DAY INTO NIGHT

Growing up in a tropical country means pretty much constant days. You know when it's dawn (the sky is a light-purplish blue with the sun peeking from a corner), when it's noon (it's sweltering and you try to stay in the shadows as much as you can to get away from the sun's rays and heat) and when it's dusk (the sky is red-orange that turns darker and darker as the sun goes down the horizon). Yes, pretty constant. Sometimes, I don't even need a watch. I just have to look out the window and I know what time it is.

Autumn in Japan is a really fascinating experience. Here, it's only 430pm but it looks like it's 6pm back home. I'm still not used to this because when I see the darkening sky I always feel like I should start cooking dinner but when I glance at the clock, it's only 445pm! The early-setting sun is (I'll say it again) fascinating. I know that for most people who live in countries with 4 seasons this is nothing. But for me and the boys, it's actually really fun. I remember one time when I was younger, I was watching a tv show. There were kids playing in the backyard and their mom came out and called to them, "Kids! Come inside! It's time for supper!" And I was so surprised because it looked like it was in the middle of the afternoon! And they were going to eat supper? I asked my mom about it but I still could not fully understand then why 7pm in the Philippines was different from what I saw on tv. I could not understand why they were eating dinner when the sun was still high in the sky. But of course, now I know and now I understand. But again, knowing and understanding is different from experiencing. And let me tell you, experiencing is a whole lot better than knowing and understanding.

The days are getting shorter and I suppose the biggest problem is grabbing as much of the sun's heat as possible for the laundry to dry but other than that, we don't mind the early nights. Like I said in my previous post, we're trying to experience fully the fall season and so far, we like what we're getting.

Can't wait for winter...

ONWARDS

Yes, we’re still here and still homeschooling.

I know I haven’t been blogging much but with chores, homeschooling, spending time wih the family, activities and preparation and research for new lessons, I just don’t have enough time to sit down, gather my thoughts and compose something. I guarantee, laziness is not a part of it. It’s more of lack of time.

Anyway, we haven been doing good so far. Still no pressures, still free learning, still having fun. Nikki has been doing worksheets and he is starting to do them independently. He used to be so afraid of mistakes and would want me beside him all the time so I could catch him when he accidentally does or writes something wrong and then I could correct him immediately. But lately, I could mark some pages from his workbook and ask him to do them one at a time while I cook dinner or do the laundry or some other chore. And he usually finishes them in no time. He would be so proud to accomplish the worksheets all by himself and of course, I would be too. However, when I happen to see one or two wrong answers and point them out to him, he would be so hard on himself and I would reassure him that it’s all right because he got most of the answers right. He still gets so affected by mistakes and is such a perfectionist but I hope that with constant reassurance he won’t be too affected when he is older.

A few days ago we studied all about Australia. We checked out the globe, then the map and he labeled the territories. We read about some Australian facts and looked at the flag. Then we read about famous places (Sydney Harbor Bridge, Uluru, etc.) and we checked out some of the famous Australian animals like the emu, wallaby, Tasmanian devil, kookaburra, etc. He had fun and we also learned some (easy) Australian lingo like “mate”, “barbie”, “croc”, etc. We might study England next and I have yet to print out our lesson sheets.

Both Ethan and Nikki are still going strong with their hiragana. They are still very much interested in it and could even write it properly, correct strokes and all. I could not be prouder. I don’t even know the hiragana but Ethan (who hates formal lessons) knows each one and could write it at random. That’s unschooling for you! :) Anyway, I hope after this, they could go to katakana next and then maybe later on when they are bigger, they will learn the kanji.

The boys also tried out their skates today. Ruther got them a pair of in-line skates and I thought that they should get a feel of them here at home first before I take them outside. Nikki could walk and glide a bit carefully on his own with no help but Ethan wants someone beside him so he could skate away. Anyway, maybe and hopefully after a few days of practice we could go out to the playground and then they could try it out there.

We’re also taking advantage of the beautiful fall season and making crafts, doing activities and experiencing this wonderful season. This is only our second time to experience fall so we’re trying to make the most of it. Leaf rubbings, walking on leaf piles, photographing the colors, jack o’ lanterns, Halloween activities and lessons, etc. October is not over yet so were still going to do a lot more fall activities and lessons until Halloween comes.

