tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84255786329536297972024-03-10T17:32:06.498+09:00on living overseasthe true adventures and everyday life of a Navy wife living in JapanNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-4822819931977350692011-05-20T20:38:00.000+09:002011-05-20T20:38:17.806+09:00Food Fun Friday- Hanaya Yohei<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been meaning to post about Hanaya Yohei for ummm- since last October? Better late than never I suppose?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1748956143"></span>Hanaya Yohei's website<span id="goog_1748956144"></span></a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.hanayayohei.co.jp/index.html">http://www.hanayayohei.co.jp/index.html</a> (sorry the link function isn't working properly)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKP0u1T6gGitZLVXFXdryQlPTU1Ck7c1Dczh-fP4G0XvSRWEHxd8LZhJyXpnvEZIrvMJ52qzKuR0ZBkaS90aFTd8mbA4u4eyINpUVVsuzyFCwR_9bDovA8nv69rm7UBNHTl2Auqp-Z6U/s1600/hanaya+yohei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_1748956140"></span><span id="goog_1748956141"></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hanaya Yohei is described a family style sushi and Japanese food restaurant. It is a chain restaurant, and can be found everywhere. The atmosphere is like Coco's in the US, very family friendly with large booths and no frills. the first time the kids and I went was when we first got here. It was a challenge to order our food and we were afraid to push the button on our table to ask for more water. I think I have mentioned it before- the waiters and waitresses in Japan will not bother you or ask you to take your order. You have to summon them. At first it seems like they are ignoring you if you are used to American style dining. But then you realize it is NICE. No one comes by to ask how your food is a million times- and every time you have a mouthful of food. And no one rushes you out with your check and a meaningful look that says "please leave" so we can clear this table. Here in Japan all of the places I have been to do not blink an eye if you sit around a chat for an hour after you have finished your food. I am sure part of that is because Japanese people do a lot of family and friend get-togethers in restaurants. Their houses are too small to host people, so they meet and socialize over meals.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyhoo- the last time I visited Hanaya Yohei was with my good friends Jaime and Jason. It was "Beer Garden Friday" and we usually liked to go eat before we headed to the beer garden. The menu involves many different combos and it is difficult to choose. There seem to be at least five different things in each selection on the menu. The sushi is very good, and my favorite thing to eat there. I did try fried octopus"fries" that night. They are so delicious! I would take them over french fries any day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are willing to be adventurous and try things you have no idea what they are, this is a great place to go. And if you like sushi, this is also a nice change of pace from a sushi go-round.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my meal- cold ramen noodles (I think it is called "somen" when cold?) and tempura. Yumm!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NAxz7cwwQiGyggK_dFUahrAgnNVsb7TN196WPhbDfrdeoXb24soEM5v00KMD367nnu8cW32QfVe70HyH0CMJPxm7Xgi_6HDuH7BaFNLEx2_Uf3dC06XrU8A0ikoXYhgY2PzqjabpO2c/s1600/DSCF4564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NAxz7cwwQiGyggK_dFUahrAgnNVsb7TN196WPhbDfrdeoXb24soEM5v00KMD367nnu8cW32QfVe70HyH0CMJPxm7Xgi_6HDuH7BaFNLEx2_Uf3dC06XrU8A0ikoXYhgY2PzqjabpO2c/s320/DSCF4564.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fried pork or chicken cutlet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjZhX_1cmaDC64kUmu8Qz1efBav91AnNUC8-m9fRejA4bm3iHoTNN2U4jMfo2BVMoL4b12fj_l_KoW8MlOEMKmoVsyVZuv7Tupqk312HhQKy9yS6BlHhMXVBRa4eO1k4C51-BywTkgc4/s1600/DSCF4563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjZhX_1cmaDC64kUmu8Qz1efBav91AnNUC8-m9fRejA4bm3iHoTNN2U4jMfo2BVMoL4b12fj_l_KoW8MlOEMKmoVsyVZuv7Tupqk312HhQKy9yS6BlHhMXVBRa4eO1k4C51-BywTkgc4/s320/DSCF4563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sushi- *nom nom*</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH9Tyn6oq-klD3LBpkeNQL-rHzrywZYw2QWc8l5ZLq041Yjey_CQ8btPkTr_PM9FQrsOmOAiuiGObBcBMLsAwdJf9HynY7eaGKDvcoEAv-iCLzjtUXwodDi2OWeUl1zz3rjveG_749nc/s1600/DSCF4565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH9Tyn6oq-klD3LBpkeNQL-rHzrywZYw2QWc8l5ZLq041Yjey_CQ8btPkTr_PM9FQrsOmOAiuiGObBcBMLsAwdJf9HynY7eaGKDvcoEAv-iCLzjtUXwodDi2OWeUl1zz3rjveG_749nc/s320/DSCF4565.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chicken cutlets</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1748956118"></span><span id="goog_1748956119"></span>Cheers!<br />
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~Nancy<span id="goog_1748956145"></span><span id="goog_1748956146"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-8891129798141603272011-05-18T22:06:00.000+09:002011-05-18T22:06:41.339+09:00Life is Good!We've been back in Japan almost 3 weeks now. It almost feels the same as before except so many people and services here on base are missing. Yes I know we are all lucky to not have been in the path of destruction as seen on March 11th. So I am not complaining so much as WISHING and HOPING. There is a difference, yes?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Hubby is home</b></span> and working one hellacious night shift. But he is home nevertheless, even if we only see each other in passing. I am just glad we are all in the same country once again.<br />
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I have resumed my workouts and I feel great. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I am down 15 pounds</span> and have lost inches all over. I actually tried on a couple of bathing suits today and didn't walk out in tears. Like I told my bestie Jaime today- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CrossFit is the shiznit!</span> I recommend it to everyone (especially certain roller-derby superstars to-be)!<br />
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To sum it all up, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LIFE IS GOOD</span>. I am going to enjoy it all I can.<br />
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~NancyNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-63998200741190633082011-05-08T12:18:00.000+09:002011-05-08T12:18:38.270+09:00It's good to be an AmericanI don't really really have anything to write today. Instead I want to share a blog post from an old high school friend. Alex is an amazing and inspiring person, and he has a way with words. He has three prosthetic limbs- both arms and one leg. He never feels sorry for himself and always exhibits the most positive attitude. To top that off- he has a great sense of humor. I look forward to his witty Facebook posts.<br />
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This blog post he wrote reminds me why it is good to be an American.<br />
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Read it here at <a href="http://alexmontoya619.blogspot.com/2011/05/why-im-proud-to-be-american.html">Adventures of Being Alex</a>.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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~NancyNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-28199739245968161342011-05-03T13:52:00.000+09:002011-05-03T13:52:35.921+09:00nothing like sleeping in one's own bed...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am back home, and I am extremely happy to be here! The trip back wasn't as long as the trip out, thank goodness. The only snag I hit was when the airlines didn't want to let Brownie on the plane because her kennel was too big for their little puddle jumper we were about to board. I argued that we flew in on a similar sized airplane (albeit a different airline). They conceded and made an exception. The night before i was panicked because it was supposed to be 24 degrees that morning- too cold for Brownie to fly. So I was surprised about the size restriction. If they hadn't let her board- I WOULD HAVE DIED. Not to sound dramatic, but I really would have passed out on the floor right there. It was so much work just to get her "safe for flight" so we could get her back into the country of Japan.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first flight we flew to Denver- an hour long flight. It was not so bad. Luckily, we had an hour to find our next gate- because Denver is HUGE. Our next gate felt like it was a mile away (which would fit the whole "mile high city" theme. I think we got on at least 5 walking sidewalks. The flight to Seattle was MISERABLE. Brother sat in the middle and he proceeded to elbow me the entire flight. It didn't help that we were in the back and everyone was lined up to use the bathroom. The flight attendant kept squeezing by, which meant his butt swept my beverage tray each time. Brother was getting irritated with Sister, and I was irritated with him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In Seattle we had 3 hours to hang out before our flight to Tokyo. By that time I literally wanted to punch my son. I know. That sounds AWFUL. But you have to understand we were all sleep deprived and Brother is not very fun when he has no sleep. In fact, he usually does his best to make sure everyone else is as miserable as he. He is pretty skillful at that unfortunately. So he antagonized his sister every time he thought I wasn't looking. Good thing we were in public. I am just saying.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Being in SeaTac International Airport was bittersweet for us. We have so many friends in the PNW (Pacific Northwest). I wish we could have been able to see stay a day or two and see everyone. So I just posted to Facebook that I was waving at everyone.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Changing planes when your dog is flying in the cargo hold is a bit on the terrifying side. There are so many things that could go wrong- namely your dog could be put on the wrong plane and sent to Timbuktu. And since we were flying a million miles to Japan, that makes it all the more complicated. I mean, they lose luggage all of the time, right? Before the plane takes off, an airline attendant is supposed to bring you a little slip of paper the baggage handlers filled out to let you know your dog is on board. We watched her being loaded onto the first two flights, but forgot to look for her on the last. I did verify that she was waiting to be loaded, but that was one hour before our boarding time. Usually I will ask the attendants once I get on the plane to let me know if our dog was on board- if I didn't hear from them first. On our last flight that day, I totally forgot. That is, until the plane was taking off- and the attendants were all buckled down in their seats. Talk about a moment of sheer panic. And of course it was the LONGEST take off EVER. Ever.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is a happy ending of course- she was on board. *big giant sigh of relief*</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Brother fell asleep right away (he had an empty seat next to him), I enjoyed two small bottles of red wine, and watched Gullivers Travels with Sissy. It was an extremely long flight- but it was 100% better flying commercial than on the Patriot Express (military "airliner" we flew to Japan on when we first got here in 2009.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The best part?- besides seeing my honey once again? We didn't have to ride the "prison bus" home! The base has a lovely tour bus they use to shuttle us back and forth to Narita airport. They normally do not allow animals. But with the evacuation- they decided to bend the rules (God Bless them for that.) That meant they brought out the white "prison bus" to put our big dog kennel on. They can't go underneath the bus, and they cannot be let loose on the bus. So we had to set our kennel on the back seat. The normal tour bus they use doesn't accomadate the big kennels, so they brought out the white buses that are used for shorter trips. I was very appreciative of them for this, I really was. But it was a cold and uncomfortable ride to the airport. I was not looking forward to riding on it again (that and waiting an hour or so to even leave.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My honey rented a van and picked us up. That was the best present I have had all year. And now we are all home again. I didn't realize how MUCH I missed my home and missed Japan. It is like being given a second chance, there is so much I want to do and see. Now if I could just kick this jet lag in the butt, I can get started on that!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lastly- here are a few random pictures I took on my iPhone of our trip there and back. Mostly it is our trip TO the States. They are totally out of order too, sorry...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8Lvb-lXyPKcr7H0dv6_t9JOlx-aKn6XfDAYFIGhs2x2agCelJ-0p8JRoavL2M6FLb317IPabae3m9aN4wgcc9Gl15dWDLKrd2zJWCcqmpkCw9boTSqbz7TnnHKFMdl315Jw3ziNQOfU/s1600/airplanefood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8Lvb-lXyPKcr7H0dv6_t9JOlx-aKn6XfDAYFIGhs2x2agCelJ-0p8JRoavL2M6FLb317IPabae3m9aN4wgcc9Gl15dWDLKrd2zJWCcqmpkCw9boTSqbz7TnnHKFMdl315Jw3ziNQOfU/s320/airplanefood.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"airplane food"- Sissy's lunch at one of the restaurants in Narita</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVYLGaNz7WSRUF4sDlTrLWMwheFdWztqRVd12FJeON63PyIvqEhD0wXWmjilc-zHe93UW8libkYj717t2jAjSP6TYCRj6AjCKElHdyIPtlrasOfap4VQ0qmP6EBvpCXTM6xbndHaXdps/s1600/atLAX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVYLGaNz7WSRUF4sDlTrLWMwheFdWztqRVd12FJeON63PyIvqEhD0wXWmjilc-zHe93UW8libkYj717t2jAjSP6TYCRj6AjCKElHdyIPtlrasOfap4VQ0qmP6EBvpCXTM6xbndHaXdps/s320/atLAX.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Brownie still locked up in her kennel at LAX- we were trying to find the dog park so we could let her out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-tHQrUK_oouWuq2mcdYZphXJ8vi4pKRfyGzavCm8AMzETBg04jizgRJJNGC1mMGfSYoy5qD5oWSP1H7b05l1OjCS9kjO1Fgb3-N54X581HPv3mXDKNSU0c4Qtpu_Jp4-TgMQ9igzgT4/s1600/atLAX2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-tHQrUK_oouWuq2mcdYZphXJ8vi4pKRfyGzavCm8AMzETBg04jizgRJJNGC1mMGfSYoy5qD5oWSP1H7b05l1OjCS9kjO1Fgb3-N54X581HPv3mXDKNSU0c4Qtpu_Jp4-TgMQ9igzgT4/s320/atLAX2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dog Park" at LAX- just what we needed! Poor Brownie was so thirsty- she drank for days. (She did have water in her kennel, in case you are wondering.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoqxBzg1WaNAJusjI3fFHoTe0I-BoT6QzPRZO9xc6-1ROk2iZY1efpGn_K5y7-xXs_tCuDphCYPgx4eYBA08eLAVPIXdOYKQ42hLGskNhob1UnT3FHoFmIaycCk0BIe2iU0Rb6TaZ-Io/s1600/atLAX3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoqxBzg1WaNAJusjI3fFHoTe0I-BoT6QzPRZO9xc6-1ROk2iZY1efpGn_K5y7-xXs_tCuDphCYPgx4eYBA08eLAVPIXdOYKQ42hLGskNhob1UnT3FHoFmIaycCk0BIe2iU0Rb6TaZ-Io/s320/atLAX3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"non-working" fire hydrant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FB70ZgXGx6knK6DnYe7WkUp_gQDz7fyYP5KeccjYs3WHKH78hFM3Sm65LgLD_UMhMsz1Xep7GdqgzAsSc6H5YdsJYejK3i1s_M_dtAS85tPryXIiym_c935F1uE7MrpbccPaiczpdzU/s1600/atLAX4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FB70ZgXGx6knK6DnYe7WkUp_gQDz7fyYP5KeccjYs3WHKH78hFM3Sm65LgLD_UMhMsz1Xep7GdqgzAsSc6H5YdsJYejK3i1s_M_dtAS85tPryXIiym_c935F1uE7MrpbccPaiczpdzU/s320/atLAX4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They even provided poop bags.