Farewell Keiko!

I had my last class with Keiko Suzuki on Monday. She is one of my favorite students by far. She studies hard and always has the funniest stories to tell me despite her limited English. Each week we had class, it was a combination of dictionaries, charades and a more speaking little by little. She represents so many things that I love about the people of this country. Their generosity, how hard they work, her loyalty to her family and so many other things.

We were both in tears by the time I left on Monday and so was the new teacher who was there to meet her. Keiko told me she was going to keep studying English so she could come to America and visit me. I hope she does!

Glennjimen

Glenn had been gone about 2 weeks now. I'm hitting the usual slump of it settling in the he is gone for a long haul. I'm trying to settle in to my summer routine, but with the end of most of my English classes in sight, it is not my usual busy schedule. A lot more pool time instead!

I should have mentioned before that Glenn cannot check his hotmail or fe.navy.mil account while on the ship so if you would like to send him an email, you can reach him at Glenn.Smith@cvw5.navy.mil. They keep a pretty busy schedule, but I"m sure he'd love to hear from you.

Mail can be sent directly to the ship via the US Postal System at:

LT Glenn Smith

VAW-115 Unit 25428

FPO AP 96601

Care packages and cards are always appreciated, I'm sure. It will be "awhile" til I see Glenn next. With an earthquake and mass evacuation in the spring, this year is a little atypical unfortunately. Of course, I can't mention when or where he is or will be for security reasons.

I miss you, Mr! I'm off to watch my girly summer TV shows that I only watch when you are gone!

Hiking Nyukasayama, Nagano

My friend, Mike, and I headed to Nagano a couple weekends ago to go hiking! We were headed to Fujimi Panorama. "Mi" being to see/watch in Japanese and Fuji being, well, Fuji, but it being rainy season, didn't have much like. We did see a lot of clouds though!

The Lilies of the Valley were suppose to be the primary draw to this area, but they weren't quite in full bloom yet. The staff in the area told us there were over 1 million plants. I question whether he counted those or not.

We reached the summit around lunchtime and enjoyed a nice picnic. I'm not quite sure what everyone was looking at here. "Nice cloud" "Hmm...I'm more partial to the cumulus myself".

We thoroughly enjoyed the lower humidity and cooler temperatures of the mountain region and the rain even held off for most of our hike so we could enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

I forget how much I miss nature when we are surrounded by it all the time every day, but it was so refreshing to walk about and SMELL nature and BREATHE fresh air.

I like to play "Where is Mike?" with several of my pictures. Being a photographer, he was often behind the group, crawling around getting a picture of something most of us walked right past.

Such a wonderful day. Only time for a few more days like this in Japan!

Moving with the Navy: Not for the faint-hearted

The last several weeks have been a roller coaster and it's not ever yet! Ever since March, Glenn and I have been anticipating orders in June. There was supposed to be a committee meeting, that will decide who goes to that particular squadron, that will convene at the end of June. Since that is our first choice, we have been waiting.  Since I am a planner, of course I worked out being able to make it back for my family vacation, friends' weddings, etc.

Well, shortly after Glenn left for deployment this summer, we were told that the meeting was going to be moved to the end of July! Not such a big deal, but with a mid-August family vacation, the timing was not going to work out to pack/clean/paint/checkout of this apartment. I had originally been hoping for orders so that I didn't have to personally purchase a ticket back to the States either. With August being the prime summer vacation for Japanese school children, the prices skyrocket!

Of course today, 2 days after purchasing at ticket (thanks for the miles, Mom!!) back to the States, Glenn emails me that we may have orders in 7-10 day! The meeting as been moved to early July! What?! This means more shuffling and rearranging all in the hopes of making it out of here in one piece with less stress for me and Stella.

Once we actually receive that little piece of paper does the craziness begin. Throw on top of that a trip from my parents and a trip for me out of the country and it's going to be a busy couple of months! I can't wait!

Stella's New Friend

This is our new neighbor, M, whom I watched for a few hours on Friday. Stella was not so sure what to think of her, but she did a lot of smelling and tasting. M on the other hand couldn't get enough of Stella. She couldn't take her eyes off her for a second!

The Sayonaras Begin

Last Wedneday, I had my last PALS English class in Machida. They had a small farewell party for me during each class. It was very sweet and they all had very nice things to say. They are like my little Japanese grandmothers and the other teacher calls herself my Japanese mother. Her card even said "don't forget to tell me when you have babies." 

