thanksgiving Countdown #5...

Today I am thankful for all of the special activities they offer on base. This week alone we have been to Kids Klub (every wednesday night), First Friday (offered on the first friday of every month - the other fridays we usually go to make-your-own pizza or chilis), Viking Challenge and Oktoberfest. The base really makes a great effort to let people get involved with these things - at a very minimal cost.

Wednesday was Kids Klub, but we didn't stay long because Gavin was getting sick. But they have huge screens with tv shows, great food, and games with prizes for all. Kids are free - so it costs me about $9 total for the night. They have lots of food to choose from too!

Friday was the First Friday. They played Meet the Robinsons and Finding Nemo on big screens, had 2 jumpy houses, ice cream bar, kids karaoke and door prizes. Again, all for about $10.

Today (Saturday), Patrick participated in the Viking Challenge - a 12 hour run, alternating one mile laps between team mates. I think there were 8-12 people on a team...but it is still harder than it sounds. I tried to be 'sweet' and bring some donuts - but I guess people running as hard as they can for a mile don't really eat donuts in between miles. Oh well, it's the thought that counts! We went and visited Daddy a few times - but were a little bored by watching people run (especially if it wasn't Patrick). So the kids and I headed over to Oktoberfest. It was an absolute GORGEOUS day outside (sunny, high 60's, slight breeze) so it made for a wonderful afternoon. Mommy got some yummy beers (the only thing that you had to pay for) and the kids got to go on bounce houses, trampoline bouncers, make your own cookies, games, food, balloon guy, music, Yokota Idol, etc. Everyone had a great time - but I think Patrick is divorcing me because I kept sending him pics of my beers while he was running. Oops!

And tomorrow we are going with the ITT (travel company on base) to Mt Fuji for a safari ride. We meet early, take a bus and they take care of everything! It makes exploring Japan so much easier!

So I am grateful for all the effort put into the events on base. There really is something for everyone! I just wish that they didn't coincide on the same day - it would have been nice for Patrick to go to Oktoberfest with us!

It truly is such a great place to get involved as much or as little as you like. But the volunteers and organizers really make every event so much fun!!!

thanksgiving Countdown #4...

Today is your lucky day. I am writing about TWO things I am thankful for! Although they fall under the same general category of technology. Today I am thankful for Hulu and Skype.

Being so far away from home is difficult sometimes, even lonely. But with these two amazing products, I can stay in touch with loved ones and loved shows. Even though I have to wait a day, I can keep up to date with my fave shows. On my queue every week is How I met Your Mother, Modern Family, Cougar Town, the Office, Community, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Glee is also a show I watch weekly - but I will get to that in a minute. I also like catching SNL and some other funny shows if I have time. But Hulu really has made life a little better here (it's sad, I know).

Skype is the other technological advance that I am grateful for. We have an American phone number, so I can call people all I want - but there is something about seeing faces, talking to a room full of friends, watching gLee (I told you I would get around to it) with my girlfriend Ashli in real time, and letting the kids see their friends and relatives and vice versa that you just can't get with a regular old phone.

These two beaut's have made my life a lot nicer in Japan. So, for that, I am thankful.

Thanksgiving countdown #3...

Today I am thankful for friends. But not the generic "I am thankful for my friends". Today I am thankful for friends of friends. These little gems can be so helpful and handy in times of need. Friends of friends can be a great referral source. Seriously, how many times do you have a friend that says "My friend is a photographer (aka http://charlottefoerschlerphotography.blogspot.com/ or http://melissajonesphotography.com/ and http://beccaberryphotography.com/)" or "my friend does great hair (aka Lindsey at Dublin Salon or Lindsey at Lennonheads or Leigh at Salon Rage)"? But today I am super thankful for my OLD (heehee) neighbor Christa (ok - she is not old in age - but was my neighbor in past tense). Her amazing referral to Award Technologies (http://www.awardtec.com/) has saved my sanity a million times over.

Ward and Sylvia are very smart when it comes to the techy stuff and their customer service is amazing. Even when I live 7000 miles away, I can just call them up (they answer a lot of calls even up to 10pm EST or later) and they will talk me through it or access my computer remotely (with my approval of course). They are very reasonably priced also. I will totally refer anyone I know to them instead of some Nerd Herd (although I am sure they have their place in the world too).

So when you have a precious little friend who has a unique or special talent, or a great housecleaner, babysitter, preschool teacher or physician - don't be afraid to pimp them out! There are people out there just waiting for a good referral.

Thanksgiving countdown #2...

Today I am thankful for amazing scenery. Sometimes living on an Air Force Base can be pretty blah. All the houses/buildings are yellow with brown roofs. ALL. OF. THEM. There is only so much decorating and planting you can do to make it beautiful. But, to be in a place like Japan, surrounded by amazing mountain ranges and gorgeous foliage... it makes me thankful.

Thanksgiving Countdown...

In no particular order, I plan on writing about 1 thing I am thankful for per day (besides the obvious...family, love, health, happiness).

Today I am thankful for zoos. I was totally spoiled living in Columbus (aka the #1 zoo in America) and experiencing all that it had to offer (ZooKids, WildLights, Jungle Jack, etc). But I am also thankful for the tiny zoos too. Claws-n-Paws in the Poconos, Elmwood Park zoo in PA, and the Hamura Zoo in Japan! These littler zoos still have tons to see, are usually shaded and way less crowded. They also offer some unique experiences, such as getting to hold these cute little guys or see giraffes this close up!!!

coming soon...

many new posts! Patrick was in San Francisco with our laptop for almost 2 weeks so I haven't been able to access a computer to blog. I had my iPhone to check emails and such - but I will finally be able to catch up on here! We have done lots of fun things while daddy was away - I can't wait to share. BUT, I also want to spend some time with my honey, so please be patient :-)