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKuvQvOL1d6lRlfbHMzVr8Q4DdykO4Q8opgBtG-XD1V3iBf33gV7N5zl4CElUVBLEq0kSkTHb-D-gSu5YSgbo4T7WSCZzsnNKGm7Nd4yjVPAcBBBREhSdlmJKKCirj73FrXPnz1v-Ibo/s1600/atLAX5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKuvQvOL1d6lRlfbHMzVr8Q4DdykO4Q8opgBtG-XD1V3iBf33gV7N5zl4CElUVBLEq0kSkTHb-D-gSu5YSgbo4T7WSCZzsnNKGm7Nd4yjVPAcBBBREhSdlmJKKCirj73FrXPnz1v-Ibo/s320/atLAX5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xIjVAM2UfzPhs8HUAqcX20lrQ773v76zFnqwcIaW5mS3nVZA5FGjHvHqIsPrwK1nrARNIujrxdCBhWJb3TMTuwHF3dW-nG8RAsajPKDv2sdjJRG0l-9Uu9yWf32iMINUyu_YNkFhqCA/s1600/bustonarita2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xIjVAM2UfzPhs8HUAqcX20lrQ773v76zFnqwcIaW5mS3nVZA5FGjHvHqIsPrwK1nrARNIujrxdCBhWJb3TMTuwHF3dW-nG8RAsajPKDv2sdjJRG0l-9Uu9yWf32iMINUyu_YNkFhqCA/s320/bustonarita2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">riding to Narita on the "prison bus"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GUrTrNqZvm-K__LxrPB2ORxftlKykren4DXnAjZ03gVDpO5XTgPdNDAj3J3GDIs254tEj0d7q5fGsLjPQ9qjv6GZ1YIYvi9y1MjBOZcRIQ_1GP62UvIgB5dj3rJQOT9XRQwplGtc4fU/s1600/bustonarita3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GUrTrNqZvm-K__LxrPB2ORxftlKykren4DXnAjZ03gVDpO5XTgPdNDAj3J3GDIs254tEj0d7q5fGsLjPQ9qjv6GZ1YIYvi9y1MjBOZcRIQ_1GP62UvIgB5dj3rJQOT9XRQwplGtc4fU/s320/bustonarita3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our good little traveler- just the beginning of our journey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesx7KYw49UZux6M4JrcHYJu9CXXps4h0s9z36SoauA2dK39CUrmTv5KUPNY1zqpUtw0FtE-RZ6AL3QRS-jBPQxEt3rRAJqluzUtVGZRrqt0nrft_Up3UErMx-1r6lL8PgHkSy4-sema8/s1600/bustonarita4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesx7KYw49UZux6M4JrcHYJu9CXXps4h0s9z36SoauA2dK39CUrmTv5KUPNY1zqpUtw0FtE-RZ6AL3QRS-jBPQxEt3rRAJqluzUtVGZRrqt0nrft_Up3UErMx-1r6lL8PgHkSy4-sema8/s320/bustonarita4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inside view of bus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dGoJOq2_SwI12hnZOWhsoBhn3c7HnY6tsV4w4z1twJ-o5CTYN0f5uLJxrRqxXcmuU_GYmItaHVZz_eOelL-h5p1HzaBRJ-vLmY0MEFe7-CribIWTJd0YBQdDrkM4whcP79e5pa2icZY/s1600/cherryblossfrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dGoJOq2_SwI12hnZOWhsoBhn3c7HnY6tsV4w4z1twJ-o5CTYN0f5uLJxrRqxXcmuU_GYmItaHVZz_eOelL-h5p1HzaBRJ-vLmY0MEFe7-CribIWTJd0YBQdDrkM4whcP79e5pa2icZY/s320/cherryblossfrap.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so happy to have one last Cherry Blossom Frappucino at Narita before we left!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5B7uVyjLWEw7JYZccjxEfqTzkuu3kMnyaVD54mr7V9yKqAFx0Nh7ixGhDgJsSQFmZHAXOMFwdUX0OK3VJtvBhFoOMYTmyyU-qpScTe11O4AF3qIivUYREVHVdzv3ad0VkEC8GZeKApo/s1600/cyslunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5B7uVyjLWEw7JYZccjxEfqTzkuu3kMnyaVD54mr7V9yKqAFx0Nh7ixGhDgJsSQFmZHAXOMFwdUX0OK3VJtvBhFoOMYTmyyU-qpScTe11O4AF3qIivUYREVHVdzv3ad0VkEC8GZeKApo/s320/cyslunch.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother's hamburg lunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxzzt-G6NOcnnWKur10JAg6PJ6Yck1cuHH-MTfRFFzBAGo_L3enNkA06rwjmRDngOdAPNjktSoPxla7htQG7AvEcIaNUsrVCZfwWv7zufEJBlaWRYlOkvUGrul2uei_4HLi8w1oZ7euE/s1600/sissy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxzzt-G6NOcnnWKur10JAg6PJ6Yck1cuHH-MTfRFFzBAGo_L3enNkA06rwjmRDngOdAPNjktSoPxla7htQG7AvEcIaNUsrVCZfwWv7zufEJBlaWRYlOkvUGrul2uei_4HLi8w1oZ7euE/s320/sissy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last one- a very tired and delirious little girl on the last plane to Narita. Almost home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now I will get back to my spring cleaning- so good to be home!!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-89727167748011259212011-04-21T00:51:00.000+09:002011-04-21T00:51:57.928+09:00Going home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I am going back to Japan!</b></span> I am very excited, but I still don't have tickets in my hot little hands. Until I get those tickets I will be anxious. Shoot! I will still be anxious because I have to get Brownie's health certificate so the nation of Japan will let me doggie in! And let me tell, when there is no military vet nearby, it is a PAIN IN THE BUTT! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Basically I will be relying on a couple of overnight packages and paying lots of money out the nose. I really was hoping to leave Brownie here with the in-laws, but they don't have dogs anymore and I think Brownie would be lonely without us. *sad face* </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Taking a pet to Japan is no easy task! Even though we have only been gone one month- we have to jump through all of these hoops. Luckily, she already had her FAVN test (test for Rabies antibodies), and it is still valid (they expire after 2 years). She has all of her shots, microchip, and FAVN test. Now the vet must examine her, fill out the paperwork to be faxed to the USDA office for pre-approval. Once they get that, we have to overnight the paperwork to USDA, and include a pre-paid overnight envelope to send the certificate back. I just hope USDA works quickly. I would have done all of this already- but. But the certificate is good for 10 days. Make that 9 days seeing that we will lose a day traveling to Japanland. Oh- I have to let Japan know I am bringing a dog to the country. It is supposed to 40 days notice, but we are exempted this time around. :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> I am not looking forward to the actual flight. But I AM looking forward to seeing my honey again!! It will all be worth it when I am in his arms again...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cross your fingers I receive my itinerary tonight (morning for Japan)!!</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-57739384082762897102011-04-12T07:11:00.000+09:002011-04-12T07:11:47.680+09:00Can I go home now?We are on week three in Safe Haven land. Now that the jet lag is gone and we got to see family, I am ready to go back. Unfortunately, things don't seem much better in Nipponland. They aren't WORSE, but not much better either. I think things ARE better in Tokyo as they don't have so many rolling blackouts to put a stand still on everything. But as far as the Nuclear reactor problem, they have made baby steps so far. I know things will get better, I just need to be patient (take a cue from the Japanese.)<br />
My in-law's pad is gorgeous- better than a hotel. In area it is bigger than the 4-plex we live in on base. But it is not my HOME. Know what I mean? I miss my bed, my things. I miss being able to make a mess and being able to pick up after myself at my own leisure. I miss running my own household. Here I feel like I have worn out my welcome. I know I haven't really, but you know how it is when you feel like you are "in the way?" I have interrupted the "flow" here and I hate that.<br />
So after feeling sorry for myself- I see<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/04/japan-earthquake-one-month-later/100041/"> this</a>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My heart is still breaking for Japan</span>. I want things to get better so I can return. But more importantly- I want things to get better for the Japanese people who are suffering. I am sure they aren't whining like me. I am so grateful my family is well and safe.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-51126260747394481862011-04-06T03:38:00.000+09:002011-04-06T03:38:03.703+09:00missed my blogiversaryI just realized that on April 1st, I had been blogging for 2 years. Geez, it feels LONGER than that. Happy belated blogiversary to me. <br />
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Looking back:<br />
2 years ago I was trying to get TO Japan. The No-Fee <s>ASSport</s> Passport people were making me jump through hoops to prove I wasn't born in Mexico.<br />
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<i>2 WEEKS ago I was trying to get OUT of Japan.</i><br />
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2 years ago I was missing my sailor terribly- knowing I wouldn't see him for another 5 months.<br />
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<i>Today I am missing my sailor, not knowing WHEN or WHERE I will see him next.</i><br />
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</i><br />
2 years ago my kids were both in elementary school.<br />
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<i>Today my son started middle school. (He was still in elementary school when we were in Japan. Here in Colorado 6th grade is MIDDLE SCHOOL).</i><br />
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</i><br />
2 years ago I thought GETTING TO JAPAN was the hard part.<br />
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<i>Today my heart aches because I had to leave.</i><br />
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</i><br />
2 years ago I was determined to learn Japanese.<br />
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<i>Today all I can do is order food.</i><br />
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</i><br />
2 years ago the only foreign countries I have been to were Mexico and Canada.<br />
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<i>2 years later I have added Japan and Singapore to that list. I was hoping for more than that- but I am grateful nevertheless.</i><br />
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</i><br />
2 years ago I didn't think I will be able to keep up a blog.<br />
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<i>Well, here I still am! I haven't been the most consistent blogger. I know some of what I post is pure dribble and a snoozefest. But I do have some good memories here. If nothing else- I have my Food Fun Friday posts to look back on.</i><br />
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<i>One of my favorite pictures as of late:</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl1UFdviwNtMfJH36NpZ8Ieq1wNtTJOxgHbhLntR3xFNCW6E5RZq801a3rWsRLJjclYPW5YBnOnThwOFZyyFzv7_MkKaSL3Ku5nw-caZuo1nPZMATMS4sBFBcuIzu5dTBxpTVJSqPXto/s1600/HS-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl1UFdviwNtMfJH36NpZ8Ieq1wNtTJOxgHbhLntR3xFNCW6E5RZq801a3rWsRLJjclYPW5YBnOnThwOFZyyFzv7_MkKaSL3Ku5nw-caZuo1nPZMATMS4sBFBcuIzu5dTBxpTVJSqPXto/s320/HS-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>This isn't really related to my blog post. But this picture just tears me up. It is a Japanese man hugging one of the Helo guys (I believe it is HS-4) who came out with relief supplies for the tsunami victims.</i><br />
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<i>I hope that on my next blogiversary I will be able to report that all is well in Japan again. Ganbate Kudasai!</i>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-68143806606649903502011-04-04T02:05:00.000+09:002011-04-04T02:05:29.969+09:00Missing Japan...It's a stormy and dreary day here in Colorado. The kids and I arrived safely a little over a week ago after traveling over 48 hours. I think the jet lag has finally worn off and we feel rested. And now that I am here I want nothing more than to go back. I miss Japan, I miss my friends, and I miss my husband.<br />
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There have been people who stayed behind that accused those of who evacuated of "abandoning" Japan and its people. That really upset me at first, and I felt like I had been put on the defensive. But now, in spite of a sham of an article in the "Farse and Lies" (ie Stars and Stripes)- that said that everyone who evacuated only did so for a "free vacation", I am at peace with my decision.<br />
<br />
There will always be haters out there, who want nothing more than to make everyone as miserable as they are. I am a good person, I will not justify my decisions to anyone. My family and my country come first. Call me selfish, I don't care. That isn't to say that my heart isn't broken and I don't grieve for Japan and her people. At last count, according to <a href="http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_02.html">NHK World</a>, over 27,600 people are dead or missing. My brain can't process that number.<br />
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Eventually we will return. When that is, I don't know. Until then we remain in limbo, while trying to have some sense of normalcy for the kids' sake. They are enrolled in school here and are enjoying seeing their cousins again after 2 years. While we wait, I am trying not to break down and cry. I am afraid I won't be able to stop.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-7377354506887044302011-03-23T17:13:00.000+09:002011-03-23T17:13:45.718+09:00Mata Ne (See you later)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am leaving Japan tomorrow. I am almost all packed, just need to unplug a few things and put them in my bags. The kids have been ready since last Thursday. Things are actually looking better as far the threat of radiation, I really would rather stay at this point. But we are going tomorrow and the kids are EXCITED. I think if I didn't take them back stateside my mother-in-law would fly out here and get them herself.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I feel like I am giving up on Japan. At least, I am afraid that is what my Japanese friends think. My students all understand, at the same time they tell me that everything will be ok here. One of my students is very concerned and ready to head south if the sky starts to fall. She said she would have gone to her parents by now if her husband didn't have to work.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I met one of my students- Chizuko, for lunch today. When I dropped her off at the front gate and hugged her goodbye- she started sobbing. My heart just broke! I reassured I will be back, while choking back my own tears. I do believe that in my heart. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>I will be back, Japan.</b></span> I love you too much not to.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you don't hear from me soon, it is because I am either traveling, or having a hard time getting online.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mata ne!</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-67331495461055080732011-03-22T14:38:00.000+09:002011-03-22T14:38:41.845+09:00Only in Japan...Only in Japan would you see an explanation of the Fukushima power plants crisis explained this way. This has been going around Facebook- maybe you have seen it already. If not- check it out:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5sakN2hSVxA" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Who doesn't understand "poos and farts"? It is a very simple explanation for a very serious and complex problem. It's not Chernobyl- but there is potential for much harm. Let's hope and pray it doesn't come to that...Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-6685290759737638432011-03-22T00:05:00.000+09:002011-03-22T00:05:01.808+09:00Got Iodide?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today the Navy started handing <a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/u-s-bases-in-japan-begin-distributing-potassium-iodide-pills-1.138420">Potassium Iodide</a> (KI) pills out to personnel and family members. It is purely precautionary and erring on the conservative side as seems to be the theme with the Navy lately. <b>No big deal</b>, I went down with a friend to go pick up pills for myself and the kidlets.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Guess what? I cannot take the pills. Apparently, if you are allergic to shellfish or have a thyroid disorder, you cannot take the KI pills. Well- if you have only a slight allergy to shellfish- you may be ok and it might be worth the risk. But me? I have a thyroid disorder- can't take the pills. My doc was there to confirm. He said I will just have to "shelter indoors". Soooo, if we are trying to evacuate should the sh-- hit the fan (which I don't think it will), I would either have to stay behind and send my kids off with someone else (and their pills), or risk exposure and go out with them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But after doing a little research, I feel reassured I will be ok. And I understand why I can't take the pills. The KI pills saturate the thyroid with potassium iodide- which prevents radioactive iodine from being absorbed in the thyroid. Basically it is like filling all the hotel rooms with clean guests before the radioactive guests get there. Oops, sorry no room for you! People exposed to radioactive iodine (what is released in the event of a nuclear plant explosion)- are at serious risk for developing thyroid cancer. As I understand it- it is 90% treatable (though it would require a lifetime of care- I do know someone who had it.) The reason I can't take the KI pills is because one of the side effects is hypothyroidism, which I already have. So for me it would make it much worse and could cause serious health problems (think heart.) In my doc's words- "it would cause more harm than good".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I confess- after a day filled with defeats, this tipped me over to the panic side- but only for a little bit. I did a little research, and then I felt better. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is all hypothetical, right?</span> We are not in immediate danger, it is all ok. I am ok, and so is my family. My friend tried to convince me to put myself on the "people with medical conditions" list (ie priority and first to go). Women and children go first- the youngest children and those pregnant are at the top of the list- along with people who have special needs/medical conditions. It didn't feel right to me to try and get out sooner. Children are at the biggest risk in the event of radiation exposure- the younger, the higher the risk. I don't want to bump someone with young children. Also, from what I read, those who are 40 and older are at the <i>least risk</i>. Well I am three years from 40, close enough! I talked to my hubby's boss today- who chided me and told me not to be the "hero" and get out of here. I am still not going to put myself on that "must evacuate" list. But I am going to try and get a flight out of Narita if possible. At the rate they are getting people out of here, I would probably make it home before them anyway!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Crazy huh? I wish someone could just wave a magic wand over the power plants and put them all back to together in perfect working condition. Japan has suffered enough. What we are going through here is 100, no- 1000 times worse in Sendai and the areas surrounding the power plants. So instead of KI pills, I'll take another dose of perspective- Vitamin "P".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Praying for good news and relief for those who are suffering.</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com2Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan35.433819920142021 139.4261169433593835.293952920142019 139.19265744335937 35.573686920142023 139.65957644335938tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-56984255546516196522011-03-20T08:58:00.000+09:002011-03-20T08:58:24.367+09:00Perspective? What's that??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A Japanese friend (who is married to an American) said she felt selfish for being glad that she and her family are safe while thousands are suffering because of the earthquake and tsunami devastation. She intends to stay here until the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sky starts to fall</span>. She feels it is her duty to stay here and help.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> That stopped me in my tracks today. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It has been over 48 hours since the word came for the Military Assisted Voluntary Evacuation. The key word being VOLUNTARY. I want to stay and help, even though I am happy to be able to see family again after almost 2 years. I am not panicked, and I am not afraid that there will be another bad earthquake. That is not to say I am used to the constant shaking. I am 90% sure that we will not be in danger of radiation. I spoke to a fellow Navy wife yesterday who is from Russia. She told me she went through the Chernobyl disaster and didn't feel the need to evacuate. She said matter of factly that it doesn't matter where we go- no one can control a radioactive cloud. I don't know enough to verify how it all works, but that made sense to me. But of course we are being evacuated to the US, she doesn't have kin there and therefore doesn't want to go.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So am I feeding into the hysteria? Do I think the "sky is falling"? Not really. But I have been wrapped up with the evacuation efforts, stressed to the core from trying to control rumors and comforting my kids because they don't understand why the "grown-ups" don't have their sh-- together. After reading my friends statement above I felt guilty. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Nancy, meet Perspective, Perspective, meet Nancy".</span> Yes, this is stressful and travelling for what could be several days with my two cranky kids and 100s of other cranky people is not what I call a "vacation". But we are SAFE. I am not cold and starving with no home to go to, I haven't lost my whole family in a great rush of water. My children are safe, we have food and water and electricity. We still have internet for goodness sake. As far as I am concerned this is the lap of luxury.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So am I selfish for leaving? I don't think so. Actually, I think it is good for us all to go. The main reason being we (Military dependents) as a whole are a <b>strain on Japan's resources </b>right now. If we all leave that would <b>save electricity</b> and put less cars on the road (traffic is worse than usual.) And, the base will be able to conduct humanitarian efforts more efficiently without us here. One more thing, our military members- sailors, marines, soldiers and airmen- will be able to conduct their missions <b>without worrying about their families being in harm's way</b>. However, if I were Japanese, I would definitely want to stay. I understand where my Japanese friend is coming from.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I did need that dose of perspective. Suddenly, I wondered why the heck I was so stressed all day? (Well, besides the million phone calls, emails, and my kids getting upset at the uncertainty of it all.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Speaking of perspective- this is a news cast my daughter recorded with her camera. It was an hour or so after the big earthquake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy8r5HUUFGMxDHHM-4gZuWBFb3yuBhdusf2c2de36MwknrOATuZxIkLlx9CK5uB7pLUK1j7pLxlmbMzPI1v8A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The newscasters are wearing hardhats. You know things are bad when you see that. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hopefully we will be getting out of here soon. And even more importantly, hopefully we will be returning.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">One more thing- I understand even more why the Japanese love <a href="http://www.komonews.com/news/local/118267024.html">Ichiro Suzuki</a>. I'll never forget my first Mariner's game. There was a big group of Japanese tourists shouting "Ichiro Ichiro Ichiro!!" every time Ichiro was up to bat. I hope more pro athletes follow his lead.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'll try to keep everyone posted on my travel progress...</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-88157925984262320952011-03-18T00:28:00.000+09:002011-03-18T00:28:14.675+09:00I should be packing...It seems I don't lack for anything to blog about. It is after midnight, I am drinking coffee, and trying to pack. Thank goodness for that nap I had today.<br />
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I started off with a killer Crossfit workout. I was tired to begin with, so it was harder than normal for me. I went home to a dark house (rolling blackouts), and goofed around until I could manage to get into a dark shower (no lights remember.) After that I decided to relax on the couch, and eventually my bed called so I went upstairs for a nap. I was woken up around noon with a call from the CMC saying the President signed the evacuation order and we are being evacuated. I didn't need coffee to wake up at that point.<br />
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12 hours later, a million phone calls, emails and Facebook posts (and one meeting with the ombudsman and the Base Commander), I am typing away with a severe knot in my neck. I have laundry going and sh-- strewn everywhere. What do you pack when you can only take one bag and you don't know if you are coming back, ever? And you don't know if you will get your stuff back, ever? Honestly, I don't care too much about STUFF, I just want my family to be safe. I think the hardest part of the day was worrying about my dog- would she be able to come with us? At first I was told no because she is too big, but later I was told yes. Oh thank Heaven!<br />
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I can't tell you how SAD I am right now. I don't want to leave Japan. I don't want to leave like this. Hubby told me it all seems like a SyFy movie. He is still away, and I don't get to see him before I leave. That just plain sucks. But he will know we are safe, and he will be moved to a safer place as well. That is what counts right? He told me to take lots of pictures so we can reminisce about it later. I don't know about REMINISCE, but I will have plenty to blog about!<br />
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Should I change the name of my blog do you think?<br />
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~Nancy<br />
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PS: Please continue to pray for Japan and her people. If you can donate to Red Cross, that would be great too. Even if you can only give $5, that will help!!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-74705778970750279912011-03-16T20:24:00.000+09:002011-03-16T20:24:30.174+09:00Keep Calm and Bake Cupcakes (what the earthquake is teaching me)<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I posted the other day on Facebook this statement: "Keep calm and carry on", in response to everyone's panic. My friend Crystal responded with "Keep calm and bake cupcakes!" Now that's what I'm talking about! Crystal has been great to keep everyone (especially me) grounded. Despite my appearance, I am not as calm as I seem. But I am doing my very best to set a good example for other spouses and families. I have been checking email non-stop and posting everything I can on our command's website (I am an ombudsman). When this is all said and done, I am going to take an electronic vacation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Since Friday, I have learned a few things and have made a few observations:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">1. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">ALWAYS be prepared!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> This goes for anyone, anywhere. You never know when the power will go out, when an earthquake will make travel difficult, or some other strange disaster or accident that could happen. And, for those times when you KNOW you will need emergency supplies (for example a hurricane or blizzard is headed your way)- you will rest assured that you are covered.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am somewhat guilty of not being prepared. Mainly that was water and canned food I was lacking. I did have all of our passports, birth certificates, and my NEO packet in one place where I could easily grab it and go. But I had depleted some of our water supply and food. I had grown complacent, <b>shame on me</b>. Last weekend I bought a case of water and stocked up on canned food and a few snacks for the kiddos just in case. I bought ONE pack of D batteries (I already had a few extras in my emergency supply.) And- I made sure I picked up a bag of dog food for our furry family member.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now people are hoarding supplies, which means a shortage for the rest of us. I would love to have the people who produce the show “hoarders” to come here and check out some of these people’s stockpiles. I have a feeling a few of these people have turned their homes into fall-out shelters. I can honestly say I spent maybe an extra $50 or less on extra groceries.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. <i>NOT being prepared means that you will have to drain precious resources</i> (ie food and water at the store), in order to take care of you and your family. A friend of mine, who resides at Misawa Air Force Base, was without power for several days. They are in the Northern part of Japan- which means it is cold! She was very proud to report they were able to self-sustain without having to run out for supplies- and without draining any resources that could be used to help others that need it. She is awesome and so smart, that lady is.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*note- I am typing this in a Word document that I will later copy and paste to Blogger. We are currently having a power outage as a part of the rolling black outs. I just had to get up and take shelter in the doorway due to another earthquake/aftershock. Good thing I am prepared! *wink*</i></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not being prepared also means you might have to wait in long lines for bread, water, or even toilet paper. No one wants to have a Communist Russia experience, do they?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. My father in law always wisely says- “<b>always keep your gas tank over half full</b>”. He doesn’t wait for the “E” warning to come up on the dash- he fills up when he gets down to a half tank. That sounds like an inconvenience or maybe one too many trips to the filling station. Think about it this way- if your car has a full tank of gas and there is a power crisis-slash-gas shortage- you have yourself covered. Once again you will not have to wait in a LONG line to get your ration of gas. Luckily my car was already full so I didn’t have to gas it up. But hubby’s car was on “E”- he is always running on fumes. I was lucky enough to be able to fill up the day after the earthquake. I won’t have to wait in line anytime soon- our cars both use very little gas and we don’t have to drive too far luckily.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I feel sorry for the poor gas station employees. People are not happy that they aren’t being allowed to fill up if they have over ¼ of a tank. But unless they live off base or have a medical appointment in Yokosuka (that will take twice as long due to the terrible traffic situation going on)- they really don’t need that much gas. If we were to evacuate- it would be by air. There is no way anyone would get anywhere by car! It is hard enough to do under normal circumstances in typical Japanese traffic.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*still shakin’!!*</i></span><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Disasters bring out the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">best</span> in some people. If you read my <a href="http://onlivingoverseas.blogspot.com/2011/03/will-someone-please-turn-off-paint.html">last post</a>- you would have seen the pictures of all that was donated to the relief efforts. It felt like everyone in base came to lend a hand, donate clothing, buy supplies to donate, or all of the above. I gained a little more faith in humanity seeing and experiencing all the love and concern people had for our host nation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. (You have to know this was coming.) Disasters also bring out the W<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OR</span>ST in people. And that makes me irritable. This is when you find out who are the panickers, who are the complainers, and who are just completely clueless, uneducated and/or willfully ignorant. See numbers two and three. We have been told that we will continue to receive supplies- but people are still hoarding as if we will be cut off from the rest of the world for two months.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are some other examples:</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*We are being asked to conserve energy due to the Nuclear power plant crisis. I have unplugged anything unneeded and only using the lights when absolutely necessary. Yet I look out the window and see houses with every light on and another family with Christmas lights on their balcony in the tower apartments (they are referred to as “The Towers”). I took a picture of the Christmas lights and posted it on Facebook. All of my friends were livid at the inconsideration, except for one. A really sweet friend of mine (and very young), asked why I was bothered- was the light keeping me from sleeping? *sigh*</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*I am hearing <i>complaints about the power outages</i>. Why?? The outages last 4 hours long and we are warned in advance. Is someone missing a favorite soap opera? Or maybe they don’t have iPhones so they are unable to check email. Granted- those who live in the towers and on the upper floors- they have to walk down and/or up many flights of stairs. But why shouldn’t we do our part to conserve energy by having a power outage? Are we more special than the local folk because we are on a military base? My advice? Make sure your lap top is charged so you can type up a blog post while you wait for the power to come back on. Or get an iPhone- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">then you can post your every complaint on Facebook and piss me off.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Some people are volunteering only so they can receive special recognition and attention. That just burns my butt! At the town hall meeting last night one lady, while standing up to ask the Captain a question- first had to make mention how she has been a part of the relief efforts. Did she think our base Commander was going to jump up and down and tell her how wonderful she is to give up her time to help those in need? I can tell you that yes, she was there helping. But she also spent most of her time delegating work out to anyone that crossed her path. My favorite part was seeing her <i>masticate her slice of pizza</i> and task everyone in her sights at the same. By day three I was ready to throw a can of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">STFU</span> in her face. But I was good and held my tongue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*The negative people are <b>more negative</b>- that is to be expected. But they can get down right insensitive. Quite a few people want to leave. If I were pregnant or had small children- I would feel the same I <s>suppose</s> know. I don’t want to HAVE to leave. I want things to return to somewhat normalcy (things will never be the same as before regardless). I would like to not have to worry about the power plants leaking radiation into the air. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I would like the ground to stop playing Dance Dance Revolution.</span> Complaining and saying how much they hate it here is very insulting to the Japanese, don’t ya think? If we were in America, and had no other country to go home to, how would we feel about foreigners whinging about our country? I don’t like the idea of people packing up and leaving because I fear that will only cause others to panic. However- GOOD RIDDANCE! There would be more power, more food, more gas for the rest of us. Go ahead- max out those credit cards for a flight that may or may not leave. <i>Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Japanese people are amazing, strong and resilient. I learned the term <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">gaman</span> from a Japanese friend. <a href="http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/sympathy-for-japan-and-admiration/">Check out this article</a>- Mr. Kristof explains it well. They don’t complain or whine. They mourn those they have lost and rebuild as soon as they can. They know this is an act of Mother Nature, not something they can control- but something they accept fully. No one is wasting time blaming the prime minister for causing this, or thinking they could have prevented the earthquake. They pick themselves back up, and move on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Japanese people don’t loot!</span> See the article I mentioned in number 6. I have heard this from several other sources as well. I love their honesty and integrity!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. The media can really really suck. I hate how they feed into mass hysteria and fear by over-sensationalizing everything. If you watch some of these reports you would think the whole world is going to die from radiation poisoning. I have had to tell family friends to turn off the TV, everyone was begging for me to go home. And as Jaime so keenly pointed out- you can't compare Chernobyl to Japan's situation. That would be like comparing a Ford Pinto to a Volvo. I don't know- maybe it is not THAT extreme- but you get the picture.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. I learned today that even though I am staying strong for everyone- especially my children, <b>a good cry can make everything feel better afterward</b>. Today I was admonished for a simple and honest mistake I made. No big deal really- but that is what broke me. I sat down and had a good cry. I didn't even realize I needed to cry until the tears came. I had been too busy to think about it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. People all over love Japan, as do I. I found this today on YouTube- I think the flooodgates have been opened for the duration because this made me tear up as well. It is actually cute, no reason to cry. Check it out:</span><br />
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I will now leave you with a smile on my face.<br />
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~NancyNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-66849767999979949712011-03-13T00:45:00.000+09:002011-03-13T00:45:40.966+09:00Will someone please turn off the paint mixer? Earthquake in Japan...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Imagine it is a Friday afternoon, the sun is out, and the kids just got home from school. You're getting stuff together for the sleep over your daughter is going to, doing some housework and thinking about the Pampered Chef party you are going to and how the food will be delish. You have that care free feeling that Friday gives you because you have a lovely weekend planned out. You sit down on the couch to fold some laundry and you feel the couch shake. Whoa! You stand up and call to your son, "do you feel that?" He was walking down the hall and stops, "yeah, I do!" This about the time the shaking usually stops and everyone carries on with their previous activities. After all, this is Japan, and you feel earthquakes all the time. Except today, the shaking doesn't stop, but intensifies.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">That was how it all started for us at 2:46 pm, Tokyo time. When I realized that the shaking was getting worse I called to my daughter to come downstairs and we headed under our large kitchen table. My son called to our dog Brownie and all four of us huddled underneath the table and waited for it to stop. The shaking would ease up, we would think it was over, and then the shaking intensified once again. I realized I had left my iPhone on top of the table so I was reaching with one hand to try and grab it. I couldn't find it so I let it be.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It lasted for several minutes. That doesn't seem like a long time, but when it feels like Godzilla has picked up your house and is shaking it like a magic 8-ball, a few minutes feel like an eternity and then some. All I could think about was the recent New Zealand quake and how this might be the "big one" they have been talking about in Japan. My daughter started to panic and cry. She wanted desperately to go outside, but we held on to her tight. (On a side note this has been a topic of discussion here, which is better, outside or in?) I grew up in California, we were taught to "duck and cover", so that is what my family and I did. And no, Hubby was not home- he was in a different country altogether. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When it finally stopped I felt like throwing up. It was an 8.9 magnitude (this number varies according to the source). The epicenter was in Sendai, which is about 300 miles away I believe? In other words, what we felt was much watered down compared to those in the Sendai area. And check this out- there is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Sendai_earthquake_and_tsunami">Wikipedia</a> page already- I didn't realize they get set up so quickly! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">After the shaking abated, we got out from under the table and dusted ourselves off. In no time we were shaking again, back under the table we went. My daughter was in full panic mode by then. By now I had my iPhone in hand and I was trying to get some info on what, when and where. The next aftershock caught me on the toilet trying to pee. There is nothing like a rockin' toilet! I finished as fast as I could and ran for cover while still zipping up my pants.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Like I mentioned earlier, I grew up in California, but I have never experienced something like this before. We continued to have one aftershock after another. And I don't mean some little tiny tremors, but movement that would cause the door to our kitchen to swing back and forth.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We turned on Japanese TV and of course they are flashing a big tsunami warning on TV. They are showing the shaking reported all over Tokyo and Chiba. People are running from falling debris outside, those inside are taking cover under their desks. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG7Eu7E5bzWxoeALEfXJ9GBb8ukWnHVwwyxXGQiHgPnFI1S0Bg8wlE9ofBKwl8Ab5LY8nNKIdSCEwcipI-3WVrzM_HZ0Yuv-wWMW9aRsBVBnyEA2sPoiDG7h9ykDtwef42Rku7LTa0cI/s1600/sendai+earthquake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG7Eu7E5bzWxoeALEfXJ9GBb8ukWnHVwwyxXGQiHgPnFI1S0Bg8wlE9ofBKwl8Ab5LY8nNKIdSCEwcipI-3WVrzM_HZ0Yuv-wWMW9aRsBVBnyEA2sPoiDG7h9ykDtwef42Rku7LTa0cI/s400/sendai+earthquake.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Taken from the <a href="http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20110311145349391-111446.html">Japan Meteorological Agency's website</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you look at the above picture you can see the widespread effect and how darn strong and powerful this sucker was!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAu2cmy6zD0_dH9EHSnQ95eJWtzToEGzie0UXe_szyU0KCIIwir1KQAxVEO60T_L137E5LZVOMQzbFGJl66zmmRh7jQ1XbttuJsUT8nq9BgRdUVsVIRiXgOpWhbJFJMm5pkmFmOBtro1s/s1600/previous+quake+to+Sendai.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAu2cmy6zD0_dH9EHSnQ95eJWtzToEGzie0UXe_szyU0KCIIwir1KQAxVEO60T_L137E5LZVOMQzbFGJl66zmmRh7jQ1XbttuJsUT8nq9BgRdUVsVIRiXgOpWhbJFJMm5pkmFmOBtro1s/s400/previous+quake+to+Sendai.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This was the <a href="http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20110311074927391-110744.html">quake previous to the big one</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So if you look at the quake that happened at 7:49 am, you can see the difference! This one was a 4.8 magnitude and its epicenter was out in the ocean.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Going by this website, here is the info I have gathered:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1st quake: 14:46 7.9 magnitude, depth of 10km (they have this one listed twice- not sure why)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">15:06- 7.0 magnitude, depth of 10 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">15:15- 7.4 magnitude, depth of 80 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">15:26- 7.2 magnitude, depth of 10 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">15:41- 5.7 magnitude, depth of 50 km (this they listed three times)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">15:49- 5.8 magnitude, depth of 10 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">15:57- 6.1magnitude, depth of 20 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">16:04- 5.8 magnitude, depth of 20 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">16:15- 6.8 magnitude, depth of 10 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">16:29- 6.6 magnitude, listed as "very shallow"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">16:38- 5.9 magnitude, depth of 30 km</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">16:54- 5.5 magnitude, depth of 30 km</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I could spend a couple of more hours and write down the rest (there are 100s more since yesterday)- but I think you get the idea! I was seriously feeling sea sick. After the third aftershock my daughter set up permanent camp under the table. She and her brother dragged all the pillows off the couch, grabbed blankets, snacks, drinks, and the portable DVD player with some extra books and movies. My son declared during the second one that he would "like to get off this ride now".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Two summers ago, we got to ride on the earthquake simulator at one of the bases' safety fairs. Let me tell you- that is EXACTLY what the real thing felt like, no joke. Except the real thing is not as fun. *frown*</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">One hour later we are feeling sea sick. My cell phone isn't working, but the internet is up still! I never thought I would be so grateful for Facebook. My friends and I were all able to check in with Facebook. We chatted with family back home and we passed on info- the freeways were shut down, the trains weren't running. Some people got stuck and used Facebook to contact friends to pick up their kids from day care. The street directly out of our front gate became a parking lot. Everyone was going nowhere in a hurry.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And while we worried about those trying to get back home, the images on TV were becoming more and more disturbing by the second. We watched in horror as people tried to outrun the tsunami in their cars, and on foot. It was all fire and flooding and sheer terror. I am sure the whole world have seen the images, utter horror. Mother nature is not a force to be reckoned with, and she knows how to humble us to our very core.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Suddenly it was a totally different day with the same date. My daughter, after I coaxed out from under the table (we were still getting aftershocks, just not as bad as before), decided she still wanted to go to the slumber party. I let her go, she would be a few blocks away, the worst had passed us (we were never in tsunami danger), and it was a good distraction.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The rest of the evening was complete nuts. I never made it to the party, I just couldn't leave the house, and leave my son at home. I would have been only across the street, but you know how it is! I was constantly chatting with people, skyping with Hubby, it was non-stop. My good friends from Misawa texted me asking me to call their family stateside, which I did. They had no phone or power, but somehow they could text. At least it was something. We finally went to bed, and I intended on watching something distracting- like Army Wives. But I couldn't tear away from the news stations. Luckily my son fell asleep pretty quickly (with a pillow over his face just in case), and I eventually did too.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4 AM this morning: my phone rings. I was so drowsy I couldn't make out what the noise was. I picked it up too late so I missed the call. I had a feeling I knew who it was (no number on caller ID). While waiting for a call back, I checked email and scanned Facebook. I wondered if we were still having aftershocks when the bed started shaking. Yep, it is still going on! The phone rang again, it was my daughter. 10 minutes later she was back home and cuddled up next to her brother in my bed. After calling my mom to let her know I was ok (I did send an email earlier just in case), I went back to sleep.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">8 AM I woke up again to more bad news, now they were worried (and still are) about the nuclear power plants. A friend was asking for donations to be brought to the commissary. I scanned our pantry (which held not a lot of non-perishables I realized), and I headed to the commissary with my daughter.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What started out as a small group of wives asking for donations turned out to be a huge base effort. Operation Tomodachi was in full effect. Tomodachi means friend- referring to our host nation Japan. After buying groceries for my house and also some more things to donate, we hung out to help for a while. I had to go home and put away my food. I wanted to donate some blankets and what not, thinking I could fill a trash bag to take back over. I ended up with four. All those sweaters I have been hanging on to but never wore? And those extra jackets we don't need? How about those old towels? It never felt so good to purge before. Knowing that these items were going to be loaded onto a helicopter and taken directly to the victims really motivated to give all we could.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The rest of the day we spent helping with the donations. I have to say I am really proud to be a part of this community here at NAF Atsugi. Everyone was so willing to help. I think we all feel so grateful that we were spared, and so sad to see our Japanese "tomodachi" in pain. We started off in front of the commissary with a small box and some grocery carts. We ended up with tri-walls on pallets. I believe we filled 7 pallets with food, huge bags of rice, baby stuff, personal hygiene items, clothes, jackets, blankets, the list could go on and on. People would ask what was needed and we kept thinking of new things. Honestly, when your home is destroyed, don't you need just about everything? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I gave my daughter a new camera yesterday- just before all of this happened. Well today she brought her camera with her everywhere and took pictures and videos of our food/clothing drive. I think she is a budding photo journalist!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDHjWhXaeEp4EtKbhEH3u8tSBqFg-E2XJJFzCZ-HLJLphNnv3ElOcW3or0BjkAyX5yrOKme48tBFkVkWYjItRsCf5yZMUUlXkn-Q3YeA5RpyaQJAGHUAfvvtxKaB_NVAkbe5knQ4QSyY/s1600/DSC00028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDHjWhXaeEp4EtKbhEH3u8tSBqFg-E2XJJFzCZ-HLJLphNnv3ElOcW3or0BjkAyX5yrOKme48tBFkVkWYjItRsCf5yZMUUlXkn-Q3YeA5RpyaQJAGHUAfvvtxKaB_NVAkbe5knQ4QSyY/s320/DSC00028.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Rice was a huge ticket item today, probably one of the number 1 needs....</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxYe-SnuVT7CDHtKFvh74r0ZiPsTFkJOiJtLEIua9U7vtm9UTKukl1IHaoYHoqkPMLmU0sGlGn89KaE0ayHL7sVpVTWWAwtTV07MyQmjAzl6chADc_JW7e2SznDqOTzlPsCYba2ckfuE/s1600/DSC00029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxYe-SnuVT7CDHtKFvh74r0ZiPsTFkJOiJtLEIua9U7vtm9UTKukl1IHaoYHoqkPMLmU0sGlGn89KaE0ayHL7sVpVTWWAwtTV07MyQmjAzl6chADc_JW7e2SznDqOTzlPsCYba2ckfuE/s320/DSC00029.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">diapers, formula, baby food, even a stroller</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm4GZSfs8E0vRkScTyiy-tZ1XjsyGxh2QOpdiqWyF4HgR5alAkZMJnF_n-X1LCPm4CIqC7b5JOtNfEKETDmFPyIGK-hiZLBVSlfmhizghfN1OyZJPjJPovDob24Q8NFdh-oyJ4LGyBzE/s1600/DSC00071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm4GZSfs8E0vRkScTyiy-tZ1XjsyGxh2QOpdiqWyF4HgR5alAkZMJnF_n-X1LCPm4CIqC7b5JOtNfEKETDmFPyIGK-hiZLBVSlfmhizghfN1OyZJPjJPovDob24Q8NFdh-oyJ4LGyBzE/s320/DSC00071.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">5 of the 7 tri-walls we filled today.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4mrrtKUQbssSWH3vHM_52g3FnHR8tC7i2rlobWwaOtT1sdnwwhB7d2_cemca3CCbiCe42U-NshACdE_MN9VoMmzIrvix6BAIb4q6kYomXghfG7Nic7Hns7pNkBrbwPrrxnkVOBPgubY/s1600/DSC00033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4mrrtKUQbssSWH3vHM_52g3FnHR8tC7i2rlobWwaOtT1sdnwwhB7d2_cemca3CCbiCe42U-NshACdE_MN9VoMmzIrvix6BAIb4q6kYomXghfG7Nic7Hns7pNkBrbwPrrxnkVOBPgubY/s320/DSC00033.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just a small sampling of all the people who came out to help today.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnNE6q50qAz-_HrnTHL_HDqMfQahWRv5AChRtXQROLjW_cDlPd_Hdv1r3mWPmQHuSbOL30WiarztML_Sou0P_c2bpT0UlsqJsxip9jPyMYN7dCiUpUUskOxSZbISHPYFE5jHYzZcNQcI/s1600/DSC00030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnNE6q50qAz-_HrnTHL_HDqMfQahWRv5AChRtXQROLjW_cDlPd_Hdv1r3mWPmQHuSbOL30WiarztML_Sou0P_c2bpT0UlsqJsxip9jPyMYN7dCiUpUUskOxSZbISHPYFE5jHYzZcNQcI/s320/DSC00030.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">all clothes and blankets</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbgasaO_jV4DYqjSc9G8qUgFH7_89546fVQu4dSbf6EHPjOPT2Gep8Qy2m7sZ20MxVqCDCzRggBGo4INdzPpS1crMNGACuvCPiC0Pd1b_ju9-P3OGOwWSyCu4KKnRqOuLifD6q-EAjBY/s1600/DSC00068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbgasaO_jV4DYqjSc9G8qUgFH7_89546fVQu4dSbf6EHPjOPT2Gep8Qy2m7sZ20MxVqCDCzRggBGo4INdzPpS1crMNGACuvCPiC0Pd1b_ju9-P3OGOwWSyCu4KKnRqOuLifD6q-EAjBY/s320/DSC00068.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">No room left on the forklifts, we loaded the donated water on the truck bed of one of the trucks from Base Security.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ljy1txXP-zfsK-AKZYqR1kosNy3rW9-9ilT5T_5J2ZFpiZRkQjHnH7_tmQykoAHe6Dj043P1MHCKGLOvz3Yqz-7ioW9uqkfJgPxHbCfqEpxAVa8E84WKEDY7pchCf3twc7-VQPoeNuw/s1600/DSC00034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ljy1txXP-zfsK-AKZYqR1kosNy3rW9-9ilT5T_5J2ZFpiZRkQjHnH7_tmQykoAHe6Dj043P1MHCKGLOvz3Yqz-7ioW9uqkfJgPxHbCfqEpxAVa8E84WKEDY7pchCf3twc7-VQPoeNuw/s320/DSC00034.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The Nex made signs for the donation boxes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4xCd93EyVoPS1HmOGM_mH6oaPXlBRUR5IyZgWIgKpS9qh2B1XCn_6oYr5fdPHm09T_kaJo0u2JivqCB5yj7sxFzlZA0tmBVBBgnW_DAd_x_YOUCthprnMnPsVtrN7OqPbJbUoVOxVHs/s1600/picgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4xCd93EyVoPS1HmOGM_mH6oaPXlBRUR5IyZgWIgKpS9qh2B1XCn_6oYr5fdPHm09T_kaJo0u2JivqCB5yj7sxFzlZA0tmBVBBgnW_DAd_x_YOUCthprnMnPsVtrN7OqPbJbUoVOxVHs/s320/picgroup.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Another volunteer picture- including our base CMC and some of the kids that helped out today.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The kids were awesome today. I think they must feel helpless during times like these, so being able to really help must give them a sense of control over their world. The boys were lifting boxes out of people's cars as they pulled up to donate. I think were all in awe at how much people were donating. The collection box in front of the Nex was full of brand new blankets, towels, pillows and all sorts of other things. A few times today I had to stop and just breathe. I didn't know if I was going to cry or if my heart was just going to stop beating.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Looking at how big the damage is and how many people are left homeless, I wonder how much we can really do. But even if we are only able to help a few people, at least we have taught our children what it means to be a part of a community and what charity is. I am going to take that as my silver lining from this horrible dark cloud.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We continue to shake, even as I type. I feel like we are living in a paint mixer. I finally got my daughter to go to sleep. I have a feeling she is going to be sleeping my bed for a while. My son was scared too, but my daughter is the panicky one in the family. I think she is a worrier like her great grandma was. I told them they can no longer watch the news, it has been too overwhelming for them. They totally get it, they know this is bad. My son even told me last night that this is history in the making. Indeed it is, I just wish it was a happier kind.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have some videos to share, but I really must get some sleep, it has taken me a while to type this all out. I wanted to do this while it was all still fresh. Now I have a terrible kink in my neck and an early wake up call looming over my head.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Like I have told my family and friends back home- please don't worry about us, we are fine. Please keep the quake and tsunami victims in your thoughts and prayers. If you want to donate please contact your local Red Cross.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am going to bed now, it is starting to shake again. I hope I can sleep through it!</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-55203273653890582842011-03-09T14:11:00.000+09:002011-03-09T14:11:19.420+09:00It's Wednesday! (random nothingness)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's Wednesday, but I really wish it was Friday. This is one long week for some reason. If you are stateside- then <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it is still Tuesday</span>- my apologies.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always say I am half-Catholic. I say that because my dad's side of the family is Catholic (my dad used to tell me how he was an altar boy back when they held Mass in <i>Latin</i>), my step-dad was Catholic, and my mother and I attempted to become Catholics. I attempted because I went to CCD as a teenager (I was quite lost not knowing all the prayers for the rosary), and my mother met weekly with the monsignor of the church for her Catholic education. However, she could not become Catholic because she was "living in sin". She was "living in sin" because her marriage had not been blessed (?) by the Catholic church. Her marriage was not blessed by the Catholic church because my step-father was "living in sin". My step-father was "living in sin" because he was still "married" to his ex-wife, in the eyes of the church. In order to not be "married" to his ex- they had to go through some process that would require him to contact his ex. He did not wish to contact his ex because she had finally stopped harassing our family- probably because she didn't know where we had moved to. I never became Catholic because I thought they would find some reason I couldn't be Catholic either. Therefore I never went to talk to the monsignor as I was directed to do, if I wanted to go through the process. So that is why I am only half-Catholic, it's by blood and circumstances. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now it is Lent and I was thinking of something my half-Catholic self could give up. But obviously I am not a true Catholic because I couldn't think of anything that was an actual sacrifice- only random silly things, like:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. crack </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. bunjee jumping</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. body piercing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. cigarettes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. roller skating</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. hitch-hiking</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. liver</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. pole dancing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. cannibalism</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. soap operas</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seriously, I applaud those who give up their true vices- like sugar and soda- or chocolate! They are better people than I.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a totally unrelated note- I found something a couple of weeks ago that I thought had been lost forever! It was the CD with all of our digital pictures of my kids when they were really small. Not only did I find one CD, but two copies! I was practically in tears when I saw that the CD was actually readable (I had found a different CD months back- but it was damaged and it wouldn't read.) I must have spent at least an hour looking through all of the pictures. When hubby came home, I did the same thing all over again, except this time looking over his shoulder as he went through the picture files. This picture now graces his wallpaper on the PC monitor:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhdhBAFUgj4tWLBRWmvoLLryceiWGxJhqssWERuymAC2XHjVsAq9tn1DoyjjEfhTFRrecNgW71ILaU2ia9PSTsucDb7hBIvZo4sxoTxXhOdRe3fTEifVJDAhiFoZvmvLktEbgNV262pQ/s1600/DSC00272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhdhBAFUgj4tWLBRWmvoLLryceiWGxJhqssWERuymAC2XHjVsAq9tn1DoyjjEfhTFRrecNgW71ILaU2ia9PSTsucDb7hBIvZo4sxoTxXhOdRe3fTEifVJDAhiFoZvmvLktEbgNV262pQ/s320/DSC00272.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brother enjoying a popcicle in our backyard- back when we were stationed at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, circa 2000.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He wasn't even two yet here. I love this expression, it makes my heart all <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">melty</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">nostalgic</span> and sad that he is growing up so fast! He will be 13 this year. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">13! </span>Like I said, we were so happy and relieved that these pictures had not been lost to this world! I promptly copied them to our external hard drive. Where is another good place to back up all of our pictures I wonder?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On another unrelated note- I am down 7 pounds!! It is not all due to Crossfit- I had lost 5 before I started last week. But I have definitely noticed a huge difference already since I started working out last week. I have had 4 workouts and I feel so much stronger already. I am sold, hook-line-and-sinker. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more random thoughts and adventures.. or not. *wink wink*</span><br />
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Cheers!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-67762374071590259962011-03-05T00:43:00.000+09:002012-11-04T09:52:44.699+09:00Food Fun Friday- Peruvian food in Japan<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Besides the newly discovered Brazilian BBQ joint, Hubby's favorite restaurant is a little place in Yamato called <a href="http://www9.ocn.ne.jp/~keimi/index.html">Keimi</a>. It is a Peruvian restaurant- their specialty being lomo saltado. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Essentially it is a dish of stir-fried strips of beef with red onions and tomatoes- served over French fries. (I think the rice is the obligatory nod to Japanese tastes). It is very good, and Hubby orders it each and every time we go.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I have no room to talk- I order the same thing every time as well. I am in love with their ceviche.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHFSzAotPeVGd4e1nQfDe5io9OSYO9lJEDthWmKA57POM0jOtFRJwVULeAbrAYd3SpP7O4iCghX1C_HkDNuAYdnf2Fik-vcVKWFZXtH_ai02vQHnZGMibcNk6BpcelkUUYtJ-ayYuwSo/s1600/DSCF4816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHFSzAotPeVGd4e1nQfDe5io9OSYO9lJEDthWmKA57POM0jOtFRJwVULeAbrAYd3SpP7O4iCghX1C_HkDNuAYdnf2Fik-vcVKWFZXtH_ai02vQHnZGMibcNk6BpcelkUUYtJ-ayYuwSo/s320/DSCF4816.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This ceviche is made with a white fish and pulpo (octopus). I am not really a big fan of octopus, because it is usually too rubbery. But I really think that octopus was intended to be cooked in lime juice and served up with red onions, cilantro and whatever white fish they use (I'll have to ask what kind it is next time I go.) The octopus is actually a little tender, and so tasty. The red onions and the octopus give the ceviche a little bit of a purple tinge. My mouth is watering as I type, it is that delicious. If you like fish at all, this would be the dish for you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTbu4GgmitL2kj4Dv7HV6FkOB5tK93fN80mM4zYMrCvcJiM191VCFE9OnpuXvrP2vwD9W8YyKryZ44mOwCEr__XeiirPgyc23y7r8BleOLVdeFdRMdP7PB7io6O-uhPXC-4c8MT81hh4/s1600/DSCF4814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTbu4GgmitL2kj4Dv7HV6FkOB5tK93fN80mM4zYMrCvcJiM191VCFE9OnpuXvrP2vwD9W8YyKryZ44mOwCEr__XeiirPgyc23y7r8BleOLVdeFdRMdP7PB7io6O-uhPXC-4c8MT81hh4/s320/DSCF4814.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The restaurant is on a side street off of a side street. In the States it would be called an "alleyway"- but it is a bonified street. It is one of those places that you find out about from a friend- who actually takes you there. No one gets directions, but someone actually drives them there or at least shows them the way. We remember how to get there by landmarks: "turn left at the bicycle shop, and then left again at the dance studio." You can't park at the actual place, you will need to back track and park at the pay lots you passed on the way.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When you walk in, you may or may not be greeted by the restaurant's owners right away. Sometimes you will sit there and wait a few minutes before someone pops their head out of the kitchen. Keimi is owned by a Japanese man- "Caesar" and his Peruvian wife- "Mili". They speak Japanese, Spanish and English- but mostly Spanish. They know us by name and we are always warmly greeted as old friends. Caesar is very charismatic and extremely intelligent. His Spanish is perfect, and I believe he speaks more language then he lets on. He loves loves to chat. Mili is sweet and always has a hug ready for you. I was told she taught Peruvian grammar at a Peruvian university. Last time I told that my son was ill- she made sure to tell me how to make him feel better. She is one of those women that is everyone's mom. I adore her.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">After being greeted, we usually wait another 10 minutes before they take our orders. The food is served at all different times. We once went with a large group, some people were done with their food by the time others were finally being served. At any other place one might get angry- but for some reason it just makes the place feel unique and "quirky".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It is very hard to leave the place, even after the bill has been paid. Caesar and Mili act as if they don't want you to leave. They will talk to you all night if you let them. If you want to go somewhere quick, this is not the place to go.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">In addition to the lomo saltado and ceviche, they also make empanadas on the weekends. Wow, they are the very best. They make their own drink made from purple corn- "chicha morada". Hubby loves this drink, it is very different, but very good. Caesar and Mili say it is good for people with high blood pressure and it lowers cholesterol. It is probably true- but we drink it for the taste. And they do serve Inca Cola- it seems to be what everyone looks for when they eat Peruvian. It is good, but I like the chicha morada better.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This place has become very dear to our hearts. I don't think we will ever find another restaurant experience like this anywhere else. This goes on our list of things we will miss when we leave Japan.</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-67044419205080609142011-02-28T14:35:00.000+09:002011-02-28T14:35:55.299+09:00Today I did not die<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sounds pretty dramatic, I know. Today was day one for Crossfit, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I survived</span>. But man do I feel it! My muscles aren't sore (yet), but I just feel so heavy and tired! But- I am so glad I went. Thank goodness Jes decided to go as well, or I might have wimped out seeing how I was sick with a stomach virus on Saturday. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I only had to do half the time (10 minutes), and that's a good thing or I might really be in the hospital right now! Just kidding, (or maybe not.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I know this sounds funny- but I literally had anxiety dreams last about going today. In one dream everyone was mad at me for being the FNG and they were planning on working out for 3 hours. 3 hours! In other dreams I was just nervous and embarrassed at my out of shape self. Can you tell I was nervous about going? I literally felt like crying when I got there today. I am such a dork!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">But it ended up ok and I wasn't too embarrassed. Everyone was very supportive and that really helps. I think if it was a group of un-supportive people I wouldn't go back. Shoot- I KNOW I wouldn't go back!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I can't go back until Thursday, so that's two days to recover- we'll see how it goes next time!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I leave you with my "before" picture. Sorry- I am not willing to get into a bathing suit- and you should thank me for that really.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSX_xpbYNfw5ToqUChaq8NzyAcOJ94uqPMfxe3j5pG6RAWgK_P9AGmqhpQrS_Orj1IyfGnw91sfyuWIuuY_5YTyu21vaRmmVgd9BCGYvI6oWdtty_bi2jVtr_3XeStNquGHPV0OZ28oqA/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSX_xpbYNfw5ToqUChaq8NzyAcOJ94uqPMfxe3j5pG6RAWgK_P9AGmqhpQrS_Orj1IyfGnw91sfyuWIuuY_5YTyu21vaRmmVgd9BCGYvI6oWdtty_bi2jVtr_3XeStNquGHPV0OZ28oqA/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Before" picture- can't say when the "after" picture will be. And *ahem*, never mind the messy kitchen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ja mata ne!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-12197425161069699562011-02-25T08:52:00.001+09:002011-02-25T08:55:10.570+09:00Food Fun Friday- The Great Chip Adventure!Happy Friday everyone! I just love Friday. I don't have to work, and Friday is the day I go to eat Hot Caesar Salad with my ladies. If you haven't tried it- trust me it is delish. The lettuce isn't hot- only the toppings- which consists of (you actually fill out a ticket to say if you want all or some of the following items): green peppers, mushrooms, onions, bacon, garlic, chicken and/or shrimp. They stir fry it up and toss it with lettuce, croutons, and dressing. Sooo good! I even got fellow blogger Jes from <a href="http://bleudress.blogspot.com/">Bleu Dress and Dress Blues</a> to join our group every Friday. The company is even better than the food- I so enjoy chatting with my girls every Friday. When I am having one of those weeks- I have something to look forward to.<br />
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Today I don't have a restaurant review- but I thought I would show some of my favorite chips. I am on a low carb diet- so of course I am dreaming of chips- ha! Seriously though- Japan has some pretty awesome chips- in all different flavors, shapes and colors.<br />
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Yesterday I cheated on my diet with these lovely curry flavored chips. Japanese curry rice is a favorite of mine- so imagine my excitement when I found these lovely chips at a convenience store. I meant to only sample one and then pass it off to the children. But the children didn't eat them all- so I finished them off myself. *blush*<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbO5fqt9K2C5yvwP0YYWyf8iEyJTsT83g9AEcvwY8eZrhoKYIZahTqgk87SUqjFXWs9a5EfpcBAnGrt8oRhnoENC7fd_RGo7T-AV4Om3AbKHpbrd8aB7oM7eQDdWa2eu8uzqo3-LRQyg/s1600/Feb2011+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbO5fqt9K2C5yvwP0YYWyf8iEyJTsT83g9AEcvwY8eZrhoKYIZahTqgk87SUqjFXWs9a5EfpcBAnGrt8oRhnoENC7fd_RGo7T-AV4Om3AbKHpbrd8aB7oM7eQDdWa2eu8uzqo3-LRQyg/s320/Feb2011+035.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I originally titled my post "potato" chip edition- but not all of these chips are potato chips. I have found all sorts of chips- corm chips, vegetable chips and even chips made from bread (thinner than bagel chips and therefore qualify as a real chip in my opinion.)<br />
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These can be found anywhere and everywhere in Japan. They have mastered the art of snacking!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6hHvDUDpJ_S3ZYdP_1qt1H9z5CX75J6T5nGA__ZL0VgzDyrLxe9IdW8RsZhFVdn2X8vy0BKW8CQzRymj6FlfXFgV2sNb-MOnc2ejZJi07TAeFMmb-dYNQHWm-WYWkB1-iHxFVETVFYo/s1600/Feb2011+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6hHvDUDpJ_S3ZYdP_1qt1H9z5CX75J6T5nGA__ZL0VgzDyrLxe9IdW8RsZhFVdn2X8vy0BKW8CQzRymj6FlfXFgV2sNb-MOnc2ejZJi07TAeFMmb-dYNQHWm-WYWkB1-iHxFVETVFYo/s320/Feb2011+025.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sliced bread chips. They were thin and crispy- and quite tasty with the strawberry flavoring added.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8tXfZQOAwqsgQDTBsFj8_rdBQKwoBxRbeV5d1hV20Rp_79590vnbN-MQOQcIZ7JaVexx1f93Mw82Bb-ZLCuL9bOnwbf14Ug4ENSb2XQXjv9-ihvTQc4C9WVuvsRv31XAYBuC7EO41OE/s1600/Feb2011+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8tXfZQOAwqsgQDTBsFj8_rdBQKwoBxRbeV5d1hV20Rp_79590vnbN-MQOQcIZ7JaVexx1f93Mw82Bb-ZLCuL9bOnwbf14Ug4ENSb2XQXjv9-ihvTQc4C9WVuvsRv31XAYBuC7EO41OE/s320/Feb2011+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guy on the left is actually a box of creme filled cookies- they are quite tasty and I pick them up whenever I see a new flavor. The bag in the middle is lime and chili- very good! And the bag on the right is the front side of the bag of bread chips.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0S9TKft3pFKLMjt10YpdezLR9v5c341IsCLbKlaI4rZDBpIfebsmZN4dJYaVnrK7j-tq7qI2dI5e_Qe2hitYC_pWyGzidRZdwxlqS4egpjiYIupYOnhb4VRZXoK-DTOJa1KsupcXMOo/s1600/Feb2011+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0S9TKft3pFKLMjt10YpdezLR9v5c341IsCLbKlaI4rZDBpIfebsmZN4dJYaVnrK7j-tq7qI2dI5e_Qe2hitYC_pWyGzidRZdwxlqS4egpjiYIupYOnhb4VRZXoK-DTOJa1KsupcXMOo/s320/Feb2011+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wasabi chips on the left. On the right- butter and honey chips. Very unusal flavor for a potato chips- but these are my favorite. Unfortunately our dog Brownie found them quite tasty as well and stole the bag off the counter while I was out of the house. *sad face*</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD6HZb4WWvHplEhaRl7B-SngmxUQ5-wWG-IvaFRXGwAPaV1ehKmp96nKSH8rOUvjZS2d2k77P-SxFuIQ6f7zd24HKqP-9J_k8BdVz8HJ3u7qk-9BYwJdrey7KCbHEUMAT92V61-L-IVc/s1600/Dec2010+186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD6HZb4WWvHplEhaRl7B-SngmxUQ5-wWG-IvaFRXGwAPaV1ehKmp96nKSH8rOUvjZS2d2k77P-SxFuIQ6f7zd24HKqP-9J_k8BdVz8HJ3u7qk-9BYwJdrey7KCbHEUMAT92V61-L-IVc/s320/Dec2010+186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok- obviously the stuff in the bag on the left are not "chips"- but the little dried fishies are considered "snack food". I haven't been brave enough to try- but I sent them to my in-laws with the Christmas presents the year before last. The bag on the right I think is also a fish falvored chips- apparently it goes well with beer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="goog_3838387"></span><span id="goog_3838388">I thought I had more pictures than I do! I will have to take more. Stay tuned to Part II of The Great Chip Adventure!</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-91514972368402658262011-02-23T09:09:00.000+09:002011-02-23T09:09:54.942+09:00Cults, Cameras, Cantankerous Posts, and InCarcerationHello! As you can see, I love me some alliteration. Life seems to be going in all sorts of directions, luckily it has mostly been good! I am a wee bit superstitious so I won't make predictions and say if this is going to be a good year- because that had bombed on me the last two years. I just plan on taking it day by day. You know- "hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."<br />
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I have had some luck this year, which has surprised the heck out of me. I won a $200 gift certificate to New Sanno, I won a Coach wristlet bag, I won a lamp, and I have won a brand new PS3. We used the gift certificate the weekend before last and had a great time, I'll try to post some pictures soon. Because of the PS3, Hubby and I have a new TV in our bedroom. You see, we ALREADY owned a PS3, so we <i>needed </i>a TV for the bedroom. But it's ok, I can now watch movies in my room, that makes me a little happy. Anyhoo- I have tried that luck out at Bingo, so far nothing- but I haven't given up yet.<br />
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What does that have to do with my blog title? Well- nothing, sorry. I know you are curious as to what I means by cults? Well, I decided to drink the "Kool-aid". Next week I start CrossFit. And I have to say I am terrified! I just know I am going to look like the biggest wimp and be the most out of shape person to ever grace their presence! Several of my friends have been on me since last summer to join. Out of one side of their mouth they would say how wonderful it is, and out of the other side, they would talk about how they were dry-heaving during a work-out, or how they were falling down stairs because they were so sore. I kept meeting more and more people that were on the CrossFit wagon and I was convinced they were in a cult and refused over and over to join (even though a part of me was saying "do it do it!") Another friend of mine joined in January, and she already looks fantastic! That had me sold, so I set the date for March. Wish me luck. If I don't ever post again, it will be because <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I died</span>.<br />
