The 4 Bulls

Please take 8 minutes to watch this...

2011-12-08T08:36:00.001-05:00

day of thanks #28

2011-11-28T06:30:00.003-05:00

OK - So I probably already was thankful about this a few times so far (and I am thankful everyday)...but I am thankful for my husband today! It is his thirty-somethingth birthday and constantly amazes me with how awesome he is! Even though he had a very full day of clinic - he still made time for me to swing by at lunch to bring some cheesecake to share with his staff, he left work at exactly 6pm so he could make it for family dinner (at Chili's), he let the kids have his chocolate shake AND help open his presents, he talked to his mom (who doesn't love a man that has a good relationship with his mom?), and he read to the kids before bed...ALL while still in his blues uniform :-) I love him and appreciate him more and more every day!

Day of thanks #27

2011-11-27T04:38:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for all of the amazing friends I made while living in Ohio. Growing up in Pennsylvania, going to high school and college there, getting my first and second real jobs there, getting married there, having my first baby there, having ALL of my family and friends still there....it made it difficult to move to a different state when Patrick was offered his residency spot there. And let's face it...Ohio? It didn't sound very exciting. But boy was I very wrong!!!

We moved into a great neighborhood (with great neighbors) and within the first 2 weeks I ran into a friend from elementary school who lived around the corner from me now again in Hilliard, OH. What were the odds? My best buddy from birth to 6 years old lived one town over (our moms are still friends too) with his family. I started going to the Wive's club for all of the resident's spouses. And I met some lifelong friends. And some I only knew for a few months - but were a huge impact on me! We created traditions, girls nights, midnight Twilight movie going, Thursday night meetings, holiday parties, playgroups, ZooKids, etc. We babysat for each other so we could go out with our hubby (and not have to pay for a sitter because we were all so broke). We carpooled, brought each other food when we had babies, held each others hands during struggles, and understood one another. Here is a little blurb I wrote one time about it (I just ran across this story on my computer which made me think of it - but I am grateful EVERY DAY for the women I met there)...

My New Life as an Attending’s Wife. By: Kelly Bull

There is an old French proverb we have all heard before; “The more things change, the more they stay the same”. Broken down, it means change is constant and the nature of it makes it permanent. I wish I had contemplated this statement a lot more in the past 5 years.
I am not sure if I was expecting the seas to part and the stars to align after my husband finished his residency. I remember as he was entering his internship year that 5 years seemed so distant. And yet I sit here today remembering it like it was yesterday. I clearly remember being nervous for him, anxious about our family life (and the effects living in Ohio and being in residency would have on it), worried about our finances for the next few years, and sad for myself since I just moved 400 miles away from all the friends and family I had ever known.
I started dating my husband about 6 months before he started medical school so I was never involved with any of the spouse support groups (aka SAA). When we did get married (just before residency started) I promised I would get involved with the hospital’s local Advocate organization. I figured if anyone else were to understand all of my thoughts, concerns and joys – it would be people going through the same situation.
I started out slow at first. A meeting here. A meeting there. Never fully committed because I knew I was only going to be living in Columbus, Ohio for 5 years. I would use the group to help me get through some of the transitions, but not truly invest myself in it. But slowly and surely I found myself making friends. Real friends. People I liked regardless of the fact that we were bonded initially based on our husbands’ careers. I spent less and less time planning trips back to Pennsylvania (my home state) and more time planning play dates and Grey’s Anatomy nights (since it is dreadful to watch that show with a physician husband pointing out the inaccuracies every other minute).
I remember in the early years of residency that my husband and I would get a little nervous when we would go to a ‘senior resident’s’ house for dinner. We didn’t want to do or say anything that would be stupid or jeopardize his work relationships. And we would certainly be on best behavior if we ever got invited to an Attending’s house! Things eased up a bit as the years went on and my husband was the senior resident, but there was still a bit of intimidation when in the presence of an Attending outside of work.
By those later years I was heavily committed to our Advocate Group. I was in charge of organizing the events calendar and for helping raise funds that we would donate to non-profits needing our help. I was working alongside a lot of Attending’s wives and realized that they have been in my shoes before. Their husbands went through residency too. Some many years ago and some just got finished. It gave me my first insight on the fact that life really does come full circle.
But, even more than that, I was realizing that I was heavily committed to the women involved in our group. I cared so deeply for each person involved. These were my friends, my neighbors, my war buddies. We supported each other through block nights, trauma rotations and “80 hour work weeks” (haha). But more than that we supported each other through new babies, lost babies, divorces, parents’ deaths, first days of school, bad haircuts, disabilities, infertility and lackadaisical husbands. We had our normal Advocate events such as game nights, Marriage enrichment and holiday parties. But we also had events outside of the group such as bridal showers, children’s’ birthday parties and girls weekend in the mountains.
These friends would go on week-long vacations with me and my kids since our husbands were working so much they were never home. These friends would make me dinners for weeks/months after I had a baby since I couldn’t even take time to get a shower some days. These friends looked forward to my monthly scrapbooking night I made up just as an excuse to get together one more time with each other. These friends watched my children when I was sick and also when I just needed to go get a pedicure. These friends introduced me to new religions (the beliefs) and True Religions (the jeans). And most importantly, these friends helped me get through the trenches of womanhood when I thought I was a total failure as a wife and a mother.
And then, in the blink of an eye, these friends could be gone. Not literally, but physically. And new friends can come along. A friend a year ahead of me moved to Cincinnati for her husband’s dream fellowship while I still had another year left. I met a friend who started coming to the group because she noticed I was wearing designer jeans. My friend I went on vacations with moved to Illinois when her husband transferred to a different residency program. An Attending’s wife who is younger than me (only be a few months!!!) becomes one of my closest friends. My best friend through all five years builds and moves into her dream house in South Carolina. I met a new woman at playgroup and realized she just moved across the street and will spend countless hours sitting on my deck and talking. I found 2 ladies who I know would take over the playgroup and Advocate’s scheduling and events (from said best friend and me) with as much love and attention as it deserves. And as for myself, well, I move to Japan because my husband is paying back his time with the Air Force, leaving all of my ‘junior’ friends behind.
So, as much as things have changed in my life, I am sitting here in a very familiar situation. My husband and I both get jittery (again) when we are asked to a General’s house or when we have to talk to a Colonel's wife. I am nervous for my husband as he starts his practice on his own, without an Attending to fall back on and with the added stress of being in the military now. I am anxious about our family life and how our kids will adjust to living in Japan, how I will adjust to him being on-call for weeks at a time, and what will happen if he gets deployed. And I also feel a little sad for myself again. 7000 miles IS a lot farther than 400. I can’t just pack the kids in the car and drive when I miss my friends and family or to even attend my own Grandfather’s funeral.
But like as I adjusted and thrived in residency life, I know I will in Attending life too. My status quo will be happiness. Nothing has changed because everything has. I will slowly and surely start being more involved with the Officer’s Spouse Club. I will make friends that will be neighbors, friends that will work with my husband, and friends who have children that my kids are friends with. I will begin to look forward to going to the Air Force Ball instead of thinking ahead 4 months to when I will be in the States again. I will organize golf fundraisers and feel a sense of accomplishment that I did something that was a positive influence here.
And, although so many of the feelings and situations I find myself in today are the exact same as they were 5 years ago, there is still one major thing that is different…
The salary ☺

day of thanks #26

2011-11-26T00:32:00.005-05:00

Today I am thankful for the spirit that my children bring to others! We have very sweet neighbors who the kids adore. Their children are older (and have children of their own) so it is just the 2 of them. They basically adopted Patrick while I was evacuated with the kids, and he golfs golfing with them basically every weekend. Well, last night we came home from our fun family day at Mt Takao and found that they had one of those huge blow-up snow globes (the inflatable kind) in their front yard and were starting to decorate the trees also. The kids were so excited (we hadn't started decorating our house yet) so they rang their doorbell and told them how much they loved the decorations!!! Well, it turns out that Hermie and Rose decided to start decorating for Christmas again as they hadn't for a while. But they loved knowing our kids would love it - so they did it again! Well, it jumped us into the Christmas spirit and we are spending today decking our halls, and our neighbors too! Kids are pretty amazing, especially with the spirit they can bring!!!

day of thanks #25

2011-11-25T08:56:00.004-05:00

Today I am so thankful for 'family days' we get to spend together. The military gives a certain number of extra days off for families to spend time together. They usually occur around another holiday to let you have extra long weekend. The day after Thanksgiving is always one, and we spent it wisely! We knew it was going to be a beautiful day and we had to take advantage of going somewhere that is usually crowded on the weekends - but not during the week. So we headed out to Mt Takao (again) and this time added the trick art museum to the list also! It was so fun, and going with our friends, the Webbs made it even more fun! Patrick was able to relax and enjoy his time off (because he went in until midnight 3 nights in a row to get his work done) and we really had a great family adventure. After the museum we headed to the mountain and took the chair lift up the mountain. The kids love this - and of course we had to buy the cheesy photos they take of you! We had a gorgeous hike and loved spending time together! Thank you Military for Family Days!!!

day of thanks #24

2011-11-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for an amazing Thanksgiving Day. Although the holidays get tough being so far away from family, it is nice to know that your military family will step in and help you get through. Even thrive through. Today was an absolutely perfect fall weather day....sunny, cool, smells of baking and cooking from every kitchen. The kids woke me up at 7:45 (which is sleeping in for me - so I was thankful) and I got to work in the kitchen. We were invited to a friend's house (along with a lot of the other med group docs) so I didn't have to do the hard things...like make the turkey and clean the house! But I did make a lot of other things. Pumpkin gooey butter cake, apple pie (with real crust), homemade applesauce, candied yams, sweet potatoes and apple bake, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, corn bread muffins, stuffing, gravy and dinner rolls. I was baking pretty much all morning/day and was actually a little late to get there (oops). But luckily we made it in time for the feast and prayers and had an amazing dinner. There were 2 or 3 kinds of turkey (smoked, fried, roasted), ham, brisket and chicken. There were a bazillion sides and desserts. PLUS, I knew 2 other friends in the same housing unit that were having parties so I popped in each one to sample their foods as well! It is an amazing experience to be amongst other military families during Thanksgiving - as they TRULY are grateful for the things they have. They know sacrifice. They know grace. They know giving. I am proud to be a part of this family (even though I really, really, really miss my family back in the states too).

Day of thanks #23

2011-11-23T00:51:00.004-05:00

Today I am grateful that I had 2 loving parents growing up (and that both are still loving to me now) and a nice house to grow up in as a child.

Today, Gavin's school welcomed the local Aijino Ie orphanage. I have recently found out that Japanese orphanages are actually very well hidden. Since it is a country that does not welcome 'shame', they do not advertise children that are 'different'. But this orphanage comes to Yokota every year and enjoys a feast/celebration, canned food drive and Christmas adopt-a-child type gift giving. Gavin's eyes filled with tears when he thought of the possibility of not having a mother or father or house of your own. We discussed how we should be very thankful that he and Evelyn DO have parents and a nice house (relatively speaking :-), and that I was fortunate as well as a child. He awoke eagerly this morning to take presents to the orphan that would be visiting his class. He wanted to get him a summer outfit, winter outfit, coloring book, reading book, game and lego set. So we did! I was so proud of Gavin to learn compassion and also appreciation of the nice things we have. When we got home from school, he asked if he could clean his room...Of course I agreed - but totally thought he was up to something. But he just said, "I know I am lucky to have a nice room and nice toys and I want to take care of them since I am so lucky."

And I agree. We are very lucky. Lucky for being able to provide our children with a loving home, safe environment and nice clothes and toys. I am lucky that Patrick works so hard for us to be able to do that! And Gavin and Evelyn are lucky that they will not have to grow up without these basic comforts in life. I am very, very grateful for that.

Day of thanks #22

2011-11-22T08:02:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for the things we've handed down (PS - One of my favorite Marc Cohn songs). Things like clothes (like Evelyn wearing the old Penn State sweatshirt that used to be Gavin's), or genetics (like the fact that my kids both got blonde hair from Patrick as a kid). But I am specifically thankful for recipes that get handed down between friends and generations.

Tonight, I made the most delicious beef stew....a recipe from Patrick's mom. There are a few recipes that Patrick made it very clear that I need to learn...and this was one of them. So tonight, I used some file mignon steaks (screw that crappy beef stew meat), fresh local veggies and a yummy bottle of wine to make this stew. And it was fab-u-lous!!! And the rest of the wine went perfectly with it. Too bad Patrick had to go back into work - but at least he left with a huge tupperware container of it (but I took one for the team and drank his wine too).

Day of thanks #21

2011-11-21T06:55:00.004-05:00

Today I am grateful for a little girl named Leah. Leah is one of my good friend's daughter and Leah has Down Syndrome.

I am grateful to her in so many ways, it is impossible to even start. You know when someone or something just touches your heart and your life and you are forever changed for the better because of it?!?! That is Leah. I had never had much interaction with any person with DS before she was born. I remember walking into visit my friend Mary (who delivered prematurely) and meeting Leah for the first time. She was less than 4 pounds of amazing. I heard Mary say the words that she had Down Syndrome - but it never mattered...I knew Leah was going to be great and do great things.

I watched Mary struggle with many of the obstacles that come along with having a child with DS. Milestones that come easily and early for others were a struggle for Leah...drinking from a bottle, walking, going potty on the toilet...all came at different times - but were celebrated with so much more joy than most. Mary and Eric (and big brother Greg) were absolutely put on this Earth to be part of Leah's family! They ALL love her unconditionally and support her 100%. Every year Mary puts together a "Buddy Walk" team to raise money for the DS Association of the Columbus, OH area. And in all the years I have known her - they get in the top ranking teams for number of participants and amount of money raised! She teaches love and giving with every minute of the day to her children!!! I remember her son Greg was saving pennies (for the Buddy Walk that year) and he donated them to Gavin to give to the Red Cross for the people of Japan. It was so touching to see that love and caring in a little boy, especially since I knew how much that money he raised meant to him. We kept the pennies in the bag and gave it to the Red Cross just like that.

Now, anyone that knows Mary knows she does not want to ever hurt someone's feelings. Anyone that knows me, knows I will set you straight on an issue if it hurts your feelings or not. I lay it out there if it is something I am passionate about. One day, Mary casually put a link up on her blog. http://www.r-word.org/ Help eliminate the use of the R-word in everyday speech. SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD! I was very interested in what this meant. Once I clicked on it...it asked me to make a pledge..."I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities." What a wonderful concept!!! I talked a bit with Mary about this and found out how hurt and upset she gets when people use the word 'retarded' or 'retard'. It is as derogatory as saying the 'n' word. But, most of us grew up saying things like "That is so retarded" or "Stop being a retard". I never really thought about these phrases until this moment in speaking with her. So from that day forward I made a pledge to ban that word from my vocabulary and to educate others on how it sounds and makes people feel.

In some situations, I just walk away from the conversation. I know not everyone will agree or feel the same about this. But in most cases, if you are my friend, I will tell you straight up that you sound ignorant. Ignorant to the fact that the word is hurtful. Ignorant to the fact that the word is meaningless. And ignorant to the fact that you just sound like a plain old bad person when you say it, Sometimes I am a little rough when I tell people about it - and I apologize. I may have even made people cry about it (sorry :-). But please know, it is only because you are my friend that I say something to you about. Please know it is because I care deeply about this mission to try to end saying that word. And please know I am doing this for Little Leah and her family. Most of my Columbus friends have heard me say this many times..."We DO NOT say that word!"...but I haven't said it as much as I should here in Japan. I did mention it to a college friend on facebook the other day (and he responded with great care and consideration and thanked me for showing him the link). But last night I heard it said a few times, in a room of people I consider friends and I should have said something...done more. So Yokota friends...please know I will probably be saying something to you next time I hear you say the words. So that is why I am thanking Leah now....for making me think about it again and stand up and say something. Teach people it is hurtful.

I am grateful for Leah in giving me passion about this topic (among many other things she has done for me). Here is a little blurb from Mary's blog that I love reading....

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

day of thanks #20

2011-11-19T20:51:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for weekends. Sleeping in (or at least the ability to sleep in), made-from-scratch breakfast, coffee with Patrick, and kids playing. Weekends really are the best inventions!!!

day of thanks #19

2011-11-19T04:14:00.002-05:00

Today I am forcing myself to be grateful for rainy lazy days. Because of said rainy day...I am pretty grumpy. That is why I am forcing myself to be grateful. Because it is rainy, I let Evelyn skip cheerleading so we ended up going to the bakery (always grateful for that). Also because of the rain, Patrick did not go to play golf so he was able to stay home with us and help around the house (again, always grateful). Then I took a nap. A long nap! And Patrick played nerf wars, wii, and board games with the kids. Then we hung out with some friends for a bit and are now back home. Lazy, rainy day - I am grateful for you....even though I may seem like a big B**** today because of you.

Day of thanks #18

2011-11-18T05:02:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for make-your-own-pizza night at the E Club! We go just about every Friday night. And so do half of our friends! They have flat bread dough/crust that you can add marinara, alfredo, or BBQ sauce to. Then cheese. Then toppings of your choice. From shrimp to corn to pineapple and everything in between. Gavin gets just the crust and marinara...no cheese or anything! He usually eats 2 whole pizzas of that himself! Evelyn always gets corn and sometimes pineapple and pepperoni. Patrick and I like to switch it up - but I always get at least half like a hawaiian pizza. We get drinks and sometimes I just get the salad bar (like today when I had a lot of pizza for lunch and couldn't think of taking another bite of it). The kids get ice cream and sometimes (like tonight) I get a slice of cheesecake :-). Grand total for tonight's dinner = $12. SERIOUSLY!!! Ok...it was so low because the kids are basically free ($1 for ice cream each) and I only got salad bar ($3). It was my cheesecake that cost a little bit and then a tip. And the kids think it is so cool that they can get whatever they want!!! And make it themselves!!! Cheap, fun, family outing...definitely something to be grateful for!

