Being brave.

We have been here 2 1/2 months and things are going to settle down soon.  I have enrolled in University of Maryland University College Asia.  Please keep your fingers crossed this fall for me.  With my GI Bill, it would be stupid not to finish up my degree.  So that's the first thing I've had to be brave about.

Secondly, I don't know if you heard, but we had a typhoon hit us.  At one point is was equal to a category 4 hurricane, but downgraded to a cat 3 by time it hit us.  I have to say, the construction of our house is fabulous.  I put all our outside stuff in our outside storage and listened to my front door sound like someone was beating on it all night.  There was minor damage (thank God!) and the worst was an uprooted tree blocking the sidewalk heading to our van.  We left for the boys' swim lessons and by time we came back, they had taken a chain saw to it.

This last week, we had a grocery store and 100¥ store open up.  The US dollar stores have NOTHING on 100¥ stores!  You can buy almost anything from food to clothing there.  Today I went to buy decorations for a friend's baby shower.  They had super cute paper lanterns.  I liked them so much a bought a couple for my living room!  Downstairs is the grocery store.

I'm trying to be adventurous and try new things.  I'm learning the names of the stuff, but my memory is failing me!  Here are some of the new things I picked up this shopping trip:)

 This is tuna inside rice with a sea weed outside.  There's a picture further down to show the wrappers and the unique way of unwrapping.

 These are like a dessert/treat.  It's ground up rice (to a thick paste) formed into balls and covered in a sweet glaze.

 This is yakitori.  Yum.  This one is chicken on a stick.

 These are the packages that I was talking about.  You pull down 1, then pull off side 2 then 3.  The seaweed is kept separate from the rice so it doesn't get soggy.  The way you unwrap has it perfectly folded and ready to eat.  These little guys are only 105¥.  So a great on the go, self contained snack.  They are packed a lot is school lunches.  The tuna is a blue sticker, salmon is red and the brown is a plum.

 I can't remember the name of it, but this little guy is a great alcoholic beverage.  It's only 3% alcohol, but I've been warned that it will knock you on your ass!  And only 77 calories!

Haven't tried this big boy yet, but he's 8% alcohol and only 48 calories.  I can't wait to try these!


Yesterday, my friend Janet met up with us at the Daiei aka Shoppers Plaza.  It's basically a mall with a bowling alley, grocery store and everything else you can imagine!  There I was introduced to shabu shabu.  They put a pot of water on your table (there's a burner under), then you choose what kind of meat you'd like.  I chose pork and beef.  Then you go up to the buffet and pick out your veggies.  Bring it back and toss it all into the pot.  You can add any sauces or wait to put it on.  So if you're the last person to make yours, the benefit is the wonderful broth.  I chose bean sprouts, cabbage, leeks, scallions, daikon radish and some other stuff that I didn't know what it was, but it was yummy!  Of course there was rice on another table.  Most places you go to, your drink is included with the meal.  And tipping is considered rude.  So your meal price is your meal price.  For Janet, the boys and I, it was just under $20.  I told the boys that whenever they wanted to go back, let me know.  It was healthy, yummy and something fun for them.

So we've been taking some risks, gone a little bit out of our comfort zone and are having fun.  We may not like everything, but at least we can say that we tried.

P.S. Our household goods shipment will be delivered on Thursday!  That's right, after a long 8-month wait, our stuff will be here.  I can't wait to sleep in my own bed.

Kamakura...Take 2

Today the boys and I had the opportunity to meet some very kind Japanese women.  Their baby sitter's Mother teaches English, and she set the whole thing up.  There was another Mother with her son there as well.  Such a fantastic day!  First we road the train to Kamakura.  But we had to change from the Keikyu line to the JR line.  So we rode from Jinmuji Station to Shinzushi Station.  We walked a little ways, and went over to the JR Line.  We hopped on another train going from Zushi Station to Kamakura.  I learned that Shin means "new", so Shinzushi means "new Zushi".  Once we arrived we met up with the fabulous women.  I'm not even going to attempt to butcher their names, but they were so kind.  We then decided to catch a bus over to the Kamakura Bamboo Gardens.  I think this is one of my favorite places so far.  It's a small bit of calm paradise in the middle of the regular noise of the city.  Most of the bamboo was very young.  Most were 1-2 years old.  Before we walked in, there was a Temple.  The grounds were just beautiful.  The pictures just doesn't do this place justice.

After we decided to hit up another Temple.  Kamakura was many Temples and Shrines.  I believe I was told hundreds, but don't quote me.  While we were enjoying the grounds and the Temple, a woman dressed in a traditional kimono came walking up.  She was absolutely beautiful and so friendly.  She gladly stood for pictures with us all and was just so kind.  Saw a Japanese Maple, which was just gorgeous. 

We needed to head back to the train station because the woman with us had to pick up her kids from school.  So we decided it was time to eat and do a little shopping:)  In other words T-R-O-U-B-L-E!  We came across the most amazing little store.  It's a honey store!  Anyone who knows me (cough Kathie and Mamma), knows that I love honey.  I am obsessed with Tupelo honey and put it on anything.  Waffles, pancakes, toast, in my tea, etc.  These fruit/honey mixtures are so delicious.  You can use them on ice cream, in yogurt, as a drink (mixed or just add water) or whatever your heart desires.  There were many different kinds.  I chose the "Japanese lemon", Yuzu Mitsu, and Raspberry.  I loved every flavor I tried.  It was a very rough decision, but I know I can easily head back.  Flavors included mango, grape, blueberry, cherry and a few others.  I have a feeling I found my new obsession!  They would also make great gifts, so I expect to send a few of these for Christmas!  

After we went back to the place that Zachary and I dined at during our first trip to Kamakura.  He just came home (at 8pm) and asked if we ate there, and was very sad that he couldn't join us.  Food was amazing, boys scarfed down their noodles.  It was like stir fried bean sprouts, carrots and green onions with some ramen noodles.  They couldn't eat them fast enough.  This time around was different, because I had actual native speakers and I didn't feel so awkward.  Wonderful experience and I can't wait to go again.  However, next time I will be putting the boys in drop-in care.  I wasn't fully able to appreciate everything because I had a little boy, sometimes 2, that were acting up.  And surprisingly, Luke was the good one! 

Oh did I forget to mention my gracefulness?  We were leaving the restaurant, and I had 2 bags and a purse.  I had gotten the boys out, was getting out of the booth.  Turned around for one final check and knocked 2 glasses!  The whole place went silent.  Yes, I was that girl.  Thankfully nothing broke and all was forgiven.  The people next to us were so kind.  

No major plans to do anything fun the rest of the week.  I think we need to recover.  We left the house at 8:20 this morning to walk to the train station and didn't get home til almost 4:30!

Lost

This has been a fun week.  Saturday evening (because Zach's ship pulled in late) we celebrated our anniversary with dinner...BY OURSELVES!  We were hoping to make a movie, but that didn't happen.  So we enjoyed Nawlins, New Orleans restaurant.  I had a shrimp po' boy and it was delicious.  Sunday, our actual anniversary, we went to brunch at the all hands club in Ikego.  My favorite thing was the fish au gratin.  Yummy!  

On one of the many websites I belong to out here, someone was selling a beautiful Japanese dresser.  I just had to pick it up in Negishi (in Yokohama) which is about 25-30 minutes away.  Since I had to take the boys' seats out of the van, I had to venture out by myself.  I pulled up the directions offered by the Navy and got on my way.  Well, the road I was supposed to turn on wasn't marked, so I finally found my way (after sweating a few buckets) to the toll road.  However, I didn't realize I had gone too far and missed my initial turn off.  So I went the long way around.  Again, the exit I was supposed to get off on, wasn't there.  They said the exit name and number.  Well, the actual exit wasn't numbered and it had a totally different name.  I made it all the way to Haneda airport.  Turned around and came back.  It's not like in the States where you can get off on an exit, turn around and head back in the opposite direction.  I missed it on the way back, got off on the next exit found good ole Route 16 (main base is on this road) and found my way.  It took me almost 3 hours and 2600 yen ($32.75) to pick up my dresser.  I headed home, down Route 16, and made it in 25 minutes.  That evening I was getting together with a group of ladies for BUNCO.  Met some fantastic ladies and had a great time.  The bottle of wine and trusty Tervis Tumbler I took had nothing to do with it either.  I did have a fabulous time and can't wait for the next one. 

This week, we're hanging out.  Tomorrow the boys and I are heading out to Kamakura.  We have a Japanese woman as a tour guide, so I'm beyond excited.  The last week, we got some furniture.  It's starting to make our house look more like home.  Still no word if our stuff will be here before July 6th.  It's a long time if you just sent your stuff, but we packed out in October.  I don't even remember what we have!  I will be sure to post tomorrow after our fun day in Kamakura.

Ikego Friendship Day

Yesterday we got to experience the great relationship between the US military and the Japanese people.  In our housing area was the Ikego Friendship Festival.  There were many booths, mostly from ships and military organizations, games, bounce houses, entertainment and food.  Oh the food!  There was everything from some Japanese egg creation to Hawaiian BBQ to good ole funnel cakes!  Great fun for the entire family and community alike.

The one thing that completely mesmerized me was the Taiko drummers.  There were 3 groups of different experience levels, but all were incredible.

There was also to Zushi Japan America Society tent.  They had some crafts for the kids and some amazing displays.  My favorite was the Ikegana (flower arranging).  I will be sure to take a flower arranging class when it comes around.

It was an overall fabulous day!  The boys had fun, filled with cotton candy, hot dogs and funnel cake.  With their prize tokens they picked out some fun "masks" as Jack calls them.

Afterwards we stopped by some one's house to look at some rugs.  They will be delivered on Monday.  We pick up our new dining set, couch, love seat and boys' bedroom set on Tuesday.  Things are starting to come together a little bit at a time.  We're also doing a test run on dog sitting.  Parker is a beautiful female black lab.  It's going really well, so it looks like we'll have her for about 40 days this summer.

So excited that things are settling down for a bit.  Found out Zach's schedule and looks like we won't be seeing much of him til holiday season starts.  We expected as much, so it's not a big surprise.  I think I'll be ordering the boys some Daddy Dolls.  (Go here if you'd like to see what I'm talking about...https://www.daddydolls.com/).  So please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we get back into the swing of sea duty.

Zoorasia...yes it's really a place!

Zachary got home from his first underway on Friday evening, so we decided to do something fun on Saturday.  He has duty (24 hours aboard the ship) on Sunday then his week begins again, so it was our only full day together.  So we decided to head to Zoorasia aka Yokohama Zoo.  It was the final day of Golden Week, which is a week full of Japanese holidays and everything is closed.  Most people go traveling on this week.  Well, everyone was at the zoo!  First I was schooled by a young Japanese woman on how the ticket machine worked.  I was trying to press the buttons then feed in my yen, nope, give the machine your yen, then press what tickets you need.  Now we know for next time.  We were given an English map when we walked in.  Whew!  At least I could tell where we were at!  We headed straight for the restrooms since it was a bit of a drive.  We were very brave today, letting Luke wear big boy underwear.  He's in his first week of "focused" potty training, so this was a huge step.  He went into the kid's restroom and all was good.  Then I went into the women's and walked into a stall.  I forgot that they have both Japanese style and Western style (written on the doors in English) toilets.  Since I'm such an experience world traveler, I have used a "squatter" before.  In Thailand.  About 7 years ago.  And not completely sober.  So needless to say, I had to pump myself up for this.  It's basically a toilet bowl installed into the ground.  You will be proud to know that I had no issues and everything came out fine :)  Hehe.  I was so proud and excited that I walked out of the stall with my arms raised Rocky-style.  Oh yes, I was THAT girl!  I think there might have been a "Woohoo!" thrown in there as well.  I came out to meet my boys with a huge grin on my face.  So there is my accomplishment of the week!