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Cameras! or I should say camera. If you have been an avid reader of my blog (isn't everyone one? *giggle*) , you will know I have been dreaming and dreaming of a DSLR. Last weekend I finally got one!! I felt really guilty asking Hubby if he would mind buying one with our tax return funds, but he was all for it. I even ended up buying the pricier model. I LOVE IT!! Now I just need to learn how to use it. Obviously I can "use" it, since it has the wonderful automatic mode for non-knowers like me- but I have been reading about apertures and shutter speeds and want it all to make sense! I ordered what I think will be the most beautiful camera bag from <a href="http://www.epiphaniebags.com/#/shopclover/">Epiphanie</a>. It was pricey, but seeing how I have NO camera bag, I went for it. I ordered the grey, since I can't afford to buy another one should I get tired of pink or turquoise.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_2014035830"></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dFDL_gQ7cvOb6yJcgDjHCWHjbMjGXOFlvUPwBQ7ZrrTWCq41I1jNuCt3Aep-q_pDMySvijbLTKs3LKk0mLeSnFMgqtyXyVJD4cIeoFs0y9kn8LjW_XImV-_CFItkaLTzUu5Gwqt7ia0/s320/2010_1218_Clover_Grey.jpg" width="224" /><span id="goog_2014035836"></span><span id="goog_2014035837"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2014035831"></span></div><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2014035832"></span><span id="goog_2014035833"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2014035834"></span><span id="goog_2014035835"></span>Isn't it beautiful? It even will fit a MacBook in it. I don't have one, but it's good to know...<br />
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Cantankerous posts... I am referring to Facebook. I know, one year ago I gave up Facebook (but that mostly because I was hooked on Farmville). But it seems that Facebook is the way we all communicate these days and how I keep in touch with my friends. It gives me a certain amount of pleasure to laugh at funny posts or pictures, and to hear good news. There is also sad news from time to time- I found out a guy I went to high school with had passed away just before his 39th birthday. Seeing how we are military- Facebook has improved my life in that I am able to reconnect with long lost friends- that is a good thing in my book. But there is also a down side, and I need to just learn to move on. Some people insist on posting every single aggravation in their life! Every. one. I feel like screaming at all the "FML" posts. I am not going to say that what the person in question is experiencing is "not that bad" (although I do feel that way at times)- but is it really necessary to post it ALL? I have been guilty of the bitching and whining on FB, I do admit that (and now I reserve that for my blog post- ha!) But I came to the realization that it serves little purpose- unless it is something friends can help with- thereby making it a "productive" rant. Now- some people are just funny when they rant- that doesn't bother me. A little snarkiness and sarcasm go a long way, I always say. (No, I really don't say that- but it works for some people.) Have you read <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2014035839"></span>Snarky in <span id="goog_2014035842"></span><span id="goog_2014035843"></span>the Suburbs</a> <a href="http://snarkyinthesuburbs.com/">http://snarkyinthesuburbs.com/</a>? She has a Facebook page as well- I double heart love her! She IS snarky, but it works for her. My complaint is about the ones that get all worked up the minute life doesn't work the way they want it to. Ok- I digress....<br />
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InCarceration - no I am not going to jail. But a guy I went to elementary school with IS in jail. He was a very very popular guy on campus and quite the ladies man, back in the say. We "went out" for maybe two weeks in the 6th grade, before he dumped me for someone else. I was devastated, but I got over it. I think he went to my junior high as well, but fell into a bad crowd and I didn't see much of him after 7th grade. In high school I found out he had been sent to jail for manslaughter. He shot at someone's feet with a gun and the bullet ricocheted off the ground and ended up killing that person. At least that is what I heard. Anyway- one of the girls that went to same school "found" him. She had thought he was dead (I was pretty sure he was in jail.) Come to find out, prisoners can get onto Facebook! He is serving a life sentence for manslaughter, but can still get on the internet. I mentioned that fact to a fellow Navy-wife friend and her reply was "Oh- that's nice. Our husbands can't get on Facebook on the ship- but prisoners can!" She has a point, ladies and gentlemen. Not only did my fellow classmate "find" this guy- but she even suggested through Facebook that I be "friends" with him. She must have sent the same suggestion to him, because he sent me a friend request. I doubt he even remembers me, I really do. Morbid curiosity took control and I did peek at his page (it is not private). I even considered "friending" him. Some of my old classmates did, but not a lot. I don't have anything to say to him, so I am not going to do it ("friend" him on FB). I feel a little mean, like there is a slight chance I am hurting his feelings. But he IS in PRISON! What would YOU do?<br />
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I will wrap this up with a picture of my dog Brownie- taken with my new camera (Canon Rebel T2i).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYv4PPHoKzZuht9i-g0idtNdUN_-LHwKIW1fb5D17D6BOQ9FN2_lt5ZTp7Rrm-rTesNaoTQSbxUxKLCRNUapETIRCCQRYzyy4NwQYIEIXpd9BxP7uJXNhl1Dyw9oiUDgJpj1A0gI-_YjU/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYv4PPHoKzZuht9i-g0idtNdUN_-LHwKIW1fb5D17D6BOQ9FN2_lt5ZTp7Rrm-rTesNaoTQSbxUxKLCRNUapETIRCCQRYzyy4NwQYIEIXpd9BxP7uJXNhl1Dyw9oiUDgJpj1A0gI-_YjU/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>She is getting all grey on her chin! I love her to pieces, even though she has taken to eating food off the counter whenever we leave the house (bread, cake, butter, crackers....)<br />
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Cheers!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-87494755280603516572011-02-11T09:27:00.001+09:002011-02-11T14:16:59.470+09:00Food Fun Friday- at long last!Gasp! A post from me, the as of late reclusive blogger?? I was just looking for inspiration! (and I will keep telling myself that too).<br />
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Last Friday I joined Hubby on a night out with his fellow co-workers. So imagine riding the bus and train to Yokohama with 11 sailors. We weren't exactly what you would call "inconspicuous". Lucky for me, two other wives showed up.<br />
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Where did we go? We went to Chinatown in Yohohama.<br />
To eat Chinese food, right? <br />
Wrong!<br />
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We went to a place called Travesso Grill. They serve Brazilian BBQ. So yeah- we went to Chinatown in Yokohama, Japan, to eat Brazilian food. Makes PERFECT sense!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEg1juXnD_VRuiMPKqTyfr3l6K86WEyhsoE8CkoRnmU0S40nyzEb5RYxnRdXogsZ1dWEeufm3R7nrz04OE0igR-GvlwoNoUons2zklTGa-vyGW5RGC7vl3Th46Ghkf0QUotd807TBjW4/s320/brazilianbbq.jpg" width="320" /></div><a href="http://www.mizunobubrooks.com/en/travesso-en.htm">http://www.mizunobubrooks.com/en/travesso-en.htm</a><br />
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I have to say, it was worth the trip. It is all-you-can-eat, so come with a very hungry and empty tummy. You start with the buffet- which offers all sorts of fruits and vegetables, salads, beans, even tortillas chips. My favorite was the pumpkin salad. I can't begin to tell you what was in it, I think it was squash, and not actually pumpkin. They have English labels on everything- but I think there are a few mistranslations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEK4xE-kLVWlZEtIhZhTI7EEQPTrYng-3_-DJZ_C0ZiIxR4z98cHsYExmpYKcsq3_OBEU0LGlCSUSsamtt1c0gyi7GWcq5xz9-2kBriVLocM4ZdHg9z6yGWSfXYAsPIFZ8kkdljzYzQ4/s1600/DSCF4901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEK4xE-kLVWlZEtIhZhTI7EEQPTrYng-3_-DJZ_C0ZiIxR4z98cHsYExmpYKcsq3_OBEU0LGlCSUSsamtt1c0gyi7GWcq5xz9-2kBriVLocM4ZdHg9z6yGWSfXYAsPIFZ8kkdljzYzQ4/s320/DSCF4901.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I picked up a wide assortment of things to try out- salad, mushrooms, heart palms, squid, squash, tomato with basil, chips and salsa...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The fried banana was really good. But due to the unfortunate proximity of the ketchup to the fried bananas- I didn't realize that it was indeed ketchup (I thought it was a sweet sauce to go with the bananas). I do not recommend eating fried bananas with ketchup. Just trust me on this one, ok?<br />
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After we had settled with some num nums and our drinks (we paid for the all you can drink along with all you can eat)- the men with the meat came. They have meat on long metal stakes and come to your table and slice it and serve it to you. They started off with sausage and chicken legs. While they were good, I would skip it next time. Seriously- what follows will make you wish you had more room.<br />
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They bring out what must be 7 or 8 different kinds and cuts of meat. There is pork, beef, and lamb. It is all delicious! Hubby was in man-heaven. You know- he is the meat and potatoes kind of guy and this restaurant was a dream come true for him. At one point he told me it was "so good that he felt like crying." This is a man who doesn't cry. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChfbKuGOizHMxxPGaCraoi16vM-nMjFiY9vR3_Ht45J42_FgjB5Ad9MwX75p2O7esZnsWzbvAU9-FjASvlJP88B74M4cFxLseLJD-PvrexkjOywP1qikfCgSlF6TtkmDpVfioReqcYKM/s1600/DSCF4905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChfbKuGOizHMxxPGaCraoi16vM-nMjFiY9vR3_Ht45J42_FgjB5Ad9MwX75p2O7esZnsWzbvAU9-FjASvlJP88B74M4cFxLseLJD-PvrexkjOywP1qikfCgSlF6TtkmDpVfioReqcYKM/s320/DSCF4905.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how his eyes sparkle- he is waiting for his meat to be cut!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvFrh1jKgCCXgFqMcM2hvb2essLCCUGjY05KfP-ekm505GXsYOftgLAcuGg57E0MH2yHnJEsisH52c7qXxzbnPZ3gVz43DT5v8Hx9KwxFF-EcKaWONt7V24mFfzUIyR9ZpcvHXDKDlsA/s1600/DSCF4903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvFrh1jKgCCXgFqMcM2hvb2essLCCUGjY05KfP-ekm505GXsYOftgLAcuGg57E0MH2yHnJEsisH52c7qXxzbnPZ3gVz43DT5v8Hx9KwxFF-EcKaWONt7V24mFfzUIyR9ZpcvHXDKDlsA/s320/DSCF4903.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of our waiters. I think he has chicken hearts. THAT I did not try!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EFde0MDTR4uVtFOzDDiVT7BlPnoLepKkO0MY6xIrmLvrxx9tKyFGwauyreqBfTIAxd5zAmOQYrr0spPJMra2iTzkgjFaHD_uIbW30sKp7Af-hHP3_jva0-EoPjdRSffstFK8N4Dg8LU/s1600/DSCF4906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EFde0MDTR4uVtFOzDDiVT7BlPnoLepKkO0MY6xIrmLvrxx9tKyFGwauyreqBfTIAxd5zAmOQYrr0spPJMra2iTzkgjFaHD_uIbW30sKp7Af-hHP3_jva0-EoPjdRSffstFK8N4Dg8LU/s320/DSCF4906.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Caipirinha- Brazilian for "holy sh##!" Seriously- it is a Brazilian "mojito". <br />
It has Brazilian rum- but it tastes more like tequila (read- ta-kill-ya). <br />
Make sure you stir and stir, before you take that first sip. <br />
Pretty tasty after you get over the slap in the face it gives you on the first sip.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had two hours to eat, last call for drinks was 30 minutes before that time was up. The restaurant does not disappoint- they keep the meat coming! I had to send them away after a while- I seriously felt like I would bust a seam if I ate any more.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH9PnAOE9EIYRZnMfxyqCvfpGngWoyXJZe3WVXcpKI1baL2cV6mDx4PnrqoBs2WTqWg2JKXdrXhy3doPiNQSKKya0RwWh9G2l2sLg7fHStrCBs_EJIavkdLWnYWGtwV19iXx7BUlH-SU/s1600/DSCF4907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH9PnAOE9EIYRZnMfxyqCvfpGngWoyXJZe3WVXcpKI1baL2cV6mDx4PnrqoBs2WTqWg2JKXdrXhy3doPiNQSKKya0RwWh9G2l2sLg7fHStrCBs_EJIavkdLWnYWGtwV19iXx7BUlH-SU/s320/DSCF4907.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">feeling "fat and happy"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The best part of the night, besides the food, had to do with two giant rib bones. One of the guys asked the wait staff if he could take them home for his dog. After a lot of hand language and broken English and Japanese- it was determined that the restaurant has a strict policy about NOT taking food home (because it is all you can eat). That makes sense, but they wouldn't even allow the bones, already stripped of any meat, to leave with the customers.<br />
<br />
So what do they do? One of the guys grabs one of the bones for his dog and proceeds to roll it up in a napkin- just as one of the waiters is bringing drinks to the table. The other guy follows suit and they hide the bones in their jackets. My friend Michele laughed so hard at this I thought we were going to have some sort of intervention. On the way out everyone joked that they (the wait staff) were coming after us- looking for bones. It doesn't sound so funny typing it out- but trust me- "you just had to be there", it was funny.<br />
<br />
What about dessert? Well first off they have grilled pineapple they bring out- sprinkled with cinnamon. So good. And then next to the buffet table they have all sorts of desserts- mini cheesecakes with different fruit toppings, creme brule, lychee (not to be confused as "chocolate covered strawberries as one of the guys did), chocolate-mocha cake, and even an ice cream machine. I didn't think I could eat any dessert- but I did!<br />
<br />
The restaurant is a bit pricey, so I wouldn't recommend bringing your kids, unless you know they will eat their fill. Also, if you have people in your party who want to drink, then everyone has to pay for the all-you-can-drink (2,000 Yen), regardless if everyone is drinking alcohol or not. I chalk that up to too many people sharing drinks with those who didn't pay to drink- sad face.<br />
<br />
I am sure we will be returning to this place, I don't see Hubby staying away too long!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-28096447430770389882011-01-24T08:45:00.000+09:002011-01-24T08:45:49.272+09:00longtimenoblog<b><i>WARNING- this blog post has little point and is really just me babbling away...</i></b><br />
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<br />
I'm alive! It seems like FOREVER since I last made an appearance. In actuality- I have gone longer without blogging before- but for some reason this time feels longer. Maybe it is the whole, last year/this year thing? I dunno. Confession? I was considering dropping the whole blog thing altogether. *gasp!* I know, what was I thinking? Could I really stay away? Of course not!<br />
<br />
I did make a couple of decisions. First- I am going to post my crafty stuff here instead of my sewing blog that I just couldn't get off of the ground. It wasn't feeling very organic to me- probably because I am just not prolific like the ladies who have the happening sewing blogs. If and when I get to that point- I will switch to a sewing only blog. Honestly I was thinking that some of my readers here would be turned away if I talked about sewing and what not. That leads me to my next decision. I am going to blog for me, and not what I think people want. Unless, of course someone asks for something specific (ie if they ask about Japan, or something else I might know a little something about.) What I mean is, that I am not going to worry that maybe one of my readers might not be interested, so I shouldn't post about it. Mainly I am talking about the sewing stuffs (ok- and my babbling nonsensical thoughts).<br />
<br />
So did you make any new year's resolutions? I didn't really- I never accomplish anything with them. I always want to lose weight and get into shape. But who doesn't? After all- we eat to the fill during the holidays- and we are left with a food hangover at the beginning of the new year. I mad resolutions last year- I totally bombed. These past couple of months I have been dealing with an internal struggle- one between trying to motivate myself and giving up in disgust. It is a true love/hate relationship I have with myself. I think positivity is winning right now. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One year I have left in Japan</span>- it makes me sad and happy all at the same time. I think if Japan was closer to the states, and I could come back whenever I wanted- it wouldn't be such a sad thing. But honestly- will I ever return? It doesn't seem likely. Hubby won't get orders again- he'll be retiring. So unless my kids end up here- I won't return in all likelihood. But you can bet I will encourage the kids to come back here in their college years to teach English- I wish I had known about that when I was that age!<br />
<br />
So I will continue the Food Fun Friday for your reading pleasure. I have pictures ready for my post this Friday- from a Peruvian restaurant we absolutely love. This last weekend I went to California Pizza Kitchen in Kawasaki. Not very Japanese! I wasn't really excited to go- but just wanted to get out of the house and off this base. But Oh-Em-Gee! My Thai chicken pizza was the bomb! And the mall in Kawasaki (right outside the train station of course)- is HUGE!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5OGcoBsVmpgv4JFcr76XXC_QZJfFjfuCiM28ts-nCeY3nh6Fw9By2xnN_ZjJfeH_ybBwtsEIstI3UsWU7xAxH_Y9TPEvEQSWRpUFW-LVBlG0XgVL48ANA9KVAwfQS3Ez73ECAVj85zI/s1600/Kawasaki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5OGcoBsVmpgv4JFcr76XXC_QZJfFjfuCiM28ts-nCeY3nh6Fw9By2xnN_ZjJfeH_ybBwtsEIstI3UsWU7xAxH_Y9TPEvEQSWRpUFW-LVBlG0XgVL48ANA9KVAwfQS3Ez73ECAVj85zI/s320/Kawasaki.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the Kawasaki train station. It's funny how when we stopped to take a picture we were immediately surrounded by a Japanese family who wanted to help take our picture!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the positive side of things, I have made new friends. And that is a good thing seeing how I miss my Jaime! AND! I found a book club! I was never more excited, an actual book club IRL! I had the BEST time talking about books I have read with other people who actually read some of the same books. That was the BEST. It is a genre bookclub- since getting multiple copies of books (unless everyone had a Kindle)- here in Japan can be a pain. So for February we are to read a book written by a comedian. So now I am trying to decide if I want to read David Sedaris again, or try out Chelsea Handler...<br />
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If you are still reading (this rambling blog post), bless you!! I hope to have some more interesting stuff next time- and maybe it will make some sort of sense. Until then...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>CHEERS!!</i></span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-67775770041429214322010-12-05T22:51:00.001+09:002010-12-05T22:52:24.229+09:00new neighbors, guilty pleasures, and my sexy sailorHappy Sunday! Nothing too exciting to report today. I took the opportunity to sleep in this morning, which was delightful. <br />
<br />
Today I made cookies for the new neighbors (the <a href="http://onlivingoverseas.blogspot.com/2010/11/better-by-dozen.html">Chocolate heath cookies</a> I posted the recipe for previously.) The townhouse next door has been empty since last July after my chemically imbalanced neighbor moved to a new unit. I feel bad for her, I truly do. I also feel really bad about being insensitive to her problems. Unfortunately, the issues I had with her were not an isolated event- her new neighbors are having the same issues. It is truly sad.<br />
<br />
So, as you can guess, I am crossing my fingers these neighbors are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">nice and normal!</span> So far so good. They were very friendly and delighted that I brought them cookies. I will be so very happy if they DO turn out to be good neighbors!<br />
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My new guilty pleasure- The Vampire Diaries. I rented the first disc out of total boredom with AFN. I just watched the last disc of Season 1 today. I checked out CW online to see if I could catch the new episodes. This is what I got:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Sorry, this content is not available in your location</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Boo-hoo!! I wish we had someway to get past all of that being that we are on a military base. *sigh* Anyway, I am totally in love with Damon on the show. Normally I find his type to be creepy, but I just love the thing he does with his eyes. *swoon*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGLIMuEqz_XWwrp0K0gox6kvkNzVsblixjYGzU7QTcGUh3gUM2LL7cDDEdO-Ov84xKNLEVPwfODzbSCA9gsi1WHvVR-1KN0ZszA9x1slAzY_kVHMdjrgQURhW63-vGDGVM-NB3pZEqHU/s1600/Damon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGLIMuEqz_XWwrp0K0gox6kvkNzVsblixjYGzU7QTcGUh3gUM2LL7cDDEdO-Ov84xKNLEVPwfODzbSCA9gsi1WHvVR-1KN0ZszA9x1slAzY_kVHMdjrgQURhW63-vGDGVM-NB3pZEqHU/s320/Damon.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I totally judge myself <s>because I am too old to watch this show</s> for liking this high school show, but I just enjoy it. So who cares? </div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of vampires, I watched Eclipse today (I went out and bought my copy last night.) I know how it ends, but I still keep hoping that Bella will choose Jacob. Now if they had Zac Efron playing Edward, I wouldn't be saying that! hee hee</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The highlight of my day was receiving this picture from the very talented photographer who took our picture at the Khaki Ball. Doesn't my sailor look handsome? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I heart this picture!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuw7b6oyMu5YGgaA0ZGv68U5JHBLl32MtxgPkUzdoFcKRnSWztPznrwZbX5RBynvSyNXI8m2zapj0DGj28viDiM1-uTU1SMc1XBtapBmpJx4kYMbg18xMDIik3u_gD3hT1esotPIMyUk/s1600/Young_610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuw7b6oyMu5YGgaA0ZGv68U5JHBLl32MtxgPkUzdoFcKRnSWztPznrwZbX5RBynvSyNXI8m2zapj0DGj28viDiM1-uTU1SMc1XBtapBmpJx4kYMbg18xMDIik3u_gD3hT1esotPIMyUk/s320/Young_610.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am wearing my new favorite shoes here. This is the only good picture of me from that night. I was in a total bad mood and stayed clear of any pictures. The only other picture I got caught in and was unaware of, I look like someone had told me my dog had just died. I was so embarrassed! I also felt uncomfortable in the dress, it was too big in the top and I was afraid of giving everyone a 'show'. My two other dresses were ruined by the dry cleaner (story for another day.) </div><div style="text-align: left;">But at least my honey looks good. The photographer had him take off his glasses, I think that is what did it. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great Sunday (and good night for my fellow Japanese residents.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~Nancy</div>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-83620330262385975172010-12-03T08:38:00.003+09:002010-12-03T08:44:53.620+09:00Food Fun Friday- Gyoza<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Know what the number one thing (besides sushi), that we looked forward to eating when we arrived in Japan? Gyoza!! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is gyoza, you ask? </span> Basically they are little pot stickers filled with meat and veggies. They can be steamed or fried. They are to be eaten while still hot, and dipped in a combination of soy sauce, garlic, oil and red pepper (or any combination thereof.) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The reason we looked forward to gyoza was because Hubby had made several trips to Japan before we moved here, and each time he brought home packages of frozen gyoza. It was simply delicious, and we knew it would be even more delicious when eaten fresh. We were right! The favorite go to place around here for gyoza is the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Gyoza House</span> (also called Mankin) in Sagamihara. There we order gyoza by the dozen and they bring it out scalding hot and mouth watering. The gyoza here is a little different here than the typical gyoza sold in other restaurants. Instead of being pinched into a crescent shape, these are folded into little bundle-like balls. They cook them in a frying pan and come to our table all stuck together and cozy like they were cooked. Usually we commence to poking holes to let out the steam so they can cool enough for us to eat. The first couple are eaten with open mouths as we are trying not to burn our tongues, it is too hard to wait!! If I could take back three food items with me to the States, it would be gyoza (from Gyoza House), curry rice, and sushi (like they make it here.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are several different options for dining, and three floors I believe. Downstairs they have tables and a long counter. Before heading upstairs one must remove one's shoes. Upstairs- they have the low tables where you sit on the floor. I think the kids enjoy it more. I still can't get my legs to appreciate sitting on the floor. Women don't sit cross-legged in Japan. They demurely sit on folded legs or delicately folded to the side. It hurts my American legs!! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We sat at the counter for the first time at our most recent visit. We were too hungry to wait for a table!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's 8AM and I am already thinking of lunch!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYuJfy4EO47-6rRdpW2rdH173g9Bva4h84WK6QMllxGZhR4PVCPf1ITO201d45xoXw4tCItXJS-b6Ru7GJubO_6vRF1rMrHIXyxicWGbjjvuM7Esros4WdNcbYZKFwei1OPutMl2pHI0/s1600/DSCF4761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYuJfy4EO47-6rRdpW2rdH173g9Bva4h84WK6QMllxGZhR4PVCPf1ITO201d45xoXw4tCItXJS-b6Ru7GJubO_6vRF1rMrHIXyxicWGbjjvuM7Esros4WdNcbYZKFwei1OPutMl2pHI0/s320/DSCF4761.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we had to wait outside, it was Sunday night, a very busy night for going out to dinner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwLAv2s2r1sKSFxKNnI0sfNY4tL0P_2tvZ-zqb-PCxnUrYeBXqwTHhHyjZPHHJfODwXXOYCjfgoYJxWb7Fli9_qKQAhthJIdFrvldhad5Dh8Cm9kiKk46SloFFhuDloSgRuHt7Mbb0pI/s1600/DSCF4768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwLAv2s2r1sKSFxKNnI0sfNY4tL0P_2tvZ-zqb-PCxnUrYeBXqwTHhHyjZPHHJfODwXXOYCjfgoYJxWb7Fli9_qKQAhthJIdFrvldhad5Dh8Cm9kiKk46SloFFhuDloSgRuHt7Mbb0pI/s320/DSCF4768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">someone was grumpy- he needed FOOD!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-inHUVc7cCCOyMVzlnJ1hKYN3T4O2XeGFnUYawRgOwBnEFR7ZSQCGe_0soecProEuOIm1rn5FxOy9AVsIM4edv6-Qb_7nlAXnJVZuvlWlmuWs0KlHkOPPfrFcfSkYe9vAMV3AHJ7nOUk/s1600/DSCF4769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-inHUVc7cCCOyMVzlnJ1hKYN3T4O2XeGFnUYawRgOwBnEFR7ZSQCGe_0soecProEuOIm1rn5FxOy9AVsIM4edv6-Qb_7nlAXnJVZuvlWlmuWs0KlHkOPPfrFcfSkYe9vAMV3AHJ7nOUk/s400/DSCF4769.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little balls of goodness! See the cokes? I normally don't like regular coke (I am a diet coke kind of gal)- but the cokes here are delish. I think it is because they don't use high fructose corn syrup in Japan- sugar tastes so much better!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XEYfGSfHxl9g2psYY1fAEwHUoqwFNb6w5YbDB6BavfrHGZdxSsvrFvkwwwe_p67tiLf56J_Z4EOXzltJ6Fd2Sjunsn1xKfb1XBsTY2okjUW-rhE9anO36FALh6VNVoMaHwejxusm5Zc/s1600/DSCF4770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XEYfGSfHxl9g2psYY1fAEwHUoqwFNb6w5YbDB6BavfrHGZdxSsvrFvkwwwe_p67tiLf56J_Z4EOXzltJ6Fd2Sjunsn1xKfb1XBsTY2okjUW-rhE9anO36FALh6VNVoMaHwejxusm5Zc/s320/DSCF4770.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish I could get a better picture than this. Did I mention I am hungry?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzaB7Q5KVq_owwOVukonWM9sVVwQHpQ_WpK7-OdkeLU5cbQygNZwb6Zg4-bmJvgIwz8qb619Ac9mTvbhXsHL016TiDIfXYL2rvY8MfkbGXZ7e7PyTQq2pimmePpqwIYk44qz8ompZDjg/s1600/DSCF4771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzaB7Q5KVq_owwOVukonWM9sVVwQHpQ_WpK7-OdkeLU5cbQygNZwb6Zg4-bmJvgIwz8qb619Ac9mTvbhXsHL016TiDIfXYL2rvY8MfkbGXZ7e7PyTQq2pimmePpqwIYk44qz8ompZDjg/s400/DSCF4771.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where the magic happens. The guy in the back in steaming the gyoza in a pan. The red and white stripped package in the forefront is how they wrap the frozen gyoza to take home. They even give you little miniature bottles of dipping sauce with it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One thing is for sure, I always end up with garlic breath after eating here! But it is SO worth it!!!</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8425578632953629797.post-14510563700541411612010-12-02T16:35:00.000+09:002010-12-02T16:35:53.112+09:00Crystal Anniversary<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you believe I am old enough to have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">been married for 15 years?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span> Me neither! *wink* </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fifteen years ago I married my Sailor and became a Navy Wife. Did I think for a second we would be in Japan 15 years later? No chance! I had no idea what life would bring, I just knew who I wanted to spend my eternity with. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It hasn't been easy. The Navy makes it hard (like not being together on our 15th anniversary), but I also think it has all made us stronger and more dedicated to each other. It's true what they say, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">absence DOES make the heart grow fonder</span>. I think out of our 15 anniversaries, we have spent 10 together. It's funny, because last year we didn't really make plans for our anniversary and Hubby apologized. I told him- that's ok, we will do something big NEXT year. Here we are, and he is on a big steel box out in the big blue ocean somewhere. Maybe that was a lesson to us to grab the moments while we can.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I woke up to a really sweet email from him, wishing me happy anniversary. Sometimes when I think he doesn't have a romantic bone in his body, he surprises me. As for next year, who knows if he will be home? But you know what? That is ok, I still feel loved, and he knows I love him. That is what counts.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to look this up on YouTube, it has been in my head all day. It totally shows my age, but I don't care, I love this song!</span><br />
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Enjoy!!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17664726634719648643noreply@blogger.com3