I don't know how many times I have seen Japanese women fall. I am not going to lie it's hilarious but I came from a Dad who taught me to just laugh it off and keep moving forward. This is NOT how the Japanese see things. They absolutely don't like to lose their dignity. Especially the women. No, they have not heard me laugh out loud since a majority of the time I am in my Ironvan. And no I am not scaring them purposely in Ironvan to see them fall (you all know me too well). When they fall it's like a single movement of walk walk walk, trip, fall, roll, get up, walk away. It's like they are the ninjas of making a fall look like it's on purpose. I really wish I had this skill. I also really wish I can pretend that what just happened to me was not hilarious but that it never even happened. Surrounding Japanese people ignore it too. I am pretty sure if the person was actually hurt they would help but nope they don't lose face ever. So the point of this little story of Japanese people falling. Is because today....I fell. Not just fell I completely crashed and burned.
While out on a walk with the boys to burn Bears energy before nap time, we decided to walk to the Sanwa (grocery store). We needed some eggs so it worked out. Burn Bears energy and get eggs, totally productive. We get to a busy area where a lot of people are walking towards the front of Sanwa. I got momentarily distracted by what looked like someone eating live squid on a skewer and BOOM! next thing I knew I was on the floor with 2 kids looking at me. Thankfully neither of them was being worn. Aside from my shoulder and arm hurting I was happy to be in one piece. So I started laughing, hard. Bear sat down next me and asked if I was ok. I kept laughing and said "mommy is fine but she sure looked funny falling" which in turn made him laugh. Hippy Baby caught and started laughing in his stroller with us. After awhile I looked around and all the Japanese people seemed to be horrified with us. I got up and dusted myself off. Then it started "daijoubo des ka?" from every corner around me. I even had someone bring me water. Which I am not complaining about but I am so used to falling I never thought once that water would help. Anyway we went in the store got out eggs and went home.
While laying Bear down for nap he kept talking about how I looked like I was getting trampled by Hulk smash. I am happy I will be teaching my boys that it's ok to laugh at ourselves. Mistakes happen and it's best to just take them and move on. Life is a beautiful thing and we should take every little bit and be happy. Whether it be good or bad. So I will leave you all with this....
