Saturday, May 05, 2007

Temporary Hiatus...

Sorry, dear readers,
This blog is on a temporary hiatus. As some of you already know, I’m going to have a surgery on May 11th. It is just a laparoscopic surgery to remove my dermoid cyst, and I should be back in my apartment as early as May 14th, if everything goes OK. The details are here, and if you are interested in the whole story and have nothing better to do, you might want to start from the - Part 1- here.

I'm going to be busy with preparations until this coming Wednesday. No, I’m not scared at all... at the moment. But there is no doubt that I’ll need a lot of encouragement while I stay in bed alone in the hospital before/after the surgery. So dear readers, can you PLEASE leave your comments to this post? I’ll print them out the night before I go to the hospital and keep them right next to my pillow during my stay there.

And I promise -- I'll come back with a bunch of photos of Japanese hospital food. ;)
Wish me luck and see you again soon!


Categories:

61 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Obachan,

I came across your blog many months ago while browsing through food-related blogs. I can’t explain it but your blog has this positive attitude and before I know it, I was drawn to your blog, always checking back to see if you have posted something new. I love your love for food and life. I am an international student and being away from family can sometimes be hard for me. I must say that I always feel encouraged and comforted after reading your posts, it gives me a feeling of home. I’ll be thinking of you and I’m glad that you are staying so positive about the upcoming surgery. I can’t wait for you to get better and be back online again to dazzle me with your new recipes! I’ll be praying for you. Don’t let anything get you down because there is someone who is miles away thinking about you and hoping the best for you.

Plume said...

I already posted on your other blog, but I want to telle you that I think you are a very courageous person, and I wish you well for your surgery!
I hope you will be able to give us some news soon.

Anonymous said...

All the best with the surgery!

Anonymous said...

All the best for your surgery, I really hope you get well again soon!
I really love reading your blog, what with being an obachan myself :) I still make some tamagozake every once in a while (oishii! And again, thanks for your wonderful recipe).
I can remember japanese hospital food, because a friend of mine was involvedd in an accident a while ago. Actually I mostly remember the Natto. Please don't make pictures of Natto, it's the most disgusting food on earth (well, escargot are pretty yuck, too...).

K and S said...

Take care Obachan! Praying for a quick recovery.

purplegirl said...

well, you better hurry and get well soon. the food blogging world will miss you so hurry!

make sure you also bring lots of books to keep you busy -- you know how boring hospitals can be.

get well soon!

Anonymous said...

I hope the surgery goes very easily and that you have a quick recovery! Be kind to yourself during recovery, you'll need that time to get back to being yourself! I hope they feed you some yummy food in the hospital!

Anonymous said...

Obachan,

I have been reading your blog for some time. I feel sad to know you are not feeling well. Please be strong and keep cheerful for speedy surgery. Good mood helps fast recovery as what I had 2 years back.

Waiting to read your blog.
Agnes Tan

ghanima said...

Hello, obachan!

I just wanted to say thank you for contributing some of your bright spirit to the world via your blog. I'm sure I'm not the only reader who finds your positive attitude infectious and your recipes inspirational.

I wish you a hassle-free surgery, and hope your recovery leaves you feeling refreshed. Don't push yourself too hard to return to us! We'll miss hearing from you, but I think we'd all rather know that you're making a full recovery and will return to us, ready to share your cheerful outlook once again.

Anonymous said...

dear obachan, your operation will go fine! just take some time out to enjoy life after the surgery...


take care!!

j

Anonymous said...

Obachan;
Best of luck with surgery and the hospital stay....I'm sure all will go well and you will be on the mend in no time at all. Eat well and you will be 100 % in a short while.....

Anonymous said...

I've recently become a lurker of your blog, and am hooked on the beautiful food pictures and recipes. :-)

I wish you the best and a speedy recovery from surgery!

Anonymous said...

i wish you all the best and get well soon...i love your blog so keep up the good work! well miss you for a while but we know youd be be back soon...

