Illuminations 2019 - December 26, 2019

Can I confide in you? We have been here for about two months now. We stick to the routine most of the time and I am happiest on those days. I like knowing what to expect. Surprises are scary. I still don't feel comfortable a lot of the time when we are outside. This place is very different than my home. There are a lot more cars and everything smells different. I am happiest early in the morning when it is quiet and no one is out. However, later in the day, when people are out I feel the need to keep an eye on them. Sometimes I can't relax enough to go to the bathroom if people are around. I feel compelled to keep watching them. When out for runs/walks on familiar paths I am having too much fun to care about people or bikes, but if I see a dog I have to make sure it knows not to mess with me. Lately, I have been having a harder time seeing and since I can't tell if a dog is with an approaching person or not I err on the safe side and tell the person to stay away. My pack leaders have been giving me lots of treats when I look at them and sit. It's an easy game so I really like it. However, if there are people or dogs around the treats need to wait while I make it clear to everyone to keep their distance. Inside, I am more comfortable, except when there are scary sounds coming from outside. The walls are thin so I can hear a lot of strange noises. I will go in the crate looking for food periodically and sometimes get lucky. I don't like going in there when I know they are going to close the door. The pack doesn't always leave when they close the door but I am still not happy about the situation. I have stopped trying to get out of the crate though. It's just not worth the effort. If I wait long enough they always come back and let me out. I really miss my home.

Jenn's take: Unfortunately, Dash has still not adjusted to the move. His leash aggression has gotten worse since we have been here. In general he is more anxious and jumpy, even in the house. After consulting with a behavior specialist we have decided to start him on a longer acting anti-anxiety medication tonight in addition to the short acting one he already gets before he goes in the crate. The new medication will take weeks to months to reach full effects so patience is needed. We will continue to work on positive reinforcement when we encounter anything he considers stressful. I really hope this works!

We had a low key Christmas with a few people over for dinner. A very small percentage of the Japanese people are Christian but they like to celebrate the holiday in their own way. Some stores will close early on Christmas Day. It is their tradition to have KFC chicken and "Christmas Cake" for dinner. 'Christmas Cake' is a yellow sponge cake with whipped cream icing and strawberries on top. Another big part of the season for them are Illuminations. Illuminations are essentially light shows at parks and shopping centers. David and I went to the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya and Tokyo Midtown Illumination 2 weeks before Christmas. Tokyo Midtown Hibya had the "Starlight Tree" and a tree lined walkway that changed colors.

Tokyo Midtown's theme was "Starlight Garden" and it was supposed to make you feel like you were in space. There was even a point during the show where they release bubbles.

Unfortunately, David had the flu by the next weekend and while he was on the mend by Christmas he wasn't up for spending too much time out in the cold. I ventured out on my own Christmas Eve to check out a few more Illuminations. First stop was the Blue Cavern (Ao no Dokutsu).

At the end of the walkway are the "Fortune Bells". The bells are named "bell of wealth", "bell of knowledge", and "bell of love". People stood in line to pull a string and one of the bells would ring. It was neat to hear the bells in the background while taking in the lights.

The second stop was Omotesando, a tree lined shopping area with lights and music sponsored by Google Pixel.

As I headed to my next stop I stumbled across the Olympic Countdown Clock...

and a great view of Tokyo Tower.

The third stop was at another shopping center, Roppongi Hills. This stop was about the ambiance.

My final stop before heading home was at Yebisu Garden Place. The chandelier changed colors and there was a Christmas Market to explore here as well.

I have decided the Illuminations are an acceptable alternative to driving around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights.