12 hours. That’s exactly how long I slept last night. Maybe it was the cold weather outside that lured me under the warm covers or maybe, and more likely, my body was just feeling run down and low on sleep.
All I know is this: the husband and I had a hot date last night. He with his Xbox 360 and me with the bed. ![]()
It was glorious and I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world.
Year End Cleaning Spree
Instead I took on the kitchen… the world can wait for another day. I spent most of my morning reorganizing the cupboards and cabinets, cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer, and throwing out food we have bought and never eat.
I also boxed up all the “junk” and put it out of my reach, after letting J know where he can find the treat food. If I can’t see it I tend to forget it is even in the house. Out of sight, out of mind… I hope.
The Japanese take the last few weeks of the year and use it as a time to clean out their homes. Americans typically save this for the spring. I’ve decided to start doing a little cleaning each day (or when I have time) to organize our apartment. With both of us working it can be a challenge to keep everything in line, but a mess drives me insane.
Lunch Date
The husband and I did go on an actual date this afternoon. I had suggested hitting Yoshinoya, however J wanted to try out a new gyudon restaurant called Sukiya. One of J’s friends from back in the U.S. who is also living in Japan right now recently told him all about this restaurant. After hearing they have 3-cheese gyudon, my husband was sold.
I tried gyudon for the first time about a month ago at Yoshinoya. It was tasty and I wanted to have the exact same thing today.
J ordered the 3-cheese gyudon just as he said he would. Along with a large Sprite. Another part of Sukiya’s appeal for J is the Sprite. It’s a rare commodity in Japan.
Side note: It’s hilarious to me as an American that this drink is considered large. Think about that the next time you go out to eat.



I had a regular-sized Coca Cola. I rarely drink soda, and never drink it at home, but it was a nice treat. Coke from a straw will forever remind me of McDonald’s Happy Meals from my childhood.
And then it was time for dessert. Another great feature of this restaurant, according to J’s friend, is the ice cream floats.
My husband ordered a Sprite float… which I think is a strange combination. But you could also choose regular Coca Cola, melon soda, or orange juice for the liquid part of the dessert.

I went with something much more Maria-like: a coffee soft serve.
It was fantastic!
Overall, J and I both felt that Sukiya was a step-up from Yoshinoya. And for a variety of reasons. They had more diverse food and drink choices, the meat in our meals was not as greasy and fatty as what we’ve ate previously at Yoshinoya, and the dessert was amazing. Add in a 24-hour no smoking ban and you’ve got the recipe for success, my friend!
Needless to say, we will most certainly be hitting up this spot again.
Filed under: Chores, Food, J, Japan, Media, Reviews, Sleep, photos | Leave a Comment »

Quick and easy were probably the most important part of the equation. I chopped up some frozen spinach and broccoli and threw them in a bowl with a serving of my leftover macaroni and cheesy beef casserole. (You can find the recipe for it 

I am so happy and proud to have my little Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.

Candy canes are fun
Sticking half a candy cane in your tea before popping it in the microwave is most definitely fun. You know the saying, “If Japan won’t bring the peppermint tea to Maria, Maria will bring the peppermint tea to Japan.”


I won a giveaway of
The Pros: I really liked that the mix was completely plant based. It felt good to know that I wasn’t putting a bunch of chemicals and other unnatural ingredients into my body. I also liked that there are two flavors to choose from (Acai Berry or Lemon Lime—I chose the second). Maybe it was a placebo effect, but I did have a great run when I used this product.