2009. A year in review.

Photo queen that I am, I thought it would be fun to go through and snag a few pictures month by months of what this past year has been like. Some of the people are still a huge part of my life while others have drifted away. No matter what the feelings now, these were all great times this year.

I'm going to try and label each month, and in looking at all of my pictures from January, I'd have to say January is the month of Aimee.

Our first trip to Tonneau Bistro of 2009 (Jan 9th) and the best part, or one of the two was when they brought out 4 adult appetizers, and 5 child appetizers. Apparently Aimee didn't look grown up enough for fried fish, pickled plums and what other random thing us 'grown ups' got. The other highlight of this night was the ice cubes, or balls rather. To spare anyone any embarrassment though, I'll keep those pictures to myself.

The next January event is an Aimee event, even though she wasn't there. Andie and I were on one of our many outings and needed a new place to try for lunch. Aimee sent us to a great little hamburger stand right on the beach. I think she was trying to kill us both. ;)

 

The front of the place should have scared us away, unfortunately she gave us directions through the back. The inside was just as random and maybe a little more grimy looking but in a little fairness, we did eat on their outside patio. Other than the fried egg on Andie's cheeseburger, the food was really good.

February was the month of flowers. We went plenty of places and it seemed everywhere we went a flower we would find.



The boys at Okinawa Fruit lands. Fun to go through once if you're up in that neck of the woods but I'd rather spend my time riding through the Pineapple golf carts next door. :) We explored quite a bit of Nago that month. The most fun though was our annual climb up to the top of the Nago castle ruins with the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming all around us. Even with Derrick deployed, friends made February a month to remember.


 March was the month of Green & me of course!

Green wig, shirts & clover shoes oh my! & here are the cakes the boys and I decorated and the flowers from Derrick.

I think I'd dub April the month of highlights. Luke came home from school one day and the next day Brandon came home from a week at Yoron Island to the surprise of Derrick being home for his R&R.

While having Derrick home for R&R was plenty exciting for us, there were other things to get excited about too. The biggest was to witness an amazing Marine (from my original Okinawa Den ;)) get presented the Silver Star for his bravery and heroics while serving in Afghanistan. His story can be found here: http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/public%20affairs%20Info/Archive%20News%20Pages/2009/090410-silver.html.

Without looking through May's photos, it's hard to think of anything in May that would be better. May was a tough month. It was Derrick's birthday and our 12th wedding anniversary and he was back in Afghanistan. Time on Okinawa was also drawing to an end for my BFF Jill and I wasn't liking that one bit. Let me see if I can redeem May after all. I think I just did. :) Andie's birthday is in May & so is Mother's Day. This year was more of a kids day, but we all had fun. We explored a new park, one that we have frequented several times since & it never gets old.

This slide is too much fun! There was plenty of other fun stuff here but the slide was the main attraction!

We did some historic exploring with schools and as a family, and some island hopping and exploring with Andie & Brian for the last times in May. This island is full of amazing places. Here's a few pics from our day on Ikei Island. 

Brian, Brandon & Luke on their side of the glass bottom boat and Andie & I on the other side.

June, also known as School's out for Summer! For the boys at least. I decided to continue through the summer. School let out and Andie and Brian were on their way back to the States. A sad month for me all around. But it's like they say, true friendship isn't seen with the eyes but felt with the heart. We have some crazy stories to share, plenty of trouble we found and of course drama that followed us. :) I think we both still laugh at that one. We were the 'mean girls' of Okinawa.

Apparently June was really a tough month for me, I only have three photo albums. One with the kids last day of school pictures, one of Derrick on the webcam and one of me in the burka Derrick sent me. I'll spare you the latter two but here is a good one of the boys.

I snapped out of my funk by July and we were back to exploring the island. July was the month of fun! We started it off with the 4th of July in American Village watching fireworks from the Ferris wheel.

We shot over to Bios on the Hill the next day. What a beautiful place to spend a day. Beautiful orchids, amazing landscaping and topiaries and the maybe not so wild wildlife is pretty neat too.

 

A few days later we stumbled across Cape Zanpa. We climbed the lighthouse, found the giant pirate ship and the largest Shisha lion dog on Okinawa. 

 

 

Looking north of Zanpa up the west coast of Okinawa and here is one looking back to the island. Gives a little perspective on how big the shisha really is.

 A few days later we did some beach hopping and made a trip to Ryukyu Mura. Another fun place to see while here, though not as fun for the kids as I would have hoped. It really gives a good look into what life was like for the Okinawan people as much as 200 years ago. I have hundreds of pictures I could post but I feel like July has enough and we still haven't even reached the middle of the month. We made our way up to Hedo Point the most north point of the island, a long trek but a beautiful view. Here is a shot of the point from a look out we found down on the east side of the island.

 A few days at Okuma resort (I'll spare the pictures) and a solar eclipse wrapped up our July. That was another awesome event in itself.

As eventful as July was, there was plenty for me to get excited about in August too. Derrick was supposed to be coming home from Afghanistan and school was about to start back up. August was the wind down month. Lots of time relaxing on the beach and getting things ready for Derrick's return. But then it happened. Due to the upcoming Afghan elections he was extended. :( Just so August isn't the only month with a picture, here's one from the beach just down the street from us.

September came & oh what a relief. The first eight months of this year and the last two of last we spent without Derrick and he was finally coming home. September was the month of excitement!

 

We did tons of things now that we had our dad back but in consideration for you the reader lets scoot on through to October, AKA Vacation time! We took a trip up to Tokyo and spend a few days having fun and exploring Disneyland, Tokyo Sea, Ueno Zoo, Tokyo Tower and a handful of other locations. It was our first taste of good American food in more than 3 years. Who would have thought, Tokyo would satisfy our American cravings.

This one is really special, I thought so at least. Inside the center of what looks like a wing is a small flame. That flame is the Flame of Hiroshima and Nagasake and has been burning since the first bomb was dropped in 1945.

The picture below is as close a shot as I could get of the palace the Emperor of Japan lives in.

Tokyo was such an awesome vacation. Now on to November. Another quieter month and one much needed. We celebrated the Marine Corps 234th Birthday and had a quiet Thanksgiving with good friends. Then began the preparations for all that December had in store for us.

December was our month of farewell. We worked for months getting everything in order for Derrick to head off to school. We worked so much on doing that, that Christmas just sort of snuck up on us. We had Derrick's personal farewell dinner followed by our farewell at his work. Just yesterday we said our family farewells for the next few months and tonight the boys and I are saying farewell to one heck of a year.

