Yes, that's me....with a drink
THANKS FOR THE CHAIRS MOM & DAD!!!!! :)
Tony is the little black speck out there
success.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Rapasardo's + Browns
This weekend is a long one for us - which we of course LOVE! Tony has a 4 day weekend and I have a 3 day, so we decided to make a little bit of a road trip with the Rapasardo's on Saturday! Tony and Andrew work together at 3/12...and well, Ali and I seem to get a long quite well. When I heard she used to work at LuLu Lemon and had a "thing" for Anthropologie, it was love at first sight.
Saturday morning we were texting with ideas for the day and decided on the infamous Okinawa Aquarium. It was about an hours drive north from Yomitan, so not too bad. The Aquarium was very neat. As you can probably imagine, the fish were HUGE and very beautiful. We had a good time walking around, the guys read just about everything they could - while Ali & I admitted that often times we look at the words, but never really read it...or care TOO much. On our way home we stopped at Blue Seal to get some ice cream. I don't think that will be the last time I stop there - a scoop of sea salt cookie was pretty darn good.
We all went our separate ways for a couple hours and then met up at a cool rooftop bar/restaurant. Unfortunately when we got there they had stopped serving food, but we were able to enjoy a drink on the rooftop. Very cool setting! So we ventured off to a place nearby that we have all driven past a million times, but have never gone. Good thing we did! It was a hole-in-the-wall (probably why we haven't stopped yet) but delicious! Each table had their own grill and you order raw food and cook it yourself. Genius idea for a restaurant if you ask me. Ali and I got the shrimp and vegetables...I was able to cook the shrimp, but tony had to peel off the head for me. Gross.
It was such a fun day and evening! Sad to report the Rapasardo's are leaving end of December! We are so happy for them, but selfishly SO BUMMED!
Here are a few pictures:
We had great laugh from this picture.
Cafe in the Aquarium
There was some presentation going on. Of course we couldn't understand a word of it.
The first place we were at for an Orion beer
spicy sausage - YUM!
delicious shrimp
Pictures from a different camera:
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Random thoughts on paper..or on a blog post
Kindergarten - I have a whole lot to say about this group of kids, but I will keep it to a minimum:
Last week, Saburo (local kid) comes up to my desk sticking his pointer finger out at me (too close for my liking) and asks if he can go get a kleenex. Looking at what came out of his nose, "yes, Saburo...you may"
(we are learning the difference between telling and tattling in class right now)
Student: Ms. Tara, Dylan is kicking my chair
Me: Lia, are you tattling right now?
Student: NOOOO i'm not tattling!!!!!
Me: Then what are you doing?
Student: I'm telling you that Dylan is kicking my chair!!
Me: ooooohhhh
On a fun note, my kids are doing really well in class. Of course I am reminded every 10 mms that they are just 5 & 6 years old and I need to cut them a break more often than I probably do...but I am pleased with the class overall. Some days I love my job and others - eh, it's alright ;)
other random things:
Typhoon Fitow came to visit this past weekend. We prepared as if we were to lose power for about 3 days. Thursday morning around 5:15am Tony and I took the satellite off the roof, brought all the flowers in, I baked 2 pizzas, and had everything powered up just in case. I thought maybe we were over doing it a bit, but I guess we didn't know what to expect. Better to be too prepared than not! The storm wasn't anything too crazy. High winds and rain that tore up some small plant roots, but other than that - the power remained on and we had a GREAT excuse to stay in all day and finally spend enough time together to actually get stir crazy and sick of one another (ok, maybe not quite;)
Thursday night before the storm hit, I sent Tony a list of things to get at the grocery store since he was going home hours before me. Here was the list: Milk, Peanut Butter, Tequila, and Vodka. Oh yes, the essentials for a typhoon ;)
One of my favorite, if not my most favorite, thing on this island is the people. They are so nice and sincere. I hope those that come visit can stay long enough to really get a grasp of this. When we leave a store/restaurant of any kind they ALL say "thank you for coming". Those in the kitchen, at a different register, or someone stocking the shelves. When they hear one person say "thank you for coming" they all say it. You actually feel special and important LEAVING the place!
I like having the car I do. I have always had a thing for making "mixed" tapes while growing up. I used to listen to the top 9 at 9 EVERY night with a blank tape ready to press the play and record button at the same time, hoping to time it perfectly. I have missed making mixed cd's lately because of all the bluetooth action i've had in the cars we owned..but now, I don't have that! And loving it :) I get to make mixed cd's once again :) and my car has a tape player! Maybe I can somehow have my mom scavenger up some oldies.
This past Friday Tony and I met some friends at an Italian place in Yomitan. When we pulled into the parking lot, waiting for the others to arrive, we sat there for about 10 minutes watching a guy across the street do karate in his living room. We both admitted that if this were someone working out in the states, we would have laughed quite a bit. But here in Japan, we couldn't help but to stare with amusement and think it was way cool. There are many times I am reminded where I live, but this time it reeeeeally hit me. Very fun.
That is all for my randomness....for today anyway
Last week, Saburo (local kid) comes up to my desk sticking his pointer finger out at me (too close for my liking) and asks if he can go get a kleenex. Looking at what came out of his nose, "yes, Saburo...you may"
(we are learning the difference between telling and tattling in class right now)
Student: Ms. Tara, Dylan is kicking my chair
Me: Lia, are you tattling right now?
Student: NOOOO i'm not tattling!!!!!
Me: Then what are you doing?
Student: I'm telling you that Dylan is kicking my chair!!
Me: ooooohhhh
On a fun note, my kids are doing really well in class. Of course I am reminded every 10 mms that they are just 5 & 6 years old and I need to cut them a break more often than I probably do...but I am pleased with the class overall. Some days I love my job and others - eh, it's alright ;)
other random things:
Typhoon Fitow came to visit this past weekend. We prepared as if we were to lose power for about 3 days. Thursday morning around 5:15am Tony and I took the satellite off the roof, brought all the flowers in, I baked 2 pizzas, and had everything powered up just in case. I thought maybe we were over doing it a bit, but I guess we didn't know what to expect. Better to be too prepared than not! The storm wasn't anything too crazy. High winds and rain that tore up some small plant roots, but other than that - the power remained on and we had a GREAT excuse to stay in all day and finally spend enough time together to actually get stir crazy and sick of one another (ok, maybe not quite;)
Thursday night before the storm hit, I sent Tony a list of things to get at the grocery store since he was going home hours before me. Here was the list: Milk, Peanut Butter, Tequila, and Vodka. Oh yes, the essentials for a typhoon ;)
One of my favorite, if not my most favorite, thing on this island is the people. They are so nice and sincere. I hope those that come visit can stay long enough to really get a grasp of this. When we leave a store/restaurant of any kind they ALL say "thank you for coming". Those in the kitchen, at a different register, or someone stocking the shelves. When they hear one person say "thank you for coming" they all say it. You actually feel special and important LEAVING the place!
I like having the car I do. I have always had a thing for making "mixed" tapes while growing up. I used to listen to the top 9 at 9 EVERY night with a blank tape ready to press the play and record button at the same time, hoping to time it perfectly. I have missed making mixed cd's lately because of all the bluetooth action i've had in the cars we owned..but now, I don't have that! And loving it :) I get to make mixed cd's once again :) and my car has a tape player! Maybe I can somehow have my mom scavenger up some oldies.
This past Friday Tony and I met some friends at an Italian place in Yomitan. When we pulled into the parking lot, waiting for the others to arrive, we sat there for about 10 minutes watching a guy across the street do karate in his living room. We both admitted that if this were someone working out in the states, we would have laughed quite a bit. But here in Japan, we couldn't help but to stare with amusement and think it was way cool. There are many times I am reminded where I live, but this time it reeeeeally hit me. Very fun.
That is all for my randomness....for today anyway
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Fuji
Hey, just thought I would throw up some of the pics from my trip to Mt Fuji, Japan recently. I finally got to see what mainland Japan was all about and as I suspected it was beautiful over there and very different than life in Okinawa. My favorite part was the fact that it was 70 and sunny with no humidity with great running trails through the forrest. Hopefully soon I will get to go with Tara and next summer climb the mountain...12,389ft!
To give you a quick rundown on my job and why I went there I'll try to explain as best I can considering operational security. My unit shoots artillery and we cannot do this on Okinawa because of some restrictions so the Government of Japan pays for us to bring our equipment to mainland to train there instead. It is a very interesting part of my new job and routinely I am in meetings with around 15 Japanese (Government of Japan officials, logistics company reps, etc.) with our small planning team discussing the training and negotiating the details of our upcoming exercises. I am in charge of most of the transportation and maintenance for our unit so this is important for me be involved in. This was the first time I got to be in the planning and actually go see it in action. I had lots of commitments back at the unit so I only went on this one for a short time. Here are some pics!