We still take it a day at a time. I still wonder sometimes if I should up the ante and give Nikki more lessons. I know we’re “taking it easy” but I do check Nikki’s progress in the different subjects. So far he’s still doing good but I think we need to tackle Filipino a little bit more. But then again, I’m not worried. I’m sure given time, he’ll learn it the way I did.

Anyway, more news next time! Ta-ta!

AT LALAPORT

Another family photo to add to our album. This was taken at California Pizza Kitchen, Lalaport at Kamoi. Another fun family day. :)

COOKING AND A MOVIE

The other day, Nikki made his own french fries. I only wanted it to be an introduction to peeling and slicing vegetables but he really enjoyed the activity. Of course I was apprehensive because he was actually using a real kitchen knife. I was reminding him like every 5 minutes to be careful and to watch his fingers. I taught him how to peel away from him instead of towards him and he had a bit of difficulty but he managed. Then I taught him how to remove the “eyes”. He loved that! I sliced the potatoes and he julienned them. Of course, I had to fry them because I didn’t want him to be traumatized by the hot oil. He enjoyed his french fries a lot and wanted to make more the next day. But surprisingly, Ethan wanted to make HIS own french fries (I told Nikki that Ethan should have a turn as well). I was about to make dinner when Ethan grabbed a potato and asked for french fries. He actually wanted to be like "Cooking Mama" a game in their Nintendo DS that involves cooking. He got the potato peeler and with my help he peeled away like a hurricane. Potato peelings flew everywhere! I was surprised at his speed (so it was a good thing I was holding on to the potato instead of him) because Nikki was very careful with his peeling process. Anyway, Ethan didn’t have the patience to remove the “eyes” so I did that for him. Like Nikki, I sliced the potatoes initially and let him slice them julienne-style. His fries were a little fatter than Nikki’s but he did have a lot of fun making them. However, I think he enjoyed his peeling and slicing so much he didn’t want to share the fries with Nikki. Nikki was of course irritated at that (he gave Ethan some of his fries the day before) but I managed to convince Ethan to share and he gave his Kuya a bit. Just a wee bit. But at least he shared, right?

Now that I’ve seen how interested they are with slicing vegetables, I’m thinking of other food-related activities for them. Hopefully, the interest stays until they learn how to actually cook a delicious meal by themselves.

.....

Ruther and I watched Journey to the Center of the Earth a few days ago. It was a nice surprise. Although I have to admit that I have yet to read the book (I'm looking forward to that actually), I thought that it was going to be a lot similar to the Hallmark version (I love Hallmark movies!). Anyway, as we continued watching, I realized that it was really different and was a story all its own. It was a really nice family movie and I like Josh Hutcherson (Sean in the movie). I saw him in Zathura and I think he's a cool kid. Anyway, I liked the story and the characters were interesting enough to make me watch the entire thing to the end. Although in truth, I thought that it was a bit short. Well I suppose after watching the Hallmark version I expected more things to happen in the movie but then again, we're talking about millions of dollars here so I'll just leave it at that. I enjoyed the flick, I was transported to a wonderful fantastic (okay scary too) world and it was entertaining. So I'm happy. :)

AT KAWASAKI

This was taken at Kawasaki one nice and cloudy day. We had fun and I hope we will get to see more wonderful places in the next few weeks.

FEELING, BEING SAFE

I really love how safe I feel whenever we're in Japan. I grew up sheltered and when I went to Manila for college, I was really aghast at the high crime rate in the Metropolis. I have to admit that there were many instances (maybe 3) where I was swindled by smooth-talking crooks on my way to school. And I cannot even count the times I lost my wallet to thieves that eventually, I tucked a note inside my wallet that said "To whoever finds this wallet: You may take all the money inside but kindly return my IDs and photos." Yeah, I know. It's silly but when you lose your wallet like half a dozen times you get fed up of renewing cards and IDs.

