Water Baby

Have to show G's mad swimming skills to the grandparents ;)

We have been taking swim lessons (loosely termed) for the past 3 weeks. Grayson loves being in the water, and I love the rhythm it gives our days, even though it does include getting suited up (literally), sunscreened, and wet everyday. Really, we just bounce around the pool singing songs and I dunk him under a couple of times. I mean, we won't be tossing him into the lake anytime soon, but I really do think he's picking up on somethings. You can see in the video he actually "scoops" and "kicks" (the official terminology for kiddie swimming). He's definitely the youngest in the class - which goes from 6 mos - 3/4 years - quite the range of kiddos. Zac had off one day last week and came to the lessons with us...I think Grayson loved showing off his skills.

This was at a nearby beach this weekend. Showing off his (semi-new) full fledged crawl and love for anything water related!

 And to round out our week in the water, our river trek to Tadake Falls! We took a nice hike through a small river to this awesome water fall and played a bit in the freshwater spring. The water was cool and clear to the bottom! It was an adventure, but the end of the day was the most eventful of all, losing several items (that quietly fell off as we trekked back) and a car that wouldn't start...in the middle of the jungle. Thankfully, we were with some friends and packed into their car (all 5 of us, carseat, and their dog) to find a car battery. All's well that ends well, and we made it back in one piece!

Happy Half Birthday!

Happy Half Birthday to my precious baby boy!

I cannot believe that 6 months have already passed. There have been so many changes already - so much faster than I could have imagined! He is practically a toddler (to me), moving quickly, interacting, and showing his preferences and opinions!

2 weeks old

I was looking through pictures last night from the last 6 months. It seems like yesterday and yet I can't imagine what life was like without our little munchkin. While tiring and trying at times, being at home with Grayson has been the best "job" I could imagine. I love getting to cuddle and play all day long and see each and every moment of growth. I couldn't trade it for anything!

Almost 6 months

Here's what's up:

Weight: (we'll see next week) - My guess is about 20 lbs, since he was 18 lb 14 oz at 5 months. Since he's become mobile, he's really "thinned" out though!

Height: (we'll see next week) - My guess is about 28-29 in., since he was 27 in at 5 months. Everyone comments on how big/long he is...I guess he takes after his mom and dad!

Clothes: He is in between 3-6 months and 6-9 month clothes. The 6-12 month size is still a bit big, but I'm sure it won't be long. (Sizes also vary so much between brands...)

Sleep: He goes to bed about 7:30 at night. He'll wake up about twice in the night to eat, but go right back to sleep in his crib. Within the past week, he's started taking great long naps! Usually 2 or so hours in the morning and then 2-3 more naps throughout the day from 20 min-1hr. It's been SO nice to get a nice long break to DO things!

Food: The boy loves to nurse! We've been able to only use my milk, which is great, and we made it through the first 6 months! I don't see either of us wanting/needing to stop anytime soon, so we'll keep going as long as we're both happy.

Trying his first taste of avocado

Since about 5 months, we've been trying out some new "solid" foods. So far he's had brown rice cereal, avocado, banana, and mango. We also throw some finger foods at him to keep him entertained, which he loves to play with, but not sure how much is actually eaten/swallowed. He's had veggie MumMums, toast, cheese quesadilla (LOVED sucking on that!), and even a small floret of broccoli (didn't eat any of it, but must like the taste!).

He almost always makes a face when he puts something in his mouth...pureed or whole foods...but then usually goes back for more. I guess it's just getting used to a new texture in his mouth and stronger tastes than he's used to.

Activities and Milestones: Grayson loves to move! If he's on the floor, he's probably scooting around to grab a toy (or dog toy), curtains, or tags. If he's being held, he's probably climbing up the back of the couch or trying to grab hair (even a ponytail or bun does NOT keep my hair safe). He enjoys his exersaucer, but doesn't like staying in as long now that he's mobile. He'll also sit in the bumbo or vibrating seat for a couple of minutes for me to do a quick task, but it's not long before he's trying to escape. He can sit up on his  own and roll from his tummy to back, but hasn't mastered any other "transitions."

A picnic at a nearby park just after 5 months

He loves being talked and sung to. He'll return almost any interaction with a huge smile or giggle. He also loves his Sing Over Me CD before each nap and bedtime or in the car. As soon as it's on, he's quiet and calm.

We've started sign language (well, I have), so we'll see how long it takes for him to respond. So far, we've done "mik", "more", "banana", and "all done." We also started attending an infant massage class each week this month. Grayson was as relaxed as could be and enjoyed every minute (as he should!).

I can't believe how fast he is learning, moving, and changing.

What I love:
- Making you laugh until you get the hiccups (you get that from me)
- Watching you move all over
- Sweet cuddles in the middle of the night - even though I'd die for a full nights sleep, the precious sleepy cuddles, I know, are fleeting moments
- Seeing you light up when daddy gets home from work
- Watching your reactions and expressions when you watch something new
- Seeing others delight in you as much as I do
- Your giggles when you watch/play with Shisa
- Your open mouth kisses
- Your gummy smile
- Your long, curly eyelashes
- Being your mama!

The next 6 months are going to be full of activity, travel, and changes for all of us, but I can't wait to see what's in store! What a blessing each day is for our little family!

Baby's Best Friend

Grayson is a big grabber these days, latching onto anything that crosses his path, especially hair - making life quite treacherous for me and our furry little dog. He loves watching her run around, and he especially gets a kick out of her playful growls.  It was really fun to catch this moment of Grayson really playing with the dog, although it might have been an accident that he caught the bone instead of Shisa's fur. 

He's also becoming mobile! I guess he's trying to imitate his Marine daddy as he does the low crawl everywhere!

Oh, and post video, I guess Grayson won the war...a few minutes later I saw Shisa licking G's toes and Grayson licking...well...the dog toy. Hope those immunities are all built up! I'm sure it's not the worst that get into that little boy mouth. Already understanding "snips and snails and puppy dog tails..."!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Ok, we really aren't "those" parents who think the whole world is just as obsessed with our baby as we are. But since very few of our friends and family get to see Grayson in live action, we thought we'd share a little snippet of his new(ish) and BEST trick....laughing! He is quite a happy baby and will laugh for us pretty often. It tickles us that he is so entertained by small small things...so excuse the fact that we are making fake sneeze noises for an inordinate amount of time. It happens when you have kids...

PS - I love his fakey laugh at the beginning with Zac...It's like a "Ok, I'll humor you dad..." I'm sure it won't be the last time to throw us a bone!

I don't think a mom can find anything more joyful than the sound of their baby's laugh.

Baby Grayson

To jump back in (and once again, hopefully more regularly), I can't wait to share and record about our new lives with a little one. I am motivated to write it all down here, if nothing more than something to look back on for our own memories. We are admittedly obsessed with our little one, so you've been forewarned of any gushing about our Gray-babe.

I can't believe that Grayson is nearing 3 months old! Part of me feels like we've had him forever, and we've done so much in the short 2.5 months, but the time is just flying. I am not exaggerating when I say I love every second of being home with him. I am most content at home with him on my lap, playing and singing (though the chores and cleaning and cooking I could do without). He is such a content and happy baby, and we couldn't be more blessed (or lucky). He cries only when he "needs" to, and is usually easily calmed (phew!).

He is growing (and therefore eating) like crazy. Zac regularly comes home, especially after being away for a day or so and comments on how much he's grown and changed! I love waking up to his sweet smiles, his coos brighten my day, and his sweet yawns and little snores make a wonderful end to the day. We love our Baby Grayson!

Here are a few pics from his first month or so of life!

About 1 day old. None of his hats (or clothes, for that matter) fit! 

Snuggling and napping with mama

Sweet dreams in (one of many) Christmas card photo shoots

Our very own Frogger

First visit to the beach. Certainly not the last!

...Back.

I'm pretty sure it's been a solid 6-7 months since I've posted a juicy post to update the world on our lives. I don't even know if blogged about Zac coming home (in February), details about our time in Thailand (hopefully you caught the pics on Facebook), or, most importantly, our upcoming addition!

So now that the summer is pretty much over (it's September already!?), I guess it's time to get back to updating. Our lives are no less interesting (well, sometimes) while living over here, and now there's an added layer of interest as we anxiously await for Baby Boy Cook! It's been quite an experience planning, purchasing, and plain ole being pregnant in a foreign country, especially the first time around. So far the pregnancy has gone smoothly and as of 30 weeks, he seems to be growing great and fortunately leaving me with minimal discomfort. We are beyond thankful that everything seems to be going normally and healthily, and it makes us all the more anxious and excited to meet him! He's an active little guy (as I type, my stomach is visibly bumping and rolling as he moves inside). I'm not big on posting pics of my bump, but since very few of you get to actually see me, I'll indulge in a (recent) bump picture.

This is at 26 weeks - 4 weeks ago...but I haven't changed TOO much

Okinawa  has been hit by 2 big typhoons (the Pacific version of a hurricane) already. The first hit Memorial Day weekend (which was a bummer since it cancelled plans we had to head out to a neighboring island to a cabin with friends). The second sat on top of us for a whopping 40 hours, dropping over 40 inches of rain. We have to laugh a little at the hype surrounding Hurricane Irene (though I realize it left a large amount of damage and flooding, which is no laughing matter), when our "little" typhoon left us inside for days. Fortunately we are on the 3rd floor, so no flooding...per se. However after 40 hours of typhoon strength winds, our concrete fortress started showing weakness and with a change in wind direction, water started seeping in through windows and doorways. We spent most of the night taping windows and changing/washing/drying towels stuffed around doors and windows. We had much less damage than many neighbors above us who had completely flooded living rooms and much more damage. While we suffered a bout of cabin fever, we never lost power or internet - we are thankful for that!