To give you a quick rundown on my job and why I went there I'll try to explain as best I can considering operational security. My unit shoots artillery and we cannot do this on Okinawa because of some restrictions so the Government of Japan pays for us to bring our equipment to mainland to train there instead. It is a very interesting part of my new job and routinely I am in meetings with around 15 Japanese (Government of Japan officials, logistics company reps, etc.) with our small planning team discussing the training and negotiating the details of our upcoming exercises. I am in charge of most of the transportation and maintenance for our unit so this is important for me be involved in. This was the first time I got to be in the planning and actually go see it in action. I had lots of commitments back at the unit so I only went on this one for a short time. Here are some pics!
Truck inspections prior to leaving for Camp Fuji
Breakfast bento box
About to offload
Moving the howitzers to get ready for the convoy
Offload
These pictures do not do the mountain justice, its huge!
Offloading our gear
More bento boxes...yum!
Went out to an awesome all you can eat and drink restaurant too!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Sushi. Sushi. Sushi.
Ok, so you would think that we would have eaten a ton of sushi by now, but we really haven't. There has been the quick sushi lunches from the commissary that you would find in a store like Byerly's or Whole Foods back home, but that's about it (which was still awesome). There has been an abundance of sticky rice, however and other amazing food that we needed to experience!
Tonight, we finally went to a real sushi place called "Sushi Minami" and it was deeeelicious.
The owner lived in L.A. for 7 years and ran a sushi place - so we had an idea this was going to pretty good. A local, who lived in LA, who knows his sushi. Done.
Tonight, we finally went to a real sushi place called "Sushi Minami" and it was deeeelicious.
The owner lived in L.A. for 7 years and ran a sushi place - so we had an idea this was going to pretty good. A local, who lived in LA, who knows his sushi. Done.
the back room - true style
my favorite - eel.
Tony's favorite was the baked salmon.
the Sake was good, too :)
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
My Kindergarten Class
Yes, you read that right. As of last Thursday - I am a Kindergarten teacher at Santa Monica International school here in Okinawa. It's been quite the week!
About 3 weeks ago I submitted my resume to a bunch of schools around here thinking that I could potentially work as an aide, teach english, PE - or something along those lines. Last Thursday I got a call at 11am from Santa Monica asking if I would be interesting in coming in at 2pm that day for an interview. Without hesitation, I agreed. The interview went well and at 4:45pm I was offered the job. Now you're probably wondering how in the world this is all happening.
No, I do not have an education degree - but apparently you don't need one here. I do have a bachelor's degree and a whole lot of experience in (tennis) lesson planning, preparing activities, communicating with children and their parents, etc...however, NOT an education background. After accepting the position I wondered what I got myself into! More importantly, what I got the kids into!!!
Here are my REAL thoughts about it all. I am excited for the challenge, but I have great feelings about our system back in the states. As I know I will do a fine job, it's also a fact that I would NEVER get this job back in the states without the required degree. Rightfully so - and all more confidence I and you, the reader, should have in our education back home. Thinking about this for the entire weekend I started to doubt myself...but realized that if my kids had a teacher with the energy and love I have for kids and education of all sorts, I would be confident he/she would be in good hands.
That being said, I feel great being a teacher. I love kids, I love when I can "see" the lightbulb go off whether that's on the tennis court - and now, in the classroom. I am an organized person and enjoy the good feeling I have when leaving work knowing I did the best I could.. because that's all I have.
Today was my first day and it went very well. I think I set the tone that I can be fun and very serious all in the same day. I hope I captured their respect from the get-go! There was a whole lot of nose blowing, water spilling (we eat lunch in the classroom - no cafeteria).. tattling, some crying, same questions asked by the same person about 12 times in 2 minutes, "Samantha, pay attention" about a million times, "Saburo, what is rule #1 on the board!!! FOLLOW DIRECTIONS QUICKLY!!!" about 50 times today... the list goes on and on :) oh - and the first thing I did when I got home tonight? Washed my hands and took a shower :)
Tony is very excited that I am staying busy these days ;).. not too fun going to work while I'm sitting at home all day, I'm sure! I know he felt bad, but now we are both so busy and I foresee our weeknights ending a bit earlier than before - and reeeeally looking forward to the weekend :) He has been absolutely amazing with the support he's shown for the overwhelming feelings I've been having over the last week. Another reminder as to why I married this guy.
That is all for now. I'm sure I will be venting about the rugrats every now and then on the blog :0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLnkBejl278&list=HL1379414430&feature=mh_lolz
not sure if this will work - but it's a short video clip of some of the kids dancing in the classroom after school today! (might need to copy and paste the link above - haven't figured all this out yet...)
