Seeking relief from PAIN.........Ittai yo! (it really hurts!)

As I sit here wiggling in my chair, trying to find a comfortable spot where my various pinched nerves and herniated discs (!!!) in my spine are less aggravated, I realized just how much I have been relying on more natural methods and traditional methods of healing, as conventional methods that worked in the past are no longer applicable to me. Having gone through many x-rays, MRI's and prescribed pain pills over the years, I know what is causing the main source of discomfort. However, as lifestyle situations flunctuate; changes in eating habits and physical activity and just plain aging set in, my body now responds better and more readily to various forms of massage (shiatsu, Thai traditional,Chinese Jing Suina) for healing; chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture and incorporating daily exercise and more natural foods and some supplements into my daily diet, that helps to cleanse and detoxify the body, as well as encourage some weight loss. I have been told that one day I will probably need major spinal surgery; perhaps that can still be prevented by acting now as I have been and listening to my body tell me what I need to do to prevent further deterioration. I am fortunate that I am living in a country where many natural forms of healing are readily available and even encouraged/supported by regular medical practitioners; at least by those whom I have seen at hospitals and clinics. I am also an advocate for consumption of all kinds of tea, especially that of the Asian variety - oolong, jasmine, mugi, green tea and the like. Daily consumption of these teas improve your digestive system, complexion and overall energy level. I encourage anyone reading this to give it a try!

Random Thoughts of Being Raised in a Bi-cultural Family (2)

I come from two cultures that respond/react tremendously different, when it comes to expressing your emotions physically. In Guam, when we greet each other, we will often embrace one another, give the other a kiss or at the very least extend a hearty handshake, often letting the moment linger. While talking to one another, it is common to periodically touch the other person, to show affection. When parting, this may all be repeated; often more than once! However, in Japan, it can be the total opposite. Although this is changing and does differ with family, relatives and close friends, there is still a certain amount of distance and restraint practiced. Bowing to each other is the norm; if there is some physical contact, this is usually limited to a handshake or a pat on the hand or shoulder; even then, it could be an awkward experience, particularly if the other party is not "prepared" for such physical contact. In most cases, keeping one's composure under control is important and can be expressed by more verbal means or facial expressions. This has been both a frustrating/confusing and interesting/comical experience for me most of my life, whether it be with personal or professional situations. I am very much accustomed to both ways, yet there are times when it can be difficult to put into play my bi-cultural habits of expressing myself physically, especially during times of extreme happiness or sadness.

The ISLAND FIESTA PLATE

Anyone who comes from or who has lived in an island community within the Pacific Rim knows what I am talking about; the familiar paper plate that is loaded with many wonderful foods we grew up with and is usually served at a BBQ, a casual gathering, some special event or even at one's home. Local cuisine, as well as dishes influenced from other neighboring islands or countries is most always included, as well. Simply put, we from the islands love good chow and eat it well!!! The individual dishes that may be included are too numerous to mention; as they say, "a picture paints a thousand words", so here I will share with you a beautiful ISLAND FIESTA PLATE from a close friends' wedding reception I attended within the last year back home on Guam, which also represents the island of Palau (Belau), where they both originally are from.

Where is Grandma & Grandpa??? Case of the Missing 100+ year-olds!

There has been coverage on TV lately here in Japan about several missing or unaccountable CENTENARIANS, from the northernmost island of Hokkaido to the southernmost islands of Okinawa. When I first heard the news, foul play was suspect and there was a case featured that led the viewer to assume that indeed, it was a case of murder for money. However, as other cases were featured, it shed light to the sad fact that for several other reasons, there are just many, many elderly folks that just disappeared or whereabouts have been unknown (for years even), as family members and friends just were not in contact with them at all. The Japanese government is now involved in having local municipalities and officials take into account the whereabouts of all their centenarian residents, whereby door-to-door visits and in some cases, investigations have commenced. As I watched the news, two things came to my mind immediately; the sad truth that yes indeed; unlike days of past, people have become more estranged and disconnected with their own family members within many island cultures, as traditionally, these bonds have always been strong and steadfast. The other thing that came to mind and made me shake my head in amazement was the simple matter-of-fact that since centenarians are so prevalent in Japan, the news of having to check on all the 100+ year-old residents would take awhile and they announced efforts would be made nation-wide to ensure all were accounted for.