I celebrated my 25th birthday on the beach with some friends. It was a WONderful day of sun, beach, and water sliding. My special birthday treat was a new Ipad, which I LOVE, and I think it will come in handy for the hours of holding/feeding the baby soon. If you have FaceTime, I haven't figured it out yet, so add/call me! 

I recently stopped working full time and am now working every other day until...? It has been really nice to have some time to breathe, clean, and rest, especially as everything might get a little bit harder as we near baby time. While it's nice to have time to do extra things (like blog and go to the beach), it's also nice to keep busy and on a schedule. I know once the baby boy comes along, we will be walking in a 24 hour fog, so I'd like to keep as much normalcy as possible for as long as possible. 

ANYWAY, that's enough for now. I will be more active around here in the time to come!

So Sweet

Short story, it just required more than a Facebook status.

Zac was being a wonderful husband Sunday afternoon: he took me to the beach, did dishes, and offered to take care of dinner while I enjoyed some lemonade and Better Homes and Gardens on the balcony. I was looking forward to chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes.

I came in kitchen to the to the smell of the steaks frying, though they looked a little darker and less...crusty...than the normal chicken fried steak. Zac mentioned that the breading just wasn't sticking. I just brushed it off as maybe a different "recipe" than I usually use.

When it came time to make the gravy, Zac wasn't so sure because he had had some trouble earlier this week when he was making biscuits and gravy. I told him to go ahead and try, as gravy is only learned through practice (and a necessary skill for our family!).

As Zac finished up, I started tidying up, putting away ingredients, etc. I noticed the container that Zac was using to "flour up" the gravy....[I keep the baking supplies in those vacuum sealed plastic containers, not the original packaging]...was short instead of the tall container I usually put the flour in. I tasted the white powder, and...it was powdered sugar. Whoops.

So the chicken fried steak and gravy ended up as sugared steak and caramelized gravy . The breading wasn't "sticking" because the sugar was dissolving into the meat. His trouble with gravy making was more of a chemical problem than skill - hey, if he can make gravy with sugar, I think he's mastered the regular kind. Not exactly what was on the menu...but...bless him...Zac gets an A for effort.

Oh, and the result...the meat wasn't inedible, just much more sweet than normal, and the gravy was strangely addicting (it would've been a great dip for bacon...because bacon dipped in gravy is just what everyone wants)...but I've had strange food attractions these days...

The Land of Smiles

It's hard to believe that Zac has been home for over a month now. It's been more than wonderful to "resume" life. I tried hard to continue to live adventurously and fully while Zac was gone, but the best part of marriage is sharing your life with someone else. So resuming and experiencing life together has been my favorite part of having him home!

We had been planning a post-deployment trip since January, way back, when Zac was still sandy. Originally, our plan was to go to Bali...because... why not go to Bali? Unfortunately, because of recent (?) "terrorism" in the Indonesia area, Bali is off limits to military personnel for the time being. I pouted for a little bit, then set out to find a new and improved vacation locale. And oh my goodness. It was probably the best vacation we'll have for a loooong while.

I started checking out places to visit in Thailand, knowing that it was on our "travel list" while we live on this side of the world. Zac had already visited Thailand with the MEU last spring, but was mostly in the field and a not-so-desirable-for-a-married-man port stop of Pattaya Beach (so he was more than happy to take another trip to see the Thai sights). I knew we definitely wanted to make a stop in Bangkok, and then head to a "beachy" location to relax.

We scheduled the trip well after Zac's scheduled return date because, as we have found out on numerous occassions, the military can do whatever they want, whenever they want. Thankfully, Zac came home just in time, about 6.5 months after leaving, which left a little over a month for us to get excited about our trip. It was a little rough, especially for Zac, to go to work straight away without a break after returning. So the trip was heartily welcomed.

I did most of the planning while Zac was in Afghanistan. At first, I got a little thrifty and adventurous and had the great idea to stay in a hostel or small B&B/inn in Bangkok - a little throwback to '06 and my time in Spain. I found some pretty cool deals - small suites for $30 or so a night (you can find all kinds of neat hole-in-the-wall places at hostelworld.com). Then I considered that Zac had been sleeping in a box on a cot for 6 months and probably didn't want questionable sleeping arrangements in Thailand (though he was a great sport in the discussion). So I found a 50% off 5-star hotel in the center of the city with great views and transportation. Part I, done.

For Part II of the trip, we landed on Phuket, Thailand, a very beachy vacation spot. I researched different resorts and hotels (via tripadvisor.com) for top-rated abodes, seeking a (relatively) affordable, but totally luxurious place to stay. The pictures and views looked out of this world. The Thai Baht is one of the few currencies in the world that is OK against the dollar, making it a "reasonable" splurge. (It was well worth it and did not disappoint!)

I'm SURE you're just dying for more, with that juicy backstory. As soon as I get all the photos uploaded and a free moment, I'll finish the trip!!