Day of thanks #17

2011-11-17T17:03:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful that I am an independent woman. This is something that I had to learn to do (even thought i had a great role model in my mother). I believe I used to be very co-dependent, especially with Patrick. When you love someone, it is easy to wrap yourself up in that relationship and lose your own independence. BUT, I knew Patrick fell in love with the independent Kelly so I really searched hard to find her again (this was all back while dating).

It has been great ever since! Especially once I had kids! And especially since Patrick is in a job that required him to be gone a lot during residency and to be on-call (not allowed to leave a certain radius) a lot. Of course I wish Patrick were able to do all the fun things that I get to do with the kids. But, I am also strong enough to do things without him if needed. I saw many friends struggle with this during residency...some even resulting in divorce. I think it gave Patrick a breath of relief knowing that if I wanted to go somewhere - and he couldn't - I would still go. I didn't stop living my life if he was busy.

As I said before, I would love it if Patrick was there with us all the time. But days like yesterday when it was the perfect chance to go to Disneyland but he couldn't go...I wasn't going to let it stop the kids and I from going. Some people don't always get this...they want to share every single moment with their spouse (and I do too - but I know it is impossible with his job). It works for us, and I am so grateful for it.

Day of thanks #16

2011-11-16T08:21:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for a perfect day at Tokyo Disneyland. Can't write now...so tired. More tomorrow!

Day of thanks #15

2011-11-15T03:35:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for The New Sanno hotel. It is a 5 star in Tokyo for military personnel and family. It is awesome in every way with an amazing indoor pool and hot tub area (will post pics when I get home). It also has great restaurants, shopping and wine store. It is only an hour away and is so close to everything in Tokyo. Even Disneyland!!! Which is where we will be tomorrow!

day of thanks #14

2011-11-14T03:37:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for Amazon Prime. It is so worth it while living overseas to become a member! Free 2 day shipping (although it doesn't always get here that quickly - it still is pretty darn quick)! And it is so great to order something for friends and family online and be able to ship to them for free too! Yesterday was my niece's birthday (Happy Birthday Abby) and today is my little sister Kaitlin's (miss you girl - hope you have a great day)! It was so nice to be able to know what I wanted to get for them, have it available online at Amazon and then shipped for free! When we mail things from here - it can cost just as much to mail it than the cost of the present!!! So I am thankful (especially with the holidays coming up) that we have a good option for gift buying!!!
AND - It also has free book sharing for your Kindle, tons of free movies and tv shows, or cheap movie rentals (and you don't have to return them to the store 5 days late :-) Amazon rocks (and I am not getting paid to say so!!)

day of thanks #13

2011-11-13T06:19:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful that I live in Japan. Mainly because Japan is not filled with ambulance-chasing, lawsuit-happy, sue-mongrels. I certainly have my distaste for these types of people...but I am so happy to live in a land that is much more honorable than that (ok - I am done my rant)!
Given that fact, I am grateful for the Obstacle Course park. This awesome place is only about 10-15 minutes from us and is an outdoor playground for the kids (and us)...but you would never find anything like it in the states without signing waivers, etc. The kids LOVE going here and we always have a great time. Today was Sunday, and it was a beautiful fall day, so it was packed - but orderly. We even ran into some little girlfriends of Evie's from her school!!! And we explored some new areas which were beautiful and made us remember to expand our comfort zone sometimes and try new things - even if it is in old places!!!

day of thanks #12

2011-11-12T03:45:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for beautiful fall weather. Nothing feels/smells better than fall. A warm, crisp, clear fall day is amazing. This morning I woke up to one of the most amazing views to date of Mt Fuji and it's snow capped top. The air was totally clear and the mountain looked as if it were in my backyard. It almost caused me to get into an accident as I drove to Evelyn's cheerleading and Gavin's football. Which is another great part of fall! I love seeing my kids be active outdoors and have fun on team sports.
After they were done, we went for bike rides, cleaned out the back yard and storage areas, went to the par 3 on base and just enjoyed time together as a family! Thank you fall!!!!

Day of thanks #11 11/11/11

2011-11-11T04:16:00.003-05:00

Even though it is Veteran's Day and I usually reserve this day to recognize all the amazing men and women in the military.... Today I want to recognize and appreciate JoJo. My dear friend, Joanne. Joanne has impacted my life on so many levels it is frightening! She hired me for my first 'real' job. She helped guide my career path to get my MBA in Healthcare Administration and eventually take over her position as Director of Athletic Training Services for NovaCare Rehabilitation. But most importantly, she introduced me (and blatantly NUDGED me) to Patrick. I specifically remember the very first day that Patrick and I met....

I was helping JoJo get ready for a Quarterly meeting with all the ATCs in the area. She had me create and hand out some ice breaker questions. I remember meeting Patrick and totally thinking he was cute - but after the meeting she said "You are going to marry that guy. I just know it. You will be Mrs. Patrick Bull one day." I thought she was crazy...mainly because I had a boyfriend at the time and had no interest in anyone else. But as that relationship changed and dwindled...JoJo would set Patrick and I up together for work functions and put us on assignments together. One day, Patrick won Wings tickets (Philly's professional lacrosse team) and JoJo nonchalantly told Patrick that I love lacrosse. This was just after I had broken up with my old boyfriend and Joanne had a plan!!! The rest, as you would say, is history.

JoJo has also been an amazing inspiration and spiritual guidance for me also. And I came to realize that the number 11 was very special to her. She believes that The symbol 11 shows us that we are all a reflection of one another, a reminder that we maintain balance in life by serving others. She has taught me to love life, to help others, and to always be at peace. Every email or phone conversation ends with Namaste.

So on this special day (that most of us will only experience once in our lifetime) I have been thinking of her and her contributions to my life all day. Please check out her site - which helps people help others... http://www.foundation11.org/site/

Miss you JoJo and love you! Namaste!

Day of thanks #10

2011-11-10T01:14:00.004-05:00

Today I am grateful for the amazing men and women who serve in the .5%. The .5% of Americans who serve in the US military. The 1/2% of the nation who have courageously risked life, who have run toward the danger instead of away from it, who have rescued others, freed others, removed genuinely bad people from this Earth, those who have sat in a foxhole, or been shot at, or who hid in a jungle or drove along a city street, waiting for the inevitable explosion that would maim him, or her, or a friend. The ones who fought for this country, do what they are told and understood their place on the team. To all of you, thank you. Thank you for volunteering, for committing, for fighting, for getting our country closer to where it is, and to where it can/needs to be.

I am grateful for you and for your families. I had NO clue...NONE - of what it was really like to have a husband or wife, mother or father, leave for war. To see a half packed bag in the corner as the d-day slowly approaches. To try to pretend you will be totally fine for 6 months while your partner is half a world away. To feel the sadness of seeing your baby crawl for the first time and have to explain it over skype on your next weekly call. To feel the utter romance as your man in uniform (that you haven't seen in 6 months) gets off that plane and whirls you around as if in a dream. To truly be proud EVERY TIME you hear the national anthem playing.

It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you. Now, I have seen first hand. I have seen the young men and women VOLUNTEER to do this. They GIVE. They UNDERSTAND that more powerful than the will to win is the courage to begin and that freedom is never free.

I still tear up everytime I see a family reunited. I get proud (and a little selfishly annoyed sometimes) when I see bases performing "exercises' to practice real-life situations to make sure they are the best they can be. I see military kids that are stronger than almost all of the people I know. I still get excited every time I see a C130 take off and especially when an F 15 lands on base. I love that I can tell the difference of the planes now by their sounds and my kids know which base they came from by the call signs on the tails. I get chills every time I go to the movies on base and the whole theater stands at attention and salutes while the anthem is played.

All of these pleasures I am thankful for. And they are all graciously provided to me by the US military. So on Friday, please take a moment to thank and appreciate what these people have done for you.

Day of thanks #9

2011-11-09T03:37:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for Pinterest. My friend Shelby got my hooked onto it and it has been a huge hit in my house! This site is a virtual pinboard where you can keep all of your favorite ideas organized into one place. It also acts like Facebook in the fact that you can 'follow' your friends favorite items also. Anytime you are online and you see something you like, you can 'pin' it to your page. It has recipes, craft ideas, ideas for the home, funny quotes, party ideas, gift ideas, holiday ideas, - ANYTHING!!! This week it gave me an idea to take a picture of Evelyn in my wedding dress to give to her on her wedding day. I am meeting with a local photog on base to do this. I also made many of the recipes which were a hit with the family! AND I can make super easy crafty things in no time! It even gave me an idea for Patrick's b-day gift (a GPS watch with all the golf courses loaded on it so he will always know the distance to the next pin). It has given me my Christmas card idea, my mom's Christmas gift idea, and Christmas decorating ideas. It has given me a cleaning schedule, work out schedule and other organizational ideas. It has been great and I am very thankful for it!!!

Day of thanks #8

2011-11-08T05:08:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for my mom. There are a million reasons why everyone should be thankful for their mom....heck - there are a million reason why everyone should be thankful for MY mom. Tishymom is a legend among many of my friends and my sisters' friends. She is open and caring and kind. She is someone who dreams great dreams for you, but then she lets you chase the dreams you have for yourself and loves you just the same. She is there to pick you up when you fall, hold you up until you can stand on your own again, and cheer you on when you are on your way. She is someone, who when she sees a pie with only three slices left, will say she never like pie anyway - so my sisters and I could each get a piece. She always makes us feel loved.

It wasn't until I had children of my own did I fully appreciate my mother. I remember looking at my children, love bursting at the seams, and finally understanding how my mother could love so much. She is an amazing Grandmother. She is an amazing friend. She is an amazing human being.

I hate being so far away from her right now - and I truly an thankful that we are as close (relationship speaking) as we are. I have always had a close bond to her and I hope I have many many many more decades to grow with her.

Day of thanks #7

2011-11-06T23:57:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for my family being healthy. Another generic comment - but I am an extra proud momma today as my kids went to their annual dental exams this morning and neither one had any cavities! I know a lot has to do with strong teeth and good genetics - but they do brush their teeth twice a day, they don't drink soda, and they water down juice (ok - I brush their teeth twice a day, don't let them have soda and only give them watered down juice....but whatevs). I grew up with no cavities - but saw my middle sister, Anna, have to fight the teeth battle her whole life...and it does not look fun! Luckily, we have great access to dental care here on base and some of the best dentists and hygienists I have ever met! And even more lucky is that we don't need them usually for more than just a check up!!! Thanks Yokota Dental team!!!

PS - Lynnie...tell your hubby we will be coming his way soon. Even though my kids have great teeth - they are too great and have too many teeth. Gotta pull and shift :-)

PPS - This pic is from a long time ago - it was the only one I could find showing off teeth!

Day of thanks #6

2011-11-05T23:03:00.002-04:00

Today I am grateful for my husband and children. I know that sounds trite, but today I have special reasons. #1. My husband has been away for a week and I finally get him back!!! I realize how much he helps out around the house (well, I always knew he did - but when he is gone...the trash gets backed up, the dishes stay in the sink a little longer and the laundry doesn't walk itself upstairs like it usually does). Patrick is an amazing partner in life! He does so many little things that I tend to take for granted. After dinner he always cleans up, does the dishes and vacuums the whole downstairs. He empties the dishwasher in the morning before I wake up and makes sure the newspaper is out for me to read. He is so thoughtful - in ways he may not even know. He is an amazing father also. He has taught Gavin to ride his bike, he helps Evelyn learn English words (since she learns mostly Japanese at school), and he reads to the kids every night. So when he goes away...I really notice how much he does.
I also am so grateful that I have great kids. I mean, really great! They have been awesome all week without daddy and have helped chip in around the house also. They rarely fight (an occasional bicker - but that is normal, right?), they entertain each other, and they are just fun to be around! Last night we went to the bowling alley for some bowling, games and dinner - and it was like I was hanging out with friends.
I am grateful for these three blessings in my life and I truly thank God every day for them! But I figured I better blog it also - or karma might get her revenge on me!!!

Day of thanks #5

2011-11-05T03:39:00.002-04:00

Today I am super grateful for activities on our base. There are always a ton of options to do on base - some weekly, like Make your Own pizza night every friday night - or some are annual, like the Oktoberfest celebration that was held today. Even though it was quite hectic (and I had to do it all without Patrick here)...I took the kids to football/cheerleading games, ballet practice and then to the Oktoberfest...all before noon! I love that they have special (free) events that make you feel valued and appreciated. There were a ton of games and activities for the kids, free food, Yokota Idol finals, live band...all within a 2 minute walk of my house! I love that the base truly makes an effort to give people a reason to get together and be crazy!!!!

Day of thanks #4

2011-11-04T02:32:00.002-04:00

Today I am grateful for random days off with my kids. Except that I totally thought Evelyn had off of school but she really didn't. Her school called me to make sure she was ok....oops! I guess subconsciously I needed a random day with my two kiddos. I am the mom that hates when summer ends and I have to give my kids away for most of the day. So I always get grateful for silly days off for teacher training, or some testing, or conferences, etc. But since the kids go to separate schools - they have separate schedules and rarely are both home together. I love spending days doing nothing, everything and anything with my little ones. They are my best friends forever :-)

Day of thanks #3

2011-11-03T01:51:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for skype. I know last year I used this same one - but it's true. Living 7000 miles away from friends and family is tough - but having skype makes it a lot better! This week alone we have talked to both parents, friends, and other relatives! I love that I can see someone sign on and within seconds I can see their face and talk to them! And today (as in almost every week) I got to talk to one of my besties, Ashli, and watch gLee together. Talking on the phone is great - but seeing my loved ones faces is even better. I don't know what I would do without it!!!

PS - This picture is of me on the computer in front of Ashli's tv watching gLee).

Day of thanks #2

2011-11-01T23:51:00.005-04:00

Today I am grateful for the chance to learn about my host country's culture and language. I have been very blessed to be a part of 3 (yes, that's right...THREE) different culture groups to be able to learn about rituals, activities and food...but now I have started to try to learn their language!!! When we found out we were moving to Japan last year, my mother bought us Rosetta Stone. We have not be very diligent with it - but after having to use my 4 year old daughter as an interpreter, I decided it was time to really step up my game and learn parts of the language.

I am very lucky to have a friend who lives off base that participates in Japanese language classes. She lives across the street from a community center which offers the lessons for free. She has been going for over a year and has learned so much!!! So after she had invited me a few times - I decided to give it a go (and drag another friend with me!!!). I learned so much in the first lesson, and my brain actually hurt after the 2nd lesson. Today was the 3rd time I went and I am actually 'getting' it. I am hearing sounds and words that make sense and our teachers are so patient and fun! They really help us grasp why things sound a certain way - instead of just memorizing it. I actually held a conversation (basically consisting of "Good Morning. I am Kelly" - but hey...it's a start)!

I have started coming home and doing Rosetta Stone after my lessons and things make so much more sense!!! I am so happy and grateful I can at least make a valiant effort in leaning Japanese. Hopefully Evelyn won't be the only one who knows it by the end of this year!!!!

30 days of thanks....

2011-10-31T19:13:00.003-04:00

I know I have a ton of things I need to post about - and maybe this will nudge me to be on my blog more and post in between thankful posts. But in The 4 Bulls tradition, I will post every day about something I am thankful for. Today is easy. I am thankful for little boys who love their momma!!! Patrick is away for training in Texas, so Gavin told me he would sleep in my bed to protect me and keep me safe! He also told me he would take out the trash, vacuum and do the dishes....I guess that is what he thinks the man on the house should do. (to Gavin's future wife...You are welcome).

Bali

2011-09-04T21:11:00.013-04:00

I can't believe the summer is over! It is Labor Day and I realized I haven't blogged since the beginning of July (the kimono picture of Evelyn was taken right before the going away party for Patrick's ortho partner and his family which was July 9)! It has been a whirlwind of fun and exciting adventures - all culminating to our much anticipated vacation to BALI!

We decided to take a trip to a tropical locale where deciding 'beach or pool' was our toughest activity of the day. A lot of people from Yokota go to Thailand - which we definitely want to do at some point - but I had this inner draw to go to Bali. I blame it on Eat, Pray, Love. Regardless, all of Indonesia used to be off-limits, but now some areas (including Bali) are ok. Everyone told us it would be easy....just 'hop' to Singapore (on free flights offered three times a week for us) and book super cheap airfare from there. I researched the best areas of Bali for families (Nusa Dua was the top choice by a lot), and then the best resort (kids club was a major factor for us). We ended up choosing the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa.

It was somewhat difficult to plan since Indonesia is such a poor country and even their best hotels lack in internet capability and ease of booking a hotel. It wasn't hard....but it was different. They had forms to print out and fill in and rescan to send back to them (What?!?!? No online bookings?). It was a little unnerving. Even the airlines were different than I am used to. Not very consumer friendly with TONS of options (like paying for baggage prior to boarding and guessing how much your suitcases will weigh - but not realizing you get the baggage for ALL in your party - not just the one you want to pay for, etc).

There were some other MAJOR factors that came into play also. Sometimes, the 'hop' breaks down, or doesn't fly out on the day it is supposed to. We needed to fly to Singapore on Thursday so we could fly from there to Bali on Friday morning. But if the hop was late or not running properly, then we will miss our flight from SIngapore to Bali. Also, the weekend after we were to leave was the Friendship Festival on base. Tens of thousands of Japanese locals are invited on base so the flightline was being prepared for that...which meant there was a good chance our flight wouldn't happen. Also, all medical staff were rumored to be on hand for emergencies. But luckily, Patrick had all the appropriate papers signed and done through the proper chains - so he was cleared to go. It all worked out fine in the end - but the stress getting ready for the vacation was the worst part!

When Thursday came, we grabbed our 2 suitcases, 1 backpack, and food bag and headed to the terminal on base. It actually went very smoothly and there were only 11 people on our flight! The plane is to take supplies to the Singapore base but has 32 seats they can use for passengers. It was like a regular flight with attendants, movies and meals! I slept the whole way and the kids played games and watched movies. They were perfect! It took about 6 hours to get there. We didn't know much about Singapore - or expect much - but it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Our hotel was 5 star - the Intercontinental - with an amazing pool and breakfast buffet! We dropped off our bags and grabbed a bite to eat (McDonalds for Gavin) and headed to the night safari. This was something everyone had told us to do - and the kids really enjoyed it. I was spoiled by the Columbus zoo so I thought is was OK, at best. We crashed and slept like babies!

The next morning we ate, went swimming and headed to the airport. The ride to the airport was amazing - as every inch of space was landscaped and manicured! Even the airport was beautiful! We had a quick and smooth 2.5 hour flight to Bali where we were picked up by the hotel and taken there (about 20 mins). I didn't realize how poor of a country Bali is - definitely 3rd world. But all of a sudden, we came upon a HUGE gate with layers of security...the Nusa Dua area. They had cameras under the car, bombs sniffing dogs, metal detectors - the works. Past the gates we drove to the hotel and had another set of security. It was exactly as promised on the website and I knew we were in for a treat.

The staff knew us by name instantly (and would remember though our whole stay) and gave us the royal treatment. They let the kids feed the fish, the carried the luggage to our rooms, helped us exchange money and a tour. Our room was a family suite with a king bed and a set of bunks and private bath and balcony overlooking the gardens in one direction and the pool/beach in the other. We got in around 4 pm - so we took a stroll on the beach and grabbed a bite to eat. We were still pretty tuckered out from all the traveling so we went to bed early and got about 11 hours of sleep!!! It was great!

Every morning we would wake up around 8 or 8:30, get dressed and head down to the breakfast buffet. We would sit next to the koi pond, reading the newspaper and enjoy each other's company. It was almost disgustingly picture perfect :-) The first day, we decided to stay close and just spend ALL day at the beach and pool. Perfect weather + well behaved kids = relaxing first day of vacation. Dinner at the hotel on the beach and early bedtime for all!

On Sunday, we split up a little! Patrick ended up taking surf lessons, I booked a 4 hand massage and facial, and the kids played at the kids club. We felt a little guilty about spending time individually - but it turned out to be great! The kids had sooooo much fun (kids club was their favorite part of the vacation), I was pampered for 3 hours, and Patrick officially caught his first tube wave (and can brag to his friends that he learned to surf in Bali). We met up at 2 and went on our first adventure off the resort. We took a glass bottom boat out to a coral reef (to see some fishies) and continued on to Turtle Island. This was kind of a creepy, dirty place - but still very cool (if that makes sense). Here we were able to hold all sorts of reptiles and animals - including turtles, bats and SNAKES! They threw a python around Evelyn's neck - but she was too little so Gavin had to help carry it! We got up close and personal with many creatures - but I was a little nervous about the safety, etc (no hand washing, animals getting out of cages, etc). But it turned out fine, the kids had a blast and we have pictures of them holding a 10 foot snake. Pretty cool. Not your average adventure! Sunday night we were able to enjoy a Balinese Ritual - the Kecak Dance. We had dinner which was a buffet of salads and appetizers followed by a plate of the most amazing seafood and meat dishes!

On Monday, I had booked a Dolphin experience. This was by far the best thing we did all vacation! The driver picked us up and we drove for about 20-30 mins to the Dolphin Lodge. This was much nicer accomodations - even though it was in a not so nice part of town :-). We waited for the whole group to get there, put on some safety jackets and took a tiny little boat out to an enclosure in the water. The 4 of us were assigned to Jasmine, one of the Mommy Dolphins they have. Jasmine is missing an eye but is otherwise very healthy. We climbed down into her cage and the instructor started her off with some simple tricks. We were able to pet her, feed her, call out commands, etc. She kissed us (on the cheeks), clapped her tailfin, jumped over sticks, pushed a ball around with her nose, sang, etc. It was really an amazing experience! She was so much softer than I envisioned (I was thinking sticky and rubbery). And one of her babies was next to us and also would do tricks for us in her cage! Evelyn was a little afraid to be in the water (because of the other fish swimming around) but warmed up and totally fell in love with dolphins. I think she has asked for us to buy her one every day since we have been back.

On Tuesday, we dropped the kids off at the kids club again and Patrick and I went golfing at the Bali Country Club. This was the one thing Patrick really wanted to do, so I was happy we were able to! It was only about 5 minutes from our resort so we were able to leave the kids and go. Upon arrival, we found out that part of the cost (very expensive cost if you ask me) was to each get a caddy too. This turned out to be great for us - because my caddy really ended up helping me and I shot 4 or 5 PARS!!! Patrick was so happy that I was doing well and having a good time. Unfortunately, he had a rough start - so he didn't shoot in the 70's like he wanted - but pulled it together and had a great back 9. There were holes that you could see out onto the ocean and the weather was again...PERFECT. We were gone for about 4.5 hours and when we got back to the resort, the kids didn't want to leave the kids club! So Patrick and I laid out by the pool together and grabbed some drinks KID-FREE! We finally rounded them up, played in the pool and ocean with them for 2 hours, then got showered and cleaned up for the evening. It ended up being Dinner and Movie night at the kids club, so we dropped them off AGAIN and we went off resort to dinner by ourselves! It was a great day :-)

Our last full day was Wednesday. We let the kids decide what to do - and they wanted to go to a water park. We were a little hesitant since we can go to a water park anytime...but we were so glad we went! We were the only ones there! Seriously - a brand new awesome water park all to ourselves! After about 2 hours a few more people came...but it was non-stop fun. We had a personal driver who took us, and on the way home we stopped at McDonalds for lunch and then he took us to find our "Cat Poop Coffee". We had heard about this special coffee (a special cat with an amazing sense of smell eats the perfectly ripe coffee beans, digests it and poops out the bean. It is supposedly the best coffee on earth since the bitterness is totally gone) and wanted to buy some while there. We ended up in the craziest back alley, shady neighborhood spot, where there was this nice little factory. The employees inside were literally cleaning beans in front of you and there were special tasting rooms. It was, again, one of the strangest experiences I have had! But - we got our coffee and then some!!!

Our flight on Thursday wasn't until later in the evening so we were able to get extended check out and enjoy lunch and more swimming. The flight back to Singapore was easy (except that Patrick ended up getting salmonella from the airline food - but that is another story) and we stayed at the Intercontinental again. Friday we had to get up early to check in for the hop home, but our friends the Currys were also on the flight - so it gave the kids some other people to play with. It was a bumpy flight - but we got home around 6pm on Friday night. We were happy to be home - but sad that our vacation was over. It truly was a trip of a lifetime!!!

Does it get any cuter?

2011-07-10T07:17:00.002-04:00

Let's always be fun...

2011-07-03T18:56:00.000-04:00

These are the words that Patrick and I toasted to when we got engaged. And we really do try to live by those words. So one of the things I arranged for us to do was to go canyoning and white water rafting at an adventure center about 2 hours from base. It is the place we went for skiing - so we knew the people who worked there and most of them (if not all) spoke English and were just really cool to hang out with.

So Patrick requested the day off on Wednesday, we ditched the kiddos off to some friends, and we headed out for our fun adventure! There was absolutely NO traffic in either direction - which was a huge bonus. It also left us with some wiggle time to hang out and explore before we had to meet up for our canyoning part of the trip. We checked in at the Canyons Outdoor Adventure base and it turned that we were the only 2 people signed up that day!!! It rarely happens that way - but we were thrilled that we were basically getting a private tour! We actually got extra guides since some needed training - so it was a fabulous scenario for us!

It turns out that our canyoning guide was a guy named Grassy from Australia. He is one of the owners of the place and was training 2 others to be canyoning guides. Since canyoning is a lot harder on the body and harder to be a guide - they are short on people who can do it. So we got a special treat by having him guide us.

The Fox Canyon was only a few minutes from the Lodge so we got suited up and headed out. We had to wear thick wet suits, special shoes, gloves, and a helmet for protection! Not the sexiest get-up...but I was glad we had them on! Canyoning is super fun...basically you float down a rapid stream, through some rock formations, over edges and sometimes over waterfalls! You either float on your back (legs out straight and looking up into the sky, feet first) or you go down head first (on your belly, superman style). You bump into rocks a lot - so the guides help warn you when to bend your legs, make a fist, etc. They also let you know slippery areas, holes in the ground, etc. The course we went on had a 60 foot waterfall that we went over, a bridge to jump off of, and other crazy fun stuff! It was dizzying though...since the water was thrusting you in certain directions, you were trying to swim in others, and you were falling in others. Luckily I had taken a dramamine beforehand - or I may have gotten a little motion sick. But I didn't! Just a bit dizzy....and majorly exhausted!!!

After the big waterfall (which Patrick basically slid down the whole thing while I was lowered part of the way and then dropped) there was a bridge overhead (about 40+ feet high) which you could rock climb up to and jump off of into the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. You had to be careful though because there were rocks just below the bridge - so you had to propel yourself outwards first and then fall. Patrick climbed up first and then the guide helped me climb...but once I got close to the top I freaked out (I do NOT like heights) and asked him to lower me back down. I am sure glad I did because I never would have jumped! But Patrick did and I cheered him on :-) After the guide had Patrick go...he walked around to the top of a 100+ foot cliff and jumped off like a crazy man! None of the other guides have ever tried it because it is pretty insane since you are jumping into the waterfall pool, there are jagged rocks, etc. But he did it and was fine!

We went down some more straight-aways, more slides, more falls and came to another pretty high one. This one we did 3 times...once feet first, once head first and once jumping off. I actually loved the head first with a flip! I did not like jumping!!! But it was fun overall! The very last fall we went over, we had to go head first - but on our backs...so we were blind going into it! That was also fun! Once we were there we could keep climbing back up and jumping in. Patrick did back dives, flips, etc. It took me about 5 minutes just to do a regular jump...but then I realized it wasn't that bad! But by that time I was truly exhausted so we just went back to base for lunch.

If you ask Patrick what his favorite part of the day was - he would say lunch! It was Oishii (Japanese word for delicious). There was a buffet of handmade foods - ranging from Japanese curry, Gnocchi (which were the BEST gnocchi I have ever had), a lasagna type thing (but made with rice instead of noodles), soup, salad, etc. I think he had thirds of everything - and could have had more! After lunch we geared up and headed to the river for white water rafting.

This was actually a nice break since the flow was pretty strong and carried us most of the way with little paddling needed. They had some pretty good rapid sections and our guide, Rowan, would paddle us back into the bottom of the rapids for some 'surfing'. But we really just enjoyed the beauty of the nature out there. Much different from the city and areas we live in! It was a little sad to see the abandoned hotels (built during the tourism bubble and went bankrupt and literally just left everything there and went away). It is such an amazing area - I truly hope that it can rebuild soon.

Once we were done, we went back to base, got dressed and headed home. Again, no traffic so we were home before dinner! I slept the entire way :-) We were so excited to show the kids what we did (we got a cd with all the pics and videos on it) and now they want to go! Maybe we will take Gavin soon (you have to be 6 y/o)...but we know we will definitely go back! I posted some pics here - and I will try to add video later!

Science and Innovation Museum

2011-07-02T20:19:00.003-04:00

After our fun date night, we woke up, went swimming, ate breakfast and headed out into Tokyo again for some more exploring. I was told by one of the Yujo workers (they know a ton to do in all the areas) about a fun, interactive museum for the kids. He also said it had a "death star" like planetarium - so we knew we had to go!

We got to take the trains and then the subway and then the monorail! Lots of fun :-) The monorail looped around the Rainbow Bridge so we got to see lots of great sights! Inside was very fun - except all the shows for the planetarium were sold out. But we still got to see the "death star" and we ended up going into a different one across the street that was actually a tv station.

It was another great family adventure!

I still do....

2011-06-25T09:35:00.006-04:00

Patrick and I can't believe that we have been married for 6 years. Probably because it feels like 26 - but at the same time it feels like we are still newlyweds. We have been through so much together, lived in 3 different homes, 2 states, 2 countries. We have been blessed with 2 great children and we still always manage to make each other laugh and smile every day!

Unfortunately, Patrick was on call on our actual anniversary (June 18) so we couldn't do much. We did get a chance to try out a little Italian place, literally steps off base, which we LOVED! We didn't stay out late - but it was so funny to think about the fact that we were having a celebration dinner 8000 miles away from where we were eating 6 years ago!

We decided that we would celebrate for real the next weekend (June 24). We made reservations at the New Sanno hotel (our military 5 star hotel in Tokyo) and got a babysitter to come to our room to watch the kids while we went out. We decided to go to the Ginza area which is basically the Rodeo Drive of Japan. You name it....Tiffany's, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Armani, Louis Vuitton, etc...all on one street. We researched the area and decided we wanted to try some Kobe beef for dinner and then follow it up with drinks at the Ice Bar Tokyo. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

We hopped on the train into Ginza and walked a few blocks to Tiffany's (I got my rings cleaned :-), and then found the restaurant we researched called Gyu An. We had read the best reviews of this quaint little place and how it had some of the best Kobe beef in the world - with decent prices. Apparently Kobe can run you upwards of $300 PER plate...but this was 1/2 the cost (still expensive - but totally worth it at least once). I officially had my first food gasm with the Kobe beef.

After we were finished there we walked down the street to the Tokyo Ice Bar. Some friends of ours had gone and had a great time so we wanted to see what the fuss was about! Literally - the entire place was made of ice. The tables, glasses, seats, pillars...all ice. You had to wear a parka and gloves to go inside and could only stay in for up to 45 minutes. My little flip flops didn't help - but we lasted the whole time! The drinks were delish (although pricey...thank goodness for free drink coupons). We felt like little kids....which was a perfect way to complete our anniversary date!

The next day we had another Tokyo adventure - which I will post later about.
I want to thank my mom and dad for sending some anniversary love (aka money) to help fund our awesome Tokyo anniversary!

Geisha Pictures

2011-06-16T08:10:00.007-04:00

This past Tuesday, I was invited to go into Tokyo to get some fun, unique, authentic Japanese pictures taken! My friends Debbie and Shelly (who have both been instrumental in my transition to Yokota and whose husbands work in the hospital also) are leaving Japan soon and heard about this place that dresses you up like Maikos (a Geaisha in training), Gaikos (Geishas) and Oirans (Japanese Courtesans - high class hookers). They reall wanted to get it done before they left and, with the help of a Japanese friend who works at the hospital, set up the appointments. I dropped the kids off for school and we hopped on the trains to get to the studio.

The studio is a temporary one right now as they are rebuilding at their normal location. We found it with no problems and made it a few minutes early!!! The whole process was so fun! First you chose which look you wanted. Next you chose which dress/jacket/accessories. Finally you picked what poses/props you wanted (we got 3 out of about 30). Then the fun began!

You had to get into a white gown and wash your face. Then they put a net over your hair and applied a layer of vasoline-type substance all over the areas they would be covering with make up (face, neck, shoulders, arms). Next, they literally painted white ALL over. Eyelids, nose, neck, mouth...everywhere!!! It was very freaky looking! Once the white was applied, they intricately put some red coloring on your brows, lids, and lips. They added some blue to the brows (to make a purply look) and some fake lashes.

When all the make up was on and dry, they helped you get into the kimonos, etc. If you have never had on a kimono - it is basically like a robe that they wrap together soooooooooooooo tightly with a 'belt' (Obi) so you can barely breathe. We quickly learned why Japanese ladies are so thin. You could barely move - let alone eat!

Once your dress was on they put your wig on. This was the most uncomfortable thing to me. The Oirans wigs weighed even more - but it still felt like your head was going to topple over!!!

When you were finally all done - they helped you get into position to match the poses you chose. Some of the poses were easy - but some involved SUPER high shoes (the Oiran) or traditional Japanese sandals (the Geisha) which are very hard to balance on! The photographer was awesome and very professional. The assistants were fast and stealthy. And they edited the pictures literally the second they had been snapped.

The best part was we were allowed to take pictures with our own cameras also. We took shots of the whole process as well as shots of the final product :-) When all was said and done, we walked out with 3 professionally edited and printed pictures in a triple frame and a CD with ALL the professional pics on it.

It was such a fun experience...I can't wait to take friends and family that come and visit!!!

epiphany

2011-06-14T21:41:00.003-04:00

I don't know why these little thoughts pop up - but it always amazes me when they do! I mean, I know my parents love me. They have always been loving, caring, supportive, etc. And I could understand that love once I had children. I distinctly remember when I brought Gavin home from the hospital that I suddenly realized JUST HOW MUCH a parent loves a child.