Black Rice, Sticky Beans & Pickled Plums

Like many people, I go through my bouts of eating more healthy and natural foods over time. (maybe even more as I have gotten older???) In the mid-80's, I even switched to a semi-vegetarian lifestyle, omitting meat (beef, pork, lamb and most poultry) for about 7 years from my daily diet, but did consume fish & seafood; some poultry, eggs and dairy products,while naturally increasing my intake of beans, grains, vegetables and fruits. Boy did I see the health benefits quickly; weight loss, overall health improvement and --get this-- less body odor and smells; YES!!! (So true what they say about eating all that meat and natural fat; even in Japanese, there is an expression "bataa kusai" or "stink like butter", when referring to that tell-tale natural smell that comes from our body, usually when we perspire.) This past week, I found myself wondering if I could get back into that healthy lifestyle again. Coming across our local produce stand making their own "umeboshi" or pickled plums (a favorite of mine) on bright, sunny days and having this healthy bowl of cooked black rice (looks purple when prepared) topped with my favorite "natto" or sticky fermented beans (stinky and slimy too -- now don't you just want some???) at a favorite lunch place recently were just some of the things that have inspired me to do so again!!! Now pass me some more of that NATTO; who needs meat all the time???

Random Thoughts of Being Raised in a Bi-cultural Family (1)

-A common experience shared amongst those raised in a household, where two native languages are spoken by both parents, but the children are only fluent in the third language that both parents speak at home; in my case, Dad speaks Chamorro (Guam) and Mom speaks Japanese (Japan); my sister and I only speak English fluently and consider that our "native tongue". (I learned to speak Japanese later on in life, when I moved to Japan in my early 20's, wanting to know the language of the country of my birth.)

-This also happened to me in particular; I would be spoken to in one language, but could only reply back in English. To this day, I understand more Chamorro and Japanese (yes!) than I can comfortably speak. It's an on-going process for life!

-Daily meals prepared by Mom growing up were always interesting and seemed normal to us. Fried chicken could be served along with tempura; we might have steak, baked potato, salad and miso soup for dinner; breakfast could be fried eggs with hot rice & soysauce or with titiyas (corn tortillas) and fried SPAM or Portugese sausage. And don't forget my NATTO! (fermented sticky soy beans) To start a BBQ feast, we might have somen (chilled dip & eat thin wheat noodles) to tide us over until the meat was off the grill........and the menu goes on.

-Talk about being confused; I was raised in the Catholic faith on Guam, but frequented temples and shrines in Japan that represent Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, during our visits to see the relatives when I was a kid. Speaking of relatives; in Japan, I can be judged by the animal that represents the year I was born (12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac); in my case, the Dragon (tatsu doshi) or even my blood type (type A). Both are viewed quite seriously by some people(my elderly aunt in Kyoto, who's in her eighties, comes to mind) in many social circles, in determining your character and personality. As if it wasn't already hard just trying to maintain good grades in school; I had all this in my mind as well- such a learning experience it has been!

SPAM MUSUBI

Now I could not resist putting this post up, as I did name my blog ISLAND MUSUBI, right???? This blog could not be complete without some mention of the infamous SPAM MUSUBI, so familiar to the island residents of Hawaii, Guam and Okinawa, Japan!

There are variations to making this rectangular popular snack, but the basic ingredients are usually fried slices of SPAM, cooked short-grain (sushi ) rice and dried seaweed (nori) sheets. Flavoring may be added to the rice, including sushi vinegar, soy sauce and/or furikake (seasoned rice sprinkles) for variation. Fry slices of SPAM until slightly browned; let cool. After wetting your hands, form cooled, but slightly warm rice into the shape of the sliced SPAM. (Some folks use a special rectangular mold or plastic wrap; use what works for you!) Tie your musubi together with strips of dried nori or even wrap the whole bundle completely, if you prefer. Enjoy your homemade "Island Musubi"!!!