I am making stockings and other decor so they will be up shortly!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Our Purple Christmas Tree
We are begining to decorate around the house. I have set up our tiny purple Christmas tree. So cute!
I am making stockings and other decor so they will be up shortly!
I am making stockings and other decor so they will be up shortly!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Bill and the cat
Bill likes to say that he and Degas have an understanding. Bill leave him alone, Degas leaves Bill alone.
Only, where does the cat sleep? On Bill's side of the bed. Where does the cat hide? In Bill's closet.
And today topped it all. Where did Degas find a place to sleep. On Bill's uniform. I am sure Bill is going to hate this!
Only, where does the cat sleep? On Bill's side of the bed. Where does the cat hide? In Bill's closet.
And today topped it all. Where did Degas find a place to sleep. On Bill's uniform. I am sure Bill is going to hate this!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Some Pictures!
The Officers Ball, November 3rd, 2011
A Shisha Dog, all about keeping the good spirits in and the bad spirits out!
A Udon Noodle Restraunt.
I love eating noodles, but I am not so good at it with chopsticks.
Pictures of my cullinations:
Here a pictures of the Pepper Jac Mac, a beautiful pumpkin pie, Corn bread, apple pie bites and slow cooker mashed potatoes!
It was all pretty good. I was rather proud of myself!
It was all pretty good. I was rather proud of myself!
Thanksgiving Recipies
From my last post it was requested that I share some recipies- Here ya go!
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 6 cups warm mashed potatoes (without added milk and butter)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, butter, salad dressing mix and parsley; stir in potatoes. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded pepper Jack cheese
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
TOPPING:- 3/4 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
- 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cheddar French-fried onions, crushed
Directions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, pepper and Worcestershire sauce until smooth; gradually add milk and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted. Stir macaroni into cheese mixture.
- Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs, bacon, Parmesan cheese and onions. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Yield: 6 servings.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup equals 859 calories, 64 g fat (37 g saturated fat), 191 mg cholesterol, 1,127 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 34 g protein. (Notice How Healty they are!)
Apple Pie Bites:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie pastry
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
- 2 medium tart apples, each cut into 8 wedges
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside 1 tablespoon. On a lightly floured surface, unroll pastry. Brush with 2 tablespoons butter; sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture.
- Cut each sheet into eight 1-in. strips, about 8 inches long. Wrap one strip around each apple wedge, placing sugared side of pastry against the apple.
- Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with remaining butter; sprinkle with reserved sugar mixture. Bake at 425° for 13-15 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Serve warm. Yield: 16 servings.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
My first Marine Corps Ball
I learned tonight that I had never been to a Marine Corps Ball. I had only been to an officers ball. Tonight was my first Marine Corp Ball.
It was hosted by CLR 37, enlisted Marines and officers were both in attendance. Because both enlisted and officers were present, this makes it a true Marine Corps Ball.
Much like the other balls there is a formal ceremony, cutting of the birthday cake, dinner and dancing.
As we arrived to the Butler O Club, we witnessed a lady getting out of her car. As she begins to stand up, she realizes she has a dirty diaper speared on her heel. She freaks out a little, throws it back into the car and then proceeds to follow us in. I knew this was the start of a fun and interesting evening.
Once we were seated out our table, the ceremony began. There is a bunch of standing and sitting. You stand for the prayer, the entering of the colors, the entering of the guests, etc. Lots of up down, up down. The first time we stood for the prayer and then sat back down the right strap on my dress broke.
First thought was, oh no, next thought was what if my dress falls down. But oh well, just deal. My dress fit tight enough it was fine. No on even noticed. Later in the night a friend tied the strap to the other for a more secure hold. I'll take it back to the place who altered it, here in oki and have her fix it for free!
At dinner we sat with the Lt. Colonel and his wife, a Major and his wife and a Navy Chaplin. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. I was a little worried about sitting at that table, but it all worked out.
The Lt. Colonel and his wife shared how to travel to Tokyo on SpaceA flights and also where to stay. It was nice to hear a first hand story from someone who has done it with a family of 7. Surely Bill and I can do the same.