 

The world is always at his fingertips. :)

My how they've all grown. I love those boys!

Here is to another amazing year filled with love that abounds, amazing memories and good fortune!

It's begun

He's off! By about the time I wrap up this blog Derrick's flight should be pulling up to the terminal in Tokyo. The first of three flights will be behind him.

For most of you, you know what's been going on the past several months. This blog is for everyone else. I am going to try and condense it all into about ten to fifteen minutes of reading.

We were supposed to leave Okinawa last July but Derrick really wanted to deploy to Afghanistan with/as an embedded training team. When the first opportunity came around (back in 2006) his unit had other plans for him. He was a little bummed initially but that disappointment faded quickly when he found out what he would be doing instead. He was selected to lead a 21 man detachment in support of OEF and a part of JSOTF-P. I think I still remember what all those letters mean but I'll spare you. The bottom line was he was commanding his Marines in a sometimes hostile/combatant environment and assisting local forces to ensure that terrorist regimes in the area could not make progress is taking part of the occupying country for their own state. I will take a leap and say he must have made an impression with someone important in order to land this job, as he was the first Staff Sergeant (e-6) to ever hold this billet. He did well enough at it that they've opened it up for other SSgts to lead since then.

After returning to Okinawa there was a little bit of down time. He was able to take his career course and of course we saw a promotion too. Then his chance for Afghanistan reappeared, but because of dwell time (time he has to be home between deployments) he was passed over again. The third time was a charm for him but we ran into a little snag when they started calculating his expected return date, August/September 2009. He wouldn't be able to deploy AND move back to the states in July so in order to deploy he would have to extend his time here on Okinawa. So he did, and he went. That gave us extra three months here.

We knew when Derrick came home for R&R he would have to take some time and head up to work. It was time to start planning what we were going to do next. Something told us to start the process early in his time home and glad we followed that hunch. Turns out we would need quite a bit of it. We talked with the career planner and Derrick inquired about a job he thought he'd really enjoy. We had talked with his commander already and he was on board with Derrick's decision and eager to help us out in any way he could. Turns out Derrick was in the wrong career field and to high ranking for that job, but the career planner asked if we had ever thought about going on Embassy Duty. Derrick didn't even hesitate before chuckling and telling him "no, my wife would kill me." Thank goodness I was sitting right there. I was quick to clear the air and from there the process, the very long process began.

Tons of paperwork, screening upon screening for everything under the sun and interviews galore and less than two weeks to do it. We managed to get it all done and the waiting game began. And boy did we have to wait. Derrick went back to Afghanistan and still didn't have internet at his location so there was no communication on this matter for months. It wasn't until right before he came home that we found out he, and us of course, had been selected for the program contingent on one thing. His 30 and 60 day post deployment mental health. Okay maybe two things, those assessments and another extension here on Okinawa. Another six months tacked on bringing us to just under 4 years.

Thirty days flew by and he was A-O-K, sixty and still feeling just fine, and around that time the orders came too. Another round of check lists, paperwork and more medical and dental screenings followed by countless trips to admin to update, re-update and update some more then the time finally came. Uniforms are all in order, suits and dress clothes packed and he's off, on his way to Quantico by way of Tokyo & Chicago for 8-10 weeks of school.

There is plenty of mystery surrounding the next two and a half months, and the biggest is where we'll end up next. That's something they hold out on until the end of the school. They invest a lot of time and money into these Marines and want to make sure the Marines have what it takes to give back to the Corps and more specifically to the Embassy they'll guard and the Marines in which they'll lead.

It's all so exciting.

And here we are, our next big adventure courtesy of the United States Marine Corps has begun!

Xmas in Japan.

Before anyone says anything about me using the term Xmas please know that I don't personally use it, never have and have no intentions of making a habit of it. Christ has his place in my Christmas. BUT here in Japan where Christianity is not the majority religion many Japanese (& Okinawans) celebrate their American inspired holiday which many know simply as X-mas.
  
This blog is going to be a lot of other people's words but all to explain why I got so excited this morning. Today is the last day (before Christmas) that our mamasan will be here. While I had already planned to bake her some good old American goodies I wasn't expecting her to bring us anything.

She greeted the boys and I with a box of Kentucky Fried Chicken! Oddly something I hadn't eaten in over 4 years although I pass them everywhere here. What a great gift! The only thing to make it better would be a sweet Okinawan cake. Maybe I'll make one later this week.

For those of you not on Okinawa, you've got to be thinking I'm a little crazy. I mean getting excited over fried chicken. We'll here's the big deal:

(Here is a blog from another blogger here on Okinawa)
Xmas in Japan means Xmas cake and KFC!

Xmas is more or less a Western holiday, but here in Japan, it is celebrated with a twist. Of course, most of the celebrating is commercialism at its best. Japanese stores and businesses put up Xmas decorations all in the hopes it will attract shoppers.

But aside from the "merriment" of Xmas decorations, Xmas in Japan is anything but ordinary. Many Japanese families treat themselves to a special Xmas eve dinner from KFC. That's right. Colonel Sanders has made a killing here in Japan selling pre-packaged Xmas chicken dinners. I'm not really sure where this tradition comes from, some have said that Japanese eat chicken because they want to imitate Westerners who eat turkey with all the trimmings. Or perhaps KFC's popularity has grown due to the fact that Japanese homes do not have large ovens. You simply can't make a roast turkey or a roast chicken in a little toaster oven. KFC has come to the rescue bringing Japanese people pure finger-lickin' deliciousness.

So if you're inclined to eat some fried chicken on Xmas eve, keep in mind lines might be long. You might want to place your order in early.

In addition to the "grease fest" of fried chicken, Japanese also like to partake in Xmas cake. Many Japanese bakeries like Fujiya, even ice cream parlors like Blue Seal sell special Xmas cakes. The cakes are usually sponge cakes decorated with whipped cream, strawberries, and cute little edible Santa Clauses and reindeer.

I think the Japanese have something here, because these cakes are delish! The cakes aren't too sweet and are oh so pretty to look at. If you want to take a look at the Xmas cake Kev and I had last year, take a look here.

Have I mentioned how much I love Xmas in Japan?

 Happy Holidays!

25 days of weird Christmas: Kentucky Fried Japan
http://www.newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/78374.php

Compared to something like the the lap pillow, the Japanese Christmas tradition of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken seems pretty mundane, but for the purposes of this blog series, it's worth a nod. Blame it on savvy overseas marketing strategies by the fast food juggernaut or the mostly non-religious attitudes towards the holiday, but indulging in greasy buckets of KFC has become a commonplace practice on Christmas in Japan. Lines are known to stretch out the door on Christmas day as people wait for their annual treat.



