basically my finger will just naturally fall into the little dip since my older one was a convex design and I did find my finger slipping off once in a while.
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Miyu’s First Day of School

Shortly before 0800, we left the house so Miyu could stand in line with the other kids in our neighborhood. The air was slightly cool but there was a promise of growing humidity later in the day. A volunteer parent was checking off names and made sure each child was in the proper subgroup. Her particular subgroup’s leader is a boy in the 6th grade. His job is to make sure he picks up and delivers the children assigned to him. I wonder what happens though when he is sick and unable to attend school? I’ll have to ask Ken about that…

Miyu had been so excited before leaving the house but upon seeing the other kids, she promptly freaked out and went into shutdown mode. We hugged each other goodbye and she cried but she dutifully followed the other kids when it was time to go.

After they left, Ken went to work and I promptly took an hour nap. It was an early day for the children so Miyu was due back around 1040. I waited for her at the same spot and this time around, she was really happy and excited. I felt bad though because the clothes she wore to school were a bit too hot and she was sweating profusely during her 15 minute walk home with the other kids.

After changing her clothes, we went on base to get my mail and packages, visited the toy store, and had lunch at Denny’s. I had to go to work at 1330. I had received my new work laptop earlier in the day and I set that up. I ordered a one-hear headset thing (the kind you wear at call centers?) so that when I call students, I can hear them better and at the same time not worry about not hearing the house. I’ll probably blog about that at some later time.

Overall, it was a good day today.

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Sleeping with Maddie, take two.

In the late afternoon, I ended up getting busy at work and was frustrated when—as usual—Miyu was making a mess in front of Maddie’s cage in the office. I snapped and decided that Maddie would no longer stay in the office. So, I rolled her cage out into the living room. By the time work ended, the gears in my head were turning and before I knew it, there I was, rearranging furniture.

After much waffling about, I decided to move Maddie to Miyu’s room. I thought it was a win-win situation—maybe it will help her sleep through the night in her own room for once, and she won’t bother me as much while I’m working in the office.

Let’s see how long this lasts. We tried this set up before in our old apartment. Miyu went on and on about how she would love to have Maddie in her room and promises were made about her sleeping in her own room once and for all.

Yeah…

I have a feeling I’ll be doing some more rearranging again in the near future.

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Breathe In, Breathe Out

Every morning, I try to start my day by opening the curtains and windows to let in fresh air. I then fix the bed and light a stick of incense in our office.

Last night, Miyu woke up at around 1:30 am complaining of a stomachache. She sat and cried on the toilet for about half an hour before she eventually gave up and went back to sleep. Ken and I were on standby, helping her to understand that the pain will pass. If it weren’t so awkward, I think I would’ve taken a photo to preserve the memory.

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