I was re-reading my earlier post to my children about how I was so sorry that they had to go through something as horrible as they did on March 11. And then I realized that my parents probably felt the same thing for me. The fear. The sadness. The worry. The relief when we were ok. The wanting to make it all go away.

I remember the weight that was lifted from my shoulders when I walked off that final airplane in Philadelphia. Words cannot express the feeling I had when the first people I saw were my Dad, Godfather and sister. And then, when we reached our final destination at my mom's house there was that extra layer of comfort. But. it was not only me that was relieved. Hugging me (and their grandchildren), knowing they could protect us for a while, being there to show support...it is a parents job, right, and passion.

I am so blessed to have such an amazing family and I hope to be able to pass that down from generation to generation!

Did you ever have a day....

2011-06-04T07:39:00.008-04:00

That was so perfect you needed to blog about it just so you could remember? We have all had days that were so great that you wanted to go back and read about it when you have days that were not so great (mom...remember that time that CJ got sick and had doggy poo all over your new rugs? It was one of the only times I have seen you cry). Anyway - the past 2 days have been that good that I want to remember them always.

It started on Friday when it was time to celebrate Patrick's promotion to Major. There was a beautiful ceremony, Patrick gave a touching speech (in which he got very choked up talking about how much he loved me - which made all the ladies in the room go "Awwwwwww"), and more than twice the amount of people showed up! I swelled with pride as I stood next to our children and watched Patrick recite his oath (by memorization) as he was sworn in as the newest Major in the US Air Force. My favorite part though, was right before Patrick was officially announced (and we all had to rise as he entered) - Evelyn saw him and ran over to him with open arms and hugged him! The picture is awful - but again, it was something I just wanted to have documented so I never forget! When the ceremony and celebration were over, we went to the O Club and socialized with some friends, had some drinks, and then decided to go out for dinner. We went to a new place (new to us) called Sherlock Holmes. It was an English Pub type of place that had Guinness and Bass on tap, and a delicious 'hamburg steak' which was basically hamburger meat made into a steak shape and grilled in front of you served over rice with sauce. Very yummy! Then we grabbed some desserts at Chatelaine (a 'French' Bakery) and were home by 9 (yes, I know - we are lame). But it was a great night I will always remember.

Today, we woke up, Patrick made breakfast while I went for a run (ok - a walk with some jogging thrown in) and then we decided to get outside to soak up the gorgeous day. We decided to go to Showa Park again (we had been twice before during the week so it was empty) and Evelyn literally was there yesterday with her school. But we wanted to rent bikes, have a picnic and enjoy the day. So we packed up some lunch, threw on some sun screen, and headed out for some fun!

Much to our surprise it was not as crowded as we expected for a gorgeous weekend! We are getting much better at figuring out how to do things in Japan (buy tickets, rent the bikes, etc) so it did not take long to get on the bike path and head for the Children's play area. This area has the white jumpy cloud area, the dragon park and the rainbow nets. The kids ran and played and laughed and were perfect. We ate lunch under a covered pavilion and took off on our bikes again. I think the kids liked riding on the back of the bikes as much as anything! We went to the open area which had beautiful poppy fields, more play grounds, people laying out in the grass, some people in tents, people playing frisbee, etc. It was almost out of the Stepford Wives books...it was that picture perfect. Everyone was happy and just having a good time. No one got into your business. Everyone was friendly. Very nice. After that we headed for our last stop at the Bonsai Gardens. It was very neat, clean and serene. There was a koi pond, bonsai trees, bamboo trees, and - my favorite - the purple iris gardens. The kids were very well behaved, the bikes were easy and fun to use, and the weather was absolutely perfect.

When we got home, the kids relaxed and watched tv, Patrick tended to the yard, and I napped :-) Then we all worked together to help make dinner which consisted of BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, mac and cheese and applesauce! We ate outside, there were no bugs, and we used paper plates so there was nothing to clean up! After dinner we walked to the shopette to rent a movie for us and to get ice cream and gummy bears for the kids.

Throughout the past 2 days there was voluntary hand holding with parents, hugs between siblings, and shoulder rides. There were laughs, sharing, and pleases and thank yous. I know we still have one more day in the weekend...but so far - this has been one of the best weekends to date :-)

Our first week back...

2011-06-01T02:55:00.003-04:00

Things have been slowly getting back to normal for us again in Japan. Gavin started school last week and Evelyn went back this week. She was excited to go back - especially since one of her best girlfriends, Julia, is in her class. They had assigned seats next to each other, but unfortunately, the day Evelyn went back is the day the decided to rearrange seats. As far as I know, that was the only snafu as she was happy when she got home and wanted to go back the next day!

The only really bad part this week is that Patrick and Gavin both got sick which sort of ruined our 4 day weekend plans. But, we stayed at home, together as a family and did nothing. To me, it was great!

Since I had so much unpacking and laundry to do anyways, I had extra motivation to purge clothes and toys, put winter gear away, and reorganize. My BFF Eileen told me about Space Bags (my newest obsession) so I went gung ho and totally got everything done. We have so much storage room now, the kids areas are organized (but still livable and easy to sustain organization) and the house has been pretty clean since we have been back! Let's see how long I can keep it up!

The kids have adjusted very well and are happy to be back with their daddy, school and friends. But, I do think that our little adventure has brought them even closer together. Most mornings they wake up and crawl into each others' bed and read books or play. Gavin can't wait to pick up Evie at the bus stop and hear about her day. And Evelyn always asks Gavin to go out and play with her when she heads out back. I love seeing how close they are and I think it is cute that they still want to spend time together as much as possible!

So, that is our week in a nutshell. I have made some goals for myself each day - and one of them is less time on the computer. I do plan to make computer time worthy though - so I hope to keep updating and tracking our adventures! For now, I am going to put away more laundry :-)

Back with a Bang!!!

2011-05-25T05:54:00.004-04:00

Today was Gavin's first day back to school. I was going to keep him out until next week - but he desperately wanted to go back, so we obliged. It was so heart warming to see how excited he was as well as how excited his little classmates were to see him! It makes me feel good to see that all his friends were so happy to have him back!

The only glitch we ran into was that tonight was the whole kindergarten's Spanish Dance recital and Gavin wanted to be included. Now, mind you, he has not practiced at all, let alone even know the songs and dances expected of him. But he still wanted to be a part of it!

In my opinion...he did great! I was so proud of my little man that he wanted to be part of his 'team' regardless of if he knew the steps or not. I thought he adjusted perfectly (except for a few late moves and a slight wardrobe malfunction) and he seemed to have a blast!!!

I am trying to attach a video..if it doesn't post I will keep trying!

To my husband...

2011-05-24T19:17:00.004-04:00

I love you. These three words don't seem to provide any justice to my actual feelings, yet I say them to you all the time anyway.

9 weeks. In the grand scheme of our life together, this does not seem like a long time. But when you consider that it was the longest period of time we have ever spent apart in over a decade of being together, it feels like an eternity. I know it was a choice we made together (which some people couldn't fathom being apart from each other for that long), but we did so with our children's safety in mind. It proves to me that you put your family above all else. It proves to me that you love your children and want to protect them. And it proves to me that we have a relationship so solid that not being physically together as a family didn't matter. We could be 8000 miles away from each other and still love one another as much as possible.

Sure there was a lot that we missed. I missed cuddling, holding hands, and other physical joys ;-). I missed talking at length about a surgery you had, or your soccer game, or about each hole of golf you played. We knew there were limits on how long we could talk (the time difference made that difficult). And the kids only had an attention span of about 3 minutes on the phone. Gavin missed playing Wii with you. Evelyn missed having you throw her in the air and play puzzles. We missed Saturday mornings at the bakery, Sunday morning homemade breakfasts, walks after dinner, and bedtime stories.

But more than anything, I fell more in love with you once we returned to you! I cried when I saw you after our 22 hour trek home. Even though the kids were seriously perfect angels almost the whole time, it was such a relief to know I had my partner back. You rented a van to pick us up because you knew we had a ton of luggage and would like space to relax and sleep on the drive home. You missed a soccer game to come get us (which I KNOW is a big deal for you)! We came home and opened the door to find the house decorated with streamers and balloons and flowers and presents for us all. You knew the perfect gifts for each one of us...Gavin got Star Wars 3 lego Wii game, Evelyn got a new puzzle and hungry hungry hippos and I got a beautiful arrangement of flowers in a Tiffany's vase.

And to top off the thoughtfulness you displayed, my mom emailed me to let me know that she and Kaitlin received a surprise arrangement of flowers with a beautiful note of how appreciative you were that they went above and beyond and took care of us when we were in the states. I feel like you are courting me all over again and doing all the 'right' things to prove that you are an amazing husband. But, I already knew you were. This just cements it even more. You are so thoughtful, caring and loving. And I am so honored to have you. So even though the words seem meek...I will say them again.

I love you.

Video

2011-04-24T09:08:00.002-04:00

Melissa added a cute feature to her Fresh Face Contest. She also took some video during the shoot and added it with the still pics to make a great slide show feature. It was fun to see!!!

Melissa Jones Photography Fresh Face Contest

2011-04-24T08:46:00.005-04:00

I know I have so much to post from our time here - but for now - here are the pictures we got from Melissa during her Fresh Face Contest...

To my Children...Part 2

2011-03-31T09:47:00.002-04:00

It has been 11 days since we have been on solid ground in PA and there are a few more thoughts I needed to express to you.

1. Once we return to Japan, there will be NO vacation fairy bringing you gifts every morning.
2. You will NOT be allowed to watch tv before bedtime.
3. You WILL go to bed by 8pm - not 10.
4. You WILL have to get up by 7am and get fed and dressed right away so we can get to school.
5. You will NOT get to go to every bounce house, museum, movie, indoor pool in the tri-state area.
6. You will NOT get pizza or chicken nuggets every night for dinner.
7. We will NEVER have cocoa puffs for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
8. It is NOT normal to visit with multiple friends and family every single day.
9. There WILL be a limit on the number of hours you spend in front of the tv, Wii or DS.
10.We will NOT be able to go to Target whenever we want (I am sad about this one too).

BUT...
1. We WILL be with Daddy again!!!
2. You WILL get to go to your own schools and see your own friends and live in your own rooms with your own toys.
3. You WILL have a normal routine and know what to expect each day (like Tuesday and Thursdays is swim lessons, etc).
4. You will NOT have to spend every second of every day with each other or with me - you will have independence.
5. You WILL have chances to make good decisions to earn privileges or money (which always feels better than just having things handed to you).
6. You WILL like eating mommy's dinners all together as a family with a gratitude attitude (meaning you like my food or politely just say thanks anyway).
7. You WILL still get presents sent from Tishymom, and Poppop, and Mommom and Poppop, and Aunt Eileen, and Kiki, etc... which is always fun to get things in the mail!
8. You WILL get to see more things in Japan...like cherry blossoms and shrines and rivers and mountains and watch the Japanese recover with humility and grace and learn life lessons far beyond what Mommy and Daddy could possibly teach you!
9. You WILL get to see super cool relief efforts from the military. Marines, sailors, Army guys and our own Air Force...working together and bringing all the awesome planes and helicopters to help Japan in their time of need. We will help out anyway we can, like making cookies to give to the volunteers working the night shifts or putting together backpacks for school-aged kids so they can start going back to a normal routine and learning again. We will have fundraisers and we will add Japan to our prayers every night and we will forever remember how grateful we are for our host country. We will be glad (one day) that we were able to be a direct part of this event.
10. You WILL continue to be loved more than you could possibly know and Mommy and Daddy WILL continue to protect you as best as we can!!!

So, as much as we are having fun and getting spoiled in the United States right now, it will be awesome when it is time to go back to our home...JAPAN!

To my children...

2011-03-23T18:19:00.002-04:00

Dear Gavin and Evelyn,

I am sorry. I am so sorry that you had to ever be so close to such a life threatening, life changing tragedy. All a mother wants to do is protect her children...no matter what. From harm, from illness, from bad people, and from experiencing horrifying things. So I am sorry I could not keep you from this.

I know that it must be scary to go through something like that as a small child. And it must be even scarier to see fear in all the adults eyes too. Gavin, I tried my hardest to be brave during the earthquake, but after a couple of minutes, I was REALLY scared. And I might have let you see that fear. I tried to explain what was happening so you could learn from this, but there were moments during some of the aftershocks and subsequent EQs (as we now call them) that I literally couldn't breathe or talk. And Evelyn, I am the most sorry that I wasn't there with you. As soon as we realized that your bus was not coming I RACED as fast as I could to get you at your school. It tore my heart apart when I got there to see you crying for your mommy, surrounded by children whose parents got there quicker than I did.

The night of the EQ your daddy and I didn't leave your sides. Even with all the strong aftershocks, you two were OUR rocks. Being together was all that mattered. I knew I was okay as long as you two and your daddy were with me. We played musical-beds since no one wanted to sleep alone.

With that being said, I am so proud of how you have handled things since then. I KNOW it was scary to go back to school. I KNOW it was scary to go to sleep in the dark by yourself. I KNOW it was hard to see mommy scared too. Our 'normal' was no longer. Some friends started leaving Japan. Your teachers started leaving. Our base was scheduled for electricity black outs. The Japanese schools were canceled. You were not allowed outside to play during recess. I am so proud also that you were so excited to go back to visit PA, for 'spring break' as you know it.

Again, I thought of myself as the luckiest mom in the world. You both stepped up and were great on our 30 hour trek back to the states. We woke up, ate breakfast and boarded the bus for the airport at 8am. Luckily, you slept more than 1/2 the way!!! The line to check in was LONG and the security line was LONGER - but again, you did great. We were lucky to have a friend with us to help entertain you - but you still made it so easy! You watched movies, played DS, and watched planes take off and land while we waited to board our initial flight. Once on the plane, you ate dinner, played games and then went to sleep for over 8 hours!!! People surrounding us told me how good and well behaved you were. And how lucky I was!!! You continued your good behavior (for the most part) all the way through until Poppop Why and Kiki picked us up, and all the way until we got back to Tishymom's house at after midnight...more than 30 hours after we left our home. Even now, 4 days later, you have adapted to jet lag, you have been willing to tell your stories to people, and you want to experience fun things (like the Please Touch Museum) instead of just staying in and playing Wii.

I know that, together, we will learn from this. We will learn how important it is to care for others. We will learn, from the Japanese, that we will be respectful and supportive of each other. We will learn the importance of donating time, resources and money to charities that can help people. We will learn.

And most importantly, I want you to know I will NEVER stop trying to protect you. I want you to know that NONE of this is your fault (an assumption that adults know to be true - but that sometimes children can feel). And I want you to know that together, we can get through this. This is a link for a book about a mother's instinct to protect - especially after earthquakes!
http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/eBookSamples/Flash/Panda/Default.php

I love you forever and always.

for those not on facebook...

2011-03-21T12:31:00.001-04:00

I feel like I have to say something - although I am mad at myself for feeling like I have to say it (if that makes any sense). I am pleading with all of our friends and family (and please tell you friends and family) that the decision to leave or not leave Japan is ONLY about what is best for that specific family. I fully support those people who want to leave (heck, I am one of them) and also for those that stay. For us, The 4 Bulls, our decision to leave was not based on fear. At first, it was...but it never felt right, so we never went ahead and made arrangements to leave. It made me sick (literally) and tore me apart trying to make a decision based out of fear. If I was scared enough to be running away - how could I possibly leave my husband here in danger? How would I sleep at night knowing my friends on base, and my Japanese friends off base were in trouble? How could I possibly think that I might not come back to my home again and that the kids might never see their toys again? If I left, would Patrick think I was abandoning him? Would I be teaching the kids to run from things when they got scared? Would I ever feel safe coming back to Japan again if I did leave?

And I know that the people back in the states are seeing a sensationalized version of what is really happening. So many of you sent me heartfelt messages to "get the eff outta here"!!! "Better safe than sorry". "No one knows the effect it could have on kids". You name the reason - and almost every single one of my friends (and their friends and their friends) wanted us home. But again, that was out of fear. It is not a way I want to live my life.

I had a great talk with 2 wives here. I don't really know what they said, or how they said it, but something clicked in me. I truly felt that it was safe here. I am not fearful of the radiation because I know for certain that we are monitoring the air every hour. I know if anything changes they have the ability to get people out of here. I am still a little afraid or more earthquakes - but I think that is normal (you know, after being in a 9.0 (6 for where we are) for 2.5 minutes). I stopped really freaking out after about our 200th one. Now, I look at my wine glasses clanking together and just hope they don't break. But I also know that the earthquakes weren't what devastated this area. On all the videos y'all are seeing - please notice that even in the area closest to the quake, the houses are still standing. No buildings fell in tokyo. Sure, it bent the tip of Tokyo Tower - but for the most part, Japan was prepared for this. What is not able to be controlled in the path and destruction of the tsunami. But we are much further inland and higher ground for that to affect us. So I am not fearful of that.

Once my fears subsided, I decided it WAS best for us for the kids and I to come home. Evelyn is on spring break for 3 weeks. Gavin will have 10 days off soon. Patrick may be called to do humanitarian relief. Trains are down. Teachers are leaving. Activities are being canceled. As much as things are business as usual here, it is not necessarily our every day life. It is all people talk about. And once the US Embassy started voluntary evacuations, we felt like it was best for Japan to get the panicked foreigners out. The Japanese are such a structured, non-chaotic, calm, peaceful culture. It is best for their recovery to get back to normal. I believe in my heart of hearts that if I do leave...I WILL come back home here. Patrick WILL be safe. And my friends WILL thrive.

There are more people than not who are deciding to stay until FORCED to leave. This is not a decision they made out of being stubborn or naive. It is a very hard decision to stay also. They have people constantly contacting them telling about the fears they should have. But what everyone has to realize is THIS IS OUR HOME. Our husbands have to stay, and if we truly do not fear danger than we will stay too. Some people can't afford to go. Or some people think it will scare their kids more if they leave.

Whatever decision people make, I beg of you to accept it and pray for them regardless. I chose to buy a ticket (thanks to my loving parents to help with the cost) instead of getting evacuated out. This means that I have to face hours on a bus (imagine traffic now that the trains are down) and then hours in the terminal (try to picture the scene at Tokyo's airport right about now) by myself with 2 kids. Then a 14 hour flight to Chicago, with a lay over, then another flight to Philly. But, if we went with the evac - we could end up in Korea or Singapore or somewhere, sleeping in a gym on some cots. Or we could get back to the states. It is all up in the air now.

As for the 4 Bulls, we feel that we have made the right choice and hope people understand. We are not running out of fear, but there were many more pros than cons for us specifically. We are so blessed to be part of Yokota Air Base, the United States Air Force and welcomed guests of Japan. I truly believe the military and government is doing exactly what needs to be done and has our best interest at hand. They have done remarkable things and I am sad that I will be missing some of seeing that first-hand.

Update

2011-03-12T22:37:00.003-05:00

We can't thank everyone enough for the outpouring of love, prayers and concern for us and our host country. It has been a crazy few days - ones I will NEVER forget. For now, here is a little sampling of what we went through initially.

Around 2:47pm on Friday afternoon, Gavin and I were at home at the dining room table. I was on the computer and I noticed a little shaking and rattling of our buffet cabinets. This was somewhat normal though, as they shook a bit if a plane or helicopter flew overhead. But then the wine glasses starting clamoring together and the table started to shake. Really shake. I was actually very calm and thought, "OK - This is an earthquake. We need to get to our safe place (doorway between 2 cement walls)." We walked over and the shaking got consistently worse. It was a very strange feeling. I felt as if I was dizzy or motion sick - but knew it wasn't me shaking - everything was. Gavin was so confused so I tried to calmly explain to him what was happening. I said "This is an earthquake. The earth shakes because of these things underground that bump together (ok - I am not an expert on explaining these). It will stop soon." But it didn't stop. It kept going, and getting stronger, and going, and getting stronger. Things were falling off walls and shelves. I eventually got really scared because I swore it was going to keep going. So I grabbed Gavin and ran to our neighbors (I didn't want to be the only adult and I knew my friends were home). It lasted another 30-60 seconds and then was over. We were all in a semi-state of shock. We knew it was a big one (newest measure was that it was a 9.1) - and it must not have been too close - so wherever it was - it was going to be disastrous. Unfortunately, we were right.

Then came the aftershocks. Gavin and I felt safe enough to go back home, so we started to leave and noticed my neighbor's plants started shaking again. So we got back inside and got under the table (6.4). When that was over, I knew I needed to get to Evelyn. She gets on the bus at 2:50 - so I was hoping they were on their way home already since it was now 3:15. We drove to the East gate where we get the kids from the bus. While in the car, we had another biggie (7.1). That was also such a weird feeling to be in the car, stopped, but still moving! Today (Sunday) we have had over 275 aftershocks - a lot of them 6.0 and higher.

All the parents met at the bus stop, waiting for our kids to get to us. Finally, we came to a realization that there was no cell service - so the school would not be able to reach us. Luckily, there is still Wi-Fi all over Japan so I was able to check my email on my phone. We had received 4 emails from the school, all in Japanese. We found 2 children (1/2 Japanese) and asked them to translate. They said they thought it said there would be no bus and we have to pick up the children at the school. We double checked with one of the Japanese guards who confirmed this is what was written. We all jumped in the car and hurried to the school. What should have taken 8 minutes took over 30. But, in the midst of this disaster, people were calm. Everyone stopped at red lights and let pedestrians cross the streets. No one honked or yelled. It was organized chaos.

I was the first to get to the school and Gavin and I ran to the grounds to find Evelyn hysterically crying. The sensei said she had only been crying for about 5 minutes because she wanted me. I am grateful she had her friends there with her and that her teachers could speak English to calm her down. But, in honesty, that was the hardest part for me. Being away from my baby in such a disaster. But, I got to her, waited for all the other Yokota parents to get there, and then we got home safely. We continued to get aftershocks through the night and next day, and are still getting them now.

I emailed Patrick to tell him I had to go to Evie's school (since the phones weren't working) so when we got home he was finally able to call on the base phones. He warned me not to let the kids watch tv at all since everywhere was showing the news and tsunami, quake effects, etc. He said he watched one scene and turned it off. To this day - we have not seen much. I can't bear to witness it and think of what has happened to my host country.

Patrick got home around 5:30. I felt so much better once he was with us. He was with patients when it happened. They were in the exam room (a husband and wife) and Patrick said he felt like he was going to pass out. So he put his hand out to steady himself, and realized everything was shaking. The couple lived in California for a while so knew it was an earthquake immediately. Patrick said they pointed out the hanging skeleton in the room - that was dancing around. He says that it is something he will never forget because it was so surreal. They all went into his office under his big desk until it was safe.

We have been avoiding the tv so the kids won't accidentally see anything scary. They are scared enough having been through the shaking - let alone having to think about what could have happened to us and what did happen to thousands. Friends and family back in the states are glued to the tv - watching every development. I want you to know we are not in that affected area. There is no damage to our homes. No trees uprooted. No cracks in the ground. When I look outside now, the sun is shining, kids are playing and people are working. There is starting to be some minor panic about the nuclear plant (which is 150+ miles away). We are warned to expect aftershocks for up to a month. I don't know how schools will function - because they have to treat each aftershock as an emergency. Kids are scared. Gavin doesn't want to leave my side. When the table shakes (if we kick the leg or something) he crouches down and asks if it is another earthquake. He wants to learn all about them - but he also wants to move back to Ohio now. Gas stations off base have lines around the corners. Electricity is being systematically turned off to conserve energy throughout all of Japan.

I finally had a little breakdown last night of what has happened and how close we are to everything, without actually being in the middle of it. I am amazed at the volunteers at Yokota. The Red Cross had to turn people away because there were so many willing to help. 11 planes from Narita (the Tokyo airport) got diverted here and had to get processed. 2500 people successfully taken care of. Boy Scout troops cleaned empty apartments to prepare for the incoming airmen. Friends having sleep overs to help kids cope and let the parents work.

Personally, I still can't sleep well or eat. I am a nervous wreck. This was my first (and hopefully last) earthquake. So I am freaked. But I am grateful for skype and facebook as they have kept me very connected to family and friends. And also to information from the base. Patrick is on recall notice - so we are just waiting to hear when he can go and help.

I am heartbroken for Japan. I am sad for my kids that they had to experience this. But, as far as they know, it was kind of cool, and they didn't witness anything terrible. But they still knew the fear that everyone had in their eyes. As an adult, teacher or parent, it is almost impossible to hide behind what we know is happening. Please pray for the people of Japan. Pray for the Armed Forces to be able to help. Pray for the kids and people that went through this.

I will update again if I can. For now, I am going to try to nap since I only got about 3 hours of sleep for the last 2 nights.

prayers please

2011-03-11T03:09:00.001-05:00

For those that don't facebook - please pray for Japan. We had an 8.9 Earthquake today with a deadly tsunami that followed. We are safe - but very scared. Many very strong aftershocks . Will post again soon.

more ski pictures

2011-02-22T00:36:00.004-05:00

Do you believe in bad luck omens?

2011-02-20T05:18:00.003-05:00

We had a fun 3 day weekend planned to go to a ski resort (that friends of ours recommended) and stay at the hotel/hostel, get lessons for the kids to learn to ski, a free morning for us to ski while the kids were in lessons, some hot tubs, sledding, etc. Since it was President's Day weekend, we were going to go from Sat - Monday.

BUT, our journey started out with a bad omen. I even said it to Patrick when it happened. It started when Patrick got his snow boots out from the back shed. He brought them inside (and even shook them a few times in case there was a bug inside or something). I ended up carrying the boots (with a bunch of other boots) outside and dropped them next to the car. When I dropped them a dead bird fell out of them!!! And if you ask Wikipedia (or anyone in Arkansas)... dead birds = bad luck! But we shook it off, and got on our way. Well, LONG story short, we went to the Yujo Center (where you go to get directions for places around here) and they sent us to the wrong ski Lodge. 4 hours in the wrong direction. We didn't know - since we had never been there - but they sent us to a different prefecture - that has a lodge with the same name. We told them which town we needed - but they must not have heard/cared/understood because we ended up all the way north of main Japan. The poor people there did not speak a lick of English so eventually we found the number we needed and had them speak to each other in Japanese to figure out why we were in the wrong place. Patrick did a great job in not blowing his head off in frustration - but I was pretty ticked. We jumped back in the car and drove another 4 hours to the correct place (only about 2 hours from our house). Luckily, the kids were great (even with a broken DVD player) and it was a beautiful day. And we were driving through some amazing scenery. And as much as we tried to enjoy it - you know underneath our blood was boiling.

Once we got to the right place, we grabbed some dinner. It was some of the best food EVER - but we just wanted to go to bed! We scarfed down some food and headed to their hot baths. That was just what the doctor ordered! They were the nekkid kind - so Evie and I went and relaxed for a good 20-30 minutes. After that we went to bed. Luckily, the kids fell asleep pretty quickly (they were loving the old school wooden bunk beds and tatami mats) but unfortunately for me I am a light sleeper. And the walls were super thin. And it was a saturday night with drunk skiiers, college kids, some DJ playing live, etc. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much at all. BUT - the kids did so I didn't care too much. The girls in the room next to us were a gaggle of gigglers - but as a friend pointed out to me - I was once one like them too. This place was cool - but not when you have kids.

Morning came and we grabbed some breakfast and made the executive decision to go home after our day of skiing. We did not want another night like that, and we thought nothing would be better than sleeping in our own bed, and doing nothing all day on Monday (plus, patrick was coming down with a cold and didn't feel great)! The Lodge was super cool about it and refunded us the whole night.

We got packed up, skis and boot fitted and headed to the slopes finally! It was a GORGEOUS day (I was sweating and taking off layers) so we really lucked out. The kids had a 3 hour lesson - which they did great for 2.5 hours :-) Patrick and I got to ski by ourselves for that time - which was nice. Worth every penny of their lesson!!! We did about a dozen runs or so. It was crowded - but not too too bad. The snow was great and the runs were well groomed. And the scenery was spectacular!!! We got to watch a bit of the kids lessons and they learned to pizza, steer with their hands on their knees, walk up the hill sideways, and fall and get up. They really did better than I thought :-) But they were definitely done after three hours!

We went inside for a quick bite to eat - but it was packed!!! Luckily, I had shoved some granola bars in my jacket so we ate on some of those and Evie got a bowl of rice (love my little Japanese girl). After lunch we headed back out, this time for sledding. They had a cute little "Magic Carpet Ride" that helped you go up the hill (more for kids on skis) and then a little sledding area. We raced and the kids loved it. There was also a huge hill they could climb and they were determined to reach the top. It was pretty scary too - but they didn't want to stop until they got all the way up. So we trekked up there and then slid down on our bums :-) It was their favorite part of the day!

After all was said and done, we returned our skis and headed home. It took about 2.5 hours because of some crappy traffic and accidents - but much better than EIGHT hours from the day before!!! The kids slept almost the whole trip so we stayed up late and played Wii. But I am certainly looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow.

Culture Group

2011-02-20T05:11:00.002-05:00

On Friday we had our monthly Peace Lily Culture Group, hosted this time at my house. We had a girls' game day - complete with Bunco, pizzas and ice cream sundaes! I think it was a huge success as the ladies LOVED making their own pizzas (and the kits and pizza cutters we gave them as gifts) and they got super competitive in the Bunco game! None of them had ever played before, and they seemed a bit nervous that they wouldn't get it...but they picked it up FAST! There was a lot of trash talking and also lots of excitement when someone Bunco'ed! Patrick came home at lunch to grab something and was surprised to see half a dozen Japanese ladies plus another half a dozen Americans here...he thought it was pretty cool :-)

Evelyn's school play

2011-02-14T05:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend we also got to see Evelyn's school play! They put on a cute production - and I think they all did great, especially for 4 year olds! It was all in Japanese, so I give the American kids extra credit. It was a Japanese folk tale about a Peach boy (click on the link if you want to read about it). Evelyn told me she was the devil (ogre)...so it finally made sense that she really was playing the part of the devil. She had a mask and everything! It was so fun to see her be part of it. Even the little things, like when the teacher did role call and said Evelyn's name, and she said "hi". Not "hai" - but close enough. She was actively involved in all the procedures and made us so proud!!!

Here are a few pics...check out my facebook page if you want to see the videos!

Valentine's Day Weekend

2011-02-13T19:31:00.008-05:00

This weekend we went to Evelyn's school for her play (will post about later) and then hopped in the car and headed into Tokyo. We scored tickets to the New Sanno Escoffier Dinner, as well as a room (which are hard to come by) and a babysitter hired to come watch the kids in the room while we went to dinner. We got to the hotel around 5pm, went to one of their restaurants to get the kids something to eat, then quickly got them bathed and ready for bed. The babysitter got to our room around 6:30 and we headed down for our romantic dinner.

The room was beautiful, filled with soft lighting and lots of red, pink and white decorations. A quartet band played music as well as a pianist. We had an 8 course meal accompanied by different wines. The food was unique (aka - different for me) but very good. It was a french-themed meal - so think lots of rich creams and butters. Quail egg soup??? I tried it - but had a hard time getting over the quail egg part :-) Unfortunately, all the richness made my belly upset through the night...but I still had a wonderful time with my wonderful husband!

The next morning we woke up with the kids and went to breakfast. Then we headed to their amazing pool and hot tub! We could've stayed there all day!!! But we only stayed for an hour or so. While we were there Gavin lost ANOTHER tooth! He loves telling people that he lost his tooth in Tokyo! Surely a moment to remember!

After the pool, we went back to the room, packed up, loaded the car and then headed out (by foot) into town to explore. It was a beautiful day (seriously perfect weather in the midst of a week of crappy weather) and we hopped on the subway to go to the Tokyo Tower (only 6 minutes away). The kids were so excited!!!! Since it was such a nice day, and crystal clear skies, we were able to see for miles and miles! Seriously we could see all the way from Mt Fuji to the airports! The kids thought it was so cool that they could walk out onto a glass floor and look all the way down! It was pretty scary - but once they did it - they were laying on it, jumping on it, etc. I was totally freaked out - but tried to hide it! We even waited to go all the way to the tippity top to see everything. I am glad we did (so we can say we did it) but I don't think it was worth the wait or cost to go all the way up. The main part was good for us :-)

After all that, we went back to the hotel, picked up our car and headed home. The kids and I slept the whole way (only about an hour) and I slept a little more once we were home (still so tired from being up all night). All-in-all, it was another awesome Bull Family Adventure!!!

Hakone Yunessun

2011-01-29T05:51:00.013-05:00

As stated in an earlier post, we have decided to take advantage of weekends off-call and experience as much of Japan as possible. We decided this weekend to head towards Hakone, a hot springs area, for the day to go to the 'Yunessun". This is a mixture of hot springs spa and amusement park.

The drive was only about 2 hours (we got lost for about 20 minutes though - so about 2:20) and we were there! Parking was easy and the people working there seemed used to English speaking customers and were very nice in explaining what we needed to do.

First, we split off (boys and girls) to the locker rooms to get ready. When we were done, we met up in the first area known as the Aegean Sea pool. This was a huge heated indoor area with shallow waters, jet sprays, bubbles, etc. They even had a 'thunder and lightning' theme accompanied by cool splashed of rain water coming down at you once in a while. I think the kids would have been fine if we stayed in this area all day. There were a lot of other people - but it never felt crowded.

Next we headed up the stairs to the dreaded OUTSIDE! It was freezing out. Literally. We were up in the mountains, snow still covering the ground. So to run outside in your bathing suit was less than desirable. But right outside the doors was a hot tub to soak in and warm up your body. Then, you could walk up the stairs to "rodeo mountain". There were 2 more tubs at the top of the stairs, to regain your warmth again. One was super hot, another was just hot. Once you were boiling hot again, you could get to the top of the slides and have fun! Evie was too small to go down the slides - but she still went up and soaked in the top with me. Patrick and Gavin went down a few times (as Evie and I sat in the lower hot tub) and I went down once with Gavin (just to experience it. It was so awesome to be outside in freezing air - but be totally warm. I am so glad we went in the winter - as I think the experience would not be as amazing in the summer.

After we had our fun with Rodeo Mountain, we headed back inside for the Dr. Fish. This is a large pool that has those fish (you know you have heard about them) that eat the dead skin off of your feet. It tickles to high H*LL but was such a cool experience. The kids were troopers and joined us. We told them they were "kiss fish" that kiss your feet...so they were excited! After the first few squeals (from all of us - including Patrick) you started to get used to the tickling feeling. The kids flinched everytime one touched them, but I tried to stay still to get a few on and get some pics. You got 4 minutes in the pool - which was long enough!!!

