Mum leaves for HK - 6 wk training

3 of us slept together last night. JJ knew mum was leaving tomorow. Got up early and took mum to the airport. JJ was excited about the trip to the beach afterwards. He was very good. May be he didn't get how long mum was going to be gone. Nor we were eager to explain this element anyway.

Mum was a litty misty as we kissed good-bye on the curb. Noriko - be strong. We'll be alright. You'll do great. Only 6 weeks. No big deal, I said. Couldn't help but feel the suddent emptiness. I knew I was incomplete without her. And, it struck me pretty hard to face the fact that I actually have to experience it for this long.

Rio (our live in nanny), JJ and I went to Santa Monica Beach. Picked a spot right next to the Pier where there was a fun fair. JJ was funny. He was so anxious to hit the beach but when we got there, he got scared of the water and wanted to go home. We eventually got him into the water by writing his name in the sand. He was happy to see that and started to get bolder and bolder. He got so bold that he kep dragging daddy to the deeper water. He was having so much fun jumping in the waves, and he insisted that I let him do it on his own even though he occasionally felt right into water. It was great to see him quick transition. Just a little encouragement and fun.

We then went on the Ferris Wheel. Nice view. JJ did great. Not scared at all. Just enjoyed the ride. Rio then took us to the organic vegan restaurant on Santa Monica Blvd just east of 5th Ave. Amazing food. Great curry flavor and just the right portin. Very satisfying. Some of the more tasty vegetarian food I had ever tasted. The waitress named Bunny was one of the best. Very attentive and had a great time with JJ, who seemed to have fallen in love with her. Bunny had been to HK attending her friend's Miss HK Pagaent (his friend was "Miss Leg" of 1998 or something like that).

JJ fell asleep on our way back. We are hoping to get him to get by 9pm tonight to set his clock back to where it belongs.