Coming to Japan is like learning to relax for the first time. It's only here in Japan that I don't have to stay on guard all the time. In the Philippines, I would get so stressed when the boys and I go to the mall or out of the house because not only do I have to watch the boys closely, I have to keep track of our bags and make sure the zipper is zipped or the snaps are fastened, to be wary of strangers and suspicious people, to be mindful of the reckless drivers on the street and to stay away from smoking commuters whose secondhand smoke finds its way into our lungs. In Manila, I have to always dress according to the destination. When I go to Baclaran, I can't go with jewelry or fancy clothes. I'll be like a beacon to thieves. When I ride the jeepneys or commute, I have to make sure my bag is always in front of me. I hardly ever use backpacks in Manila because I lost my wallet twice that way. Also, whenever I'm out of the house and in public, I always have to dress down because I just don't want to attract attention. It's of course, different when we go to the mall and someone drives us. It's always safer that way and I don't have to worry about dressing nicely.

Japan is just so safe. I know that it's not really crime-free but compared to Manila, I just feel that I could breathe and relax here. Here are some reasons why:

• I can wear nice clothes and a bit of jewelry when I go out and I don't have to worry about being targetted by thieves.
• I could walk with an iPod or a cellphone in my hand and not worry that someone is going to snatch it away in an instant.
• I could take my boys to the playground at 7pm, let them play and have fun and not worry that something bad is going to happen to us.
• When I forget to lock the door and it's 10pm, I'm not worried that someone will come in and rob us.
• We could leave the windows unlocked the whole night without fear that someone is going to climb in, steal everything inside or do us harm.
• When a police officer approaches, I know I could trust him (whole other story in Manila) and he will not take advantage of me.
• When I am lost, I know that people will do their best to help me and not trick me or cause me harm.
• I could jog at 7 in the evening without worries that I'm going to get mugged or harassed.
• We could walk on an unlit street and I don't have to be afraid that a bad person is hiding in the shadows waiting to harm my family.
• I could cross the street without holding my boys' hands and not worry that a reckless driver is going to beat the red light and run over one of my boys.
• I don't have to worry about secondhand smoke too much.
• When I'm out with the boys and I discover that my bag was left unzipped the whole time, I don't have to check if my wallet is gone.
• When we're at the playground, I could leave my bag on the bench and not worry that it's going to disappear when I look away for a second.
• Since we arrived here in Japan, we left Ethan's stroller outside the apartment and as of tonight, it's still there, intact, unvandalized and unstolen.

These are all the things I could remember for now but I'm sure there are still a lot instances why I feel so safe here. This is just one of the many reasons why I would love to live here with the boys and Ruther. I know it's an expensive country and the standard of living is high but I am adaptable, resourceful and I'm sure with God's help we'll manage and get by. And did I mention I just love Japan a lot? I think it would be wonderful to work here, bring the kids up here, homeschool here, take care of my family here and make new memories here. I think that this is definitely a great country and I hope that we can (and will) be here to stay.

ALMOST BARE

Took this photo at Sakuragicho. I just think this is a nice autumn AND sunset photo. ;)

THE PAST FEW DAYS

We’ve been somewhat busy these past few days, going out, spending time together as a family, homeschooling, doing chores. We’ve been busy but we’ve been having fun and I suppose that’s what matters most. I am just so glad that God gave us this opportunity to be together a little bit longer. Because of this, I can really say that 2008 will end happily for me and my family.

.....

Already, I sense that our casual approach to homeschooling has been very beneficial to Ethan. He’s been thriving and learning so much and I really can’t appreciate enough how much homeschooling has made him love learning and discovering new things in his own unique way. I know not many people will understand and appreciate our method and until now I still hear some of them ask when I’m going to send the boys to school and to be honest, I’ve given up trying to make them understand our choice. I’ve been trying to for the past years and I’ve stressed (excessively) about it but now, I just want to focus on my boys, focus on their learning and focus on what matters most. Besides, I don’t want to develop premature wrinkles (as my mom would say).

…..