Anonymous said...

obachan, you're a very strong and wise woman, i have no doubt you'll come back from the experience with many stories to tell. i'm keeping my fingers crossed for you (and stomach growling for more treats you'll blog!)

Anonymous said...

I have recently become one of your 'blog fans' and found it is so nicely written, in the sense that it is very fun to read as though you are sitting here and telling me about your food and your life. Kinda shocking for me that you are going to be having a surgery. I hope you will get well soon. There are lots of us that are waiting for your return and hope we can read your new article soon. Until then, please take care of yourself. I wish all the best for you.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

All the best for your surgery! I hope that you'll get well soon and come back to us feeling fit...

Take good care of yourself!

Cheers,

Rosa

Anonymous said...

はじめまして。神奈川県の湯河原から、いつも拝読しております。
美しい写真と溌剌とした文章とずばねけたセンスの良さに感嘆しながら、たのしませていただいております。
暦のうえでは立夏になりました。時が経つのが早く感じられます。
Obachanさん、めまぐるしい予定をかかえ、精神的にもたいへんに落ち着かないことでしょうが、どうか平穏なお気持ちでたえてくださいね。
一日も早い快復をお祈りしています。
そしてまたお元気な記事にお会いできることを、心からたのしみにお待ちします。
いつもほんとうにありがとうございます。
これからもどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
2007年5月6日 立夏 湯河原より

GFAD said...

Hi obachan. Just stopped by to say all the best for your coming surgery. And keep your spirits up! As they say, healthy mind equals healthy body! Looking forward to reading about your hospital food adventures! :)

Anonymous said...

