Only a Japanese Bowl Could Have Such Serendipidous Foresight

Our Japanese neighbors the Takahashis had a baby about four months ago, so one month ago I finally brought them a big gift bag full of things: namely two soft blankets, several onesies and about four (I told them they were used) American freecycled baby toys that friends didn't need anymore and I thought they'd enjoy.


Yesterday, in true Japanese fashion, they rang the door bell bearing reciprocal Christmas gifts for my girls. These cute Christmas washcloths rolled to look like lollipops, two little gift bags full of fancy chocolates, and these cute bowls.


The bowl on the right is my favorite, even though its accurate prediction hits a little too close to home this season, our last Christmas in Japan: "The house is filled with piles of boxes in preparation for moving." Nothing like a Japanese bowl to tell it like it will be. I only hope it survives the move this summer, because it sure does sum up the life I have to look forward to in the Navy and I would like to keep it among our worldly possessions.