Now do ya see why it's kind of a big deal? :)

Merry Christmas!

I think I've created one of these every year since JibJab started this project. It's always fun to see how silly Derrick, the kids and I can look as we dance around like little elves. This time I thought I'd have a little fun with it and create a Christmas clip with Derrick and the rest of his team. Men, or elves in this instance, I hope you don't mind a little giggle at your expense.
Merry Christmas to everyone!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Taskforce Bayonet - 1st Btn 178th Infantry

Click to Play

Video courtesy of of Specialist Dorcy. Some of the images on this video were at the location Derrick was stationed at while in Afghanistan. These are some of the U.S. Soldiers and A.N.A. that he worked along side.

Time flies in the blink of an eye

This week has been so busy and it's only Tuesday. Oddly still, as much as we managed to get done, we still don't have anything tangible to show for it. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll have some noticeable progress.

We're one signature, or rather 3 signatures from one person away from being all set. Then it's just a matter of getting one last uniform cleaned and pressed and Derrick will be ready for his school. Three weeks and he'll be on his way. Crazy how the past few months have just flown by.

Through all the craze of the past few weeks we've had our share of quiet time too. In that time Derrick has been able to reconnect with many friends from his past. All the way back to his first unit. Echo Battery 2/11. Oh how I vividly remember those days...

We were a one car family and on the days I needed it Melanie and I would have to wake up at 4am to drive from the south end (good ole Wire Mountain I) of Pendleton through the soupy thick fog all the way up to Las Pulgas. Another thirty minutes (because the visibility was next to none) back home and 14-16 hours later I'd make the trip back up to get him just about the time I'd want to be tucking Melanie into bed. I guess we've always dealt with crazy long days. Even worse were the middle of the night drop offs for three months of CAX. Ah the fun we had as an Arty family. And then there were those home 18 months gone 6-7 rotations. If you take a minute to do the math, I bet you can figure the time of year Derrick returned from his deployments. Military families who understand deployments know what I mean. ;)
The hours were crazy, we seldom saw each other but man we appreciated everything. The unit cohesion was like something else. I've only seen it like that twice since.
Like Archie & Edith Bunker used to sing, "Those were the days."

Today we were driving home from another fruitful trip to IPAC (the big admin office) and talking about some of the guys Derrick's recently been in touch with and a thought came to me. Call it irony, random coincidence or me just analyzing things too much but here's what I realized.

In late 1999 Derrick was on his second deployment, what was supposed to be a 6 month UDP. He was supposed to come home a few days before Christmas but because the world was coming to an end, ya know Y2K, he was involuntarily extended a month. That was our first Christmas apart and we survived it alright. What I feared most was the new year and any possible hostile situations he might be called to assist in. We all survived Y2K and I think everyone pretty much forgot all about it until I brought it up now. It's always been a bigger deal for me, but because of the unknown and that I wasn't able to spend the turn of the millennium with Derrick.

Here we are a decade later. Holy crap a whole decade! We've got several deployments behind us now and fortunately there isn't one in our near future. Instead we're looking at a school. *AN AWESOME SCHOOL- but still a reason he'll be away again.* He'll be home for Christmas this year but will be leaving shortly after. Another New Years we'll be celebrating apart. Not our first, or even second but 4th.

The irony, coincidence or just me over thinking comes now: The turn of the century/millennium we couldn't be together because I was in the states and he was here in Okinawa and now, ten years later for the following decade we won't be together. This time because he will be in the states and I'll be in Okinawa.

Isn't it funny how life plays out? I bet this thought would have passed me by if Derrick wouldn't have reconnected with some of the E-btry guys from way back when.

Nothing [much] new to report

I have been meaning to send out an update for a while now. Thanksgiving (& my friend Linda's comment on facebook) reminded me I haven't done it yet. So for everyone curious about what's going on over this way, here's the scoop.

We still no nothing. Well not really, but kind of really. :)

We still have no clue where we'll be going next. Derrick has his course in a few weeks and round about the end of that we'll find out where we're off to. As it's looking now, I'm not sure when we'll be making a trip back to the States to visit. It may (a very loose may) be in the early spring after he finishes his course, but it might actually be after we make our move and get settled in.

Everything is still on schedule for Derrick to leave in just about 4 weeks. Except we don't have his flight information squared away. Due to deployment schedules, training, field ops and then of course plain old meetings there seems to always be at least one key player out of the office at any given time. Hopefully next week we'll have all the bells and whistles (and signatures) needed to move forward again.

The kids and I are ready to go where ever we'll go. We've been cleared medically and through dental, or as I said it the other day, dentical. I asked the doc about immunizations like yellow fever and typhoid and he tells me that we (as dependents) really don't have to get any of them (and they don't recommend them either) but if I wanted to get them/give it to the kids they won't protest. So until I hear that we have to have it because we're going to [insert random third world country here] then I am going to skip the unnecessary immunizations.

Derrick has chatted briefly with a few guys who have been through MSG school either as a guard or Det Cmdr but for each it's been a few years. If anyone has some advice - specifically if it's current - D would love to chat with you. He's heard plenty about how long the days are, how busy they keep him and how he'll have little to no free time but beyond that, not much. He'd like to know what keeps him so busy and fills his days so full.

As of now it looks like I will be meeting Derrick in VA for my week of training but the kids will be staying behind in Okinawa. (I have a wonderful neighbor!) Between Derrick's homecoming, our trip to Tokyo and days missed because of Brandon's doc appointments for his broken arm plus the unknown amount of days of school the kids will miss when we move, they can't really afford to miss another week and a half of school to go out to VA with me. That and the military doesn't provide child care nor do they pay for their flights. Being here in Okinawa has sure made this adventure just a little more chaotic, but not enough to detour us.

I think that about sums up what's going on here as far "where to next?" As I learn more I'll let ya'll know.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Hugs and love.

United States Marine Corps Commandants Birthday Message

CMC

A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

United States Marines represent the best young men and women our Nation has to offer. To be a Marine is to be a member of America's warrior class - to be one of the few who steps forward with the courage and conviction to face whatever dangers await. Our Nation expects her Marines to be ready when the Nation calls; to leave family and the comforts of home behind; to march into battle and thrive under austerity; and to come home under a victory pennant.

