In Part 1 , we covered the basics of creating databases and tables and introduced primary and foreign keys. Now, as Kai continues his journey beyond Microsoft Access, we’re diving deeper into how real-world databases really work. While Access is a handy tool for beginners, Kai quickly ran into its limitations — especially when trying to insert multiple rows or fully grasp complex database concepts like keys, indexes, and joins. Access can be a bit “finicky,” making it tricky to experiment freely. To give Kai a more robust and practical foundation, I introduced him to Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL). This powerful platform offers the flexibility and control needed to understand what’s happening under the hood of SQL, how data integrity is enforced, and how performance can be optimized. In this post, we explore: How to insert single and multiple records into tables The impact of these operations on indexes and database performance Different types of SQL joins, including i...

Teaching Kai: Creating a College Database with Tables, Indexes, and Foreign Keys in SQL Server Recently, I’ve been helping Kai move from Microsoft Access to Microsoft SQL Server to better understand real-world SQL and database design. Access is a great tool for small projects, but it can get tricky (“finiqi”) especially when inserting multiple rows and enforcing data integrity. SQL Server is a powerful relational database management system (RDBMS) used by professionals worldwide, and learning it early gives Kai a solid foundation. Step 1: Create the Database First, let's create a database called CollegeDB where all our tables and data will live. CREATE DATABASE CollegeDB; GO USE CollegeDB; GO Step 2: Create Two Tables with a Relationship We will create two tables: Students — to store student information Enrollments — to store course enrollments for each student The key idea is to connect these tables using foreign keys , so you cannot insert an enrol...

  SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language , is the standardized language used to communicate with Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) . It allows users to perform a wide variety of operations on data stored in relational databases—everything from querying and updating data to defining database structures and controlling access. While SQL is standardized by ISO and ANSI, most RDBMS platforms implement their own version of SQL with proprietary extensions. Popular systems include Microsoft SQL Server , Oracle , MySQL , PostgreSQL , Sybase , IBM DB2 , Access , and Informix . Despite variations, all of them support the core SQL language. SQL Server Internals: It’s More Than Just a Database Many people don’t realize that a modern RDBMS like Microsoft SQL Server is much more than a data store—it operates almost like its own mini operating system. It has its own memory manager , process scheduler , I/O subsystem , security model , and storage engine . This underlyin...

  Are you tired of tossing out leftover food or feeling a pang of guilt every time scraps hit the bin? You’re definitely not alone. But here’s the good news: frugal living isn’t just about pinching pennies—it’s also one of the best ways to live more sustainably and reduce what ends up in landfill. In other words, it’s a win for your wallet and the planet. A more mindful approach to meal planning doesn’t mean boring dinners or eating the same meal three nights in a row. It means getting smart, creative, and maybe even having a little fun turning leftovers into something brand new. So, in this post, we’re diving into clever, easy, and genuinely delicious ways to stretch your ingredients further—and love every bite. 🍽️ Get Creative with Leftovers Leftovers often have a bad rep—dry chicken, mushy veg, uninspired reheats. But with a little imagination (and maybe some spice), yesterday’s dinner can become today’s showstopper. Roast chicken from last night? It could be transformed ...

  They say opposites attract, and I think that's never been truer than with me and my son, Kai. I have ADHD and dyslexia. My brain runs like it’s being chased by a swarm of caffeinated bees. I lose my phone while I’m on it, forget to eat lunch, and sometimes feel like I’m living in five browser tabs all playing different YouTube videos at once. Kai, on the other hand, is autistic. His world is quieter, more focused. He likes routine. He lines up his toy cars in perfect rows. When things go off track, it can feel like his whole world tips sideways. My world tips sideways if I don’t have a bit of chaos. So how do we meet in the middle? Very clumsily. And very beautifully. When Kai was born, we didn’t know he was autistic. He was slow to walk, took longer to speak, and seemed to live in his own bubble. It was tough, especially when people gave us “that look” — the one parents of neurodivergent kids know too well. The one that silently asks, “Why isn’t your child acting ‘normal’?”...

  Frugality and teenagers—like trying to save leftovers in a house with two hungry teens, it can be done, but it takes effort, patience, and the occasional bribe in the form of pizza. I’ve been living the frugal life for a while now—not just to save money but to help the planet. Through Olio , we’ve saved food, money, water, and CO₂ (and probably a few items we didn’t even mean to save—who knew three-day-old focaccia could bring such joy?). It's become a part of how we live. And now, as my two boys— Kai and Ted —are growing into young men, I'm trying to pass these habits on. Meet My Two Teen Wallet Warriors Let me introduce you to my frugal(ish) team: Kai : Loves money. Like, seriously loves it. He’s the kind of kid who will turn the lights off behind you to “save the leccy” and remind you you’ve gone 43p over budget. Ted : Our anime-loving, Pokémon-obsessed free spender. Ted has a talent for making birthday money disappear faster than you can say “Charizard.” Both ...