A Happy Valentines Day

I have to say...Zac really outdid himself this year for Valentines Day.

I received a lovely bouquet of tulips at the office. It's always kinda been a dream for me to get flowers at work...especially since I've never really had a job...so this was exciting.

But the icing on the cake: coming home to a clean house. Ahhh, nothing better than that!! (Take note you men...if any men even read this) Granted, the house was clean a mere 5 days before for Zac's homecoming, but soon became an explosion of camo to be laudered, sea bags, and other military paraphenalia that has yet to find a home. So a big public smooch and thumbs up to my wonderful husband :) Best Valentines ever....which would've been great JUST because he was HOME!

[Side note: YES he's home!! Can't wait to share all about his homecoming!!]

We broke our "tradition" - well, default tradition - of pizza on Valentines day. Through college, mostly because of various testing schedules, lack of cars, etc. we just celebrated Valentines with pizza. This year we upgraded with yummy steaks (compliments of this PW recipe). Most of all though, I'm just so thankful to be able to spend an evening with my love.

A special XOXO to all my lovely friends who weren't with their loves this Valentines for various military trainings, deployments, exercises, or duties. You are loved, even if from afar :)

- End mushy love post -

2010: In like a tiger, out like a...rabbit?

[Ok, maybe a stretch on the old adage "in like lion, out like a lamb"...]

After taking a long break from updating all you fine readers about life in Okinawa, it's about time to get back to it. My lack of posting is partly from a semi-boring life and partly because I was afraid of whines taking over the posts,  rather than the inside scoop of life in Oki (which was the point of this blog, no?). So now I'm back, whine free and ready to roll.

Living in the eastern half of the world, I'm greatly exposed to, of course, Far East culture. A big part of the culture is the New Year and the animals assigned to it. While I don't know much of the "official" descriptions of the said animal assignments, I'd say 2010 (the year of the tiger) was indeed a tiger.

Let me pull out my 11th grade, metaphor-making skills and explain.

Tigers are quite vicious animals, but are sly, quiet, and conniving. Also, for their prey, tigers are unpredictable in their attacks. They are the kings (princes?) of the jungle, beautiful, fast, and feared. I feel 2010 pretty much much follows that description well.

We started the year in true "tiger" style - well, at least Chinese style - as we celebrated in Hong Kong at the stroke of midnight. The busy, fast paced city thrilled us with so many fun places to see and experience. Who would've thought a mere 3 months after moving to Japan we would already be exploring such exciting places?

By mid January, Zac was off on a ship as a last minute replacement on a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) "cruise." It was a mini-deployment, wonderfully punctuated by a rendezvous in Singapore, another beautiful Asian city.

Zac returned around March. Spring and summer flew at "tiger" speed. We explored the island, settled more into our little apartment, celebrated our anniversary "up north," and enjoyed a visit with the Cooks. Oh, and we got a dog and I got a job...can you say changes?

At the end of June, we found out that Zac would be deployed to Afghanistan within weeks. (Sneaky, sly tiger year...surprise/unexpected deployment #2 of the year). Typically (and I use that word loosely, as nothing in the military is predictable or typical), deployments are known of a few months in advance. So it was a whirlwind of preparations and emotions preparing for Zac to leave.

Zac left the day after my birthday for his "tour." (Gee, the military really has some euphemisms for their deployments...cruises and tours...sounds like the servicemen are going on a bunch of vacations!) We spent the second half of the year in separate corners of the world, continuing our adventures in very different ways. Zac learned another (middle) eastern culture, while I traveled to the US, Hawaii, and mainland Japan (twice). Looking back, the time really flew. I can't believe we've made it 5 months, and I'm more than thankful that it's behind us.

I got to end the year with some time off with my parents. I think that was the best Christmas present I could've gotten this year (except maybe a surprise homecoming? ;)) I loved showing them around the island and the place we call home thousands of miles away. The visit was the perfect combination of relaxing/enjoying time together and sightseeing. We rang in the new year cozy at home....quite different from the rowdy Hong Kong new year. As different as, say, a tiger and a rabbit?

So, as 2011 starts, I'm anxious to see what this year-of the rabbit-brings. I hope it is more "rabbit-like"...quiet, comfortable, and steady. Happy New Year!

November Notes

I don't really have anything really interesting or cultural to share this time around. But, for a few tidbits on life this month...

1. I've started (fairly) regularly attending ZUMBA at the gym. It's a latin dance inspired aerobics class. It's super fun to dance around than, say, marching in place on an elliptical.

2. Speaking of marching, I definitely saw an Okinawa taking a "march." Which I assume is similar to taking a walk or taking a jog, but this guy was definitely marching. Windsuit and all.

3. I think we're halfway through!!!

4. Communicating to Afghanistan is rough. Especially when one party does not have reliable internet. Without that, all the miraculous inventions of the last 10 years are useless, if not completely frustrating. I'm surely thankful for anything I can get, but it just gets old after a while. It's exhausting emotionally and relationally (word?).