From Al Anbar in the west of Iraq, to Helmand Province in the south of Afghanistan, our Corps of Marines can always expect to be found where the fight is toughest. Such is our history. Today, as we write the final chapter on our victory in Iraq, we will increasingly take the fight to the enemy in Afghanistan and add new pages to our legacy in places called Delaram, Now Zad, and Garmsir. One day, we will return to our naval heritage and patrol the high seas with our Navy brothers. Such is our future.

As we celebrate our Corps' 234th Birthday, we first pause to reflect and pay tribute to those Marines who have given the last full measure in defense of freedom. We extend our deepest gratitude to our Marine Corps families - the unsung heroes who endure hardship and sacrifice so that we are able to go forward and accomplish any mission. We extend our appreciation to our countrymen who have answered our every need. And we celebrate the magnificent men and women who willingly and selflessly continue to go into harm's way to protect this great Nation.

To all who have gone before, to those who wear the uniform today, and to the families that give us the strength to forge ahead - I wish you all a heartfelt Happy 234th Birthday!

Semper Fidelis,
James T. Conway
General, U.S. Marine Corps

MARINE CORPS HYMN - USMC BAND

The Great Depression revisited

There is nothing more exciting then being thrown what sounds to be a daunting task at the very last minute. That's what I thought I was dealing with when at 4:30 this afternoon Brandon informs me that tomorrow, TOMORROW is their Great Depression unit celebration for his reading & language arts class. As he's telling me this I vaguely remember seeing an e mail about 3 weeks ago letting me know all the details. I just seem to have forgotten to transcribe this to Novembers calendar.
So here it is, 4:30 and I don't even know what types of things people ate during the Great Depression so off to Google I went. I came across quite a few bread and cake recipes but 99% of them called for raisins (yuck if you ask me) or they omitted milk, eggs or butter and to me that just sounded plain gross. Then I came across this Mock apple pie. Thought to myself this sounds pretty good since I don't have any apples to begin with. I checked over the recipe and I had most everything on it. It seemed all I was lacking was the main ingredient (Ritz crackers) oh and the pie crusts.
I've been known to bake from time to time (kind of religiously at times) and making pie crust from scratch is nothing new for me. BUT why should I do that when I can pay $2.50 and have them chilling in my refrigerator when I need them?
Oh, I forgot to mention- tonight, yeah that's the night I've been planning to make homemade enchiladas, so my kitchen is already in disarray. With chicken boiling and a simmering enchilada sauce I can't escape the kitchen so I ask Derrick to make a commissary run. He took a little longer than I had hoped and he came back with only half of what I needed. Fortunately it was the part I couldn't wing. What he and I failed to remember was the day. The commissary is closed on Mondays so he had to run to the shoppette just to find the crackers.
With my crackers in hand, enchiladas slowly coming together and the thought of having to make 4 pie crusts (because of course I want to try this pie myself too) I ran to my handy dandy friend Mr Google again to find a quick and easy pie crust recipe.
I have several AMAZING cook books but sadly I decided long ago that they would be safer in storage back in the states rather than bringing them to Okinawa with us. Talk about stupid idea. I've gone a good 3 and a half years without MY recipes.
I managed to get dinner served and the pie crusts made just in time to run to the gym with Luke to meet with his new basketball coaches. They seem great by the way. I'm optimistic!
We're home & it's shower time for the boys and back to the kitchen for me. This part was pretty easy. Baking comes natural for me therefore it was pretty relaxing. Well, minus the Derrick asking if I was almost done every 10 minutes part.
The first pie came out of the oven about 45 minutes ago and the second one was about 20 minutes behind it. I couldn't wait to see which was going to look prettier. (Usually the pretty one would go to the school) I cut myself a piece of pie, scooped some vanilla ice cream on top then let Derrick have the first bite. (He and the boys had already had ice cream sundaes for dessert). After seeing his reaction I knew I was in for a treat. Took a bite and Oh my Gosh! it was so good. So good that I'm blogging about it now & even sharing with you the recipe I used.
I am not a huge pie fan & I really do not like pie crusts at all so I thought for sure I'd not like this one that much. Boy was I wrong! I don't know that I'll bake another apple pie again. I mean one that actually calls for real apples.

So here is the recipe but I'll tell you- if you have pie crusts at home use those- it's so much simpler. But if you want to be really really Susie Homemaker then here is the pie crust recipe I used as well.
If you end up trying this pie recipe out please let me know how it turned out for you.
Happy baking!!

EASY PIE CRUST
3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. Crisco
6 tbsp. water
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vinegar
Mix flour and Crisco until crumbly. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over flour mixture. Knead gently. Roll out and bake at 425 degrees until brown. Makes 4.


Ritz Mock Apple Pie
http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/44025.aspx

The classic pie, featuring Ritz crackers baked in a golden crust, is perfect for the holidays.

Pastry for two-crust 9-inch pie
36 RITZ Crackers, coarsely broken (about 1 3/4 cups crumbs)
1 3/4 cups water
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Grated peel of one lemon
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Roll out half the pastry and line a 9-inch pie plate. Place cracker crumbs in prepared crust; set aside.

Heat water, sugar and cream of tartar to a boil in saucepan over high heat; simmer for 15 minutes. Add lemon juice and peel; cool.

Pour syrup over cracker crumbs. Dot with margarine or butter; sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll out remaining pastry; place over pie. Trim, seal and flute edges. Slit top crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake at 425°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is crisp and golden. Cool completely.


Sorry about the flash white washing the ice cream. It's vanilla bean for anyone who really wanted to know. :)

Looking to Robert Frost for wisdom

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” -Robert Frost (1874-1963)

So I am sitting here thinking about this quote and the many thoughts running through my head at the moment. Do I really want to get into analyzing Robert Frost? Do I really want to analyze my personal thoughts? Why do I do this again?

Ah, because I'm a nut!

So here we are at a fork in our road and faced with some major decisions. And to quote Barnyard Dog, I'm faced with the decision, "Which way do we go? Which way do we go George?"

Beyond that, which road exactly is the one less traveled? The almost once in a lifetime opportunity? or walking away from it?

I can analyze this for hours, and I just might but the bottom line is this: this blog won't make much sense to anyone right now, and Derrick and I really need to look long and hard to figure out what we want and need, where we want and need to be and how we want to get there.

Like my facebook status reads, "Can I be 16 again?" Life was much more simple back then.