The other day, we were at a sports shop looking for a pair of rubber shoes for Ethan. The soles of his previous ones were worn down (in other words, there were holes in them!!) so Ruther said that we should get him a new pair. We were able to get him nice Nike’s and since the kids' shoes (some of them) were on sale, we got Nikki a pair as well (Adidas). While there, we found this nice in-line skate set (complete with a helmet and pads!) and after the boys tried it out, Ruther and I decided to get one for the boys. Ruther at first asked whether we should buy two and I replied, “Are you insane? How can I keep an eye on two boys on skates?” I could already imagine myself running after the two of them and screaming my head off to stay away from the road and incoming cars. So before that vision became a reality, I very firmly said no and told Ruther we're better off with one pair. Maybe when the boys are bigger they could each have a pair. For now, one will do. I have to say though, Ethan was a lot more confident in the skates than Nikki. Ethan as always, is more physically adept than Nikki so we were not surprised that this was so. But then again, I also believe that with practice, Nikki will learn to skate well too. We haven’t really gone skating yet since they tested them at the store because the weather has been somewhat unpredictable but hopefully this week the boys could take turns trying out their new skates. (Minus the booboos, I hope!)

…..

I’ve been yearning to go to a library here. I’ve already checked the Yokohama city guide website and I already found some libraries to go to but I need Ruther to come with me because he's the one with a library card. I browsed some of the books they have online and I am quite excited to borrow several. I think we can borrow 6 books at a time (if I’m not mistaken). Not only will it be nice for the boys to have English books to read but I will be able to read everyday again. I am really a book person. I love books. When I was in college, I would spend all my money on books never mind the clothes, food or the usual teenage stuff. I just love to read, read, read. Nikki has lately been enjoying some online storytelling. Some of his favorite stories are on the PBS website and NickJr. I see that he learns how to pronounce words when he listens carefully. Also, this is great in improving his listening skills because sometimes, Nikki could be lacking in that aspect. I’ve also printed some stories for Nikki to read and have made a sort of compilation by putting the printed stories in a clearbook. I printed nursery rhymes (his books are in Manila), some short stories, fairy tales and simple poems. Right now, I am trying to get copies of Aesop’s Fables. I tried using the original version but the words and sentences are too complicated for a Level 2-3 reader so I used the kid’s version instead. You can view the original fables at http://aesopfables.com. I’m thinking, when Nikki is bigger, I’ll let him read the stories in their original form. Maybe both of us will have fun reading them together.

Anyway, these are only a few of the activities we’ve done and been doing for the past days. I know that we still have lots of things to do, lessons to accomplish, sights to see, family bonding to look forward to… It’s going to be pretty busy, pretty hectic and pretty fun.

I can’t wait.

SWEETHEARTS

I took this photo at Minato Mirai, Yokohama. The area where the ferris wheel is located is CosmoWorld.

HOLIDAY

Today is a national holiday. It's Sports Day. Here's a little info:

The second Monday of October is Taiiku no Hi, or Sports Day, a national holiday to foster healthy minds and bodies through physical activity. It was established to commemorate the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which were held from October 10 to 24. It was designated a national holiday two years later in 1966. Until 1999 the holiday was on October 10, but beginning in 2000 it has been changed to the second Monday of the month.

Why were the 1964 Games held in October, which is quite late for the Summer Games? The biggest reason was the weather. It had to be just right to accommodate athletes from both warm countries and cold countries. And compared to other cities that had hosted the Games of the Olympiad until then, Tokyo was very rainy. The summer months are hot and humid, moreover, while the weather in spring tends to be very unstable. Early autumn is the height of the typhoon season and is marked by heavy downpours.

So the organizers of the Tokyo Games asked meteorologists when would be the best time to hold an outdoor sports event. The answer was mid-October, since by then, the typhoons stop coming, and the skies turn a deep, clear blue. Based on this recommendation, the organizers chose an unusually late date for the Summer Games. Much to the organizers' relief, the Opening Ceremonies were staged under a brilliant, cloudless sky.

Since then Sports Day has generally been blessed with fine weather, and a lot of sporting events are held on this day. It's when many elementary and middle schools schedule their field days.

At the Kyoiku no Mori Park in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, for instance, a lot of athletic events are held each year. Visitors can get a computer-aided check of their physical strength and receive health tips from counselors. A number of ball games are organized, and in the park's square kids can try out the trampoline or go horseback riding.

http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/calendar/october/sports.html

.....