Next we headed for lunch.  They had a "Freshness Burger", and yes, that's really the restaurant's name, so we ordered some burgers.  You would think I'd be used to it by now, but we forgot that they are Japan-sized, not super sized!  I ordered the Zoorasia burger, which included small burger patty, tomato, onion, what looked like raw bacon, but was really smoked and an over easy egg.  I ordered it from the picture, no word description, and I have to say it was tasty.  Small, but tasty.  Zach chickened out and gave the boys the other Zoorasia burger and took the "Classic" cheeseburger.  Oh, did I forget to mention that their company symbol was branded into the top of the bun?  Yes it was.  We've noticed that Japan just has an extra little something everywhere we look.  Once we were done looking at some of the animals, we decided to call it a day.  We only did half the place, but figured we'd be back.  Next time we will be taking the train and bus.  Traffic was that bad.

We are missing our dog something fierce.  We hated that fact that she couldn't be shipped over here due to her snub nose.  So we went to the pet store just to look and hold the puppies.  Let me say this before I go any further...I will never own another puppy.  I want a dog that is potty trained and out of the chewing stage.  So we looked at the dogs.  Zach didn't realize how expensive they can be.  They were adorable, but I'm glad that they stayed there.  Once we get settled down, we'll look at local shelters.  There are still many dogs still in shelters from the Fukushima earthquake a year ago.  But they were so stinkin' cute!

On our way home, we had to turn around and ended up on the local road to get home instead of the tollway.  No big deal, we were in no hurry.  Let's us get out and see some more of Japan.  Heading on down, we saw they boys' mecca...Toys R Us.  So we stopped because I'm on a mission for my Aunt Dean.  I will find her an Asian baby doll.  No questions, it WILL be done.  I have looked at about 4-5 other places, but they don't look Japanese!  Stinkin' Americans!  I'm just kidding, but it's difficult to find when that's what you're looking for.  We had a blast there looking at all their stuff.  The boys each got to pick out a small toy and thought they were on top of the world.  As we were pulling out, we got turned around from the entrance area and went the wrong way.  Well, not wrong way, but a different way.  We were trying to quiet the boys down so that Zach and I could talk, think and read all at the same time.  So we asked them to be quiet because we're a little turned around and need to concentrate.  Little Luke piped right up and said, "You know, we're in Japan."  Thank you Luke for stating the obvious.  We knew the general direction we were heading in, just wanted to catch the toll road.  They have fabulous signs, but lots of info on each sign.  So trying to read the whole sign, while driving is a bit difficult.  We made it, so all is well.  We didn't even have to turn around and go back the other way!

                                           This was my yummy strawberry milk that I tried.

As I sit here typing, I'm snacking on some Crunky Balls.  And no, that's not a typo.  Sometimes they try to Americanize the names and it's hilarious!  Just another small thing to amuse us.  Things are going well, we're getting used to the area, driving and just living in a foreign country.

Please excuse...

Please excuse my crazy grammar and spelling.  I just reread everything for the first time and think I'm crazy.  For some of the posts I was using my iPhone and it has auto correct.