Round and round we go, where we stop nobody knows

About the sixth time Brandon's school registrar called I was finally on my way to Ryukyu Middle. It finally worked out that we had the orders they were requesting and with 5 days to spare. I know Brandon isn't too happy about this but I sure am. We got the extension paperwork last night and now he can stay in school through May of 2010. Come May we're in a heap of poo, because honestly I may blow this island up. I have LOVED Okinawa but by then it'll be 2 months shy of 4 years we'll have been here. Even I can only drink so much pineapple wine before I sour.

While out and about making sure we had all our Ps and Qs checked we found out lots of interesting things.

You cannot get your drivers license renewed before 1115 any day of the week, not just the day the newcomers test (though today is that day). It also doesn't matter if my license says I am male, 70" ad 190 lbs, Oh and Derrick, he's also male, 190 lbs but not as tall. Somehow he is only -7". Yes, -7. The only reason they changed mine is because I threw a fit. I was not going to willingly be 190 lbs, call me crazy but you don't mess with a woman's weight. Derrick is still -7".

Derrick opted to remove his motorcycle license after they called him into another room, it all happened in an odd brisk kind of way. I didn't know where he went and ended up waiting 20 minutes for him to resurface only to tell me he still doesn't have a license and they don't want to give him one. Not because he hasn't gone to a recent motorcycle safety stand down but because he isn't assigned to a unit on the island. After further inspection they found him- at his parent command but no where in the system at the next higher level. I was fine though, to get my license, or maybe it was an accident that I got mine renewed (this is the DMV after all). They worked something out with Derrick's SOFA status, then come back to the motorcycle issue, they wanted to track when his last class was even after we told them it's been well over a year (since before all his predeployment training a year ago July). When they persisted he told them he didn't even have a bike anymore and to just remove it.
We could then scratch license renewal off our list of things to do.

TMO... (the people who arrange our shipments and storage of personal items). Since we've already extended once we knew what we had to do and knew it would take a few minutes. Derrick filled out the initial paperwork as we waited in the waiting room. I was relaxing, they have some cozy chairs in there, watching AFN News (I was in heaven, news junkie that I am) then the guy comes out from behind his little window and changes the channel. He was profiling, PROFILING I tell you! He changed the channel to fricken Dr. Phil. Like I want to see Dr Phil. Is it because I have long hair and boobs? Well, hardly have boobs but still, just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I want to watch some over hyped dumb ass who believes he's God's gift to the human race.

I organized and reorganized my purse 3 times while we waited making absolute sure that I was not watching that wretched show, though I caught Derrick and the guy who came in after me glued to the tube. After about ten minutes the man working our case called us back, I was so relieved. He congratulated us again for Derrick's selection to embassy duty. A few other people heard his comments and commented too. I was excited, things are looking hopeful. Aside from Mr. Profiler everyone was making this TMO experience a good one.

One of the women in the office was watching over the guy doing our paperwork, not sure if she was learning or he was but they were back and forth talking about what everything was and what it meant. Since we were only there for an extension on our items that are in storage and not for the actual move next year Derrick asked how that would work. He said something along the lines of, "So when I get back from school, I'll come in..." and he was interrupted with something along the lines of, "Actually, you can do everything while in school in VA. TMO there will contact us and we'll contact your wife to schedule your pick up days." He continued, "Over the summer they changed how they do this (MSG from OCONUS) so now you won't come back to Okinawa after you complete the school. Your wife will handle everything on this end and meet you at the embassy you get assigned to."

Ahh, that fills me with such relief. Oh wait, NO IT DOESN'T!
I'm very used to independent living and have even become pretty proficient at single parenting but through all these years I've never been tested with a PCS all by myself. To top it, it's not one from state to state but rather from one foreign country to another with a whole different list of restrictions and regulations. None of which I'll know until right before we leave this place. Ahh fun, fun. What would life be for a Marine Corps wife without some crazy hurdles like this? I'm ready for it, or trying to brace myself as much as possible. It's going to be interesting, that's for sure.

One thing this does though, it frees me from the family update I was about to send out. The big let down telling everyone that we don't have the same 6-8 weeks of vacation time that we had when we came over to Okinawa. That we won't be able to drive cross country to visit the whole family. Our plan instead, since we'll only have maybe 2 weeks, is to go to our favorite city, the city by the bay and ask you all that if you'd like to see us before we're off for another 3 year adventure that you plan a vacation to San Fransisco during the same time.

Not sure we even have that time, I can omit that update, for now at least. From the sounds of it Derrick will go from his school straight to work and the kids and I will meet him there. After we get settled and know what life will be like for us then we'll take that vacation time- so that family update is still coming- just at a later date.

I've known all along this was going to be a big adventure. The twists and turns keep coming but I'm managing the ride well, we all are. And we're still excited about the mystery of what's in store. Just have to keep my humor in tact, right?

Did I leave ya hanging too long?

Figure it was only fair that you have to wait a while too, we've been waiting for this news for the past six months. We were teased a few times but each hopeful situation was shot down with one loophole or another.

The latest loophole really pushed the line for us, as we are drawing closer to our rotation date. Seriously closer, 11 more days and the kids would be dis-enrolled from school, utilities get shut off and our drivers licenses expire and we have nothing to delay these processes.

Not yet at least but today we got the ticket that will allow us to get that extension. Derrick's web orders finally came through!! All of his screenings are completed and there are no other hold ups. It's been a huge game of hurry up and wait and now it's almost over.

Next week we'll be able to get that extension and from there we get to run all over the island to ensure we don't lose any of the simple things in life. (education, driving, cable, phone...)

One more twist to these orders, we still don't know where we're going. These orders only specify that Derrick is going to school in January as a temporary duty with further assignment to special duty overseas with Department of State after that time.

I can now say 'this is real'. It's real! I've been a little nervous as Oct 27th grew closer but can breath easy again, for now. ;)

Pay it forward

Pay it Forward :)

I am in a sentimental mood and this came along and struck my fancy so here we go.

The first 2 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. But, you have to post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 2 comments receive the gift. YOU HAVE TO POST ON YOUR BLOG A PAY IT FORWARD FIRST.

* you must leave a link to your blog post, and I need some way to contact you for your address. Happy Posting!

From the mouths of babes

Tonight we went to Mongolian BBQ, the first time since before Derrick left. He was so excited, he loves his Mongolian BBQ. Tonight it seemed everyone wanted it. We ended up sitting 2 tables away from the Division General and his family and a short while later the Division Sergeant Major and his family came in and sat at the table right next to us.
He and Derrick talked for a minute before he introduced us. After the initial greetings Derrick asked Luke "Do you know who that is?" In all of Luke's 8 year old innocence he said "One of your Marines, Right dad?"
Derrick let out a little almost uncomfortable laugh and before Derrick could correct him the Sergeant Major asked what Luke had said. Derrick repeated Luke's comment and rather than correcting him the SgtMjr laughed and agreed- simply said "that's right, I am one of his Marines."

