*I actually started (and pretty much finished) this ages ago, so my timeline might be a little off.
Unlike the power outages, flooding and damage caused by the gale force winds in and around Okinawa, by the time Neoguri had hit us she was a typhoon no more.
With that, typhoon season was upon us here in Japan.
Typhoon Season 2013 - Curtains & Giggles
Kio's favourite typhoon activity.
Not long after that, the biggest typhoon we've had in this area in ages hit with a vengeance. As I was tying down the plants on the balcony and trying to keep the pond from overflowing (didn't want the fish to get washed away after all) I was reminded of my rainy day 'mishap' from last year.
Typhoon Season 2014 - Wind & Rain
Was soaked to the bone after just a few minutes on the balcony.
After spending a month in Canada, Kio and I arrived back in Japan just in time for the typhoon season. After locking us in my bedroom for a few fretful hours I was being extra careful not to have any more screw-ups.
Setting myself up for failure.
Typhoon Season 2013 - Before & After
The river beside our house, these were taken on the same day!
It had been raining for days on end and I was going a little stir crazy. At that time we didn't have a car so if I wanted to go anywhere it was on foot. I was still breastfeeding but allowed myself one (much coveted) cup of coffee a day.
So of course I had run out two days before.
Due to severe boredom, I'd become quite obsessed on having my fix and began monitoring the weather constantly. Checking the Internet and looking out the windows at regular 10 minute intervals hoping for the rain to finally let up.
I finally got lucky.
I popped Kio into his stroller and pretty much sprinted to the nearest place that served coffee.
In retrospect, there are several things that I overlooked as I jetted from the apartment:
1. I could've just gone to a convenience store, bought some coffee, and been home in under fifteen minutes.
But I didn't.
2. I could've just ordered a coffee, drank it, and been home in under thirty minutes.
But I didn't. I ordered lunch too.
3. I could've grabbed an umbrella 'just in case'.
But I didn't. And I didn't bring the rain cover for Kio's stroller either.
4. I could've just sucked it up and gone without my coffee.
But of course I didn't.
Kio slept soundly in his stroller while I savoured my coffee like it was a fine wine. As he began to stir and I got ready to go...and that's when the heavens opened up and it started to pour.
Bugger.
I spent over an hour at the restaurant waiting out the rain, but it just wasn't happening. I called a cab company and was informed that it would take over an hour for one to arrive. And they were none too friendly when I told them that my destination was a mere 3-5 minutes away.
Luckily, the downpour lightened up into just regular rain and I decided to make a run for it.
My footwear was not really conducive to running through giant puddles so I kicked off my shoes and began running down the sidewalk.
We made it home in record time but as you can see from the picture Kio wasn't at all amused.
This year we're all stocked up on the rainy day essentials.
Lesson learned.
