Yakiudon Bento (482)

There are days when I love my kids so much, they start telling me to please stop kissing them. I’m sure many of my fellow parents can identify with this. Those same parents also know that there are days when I want to box them up and put them in storage until they’re like, 8 years old or something. I have no idea if this age is any better though, since my oldest is almost six, but I like to think that my days of ear-piercing screaming fits will come to an end by then.

Other days aren’t as bad, but I do need to stop, close my eyes, and breathe deeply just to calm down. Like today, when I found Baby Girl writing her name with a ball point pen on her bed sheets. Or when I discovered missing Bento Hoodlums.

Yet another kind of trying parenting day is when they insult you with honesty. The other day I was getting dressed and Baby Girl came in and stated, “That panty is much too small for you.”

Thoughts of sitting on her and farting instantly flashed in my head.

And with that lovely thought, let’s get to my lunch.

I made this for lunch yesterday from a packet of udon noodles I got at Marukai last week. I fried diced sweet onion, sliced ham, carrots, and broccoli in olive oil, then added the noodles. Last of all, I added some Aloha Shoyu Guava Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze that I found in my cabinet crying from neglect. I’d bought this in a pack at Costco ages ago, probably last year or longer ago. Standard Pikko procedure, forgetting about something yummy I try in the store.

I had a little too much, so I ate the rest that didn’t fit for breakfast. I packed it in what has been a mysterious bento box for ages. Ever since I can remember bentoing, I’ve seen this Prime Nakamura Bread Box from J-List and I’ve never bought it because it’s just a strange looking bento box. Last month I had a lot of J-List credit to use, so I finally got one.

Here’s a photo of it covering the kim chee crab and avocado salad I packed. That tier is actually supposed to hold sandwiches, but I thought it would be cool to put a salad in there because the lid is a dome and therefore allows you to overpack.

Another thing that’s always perplexed me is the size. The photos make it look like it’s a big box, I guess because I envision it as being just like a loaf of bread, but in reality it’s pretty small and can fit into my hand.

Sorry for the blurry picture, but you get the idea. It’s a cute box and fits a good amount of food. I can see it as being a great box for sammies on top and veggie sticks and fruits on the bottom! It comes with a strap, which is always a plus in my book.

This picture is a bit old, but it’s my Hoodlums at the Edible Book Contest cheering for their marshmallow friends. They totally freaked when I ate one later.

I’ve gotta crazy response to my 1 Million Hits Bento Giveaway, more than any other contest, which is really awesome. Thanks to everyone! If you haven’t entered yet, be sure to do so before Monday!