I've been living in Virginia Beach since March and I haven't had a moment to breathe... so it seems. I want nothing more than to update this blog so that I can look back on time passed. Just a moment ago I looked back at my previous entries and realized that I'm terrible at this. Blogging is just NOT my thing. Though I would love to share my life's experiences, I just don't know how to make it as interesting as it actually is. My words just don't fill the actual feeling of what goes on. Maybe I need a lesson or course on this whole blogging idea. I follow some really awesome blogs and they're full of life. Rich in color and wording so deep I can imagine myself in the mind of the blogger. What is going on with me and mine? I think I'll take some time to think about it and really get a feel for what I want to do here. When I had my very own website I drew in so many visitors, but I also got to use my artistic talents and web design seems so much easier than a blog. How is that? Maybe I share better with photographs and graphics. My head hurts thinking about it.
Happy September, folks! I'll be back later.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Don't be confused
Taking it back to February.
I was supposed to keep this updated with photos and updates of our recent PCS (permanent change of station). We left Japan on February 16th, 2010. The flight was scheduled to leave Yokota AB, head to Misawa AB, then to Anchorage, Alaska, and final destination Seattle, Washington. While we waited in Misawa for refuel and had lunch from a hot lunch truck parked outside, we got news that the flight would skip Alaska and head straight to Seattle. That was awesome news for us. Less travel is always good! The kids were doing great. No complaining. They were still excited to be going to a new place. I was just hoping that excitement wouldn't wear down. The long flight went pretty well. It was landing back in the United States that wasn't so wonderful. Being back in the U.S. was such a great feeling, but the experience was far from great. Before we left Japan, we made reservations on Orbitz.com for a hotel, which turned out to be a motel type place. The shuttle was a run down van that was obviously due for a tune up or overhaul in my opinion. The driver wasn't so bad, but when we pulled up to the place, I already knew I was NOT staying there. There was a old musty smell at the front door when it swung open. Yucky!! We were exhausted so my husband said, lets check in, wash up and find a place to eat. We got in the room and even the kids didn't want to touch anything. It was disgusting. The window wouldn't shut all the way, the linens looked used and the staff seemed like they hated their jobs. There was dirty dishes on the floor outside of the door of the next room. I refused to stay there. AM1 went to the front desk and told them we were uncomfortable there, listed the problems and unacceptable, and requested the driver take us back to the airport. We called Orbitz.com which was no help at all. We explained that we didn't want any problems or confrontation because there were thug like folks hanging out with the staff and we didn't need any problems. The dumb Orbitz.com person called the hotel and told them we were not satisfied and demanded our money back. We didn't want our money back, nor did we want to deal with the hotel staff. AM1 already told the staff that we just wanted to go back to the airport to try to catch an earlier flight. Then the staff brought up the Orbitz.com person and what they told them. Goodness! The driver was kind enough to take us back to the airport without any problems. As we were taking our stuff back out to the van, J1 was holding the door for me to come through and a guy about 19 or 20 years old tries to talk to her. She freaks out and lets the door go. We were welcomed back to the states with what will be our reality, I'm assuming.
We got back to the airport, used payphones to call other hotels and finally found one. It wasn't much better than the first, but the staff was really nice, the room was a little musty, but we were in walking distance of a Denny's restaurant. Thank goodness, because we were starving. AM1 didn't want to leave the luggage in the room, so he sent us to eat and told us to bring him back something. Our first night in the United States was such a tough one, but we were still glad to back.
I was supposed to keep this updated with photos and updates of our recent PCS (permanent change of station). We left Japan on February 16th, 2010. The flight was scheduled to leave Yokota AB, head to Misawa AB, then to Anchorage, Alaska, and final destination Seattle, Washington. While we waited in Misawa for refuel and had lunch from a hot lunch truck parked outside, we got news that the flight would skip Alaska and head straight to Seattle. That was awesome news for us. Less travel is always good! The kids were doing great. No complaining. They were still excited to be going to a new place. I was just hoping that excitement wouldn't wear down. The long flight went pretty well. It was landing back in the United States that wasn't so wonderful. Being back in the U.S. was such a great feeling, but the experience was far from great. Before we left Japan, we made reservations on Orbitz.com for a hotel, which turned out to be a motel type place. The shuttle was a run down van that was obviously due for a tune up or overhaul in my opinion. The driver wasn't so bad, but when we pulled up to the place, I already knew I was NOT staying there. There was a old musty smell at the front door when it swung open. Yucky!! We were exhausted so my husband said, lets check in, wash up and find a place to eat. We got in the room and even the kids didn't want to touch anything. It was disgusting. The window wouldn't shut all the way, the linens looked used and the staff seemed like they hated their jobs. There was dirty dishes on the floor outside of the door of the next room. I refused to stay there. AM1 went to the front desk and told them we were uncomfortable there, listed the problems and unacceptable, and requested the driver take us back to the airport. We called Orbitz.com which was no help at all. We explained that we didn't want any problems or confrontation because there were thug like folks hanging out with the staff and we didn't need any problems. The dumb Orbitz.com person called the hotel and told them we were not satisfied and demanded our money back. We didn't want our money back, nor did we want to deal with the hotel staff. AM1 already told the staff that we just wanted to go back to the airport to try to catch an earlier flight. Then the staff brought up the Orbitz.com person and what they told them. Goodness! The driver was kind enough to take us back to the airport without any problems. As we were taking our stuff back out to the van, J1 was holding the door for me to come through and a guy about 19 or 20 years old tries to talk to her. She freaks out and lets the door go. We were welcomed back to the states with what will be our reality, I'm assuming.
We got back to the airport, used payphones to call other hotels and finally found one. It wasn't much better than the first, but the staff was really nice, the room was a little musty, but we were in walking distance of a Denny's restaurant. Thank goodness, because we were starving. AM1 didn't want to leave the luggage in the room, so he sent us to eat and told us to bring him back something. Our first night in the United States was such a tough one, but we were still glad to back.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Fishing for... Flounder?
Before getting stationed in Japan, we were stationed at NAF Patuxent River, Maryland. We used to do some good fishing and crabbing there. It was so much fun and it was something very cheap to do back then on E4 pay. We only had the two oldest girls at the time so it was a little easier to stay out longer and the spots were more accessible. We didn't do any fishing while in Japan, so coming back to the states, we were excited to get new fishing gear and head out to teach the three little ones how to fish. We also wanted to get them to the beach and teach them about water safety. They've only had pool experience in Japan, nothing like the ocean, so they need to be out there on the beach.
We've been looking for fishing spots here in Virginia Beach, but didn't find any places that you can park and fish. All the spots are far from where you park your vehicles. It's not easily accessible. Anyway, we took the kids to Ft. Story yesterday. This is our second time out there. We went out there to practice... hahaha! We're a little rusty! For J3 just learning how to fish, he did awesome. He caught a few Flounder. J2 caught a stingray, some flounder, and some croakers the last time we went there. Yesterday, we only caught flounder. We had to throw most of them back because they were too small, but we had a blast competing who would catch the most.
Ft. Story has beautiful beaches and scenic points, with lighthouses that would make picture perfect postcards. We haven't brought the camera out there because we're notorious for losing or leaving cameras. On a non-fishing trip out there, I'll TRY to remember the camera.
We've been looking for fishing spots here in Virginia Beach, but didn't find any places that you can park and fish. All the spots are far from where you park your vehicles. It's not easily accessible. Anyway, we took the kids to Ft. Story yesterday. This is our second time out there. We went out there to practice... hahaha! We're a little rusty! For J3 just learning how to fish, he did awesome. He caught a few Flounder. J2 caught a stingray, some flounder, and some croakers the last time we went there. Yesterday, we only caught flounder. We had to throw most of them back because they were too small, but we had a blast competing who would catch the most.
Ft. Story has beautiful beaches and scenic points, with lighthouses that would make picture perfect postcards. We haven't brought the camera out there because we're notorious for losing or leaving cameras. On a non-fishing trip out there, I'll TRY to remember the camera.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Maybe not today
I had every intention to start filling in the gaps of our relocation from Japan to Virginia, but I got news yesterday of my Uncle's passing. My Mom's brother, Fredie, passed away after many months of fighting Liver Disease and Kidney Failure. There wasn't much the medical staff in Hawaii could do for him without him receiving a liver, so they've been doing everything to keep him comfortable up to yesterday when his body just couldn't fight anymore. He's been in and out of the hospital for days at a time over the past year and it's been tough on his children to see him in so much pain and discomfort. His son, Fred Lee, is a Senior in high school and is playing his last year on the football team. He's been visiting his Dad, my Uncle, before his games and practices when he got too ill to go watch him play. It's been a really tough year for them all, and though it is a sad time and his 5 children will miss him dearly, he is no longer suffering and we all believe he is in a much better place, and now resting. May God comfort his children as he makes his journey home.
I'll start updating tomorrow. New day, new mood, new agenda. Have a good day!