For dinner we were served a land and sea combo. Steak, fish and a crab cake on mashed potatoes and veggies. Not a bad meal, but nothing great.
For desert we had Marine Corps Birthday Cake. Yum! I love cake. And then the dancing started.
It was fun. There was good music, friends were there, we had a great time. I also had an opportunity to meet some of the people Bill works with in his office and chat with them.
Thanks CLR 37 for throwing a great Marine Corps Birthday Ball!
It was hosted by CLR 37, enlisted Marines and officers were both in attendance. Because both enlisted and officers were present, this makes it a true Marine Corps Ball.
As we arrived to the Butler O Club, we witnessed a lady getting out of her car. As she begins to stand up, she realizes she has a dirty diaper speared on her heel. She freaks out a little, throws it back into the car and then proceeds to follow us in. I knew this was the start of a fun and interesting evening.
Once we were seated out our table, the ceremony began. There is a bunch of standing and sitting. You stand for the prayer, the entering of the colors, the entering of the guests, etc. Lots of up down, up down. The first time we stood for the prayer and then sat back down the right strap on my dress broke.
First thought was, oh no, next thought was what if my dress falls down. But oh well, just deal. My dress fit tight enough it was fine. No on even noticed. Later in the night a friend tied the strap to the other for a more secure hold. I'll take it back to the place who altered it, here in oki and have her fix it for free!
At dinner we sat with the Lt. Colonel and his wife, a Major and his wife and a Navy Chaplin. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. I was a little worried about sitting at that table, but it all worked out.
The Lt. Colonel and his wife shared how to travel to Tokyo on SpaceA flights and also where to stay. It was nice to hear a first hand story from someone who has done it with a family of 7. Surely Bill and I can do the same.
For dinner we were served a land and sea combo. Steak, fish and a crab cake on mashed potatoes and veggies. Not a bad meal, but nothing great.
For desert we had Marine Corps Birthday Cake. Yum! I love cake. And then the dancing started.
It was fun. There was good music, friends were there, we had a great time. I also had an opportunity to meet some of the people Bill works with in his office and chat with them.
Thanks CLR 37 for throwing a great Marine Corps Birthday Ball!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgiving prep!
So I have begun the prep for thanksgiving. We are having about 12 people at a friends house on Thursday. I am in charge of deserts, appetizers and sides.
Today I made a pumpkin pie for a work thanksgiving for Bill, that is tomorrow.
And then sweet and spicy chex mix for an appetizer. And Carmel crunch bars for a desert. For Thursday.
Tomorrow I'll bake another pie. Then on Thursday I'll make slow cooker mashed potatoes, pepper jack Mac and cheese, corn bread with and with out jalapeños, bite size apple pie, and a pumpkin cheese ball.
If you know me and my cooking skill, this is a huge under taking for me. But I have learned while on island, cooking is not that hard. I am not so sure why I have been so resistant for so long.
Today I made a pumpkin pie for a work thanksgiving for Bill, that is tomorrow.
And then sweet and spicy chex mix for an appetizer. And Carmel crunch bars for a desert. For Thursday.
Tomorrow I'll bake another pie. Then on Thursday I'll make slow cooker mashed potatoes, pepper jack Mac and cheese, corn bread with and with out jalapeños, bite size apple pie, and a pumpkin cheese ball.
If you know me and my cooking skill, this is a huge under taking for me. But I have learned while on island, cooking is not that hard. I am not so sure why I have been so resistant for so long.
We could never agree on curtains...
So we put our handiness and crafting together. And with a little out of the box thinking, we created a valance.
So 2 houses ago, before I married Bill, I choose some fabric to decorate the house. My mom made a table runner, covered some pillows. They have been very well used for their intended purpose.
Without thinking or trying, we have managed to make this table runner match our color scheme very well. It now has been repurposed into a valance of a sort.
It is weird how well it matches the wall. I promise this was not done on purpose. This came in a shipment after the walls were painted!
So 2 houses ago, before I married Bill, I choose some fabric to decorate the house. My mom made a table runner, covered some pillows. They have been very well used for their intended purpose.