After the kiss fish, we headed towards the outside pools. The kids were most excited about these for some reason when they saw the brochure. The was the chocolate bath, the coffee bath, the red wine bath, the green tea bath, the sake bath, the charcoal bath and a waterfall bath. Each supposedly has benefits for your skin or health - but all I know is they felt like heaven. Again, we had to muster the courage to take the first steps outside to get into the hotness - but we were so happy we did! I think the kids liked the red wine bath the best (they are my kids, of course) because it made them look purple! I liked the sake one because it was the hottest. The green tea one was also very soothing...so I couldn't really give a favorite. Just imagine how you feel after sitting in a hot tub for a while - and multiply (safely) by 5 hours!!! So utterly, totally exhausting and relaxing. It was great...especially because the kids loved it just as much as Patrick and I did!

Here are a few of the outdoor pool pics:

Coffee Bath -

Red Wine Bath -

Green Tea Bath -

Sake Bath -
no pics

Charcoal Bath -

Waterfall Bath -

Random Bath at top of mountain -

What the kids looked like on the way home -

Gyoza making!

2011-01-28T00:43:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I had another culture group activity. We went to the local community center (off base) and the Japanese ladies taught us how to make gyoza (dumpling-like things) and soup. We had an awesome time and I can't wait to make them for Patrick (he LOOOves them)!

Evelyn's school

2011-01-27T20:51:00.002-05:00

I am sure I have posted how reputable Evelyn's school is...receiving accolades as one of the best in Japan. They have a waiting list to be accepted and is well known as being the best around. Well, now they can actually say they are the best IN THE WORLD! Click here and see what I mean! Check out the fist video (her school is Fuji Kindergarten in Tachikawa, Tokyo area. They have been awarded top honor for exemplary education facilities that promote learning and well being! I am very happy for them as they have such amazing staff and an amazing school. You are going to be jealous that you didn't get to go to a cool school like this!!!

A different mind set...sort of

2011-01-24T20:46:00.002-05:00

I feel as if I have finally hit the much anticipated '6 month mark' in Japan so I am finally considering it home. I have had a change of mind set/heart in planning vacations and time with our family. I still look forward to visiting the states (that is why I included 'sort of' in the title) - but I am also concentrating a LOT more on enjoying our time here! I am loving my Japanese Culture Groups, especially when we go off base and learn more about their culture (see pictures from my last outing below). Even Patrick is getting into this new mind set. He has had many patients come through his office, heeding the advice of enjoying our time now...not waiting until the last year to do all the things Japan has to offer.

So, in response to our new mind set...here are a few of the fun activities we have planned for the 1st quarter of 2011!

Hakone Yunessun -
The Yunessun is a spa resort zone where you can enjoy more than 25 different kinds spa related services and fun water recreational activities. It is like being at the beach, so bring your swimsuits. The main Spa facility is called The God's Aegean Sea and will amaze you with its fantastic aqua surroundings.There is a Mediterranean theme for the amusement spas along with the Turkish Hamam and the Ancient Roman Baths. Combined with the relaxing Spa enjoyments at Yuneesun it also has a less relaxed, more wild side, including huge waterfalls and water slides. Fun for the whole family, both young families with their young children can enjoy being together. Yunessun is a place to experience in Japan!

The New Sanno Escoffier Valentine's Day Dinner - The New Sanno Hotel, situated in the heart of the world's most expensive city, offers 149 luxurious rooms. Available to I.D. card holders and their guests, The New Sanno offers a variety of accommodations and restaurants in a helpful, English-speaking environment. The Valentine's Day Escoffier Dinner is an eight course dinner accompanied with a selection of fine premium wines and fabulous live entertainment to enhance the evening. We have a double room booked, and a babysitter to come watch the kids in our room while we attend the dinner. The next day, we plan on visiting the Tokyo Tower and sight seeing around town.

Ski Vacation - We were able to steal a friend's ski vacation (their son broke his foot so they couldn't go). They had done a ton of research for a good family place to go (that speaks English) and loved their trip last year. Alpine Lodge is situated in the mountain township of Minakami, one of Japan's premiere hot spring and ski resorts in the North of Gunma Prefecture. The lodge is primely located in the Yubiso area (valley of the hidden hot springs), which lies in the center of Minakami's 9 ski fields, with the closest field just 200 meters from the back door. They have Western style bunk beds (instead of mats on the floor like traditional Japanese hotels), American food (hamburgers, fries and beer), as well as give private ski lessons in English. We plan on enjoying the onsens (hot spring baths) the first night, private ski lessons for the kids the next morning, then family ski time for the rest of the trip.

Karaoke - Another trip into Hachioji with my Culture Group (from Olympus). Fun night of drinking, eating and singing!

Nagano - We are so excited to go see the snow monkeys, as well as the famous town/resort that the Olympics were held. We plan on staying up there (still have to book a room) and skiing with the kids again at the kid park.

These are just the weekends that Patrick has off and we have nothing else planned...so as you can see we are starting to really fit in here!

Winter Break Re-hash...

2011-01-19T02:05:00.002-05:00

On Dec 7 - the kids and I ventured back to the states for a much needed vacation. We were gone for a month, and tried to savor every last second. It FLEW by- but at the end, we were happy to head "home" to Japan. I was happy that we finally considered it home.

The flight home was awesome. That's right, I said awesome. By myself. With 2 kids. But it really was! We left our house (the shuttle picked us up at 12:30pm) and it took less than 2 hours to get to the airport (it usually takes 3-4). We got through security and baggage, etc with no problems and the kids played with the computer and the DS quietly. We boarded the plane and it took off at 7:05pm (right on time). About 2 hours later, they served dinner and we all crashed! The kids slept for almost 8 hours - which made the trip so much better! We only had about an hour left when they woke up, and by then they were so excited to get to Tishymom's that they were on best behavior!

The only negative thing was one of our bags got lost - but they found it and delivered it the next day. It took about 4 days, but we shook the jet lag and just hung out. Literally. Some days we didn't even get out of pjs. It was gluttonous, relaxing and bonding. My littlest sister Kaitlin was also home for part of it, and I really enjoyed putting the kids to bed and hanging out with her and my mom.

We also got plenty of time to visit my Dad and Patrick's parents. We even threw a few days with the cousins! I got to see aunts and uncles, watch the Eagles comeback for an amazing win, and go out to lunch with my BFF and her kids. We got family pictures, went shopping (a ton) and I got to take a girls night (with my sisters and said BFF) to Atlantic City. Patrick's original plans to come home were ruined... but he was able to get back to the states anyway, arriving Christmas Eve and surprising the whole family. Let's just say, it was definitely a Christmas to remember. His absence/arrival meant more to us than ANY present. But I still loved the iPad and Chanel purse he bought me!

Once he left to go back to Japan, the kids and I headed west for Ohio (we had been in PA for 3 weeks by then). It was also an amazing trip...but much more hectic! We arrived at 4pm on a Thursday and I had a party to be at by 6! I got to go to my 6th annual Ornament Exchange, we had a playgroup reunion with ALL of our friends (even ones who already moved away to Detroit, SC, and other parts of Ohio), we got to go with friends to WildLights at the zoo (6th year), see old neighborhood friends, go bowling, go out to eat with the girls... basically everything i wanted to do. I shopped at Target, Easton, Tuttle and Polaris Malls. We ate at Red Robin, First Watch, Jenis, Movie Tavern and Oscars. We got to 'live' with our bestest friends for a few days and spend some quality one-on-one time with other besties. I got to visit with friends from my childhood and I realized how much I really really love Ohio. The people, places and feelings are amazing there. Oh yeah, the Buckeyes also won their bowl game!!! It was a great trip!

The trip back to Japan was not a night flight - so the kids were up for a lot more of it. They did sleep for about 4 hours - but they did a great job entertaining themselves. Each seat had its own tv and movies/games - so they used that, their DS and my laptop. They really did great! Patrick was waiting for us when we arrived (right on time) - but it was in the middle of rush hour thru Tokyo...which ended up making Evelyn car sick :-( Once she got it out og her system she was fine...but I felt bad for her! We got right on track for jet lag this way too...and didn't miss a beat. The kids started school after the weekend was over and we have been fine ever since!

I am so glad we went - and so thankful for everyone who opened up their homes, schedules and lives to us! We loves seeing each on of you and are so glad to have friends and family who love us like you do!

Japanese New Year celebration lunch

2011-01-12T23:44:00.003-05:00

Today we went with our culture groups to celebrate our new year. The Japanese women took us to a cool place called Kourakuen for lunch and some fun festival-like activities. I still am not a huge fan of fish, sushi, etc - but I made a valiant effort to try most things on my plate...even if it was just one bite. I couldn't bring myself to eat the prawn with the eyeballs still on it - but most of the other things were ok. Let's just say I filled up on rice :-)

After we ate, they had a performing group come and dance in a dragon costume, put on the creepy smiley face masks (as my friend, Christa, said - it reminds you of Silence of the lambs), and then a drum and dancing bit. We all got up to dance - which turned into a Japanese conga line! It was great fun, and a reminder of why I LOVE joining these groups. I would have never gone there on my own (or even with Patrick) or gotten to experience it with personal guides, explaining what the food was, why the dance was important, etc.

As we were leaving we noticed a special room that had a pond inside. It turns out, you can personally fish in there, catch fish, and the chef will cook it up right in front of you! I really wished I liked fish more - because that sounds fun to me!!!

I'mmmmmm baaaaaaaack!

2011-01-12T18:28:00.002-05:00

We got back to Japan this past weekend and are slowly getting back into the swing of things. The jet lag was not really too bad coming back, in fact, I liked it. We were up early (like 5am) for a few days and I got a ton done in the morning. The bad part was going to bed by 8pm. Sorry Patrick...I know I haven't been a fun date while falling asleep during every movie or show we try to watch together :-)

I had THE most amazing time back in the CONUS (that's military slang for the states) but it was time to come home. Funny to finally feel like Japan is home, but it is a good thing. I did not take any pics while we were away (a conscious effort to just relax and have fun and not think about anything but the moment). Some friends took pics, which I will download soon to share. But, we basically saw almost everyone and everything we wanted to, relaxed a ton, and shopped at Target at least a dozen times.

I have to run now for a Japanese culture group lunch, but I will post again later today!

still here...

2010-12-16T08:56:00.002-05:00

No I did not fall off the face of the earth!!! I am in PA with my family and loving every minute of it :-) Sorry for the lack of posts - you'll get me back in January!

Thanksgiving countdown #19...

2010-11-20T20:56:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for diversity. Yesterday was a unique view at how un-diverse some places are! Especially Japan. Seriously, I don't think we saw one other person that had blonde hair. There were a few other Americans there, some Germans, and some middle-eastern people at the mountain - but there was literally a sea of Japanese people. Black hair, dark eyes. I loved it - but it made me realize how lucky we are in the states to be surrounded by people of all colors, races, ethnicities, disabilities, etc. If that were a place in the US, there would be a rainbow of people.

One of the things I loved about Gavin's school last year was that he was exposed to kids of different abilities. More than 1/2 of the kids had some sort of challenge - whether it was a hearing problem, Down Syndrome, paralysis, burn victim, ADD, Autism... he was in an environment where it was not treated as "different" or "unique". It was everyday school for him. It was diverse. And everyone was treated equally.

On base we have a plethora of people too - but off base is a different story. I like that my kids have to experience what it feels like to be different. I think it will make them understand that it doesn't matter what your skin color or religion, each person is wonderful within themselves. Just as they are wonderful - even if they have blonde hair and blue eyes in a land where hardly anyone else does. I hope when we get back to the states they remember what it was like to be a little different - and I hope that they don't make other people feel bad when they are the 'different' ones.

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”
Maya Angelou

thanksgiving Countdown #18...

2010-11-20T04:56:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was New Adventures...Today's thankful post is about Family Adventures!

Today was one of the first days that we were able to go out of town as a family and go on an adventure since we have been in Japan. Patrick's work had been so busy, we had parties or other activities, etc - so we were so excited to get a chance to go away for the day together. Patrick had never even been on the train yet (the kids and I are pros by now :-)! So when Patrick mentioned he wanted to go to Mt Takao I was happy to oblige!

Mt Takao is said to be a sacred mountain, with temples and statues of the Gods, and is a highlight of Japan in the autumn months. The foliage is to be one of the best in the Tokyo region. We hopped on the train (about 30 minutes total to get there) and waited in line for the chair lift (we thought it was more fun than the cable cars). The kids absolutely LOVED the chair lift (and so did mommy and daddy) as we rose up and up and up and up into the tree line. I am glad it was not too high off the ground (and there was nets and trails under the whole thing too). I would have been happy to just ride that all day! But, we didn't!!!

We got off the lift and hiked for a little while. We found a good resting place and ate lunch to gain some energy and then we were back up the hiking trail. The kids did great, although we did have to carry Evelyn a few times (she still has a cold and was getting hard to breathe at points). But all-in-all they did awesome! We walked past all the stations, enjoyed the views of the temples, the statues, the markets selling fun items and food, but especially the views. It was a clear day, slight breeze, perfectly sunny. Simply breathtaking. I made sure we stopped a few times just to enjoy the moment around us. We had the kids carry a plastic bag and collect some of their favorite things from the trip (acorns, leafs, rocks) and we will make a craft with them tomorrow.

There were some steep stairs, but we hiked to the summit (599 meters)! The trip down went way faster!!! All said, we were there for about 4 hours. It truly was a great family adventure. It was super-duper crowded because a) it was a weekend and b) it is prime koyo season (colorful foliage) but we didn't mind. The only waiting we did was for the chair lift - which was only 1/2 hour or so. It was pretty fun to see all the people gawk over Gavin and Evelyn and their blonde hair!

I wanted to go to the "trick museum" when we were done - but we are going to save that for another day! For now, this family adventure was awesome, and something I will always be thankful for!

thanksgiving Countdown #17...

2010-11-19T02:21:00.006-05:00

New Adventures. Today, this is what I am thankful for.

I was fortunate enough to be able to go on my Culture Club trip with our Japanese friends. We went on a 30 minute train ride and wound up nestled in the gorgeous mountains and right along side the river. It was a gorgeous day (perfectly clear skies, bright sun, a little chilly in the shade) and we enjoyed every minute of it.

We ended up going to the Sawanoi Museum Combs and Ornamental hairpins museum (4000 fancy schmancy type of combs made of gold, ivory, coral, etc - some dated back to 10,000 BC) which overlooked the amazing river and all it's scenery. When we were there, our Japanese friends told us we should visit the bathroom since we were walking a ways to the next stop. And to our joyous surprise, the toilets were flushed using bubbles. They took the water from the river and literally made bubbles to flush the toilets (see photo above).

After the silly Americans were done using the bathroom, we went outside and hiked for about a mile on a path next to the river. We saw people bouldering on some rocks, a man fly fishing, some kayakers, people sitting on the rocks eating lunch, locals selling fruit (grown right there on their property), kids during their PE class at school running around, and amazing foliage. Seriously amazing. And each type of tree had different stories. Plum trees, pear trees, beautiful ginkgo trees (the brightest yellow tree you will ever see), just to name a few...and of course, the amazing japanese maple (just known as maple tree here). The brilliant colors coming from the trees have a lot of significance. Some say there are kimono-designers that base their fabric and makings on the color variations.

After our hike we ended up at a well-known local tofu restaurant. We had to wait a bit, so we muched on some samples in the lobby/gift shop area. Most of us ended up with a bag full or yummies to bring back to family - because it was really that good. Lunch was unique. I am not a tofu lover (texture thing) but I tried a little of everything on my plate. I even tried some salmon eggs (no thanks for the future). I tried to smother as much wasabi on my food as possible to gag it down...but I am glad I tried it!!!

After lunch we went to a famous artist's museum. The artist, Kawai Gyokudo, was one of the greatest masters of the Japanese art world. He was a teacher to Her Imperial Majesty in Japan. He started his artwork at a very early age - but even I (not an art appreciator) was drawn to his work. Their handout says "He had and ability to impress upon the observer a deep feeling of grace and elegance in nature..." and it's true! The mountains, plants, trees and animals all have a place of peace in his work. I was actually drawn to a few of his works, one in particular. Luckily, they sold reproductions so I could own one at a decent price! Most of us ended up buying one since it was such an awesome experience that we will probably not get to go see again (I don't think I could find it again :-) Mine in a picture of a branch with some buds on it...and some japanese writing messily scribbled down the side. It is actually a picture of sights AND thoughts - which I thought was totally cool. His scribbles were not actual thoughts...but thoughts of thoughts (very Power of Now). His museum also had an awesome zen garden - which was very cool to see. I loved the feeling of "bigger than my body" I got while I was there.

We had a few minutes to kill before our train - so we all sat by the riverside and talked and had some snacks. It was picturesque. Seriously. We had a beautiful day, filled with wonderful women that crossed cultural barriers. I am very thankful I had this experience.

thanksgiving Countdown #16...

2010-11-18T06:38:00.002-05:00

Today's thankful post...is for fair trade. Not the kind that helps sustain 3rd world countries (although that is wonderful too). The fair trade I am talking about is when a friend does something helpful for you (usually watch your kids) and you can fairly do something helpful for them too.