We were supposed to go out today with it being a holiday but when I woke up this morning, I was so dizzy. The moment I opened my eyes, I felt a heaviness in my head and I even thought there was an earthquake (which was not). Whenever I closed my eyes, my brain thought the room was spinning so I had to look up at the ceiling while lying down just so my eyes could tell my brain "See? The room is not moving so stop making the room spin." I felt so sick I even threw up a bit in the kitchen from dizziness. I'm suspecting think I'm anemic again or my hemoglobin is low because I just had my period and I forgot to take my folic acid for the past weeks. (I know, stupid me!) So my great gallant husband took charge and cooked our lunch and made me rest. He was so sweet to take care of me for a change. I felt a bit bad that we stayed home today because of my headache/dizziness. I thought we were gonna have a fun time outside or seeing a new place or walking with the family under the sun. But we still had a nice time spent at home. And by evening, I was feeling a whole lot better. So we went to the supermarket to buy some food for dinner and we also went to the pharmacy to get a can of milk for the boys. It was nice taking an evening stroll so I guess the day was not such a complete waste.

SPONGES

These are kitchen sponges. Don't they look yummy? :)

BARBEQUE WITH FRIENDS

Last Sunday we went to Nojimakoen after church and had a barbeque luncheon with some of Ruther’s officemates and friends. It was a pre-planned event so we know about this days before. We haven't been to the place yet and this will be my first Japanese barbeque-ing experience so I was quite excited. The place was a huge park but the barbeque-ing area was in a place where a small fishing pond was located. There were lots of people young and old alike who fished for fun. Ethan had a wonderful time looking at the worms on the hooks. Of course, after they caught the fish (they were around 5 inches in length or so) they unhooked them and threw them back into the man-made lake. The boys had fun playing with the frisbee and bubbles we brought with us. There were other kids there too (children of a couple of Ruther's officemates) but it took a while for them to play together because Nikki and Ethan didn’t speak Nihongo and the kids didn’t speak English. But kids will be kids and eventually they played together and chased each other and played ball. We also had fun sitting by the pond and looking at the crawling hermit crabs, the tiny fry and the sleek silver fish that jumped out of the water to get away from fishermen’s hooks. And I could never understand why but the boys enjoyed throwing pebbles into the pond so much. I had to sternly tell them to leave the poor fish alone. The boys had their nap at around 3pm (which surprised some of our Japanese friends and we explained siesta to them) while the other kids kept on playing. It was fun seeing the people Ruther worked with and it was nice seeing their families. I always wondered about Ruther's friends and co-workers and it was great to finally meet them and to put faces to the names so often mentioned in conversation. Anyway, the food was delicious but there was just too much I felt like I had just been eating the entire afternoon. Of course, I also noticed that their barbeque is different from ours. We usually have most of the food on barbeque sticks and I remember that we also barbeque seafood whenever we would go to the beach. Then again, it was a fun experience and I really enjoyed it. We didn't think we would be leaving the park so late but the long day was worth it. I hope that there will be more days like last Sunday.

SUNSET

I took this photo at Odaiba. I must say, the sunsets in Japan are a whole lot different from the ones we have in the Philippines. Ours are redder and more vibrant. But maybe it's also because it was a really cloudy day when I took this photo.

Still that does not change the fact that I love sunsets.

YES. AND NO.

Yes.

The days are once more beautiful and I am once more feeling happy and all feelings of sorrow and discontent are now gone. Just when I thought I have reached my lowest low and could no longer see the silver lining, Ruther did me a huge favor and yesterday (it was around 1pm) called the office where we applied for our visa extension. After a few minutes of talk (with me hardly breathing I might add), Ruther tells me that our application was approved and the postcard is on its way here. I was so relieved I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to not do anything because I was afraid I was just going to cry and cry from happiness and Ruther would think I was a nitwit. After going to the supermarket to buy rice (this was around 5pm), I came home and found the postcard lying there on my feet! I shrieked for Ruther and he laughed because I was so worried that the postcard was lost or we were not going to get it and then yesterday, after waiting for days and days, it came. And AFTER we called the office! I suppose it wanted to torture me a bit. But really, it's just such a relief to know that my family will be together this Christmas as we hoped and prayed. God is really good.

This is what I had hoped for and now, I can look further into the future and plan for more family togetherness. That seems to be my ultimate goal and hopefully, with hard work, careful planning and Divine intervention, that will become a reality.