Without thinking or trying, we have managed to make this table runner match our color scheme very well. It now has been repurposed into a valance of a sort.
It is weird how well it matches the wall. I promise this was not done on purpose. This came in a shipment after the walls were painted!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Vegetable Garden
Ok, so we have had the garden for about 3 weeks, but if you know me, I have a black thumb.
But I figured we lived in a tropical climate, anything would grow. And it rains often enough that I don't really have to remember.
I got old paint buckets from the air base, cleaned them out and then spray painted then blue. In the blue paint buckets we have two types of tomato plants, a cherry tomato and a larger variety, We have jalapeños, and a lime tree. In the black bucket we have an orange tree. And then in the 3 long terra cotta color planters we have two herb planters with: mint, thyme, purple basil, rosemary, basil, parsley, and catnip. We also have 4 strawberry plants. We are hopeful, but not realistic that we will harvest strawberries. In the last one we have a cucumber vine, two lettuce plants, two green peppers and a red pepper.
Now the most exciting part is the tomato plants have quadrupled in size since we bought them. The jalapeños have already flowered and Have tiny peppers growing. And the green and red peppers are flowering.
We bought fruit bearing trees. So the fruit on the lime and the orange tree where there at the store. I have not noticed any new fruit as of yet.
Exciting!! I love being able to grow my own food.
But I figured we lived in a tropical climate, anything would grow. And it rains often enough that I don't really have to remember.
I got old paint buckets from the air base, cleaned them out and then spray painted then blue. In the blue paint buckets we have two types of tomato plants, a cherry tomato and a larger variety, We have jalapeños, and a lime tree. In the black bucket we have an orange tree. And then in the 3 long terra cotta color planters we have two herb planters with: mint, thyme, purple basil, rosemary, basil, parsley, and catnip. We also have 4 strawberry plants. We are hopeful, but not realistic that we will harvest strawberries. In the last one we have a cucumber vine, two lettuce plants, two green peppers and a red pepper.
Now the most exciting part is the tomato plants have quadrupled in size since we bought them. The jalapeños have already flowered and Have tiny peppers growing. And the green and red peppers are flowering.
We bought fruit bearing trees. So the fruit on the lime and the orange tree where there at the store. I have not noticed any new fruit as of yet.
Exciting!! I love being able to grow my own food.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A craft a day keeps the insanity away!
My mom said that when I was 3 or 4 I was back at my coloring table and I announced, "I must color one page every day!"
I guess the artistic vibe was flowing through my veins, even at a young age.
Well now that I have more time on my hands and a designated craft room, I am back to crafting.
It is part decorating for cheap and avoiding dealing with the last few moving boxes.
Today I made a pillow. I saw a similar on on pintrest, that someone was selling on etsy. So I copied the idea. For about $12 I have made a replica!
I used a felt square, cut out a gazillion circles and sewed them on two napkins.
Here is the end result:
I guess the artistic vibe was flowing through my veins, even at a young age.
Well now that I have more time on my hands and a designated craft room, I am back to crafting.
It is part decorating for cheap and avoiding dealing with the last few moving boxes.
Today I made a pillow. I saw a similar on on pintrest, that someone was selling on etsy. So I copied the idea. For about $12 I have made a replica!
I used a felt square, cut out a gazillion circles and sewed them on two napkins.
Here is the end result:
The Military Wife
I stole this from a friend of mine from HS's Facebook page, but this was a great poem.
Forewarning- it made me cry....
The Military Wife:
Lots of moving...Moving...Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
... Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting...Waiting...Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU/ABU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.
Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.
Forewarning- it made me cry....
The Military Wife:
Lots of moving...Moving...Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
... Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting...Waiting...Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU/ABU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.
Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.
Sponsoring
Apparently being on island for a month makes you and expert and you get to help other people transition to the island.
Tonight Bill and I are picking up a single Marine named Ben. Next week I'll drive him around to various appointments until he gets his drivers license and a car.
Then in another week we are sponsoring a couple. They are currently having area clearance troubles, so they may not be arriving on time.