During a class a couple weeks ago, one student described how she "liked to do weed." I just chuckled to myself. She meant she likes to weed her garden. I feel sometimes like I've learned to speak another language. Unfortunately, it's not Japanese, but an English-Japanese hybrid with many missing words.

I never thought I would be an English teacher before I moved to Japan, but I have really enjoyed the opportunity. They would share stories with me about the vacations, family weddings, new grandchildren and everything in between. It was so much fun. I'll miss them and their funny stories.

Wordless Wednesday: Batgirl

Tuesday 10: Things I will miss about Japan

1. 100 Yen stores. I went in the store last week and spent almost $75 on things that I'm sure I could find in the states, but never for so cheap and never all in one place. Yeah, we have dollar stores in America, but the 100 yen stores actually have quality items. Things that you use every day and are so useful and ingenious half the time. The other half the time, they are just fun.

2. Not working. Or according to Glenn, the 5 minute drive to work. I guess I'll have to get a job when we get back to wherever we are going. Not sure what I'll do, but once we get settled, a job will have to happen.

3. The food. The sushi, ramen and yummy veggies will be hard to replace in America. They are just so fresh and delicious.

4. Trains. Not only the super fast and convenient mode of transportation, but all so the entertainment that it provided. Everything from the random old men passing out on your shoulder to the speaking blatantly about the lady next to you's crazy outfit, but knowing she doesn't understand a word you said.

5. Generally polite people everywhere. Minus that one guy who got out of his car at a stop light to yell and me in Japanese about honking at him. Everyone else though. They're so polite and aware of their surroundings. I guess that happens when you have 130 million people crammed in to an area the size of California.

6. CVW-5. Japan is the only airwing where all of the squadrons are stationed in the same place. For future deployments that Glenn will go on, the airwing will be comprised of squadrons from many different states. For me that means, fewer spouses in the same situation as me. And those of us that there are will be spread among many cities and neighborhoods. Here, we are all together- jet wives, helicopter spouses, E2s, C2s, prowlers and others. We can all get through the deployment together- usually at the O'Club.

7. The O'Club. Atsugi base has one of the last remaining true Officer's Club. I like to call it my Cheers because the bartenders- Tommy and Maki- know my name, they know my drink and they get it right every time.

8. My students. I feel like I've learned as much from them as they have from me throughout the last couple years. They've shared their culture and shared new experiences with me that I never would have had if I hadn't been an English teacher. I've also told Glenn that I'm going to put "Conversationalist" on my resume when we get back to the states. I'm also going to miss getting paid to talk, have coffee and eat lunch. I'm pretty sure I could talk to anyone for an hour. I've got some serious talking skills. :)

9. Responsibility-free housing. Last week, my light went out in the bathroom and public works came and changed the light bulb. Enough said. (Well, I should mention that it is this crazy circle fluorescent light that they don't sell on base so it wasn't so easy to replace myself).

10. The Liberty Bells. I've been so lucky while in Japan to have made great friends within our own squadron. We've helped each other through deployments, babies being born, dog attacks, earthquakes and everything you can imagine. They are my Japan family.

Farewell AOSA!

Last week, I attended my last AOSA/AWA luncheon. As usual, they did a fantastic job putting everything together and it was great to chat with some new friends.

Also last week, a new executive board was elected so I am no longer the AOSA 2nd Vice President of Community Relations! I loved working for AOSA for the last year+ but I am happy to pass the job on as well. AOSA was a great support network and just so much fun! While I was the 2nd VP, I helped give away over $20,000 as scholarships and community grants to our Atsugi/Zama community! I am so proud to have helped so many people and groups.

My successor will have a great time giving away even more this year since our annual bazaar last year raised almost $20,000 more than the previous year! What a fantastic group of volunteers we have.

I don't know if I have any pictures of our full board, but here is Amy, our president and two of our advisors. AOSA couldn't have been what it was without these three.

 

The first of many farewells and good-byes to come!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I have this picture in my hallway and look at it everyday. It's one of my favorites from the wedding. I hope I get to see you soon!! Did the box get delivered on Friday? Miss you!

Happy Father's Day, Tim! Glenn is on the ship now, but I know he would want to wish you a wonderful day! I hope things are well in Cali. Glad the box we mailed made it in one piece!

Poop Coffee

In an attempt to help me clean out the cabinets and use up things that won't move, Glenn and I finally got around to drinking his poop coffee from Bali.

I was surprised that it tasted different from our regular Caribou coffee, but I guess I should be surprised. I guess it did take the ultimate journey through a small jungle animal.