Anyways, thing are coming along great here.  Our furniture should be shipped from Kenosha, WI on the 3rd of May.  We should be receiving it no later than 6th of July.  Just want to send a big shout out to Great Lakes Personal Property, thanks for messing up 3 different things with our move.  I love not living with my stuff!  Moving on, Zach has been working on the ship, so the boys and I are trying to keep busy. He's going to start going underway soon, so we won't see him as much.  I was told when we got here, not to expect them during the summer months.  So I'm going to plan a vacation for next summer for the boys and I.  Thinking of heading "down south" to Kyoto, Hiroshima and some other places.  So far, those are 2 of the 4 things to check off on my "MUST DO IN JAPAN" list.  Riding the bullet train (which I will do on that trip) and hiking Mt Fuji are also on the list.

Now that we have a car, things are better.  I can go to the commissary and/or Exchange whenever I want. Exploring isn't so bad either.  I'm making new friends and loving where we live so far.  We're far enough away from the main base that we don't have all the noise, yet close enough that it's a 10-15 minute drive.  Speaking of driving, let me just say it's not as hard as my instructors were making it out to be.  I just have to remind myself to look right when merging.  I automatically want to look left.

Jack is signed up for kindergarden!  I can't believe that he'll be starting in the fall.  The woman who signed him up commented on how smart both the boys were.  Had a proud Mama moment.  However, they have been acting out more than ever lately.  It's very frustrating for me, because I know how good they really can be.  I'm hoping that once things settle down, I'll get my two sweet boys back.

We didn't get to go play in Zushi last Sunday like I planned, Zach got called into work.    So I'm thinking I might have to go exploring by myself.  Although it will depend on the weather.  It has rained almost everyday since we've been here.  I think 2 or 3 days with no rain.  And it's a bit chilly, but after my sweltering winter in Florida, I'll take it!

I plan on getting out and doing some exploring in the next couple of days.  Maybe take the boys and introduce them to my friend, sweet potato ice cream.  I know I was making plans to head back to Kamakura sometime soon.  I want some more Japanese pancakes.  Ramen isn't too shabby either.  I have yet to try some sushi here.  Maybe that will be my adventure this week.

As I was just finishing up I heard a noise in the kitchen and thought Luke was up.  When I looked around the corner, the screen door was open and I saw a cat run around the corner!  Scared me!  We left our screen doors open for some airflow.  It's a bit chilly outside, in the 50s, but it feels great.

Update and pictures!

Not too much going on.  Still feeling everything out.  Today we made a trip to Costco.  There are a lot of things from the States, but also a lot of Japanese stuff.  Prices are ok, so we have fun.  My favorite thing is a folding wagon.  Since we have quite a ways to walk from our car, I needed something to get up the hill to bring in my groceries.  Found it today and am so excited.  The van is now completely registered.  Took 2 days and someone else to do the running around on the second day to finish.  Been trying to drive whenever I get the chance.  This morning I took my friend and her husband to the airport and back by myself.  I felt like such a big girl!  Other than that, we're just finding our footing and exploring.  Tomorrow we're going to head to Zushi, which is the town our housing is in.  It's been raining since we moved in, so no big adventures to report.  I do wish I had my stuff, but it will be shipped out on the 2nd of May.  Next week is Golden Week and we were told to not expect things to be open.  It's several holidays together and everyone vacations on this week.  Jack also got registered for preschool.  Such a big boy.  Luke wants to go to school as well, but we're going to look into the cost.  Fun times all around.  I'm going to put up some much needed pictures, now that my computer is working.  It took forever to upload one picture off my phone.  So hopefully this goes much faster.

                                                               Worn out little boy:)

                                                            My new ramen bowls.

 This magnet is to let others know that I'm a new driver.  They have other symbols as well.  The one that should be in FL is the elderly one.  It lets people know that there is someone over the age of 75 driving:)

          Already had our first mishap.  Luke wrote on the wall.  This is Luke cleaning up his mistake.

                           The boys eating a snack at Costco after a fun afternoon of shopping.

                 Look Ma, no hands!  The cart doesn't move on the escalator.  Super cool stuff.

                                        My new grocery cart filled with the loot from Costco.

      Directions for our dinner.  Japanese pork dumplings.  So good, just couldn't read the instructions.