About 3 weeks ago I submitted my resume to a bunch of schools around here thinking that I could potentially work as an aide, teach english, PE - or something along those lines. Last Thursday I got a call at 11am from Santa Monica asking if I would be interesting in coming in at 2pm that day for an interview. Without hesitation, I agreed. The interview went well and at 4:45pm I was offered the job. Now you're probably wondering how in the world this is all happening.
No, I do not have an education degree - but apparently you don't need one here. I do have a bachelor's degree and a whole lot of experience in (tennis) lesson planning, preparing activities, communicating with children and their parents, etc...however, NOT an education background. After accepting the position I wondered what I got myself into! More importantly, what I got the kids into!!!
Here are my REAL thoughts about it all. I am excited for the challenge, but I have great feelings about our system back in the states. As I know I will do a fine job, it's also a fact that I would NEVER get this job back in the states without the required degree. Rightfully so - and all more confidence I and you, the reader, should have in our education back home. Thinking about this for the entire weekend I started to doubt myself...but realized that if my kids had a teacher with the energy and love I have for kids and education of all sorts, I would be confident he/she would be in good hands.
That being said, I feel great being a teacher. I love kids, I love when I can "see" the lightbulb go off whether that's on the tennis court - and now, in the classroom. I am an organized person and enjoy the good feeling I have when leaving work knowing I did the best I could.. because that's all I have.
Today was my first day and it went very well. I think I set the tone that I can be fun and very serious all in the same day. I hope I captured their respect from the get-go! There was a whole lot of nose blowing, water spilling (we eat lunch in the classroom - no cafeteria).. tattling, some crying, same questions asked by the same person about 12 times in 2 minutes, "Samantha, pay attention" about a million times, "Saburo, what is rule #1 on the board!!! FOLLOW DIRECTIONS QUICKLY!!!" about 50 times today... the list goes on and on :) oh - and the first thing I did when I got home tonight? Washed my hands and took a shower :)
Tony is very excited that I am staying busy these days ;).. not too fun going to work while I'm sitting at home all day, I'm sure! I know he felt bad, but now we are both so busy and I foresee our weeknights ending a bit earlier than before - and reeeeally looking forward to the weekend :) He has been absolutely amazing with the support he's shown for the overwhelming feelings I've been having over the last week. Another reminder as to why I married this guy.
That is all for now. I'm sure I will be venting about the rugrats every now and then on the blog :0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLnkBejl278&list=HL1379414430&feature=mh_lolz
not sure if this will work - but it's a short video clip of some of the kids dancing in the classroom after school today! (might need to copy and paste the link above - haven't figured all this out yet...)
the pretty cute view I have from my desk!!!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Our stuff is here!!!
So we have been anxiously awaiting our 3000lb shipment of our stuff for a while and on Monday I got an email saying that it officially made it to Japan!! We got rid of our temporary Gov furniture on Thursday and the movers dropped off our household goods on Friday. As you can see from the pics below it was a disaster right away but we are getting pretty good at this moving thing. After about 15 hours of setup we feel very at home! Our stuff fits well with the layout and size of the house and that is a huge relief. Also below are some pics that I cannot remember if I have sent or Tara instagramed.
This is pretty much the forecast all the time. The temps do not vary much at all, there is always a chance of rain, and 91 is "feels like 108" once the humidity is factored in. Should be cooling down soon.
Ice cream is a huge thing out here which is great news. This picture is shaved cream I believe...not bad but not our favorite. But Tara and I have found a great place down the road that serves sea salt caramel (sea salt is made on sight) with a great view of the ocean. It's our Sunday thing.
Tara's 05 Dihatsu Move (660cc!!) works well for bopping around the island.
My 05 Honda Fit. Both cars get great gas mileage (41.2 last tank on mine) and gas has stayed at about $3.50 a gallon on base here. My commute is 16 miles but because of the low speed limit it takes 25-30 mins. I don't mind because 90% of that I can see either the East China Sea or Pacific Ocean.
Near the #6 teebox at Taiyo Golf Course I saw a decent sized spider and made my boss put his hand close for a picture! If he would have trusted me you would have seen it was larger than his hand. It is a golden orb spider or banana spider depending on who you talk to...it is poisonous but not deadly.
Great meal from a tiny restaurant a mile from our house. No lie, some of the best pork I have ever had!
Movers
Hopefully this is the last time we do this for a while.
Tons of trash and because it is a small island there are a ton of rules to getting rid of it.
Starting to get there! We bought a new table and chairs but it wont be here for a few weeks.
I think the plant count is somewhere in the 20's already!
We got a new tempurpedic mattress but no box spring yet (waiting on stuff seems to be very normal on the island).
Home Sweet Home
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