After he went back to his family and we settled back into our seats Derrick explained who he was though I'm sure to Luke it still didn't connect.

Ah from the mouths of babes...

Attention Kmart shoppers, Blue Light special on aisle 13... Cookies!

Does anyone remember the movie Troop Beverly Hills with Shelly Long and Craig T. Nelson? Do you remember the part when Rosa the maid/assistant troop leader yells "Patches? We don't need no stinkin patches."

Yeah, that's about where I'm at but with these orders. We've been waiting and wondering, we were told they wouldn't be cut until October due to fiscal planning/finances and then we were told they've been sitting here on Okinawa since June 10th. We just didn't know.

Derrick went into work Monday to look into what exactly those orders entailed. Mainly, is there an extension with the orders or does he have to apply for one as an addition to his orders. That extension plays a huge factor in our vitality on this island. Without it, the kids get dis enrolled from school and our driver's licenses expire (in 32 days). So time is-a-ticking.

Monday the registrar from Brandon's school called to remind me they are about to dis enroll him. I reassured him that Derrick was picking up his orders that day and I'd be in ASAP with the extension paperwork. A little while later Derrick called me from work to let me know there was an error on his orders and no extension was necessary. The orders have a report date of January 2009. No need to extend for a date nine months ago, right?

Back to square one, we have no orders. In looking further there are other issues that have to be addresses before any amended orders can be released. So Wednesday afternoon Derrick did everything he could on this end to 'fix' this issue and we sent off the paperwork in hopes of getting it back by early October. *fingers crossed & praying hard*

In the mean time Derrick has started to look into applying for another extension but we've run into problems with that because nobody is certain if this can be done at a MEF level or if it has to be done through HQMC. In any case, it needs to happen & happen quickly.

I'm about to say "Orders? We don't need no stinkin orders."
Seriously though, I am stressing oh, just a little bit.

It's good/I'm glad he's heading back home

Home to his parent command. Back to some sense of normalcy and well, brotherhood. Aside from the bond Derrick made with his team, and a select few Marines, he didn't really have that camaraderie with the unit he attached to. The nature of the deployment played a factor in that for sure. With teams scattered all across one region of the country it was hard to form a bond like that with people you didn't live and work with. There were other factors that affected his relationships as well, I'm almost certain, but really that's not what's important.

If you've followed my blogs (here and elsewhere) you know I have had many issues with the unit he attached to. So for me, his return is a long time coming and gives me such a calm feeling- even knowing there's bound to be some chaotic times as he takes/makes his place back in his unit, I'm so at ease.

Yesterday it became official, he checked out of that unit with nothing more than an adios. Oh, and he was handed the write up for his newest medal earned. No ceremony, no frill, just a here ya go and that was that. Derrick was fine with that, but that is something I would have liked to attend, I mean had there been a ceremony. Heck, there were several awards being given to several people and they were just passed out like last weeks spelling test. (Another reason I am so grateful to say goodbye to this unit- there is no esprit de corps).

A few days ago Derrick came home with a couple letters of appreciation for himself and the other Marines that detached from his parent command, he showed them to me and asked if I saw anything wrong with them. I'll let you decide.

I've cut out most identifying information, but you've got enough to know what I'm refering to. The crazy thing is these are the real deal. They've been signed by their Marine Corps commanding officer and an Army Sergeant Major and were passed out to all the guys. Who proofs these things?

It's laughable to me. At this point it's just one more occasion where this particular unit has neglected something. Fortunately this time it didn't cost me any money or added stress.

---------

Tomorrow we've got a zero five reveille, that way Derrick has plenty of time (20 minutes) to get ready before heading out for his first day back to his unit to PT with his Marines.

Who'd a thunk it- we're both pretty excited about having to wake up at 5. For tomorrow at least. :)

The update we've all been waiting for..

is going to have to wait a few more days/weeks because now that Derrick knows what he knows, he doesn't feel the rush to find anything more out. Bah humbug!

Okay, so I do know a little bit.

All of this time waiting and wondering. Would something happen during this deployment to rule MSG out? Would some other unit pick Derrick up before the fiscal year ends (when we were told we'd get orders for MSG)? When we'd know something about anything (because Derrick was at a location where he had no access to this type of information)? All of that put plenty of stress on our plates.

That on top of the e mail I received last week from Brandon's school reminding me that our time on Okinawa (our SOFA status) is about to expire. For those who have never been here, you are actually on a rotation schedule, when it ends you lose driving privileges, utilities and apparently any status with the DoD schools. Back to that e mail, if we were planning on extending on Okinawa, I would need to bring in paperwork for our extension but if we were PCSing (moving) then I need to come in 2 weeks prior to dis enroll the kids from school. If I did not do either of the above listed then I the boys would be dis enrolled by the end of October. Ahh the stress!

So today Derrick went to work and found out the monitors were here on island. For those non Marine people, they are career planners for each particular job or field the Marine Corps has to offer. He called to let me know he'd be home a little later then that expected because they were here. He also said that if he went to the Marine Security Guard monitor and they had lost his information or didn't have something news worthy to give him he would go to his monitor (for his specific job) and get things rolling for orders. Knowing that gave me reason to worry. I already know that if we don't go MSG there are only two things he wants to do. Or rather where he wants to go. MARSOC or back to Cherry Point, NC. My fear was he was going to do everything he could to land a spot at MARSOC. I have plenty of reservations about that one but I'll save it for another blog.

He made it in, he was actually the first person to meet with the MSG monitor. And apparently we've, or rather he's had orders for MSG school since June and we just found out about them today.

Holy heck! All this stress and the orders have been here all along? Seriously? Seriously.

So now that we know they're here Derrick has stopped stressing, and really he has. He can focus on finishing up his warrior transition training and will find out what those orders entail in a week or so, or when ever he gets back to his parent command. Yet here I am still dangling wanting more than just the knowledge that orders are waiting.

So now you're caught up to speed, or at least the same place I am. :)
Stay tuned, I'll update more when I learn more.