I am not shy about asking friends for help. "Can you watch Evie while I take Gavin into Tokyo?" seems to come out of my mouth a lot this past week. And I only have a handful of friends in Japan I can ask this...so the same people usually hear the request. And I did my fair share of asking for babysitting favors in Ohio. I can't even count how many times Angie listened to the monitor (aka babysitting while Evie was asleep in her crib), watched the kids for minutes or hours - as well as many other friends (Ashli, Autumm, Dana, Jessica, Christa....seriously - too many to count). So I am thankful for when I can pay back the favor and make it seem a little more fair!!!

My friend, Amy, ended up being the Evelyn watcher today. So I was thrilled when she asked if I could watch her kids for a bit tomorrow so she could go shopping with her husband. OF COURSE! It makes me feel better knowing I can help out too and I am not always the one asking. I will ALWAYS try to help out (even if it is not reciprocated) but it makes me feel better, like the world is rotating on the correct axis, when fair trade works out. And I have learned to ask about the trade first, before just asking about a favor... "Jami, can I take your kids for you today so you can get stuff done, and then trade tomorrow? I need Gavin to go to a friend's house while I am in culture club"...you get the point! So I love when people take me up on it :-)

thanksgiving Countdown #15...

2010-11-17T06:08:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for game nights.

Sometimes people think I am competitive. I have no clue what makes them think this, but since more than one person has said it...I guess it must have some merit.

Last night I went to the Medical Auxiliary Group's Bunko night. It was a great time, and I won one of the prizes (not that I am keeping track of that stuff :-) I also play in a weekly Mah Jongg game - which definitely helps get my competitiveness a chance to break out!!!

I loved me some game nights in Ohio too. Even if I was playing with some people who English was not their first language. Even is some people didn't know that when the beeper starts going faster - it means the time is running out. Even if no one wanted to be on my team because they thought I would be mad if our team lost. I truly always looked forward to it...even if the other people cheated and I ended up not winning somehow. Sometimes, I even learned a few things...(dirty pictionary really helps you get to know your friends and neighbors)!

I love playing games with my kids. Candyland, Connect Four, match 'em up, touch screen games... and we all know I love playing Wii with Patrick ;-)

I am looking forward to finding friends in Japan to play with. If any will have me after reading this post.

thanksgiving Countdown #14...

2010-11-16T02:34:00.003-05:00

Sisterhood. The word with a thousand meanings, but with the same feeling. Miriam Webster states sisterhood as:

1
a : the state of being a sister
b : sisterly relationship

2
: a community or society of sisters; especially : a society of women in a religious order

3
: the solidarity of women based on shared conditions, experiences, or concerns

And although I am always thankful for my 'real' sisters, Anna and Kaitlin, that would fall under my general thankfulness I have all the time. I promised no obvious thankful posts...so this is not about them (although, I repeat, I AM very grateful for them).

Today, I am thankful for the non-biological sisterhood. One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life was to join the sisterhood of Delta Phi Epsilon. To this day, I utilize lessons learned, keep in touch with friends made, and even with current sisters there now (OK - it helps that my biological sister Kaitlin is also there now). I still wear my letters proud and am forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful organization.

I am also thankful for the sisterhood of best friends. Friends til the end. Friends that know everything about you and still love you anyway. Friends you have known since 1st grade. Friends who you roomed with in college. Friends you met at your first 'real' job. Friends you met while your husband was in med school. Friends you relied on whole-heartedly during residency. These sisters of my heart were always there for me and I know they always will be. I could go months without speaking to them, or talk to them every day. There is a natural bond that literally and physically draws me to want to be near them. They have held my hair while I puked. They were the first person I called when I found out I was pregnant (even before Patrick). They made me meals for months after Evelyn was born. They were in my wedding. They let me join in their weekly Grey's anatomy nights. They understood 100 hour work weeks. They celebrated when I passed my athletic training exam on the first attempt. They, unfortunately, were sexually harassed with me while we were both too scared to say anything (until we found out about each other and finally stepped up and said something!)!

And now, I am in a sisterhood community again. There is no choice but to support and love one another now. Being the wife of a military man has it's unique challenges. Living in Japan does also. So today, I was very thankful for the Yokota Officer Spouse Club. They held a beautiful luncheon and discussed how to throw a party. From decorations, to food prep, to folding the napkins. And even though I have only been here for 3 months (almost 4!), I can feel the unspoken sisterhood there. It's unmistakable.

And I am very blessed to be able to experience sisterhood in all the possible ways and definitions!

thanksgiving Countdown #13...

2010-11-15T04:24:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for Blogs. I love reading blogs, writing blogs, and stalking blogs (my google Reader helps me keep track of anyone who posts something new so I don't have to check each person's blog every day). It is a great way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones, to get inspired and to inspire others, and for learning new things, relevant or not.

Even though I personally think the word 'blog' is stupid, and sounds like an STD or ugly growth, I LOVE the idea of them. There are certain blogs I look forward to reading every day. People who are professional bloggers. People I have never met, yet feel like I have known forever. Then there are my best of friends who I talk to all the time, yet still enjoy reading about their adventures.

But today, I am especially thankful for food bloggers. Anyone who knows Kelly Why (the old me) knows I couldn't even boil water without ruining it. One time, my mom asked me to start dinner for her. She told me to preheat the oven, take the roast out of the fridge, put it in the pan and surround it with veggies (already precut and ready to just add to the pot). So I did all of the above. But she never specified to actually put the roast in the oven - so she was pretty disappointed when she came home to a roast sitting on the counter for an hour or so. Seriously - I was pathetic. When Patrick and I first started dating I knew how to make Easy Mac...and that was seriously it. But slowly and surely, he got me interested in cooking. One of the first things I learned how to do (and one of my favorites still) was to use the crock pot. I got a cookbook with different recipes, slow cookers for dummies, and some recipes from my mom. Then I ventured out and started using the grill. Until finally, I was not a total klutz in the kitchen all around.

The thing I love most about food blogs is that they are usually done by stay-at-home moms, not some gourmet chef. They use practical items and teach you how to use items you have already. Don't have brown sugar??? One cup of sugar and 1 TBSP of molasses. Don't want to run to the store for fresh broccoli? Use frozen bagged broccoli and add it to a boiling pot of pasta in the last 6 minutes. I have a plethora of food blogs I follow on a regular basis (OK - I stalk them) to get ideas for the week. I am trying new recipes about 3 times a week. Some are good...some we will not try again. But I love trying them. I can follow slow cooker blogs, southern comfort food blogs. I love one in particular that has a weekly menu along with some favorites from food blogs that she follows. She posts pictures along the way - to dumb it down for me specifically (at least, that is what I would like to believe).

So today, I am thankful for food blogs. Today's dinner was slowly deviled beef.

2 lbs. stew meat
1 med. onion, chunked
1 med. green pepper, chunked
1 envelope dry sloppy joe mix
1 can tomato paste (6 oz.)
6 oz. water
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
Mix all ingredients together. Cook 4 hours on Hi or 8 hours on low.

Great served over noodles!!! Enjoy!!!

thanksgiving Countdown #12...

2010-11-14T02:44:00.003-05:00

Another no-brainer today. Although, something I have come to take for granted (as most things), today I am thankful for electricity. And warm water. And the comforts of living in a home.

On Saturday, we had the power shut off for the day. This is the second scheduled power outage on base since we have moved here. We have also had a 3 day hot water outage. That was no fun.

Luckily, this day was gorgeous outside! Our first outage was on a 100 degree humid day in July. It was God awful. We ended up going away for the weekend just so we could get air conditioning. This time, no such worries. It was a gorgeous day outside. We went to breakfast at the bakery (along with 1/2 the base) since they were operational, went to an outdoor craft fair for a few hours while the kids played with friends and I shopped, and then went to a birthday party where there was electricity. When we got back home, we all took naps and when we woke up - we had power!

But it made me realize how grateful I am for that smart guy, flying a kite during a thunderstorm, Ben Franklin, who made most of the luxuries in my home possible.

2010-11-12T17:45:00.001-05:00

So….another little blurb for Shutterfly. Not only do I absolutely love their adorable, affordable holiday cards (http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery), I also love a ton of their other products too!

Their holiday invitations have saved me on more than one occasion (http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations) and their Christmas ornaments make awesome presents for grandparents, parents, etc. (http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/pewter-ornament).

Most of all, what I love about Shutterfly is their photo books (http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books). These have always been one of the cherished gifts that I give. I have used them to documents family vacations, the kids growth through the year, and special projects we have done around the house, just to name a few. But one of my favorite uses for these photo books is to keep track of my children’s schoolwork and art. I scan their projects and assignments into a jpg file and then create a book out of it for them to have forever! It keeps all of their work together, and I can throw away the original without feeling guilty since I have saved it forever into one of these books!

So, whenever I need a gift idea, and invitation, holiday cards, or even prints made – I always check out shutterfly first! They have great prices to start with and they usually have special deals to boot! Check them out – I am sure you will be glad you did!

thanksgiving Countdown #11...

2010-11-11T20:01:00.002-05:00

Today I am grateful for one hour. Actually, it is 2 separate 1 hour segments that I get each day with my kids.

I drop Gavin off at school at 8am. I take Evie at 9:10. This gives me about an hour of quality one-on-one time with my precious little girl. This morning we had a tea party, pretend birthday party, and played candy land. Some days she chooses to watch tv - but lately she has wanted to play or have me read to her. Part of the time is spent trying to get her dressed and her hair brushed - but either way, I am very grateful for that morning time with her.

On the flip side, I pick Gavin up at 2:10. I pick Evie up at 3:20. So again, I get an hour with him. Sometimes we do homework (he usually finishes his week worth on the first day though), sometimes we play wii, sometimes I take a nap when he plays wii. Once in a while we go for walks or stay at the playground for a while. And sometimes we run errands (not much fun - but waaaay easier to do with just G).

So today I am thankful for the one hour I get each day with each of them.

We interrupt our thanksgiving countdown...

2010-11-11T17:24:00.002-05:00

for this!!!

Due to the fact that I have no time or energy to handmake my Christmas cards this year (sorry folks), I heard about this great little give-a-way from Shutterfly. I LOVE shutterfly and their products - so I was thrilled to hear about this promotion. Of course, I had JUST ordered 100 of my own cards literally the night before I heard of this - but who can't use more cards?!?!

Shutterfly is giving away 50 free holiday cards to bloggers!!!! You can go to their site here. It doesn't matter how big or little your blog is...go and sign up! Who doesn't love free stuff? :-)

Thanksgiving countdown #10...

2010-11-10T23:03:00.002-05:00

Today's thankful post is a no brainer! In the words of the amazing Maya Angelou - "How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" Today, and every day, I am forever thankful, forever grateful, forever awe inspired, by the American soldiers...past, present and future.

I have run across many great quotes about Veterans and Veterans day. But first a little history lesson. Many people get Memorial Day and Veterans Day confused. To make it clear, Veterans day celebrates ALL soldiers, living and dead. They recognize all service done honorably by the men and women of the US military.

There are 5 branches of the US military. The Air Force, the Marines, the Navy, the Army, and the Coast Guard. I have been privileged enough to have friends and family serve in all of them! And I am even luckier now to be a proud Air Force wife!!! I get to see the amazing-ness every day and to bear witness to the unselfish acts these people perform.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
— John Stuart Mill (1868)

I understand that not everybody supports the war. Make love, not war, right? But it is these soldiers that give those people the right to have that opinion. These soldiers who protect their country in God-forsaken land in the middle of the night while others are home, in their beds, fast asleep - who give people their freedoms. It hurts me to the core to think there are people out there that think soldiers are nothing but the most amazing gift we have in our country.

"There are some who've forgotten why we have a military. It's not to promote war, it's to be prepared for peace."
President Ronald Reagan

Sure, protesters have every right to burn the American flag, to yell obscenities at heroes coming home from war, to carry signs that are meant for the soldiers to feel shame. But ya know what?!?! It was those exact people that they are yelling about that gives them the opportunity to express themselves in that way. Another awesome quote I saw was this:

“When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she is dating a p*ssy.” General Tommy Franks
(and anyone that knows me knows that I absolutely HATE that "p" word - but I still love the sentiment).

SO to end my post with yet another quote..."As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy. I vow to make every effort on this day (and always) to make sure all the veterans I know (or even don't know) understand how grateful I am for everything they (and their families) have done for me, my family and my country.

thanksgiving Countdown #9.5...

2010-11-10T07:33:00.002-05:00

Bonus blog!!! I have been super thankful for my Japanese Culture Course I signed up for through the Family Readiness Center on base. It was supposed to be 10 weeks - but ended up only being 7. I got a special prize for attending all the nights :-)

Tonight, sadly, was our last night. I have learned so much throughout these past months. Seriously! Did you know that in Japan, dishes are sold in sets of 5. Not because their families are larger, but because their number for 4 is also the same sound as their word for death. So 4 is considered a bad omen. So they sell plates and bowls and sake glasses in sets of 5. I also have learned how to write my name in Kanji, how to make origami swans (1000 are made to bring good luck and health to a person), how to cook a few Japanese meals, and how to eat out on the town in a Japanese restaurant. I sang karaoke, watched a formal tea ceremony and made some friends on base also.

So, Group 1, I am forever thankful for you!!!

thanksgiving Countdown #9...

2010-11-10T00:24:00.002-05:00

Today's post will be a trickle down effect. The waterfall effect. Whatever you want to call it...but it ultimately ends up the same. I am grateful for being a stay-at-home-mom.

I know the stigma for SAHMs is lazy, uneducated people who don't want a 'real' job. This, of course, is a thought by someone who has never been nor never known a SAHM. Sure, I can be lazy. But it is a rare day that I get to sit on my bum and watch soap operas (OK - most wednesdays (since it is Tuesday night in the states) I find time to skype with Ashli to watch gLee - but not always - and that is only for one hour). And I am not uneducated. I graduated with honors from high school and college. I have 2 Masters degrees (my MBA and then continues to also get my MBA in healthcare admin). I held a great job for 5 years.

I CHOOSE to be a stay-at-home-mom. This means we are able to survive financially on one salary (and, no, it is not the salary we will have when Patrick is a real doc - but it is manageable). And I am thankful for that.

I CHOOSE to be a stay-at-home-mom. This means I am able to attend most, if not all, functions at my children's schools. I can pick them up, drop them off, stay with them when they are sick, volunteer to help in their class and go on field trips with them. I can eat lunch once a month with them at school. I can be involved with the PTO, sports, activities and class projects. And I am thankful for that.

I CHOOSE to be a stay-at-home-mom. This means i gave up my Ann Taylor and Banana Republic suits and ended up with Old Navy sweatshirts and my favorite jeans. This, I am not always so thankful for, but appreciate anyway.

So today, I am focusing on the hardest job known to man (or woman), and being utterly and totally thankful for every aspect of being a SAHM that I have been through, am going to go through, and especially what I am going through now.

These pictures are from Family Lunch Day at Evelyn's school today.

thanksgiving Countdown #8...

2010-11-08T23:10:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for my secret cleaning ladies! Seriously, they make my life so much less stressful. I know I am a stay-at-home-mom and should be able to clean my house anytime, all the time. But I don't. And I don't want to. I am not very good at it, and it makes me anxious. Yet, I always feel so much better when the house is clean. And Patrick LLLLLurves a clean house (typical Type A surgeon).

Patrick 'know's about these secret ladies, yet we choose not to discuss it because he hates paying someone for something that we could easily do. But when he saw how much happier we both are - I think he decided to turn a blind eye to it. Plus, I hate having him clean all the time when he is home because I want to spend quality time with him - not watch him scrub the shower.

And when I know they are coming, I clean too. As to not waste their time...I will start the laundry, do the dishes, put away clutter, pick up toys, etc...so technically I am cleaning too! (at least that is what I tell myself).

But it is such a joy to be able to go grocery shopping and come home to a miraculously clean house! I can type on my blog and the toilets are getting scrubbed. I can make dozens and dozens of cookies (before she does the kitchen of course) for the Base's Dorm Storm (where we take cookies to all the airmen in the dorms over the holidays) while the carpets are being vacuumed and the floors are steamed. I can totally relax knowing I have a few moments where the house is perfect - before the kids get home and crap it all up again. But I know deep down, the germs are gone, stains are cleaned, bed linens are fresh, dust is removed and floors are glistening.

And for that, I am truly thankful :-)

Thanksgiving countdown #7...

2010-11-08T07:20:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for gorgeous weather. We have had some seriously perfect November weather here, and after reading about snow posts from Ohio, I am very grateful that we still have high 60 degree weather. Today I went golfing with some of the other ladies taking lessons and then again with my friend Lynn. I tried to stop at every hole and just take a breath (you never get to have that exact moment again - so I love when I can be "in the now" and truly appreciate That Moment). And gorgeous weather certainly aides in my ability to be "in the now" or "in the present" or "in the moment". It puts me into my Zen place very easily.

It was also nice when we had to take the train (about 70 mins each way) into the city for an audition for a modeling gig for IKEA. Evelyn and I went (and luckily ran into some other friends from Yokota) and it was nice to walk between stations and the photo shoot and to simply enjoy a little girls night out. I am crossing my fingers that we get as much of this weather for as long as possible!!!

thanksgiving Countdown #6...

2010-11-07T05:12:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for western civilization. It wasn't until I came upon this....

eastern public restroom that I realized how spoiled we are. And, of course, I took my kids into the handicap restroom so they could actually sit down. Seriously - how do you expect to do you business in this thing. The look alone made me want to vomit.

It also made me realize how nice our cars, shopping malls, restaurants, schools, houses, etc are! But - today I am eternally grateful for anywhere that has nice restrooms.

thanksgiving Countdown #5...