5. Fortunately, we got in a GREAT Skype session Sunday afternoon. Probably haven't had a good talkin' to since September. A little breath of fresh air sure goes a long way for the soul.

6. Speaking of souls, I've been teaching the Confirmation class at church this year. Let me tell you, it's not the same as my confirmation experience with 300+ kids going through at the same time. My class is 5 boys. 5 eighth grade boys to be exact. What a trip! I hope and pray in some form or fashion I'm getting through to them. Even if I do use doughnuts as a bribe from time to time...

7. Thanksgiving is in a week and a half! Holey smokes! I'm off again to Tokyo for a girls' trip! Konnichiwa Tokyo!

8. I think I'm used to the fact that stores start the Christmas decorating thing before Halloween. Although, I wasn't quite prepared to hear Christmas music playing so soon. I think there must be market research that says people buy more when they hear Christmas music. The BX was already blaring their Christmas tunes this weekend! Ha, I beat them, though. After spending $500 on contacts and glasses (thanks to my fabulous Tricare coverage...you sure you want government insurance, America?) I escaped the BX with just my cotton balls and paper towels, booya. [And who knew glasses were so dadburn expensive? Probably doesn't help that I'm legally blind. And they were very generic, no Gucci glasses here.]

9. I officially switch over to Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. I have quite a collection going, and usually add a new album every year (or two). This year, the new addition definitely going to be Dave Barnes. It looks like there are some new songs and a couple of oldies/goodies. If you've never heard of Dave Barnes, his song "Nothing Fancy" is a great one...and the namesake of this blog!

10. Zac told me the other day that the Josh Groban version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" will be especially hard to listen to this year. I had completely forgotten about it until he mentioned it. If you don't know, this particular version has messages in from deployed military to their families played intermittently throughout the song. Makes me cry on a normal Christmas, and now makes me just thinking about it. Note to self: Do not put on Ipod!

Where Did October Go?

Can anyone believe that it's November already? Shoot, one month closer is all right with me!

I expected October to fly by, and fly it did. (And now that I finish this post, November is halfway through!) I started the month on the tail end of a whirlwind trip back to the homeland: Texas. I got to spend some good quality time with friends and family (though so much less than I needed to see everyone!) and be in my friend's wedding! My trip back to Okinawa came all too soon and it was a little sad coming back to an empty house. But hey-oooo, there certainly was no sitting around!

My first week back was super busy at work, which made the week fly. Fortunately, I had Okinapa to look forward to at the end of a tiring week and the beginning of a long weekend. It was fantastic to reunite with my wonderful Okinawa friends and, of course, drink wine!

It was a good weekend: wine, friends, relaxing, sleeping, and THREE DAYS. I think the world would be a better place if all weekends were three days long.

I wasn't settled for long before I left on a 2 week trip for work. I'm not sure I've ever really talked much about my job, but I do accounting for the USO centers in mainland Japan, Guam, and Hawaii. So my boss and I headed to mainland for a week and Hawaii for a week to train some new employees. It was such a great opportunity for me to meet the people that I've been emailing and calling for 6 months. It definitely makes me feel more invested in the job and the people. 

We started out at a naval base in Sasebo, Japan. It really had an sleepy wharf town/east coast vibe going on. I guess what I would imagine Maine to be. And yes, there certainly is a different feel to mainland Japan and Okinawa! Probably the same difference as mainland USA and Hawaii! Anyway, Sasebo...a co-worker from Sasebo took us up on a mountain that overlooked the entire city. It was a spectacular view!

View of "99 Islands" According to our native Sasebonian friend with us, this was the background for a scene in The Lost/Last (?) Samurai...some Tom Cruise movie

....Sorry, just had to take a second to pinch myself. Sometimes I forget the amazing places and opportunities that are part of my everyday life!

After a couple of days there, we went north to the naval base in Yokosuka (pronounced ya-KOH-ska). Yokosuka is right outside of Tokyo, a suburb, if you will. Yokosuka had a very different feel. Maybe like Chicago in the 80's. Because I obviously know all about Chicago in the 80's...

I don't think I took any pictures in Yokosuka. We pretty much just worked. We walked to the commissary once. That's about all the sightseeing we did. 

THEN, here comes the big one, we headed out to HAWAII!! 

Ok, I'm going to be honest here. I was certainly excited about Hawaii, but probably not as much as a normal human would be. I thought since we pretty much live on a tropical island, what's another tropical island a paddle down the ocean?  Well, let me tell you. I can't wait to go back to Hawaii. It's so beautiful AND it's America. It's like the best  (in my homebody opinion) of all worlds - the island feel and English/Target/highways/Cheescake Factory/.... I suppose being away from all of the American conveniences can make you appreciate the little things. 

