So this is it. Here I sit in my home in Washington, DC on August 1. Two days from now–right now–we will be on a plane to Japan to start our new life there.

Our last few weeks have been consumed with the details of moving. Getting the house ready for the movers. Taking the dog for the final vet’s exam and getting the paperwork endorsed by the USDA within ten days of departure. Picking the kids up from camp and tackling their mountain of laundry. Squeezing in quick visits or at least quick goodbyes with as many friends and family as possible.

I decided to start blogging about my experiences in Japan primarily to keep family and friends informed of what we are up to. So chances are if you’re here you know me in person already. But who knows–perhaps greater Interwebs stardom awaits!

When I asked friends for suggestions for the name of this blog, one friend posed a great question: What’s your blog going to be about, anyway? Kids, family cooking, general impressions of Japan? The answer is all of the above. I love my kids, husband, cooking, food, traveling–I just don’t want to be pigeonholed into writing about any one thing. I hope to describe my cultural experiences at baseball games, and sumo tournaments, and various festivals. But I also can’t wait to visit Japanese Ikea. Because meatballs.

Thanks for reading!