It's funny, our sponsor dropped us off at the BOQ and said good luck. Not a great experience. I don't know much, but I want to welcome these people to the island better that I was. They are invites to thanksgiving and a Christmas party. I'll also take them out for a Japanese eating experience.
Should be fun!
Tonight Bill and I are picking up a single Marine named Ben. Next week I'll drive him around to various appointments until he gets his drivers license and a car.
Then in another week we are sponsoring a couple. They are currently having area clearance troubles, so they may not be arriving on time.
It's funny, our sponsor dropped us off at the BOQ and said good luck. Not a great experience. I don't know much, but I want to welcome these people to the island better that I was. They are invites to thanksgiving and a Christmas party. I'll also take them out for a Japanese eating experience.
Should be fun!
Breaker box turned kitchen message board!
Sorry that blogger is being dumb, the pics WILL NOT load in the correct order.
So I took our unsightly breaker box, located right as you walk in, into a message board.
Best part...it was FREE!!! I had everything to make it!
I used double sided tape(carpet tape, so it is really wide) made a boarder out of fabric scraps and the. Filled in the center with another fabric piece.
I hemmed the edges for a clean look and put it up. I bought a calendar and white magnets at the 100¥ store.
I am very proud of my alteration. You can even open the breaker box without taking the fabric off the door.
So I took our unsightly breaker box, located right as you walk in, into a message board.
Best part...it was FREE!!! I had everything to make it!
I used double sided tape(carpet tape, so it is really wide) made a boarder out of fabric scraps and the. Filled in the center with another fabric piece.
I hemmed the edges for a clean look and put it up. I bought a calendar and white magnets at the 100¥ store.
I am very proud of my alteration. You can even open the breaker box without taking the fabric off the door.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wedding photos are hung!
Now it is starting to feel like our home. The first wedding is on the left, the 2nd wedding is on the right! 
Monday, November 14, 2011
Kokasai Street
Bill and I have been so focused on getting the house set up and boxes gone, we have not really toured much. Our thought was one month of heavy house focus, then 29 months of touring.
For Veterans day Bill had a 96. Meaning he had a 4 day weekend. Which was awesome because we could really focus on some of the projects around the house.
We managed to hang pictures, hang curtains in 3 rooms and get rid of all boxes. Our house was becoming settled!
So on Sunday we decided to tour a shopping street. We have to send home Christmas gifts by Dec. 10th in order for them to make it by Christmas. And we thought this would kind of be double duty.
The shopping street is a big tourist area for Japanese as well, Okinawa is like their Hawaii. It is a summer resort.
Many of the shops have a lot of the same things in them, a lot of food items, local or Japanese alcohol and cartoon figure merchandise.
It was fun shopping. We did knock out some Christmas shopping. The adventure was really in getting there. Bill had read where there was free parking along the neighborhood streets. So we were driving up and down these windy narrow streets. The streets were NOT big enough for two cars. At some points they were barely big enough for my convertible.
We got to a dead end and had to choose to turn left or right. Bill went right, it looked like a sidewalk. I though oh no. But he kept telling me some streets just look like this.
Finally we got to a point under an awning where we could go no farther. We had to back up. I am talking inches away from stuff and the car doors. So bill carefully backs it up and there was enough room to put the tail end of the car into a small hole to try to turn around. Only problem was there was not enough room on the front end to swing it around. I am not exaggerating when I say this was a 100 point turn. It was watch the door, watch the mirror, watch the bumper, door, mirror, front bumper, back bumper and oh know speeding past scooter. Then an old lady walked by, she said something and just shook her head no.
I was sure we were going to take put my drivers side mirror, a vending machine and the bumper. ( now remember Bill was driving on the other side of the road, so nothing about this felt natural, or easy!).
We finally turned it around, we did hit a concrete pilon with the front bumper and there are a few scratches. But it is ok.
I was worried for a while we would have to abandon the car. It was awful, so stressful.
At that point I did not care how much parking cost, I was willing to pay an arm and a leg!