I'll start updating tomorrow. New day, new mood, new agenda. Have a good day!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Am I back?
--- Well, it's been about six months since our journey from Japan to Virginia Beach. I told myself I'd update the blog as often as possible, and I did NOT lie. It is now possible. It has been quite a journey. And you may think six months is enough time to adjust, but it isn't. I'm still adjusting to the differences between Japan and the United States. I think the hardest to get used to is the RUDENESS!! People here in the U.S. are very rude and it seems as though 99% of the folks around here do NOT like their jobs. Its rare to run into kind, courteous people here. Living in Japan for over seven years with friendly, courteous & helpful people was waaaaaaay more pleasant. I enjoyed Japan, but I wouldn't want to move back. It would just be nice if the folks here were easier to get along with.
--- I'm six months behind on the updates, but I am ready to share the experiences we've gone through thus far. I don't know where to begin, but I'll try to go back as far as the moment we stepped foot back into the United States of America.
Stay with me! I have updates on my weight issues also. Argh!
--- I'm six months behind on the updates, but I am ready to share the experiences we've gone through thus far. I don't know where to begin, but I'll try to go back as far as the moment we stepped foot back into the United States of America.
Stay with me! I have updates on my weight issues also. Argh!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Three more for group rates
--- I should have three more children. We'd be able to make reservations using the
group rate. I had to purchase airline tickets from Seattle to San Antonio and after
typing in all seven of our names, credit card information and frequent flyer numbers,
the stinkin' thing kicked back with error messages. Unable to process, etc. I tried
different travel sites and airlines' sites. When I finally decided to call an airline, my
head was spinning. As I waited for a representative, I had to listen to a bunch of
security and airport rules. I also got the message that if I made the reservation with
the airline over the phone, I'd be charged an extra $25 per passenger booking fee.
ARE YOU CRAZY? Anyway, an agent finally came on the line and when I told her
what keeps happening, she told me it's because there are too many names. She said
it would only let me book up to six people. Great! What do I do with the other kid?
She said I could make two reservations, splitting the family up. CRAZY! I worked
in the travel industry and I know from experience that doing that could mean taking
separate flights. There's no way I'd split the family up. She was huffing and puffing
so I told her, "Forget it. I'll call another airline, because you seem frustrated." She
said, "No, I just don't know what you're looking at because my computer doesn't
even show the flight you're asking about." Okay... the lady couldn't find her own
airline's flight.
--- Cutting the story a lot shorter than it is, I booked all seven of us on the same
flight, a hotel and I got the special internet fare without having to pay the booking
fee for having them do it all. Patience and prayer can surely get you through
tough situations. Aaagghhh!!
Be right back! J5 is calling!
group rate. I had to purchase airline tickets from Seattle to San Antonio and after
typing in all seven of our names, credit card information and frequent flyer numbers,
the stinkin' thing kicked back with error messages. Unable to process, etc. I tried
different travel sites and airlines' sites. When I finally decided to call an airline, my
head was spinning. As I waited for a representative, I had to listen to a bunch of
security and airport rules. I also got the message that if I made the reservation with
the airline over the phone, I'd be charged an extra $25 per passenger booking fee.
ARE YOU CRAZY? Anyway, an agent finally came on the line and when I told her
what keeps happening, she told me it's because there are too many names. She said
it would only let me book up to six people. Great! What do I do with the other kid?
She said I could make two reservations, splitting the family up. CRAZY! I worked
in the travel industry and I know from experience that doing that could mean taking
separate flights. There's no way I'd split the family up. She was huffing and puffing
so I told her, "Forget it. I'll call another airline, because you seem frustrated." She
said, "No, I just don't know what you're looking at because my computer doesn't
even show the flight you're asking about." Okay... the lady couldn't find her own
airline's flight.
--- Cutting the story a lot shorter than it is, I booked all seven of us on the same
flight, a hotel and I got the special internet fare without having to pay the booking
fee for having them do it all. Patience and prayer can surely get you through
tough situations. Aaagghhh!!
Be right back! J5 is calling!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sharing kinda stinks
--- We're all sharing a laptop, due to the recent pack-out. I could have kept the
desktop here, but we decided to let them pack everything. We kept one pot, two
pans, a spatula, no eating utensils and no dishes. This family of seven is roughing it.
I know you'll think I'm strange, but we've been using plastic forks, spoons, knives.
All of which I wash and reuse. I've been buying paper plates (the GREEN kind).
I even bought a few aluminum pans to wash and reuse. Don't judge me. This is
actually a lesson being learned!!