It had a strong roasted flavor and it was really good! If it didn't cost so much, I'd buy it again! Glenn did note that it didn't taste good cold though. Only a hot coffee drink. It only took us a year to drink, but it was worth it!

My Pot O'Gold

I started saving all of my 500 yen coins about a year and a half ago. Every time I got one of the large, gold coins as change I would save it and try my hardest not to spend it unless I was forced too.

I found myself paying with 1000 yen bills plus change so that I would always get a 500 yen coin back. It became a small obsession of mine. Even Glenn would save them for me so that I could add them to my piggy bank can that I bought at the 100 yen store.

Well, I finally filled it up! I had initially planned on using the savings to buy a ticket to a port call this summer, but then that port call got canceled.

So I got out the can opener to count my pot of gold. For once, a low exchange rate is a good thing! That means more dollars!

I expected to be shy of the 100,000 yen that the can claimed, but in fact, it held much more! Almost 50% more. Ya ta!

I kind of felt like a little kid, when my dad would take me to the bank to dump my mason jar of change in the machine and we would bet to see who was closest.

Well, I felt like that until I got my $1,524 from the bank! Now I'm thinking business class on the way home to America!

Glenn's Boat Email

I should have mentioned yesterday that now that Glenn is on cruise, his hotmail or "beach" email addresses won't work. You can email Glenn at

Glenn.Smith@cvw5.navy.mil.

They are still working out all the email issues and severs so if he doesn't respond in a day or so, I'd email him again. Emails tend to go missing during this time frame. He seems to be getting settled and they are doing their "CQ"- carrier qualification- over the next couple days which means some late night flying.

In other news, congrats to our Navy friends, Chris and Marcy, on the birth of baby Isabel Susan! Born on 6/14, 8 lb 4 oz, 21.8 inches long! Congrats!

And so it begins...

I dropped off Glenn at this squadron this morning to officially begin our Summer 2011 Deployment. Blah. After a week of packing, piles and sorting, the house looks pretty empty now. Just a single suitcase of things that I will leave behind in Japan for when he returns later this summer (if all goes as planned, I'll be gone already).

This summer is going to be extremely busy with visitors, finishing my classes, packing, moving and many fun things in between, but it doesn't make it any easier. It does help me pass the time knowing that when I see him next, we will have plans for where we are moving and we will be surrounded by friends and family at his next homecoming. He'll be coming HOME to America. Yay!

Stella and I are going to be travel companions later this summer, but she's not quite the conversation partner on a 12+ hour flight. Maybe she'll get her own seat in business class. ;) I'm glad she's hear to keep me company though.

Here's to a fun summer and a safe deployment! Miss you already, Mr!

Tuesday 10: Things I am Excited about in America

In no particular order...

1. Target. Where I can buy shoes! I can buy shoes again at a store! Although, Glenn would say this has saved us money, I miss being able to see a cute pair of shoes and they might actually have them in my size! And of course all the fun things that you find at Target that you never knew you needed.

2. Craft Stores. They have some here in Japan, but 1) they are expensive and 2) they don't carry scrapbook supplies or craft supplies that I use.

3. A back yard. This is really #1 on my list. Glenn and I have been looking at houses on the internet and our number 1 wish is a back yard. We can let Stella run around, we can entertain, we can eat alfresco. I can.not.wait.

4. Two towel bars. I know, so silly, but I am sick of my make shift towel bar that I have been using for 2 1/2 years. It's the little things. My current towel bar is made from 2 sticky hooks and a bar from an old shoe rack.

5. Driving. I'm excited to be able to get in the car and know where we are going. Not having to plan out our trip with landmarks and maps and the GPS. Not having to deal with crazy traffic like this. Or $25 tolls to drive to the hospital.

6. Reading. I'll be able to read the signs and the directions and the stores and the advertisements. Oh the possibilities!

7. My family. I'm excited to be able to get on an airplane for less than $1000 and see my family and friends. Birthday parties, visits, holidays. They are going to get to see me all the time!

8. Friends and Babies. Close to my arrival in America, 3 of my besties will be having babies. I can't wait to meet all of them! And baby Jack who was born a few months ago! I can't wait to see all my girlfriends. I've missed them so much!

9. Real grocery stores. I'm tired of reading a fun recipe in Food & Wine and not being able to make it because we can't find the items in the recipe. The commissary is great, but they only carry "commonly used" items. You're not going to find something unusual at the commissary. Or even the items that you need. Like the week we didn't have black beans? What was that all about? Or how I now have to special order Greek yogurt. Rame.