2010-11-06T02:45:00.002-04:00

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...

2010-11-05T00:30:00.002-04:00

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...

2010-11-04T01:28:00.003-04:00

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...

2010-11-03T03:06:00.003-04:00

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...

2010-11-02T01:31:00.003-04:00

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...

2010-10-31T20:09:00.002-04:00

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 :-)

What a privilege!?!?!?

2010-10-14T04:42:00.005-04:00

Today I got to be a witness to something so beautiful and emotional, I feel it is such a privilege to witness. Our friends, the Smiths (Estella is my friend, Xavier is Gavin's friend and Hailey is Evelyn's partner in crime and baby Hannah is just a joy for us all) were welcoming their Daddy home from a 4 month deployment. It was great to know someone who was experiencing it - but it was just as emotional seeing people I didn't even know. There were girlfriends, kids, wives, husbands, co-workers, etc who were all so excited for the homecoming. The nerves and excitement were palpable. From the moment we could hear the plane until the families were reunited - it was such an amazing experience!
Some of the pictures are of the Smiths, but a lot of others are of people I don't know. It was great to show Gavin what real heroes look like!

So proud of my son!!!

2010-10-06T01:33:00.003-04:00

If you are anything like me, you probably get nervous every time someone says "I need to talk to you." It usually ends up a bad conversation. But every once in a while it is a great conversation.

Today, Gavin's teacher pulled me aside after school and started with, "I need to talk to you about Gavin." As my stomach dropped (thinking of the worst - like he is getting bullied, or doing the bullying, or he is bad in class, etc), she noticed my concern. She said "No, no - it's nothing to worry about, but I need your permission to give Gavin some different assignments than the other kids. He is WAY (stretching her arms out as far as they could go), WAY ahead of most of the students in class in basically every subject. He can read entire books, write or sound out words at a 3rd grade level, even do math at an advance level. I want to foster his learning, so I need your permission to treat him a little differently without showing it in front of the class." (or something along those lines). Either way, it made me so proud of Gavin! I knew he would be a little more advanced since he is one of the oldest in his class, but he really enjoys learning and is doing this on his own! I also credit his preschool for being so awesome!

Now if we can get Evelyn to be as excited...

birthday party and summer sweeps

2010-10-02T23:15:00.003-04:00

I decided to throw the kids a birthday party about 2 weeks ago. I was able to book the indoor pool (with an inflatable obstacle course) so we invited all the boys from Gavin's class and all the girls at Evie's bus stop and a few more family friends. All-in-all, there were 18 kids! It was great to have such a fun party, even though it was our first one being away from family and friends. I was so grateful for everyone who came to help make it such a success. I did, however, feel a little lame since I am usually a HUGE party planner/thrower. This one didn't get as much attention as I usually would give - due to the little planning time and the crappy week leading up to it. I was able to get some cute kid favors and I remembered to order enough pizza. That's about all the energy I put into it :-) Which, in some ways was nice.

The next day we also had another fun day because the base had it's summer sweeps party. Lots of inflatables, free food, prizes, giveaways, Japanese Elvis impersonator...you know, the usual. The kids had a great day and we had fun relaxing and enjoying time together as a family.

a rough week

2010-10-02T02:56:00.002-04:00

This week has been a bit rough for me. That is why I haven't really posted. As most people, I usually like to post about the fun, exciting, upbeat things we have done. Once in a while, it is also fun to post about how disastrous your house looks, the funny story about you getting a speeding ticket, or some other not-perfect moment - just because it is a great way to look back and say your life was full of adventures good and bad. But this week, I felt plain anxiety (which is not like me).

It started off bad because Evelyn had been sick for almost a week. I debated sending her to school or not (anxiety) and then also if she had more than just a virus (more anxiety). After speaking to her pediatrician on base and some friends who are pediatricians, I decided since she was fever free for 5 days, I would try to send her to school. She really didn't want to go but eventually got her uniform on and went. After school, she looked like she had been crying and apparently had hit her eye/face on the bus (I think she fell asleep and then they hit a bump and she hit her face). Well, Tuesday came and she did not want to go again. This time she put up much more of a fight, but we were watching a friend who also goes to her school - so I made her get dressed and go since we had to take her friend anyway. I went off to a function (the art of flower arranging Japanese style) and ended up getting called in by the school to pick her up. She just cried at school and wouldn't eat and was not participating in anything at school.

I was afraid she was still sick - but as soon as I picked her up and brought her home, she was fine. The straw that broke my back though, came on Thursday morning when we went to get ready for school. She really did NOT want to go to school. Nor did she want to take the bus. She is afraid of the bus now (since hurting her face - which was not even bruised - I think it just scared her). We went to the bus stop and she started screaming and crying and freaking out. I had a decision to make...take her home or make her go. I chose to send her off, handing her over to the teacher aide on the bus as she looked at me pathetically out the window - like "how could you do this to me". I called the school to warn them and asked for an update.

I had a special ceremony for a culture club group that I am, which was a good distraction, but I felt bad because I wasn't totally concentrating on the ceremony. I was checking my phone every minute and called a few times to see how she was doing. They told me she stopped crying but would not take off her jacket and hat or backpack. I know this is normal for a lot of preschoolers - but it sucks. It rips my heart out to know she is not happy. She has even started to be sad at home too. And aggressive. It made me so anxious to know that it is most likely our move to Japan that has done this.

But I have been reminded that it is normal. She will cope with this and we will learn how to help her express her feelings and concerns. Nonetheless, it was a torturous week. She did make it through that day though - and was fine when she got home. Happy even. She did not have school friday - which was Gavin's birthday AND their birthday party night...so she helped me get ready for the party. We ran errands, played some Mah Jongg (she played DSi), and had lunch with friends.

The week did end on a great note though. The party was successful and I think the kids really had fun. I was nervous since it was their first birthday away from friends/family but there were about 17 or 18 kids to help them celebrate. I am grateful we have met some people who can ease our transition. Now if I could only make Evie LOVE going to school...

I will post pictures on the next post...my camera is not working right now...

more japanese culture

2010-09-23T04:28:00.003-04:00

I had another one of my Japanese Culture classes last night. This time we learned about traditional calligraphy. We learned how to make the ink, sit properly, breathe properly and hold the brush. I am super un-artistic so this was a challenge for me. I felt awkward - but was pleased with my results. At first it was super stressful, but then I got all zen and felt good doing it. Be the brush. But it was cool to find out there are over 10,000 characters that mean different things based on how you draw it. There are 3 ways to end a character drawing; a stop, leap, and sweep. So even though 2 characters could look almost identical - you can tell the difference by the way the lines end. It was interesting (also hard to explain on this blog).

Anyway, we learned our Kanji names and meanings. Mine means wisdom holder of the house. Sounds about right :-) But even the Japanese people thought the first character was really hard to draw - so they changed it a bit. Apparently - your name is spelled with characters that make your sound. Since the Japanese do not have a sound for "L" (seriously - it's not just a stereotype - they really don't have the sound in their language) so "R" is the closest to it. So my characters were Kar and Ree. But the Kar character was really hard - so the changed it to the "Harr" character - which when paired with "ree" changes it to sound like "Kar-ree" not "Harr-ree". It was a bit easier to draw - but made me raugh-out-roud (LOL) because it sounded like Hairy Kairy when they joked about it.

We also were given the opportunity to learn how to write a word or saying and create it onto some really nice, expensive paper. I was super nervous for this, but luckily my phrase was pretty easy to write. It means "Be now", as in live in the moment. I love it! I also had to write my name down the side too...but I was proud of the way it turned out. We are going to frame it and put it in the hallway :-) My first Japanese treasure!

Bowling!

2010-09-19T04:24:00.002-04:00

We decided to take a little family time and go bowling on Evie's birthday afternoon. There is a bowling alley on base so we swung by to give it a try. It was very nice anc clean (and big)! They had bumpers for the kids as well as those ramps to help them get the ball down the lane. We are not sure if the lanes were warped or not - but the kids' balls never went straight...so it became a game to angle it to figure out the best way for them. We got Gavin to try a few times without the ramp - but he liked it better with... he had such a spin it kept riding the rails. Both got at least one spare and they actually tied the first game. 1/2 way through the second game, Evie dropped the ball on her foot (while attempting to put it on the ramp) and was done. Gavin also gave up around this point too. But it was still a fun, exciting family birthday celebration!

birthday cake

2010-09-19T01:27:00.003-04:00

I know it looks gross, but we need to be creative with Gavin's egg allergy. I get sad for him when he can't eat cake like everyone else on special occasions - so I found a bunch of alternative ways to make a cake without eggs. This particular one was posted on a lot of different sites so I gave it a shot. It looks gross - but was super easy and got great reviews. I think it turned out great (better than using applesauce). It is sweet with a moist, but spongy texture. A perfect alternative for us! Also, Evelyn made the whole thing...with just a little help from me at the end for stirring. She also frosted it (and learned a secret trick from me on how to eat the frosting out of the can before you put it on the cake :-)!

I posted a few pictures of her opening her early birthday gifts (that she opened at breakfast so she could call the East Coast people to thank them). She loved everything! She opened each one, even the outfits, one by one admiring and ohhing and ahhing. She even took each pair of Princess panties out of the package to play! She got a new Wii game, DS game, her annual outfits from Godmother Eileen, clothes, pjs, some homemade felt food, money and a renewed subscription to National Geographic Wildlife magazine for kids. What a spoiled little girl!!!

Obstacle Course Park - lots of pics (sorry!)

2010-09-18T05:41:00.005-04:00

I was rummaging through some of the suggestions for local activities to do with kids today and I cam across one for a roller slide park. These are huge slides with rolling pin type things throughout the slide that roll with the kids as they go down. I called my friend, Michele, to ask for directions or advice and she told me about ANOTHER park near here that they call the obstacle course park. Their family ended up joining us since they had only been once and wanted to go again! It was so much fun!!!

It was about a 15-20 minute drive - primarily because of all the traffic lights. Once we got there we parked and walked across the street into some woods. There were "stairs" built from wooden planks that led the way up a slippery steep hill. Along the way we passed teeter totters, walking beams, springy circle things, nets, webs, slides, forts, huts, zip cords, tree houses, hills, more stairs, bridges, ultimately ending up at a super cool playground area. It was so nice to be outside surrounded by gorgeous forests! It was totally worth all the bug bites we got! We did see some huge spiders too along the way - they even sounded like they were hissing at us!

The kids liked the huge slide the most. They kept running back up the stairs/hill to get back to the top. It was quite a work out! I am sure they will sleep soundly tonight! We also learned a valuable lesson on the zip lines....always test out how fast it is first on an adult!!! We learned this the hard way, sending Evie a bit too quick :-) She was a trooper though and shook it off! The picture I took of her is right before she hit the end of the rope and bounced back :-) We also learned that the mud is super slick - so always stay on the guided course! I think Michele and I ended up with the most mud on us from slipping down a few hills while not using the stairs.

I am so grateful to have friends to go on fun adventures with and teach us new sights around Japan. Thank E family!!! I also posted a picture of the road we take to get there. You can see how small it is and how close the truck is to us!

Early Birthday Gift

2010-09-18T02:32:00.002-04:00

I was running errands on Friday and I stopped by the Officer Spouse Club's Thrift Shop. They had just gotten in 2 super cute pink and white (perfect for Evie's room) doll houses. They were about 3 feet tall and came with some Barbie Dream house accessories (even though it was not a Barbie house...it looked custom built to be LIKE a Barbie house). One had the front door missing and they were selling it (with the inside furniture) for only $10!!! I quickly grabbed it for Evie's b-day gift and headed home.

Unfortunately, we needed space in our car to get some top soil so I had to bring in the house. We ended up giving it to her for an early gift. She played with it for hours (literally)! It was the best $10 gift we spent on her :-) She doesn't really have many Barbies (maybe one or two) so she used her Princesses (Barbie sized) as well as her mini-princesses to be used as babies.

Japanese Culture Groups

2010-09-15T09:10:00.003-04:00

Tonight I had my first class (a 10 week course) for learning Japanese Culture. There were about 25 Japanese citizens (mostly from Olympus Company - cameras/optical) and about 25 Americans that were broken into 3 groups. I knew 2 other ladies in the class (which always makes things more fun :-) and we all ended up in Group 1. Everyone went around the table (Japanese folks first) and introduced ourselves and stated our hobbies. It was fun to watch and hear the Japanese speak in all English. Some were very good while others were just learning - but still very understandable. Some of them made handouts with their pictures (to help us remember them) with info about themselves. The guy next to me was an engineer in the microscope department as well as a virtual reality techy. He wrote "I wonder being friendly with you" - meaning he wants to become friends with us. A girl near us wrote "My smile is my charm point. I love watching the movie which title is 'Fast and Furious'". It was too cute!!!

After the introductions, one of the elder ladies performed a traditional tea ceremony. They taught us that it originated in China but was brought to Japan in the 16th century because it incorporated many zen customs. We learned how to look for signals from the host before we eat/drink. We learned how to place the tea bowl, rotate it before sipping, taking a 3.5 small sips and then giving feedback. The last sip should be a slurp to remove any remaining tea. Then we wiped the area where we sipped from.

Of course, I did not bring my camera (grrrr....) but I will try to find someone who did take pics so I can post some. Next week we are learning about calligraphy, then cooking Japanese Food, then origami, then out to karaoke, visiting Tokyo and finally a graduation ceremony! How fun does all that sound!!!???

The course is the most sought-after activity on base and you are actually only allowed to participate ONE time during your tour here. I am so glad I was signed up early :-)

I also signed up for another culture course with some friends. There will be 6 of us, and 6 Japanese women. We will rotate months (Oct will be on base...teaching them American culture, Nov will be off base...learning Japanese culture). So in Oct we will make a pumpkin craft, make caramel apples, eat chili and soup in breadbowls, and make some apple cider. Very American! We met today to create the schedule and activities for our months. I can't wait - as it seems like a truly intimate experience in Japan. We will be in their houses, their restaurants, etc and they will be in ours. So fun!

I am starting to get more involved with lots of things (Mah Jongg, golf, Bunco, PTO, etc) which is good. I love getting involved and feeling part of the community!

how to make a house a home...

2010-09-12T02:58:00.002-04:00

Start by putting pictures up!!!

best parts of the day...

2010-09-11T08:13:00.002-04:00

#1. Patrick's team won!!! And the other med squad team came in 3rd. Out of 10 teams - that is awesome!!!

#2. Girlfriend who rocked the competition shows up in a hot pink slammin' dress with 3 inch black lace up heels. Girl knows how to kill it on and off the field :-)

#3. Moment of silence to honor the fallen. We will always remember.

#4. Giving daddy hugs at the end of it all and telling him how proud we are!

I'ma let you in on a secret...

2010-09-11T02:10:00.003-04:00

While preparing for his Combat Endurance challenge the other night, Patrick told me, "I'ma let you in on a secret. Every guy out there wants more than anything to have his wife be able to look back one day and say...'my man was a stud'. More than the guy himself wants to think it, he wants her to think it." I already have a bazillion instances where I KNOW my man is a stud...but he took it to a whole new level with this challenge.

The competition is to benefit the 9/11 Run to Remember. They raise money from the different teams to go towards a great cause. It is a 3 mile course broken into 1/4 mile segments. The first is just a jog/run. Next is an ammo can carry (40 lbs each * 2), then a humvee push (4 members push the hummer while one steers), an "injured warrior carry (one person fireman carries another while 2 others carry the 5th member), a low crawl (think barbed wire), 50 lb sand bag carry, litter/stretcher carry (4 people to carry 220 lbs on a stretcher - although Patrick's team ended up with just him and another guy doing it all because 2 guys couldn't do it and the 3rd person - A GIRL WHO WAS AMAZING - would've thrown off the balance so she helped walk the other 2 and encourage them), and they ended with a 3/4 Muck run with a 60 lb backpack. Patrick was the first to finish at the end so he ran back to help others at many stages (if you see him at the end in some of the pictures that is why). He helped some of the guys carry the sand bags, he crawled back to push the guys through the low crawl, he and another guy did all the stretcher carry, and he even went back and helped carry a guys backpack across with him to finish for the team! I was so proud of the whole team - especially when I heard people talking about Patrick in the crowds. Not many people know who he is (since we are newer) so he definitely took people by surprise! No one expected the geeky med squad to do well - but they kicked A**!

And I have to say I am so glad that the girl was on his team. She made 90% of the guys out there feel shame because she had to carry the same weight, run the same distance, everything!!! She was an inspiration for everyone! She even put Patrick to shame when they took a picture and they had to flex. This woman's arms were the most cut I have ever seen!!!! She is a nurse in the OB dept :-) Good for her!!! They even have marines come up from other bases to try to compete...but so far the geeky med squad is in the lead :-)

After the event, Patrick came home, made lunches, helped clean, hung curtains, fixed walls and then went back to help volunteer as a medic since there was only one guy and lots of people were dropping out and needing to be sent to the hospital. Seriously...my man IS A STUD!!!!!!!

Gavin's real first day

2010-09-07T00:11:00.002-04:00

Today Gavin finally went to school all day! He has been looking forward to kindergarten since last year :-) So he was counting down the weeks/days/hours/minutes until he got to go. Once we crossed the street behind our house and entered the school yard, Gavin asked me if he could walk alone to his class. I almost cried - but was also so proud that I know he will flourish in school! But, the answer was still no - it is a base rule that kids in kindergarten cannot walk by themselves yet. Next year, buddy :-)