I'm taking donations =D

Okay so seriously NO I'm not. But sheesh, this is the first time I've understood why Derrick doesn't like getting new medals and ribbons.
Since Derrick has been home we've had to put quite a bit back into his uniform collection. From new cammies and name tapes to blues trousers and alterations (that's what happens when you drop twenty or so pounds), and the very latest- medal and ribbon mounting. We have spent well over $500 on all of the above. More than three fifths of that was his medals and ribbons alone. I knew it was going to be expensive. I joked with him about taking out a small loan to pay for it all. I just didn't realize it was going to be so expensive.
It's now official (because I say so), Derrick cannot earn any more medals or ribbons. Not for a while at least. :)

While I am complaining right now about the cost, really I don't mind. And the cost isn't putting us out. We've had money set aside for all of this. I was just surprised at the actual amount it all came to.
I am so proud of every medal and ribbon Derrick has earned. Heck, I'm just so proud of him & you all know, he'll look pretty darn snazzy this year at the Marine Corps Ball with his umpteen medals on his chest. 8-)
(& you know I'll take pictures)

The Wolf Pack, Don't tred on me

Click to Play

Now that he's home, here is a piece of what his everyday life was like in Afghanistan.

my nearest & dearest

I was told today that "no explanation is required because good friends understand" but I still feel like I need to apologize and explain the distance I've put between myself and the friends who are generally closest to me. Even if it's not a proximal distance it has been an emotional one.
I was explained as a hermit when Derrick is gone. It's quite a difference for me against when he is home, but it is a true statement. If I have a relationship/friendship with you, one with depth and personal emotions involved then I've probably avoided down time with you. For that I apologize. I haven't avoided our friendship to hurt you or to purposely jeopardize our relationship but rather to spare me from having to deal with the thoughts and worries that have occupied my mind for the past 9 or so months. It's hard to be fake, or to mask true emotions from someone so close, so avoidance is my defense mechanism.
I'm a bum for being such a butt head and for all of this, I'm sorry. Pwease forgive me. :)

& give me a few weeks and we're gonna have to have one heck of a reunion party!

For the family [& good friends]

If you're connected to Derrick on facebook then you already know he's in route home. Unfortunately it's not as simple as his status updates make it sound. He is only on the first leg of his trek home and will be a 1-2 week process. What he has been proclaiming with such enthusiasm is his leaving the COP (combat outpost) he has been at the past nine months. He is now at Bagram and tells me, and I quote, "no need to worry any more I'm in a safe location." If only it were that simple, right? When he's in my sights at the airport terminal I'll stop worrying.
He let me know that he will be there for a handful of days (I have the numbers but I won't post them for security purposes) then he will start the rest of his journey home. As much as I would love for the final legs of this trip to start today I know that he needs this time at Bagram to decompress and readjust to a non-combat environment. I noticed a tension in his tone, but more poignantly he noticed it and saw that it was, or could be a problem if he doesn't have time to readjust.
As many problems that I've had with this command, and boy have I had a ton, I am grateful that they were able to get him from his previous location to BAF for this down time before his return home. That's one thing (might be the only thing) I can say that they did to support Derrick and his team.
Derrick isn't sure yet how much time or access he'll have on the internet over the next few days/weeks, so not sure what type of updates he'll be posting if any. As I find out more (that I'm able to pass along) I will. Until then, it's the last minute dash to get everything just perfect before his homecoming!
About darn time!

Who?

Who is my reader from Stafford, VA that uses a MAC computer. I have 5 hits over the past 2 days from that particular IP address to one specific blog and the more I see it the more I wonder "who in VA is reading my blogs?" My next thought is, what did I write in that blog that is so exciting?
If it's you post a comment on this blog, or an e mail directly if you have my address.

Info for my fellow Military Spouses - MyCAA

Here is the Fact Sheet for a $6000 annual grant that many spouses will qualify for. What good is a grant if nobody knows it's out there. I hope that all of you reaching for your academic goals are able to use this program.
*Can I add, it sure pays to be a volunteer. I wouldn't have found out about this had I not been involved with my husband's unit. It was only through networking that this nugget of information was passed onto me.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

Program Sponsor: Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community & Family Policy (DUSD/MC&FP)

Program Description: The Department of Defense’s expanded Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program will provide up to $6,000 of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.

Who Is Eligible: Spouses of Active Duty members of the Department of Defense and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components are eligible. The period of eligibility for spouses of Guard and Reserve members is from the date of the Alert or Warning Order for Military Recall or Mobilization, through activation and deployment until 180 days following De-Mobilization. Spouses of the severely injured, ill, wounded or killed in action are also eligible.

Military spouses who are legally separated by state law or court order are ineligible. Spouses who are active duty members or activated Guard or Reserve members themselves are ineligible. Coast Guard is not part of the Department of Defense, therefore their spouses are not eligible.

What MyCAA Pays For: MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) pays for expenses such as education and training programs, tuition, licensing and credentialing fees. This includes degree programs (e.g. associates, bachelors, masters, doctoral and post doctoral), continuing education classes (including those offered through professional associations), Bar, CPA and other similar exams, state certifications for teachers, medical professionals and other licensed professionals. MyCAA does not pay for computers, school application fees, graduation or membership fees, student activity cards, child care, parking, transportation, or medical services. NOTE: If the cost of a course includes books, supplies or other necessary equipment, MyCAA will cover that cost. Payments are made directly to schools using the MyCAA’s electronic payment system. Referrals are made to federally funded English As A Second Language (ESL) Classes and GED Classes and Testing Programs.

How MyCAA Financial Assistance(FA) Works: A military spouse can apply for MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) after completing a MyCAA Career and Training Plan.

* A Career and Training Plan includes the spouse’s chosen career field, name of school and course information (course titles, codes, costs and start/end dates). If incorrect information is provided, the MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) Request will be rejected during the school invoicing process. The spouse will then be responsible for paying course costs.
* FA Requests are initiated each time the spouse adds specific course start/end dates when it is time to enroll in one or more courses included in the spouse’s Career and Training Plan.
o It is critical that spouses select the correct school name/campus location and input correct course information into their Career and Training Plan to prevent billing problems. This information should be validated by school officials prior to the spouse applying for MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA).
o Career and Training Plans may be edited (e.g. courses may be changed or dropped) up to ten days prior to the start date of a course. At that point, the Plan will be approved and locked for billing purposes to guarantee the spouse a seat in the class. Courses may be added up until 7 days past course start dates.
o Data in the Career and Training Plan is used to validate school bills for payment purposes. Approved courses may be billed by the school at or below stated costs. Schools may charge penalty fees, partial or full course costs for dropped courses according to their published Drop/Add policies. Spouses need to be familiar with these school policies.

