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Have been watching 日本語で遊ぼ (literally, “Playing in Japanese”) with Layla every day.  It’s an awesome show that highlights elements of traditional culture and language in a format that’s fun for kids and interesting to parents (or, at least, interesting to one gaijin dad).

The Japanese introduced is often lesser used, if not bordering on archaic.   Today we learned “成らぬ堪忍するが堪忍”, which in English would — I think — roughly translate to “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t… so just put up with the status quo.”

I can’t tell you how many times I could have used this phrase while living in Japan.  Like, say, when the wealthy yet crazy neighbor would come over and shower me with junk (old pots, broken plates, flat bicycle tires, etc.) because she thought I might find it useful.

I couldn’t refuse the junk.. that would upset her and cause trouble in the neighborhood.  But I also couldn’t throw it away again; she would notice, get upset, and that would… cause trouble in the neighborhood.

So I hid two years worth of slowly accumulating junk under the house I was renting.

成らぬ堪忍するが堪忍・・・

I’ve been waiting for just the right photo to use with this post title.

And here it is, straight from the Japanese photo studio, compliments of Jiji!

I am told that she was allowed to have as many pictures taken in as many costumes as she (or rather the grandparents) wanted.. for free.

But then each print cost 7,000 JPY, roughly $70 USD.

This is the most genious business model I have ever seen.  I just hope Jiji didn’t have to take out a loan.

Things have been getting rough with the Elf Union lately (internal documents leaked here).  Santa Layla asked me to help.  After all, I have experience negotiating with Korean businessmen.  Here are some snapshots.

Discussions with the Elf Union Boss reach peak intensity.  Santa Layla watches on, concerned.

The tension breaks as the Elf Union caves to our our ongoing, stalwart resistance.  Santa Layla is eager to speak with the Elf Union Boss and order everyone back to work.  Next year’s Light Brites aren’t going to assemble themselves!

Layla has a new friend.

But he makes her sleepy.

So I guess he’s doing his job.  Good sheep.

Thanks Uncle Wally!

This one’s for Jiiji.

When she outgrows this outfit, we’re going to put it on the dog.

Today Epo-chan stopped-by for a visit.

It was a lot of fun.  Did we finally find our babysitter?

Good luck Epo! We’re going to Jamaica!!

Got a note from Japanese Grand Papa (“Jiiji”) in Nagoya.   He and “Baaba” have been obsessed with getting clothes for Layla.  A couple of days ago he apparently spotted a cute little Santa outfit and, without a second thought, whipped out his wallet and snapped it up.

Walking proudly out of the store he noticed that a number of people shopping with dogs in tow.  Looking around he also noticed that the store mannequins were… dog shaped.  He made his way back to the sales counter and asked, tentatively, “This wouldn’t happen to be a dog outfit, would it?”

“Of course” replied the confused sales clerk.

Fortunately Jiiji returned the outfit.

Layla’s first trip to Salem.

I have no idea how she got up there.

Spooky.