.....

Ethan seems to be in a nose-picking phase right now. And it's really making me cringe. Nikki would not put his finger in his nose even if his life depended on it but Ethan would pick away any place, any time. And really, (there's no subtle way of saying it) it's just so embarassing. I try not to fuss over him because he's the type of child who does it even more when you try to dissuade him from doing something. But still, I can't help but shriek "Ethan! Stop it!" or "Nooooooo!" when I see his finger wiggling away in a nostril. Argh!

Yesterday my heart nearly stopped when he came to me complaining about his nose. I didn't understand at first but when I took a peek I saw a small silver ball inside his right nostril. Oh my goodness! I thought that only happened in the movies but apparently, my son loves to discover new things and is creative in his own cute way. It was a good thing the ball was not small enough to fall into the nose and not big enough to be stuck inside the nostril. I got it out in a few seconds but I kept the toy (where you use that small silver ball) and now I'm hoping he'll no longer put things inside his nose. (This was actually the first time.)

Hopefully, there will no longer be any scary accidents in the next few days.

AN ANSWER

Finally, the white postcard has arrived. And I am SO happy.








God is so good.

LONGGANISA

This is a longganisa recipe from pinoycook.net. Keeping it here for easy access. :)

SKINLESS LONGGANISA

Ingredients :

500 g. of ground lean pork
3 tbsps. of finely minced garlic
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsps. of tomato paste
2 tbsps. of rice vinegar
2 tbsps. of soy paste
1 tsp. of salt
1 tsp. of pepper
4 tbsps. of dark brown sugar
1 tbsp. of fine unsweetened bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 c. of cooking oil
12-15 pcs. of kitchen wax paper, 6″ x 6″ in size

How to :

Mix together all the ingredients except the cooking oil and the wax paper. Divide into 12 to 15 portions, depending on the size you prefer. Form each portion into a log about 1″ to 1-1/3″ thick. Place on a piece of wax paper and roll firmly and as tightly as you can. Repeat for the remaining portions. Stack on a covered container and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Heat the cooking oil in a wide skillet or wok until it starts to smoke. Fry the longganisa in hot oil until browned. Drain on paper towels. Serve with fried eggs and garlic fried rice.

STENCILLED SHIRTS

We did a stencilling activity a few days back as part of Nikki's arts and crafts lesson. We ended up stencilling a shirt for everyone. We got these designs from a Little Einstein's book (they were free) and Nikki loved it. He loves his shirt so much he wants to use it everyday!

Oh boy.

HOPEFUL? OR HOPELESS?

Okay, I am really really worried now. Still no word about our visa. This is driving me nuts! I can't even remember it taking this long the last time we applied!! I am literally F R E A K I N G out. And no, I can't help it.

This is just so darn important to me that I can't stop thinking about it. I've been praying of course, but after my feelings towards my friend's situation (read Sad... But Happy post below) I just felt a bit undeserving of God's attention. Call me silly but that's the Catholic girl in me talking.

I've been staring at the mail slot these past days. Whenever we leave the house to go to the grocery or supermarket, I always hope to see that white postcard lying there, waiting for me. But so far, no white postcard. And it's tearing me up inside. It's October, for heaven's sake! Our visa expires in 2 weeks and I am just freaking out here!!!

Ruther tells me that there's this number I could call to ask about the status of our visa. He told me I could call by Friday because that would be 2 weeks since we applied. I of course, refused. He thought I wanted him to do it and he got a bit irritated at me because he had a lot of work to do at the office and didn't want this to add to his work. It's really not that I don't want to call. I just can't. I don't want to call and find out that we'll be going home in a few weeks. I just don't know how I'm going to take that. I think I would rather wait for the postcard with the slim hope that we are going to be with Ruther for 3 more months. I think it's better to be hopeful even if it's prolonging my torture for a few more days. Is that silly of me?

Sigh. I just hope with all my heart that that white postcard is on its way here. Nothing else could be more important to me now. So please help me pray for this. I know that my mom is helping with the prayers but a few helpful friends would be much appreciated.

(P.S. Becky, as always, thank you for being so sweet. You have always been there rain or shine and I know that you are praying for this. I want you to know that you are one special friend. God bless!)