ok, good luck. Did you plant scallions in your balcony garden? My mother cut off the root ends and stuck them into earth and now we have scallions. They are very expensive here - about 4 stalks for one dollar and I always want to use all the stalks in just a single dish. Are you bringing books to the hospital? I don't have anything interesting to write for you to read so I will tell you a story that you probably have never read. The name of the story is I, Andrew Bennet, ... Vampire. I was attracted to the punctuation of the title. The story takes place in modern times but flashes back over a hundred years or so. Andrew Bennet is drawn with a long face, cruder and less pretty than Clint Eastwood but definitely from Northern stock although he is a brunet with a white streak in his hair (Yes, like a skunk!) He has an older man with white hair and matching mustache and a young chesty girl with red hair following along. I thought the red haired girl was drawn boringly. They are vampire hunters hunting Andrew's formerly sweet and human wife who is now wicked and Queen of the Undead. She has bright red hair unlike human girl's orangey hair. Bloody Mary is drawn with decolletage. She kills people, Andrew agonizes, in the end Andrew dies in the sun, Debra Dancer the human redhead has already been bitten by Mary but is still a good person kisses Andrew as he disintegrates (white haired old man already died), cries tear of blood at the sunrise, "Andrew Bennet, Vampire ... My Love." Peculiarly, Debra Dancer is a vampire who can walk in the sunlight. As a vampire, her boring clothes suddenly fit tighter on her. So after a few years of hunting Bloody Mary, boring girl gets bitten, finally kisses Andrew Bennet who disintegrates. I loved this story at the time. I'd never seen blood dripping from vampire teeth before. I guess this was my introduction to vampires. I also had a children's history book about the mythology. That was considered rather dark and risque in my school. These simple sources were enough to satisfy me so I never became a total geek about it. I have to do my own home repair project because I can't afford the dollars nor the risk of betrayal of hiring professionals so I will try to do as much of the basic stuff as I can and leave the complicated heavy stuff for paid help. Do you have repairs that need doing at home? How do you maintain your bathroom grout? Do you have home repair stores where you are? I am fortunate to have access to resources for do-it-yourself hopes and I think that is very important to women and to ordinary people so that they are not at the mercy of anyone. When I was younger and no one would ever dream of doing repairs themselves, there were some examples of not getting what you should have for the money. I have three different colored metals in my bathroom as a result of a full renovation that was quite expensive but really wasn't very attractive. From watching home renovation shows, I notice that women especially are betrayed by contractors who commonly remove perfectly good cabinets, counters and even bathtubs if left alone so I have to do it myself. I had a carbuncle once it was enormous. I mean the size of a puppy. I was going through an emotional crisis and I didn't see a doctor. It lasted maybe two weeks and I was uncomfortable the entire time. I used ointments and liquids including black tar but it only got bigger stretching out my skin. Finally, it popped in the shower right before my eyes. And I thought, "is that all? all that pain and it just went away and suddenly all my sorrow associated with having it no longer had a reason to exist." I remember the carbuncle coolly with no agitation whatsoever. At the time it was hard to separate the pain of it from my emotional pain so it was never in the spotlight just a great discomfort. My amazement at its existence must indicate what a boring uneventful life I have had up to this point. My body is prone to a pimple once a month and this was a month where I was particularly neglectful and vulnerable I suppose. I have all the ingredients so I am going to make buttermilk biscuits but I really want to make pizza. I made waffles today but I have a hard time forming pancakes. It is really wonderful having a quart of buttermilk as a staple in my refrigerator because it makes a difference in food. I keep it past the expiration date with no problems. Heehee. Recently, it separated but I poured it out, stirred it together and poured it back into the carton. How disgusting but economical I am. I am eating more gelatin made with fruit juices but this gelatin is made from pork unlike the greener agar-agar. Do you ever see worms in raw fish? It was on the news here about a local gourmet supermarket. It is supposed to be very common. It is very late here and my eyes are tired. Are you bringing your laptop to the hospital? Moisturize around your toenails so you will not be irritated by having dry feet in the hospital post-op. Do you have boraleum where you are? It is a mentholated Vaseline that you stick up your nostrils so they don't dry up. I imagine you will have a dry nose post-op. Why don't you take a picture of yourself right before going in and then compare it to how you look post-op perhaps you will look wan yet deliciously delicate after the lack of modern stimulation in the hospital as is often the case when one has been cloistered and removed from the current for any period of time. Can you secretly pack juice boxes and crackers in case of norovirus? You should have a candy cane. That would be a perfect treat post-op. Are you going to pack head covering for bedhead? Do you think they will let you keep the cyst? They don't in my experience but it would certainly be interesting. My carbuncle just ceased to exist before my eyes. I would have liked a slow motion video of it happening. I bet somewhere in Japan someone has saved all the expelled clogs from their pores and has accumulated quite an array. I would like to see photographs of that. Hope this helps!

Carolie said...

I'll be thinking of you, and missing your wonderful posts and gorgeous photos! And if you are EVER down in the Sasebo area, I'd love to take you out, to cook for you at home, and generally do the things that friends do on vacation!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
Coming out of a long lurkerdome and wishing you a speedy recovery.

I love your beautiful site and enjoy reading about food!

Consider it is a mini break from your everyday life. No cooking, no cleaning and lots of rest :p

Take care!

Anonymous said...

Dear Obachan~ do get well soon yea~ and come back with tons of great food after this break!! I really enjoy reading your blog. Thank you so much. <3 Take care and rest well! Muackzz!

Anonymous said...

Dear obachan,
I'll be thinking of you. Best of luck in your surgery and wish you a speedy recovery. It'll be nice to have many people taking care of you for a change.

Anonymous said...

God bless you, dear friend. With a host of your readers, I'm keeping my fingers crossed (also toes, eyes, teeth, and any other free appendage) that the surgery is successful (of course it will be!!), and that you'll return to us - at the right time- fully reted, and with good stories to tell of life in a Japanese hospital.
Again, God bless, Christine in Los Angeles

Anonymous said...

Obachan,

Yet another lurker coming out of hiding. I discovered your blog in the recent months and have spent numerous hours going through your past entries. Your food always looks amazing and your photos are excellent. But most of all I love the personal touch that you give everything. It's obvious you are a kind, dedicated, and creative person, and I wish you all the best during your surgery. Hopefully it will all be behind you before you know it. Good luck and take care!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the chiffon cake recipe. All the best and hoping to see you soon.