So Hawaii was great. We stayed at a hotel a block from Waikiki Beach and walking distance from tons of shops and restaurants. The weather was fantastic. We were there for about a week, including travel days on both ends. Fortunately there was a weekend in the middle. I used my free time wisely: either by the pool, shopping, or watching the sunset at the beach. It was a tad bit awkward being a loner in the land of honeymooners, but I made myself useful taking pictures for other couples/families. 

Waikiki Beach - take me back!

I told Zac that I wouldn't mind him staying in for another assignment if we lived HERE! He said he was ready to be somewhere where he can drive to visit people, but I think that's just his exhaustion talking. Who would give up living HERE!! 

We did do a lot of work, and I loved meeting all of the people that I have "worked with" for the last few months. It makes it so much easier to communicate when you know who you're communicating with! It wasn't all a vacation, but I really think that it will help in my work (and morale) moving forward.

The rainbow was wishing me farewell on my last day in Hawaii.

After two weeks, 3 hotels, 4 airports and dragging my suitcase all over tarnation, I was more than ready to be home. All it took was a 20 hour trip and a little time traveling and I got back to Okinawa....just in time for Typhoon Chaba!

I'm thanking my lucky stars to have flown in just in time (though the flight was quite bumpy). I went to work the next morning for 2 hours before we were sent home for TC-1Caution. Fortunately, I stopped in at the Shopette for some milk and bread (I hadn't been grocery shopping since mid-September) merely an hour before it shut down. I got the rest of the day off to hang out with friends, which was such a blast. 

Friday night, I was catching up on some shows and cuddling with Shish when my eye swole (a word?) almost shut. I thought I was going to have to go as Quasimoto or a pirate. It was the weirdest thing ever. I still can't understand what happened, and there was no irritation, itching, gooey things, nothing. It wasn't even that red. I have a picture, but it looks like a mug shot gone bad. So I took a Benadryl and went to bed. It was still pretty swollen in the morning, halfway better by Saturday night, mostly better by Sunday morning, and pretty much normal by Monday. 

Thank goodness one more month is down!!

Happy Veterans Day

This week is just chock full of military celebrations.

I read this on someone's facebook status today:

"A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. That is beyond honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer remember that fact."

I always identify veterans as old guys sitting around the VFW hall wearing black caps with the pointy middles and the gold wings on the brim (you know the ones):

But it's funny to think that now my 24 year old husband is (will be? I don't know when you "become" a vet) one of those that we honor today. So thank you, veterans, for all of the sacrifices that you make and continue to make.

Happy Birthday, Marine Corps

Happy 235th Birthday, USMC! Oorah!

From the Halls of Montezuma,

To the shores of Tripoli;

We fight our country's battles

In the air, on land, and sea;

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title

Of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun;

In the snow of far-off Northern lands

And in sunny tropic scenes;

You will find us always on the job

The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life

And never lost our nerve;

If the Army and the Navy

Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;

They will find the streets are guarded

By United States Marines.

And a little "fun": Top ten things Marines did (last year) to celebrate the USMC birthday

(Shisa watched this quite enthralled when I played it on the computer. She also sat at "attention" as I played the Marine Corps Hymn. Whatta (devil) dog ;) )

Cocok's

Recently, I realized that I haven't really introduced the United States to the greatness that is Cocok's (the k is silent). Cocok's is a nail spa in Okinawa...every woman, girl, and probably even man knows or has been. There are dozens of nice comfy chairs and very nice pedicurists just waiting to make your day. They give some of the best pedicures ever...the best part is the 20-30 minute massage  (where other places are more like 5-10). It's definitely one of my favorite indulgences.

But a big difference between Cocok's (and many nail salons in Okinawa) and nail salons in the states is you basically NEVER get a plain color. When you go for your appointment, they hand you a 50+ page book of nail designs. And while in the states it may not be common to get flowers on your toes, it is "the thing" to do here. From colonels' wives to 5 year olds, pretty much everyone has "designer toes!"

I've tried to take pictures of most my designs that I've gotten since being here...it's pretty amazing what they can do on a tiny toe!

 Striped toes. 

Tropical toes...never really loved this one...I'm not a blue nail polish type person.

I think these might've been some of my favorites

Cherry blossom toes...in season of course.

Holly's toes: Sunset with palm tree, mountains, and sail boat on the horizon. Yes, on a toe.

My current toes (taken just now, here in the hotel)...or as my mom like to call them - gothic. I like the mum flowers though!

I'm pretty excited about getting some Christmas toes soon!!

Seen enough feet?

In One Year...

One year ago to the day, Zac and I arrived in the Land of the Rising Sun. Merely four and a half months after tying the knot, we jumped head first into a new adventure in a new country. I don't think either of us could ever imagine then where we are now (probably in more ways than one - literally and figuratively). We've been through alot this year and have been blessed so much.

In one year....

...we saw 3 new countries together; Zac saw 4 more on his own.

...we met some of the most amazing friends.

...we said goodbye and hello and goodbye once more.