How to Get Started: Eligible spouses can establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website ~ https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Setting up an account is an easy, self-help process. Once spouse profile information is provided, MyCAA will verify spouse eligibility. Spouses should check their eligibility and account status regularly as well as their MyCAA account message board for alerts from their account managers and guidance on next steps.

Who Can Help Spouses:
Military spouses can help themselves:

* Visit the MyCAA website https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa and establish an account.
* Developing a Career and Training Plan and validating information with school officials prior to submitting a Financial Assistance (FA) Request to prevent billing problems.
* Email MyCAA@InvernessTechnologies.com for MyCAA website technical support.

School Academic Advisors can help spouses:

* Select a school, program of study, licensing and certification exams.
* Select classes for their MyCAA Career and Training Plan. School officials need to validate that the spouse has entered correct school name/location, course titles, codes, costs and start/end dates to avoid billing problems.

Military OneSource Career/Education Consultants (1-800-342-9647) can help spouses:

* Explore career interests, evaluate school options and compare programs of study.
* Develop and implement their Career and Training Plans successfully.

Who Can Help Schools Register for MyCAA: Schools that need MyCAA program information or want to register for the MyCAA electronic billing process may request information and assistance from MyCAASchools@MOSCenter.us.Registration tutorials are online at https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/aiportal/.

I can't wait!

I have my cousin posting pictures of her trip to Europe. I've seen beautiful cathedrals, intricately detailed architecture, the Eiffel Tower during the day and lit up beautifully at night and landscapes from all over France just to name a few.
Then I have another friend posting pictures with Hillary Clinton in Kenya. Aside from that photo op are all the safari pics of game on a reserve, the baptism of a local Kenyan boy and the rituals that go with. The cultural experience she is having... Amazing!
Oh & I almost forgot Derrick's cousin who just returned from the Netherlands. Her pictures were just amazing too.
I know that being in Okinawa has been an opportunity of a lifetime but at the same time it now seems so meager compared to the rest of the world. I can't wait to find out where this journey will take us next.

I heard a rumor that they've pulled some guys into the MSG course early for one reason or another. I mentioned it to Derrick, he is content with reporting to school in January but I think it would be kind of awesome if he got pulled into the October class. Yeah I'd miss him like crazy, but we'd be months closer to finding out where our next home will be.

I love (99% of the time) the journey his career has taken us on and can't wait to see where the future holds. We've got a big world out there!

a bunch of psychobabble

Before I get into this, 1) blogging is my therapy, you can disregard half of what I write, & 2) I'm really doing well. You're going to read this and think "she is full of crap" but honestly, today is a good day.

I have a weird way of coping I guess. I have so many things going on right now in my life. Tons of stuff that could keep me emotional for eternity so it seems. But the only way I seem to deal with it is through quietly reassuring people, dealing with things internally and consuming myself with other people's mental health/emotional concerns.

I know- trust me I know the errors of that. I'm currently taking a counseling class for Pete's sake. Every week I learn the definition of another defense mechanism I've become proficient at hiding behind.

I know that a good cry would do me tons of good right now but when I sit down and think about it, all the things going on, the tears just don't come. I can give you a hundred reasons why I don't (all logical in my head) but it's all psychobabble.

I do shed tears, but never for the fears that seem to consume my mind; rather over silly wedding videos, obvious movie endings, TV shows and songs, all of which seldom have an emotional undertone. There is a youtube video I've seen at least 4 times, "the best wedding entrance dance ever" done to a Chris Brown song. It's a funny video (and so is the divorce version) and I've never cried at a wedding before, but each time I see that video I'm in tears by songs end. I have become emotional at the most odd times. I suppose I'm projecting my repressed emotions onto random insignificant events and as I type I realize I'm doing it because for me breaking down is weakness. For me personally. It's completely acceptable, permissible and beneficial for others. (how double standard does this make me?)

This is enough of my rambling. I just thought it was kind of funny. It clicked tonight, what I was doing (after bawling over a TV show where a death row inmate took his life to avoid being put to death).
I'm officially a looney toon! ;)

I have pretty awesome boys!

Hi Daddy,
Mom says when you get back we are going to Okuma to go para sailing:D! i want to go really bad it would be so fun! she says we might stay for a full weekend! do you think we can keep the cats i will pay for as much as i can. i will pay for medicine to help them sleep and everything. i love and miss you!

That's Brandon's most recent e mail to dad and his concern is about our cats when we move, Derrick has suggested finding a new home for them before we leave Okinawa since we're uncertain about when we'll actually move or even where in the world, which embassy we'll be stationed next. I think daddy is going to meet some serious opposition if still feels the same when he gets back home.

We're getting closer

Today was crazy, but ended on a very positive note. I don't even want to get into all the things that had me stressing and emotional. Well emotional in a negative sense. Tonight I went to the airport to see Derrick's Marine in, this was his right hand man. He's finally back on Okinawa and out of that hell that's labeled Afghanistan on most maps.

It was great seeing him, and surprising him (an added bonus). I walked up to him with our new commanding officer who was holding the cookies that I had made for Derrick's sergeant. He greeting the CO and turned to me, smiled politely and I think for a split second assumed I must be the COs wife. He did an immediate double take, his eyes lit up and he gave me a bubbly 'Hey!' and a warm hug. I don't know how I wasn't crying at this point. If you read my last blog you understand what I'm saying. He told me he wasn't expecting any of this, nobody from his parent command and especially not to see me, or receive gifts and baked goodies. I'm so glad he didn't come home to just a bus, that would have been so unfortunate.

I gave him the cookies, a goody bag that our Family Readiness Officer had made for him and a thank you card which ultimately included my previous blog (as a good friend had suggested I share it with him). We talked for a while about being home on Oki, going back home and of course Derrick and how he is doing, then it was time for his bus to bring him home. I gave him one more hug for the road and he was off. Hopefully to another warm welcome from all the friends he'd left behind in those barracks ten months ago.

I can't explain how awesome it felt to know that he is safe again, he feels like family in an odd combat camaraderie sort of way. Tonight I was able to let out a sigh of relief, one of the boys made it home safely and in the not so distant future Derrick will be home safe as well, and I'll breath easy once again.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who have just begun this deployment journey. It is never easy to let a loved on go, to send them to war is even harder. I pray for strength when you feel you have no more, patience when things just don't go as planned, compassion and understanding with your children as they're going through changes too and love, tons and tons of love.