Linnh

Anonymous said...

I came across your blog a while ago because I was interested in Japan, and Japanese food. I've really enjoyed reading it. I wish you good luck and a super speedy recovery after your surgery. I'll be sending lots of happy thoughts your way. =)

~Heather

Pinkity said...

Dearest Obachan,

Wishing you all the best in your surgery and hope to see you soonest! It'll be boring without your blog to check out!

xoxo and all my thoughts will be with you!

Anonymous said...

Dear Obachan.

頑張ってください!
うまく行く事を祈っています。

おばちゃんの英語を読むのを楽しみしているファン(オッチャン)より。

Anonymous said...

Dearest Obachan,keep in mind before surgery, 'clear sky, clear clear sky"

Will be over very fast.Fitter then before dear sweet girl.

WE LOVE YOU from malaysiaelayne

Anonymous said...

Obachan,

I just read about your Pinoko on your other blog, and was really impressed by your openness and great attitude. Your strength and good humour are an inspiration!

I can't say I'm looking forward to the hospital food pictures, but I hope you're up and blogging again soon! Best of luck with the surgery and may your recovery be quick.

Anonymous said...

Dear Obachan,
I have been a faithful reader of your blog but I have never left a comment.

Thank you so much for your beautiful and wonderful posts. You have brightened up my life.

I will pray for the success of your operation and a speedy recovery.

Think positive. Ganbatte nei!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, so return to us soon!

Anonymous said...

Obachan, may you have a successful surgery and speedy recovery!!

Best wishes,
M. Shimaya

Anonymous said...

Dear おばちゃん、

いよいよ入院なさるのですね。 いつも前向きの姿勢で人生の様々な出来事にむかってこられたおばちゃんのことですもの、この手術も同じように乗り越えていかれるでしょう。
静養時には、ゆっくり読みたい本、効きたい音楽、食べたい物を楽しんで、心身共にルニューアルをして下さいね。

ブログでお目にかかるのを楽しみにしています。  お祈りとともに。

Anonymous said...

I hope the surgery goes well! I think something like this is a good opportunity to refresh one's self during recovery...maybe find a whole new lease on life.

Kind of like a new spring after a really nasty winter! Please take care of yourself and I wish you the best of luck.

Unknown said...

Daer Obachan, may everything be well and good during your surgery and hospital stay. I will be waiting for you to return home, better than ever, so you can take care of your lovely blueberry plant and write more about your blueberry adventures. I wish you the very best!
Lannae

Anonymous said...

Hullo Obachan -

I would like to wish you the best luck in this trying time. It was very good of you to document the whole experience. I read it as I learnt that I would have to go in for a hysteroscopy this week to remove a uterine polyp. Your posts really helped me feel a little less lonely and a little less scared in this world :)

Please take care of yourself and looking forward to your next post!

PS I hope the hospital food is tasty!

Hungry Hamster said...

Hey Obachan,

Good Luck with your surgery!! I'm sure it will go very well! Get some good rest and eat well :p

You are actually one of my many inspirations to start my own blog!

Looking forward to read your upcoming entries soon!!

Anonymous said...

Aloha Obachan: Long time lurker, first time commenting, sorry it took this to get me to write.

I always find your food postings so interesting and I like the way you convey a true enjoyment of food, blogging and in general the world around you. Also, I love your watercolors!

Best of luck with your surgery and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Winnie

Anonymous said...

Obachan!
Take care and hope for the easy and safe recovery! Never really good at knowing what to say at times like this.. Hugs!

Hope hospital food agrees with you but I highly doubt it. Tell us all about it when you come back:)

With love,

Irene

Anonymous said...

You make me happy. You help me put one front in front of the other when I just don't feel like getting out of bed. You make an ordinary day seem sublime.
I pray for your speedy recovery!
Dave

Pip said...