...we got used to driving on the left side of the road.

...we became a family of three (ish...Me, Zac, and Shisa dog)

...I went from being a desperate housewife to a workin' woman (and now probably wouldn't mind going back to housewife again...)

...we set up house, painted walls and trim galore, and got used to tile floors and ceilings.

...we learned to love so many new cuisines - Thai food, curry, Korean bbq, soba, sushi, and teppanyaki are some new favorites.

...we figured out that the odds and ends we used to be able to get at Target and Home Depot can now be found at Nitori or the "monkey store"...or for free at Eagle Hardware if we're lucky.

...we automatically bow when we come or go.

...we learned to order off menus based on pictures.

...we started communicating in large part with big gestures and sign language.

...we are (almost) on a first name basis with the local Thai restaurant ladies (they at least know exactly what I'll order every time...and recognize me at the commissary).

...we've gotten used to eating dinner at restaurants without shoes...and often on the floor.

...we learned to use chopsticks like pros...and sometimes even prefer certain foods with "wood" instead of "metal."

...we haven't worn a coat (except on vacation to Hong Kong).

...we haven't handed cash over to anyone...cash transactions are always done via money trays.

...we explored the ocean floor of the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea.

...we learned to calculate time differences in several time zones as second nature.

...we've lived a year of adventures.

It's hard to believe that we are 1/3 of the way through our time abroad. We have so much more to see and do!

And lately I've (literally) been all over the place. After an amazing week back in the states, I worked like crazy for a week, and am now on a 2-week "business trip." We spent 3 days in Sasebo (southern tip of mainland Japan), arrived today in Yokosuka (45min-1hr outside of Tokyo), and leave Wednesday for Hawaii for a week. It's great to see so many new places, but I also can't wait to get settled back in at home!

Funny Stuff

In times like these, it's the funny things that get me through the days/weeks/months.

I just ordered a book Sh*t My Dad Says the other day. It's a short collection/"memoir" of quotes and stories a son wrote about his dad. It originated as a Twitter page (you can look it up if you're on Twitter) and grew to over a million followers, became a book, now a sitcom is in the works. Anyway, I've been sitting in bed reading this hilarious book LAUGHING OUT LOUD. I'm always afraid my next door neighbor will think I'm crazy (we share bedroom walls) or Shisa will think something's wrong. It's that funny. Zac and I have started reading a quote or two when we get a chance to talk to lighten the mood a bit (plus I just love to hear him laugh).

I've recently become a huge fan of The Pioneer Woman. She's basically this mega-blogger that talks about pretty much everything. Her recipes are amazing, and she even puts step by step photos on many of them, which is helpful for a burgeoning cook(/Cook....oh I'm so funny) like myself. I read through her forty-some-odd-chapter online romance chronicle in about 2 days. [Which, by the way, is coming out in book form in February...and possibly a movie.] She is a great writer with a great voice . Point being (a paragraph and 100 links later) she has a photography section on the blog and had contests every once in a while. The last one was "Funny." Oh em gee. I'll just send you to the winner. But all of them good. I was browsing during work, probably making odd noises to stifle my laughs. My favorites are the belly button one, the winner, and the last one with the baby. And the little boy with the glasses reminds me of one of my nephews in this picture (far right, minus the glasses).

Check it out. Tell me what you think.

Afterall, laughter IS the best medicine.

Oh passport, where art thou...and other stories

September has been dragging, it seems, but then again it's almost halfway over...go figure!

It's been an exciting month, what with a typhoon, an almost typhoon, Labor Day, birthdays, sporadic communication with Zac, dog walks, wine, Okinawan dance/beer festivals, bowling, canasta tournaments, Sunday school, and general lazing about. But man, it just seems like springtime can't come soon enough.

I am SO excited to return to the great US of A in a matter of (single-digit) days! I can't wait to see nephews and (a) niece [who have grown so much in the year I've been gone], sisters, parents, friends, celebrate a wedding, and shop till my little heart drops. Oh, and of course eat mexican food and Blue Bell ice cream.

A short time after I return to Okinawa, I'll be leaving for a "business trip." [Am I really old enough to go on a business trip?] It'll be a week in mainland Japan and a week in Hawaii...I highly encourage anyone with a hankering to travel to meet up with me! It will certainly be exciting to see a bit of the world. I'm just hoping October will just fly by, and then it's one month closer to a big, fat, Zac reunion.

Speaking of travel, I was looking for my passport last night, and I couldn't find EITHER of them. Yes, I have TWO passports, and they are both nowhere to be found. That could throw a big fat wrench in all these international travel plans. And I just KNOW it has to be around somewhere, becuase I haven't even been anywhere with one of the passports! And the other one I used to go to Singapore, but I had to have it to get back in the country, right? I'm sure it's just in some genius spot from my last use... Let's just say St. Anthony and I have been good buds the past 24 hours....

