Author Archives: MThomas

Unknown's avatar

About MThomas

Long ago, I gave up my high school dreams of becoming the next Carl Sagan and instead wound up working (in order) at McDonald's, a '60s-themed restaurant, a video rental store, a used bookstore, a computer seller, Kinko's, a Jewish newspaper company, and an HR firm. I eventually became a teacher of intercultural communication in Kyoto, where I vainly attempt to apply quantum mechanics to language teaching, practice martial arts and Zen Buddhism, and always keep one eye on the sky. And yes, I know my profile photo's backward. I just think it looks better this way.

Paternity leave: It’s a whole new ballgame


Paternity leave just got a big mention in US media this past week, thanks to baseball. New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy took three days leave for the birth of his son in Florida. Radio talk show personality Mike … Continue reading

Posted in gender roles, media, parenting, Paternity leave, roles, work | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Nursery Schools: Part II (Finally)


As I posted some time ago, we were fortunate that my oldest daughter was able to enter a city-approved nursery school. We were even more fortunate to have first choice on a new housing plot that wasn’t even technically on … Continue reading

Posted in day care, festivals, Japan, parenting, school, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Usagi and the Bear


Since my daughter was a baby, she’s been obsessed with rabbits (usagi, in Japanese). We first had a stuffed sheep doll for her, but she quickly became enamoured of a musical pink bunny whose cord she could pull to start … Continue reading

Posted in baby toys, family outings, Japan, parenting, separation anxiety, trips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment