Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Fiesty Felines
I just had to post these because it is not often that our cats play together and it is even more rare to catch it on film. This is Sonny & Cher, our beloved felines. NO WE DID NOT NAME THEM! LOL!
Christian's First Day of School
Christian's first day of school was great. He was getting antsy to start school because his sisters had started the week before. I almost missed it because of being sick but I insisted on at least riding in the car to the school and waving by from the car. Most parents cry on the first day of school for their last child but Christian has been in school since he was 2 1/2, so this day was not as emotional as most.
A weekend to remember!
My loving husband spent the last 3 months planning a special surprise weekend for when he came home. Unfortunately it could not be a surprise as to the weekend but all of the details of the weekend were a huge surprise. Since he was gone and wasn't sure who the kids would be comfortable staying with, I did set up childcare but it was so worth it!
Saturday morning, Christian had soccer pictures and a soccer game (more on that and photos in another blog). Upon getting up, we noticed it was raining and had hoped the game would be rained out because we needed to be in Tokyo and at our destination by 2:30 and Christian's game was scheduled for 11:30. We took him for his soccer photos at 10:30 and wouldn't you know it, it stopped raining and the game was still on. We let him play half the game and then we had to get moving. He was thrilled with that because he got to play AND he was getting to go to his friend Matthew's house to stay the night!
After dropping the kids off to our friend's house, we hopped on the train for Tokyo. Jeff gave me the directions because he doesn't know the train system that well and after many trips for modeling shoots and auditions, I knew them pretty well. The directions didn't tell me exactly where we were going, just how to get there. In any case, an hour and some change later and we were hurrying into the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo. The New Sanno is one of the only American hotels in Japan and they only have about 145 rooms and service several bases around this area. People go to this hotel just to get a little vacation. Needless to say, getting in to the hotel requires reservations several months in advance!
The reason for the rush to get there by 2:30 was because my awesome husband had made reservations for me to get a manicure and pedicure at the hotels' salon! What a surprise!! He is so awesome! While I was being pampered, he went and checked us in, put all of our stuff away and set up the room. He then came down to see if I was done and brought me a rose. He says that there were supposed to be 9 but the florist only had 4 of the 9. This whole event was to celebrate our nine year anniversary that occurred back on July 8th while he was deployed.
After being pampered, we dressed for dinner (which he had already made reservations) at the hotels' Wellington restaurant. This is one of those "fancy" restaurants that have a set attire and only have about 10-15 tables. Our table was in one of those little corner booths with the fabric on the walls and curtains tied back at the entrance. Very pretty! We had a 6 course meal that vividly resembled many courses served on Food Network! It was awesome. However, not as awesome as what happened just as dessert was served. My adorable husband, heart-pounding in his throat, got down on one knee and proposed to me. I did not say again, because he never really got to propose that way the first time because he was deployed when we decided to get married, so his original proposal was via email. LOL! He had written this whole speech out and then decided not to read it but to allow his heart to speak for him and he did fantastic! He asked me if I would do him the honor of continuing to be his wife forever by renewing our vows next year on our 10th anniversary. Of course, I said YES!
The rest of the weekend was wonderful though not nearly long enough. We went to the Mori Art Museum which is where the Tokyo viewing center was. 52 stories up and it was a beautiful view, even though it was raining. But we think the rain knew we needed a good view because it stopped just as we got to the top and the view was so clear and crisp, it was amazing. There was also an aquarium at the top, which was gorgeous.
Sunday morning we relaxed in the hotel jacuzzi before having brunch, which rivals any brunch I have ever seen or hear of and then headed home.
PS - We took this photo because we thought it was funny. Only in Japan will you find lockers for umbrellas!! LOL!!
Saturday morning, Christian had soccer pictures and a soccer game (more on that and photos in another blog). Upon getting up, we noticed it was raining and had hoped the game would be rained out because we needed to be in Tokyo and at our destination by 2:30 and Christian's game was scheduled for 11:30. We took him for his soccer photos at 10:30 and wouldn't you know it, it stopped raining and the game was still on. We let him play half the game and then we had to get moving. He was thrilled with that because he got to play AND he was getting to go to his friend Matthew's house to stay the night!
After dropping the kids off to our friend's house, we hopped on the train for Tokyo. Jeff gave me the directions because he doesn't know the train system that well and after many trips for modeling shoots and auditions, I knew them pretty well. The directions didn't tell me exactly where we were going, just how to get there. In any case, an hour and some change later and we were hurrying into the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo. The New Sanno is one of the only American hotels in Japan and they only have about 145 rooms and service several bases around this area. People go to this hotel just to get a little vacation. Needless to say, getting in to the hotel requires reservations several months in advance!
The reason for the rush to get there by 2:30 was because my awesome husband had made reservations for me to get a manicure and pedicure at the hotels' salon! What a surprise!! He is so awesome! While I was being pampered, he went and checked us in, put all of our stuff away and set up the room. He then came down to see if I was done and brought me a rose. He says that there were supposed to be 9 but the florist only had 4 of the 9. This whole event was to celebrate our nine year anniversary that occurred back on July 8th while he was deployed.
After being pampered, we dressed for dinner (which he had already made reservations) at the hotels' Wellington restaurant. This is one of those "fancy" restaurants that have a set attire and only have about 10-15 tables. Our table was in one of those little corner booths with the fabric on the walls and curtains tied back at the entrance. Very pretty! We had a 6 course meal that vividly resembled many courses served on Food Network! It was awesome. However, not as awesome as what happened just as dessert was served. My adorable husband, heart-pounding in his throat, got down on one knee and proposed to me. I did not say again, because he never really got to propose that way the first time because he was deployed when we decided to get married, so his original proposal was via email. LOL! He had written this whole speech out and then decided not to read it but to allow his heart to speak for him and he did fantastic! He asked me if I would do him the honor of continuing to be his wife forever by renewing our vows next year on our 10th anniversary. Of course, I said YES!
The rest of the weekend was wonderful though not nearly long enough. We went to the Mori Art Museum which is where the Tokyo viewing center was. 52 stories up and it was a beautiful view, even though it was raining. But we think the rain knew we needed a good view because it stopped just as we got to the top and the view was so clear and crisp, it was amazing. There was also an aquarium at the top, which was gorgeous.
Sunday morning we relaxed in the hotel jacuzzi before having brunch, which rivals any brunch I have ever seen or hear of and then headed home.
PS - We took this photo because we thought it was funny. Only in Japan will you find lockers for umbrellas!! LOL!!
Slacking on the blog already BUT I am exercising!
Yep, I am already behind! I got sick last week and that lasted over 5 DAYS!! I have not been sick in years! My oldest dd also was sick and hers lasted for about a week so I shouldn't be complaining!
In any case, there is so much to tell so I may have to do a couple of separate blogs as to not overwhelm you with an entire section! LOL!! Hmmm, where to start. Well I supposed what I will do is start with the last few days and work backwards.
I started working out on Monday and even went yesterday and plan on going again today! However I already a week behind, due to being sick. But better late than never! Nothing too exciting to tell about that but I am hoping to make it an almost everyday thing. Monday I ran on the treadmill...well really I walked, for about 30 minutes and then did crunches. Yesterday I used the elliptical machine (there were people already on the treadmills) and I actually like that better. GO FIGURE!! We had bought an elliptical machine a few years ago and even brought it here to Japan with us and guess what? WE NEVER USED IT! So we sold it and NOW we could be using it. LOL!! Isn't that usually how things go? In any case, I used that and burned double the calories that I had done on the treadmill the day before and I only did that one for 18 minutes! And again I did some crunches. Time was of the essence since I was starting back to work and had to be there at 10. So I managed to get in 30 minutes of exercise before running home to shower and heading off to work. Hey, 30 minutes is 30 minutes more than I was doing before so any time spent exercising is a step in the right direction. :o)
In any case, there is so much to tell so I may have to do a couple of separate blogs as to not overwhelm you with an entire section! LOL!! Hmmm, where to start. Well I supposed what I will do is start with the last few days and work backwards.
I started working out on Monday and even went yesterday and plan on going again today! However I already a week behind, due to being sick. But better late than never! Nothing too exciting to tell about that but I am hoping to make it an almost everyday thing. Monday I ran on the treadmill...well really I walked, for about 30 minutes and then did crunches. Yesterday I used the elliptical machine (there were people already on the treadmills) and I actually like that better. GO FIGURE!! We had bought an elliptical machine a few years ago and even brought it here to Japan with us and guess what? WE NEVER USED IT! So we sold it and NOW we could be using it. LOL!! Isn't that usually how things go? In any case, I used that and burned double the calories that I had done on the treadmill the day before and I only did that one for 18 minutes! And again I did some crunches. Time was of the essence since I was starting back to work and had to be there at 10. So I managed to get in 30 minutes of exercise before running home to shower and heading off to work. Hey, 30 minutes is 30 minutes more than I was doing before so any time spent exercising is a step in the right direction. :o)
Friday, September 4, 2009
HOMECOMING!!!
We were all so glad that today was finally here. DADDY came home!! Yep, my dh came home today and it was awesome! We got over to the base and down the pier JUST as the USS George Washington came around the corner with all the men in their handsome white uniforms manning the rails.
It was so emotional!! I have to say that besides seeing my dh for the first time, seeing the ship with all the rails manned is my favorite part! The kids kept asking me questions and I couldn't talk. They said "Mommy are you crying?" and all I could do was nod. It truly is a beautiful site to see a ship the size of the Empire State building with enough men to surround the entire perimeter (and there were still thousands inside) coming towards you. And it is absolutely AMAZING at how the tug boats are coordinated to swing it around in such a small space (small in comparison to the ship that is) so that they "back-in".
It took about an hour to get the ship into place, moor the lines and set up the walk-ways. However, it did not take that long to spot DADDY! Of course, anyone that knows my dh, knows that he is a character! He loves to stand out and be seen. He made sure to wear his sunglasses and trust me, he was the ONLY one wearing his sunglasses (as funny as that sounds - I'm not sure if they are actually allowed to wear them since they are standing at attention and the glasses are not "part" of the uniform). He also makes sure to flail his arms and jump around! LOL!! That's why I love my guy!
It turned out to be a beautiful day. They called for rain and a few times, we thought it might but nope, the sun came out and there was an awesome breeze (I got sunburned and didnt even realize it).
The kids had a blast, especially since there were a lot of their friends there who's dads were also on the ship. There was music, food and fellowship. It was a grand day!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Senior Pictures
WOW! It really is here! I knew this year would be a big one and I am thankful that the amount of things that lead up to the big day actually come in small doses throughout the year. It allows my wallet to not get too smoking hot but also allows me to handle it without becoming a basket case. : O)
We went to the school yesterday to do Alyssa's senior pictures. They are going to be beautiful! However, the gown should be green! She SHOULD be graduating from the same high school I did - Kecoughtan High back in Virginia. I feel bad that we had to move right before she graduated especially since she went to school with so many of her friends since kindergarten through 10th grade. BUT we did allow her to go back to Virginia this past summer and spend 2 months with all those friends and even watch some of the older ones graduate. She saw how Kecoughtan's graduation was held and got to experience it from the stands (so to speak) and now she gets to finish out here at Kinnick High School in JAPAN! How many kids can say that they got to visit another country, let alone live there, experience the culture and then graduate there. It is hard to believe where the time has gone when I look back at it but a lot has happened in these last 16 (almost 17) years. Some good, some bad, some fun, some difficult but over all, I get to say that I raised a beautiful, young woman!
We went to the school yesterday to do Alyssa's senior pictures. They are going to be beautiful! However, the gown should be green! She SHOULD be graduating from the same high school I did - Kecoughtan High back in Virginia. I feel bad that we had to move right before she graduated especially since she went to school with so many of her friends since kindergarten through 10th grade. BUT we did allow her to go back to Virginia this past summer and spend 2 months with all those friends and even watch some of the older ones graduate. She saw how Kecoughtan's graduation was held and got to experience it from the stands (so to speak) and now she gets to finish out here at Kinnick High School in JAPAN! How many kids can say that they got to visit another country, let alone live there, experience the culture and then graduate there. It is hard to believe where the time has gone when I look back at it but a lot has happened in these last 16 (almost 17) years. Some good, some bad, some fun, some difficult but over all, I get to say that I raised a beautiful, young woman!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
$472 Grocery Bill!!!
Yep, you read that right! My grocery bill total was $472.62, it did include $25 cash that I got over but still $447.62 - HOLY COW!! And I saved $21.39 in coupons (which isn't very much when I look back on my couponing days - which I miss being able to do here!). My grocery bill when I first moved here and needed to get everything was not even that high!
Well, this huge bill would be mostly because while my dh has been gone, I have tried to use everything up and dwindle it down. Now my dh is coming home and everything needs to be replenished! AND the best part - I won't have to shop again like that for a LONG while! LOL!!
