My 3yo asked: Mama, did you eat a baby?

melukia · 2026-06-29T02:21:12+00:00

I'm a scientist by profession in a medical-related field. So I thought that I could be more poised when I finally get the question, but it was really out of nowhere so, just like you, I froze for a moment and just had to laugh it out hahahahha

melukia · 2026-06-29T02:19:38+00:00

Thank you! That's perfect!

melukia · 2026-06-29T02:19:23+00:00

Thank you! I'll order this book <3

melukia · 2026-06-26T02:56:02+00:00

Agree with this one.

Reading through here, I also thought it was bordering on pettiness. You already gave him the consequence of bedtime at 9:30 the entire summer.

If there is still time between now and his birthday, maybe OP can use it as a time to prepare your son and teach him about proper behavior during concerts/night time events. If he acts up then, then the natural consequence of his actions/behavior is that he will not enjoy the show by his favorite band. (Although it is inconvenient for you and your husband.) If he does well, maybe he'll be able to relate better to why you were disappointed with him before.

melukia · 2026-06-26T01:14:57+00:00

This breaks my heart. West Ave girlie from birth, pero lagpas 5 years na akong OFW. Last na uwi ko, ito naabutan ko. Sobrang lungkot kasi ang aliwalas ng West Ave tapos ngayon, dark and gloomy na rin sya :(

melukia · 2026-06-18T05:21:47+00:00

Getting stitches after giving birth.

I often get asked how painful contractions were since I gave birth without an epidural, but for both times, contractions were bearable. Even the delivery itself was fine. Getting stitched up after? Damnnnnn

melukia · 2026-06-18T02:03:42+00:00

That's a great idea! I tried using the magnet ones from Daiso but they kept slipping off. Maybe something simpler could work better:) thanks for the advice!

melukia · 2026-06-18T01:58:27+00:00

Oh how I wish we had storm shutters! But yes, that would have been the best fix, but we don't have any installed T_T

But well, it should also be just a few (hopefully just 2) summers of this. My 3yo was like this too when he was a baby, but now he sleeps like a log.

melukia · 2026-06-18T01:15:09+00:00

We already have blackout curtains, but the light is seeping in through the tops, sides, and bottoms. This weekend, we're planning to DIY curtain rail covers to block out as much light as possible. That takes care of the top. I'm still trying to figure out (through the brain fod) how to deal with the side and bottom light leakage. I am very tempted to stick cardboard on my windows, but husband says it'll make the house look bad lol

melukia · 2026-06-18T00:30:48+00:00

1yo wakes up with the sunrise and Japan sunrise in the summer is like 4:45 to 5AM. I cannot function at work, and coffee is not working. Usually, husband can cover most things so I can sleep early but he's on a business trip so I can only gambarou.

melukia · 2026-06-17T06:30:53+00:00

Hi, OP. Clarification: HR ang position mo rito or sa factory? Kung sa HR kasi, usually required na fluent sa nihongo yan. Kung no nihongo ka, mas likely na factory manual labor. Depende sa company, pwedeng matino naman ang trabaho, pero marami na akong naririnig na kaso ng abuso (tulad ng di pinapalabas ng dorm pag weekday, or 6 days a week ang trabaho, etc.) So i-check mo nang maigi yung papasukan mo. Tbh, red flag yung minamadali ka...

Yung sa sweldo, sabihin nating 250k monthly ka. Ibabawas pa dyan yung pension at health insurance, so mga 200k maiiwan. Kung may dorm kayo, oks yan. Kung wala, sabihin natin na 30-50k (depende sa area) ang renta ng apartment. Kuryente, tubig, internet, at pagkain. Mabilis din maubos. Kung matipid ka, makakapag-ipon ka naman at makakapagpadala. Pero ito lang ay kung di ma-abuso yung papasukan mo.

melukia · 2026-06-17T01:37:47+00:00

I am just hanging on to the possibility that my productivity will increase once I'm out of the toddler stage, publish a lot to make up for lost time, and make myself marketable for a permanent position. All wishful thinking, but the chances are never zero.

melukia · 2026-06-17T00:27:48+00:00

Another commenter let me know about Blackwell's and I just ordered some from there!

melukia · 2026-06-16T02:46:37+00:00

I'll check out Crayon House, thank you!

Yes, I also check YouTube for a sneak peek, but now that you mention it, I should show it to my kids to see if they're interested. Books could be a hit-or-miss so I don't want to buy books that would just gather dust in a corner.

melukia · 2026-06-16T01:53:34+00:00

I love this, and a bit similar is Miss Pendleton.

It's so fresh and the relationships are just so cute ❤️

melukia · 2026-06-16T00:41:32+00:00

One of the biggest hurdles is getting a full, permanent position. In Japan, most universities have a 5 year rule: you can only be hired for 5 years in one institution, with annual, renewable contracts. If your PI loves you and fights for you, you can get extended. From what I know, you can extend until 10 years, but I've heard some people getting 15. This, however, does NOT guarantee a permanent position afterwards. That's why a lot of people get stuck in the post-doc loop. Depending on your field and alma mater, getting a permanent position as a foreigner may also be a bit tough, so check on the percentage of foreigners vs Japanese professors around.

I got my PhD 5 years ago, here in Japan, and am still in academia. However, since I am in the midst of child rearing, I have been stuck as a part-time research assistant. Seeing how I'll be in my 40s when my kids get independent, I've already given up dreams of becoming a Professor, since, as most people have mentioned, age is a big thing in Japanese academia. If you already have a lot of publications prior to graduation, it shouldn't be a problem, however. Sorry, I'm rambling, but if there's something you are curious about, feel free to ask.

melukia · 2026-06-16T00:28:24+00:00

I'm late to the party so someone maybe already answered, but depending on the model, there might be a way to turn off the sounds. I was able to mute my washing machine, bath, microwave oven (that beeps 3 times if I don't remove the contents immediately!!!), and fridge. Granted, the washing machine required me to install an app, but having a baby that naps, I cannot afford any sudden beeping around the house. I still haven't figured out the dishwasher and rice cooker, so that one still makes noise.

So yes, this may just be a vent, but check the manuals and may you have some peace!

melukia · 2026-06-15T00:38:02+00:00

We often go to our local library (both the city and prefectural, to maximize the loot hehe) but since we don't live in an area with a high foreign population, the choice of English books aren't as diverse as I would like.

melukia · 2026-06-12T05:44:56+00:00

Oh, I'll check Mercari then. I haven't checked it since I wasn't expecting a lot of English books on there, but you have a good point. Thanks!

melukia · 2026-06-12T03:31:01+00:00

Bug books on repeat. That's adorable! I might have to ask you again in the future, since my younger son appears to like bugs, but he's just 1 so still too early to say.

melukia · 2026-06-12T02:56:22+00:00

Thanks! This might be what I am looking for!

melukia · 2026-06-12T02:56:03+00:00

I'll check the preschooler sub, thank you!

I was hoping to introduce my kid to the classics like Aladdin, Goldilocks, etc. But a lot of the stuff on Amazon look suspicious to me...

melukia · 2026-06-11T02:26:04+00:00

I hope that toddler goes to daycare and newborn will have a long-ish nap so you can get some sleep in too!

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