We found parking for ¥300 for 150 mins. I think in the end it cost us about $20.
The other adventure was I saw my fist protest. I am not sure what they were protesting. They had very few signs in English. Some said stop and some said we are angry. I think it was about youth sports. I got a flyer and there was something about the 100th anniversary, so it had nothing to so with WWII, and there were a bunch of youth teams dressed in their uniforms.
The japanese kids are so cute, I had several come up to me to give me a flyer and say hello in English. Bill kept telling me to stop taking them, but I think the kids wanted to speak to an American.
The last adventure for the day was dinner. I really wanted soba, it noodles in a broth. We kept walking and walking and only seeing steak places.
Finally we found one with a picture of soba on the menu. So we went in, only they did nit have a menu in English. And there was no picture of soba.
Lots for weird fish looking meals. Not what I wanted. But Bill asked for soba and they did serve it. So we did get it for dinner. There was a mystery fish on top, no scales and not head so I ate it. It was good. Tasted familiar. And lots of noodles. Only problem being my chopsticks did not want to work for me. Mainly I spent the evening splashing my self in the face and using the large ladle of a spoon to drink the broth. Somedays I am on with chopsticks. Other days it is completely foreign to me. Bill tells me to adapt or starve.
On our way home is when we picked up the tv stand and found out that the passenger side window works.
So all in all it was a great day! I'll post pics, I have found a way to blog from my phone, keeps me more up to date. But loading pics have to be done through the computer still since they are on the camera!
For Veterans day Bill had a 96. Meaning he had a 4 day weekend. Which was awesome because we could really focus on some of the projects around the house.
We managed to hang pictures, hang curtains in 3 rooms and get rid of all boxes. Our house was becoming settled!
So on Sunday we decided to tour a shopping street. We have to send home Christmas gifts by Dec. 10th in order for them to make it by Christmas. And we thought this would kind of be double duty.
The shopping street is a big tourist area for Japanese as well, Okinawa is like their Hawaii. It is a summer resort.
Many of the shops have a lot of the same things in them, a lot of food items, local or Japanese alcohol and cartoon figure merchandise.
It was fun shopping. We did knock out some Christmas shopping. The adventure was really in getting there. Bill had read where there was free parking along the neighborhood streets. So we were driving up and down these windy narrow streets. The streets were NOT big enough for two cars. At some points they were barely big enough for my convertible.
We got to a dead end and had to choose to turn left or right. Bill went right, it looked like a sidewalk. I though oh no. But he kept telling me some streets just look like this.
Finally we got to a point under an awning where we could go no farther. We had to back up. I am talking inches away from stuff and the car doors. So bill carefully backs it up and there was enough room to put the tail end of the car into a small hole to try to turn around. Only problem was there was not enough room on the front end to swing it around. I am not exaggerating when I say this was a 100 point turn. It was watch the door, watch the mirror, watch the bumper, door, mirror, front bumper, back bumper and oh know speeding past scooter. Then an old lady walked by, she said something and just shook her head no.
I was sure we were going to take put my drivers side mirror, a vending machine and the bumper. ( now remember Bill was driving on the other side of the road, so nothing about this felt natural, or easy!).
We finally turned it around, we did hit a concrete pilon with the front bumper and there are a few scratches. But it is ok.
I was worried for a while we would have to abandon the car. It was awful, so stressful.
At that point I did not care how much parking cost, I was willing to pay an arm and a leg!
We found parking for ¥300 for 150 mins. I think in the end it cost us about $20.
The other adventure was I saw my fist protest. I am not sure what they were protesting. They had very few signs in English. Some said stop and some said we are angry. I think it was about youth sports. I got a flyer and there was something about the 100th anniversary, so it had nothing to so with WWII, and there were a bunch of youth teams dressed in their uniforms.
The japanese kids are so cute, I had several come up to me to give me a flyer and say hello in English. Bill kept telling me to stop taking them, but I think the kids wanted to speak to an American.
The last adventure for the day was dinner. I really wanted soba, it noodles in a broth. We kept walking and walking and only seeing steak places.