My next expense - a small DEEP FREEZER! OMGoodness, my poor refrigerator freezer is packed to the gills and I know it isn't going to stop running anytime soon. I had a freezer when we moved here but as the guys were unpacking, I sat and watched helplessly, as my HUGE JVC big back tv (we bought it before the flat screens came out) crushed the top! Yeah, the idiots who packed us out in VA actually put my tv that weighs over 200 lbs. on top of the freezer - WTHeck were they thinking???Yes, the military paid for it but once I got everything moved in, I really didnt have a place for it and technically I still don't BUT I am willing to make room. I am so sick of not knowing what to make for dinner all the time and opting for take out (rather pizza or Club T, which are our only choices and I'll explain about that in another blog session), when I know a bazillion recipes that I can make in advance and freeze. Then when I/we have a brainbog evening of not knowing what the heck to make, we raid the deep freezer! But then again my dh has a huge plan that he wants to implement when he gets home for planning everything in advance and adding in exercise too!!
I am so looking forward to having someone my bff home again!! Now I can get motivated again, especially since he has dropped 4 1/2 inches!! He really uped the anty for me. Now I have to catch up!
Monday, August 31, 2009
First time, first day of school, BUGS & a tropical storm
I am finally entering the blog world! I have been reading blogs for a few years now and I am finally motivated enough to start my own! This is my first time keeping a blog so hopefully I will actually keep up with it and find some entertaining things to talk about. I also hope those of you that decide to follow it will enjoy it.
It's finally here, the first day of school and wouldn't ya know, we are expecting a tropical storm here in Japan - TS Krovanh. They have been posting messages and talking about it for the last few days. Coming from the east coast, I can't help but laugh at the way people react. Though being from the east coast, people often laugh at me when we talk about earthquakes, so it is all good. In any case, we started off the day by heading to school. Both my dd's started today. My oldest, Alyssa, is a SENIOR this year!! OMG! Where did the time go!?!? It seems like just yesterday I was changing her diapers and teaching her how to walk and talk and now it is almost time to let go. (shutter) I can't even think about it right now. This year will be a test unlike any other yet, so one day at time, it is for me.
My middle child, Brooklyn started 3rd grade. Miss Pretty in Pink! She has been dying to wear her knew dress to school since we bought it at the NEX (Navy Exchange) a few months ago. She was up right on time (with help from the alarm) and practically wore a path as she paced the floors waiting to leave.
My son, Christian, didn't get to start school today because he is starting Kindergarten this year and they start a week after the rest of the school. They like to do home visits first to acclimate the kids into going to school. However, he is already acclimated since he has been in school since he was 2 1/2 and attended the base's Sure Start (pre-school) program last year.
So much for the first day of school though, the base decided to shut down school early because of the approaching storm. I don't think this storm will be much but we have to go through the motions anyway and I could always be wrong. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bright, sun shiny re-start to the school year.
I think the bugs also know the storm is coming because they are out, about and even in my house!! I found a lovely, large moth in my kitchen this morning, a HUGE spider outside on the porch (which after photographing I quickly sprayed with bug spray -IICCKKKK!!) and then this brown butterfly that was seeking cover on my porch. Just a few days ago, I found a horrible 2 inch long centipede stuck to a spider trap (Thank God!). And 2 inches is very small for these guys, not to mention that they are poisonous here. LOVELY!!
It's finally here, the first day of school and wouldn't ya know, we are expecting a tropical storm here in Japan - TS Krovanh. They have been posting messages and talking about it for the last few days. Coming from the east coast, I can't help but laugh at the way people react. Though being from the east coast, people often laugh at me when we talk about earthquakes, so it is all good. In any case, we started off the day by heading to school. Both my dd's started today. My oldest, Alyssa, is a SENIOR this year!! OMG! Where did the time go!?!? It seems like just yesterday I was changing her diapers and teaching her how to walk and talk and now it is almost time to let go. (shutter) I can't even think about it right now. This year will be a test unlike any other yet, so one day at time, it is for me.
My middle child, Brooklyn started 3rd grade. Miss Pretty in Pink! She has been dying to wear her knew dress to school since we bought it at the NEX (Navy Exchange) a few months ago. She was up right on time (with help from the alarm) and practically wore a path as she paced the floors waiting to leave.
So much for the first day of school though, the base decided to shut down school early because of the approaching storm. I don't think this storm will be much but we have to go through the motions anyway and I could always be wrong. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bright, sun shiny re-start to the school year.
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