--- Anyway, I don't like having to share this laptop with the entire family. Okay,
minus J5. J1 & J2 have end of the quarter/semester reports, projects, and extra
credit due so they've been hogging it for research. AM1 has been using it to research
vehicles, because I guess we'll need one when we get back to the states. :) He's
been looking into safety ratings and ridiculous features. I told him, stop with all
that silly stuff and find one that fits the whole family without having to tie one to the
luggage rack or bumper. He's also been looking at the Virginia Beach area for
homes that are for rent. He said we need to be prepared if housing isn't available.
Again, stop with the non-sense. We have to go there, get a feel for the area
anyway. We have to SEE the rentals and areas of the rentals before deciding
anyway, so lets just get there first. I'm not so much into this kind of preparation
as I am for, let's say, a birthday party for one of my kids.
--- Oh, yes, back to the sharing subject. J3 had his surgery this past Friday,
January 22nd. My little six year old went in for Right Inguinal Hernia Repair
and is recovering great. Here's an overshare. The hernia was worse than they
expected and he had quite a bit of fluid around his testicles that was causing the
pain he was complaining of. He is home from school for the entire week and hogs
the computer while J1 & J2 are at school. After a while sitting at the table, on
the very uncomfortable loaner furniture dining chair, he gets up for a break and
you'd think I'd get a chance to check mail or pop in here for a quick entry, but
NOPE!! Little miss J4 needs her daily NickJr fix.
--- I'm considering a notebook or laptop of my very own. If you have any suggestions,
please send them. I need all the input on the newest technology because I'm a little
behind.
--- I have so much to catch up on. I have notes in my iTouch from the recent weeks,
so I'll try to get them in here when I find a way to bribe or threaten the family into a
turn on this thing.
desktop here, but we decided to let them pack everything. We kept one pot, two
pans, a spatula, no eating utensils and no dishes. This family of seven is roughing it.
I know you'll think I'm strange, but we've been using plastic forks, spoons, knives.
All of which I wash and reuse. I've been buying paper plates (the GREEN kind).
I even bought a few aluminum pans to wash and reuse. Don't judge me. This is
actually a lesson being learned!!
--- Anyway, I don't like having to share this laptop with the entire family. Okay,
minus J5. J1 & J2 have end of the quarter/semester reports, projects, and extra
credit due so they've been hogging it for research. AM1 has been using it to research
vehicles, because I guess we'll need one when we get back to the states. :) He's
been looking into safety ratings and ridiculous features. I told him, stop with all
that silly stuff and find one that fits the whole family without having to tie one to the
luggage rack or bumper. He's also been looking at the Virginia Beach area for
homes that are for rent. He said we need to be prepared if housing isn't available.
Again, stop with the non-sense. We have to go there, get a feel for the area
anyway. We have to SEE the rentals and areas of the rentals before deciding
anyway, so lets just get there first. I'm not so much into this kind of preparation
as I am for, let's say, a birthday party for one of my kids.
--- Oh, yes, back to the sharing subject. J3 had his surgery this past Friday,
January 22nd. My little six year old went in for Right Inguinal Hernia Repair
and is recovering great. Here's an overshare. The hernia was worse than they
expected and he had quite a bit of fluid around his testicles that was causing the
pain he was complaining of. He is home from school for the entire week and hogs
the computer while J1 & J2 are at school. After a while sitting at the table, on
the very uncomfortable loaner furniture dining chair, he gets up for a break and
you'd think I'd get a chance to check mail or pop in here for a quick entry, but
NOPE!! Little miss J4 needs her daily NickJr fix.
--- I'm considering a notebook or laptop of my very own. If you have any suggestions,
please send them. I need all the input on the newest technology because I'm a little
behind.
--- I have so much to catch up on. I have notes in my iTouch from the recent weeks,
so I'll try to get them in here when I find a way to bribe or threaten the family into a
turn on this thing.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Formatting issues
--- What's going on with my formatting? I haven't changed any settings, so why the problems? Help!
PreOp
--- Just before Christmas I had to take J3 to the clinic. He was complaining of pain in the
groin area. He was fine getting ready for school, but then fell to the ground in pain. I thought
he was trying to get out of school for the day. We waited for 20-30 minutes, had his vitals
checked, put in a room and waited another 20-30 minutes. It wasn't so bad. J3 was
telling me the corniest jokes while we waited. When you're delirious, kid jokes are the
funniest ever!! I was so hungry and couldn't focus. There were moments that I actually
forgot why we were there. I think it was the lack of oxygen in the tiny room they put us in.