Obachan,
I wish you good look with your surgery and a speed recovery. I'll miss you and your wonderful posts!

Lots of love
Pip :)

Evie said...

Hi Obachan,

I have been an avid reader of your blog for about a year now, but I've never posted a comment before. Reading your blog puts me back in Japan for a short time and I am even thinking of starting a small vegetable garden (you make it look so easy!). I hope all goes well with your surgery and you are back on the blogoshpere as soon as possible!

Anonymous said...

Dear Obachan, good luck with your surgery ! Everything will be OK . I like read your blog and I hope you will be back as soon as possible. I wish you fast recovery !

Anonymous said...

Obachan, a speedy recovery to you! I'm waiting for you to return and blog about all kinds of wonderful things again! Keep your spirits up!!

KirkK said...

Best wishes for a quick and complication free recovery!

Anonymous said...

Hi Obachan,
If you come to think of it, it's a strange but nice thing, that we - the readers - know you quite well, but you hadn't the faintest idea of who we are and how many of us there are reading your words every day. I am one of these silent fans of you. My name is Chiara, I live in Italy, and due to my love for Japan (and Japanese food!) a couple of months ago I found your blogs. I suddenly fell in love with your way of writing and with the wonderful description you are able to made of your country's traditions. I admit I have read only a small part of your blogs, but everytime I have spare time I usually like to read a little bit more. Since I went in Japan on holiday, last November, in fact, I love to deep my knowledges about this country and its inhabitants, hoping to succeed in go there again soon. Anyway, when I read about your surgery, I can't help writing you a couple of line, and wishing you good luck for your recovery. I hope to read from you soon in these pages, fully recovered and with the same spirit as ever. Bye -
Chiara

Anonymous said...

Dear obachan,
Take care and wish you a speedy recovery.

Unknown said...

Ganbatta kudasai! I will keep you in my thoughts.

Nyan :)

Anonymous said...

Will be thinking of you on your surgery day. Hope your recovery is swift and painless! Good luck.
donna t

Kent said...

struggling through
a long fitful slumber,
only to wake up refreshed?
the sights and thoughts of
obachan's kitchen!

mariko said...

Obachan,

Gambatte! I hope you get better soon so you can get back to cooking all those delicious foods!

Diary of Kay El said...

Hey there. Be strong. I had laparoscopy done 4 years ago to remove cyst the size of a golf ball and they discovered in the process that I had endometriosis. They sprayed some water resistant stuff on the 3 areas - left and right side of the lower abdomen and 1 at belly button area - that's why can shower. They will probably ask you again and again if you have burped, tooted yet and make sure other bodily functions are in good working order before they let you out after surgery. Get well soon!!! I will say prayers for you.

Anonymous said...

Obachan, please take care yourself. I hope you have a successful surgery and will recover soon. Hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello! Maybe a little late, but a little further encouragement from me! No worries and optimism will definitely lead you to great recovery and health!

Anonymous said...

Dear Obachan,
I'm wishing you success on your surgery and, it being laproscopic, should heal quickly.
I had laproscopic surgery on my spine and was released the same day!

I love your blog and pictures.

Good luck and best wishes from BarbCA.

Anonymous said...

Obachan,

I am a lurker on your blog, as well. I love seeing the beautiful photos of your wonderful dishes; they are obviously made with loving care. Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. We look forward to your return.

poon said...

Obachan,
Sorry I'm late! Good luck! I'm sure you go pull through!

Banzai!

-tingting <3

Robin said...

Another lurker coming out of hiding to wish you a (somewhat late) good luck. Get better soon, but take your time resting! We all look forward to more food and photos.

---Mory

Anonymous said...

obachan,
Wish you well and recover very soon :) be strong! Eat well!

-claudia (another lurker hehe)

Anonymous said...

Im so sorry that this message is a little late. hopefully you will read it when you get home. I hope that your surgery has gone well, and that you make a speedy recovery. take care- katherine