  Let me tell you something they don’t print in the parenting manuals (and let’s be honest, I’d never have the attention span to finish one): Parenting with ADHD while juggling a tech career, dyslexia, and family life is like trying to herd caffeinated squirrels... on roller skates... during a thunderstorm. And that’s before anyone’s had breakfast. My ADHD Story: No Meds, Just Mayhem and Mind Maps I was on ADHD meds as a child, but I don’t take them anymore. Over time, I’ve found my own weird, wonderful system to stay grounded. Computers have honestly saved me — the way they work just clicks with my brain. It’s like my thoughts run at 200mph, and computers can just about keep up. But that speed? It’s a double-edged lightsaber. At work, I often think faster than others, which can make me really impatient. My brain’s halfway through the problem before someone finishes explaining it. I’m working on it — deep breaths, patience, and sometimes just muting myself in meetings. ...

  Kai was born on August 10, 2008, in Japan. Because he was born there, I wasn’t allowed in the delivery room — something about tradition or superstition, I think. Meanwhile, Ted came along on December 7, 2009, also in Japan, and he made quite an entrance too… literally. Here’s a fun fact: Ted pooed on Hiroko right at birth. Yep, his hair had its first bath in, well… that . I never saw it, but just imagining it makes me laugh. (Although, I later learned it was dangerous — could have caused an infection. Luckily, both Mum and Ted were fine.) Kai came early and had jaundice — yellow as a banana. It was tough to see him so fragile. He was a slow developer, too. It took over a year before he could walk and nearly two years before he could really talk. Watching your child grow at their own pace is a rollercoaster — filled with moments of hope, frustration, and sometimes heartbreak. We were eventually told Kai has autism, after many assessments in Hong Kong and Singapore. I still rem...

Sake vs. Shochu: A Taste of Japan’s Traditional Spirits When people think of traditional Japanese alcohol, sake is often the first drink that comes to mind. But those who’ve spent time in Japan — especially at izakayas after a long day, or perhaps post-rugby match — know that shochu holds a strong and distinct place in Japan’s drinking culture too. As someone with personal ties to a sake brewery in Akita, and a soft spot for shochu mixed with Hoppy after a game, I’ve come to appreciate the differences between these two iconic drinks — and how each tells a unique story about Japan’s rich and regional drinking culture. 🏺 What is Sake? (日本酒 - Nihonshu) Sake is a fermented rice wine made by polishing rice, adding water, yeast, and a mold called koji to convert the starches into sugars. It’s brewed more like beer but often compared to wine due to its alcohol content and cultural significance. ✨ Takashimizu Brewery – Sake from the Heart of Akita My wife’s uncle runs the T...

  Immigration & Residency Procedures in Japan 🇯🇵 If you're a non-Japanese national planning to stay in Japan mid- to long-term (over 90 days), you are legally required to carry a valid Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) at all times. This card replaces the outdated “Gaijin Card” system and is now integrated with Japan’s national residency management. 📌 Applying for a Residence Card (Zairyu Card) ✅ When & Where: Upon arrival at the airport (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, etc.), mid/long-term residents will receive their Residence Card at immigration . If entering via a smaller airport, your card will be sent to your registered address after reporting your residence. 🏠 Within 14 days of moving into your new address in Japan: You must register your address at your local municipal/ward office (市役所 / 区役所) . Bring your Zairyu Card and passport. 🔁 Renewing / Updating Your Residence Card When to Renew: Before the card expires , typically: 1 year, 3 years, or 5...

  Relocating to Japan? Here are a few essential pointers to help you settle into your new home smoothly, whether you're moving to Tokyo, Osaka, or beyond. 🏠 Finding a Place to Live 1. Set a Budget Rent in Japan—especially in major cities like Tokyo and Yokohama—can be expensive. Before you begin your search, determine how much you can comfortably afford monthly, factoring in rent, utilities, and other initial costs. 2. Choose the Right Location Location is key. Consider proximity to: Your workplace Public transport (train/subway stations) Schools (if applicable) Shopping, dining, and recreation A comfortable living environment While Tokyo has excellent public transport, commuting by car often takes twice as long . Living near a train line with a direct route to your workplace can significantly reduce daily stress. 3. Before Signing a Lease Inspect the property and common areas Confirm rental terms with your agent Understand fees and conditions (in Japanese...

Sumo is more than just a sport in Japan—it's a sacred tradition with centuries of history, ceremony, and culture. Whether you’re in Tokyo or watching from your couch, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the spectacle of sumo wrestling like a local. 🗓️ When & Where to Watch Sumo Month City Venue January Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan March Osaka Edion Arena May Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan July Nagoya Dolphins Arena September Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan November Fukuoka Fukuoka Kokusai Center Each tournament lasts 15 days . Best viewing days: Day 1 , Middle Sunday (Day 8) , and Final Day (Day 15) . 🎟️ How to Buy Tickets Official Site : Japan Sumo Association Ticket Types : Box seats (Masu seki) : Traditional style seating, close to the ring. Arena seats : Comfortable, standard seats. General admission : Cheapest, limited availability. 💡 TIP: Ticket...