10. Glenn being home. Glenn recently left on his last deployment with VAW-115 and it will be our longest without seeing each other. Possibly in to triple digits. I'm not looking forward to that, but once we get to America, he will be on shore duty! That means no more long deployments or living on a ship for him! Family time for us!

My doppleganger a la advertisement

Some friends went out in Yokohama last night and they sent me this picture! I actually think it does look like me! I didn't tell them I've been modeling in Japan for 2 years. Ha! Apparently I have a Japanese doppleganger who is!

Happy 10 Year Reunion!

Today is the 10 year reunion for Mayo High School Class of 2001. I'm a little sad that I am missing it, but since we're moving so soon, it just didn't make sense to make the trip back. It's just too expensive.

Also, I think I remember about 25 people that I graduated with. The other 175? Yeah, I probably wouldn't recognize them and then that would just be awkward.

I hope you have fun tonight Class of 2001! It sure doesn't seem like it's been 10 years. I wish I had my old photos here in Japan so I could post some from high school. Especially those before the school looked like this!

Sorry baby girl

I think she hopes she'll get packed as well. Although, I think she'll be afraid of those ladder-wells. I bet the kneeknockers would be tiring for her tiny legs as well. Sorry, baby girl.

Wordless Wednesday

The Grossest Thing I've Heard

This is random and so so gross. Glenn told me that while cleaning the USS George Washington's ventilation system, the crew collected 4 tons of dust and debris. FOUR TONS?! That's 8000 pounds of human skin and hair and general nastiness. It's no wonder Glenn (and everyone for that matter) gets sick during the first several weeks of cruise. And a new guy? Forget about it. You'll be down for the count as soon as you climb aboard.

Blech. Sorry for the dry heaving I just induced.

A world apart...

The reality of moving is starting to set in, despite the fact that we don't actually know where we are moving to or when exactly, but it's coming, soon. Maybe. I hope.

I was reading a fellow Navy wife's blog and they are in a similar situation, except replace Japan with Naples, Italy. I really couldn't have said it better myself.

Thanks for allowing me to relate!

New Furniture!

Shortly before my BFF Gizelle left Atsugi, I joked that her house was turning in to a furniture show room. Well... my house is getting closer to that as well. Last weekend was the last Camp Zama bazaar that I was able to attend before we PSC (move) out of here. Sad!

I went without Glenn, my friend Kristy and a purse full of yen- a bad, but good combination! I hadn't planned on buying any furniture, but this piece was at a super low price (much lower than most of the furniture that I've bought- this is piece #6 btw). I have no idea where I will use it in our future house, but I liked how versatile it was/could be. It could be used as a pantry or linen "closet" or even a TV center if I take out the drawers in the middle cabinet. See how I convinced myself???

In Japan, it is called a tansu (chest of drawers) and was designed to hold kimonos. The center cabinet has drawers that slide out and are the size that kimono folds in to. The piece is actually 3 separate cabinets so it makes moving and carrying it much easier. For now, it will live in the corner of the living room until we move.

Now, if the moth ball smell would go away... I could actually store things in it. I think 2 months in a crate across the ocean will help that... :/

O.M.G.

A few Sundays ago, on a beautiful day, Glenn and I headed to O.M.G Burgers. I had read an article in the paper and have seen the owner's car/advertisement around base so we decided to check it out. It was about a 30 minute drive from base with minimal traffic. There was outdoor seating and we could even bring Stella bear. All pluses in my book. Oh and they had the best burger I've had in Japan!

The burgers come with everything on it- bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and this yummy orange mayo sauce. Glenn ordered the 16 cm, I had the 12 cm with fries and unlimited lemonade. Yay America!

I'd like to go back some time and order one of their shakes or perhaps the 30 cm, 8 1/2 lb challenge burger! We need to get Man vs. Food out here!

It's easy to find- make the drive if you live around here. It's like a taste of home!

Rainy Season

Apparently rainy season started 2 weeks early this year. Merde. (That's French for $h!t. I'm classy like that). Hopefully that means that it will end early as well since that coincides with my parents' rescheduled trip to Japan!

Until then, I see a whole lot of this in my future:

I might just have to purchase a deployment gift for myself:

Although Glenn says that my boot count has reached double digits, which apparently is unacceptable, so I may have to choose a single pair...hmmm...touch decisions...