STILL NO STOVE

Well, Ruther's officemate, Yuko-san came over yesterday and checked the stove. Both hot plates are definitely problematic. She said she'll have maintenance come over to have it fixed. Just not sure when though. But I'm not worried. The boys and I have come up with a lot of creative ways in preparing our meals. We still have the rice cooker, the oven toaster and the microwave oven at least. We could prepare a lot of meals there. So yesterday, I researched some recipes especially made for the microwave oven and there were some good ones. I will share some of them here. :)

(http://www.sachikocooking.com/english/en0009.htm)
Baked Potatoes

4 servings
cooking time: 15 minutes

4 potatoes (1 1/2 lb.), washed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

1. Puncture the potato skin with a fork 3 times to prevent it from bursting.
2. Place a bacon rack on the turn table. Arrange the potatoes on the bacon rack, opposite each other leaving the center empty. (There is no need for a cover. The potato skin is a natural wrap.)
3. Cook on HIGH (1200W) for 7 – 8 minutes or until a fork penetrates easily.
4. Cut a cross on top and pinch both ends toward each other to open the potato. Sprinkle with salt and place the cheese on the opening. Cook another minute or until the cheese melts.


Steamed Prawn with Chinese Wine
A low calorie and delicious hors d'oeuvre

4 servings
cooking time: 5 minutes

1/2 pound frozen unshelled shrimp (about a dozen)
2 tablespoons Chinese wine
4 thin slices unpeeled gingerroot
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1 sprig cilantro

1. Semi-defrost the shrimp in a bowl of cold water. The shrimp will turn dark if exposed to air. Dry the shrimp on paper towels. Cut the shells down the back with sharp kitchen scissors and de-vein.
2. Arrange the shrimp in a circle on the edge of a microwave-safe plate, with the tail-ends pointing to the center. Place the ginger slices in the center of the plate and sprinkle wine over all. Cover with a microwave lid.
3. Cook on HIGH(1200W) for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Turn off the microwave when the shrimp begins to crackle. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and serve.


Donburi Chicken, Egg & Oyako Sauce
Rice bowl dish with chicken and eggs

4 servings
cooking time: 20 minutes

4 cups warm steamed rice
1 pound chicken breast, skinless, boneless and cut into 2-inch strips
2 cups onion, sliced in 1/2 inch chunks
1 1/2 cups carrots, cut in half moon shapes
1 cup mushroom, sliced in half
2 cups watercress sprigs, cut 1 inch long
4 eggs, beaten
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1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon white wine

1. Mix the ingredients in a 3-quart casserole, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and mushrooms and place the chicken slices on top. Spoon the Oyako Sauce over the vegetables and chicken.
3. Cover with a vented microwave lid.* Cook on HIGH (1200W) for 9 - 10 minutes.
4. When the chicken is cooked, pour the beaten eggs over the top and cover.
5. Cook on HIGH (1200W) for another 2 - 3 minutes or until the eggs are done.
6. Take the casserole out and add the watercress. In serving bowls, spoon in the rice and spoon the Oyako mix on top.


Fried Rice Donburi with Shrimp, Tomatoes, and Corned Beef
Healthy fried rice with minimum use of oil

4 servings
cooking time: 20 minutes

4 cups steamed rice
1 can (12 oz.) corned beef, cut into 8 pieces (1/2 inch wide)
16 shrimp, shelled and de-veined
2 cups tomatoes, cored and coarsely diced
1/2 cup green peas, canned
1 cup leek, cut 1/3 inches long

4 cups steamed rice
1 can (12 oz.) corned beef, cut into 8 pieces (1/2 inch wide)
16 shrimp, shelled and de-veined
2 cups tomatoes, cored and coarsely diced
1/2 cup green peas, canned
1 cup leek, cut 1/3 inches long

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1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon water

1. Combine the ingredients and mix with the steamed rice.
2. Divide the rice equally into 4, 1-pint casseroles or small bowls.
3. Place the corned beef, shrimp, tomatoes, green peas, and leek on top.
4. Place the bowls on the turn table, leaving the middle empty and cover with a vented microwave lid. Cook on HIGH (1200W) for 10 – 12 minutes.