  If you ain’t been to Akita yet, nanbe shiteru da? (What are you doing?), come and see this gem for yourself! No matter if it’s winter, spring, summer, or autumn — Akita has plenty to keep you busy and happy. From snowy mountains to relaxing onsens and lively matsuri (festivals), Akita will have you saying, “Beru ga sore!” (That’s beautiful!) in no time. Why Visit Akita? Akita’s got it all — nature, culture, and food — with each season bringing something special. So, omae, doko sa ikutte? (Where are you going?) If it’s Akita, you’re makin’ a great choice! Winter: Snowy Wonderland & Skiing Fun When winter comes, Akita turns into a white wonderland. Skiing? Yep, you got it. Snowboarding? Maji de? (Seriously?) After you’re done shredding the slopes, say “Ke is come and hair!” (Come here!) and warm up in a steaming onsen. Nothing beats soaking your bones while snow falls outside. That’s the life! Spring: Blossoms, Hiking & Healing Onsens In spring, cherry blossoms li...

Learning Japanese can feel like a big challenge at first—but breaking it down by verbs and common sentence structures makes it much easier. In this post, you'll find essential Japanese verbs shown in hiragana only , alongside their English meanings , and how to use them in the past, present, and future tenses in informal style . This method is ideal for beginners who want to get used to reading and understanding hiragana and for learners who want to practice their grammar without getting distracted by kanji or romaji. 🎯 Key Verbs & Sample Sentences 1. およぎます – To swim Past : 　みず で およいだ。 　( Swam in the water. ) Present : 　みず で およぐ。 　( Swim in the water. ) Future : 　あした みず で およぐ。 　( Will swim in the water tomorrow. ) 2. むかえます – To pick up (someone) Past : 　ともだち を えき で むかえた。 　( Picked up my friend at the station. ) Present : 　ともだち を えき で むかえる。 　( Pick up my friend at the station. ) Future : 　ごご に ともだち を むかえる。 　( Will pick up my friend in the aftern...

Here is a helpful guide for learners of Japanese. Each verb includes example sentences in formal and informal tenses (present and past), along with hiragana and kanji readings . At the end of each section, you'll find sample questions to help you practice. 🇯🇵✨ 1. あそびます（ 遊 びます）- To play Formal Present: 私は毎日 遊 びます。 I play every day. Informal Present: 毎日 遊 ぶよ。 I play every day (casual). Formal Past: 昨日、 遊 びました。 I played yesterday. Informal Past: 昨日、 遊 んだよ。 I played yesterday (casual). Sample Questions: 何を 遊 びますか？ – What do you play? いつ 遊 びますか？ – When do you play? 2. およぎます（ 泳 ぎます）- To swim Formal Present: 彼女はプールで 泳 ぎます。 She swims in the pool. Informal Present: 彼女はプールで 泳 ぐよ。 She swims in the pool (casual). Formal Past: 昨日、 泳 ぎました。 She swam yesterday. Informal Past: 昨日、 泳 いだよ。 She swam yesterday (casual). Sample Questions: どこで 泳 ぎますか？ – Where do you swim? 泳 ぐのが好きですか？ – Do you like swimming? 3. むかえます（ 迎 えます）- To pick up...

Learning Japanese can be an exciting and rewarding journey, especially when you begin to recognize the building blocks of the language— kanji . In today’s lesson, we’ll cover 20 essential kanji characters. For each, you'll find: The Kanji Its Hiragana and Katakana reading The Romaji Its English meaning These kanji are commonly used in everyday conversation, writing, and reading. Let’s dive in! 📘 20 Must-Know Kanji Kanji Hiragana Katakana Romaji English Meaning 連 れん レン ren Connect, link 無 む ム mu Nothing, none 対 たい タイ tai Oppose, versus 的 てき テキ teki Target, mark, -like 高 たか タカ taka High, tall 教 きょう キョウ kyō Teach, instruct 感 かん カン kan Feeling, emotion 心 こころ ココロ kokoro Heart, mind 以 い イ i By means of, since 成 な ナ na Become, achieve 名 な ナ na Name, fame 業 ぎょう ギョウ gyō Business, profession 長 ちょう チョウ chō Long, leader 家 いえ イエ ie House, home 稿 こう コウ kō Draft, manuscript 定 てい テイ tei Decide, fix 実 じつ ジツ jitsu Reality, truth 山 やま ヤマ yama Mountain 近 ちか チカ chika Near, close 現 げん ゲン ...