Seriously, the doctor was thorough, explained everything he was checking for and what
he suspected it was. He used actual words that both J3 and me could understand. Okay,
so J3 had to explain some of it to me because I was in and out of consciousness due to
hunger! He referred us to Yokosuka to see a "specialist". We did that, got scheduled for
a PreOp appointment, and yesterday was that day. The PreOp, I mean. Anyway folks,
J3 is scheduled for Right Inguinal Hernia Repair on January 22nd. Why so far from today?
Well, DUH, because the only doctor who does this surgery will be on TAD (TDY) until
the 20th of the month. Mission First, Sailors Always.... families, well, whenever. I'm used
to it, so I'm not really complaining.
--- Here's what we have planned for January, thus far...
appointments and so much more... it's only the first week of 2010 and I'm exhausted.
groin area. He was fine getting ready for school, but then fell to the ground in pain. I thought
he was trying to get out of school for the day. We waited for 20-30 minutes, had his vitals
checked, put in a room and waited another 20-30 minutes. It wasn't so bad. J3 was
telling me the corniest jokes while we waited. When you're delirious, kid jokes are the
funniest ever!! I was so hungry and couldn't focus. There were moments that I actually
forgot why we were there. I think it was the lack of oxygen in the tiny room they put us in.
Seriously, the doctor was thorough, explained everything he was checking for and what
he suspected it was. He used actual words that both J3 and me could understand. Okay,
so J3 had to explain some of it to me because I was in and out of consciousness due to
hunger! He referred us to Yokosuka to see a "specialist". We did that, got scheduled for
a PreOp appointment, and yesterday was that day. The PreOp, I mean. Anyway folks,
J3 is scheduled for Right Inguinal Hernia Repair on January 22nd. Why so far from today?
Well, DUH, because the only doctor who does this surgery will be on TAD (TDY) until
the 20th of the month. Mission First, Sailors Always.... families, well, whenever. I'm used
to it, so I'm not really complaining.
--- Here's what we have planned for January, thus far...
- 11th -- J4's very first salon hair cut
- 11th -- J2 & J5, immunizations
- 12th -13th -- Pack Out
- 16th -- Shibuya train trip
- 22nd -- J3's surgery
- 23rd -- J1 & J2's Host Nation friendship volleyball game
- 29th -- J3's 7th birthday
- 30th -- J3's 7th birthday party
- 31st -- Dinner at Yakiniku
appointments and so much more... it's only the first week of 2010 and I'm exhausted.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!!
--- It's been just about 3 months since I've checked in, but I can honestly say... I've been lazy. I've been moody and anti-social. I quit playing games and apps on facebook and I haven't been on the computer lately. It's PCS (Permanent Change of Station) time for us and we have A LOT to do. 2010 is going to be full of changes and interesting experiences for our family. After 7 years, here in Japan, we're finally heading back to the United States of America. I'm certain we will experience culture shock and the kids will think we're torturing them, but it's time for us to live as Americans, in America. It's been a wonderful experience here and we'll have so many memories to carry with us for many years to come. It's time for us to move on to new and exciting adventures, with many more memories to be made.
--- PCS process is a little stressful. The paperwork is endless! Our pack-out is in 8 days and we still have some purging, cleaning and packing to do. I will be pulling my hair out by week's end. We have to clean and sell our vehicle, with enough time to get all the paperwork completed. It's a lengthy process. After the pack-out, we have to CLEAN and CLEAR quarters. Oh yay! The pre-inspection, inspection, and post-inspection list is ridiculous. Post inspection? There's more to do after you pass the inspection. The military only pays for ONE night at the lodge after you've cleared quarters, but I'll need more than one night. We'll have to pay for a few nights. How will I clean and clear the unit while we're in it? Duh! So, out of pocket costs before we even detach from Atsugi. Oh the joy! AM1 will have to check out of the cable company, phone company, library, NEX, housing, MWR (CDC) and his command. I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of them all right now.
--- Anyhoot... in the midst of it all, we have a birthday to celebrate. Our son, J3, is turning 7 at the end of January. With our HHG (household goods) on their way to the states, it'll be interesting to see how we put a birthday together. I'm thinking pizza party at one of the party rooms or maybe the bowling alley. Who knows? I'm better at procrastination so I'll throw something together that week. :P
--- Gotta go! J5 is up and looking for me. Yes, still breastfeeding and the little booger just turned one on December 30th. He is another reason I haven't been on here. He sure knows how to occupy my every free minute!
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