Deployment

We have a guest post today! Well, I suppose it's not a guest post since the author is technically a co-owner of this blog...his name comes first in the address after all. And here I (Jena) am commandeering the blog and taking it over all the time. Anyway, I was so excited to hear what Zac had to say and I'm sure you are too...so without further ado...on his blog debut...

As Jena has mentioned earlier, I am away on a “business trip” to southwest Asia. All the events surrounding a deployment are kept close to the chest for security reasons but I will share with you what I can.

It was a whirlwind of transitioning from my job on the MEU to coming back to my home unit and preparing for deployment. Luckily I was able to get a lot done early and so the last few days before I left weren’t so hectic. I was packed up in advance and spent my final days in Okinawa enjoying Jena's company and, oh ya, celebrating her 24^th birthday.

When it is time to leave for 7 months, no matter where you are going, it finally hits you and there is really no way to know exactly how you are going to feel until you are in that moment. I have to say that that was the hardest part, walking the other direction knowing you will not see your wife until you are a year older. 

At the airport leaving Okinawa

After the goodbyes it was back to the states for the first time in almost a year. If there was any culture shock on the way to Japan, there was certainly culture shock on the way back. Being able to go to the customer service desk and have my question answered immediately and without a pickup game of charades was one thing that really stood out. I ordered food without needing pictures on the menu and was no longer a giant. It was great. When I got to North Carolina I had a rental car to get me around. I don’t know if that was the best idea, giving someone a car to someone that has been driving on the other side of the road for the better part of the year, but I made it. Needless to say I played plenty of games of "chicken" as I turned onto roads, and changing lanes usually called for a quick swipe of the windshield wipers.

After North Carolina it was off to the middle east. A quick jaunt in Kuwait allowed me to realize how hot the desert is and allowed me to acclimatize a little to the culture. This is a picture of one of the larger Mosques in Kuwait.

Large Mosque in Kuwait 

(Nice caption, Zac)

It wasn’t long until I was able to catch a flight out to Afghanistan. I have been here for a couple of weeks now and am settling in. I am safe and learning a lot about my new job.

I do have to mention one thing about the country as a whole. It is the only place I have been to where it is exactly as you imagine. When people think of Japan they usually get an idea of Sushi and people walking the streets in Kimonos. When you think of China you may get some image of rickshaw carriages and the Great Wall. When people think of Texas (I’ve come to realize), they imagine the wild west with cowboys and horses.

When you actually visit these places the reality is usually a lot different. They have McDonalds, KFC, and American style clothes in Japan, China is a predominately modern society, and Texas is far beyond the days of cowboys and Indians.

Afghanistan is not.

The majority of the country lives in mud huts exactly as you imagine. They push wheelbarrows or ride donkeys to move things (although there are vehicles as well). They dress exactly as you imagine an Afghan would dress. It is almost like stepping into a time machine and going back a century or two. It is a nation of farmers and people with simple homes and simple lives.

Camels on the side of the road

Typical Qualat (or house)

Kids in the typical dress of the area

Well I think I will wrap it up for now. I will hopefully get you some insight into my daily life later on, but obviously a lot of stuff is not for internet distribution. Thanks for all your prayers and support. I miss everyone back home and can’t wait to get back.

Day 6: Shuri Castle and Battle Sites

The 6th day of the Cook visit was a big site-seeing day. Since Zac and I have been here, we've done plenty, but we've saved a lot of the "touristy" stuff until we had visitors. Shuri Castle (or Shurijo - what it says on the road signs - castle) is a big stop on the Okinawa tour. It's a centuries old palace (though it's been revamped a few times) and the center point for the Ryukyu kingdom.

 [A little sidenote: Okinawa is part of the Ryukyu (pronounced "rye-you-koo") chain of islands, Okinawa being one of the biggest. Before Okinawa was taken over by the Japanese, it was its own kingdom, and a major hub for the Asian trade routes.]

We also combined our Shuri Castle tour with a mini battle sites tour. Zac took his MEU platoon on the "official" tour at the end of June, so he took us to the same spots and shared the knowledge that he got from the tour guide.

Gun hole (I know there's a better/real name for it, I just can't remember). It's a place through which  someone shot a machine gun back in WWII. 

From a lookout point. All of the buildings you can see from this vantage point are from after WWII. During the war, most of the buildings and vegetation were wiped out and it was all basically mud. I also think this is a funny pic with the Japanese grandpa and grandson. 

A fighting cave from the war.

On to Shuri...

One of the main gates/entrances to the palace grounds.

The Castle has its own centuries-old water system combined of little pools like this and small ditches running throughout.

Bell building. 

I think this building was a main eating hall

The workers at the castle wore old Japanese/Okinawan dress

These rooms were where the emperor would conduct his daily business and meetings. The floors are covered with grass mats called tatami mats, which are still very common in Japanese homes. Not your average office, huh?

Gardens surrounding the emperor's work place.

A gateway within the grounds.

The emperor's throne for official business.

exit gate.