Finally we found one with a picture of soba on the menu. So we went in, only they did nit have a menu in English. And there was no picture of soba.
Lots for weird fish looking meals. Not what I wanted. But Bill asked for soba and they did serve it. So we did get it for dinner. There was a mystery fish on top, no scales and not head so I ate it. It was good. Tasted familiar. And lots of noodles. Only problem being my chopsticks did not want to work for me. Mainly I spent the evening splashing my self in the face and using the large ladle of a spoon to drink the broth. Somedays I am on with chopsticks. Other days it is completely foreign to me. Bill tells me to adapt or starve.
On our way home is when we picked up the tv stand and found out that the passenger side window works.
So all in all it was a great day! I'll post pics, I have found a way to blog from my phone, keeps me more up to date. But loading pics have to be done through the computer still since they are on the camera!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Megan is happy!
Ya know the saying, happy wife, happy life. Bill knows this is true. I have been wanting a tv stand since we moved in to our house. I know, I know we have only lived here 3 weeks, but the tv was on the coffee table. Which led to us using a side table to eat on. ( cause we watch tv an eat dinner, don't judge, I know you do this too) and then. Step stool to hold the computer to stream video when live tv was bad. So really it just made the living room a mess!
But we stopped at this cute antique-ish store called Pearl. And we found a tv stand that we both like and we want to bring home to the states. It quite possibly might be 1950s government furniture, but it's cool! I love it!
But we stopped at this cute antique-ish store called Pearl. And we found a tv stand that we both like and we want to bring home to the states. It quite possibly might be 1950s government furniture, but it's cool! I love it!
Earthquake.
Last Tuesday, Nov 8th at 12:11pm we had an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8. It lasted a few seconds and there was a sizable aftershock.
I was home alone watching Grays anatomy, sitting on the couch, when I thought a large truck drove by or a big AF plane flew over head.
So I stood at the large glass sliding door. Dummy! When the aftershock hit I ran to a door way.
It really was kind of scary. Mainly because I was home alone, didn't know what was going on, and it was my first earthquake.
Bill was out at the rifle range eating lunch. He said he kind of felt it but not really.
There was no tsunami warning and no damage. Just a little shake!
Here is the government website to earthquakes:
earthquakes.usgs.gov
I was home alone watching Grays anatomy, sitting on the couch, when I thought a large truck drove by or a big AF plane flew over head.
So I stood at the large glass sliding door. Dummy! When the aftershock hit I ran to a door way.
It really was kind of scary. Mainly because I was home alone, didn't know what was going on, and it was my first earthquake.
Bill was out at the rifle range eating lunch. He said he kind of felt it but not really.
There was no tsunami warning and no damage. Just a little shake!
Here is the government website to earthquakes:
earthquakes.usgs.gov
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Culture Shock
Some say that when you move/visit a culture that is so very different from the one you are use to, that you experience culture shock. I have the wonderful ability to blend into my surroundings and totally forget that I am no longer in America.
We are surrunded by Americans, we can get almost all of the things we like from home (think diet coke and diet dr. pepper...2 neccessities) and everyone I talk to on a daily basis speaks english.
I block out the kanji letters on all the signs, driving on the other side of the road isn't even a challenge. I think I have adapted very well.
Now it is a real slap to reality when we go into a store and there is not a single soul who speaks English.
For example, we went to the VW dealership to have my car looked at, the windows sometimes don't work. We had managed mostly, but the guy really wanted to make sure that we understood and that he understood us.
So I called up Military One source. This is a free service offered to all military service members and families. I had been told that I could call them up, at any time and they could connect me to a translator.
So, that is exactly what I did. And the dealer and I spoke through the translator. It was a little difficult and a slow process. But it was settled and we were leaving the car.
The next day we get a phone call about the repairs for my car. It was going to cost $2700 to fix the windows. We only spent $3500 on the car, so we went to pick it up and thanked them.
So even through the challenges there are ways to get around the language barrier.
Ok, so we took my car in one week ago, today. They did some inspections, and gave us and estimate. We walked away with out paying anything. Tonight, I found out that my passenger side window NOW works!!! Yea for free car maintenance.
