weekend photos

mothers-in-law

i've been to two weddings in the past month and i just listened to a book on tape about a wedding. all 3 had a few... um, let's say... situations... all 3 involved mothers of the groom. now, i must add a disclaimer by saying that i have never had a mother-in-law, nor have i ever been one. however, i think i have a tiny bit of insight on the subject, albeit second hand.

some of the mothers-in-law practically took over the weddings. they were bossy, demanding, inflexible and selfish. they had all these grand ideas of what a wedding "should be like"!!! they stressed out the bride and caused major tension between the new couple. they often expected their son [the groom] to be a go-between and bearer of bad news to the bride. it's sickening. mothers of the groom are usually middle aged. shouldn't they be more responsible and considerate than their 20-ish years old children?

my answer is YES, they most definitely should. if you're a mother-in-law or ever will be, please consider these points. 1. it's not YOUR wedding. 2. your son should never have to choose between you [his loving mommy] and his wife. 3. your actions surrounding the wedding can cause major anxiety to the bridesmaids/maid of honor, not to mention the bride and her own family. 4. it's not your wedding. 5. it's not the end of the world if something isn't traditional or "normal" 6. it's not your wedding. 7. you're a mature, loving mother. this is your first opportunity teach your daughter-in-law-to-be how to be a mature loving mother as well. and finally, number 8. it's not your wedding!!!!

i'm noting just as carefully the way brides respond to their dreadful [?!?!] mothers-in-law. my friends have done an incredible job and i'm so proud of them!! i hope someday i can live with as much grace, forgiveness and good humor <3

one of my other married friends said she was going to call her own mother-in-law and thank her. simply for being non-devilish. which would you rather be? which would you rather have? i think the answer is pretty obvious.

let's reminisce

this morning i'm looking on facebook at all the photos i took in japan. it's making me incredibly sad to not be there right now. i'm sure i complained about a million things, but the truth is this: i adored japan. i learned so much there. i made some quality friends. i had a fabulous experience and i wouldn't trade it for anything in this world.

these are a few of my favorite things... the way children would be super shy at first, but then wicked genki. the gorgeous fall colors. wednesday night sushi with the gang at manyo. aeon mall & the "africa store". riding the train from tak to himi late at night and having a random himi-jin start conversation. planning and doing a fun, interactive english activity that my students loved. money and time to travel around the country. 4am sunrises over the sea. tateyama. JET camping events. enkais where my teachers finally reveal the fact that they could speak english decently. architecture.

new beginnings

filly- noun. 1.a young female horse

this blog name was suggested by my dad. i think it's a great way to summarize where i'm at right now. young, adventurous, a little timid, uncertain, excited. and of course, female. ["i hate to tell you daddy, but i really want a horse!"]

i'm not in japan any longer. i have a new job, a new house, and basically everything else new. so here's a new, fresh blogging perspective. i'll be adding anecdotes from my students, photos of philly, and whatever else strikes my fancy. enjoy onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTyrL4PBHR8lQXeyHhYWk0Uw9dyP0yfzdbemCycWsSSLMe6GnUghGemVRQGzsHmBwObD3ElLyUh-eeLkxnz7-zLDSv9MPef39xUQe9WWugFOGmouaGmKfY-eM5-sejBc_yeWFwRBAOJmA/s1600-h/new+room+004.jpg">