Shogun by James Clavell

To be honest, I dragged my feet about reading this book for a long time.  After living in China, it felt disloyal to show interest in Japan.  I know it sounds weird to say that, but what can I say?  It turns out that  Communist propaganda works.  For the first few months after returning from China, I felt defensive of Mao, like Taiwan should still be part of the Mainland,  and a little ( I am not proud of this) distaste for Japan.   Thankfully I soon came to my senses.  And when I finaly got around to reading Shogun . . . wow.  I loved it.  Well, more accurately I loved the first 1000 pages (it kind of drags a little bit at the end) but it is definitely worth reading.  It gives such great insight into the Japanese culture.  Well, to be honest, I really have no idea how accurate Clavell's portrayal is but it seems like it gives great insight into the Japanese culture.   

Shogun tells the tale of Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, who along with his surviving crew, shipwrecks on the coast of Japan during the 1600s.  The 1200 page novel is the story of his attempt to assimilate into the Japanese culture while trying to fix his ship, attain riches, and head back home to England.  Obviously, the story is much more complex than this and truthfully I could tell you nearly everything about the plot, and it wouldn't spoil the book for you.  The magic of Shogun is found in the details.  It's been weeks since I finished the book, and I still catch myself pondering scenes.  Shogun also has helped me be a better person.  You may laugh, but it's true. 

For example, Clavell's description of karma and zen has helped me develop a coping strategy for my anxiety.  Whenever I feel myself starting to worry, I just tell myself that if what I am worrying about comes to pass, that is my karma and there is no sense in worrying.  I'm sure that sentence didn't seem that helpful to you but if you immerse yourself in Shogun, it will.

Along those same lines, Toranaga (one of the main Japanese leaders) tells his son that "patience is very important. The strong are the patient ones. Patience means holding back your inclination to the seven emotions: Hate, adoration, joy, anxiety, anger, grief, fear. If you don't give way to the seven, you're patient, then you'll soon understand all manner of things and be in harmony with Eternity".  I had never considered anxiety (can you tell that anxiety is at the forefront of my mind right now?) as a lack of patience.  But it's true.  Most of my anxiety stems from worrying about unknowns, or what ifs--in other words, things that are yet to be.  Patience would mean waiting until an event exists before reacting to it.  What a gift that would be. 

Anyway, I  know 1200 pages seems daunting but I think it's worth reading.  Heck, I've even read it twice.  and you know what?  In another 5 years, I'll probably read it again.  Although, as my DH is always quick to point out, that isn't necessarily an endorsement.  In a pinch, I'll reread books I hated.  But in this particular case, I'd be rereading it because I loved it.

Balance Bikes

I like to research things before I buy them.  I make pro and con lists, read reviews, ask people, etc.  Usually this process is relatively painless.  A couple of google searches and I am good to go.  Researching balance bikes was not quite so easy.  The first problem was that there is not an consensus on the name.  These pedal-less bikes go by Run Bikes, or Push Bikes, or (my personal favorite) Balance Bikes.  Also, there were very few comparative reviews.  In fact, when I was researching this about a year ago, I only found two (there are more now).  This New York Times article and this cycling blog.  Both of these reviews were really helpful and informative.  If you are considering purchasing a balance bike go read them. now. 

Because I am a cheapskate, I easily ruled out the bikes that weren't floating around the 100 dollar price point.  I don't care how awesome the bike is, I am not spending $300 on a bike my kid will use for 6 months.  I also easily ruled out the wooden bikes.  I am not really sure why but I had zero interest in them.  Some people love them, but I wanted a bike that looked like a bike.  I thought my daughter would like it better and I thought it would wear better.  Oh, and I also ruled out the Adam's Run Bike because I can't support a company that names their pink bike the "Girl" bike and the blue bike the "Boy" bike.  That is inexcusable. 

At the end of the day, I was debating between the Kinderbike and the Striderbike.  Yes, it's true, one review was very scornful of the Strider Bike, but I seriously considered it because it was the only balance bike I had seen in person.  And my friend's daughter made it look AWESOME.  Also, I liked that it had a place to rest the feet. 

So . . . in the end, we went with the Kinderbike.  It was well reviewed on both of the comparative reviews and I liked the fact that it had real tires (rather than foam tires like the Strider bike) and that it had a higher weight limit.  And I have to say, I was right.  The kinderbike clearly is nicer than the Strider bike.  BUT, after comparing them both side by side for the past 8 months (we ride bikes a lot with our friends), I can say with authority: it doesn't matter.  The kids weigh so little, that nicer components just don't make that big of a difference.  Every bike has pros and cons.  I like the foot rest on Strider, as well as how light the bike is.  And I like the inflatable tires and heavier weight limit on the Kinderbike. 

I guess what I am trying to say is don't waste your time researching.  They all cost about the same, and they all serve the same function, and every balance bike I've seen is of good enough quality to last through a couple of kids.  Just go out and get one.  They are awesome. 

My cautious daughter (2 and 3/4) during her first week on the Balance Bike

And here she is 6 months later.  Believe me, we thought this day would never come.