We are surrunded by Americans, we can get almost all of the things we like from home (think diet coke and diet dr. pepper...2 neccessities) and everyone I talk to on a daily basis speaks english.
I block out the kanji letters on all the signs, driving on the other side of the road isn't even a challenge. I think I have adapted very well.
Now it is a real slap to reality when we go into a store and there is not a single soul who speaks English.
For example, we went to the VW dealership to have my car looked at, the windows sometimes don't work. We had managed mostly, but the guy really wanted to make sure that we understood and that he understood us.
So I called up Military One source. This is a free service offered to all military service members and families. I had been told that I could call them up, at any time and they could connect me to a translator.
So, that is exactly what I did. And the dealer and I spoke through the translator. It was a little difficult and a slow process. But it was settled and we were leaving the car.
The next day we get a phone call about the repairs for my car. It was going to cost $2700 to fix the windows. We only spent $3500 on the car, so we went to pick it up and thanked them.
So even through the challenges there are ways to get around the language barrier.
Ok, so we took my car in one week ago, today. They did some inspections, and gave us and estimate. We walked away with out paying anything. Tonight, I found out that my passenger side window NOW works!!! Yea for free car maintenance.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Small Pox?
Bill was vaccinated against small pox yesterday. He was given a live virus, but not small pox that will protect against small pox. Apparently, places he may go still have small pox and since he is of a generation that was not vaccinated against it originally, he has to be given the shot as an adult.
Things that I have learned:
-It looks like a totally normal puncture wound, very small, it will grow by day 8, puss and then scab over. That is where everyone gets the large scar from.
- He has to keep his puncture site covered for 30 days, no swimming or taking a bath. A shower is ok. He can spread the virus by touch...i.e. I can get it and so can my cat.
- We have to discard his bandages in a double sealed bag with bleach.
- His clothes have to be sorted separately and washed separately.
- He will react to the virus, totally normal about day 3-12 with swollen glands, fever, headache, body ache, and fatigue.
- If I contract it, those are the symptoms I will feel also, and I am supposed to contact my doc.
It says that passing it from one family member to the next is very low, but all of these precautions are kind of scary. Who knew they would be exposing my husband to things that would be harmful to the rest of the household?
Things that I have learned:
-It looks like a totally normal puncture wound, very small, it will grow by day 8, puss and then scab over. That is where everyone gets the large scar from.
- He has to keep his puncture site covered for 30 days, no swimming or taking a bath. A shower is ok. He can spread the virus by touch...i.e. I can get it and so can my cat.
- We have to discard his bandages in a double sealed bag with bleach.
- His clothes have to be sorted separately and washed separately.
- He will react to the virus, totally normal about day 3-12 with swollen glands, fever, headache, body ache, and fatigue.
- If I contract it, those are the symptoms I will feel also, and I am supposed to contact my doc.
It says that passing it from one family member to the next is very low, but all of these precautions are kind of scary. Who knew they would be exposing my husband to things that would be harmful to the rest of the household?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Which button would you push?
So I had hear about the fancy potties...
There were other people in bathroom, flushing the toilet just fine. So I turn the white dial, NOTHING! I am like really, I don't know what to do. I push the back few buttons, I can't get the fancy potty to do anything. SO I take another look and, off to the right, like a normal toilet, there is a flusher. So I flush the toilet, take a picture and leave.
When I walk out of the bathroom, Bill asks if I was alright, I was in their a while, I say I was just fine, I show him the picture and told him I couldn't figure out how to flush the toilet. Bill told me next time I need to it down and experience the toilet and what all the buttons do.
I have been told that in the winter the seats are heated. So be prepared for the seat to be warm when you sit down. There is a baday, music settings, a dryer, and vibrations.
That night Bill and I watched Raising Hope, one of my favorite shows. They had a show about a Fancy Potty from Japan, if you want to see a fancy potty, watch Raising Hope, Episode 2. It is hilarious. I am not so sure about the fancy potties, I don't think I like them. I think they are weird.
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