November 18th- I am thankful for cooler temperatures. If finally happened. It started getting cooler around here. It has been heavenly here the last few days. I have been wearing jeans and long sleeves all week. Kara is finally getting use of here little hoodies and warm outfits! It is WONDERFUL!!!
November 19th- I am thankful for opportunities. The opportunity to be a mother, wife, friend, ect. I have been so thankful lately of the things I have been able to experience in my life. I've had the opportunity to go to college and get a degree, to travel to foreign lands, to meet different types of people. In the end, I have come to appreciate these things and what they have taught me.
November 20th- Conner's 3rd birthday. I can't think of anything I am more thankful for than to have given birth to a perfect soul (as my mother in law would say). He was too perfect to stay on this earth. He didn't have any work to do it had already been done by the time he took his first and last breath. I miss him so much and will post soon about how we celebrated his 3rd birthday.
November 21st- I am thankful for good food. I am a lover of food. I love to eat. It is enjoyable to me, probably too much. There's nothing I love better than some good country cooking. Lima beans, cornbread, pot roast, mmmmmmm! However I have come to realize that enjoying food can be done without over indulging. Which brings me to what I am thankful for today.....
November 22nd- I am thankful that I am now 5 pounds lighter than I was when I got pregnant with Kara. I am down to 120. It finally happened on the scale this morning. I know it sounds silly, but I was always a small girl. In high school, I never got over 103 pounds, which was probably too small. I am happy at the weight I am now. I still need toning, but overall I am happy. My goal weight is 118 so I am only 2 pounds away. It is awesome that I have got my weight down without feeling deprived. I still eat most things I want I have just found alternatives in things like baking with whole wheat flour. I also limit my treats. If I want chocolate I eat 3 Hershey kisses and it usually fills that void rather than eating 8 chocolate chip cookies like I use do to. I am thankful that I have the will power to get myself and keep myself at a good weight.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
20 reasons I know I live in Japan
You know you live (or have lived) in Japan (on or off base) when:
1. You know that someone saying hi (Hai) doesn't mean hello, but yes.
2. You bow when greeting people, even after you have left the country.
3. You have rushed home to beat the 5pm national anthem that makes everyone stop on the side of the road.
4. You have stood up for the National Anthem before a movie.
5. You show your ID EVERYWHERE you go. So much that when you are on leave you still accidentally pull it out at Walmart.
6. You own something with Kanji on it.
7. You know what Konnichwa, Arigatou gozaimasu, and Dou itashimashite mean.
8. You know how to count to 10 in Japanese: ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyu, ju
9. You have used a toilet that is in the floor.
10. You have eaten teppanyaki.
11. You have come to hate small parking lots, unless you bought a tiny car.
12. You have a mink blanket as does everyone in your family.
13. You have mailed everyone you know either a Japanese doll or some type of china.
14. You have at least one child with Japan as the birthplace.
15. You think Vonage is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
16. You have to count the time difference in your head almost every time you call home.
17. Driving on the left side of the road is no big deal, after you've hit a couple curbs, been on the wrong side and someone waves you to the correct side of the road.
18. You know that you can get an array of different foods in Japan to include: Mexican, Thai, Chinese, and Mongolian (and they are awesome!).
19. You've been to a beloved 100 yen store and end up spending 2000 yen before you know it.
20. While the experience of Japan is cool, you can't help but miss the little things like Walmart, Target, and Arby's!!!
This is a list I made up all on my own. I was just thinking about it the other day and came up with the list. I could probably have added way more but I am about ready to hit the sack. Happy blogging!!!
1. You know that someone saying hi (Hai) doesn't mean hello, but yes.
2. You bow when greeting people, even after you have left the country.
3. You have rushed home to beat the 5pm national anthem that makes everyone stop on the side of the road.
4. You have stood up for the National Anthem before a movie.
5. You show your ID EVERYWHERE you go. So much that when you are on leave you still accidentally pull it out at Walmart.
6. You own something with Kanji on it.
7. You know what Konnichwa, Arigatou gozaimasu, and Dou itashimashite mean.
8. You know how to count to 10 in Japanese: ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyu, ju
9. You have used a toilet that is in the floor.
10. You have eaten teppanyaki.
11. You have come to hate small parking lots, unless you bought a tiny car.
12. You have a mink blanket as does everyone in your family.
13. You have mailed everyone you know either a Japanese doll or some type of china.
14. You have at least one child with Japan as the birthplace.
15. You think Vonage is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
16. You have to count the time difference in your head almost every time you call home.
17. Driving on the left side of the road is no big deal, after you've hit a couple curbs, been on the wrong side and someone waves you to the correct side of the road.
18. You know that you can get an array of different foods in Japan to include: Mexican, Thai, Chinese, and Mongolian (and they are awesome!).
19. You've been to a beloved 100 yen store and end up spending 2000 yen before you know it.
20. While the experience of Japan is cool, you can't help but miss the little things like Walmart, Target, and Arby's!!!
This is a list I made up all on my own. I was just thinking about it the other day and came up with the list. I could probably have added way more but I am about ready to hit the sack. Happy blogging!!!
A little of this, a little of that...
November 13th- I am thankful for fresh air. Sounds kind of crazy but it's it nice to go outside and get some air? I love this time of year when the temperature is cooling down and it feels so nice out in cool air. Love it!
November 14th-I am thankful that I get along with my in laws. I have several friends that despise their in laws. I am so lucky to have a nice relationship with mine. I couldn't be more pleased with mine. It makes for an even happier time when we can all get together without drama!!
November 15th-I am thankful for pictures! Yes pictures! I am thankful for them because they are our link to the past to memories. Isn't if cool to look at pictures of yourself as a baby and then see the comparison in your children? On Saturday we did pictures with our friends on a cool beach here in Okinawa and it was so much fun. I will post some later....
November 16th-I am thankful for fresh produce. We went to a little store off base and bought some fresh lettuce and a few other things. It was so nice. We came home and had a salad for dinner. That was the first time that I have ever bought food off base that wasn't in a restaurant. I know, I've been here almost 3 years so that's kind of crazy, but I will be returning to do it again once we get back from the states. And if I remember I will try to take pictures in the grocery store to let you see what stuff looks like. :)
November 17th- Wow Kara turned 7 months old today. I can't believe it. Time is just flying by. On reflection of today I will say I am thankful for a routine. No just in my everyday life but in things that you always know are going to happen or something you are going to do. It's a little comfort that we all have. Most people have their morning routine that feels comfortable. I enjoy mine and am thankful for that.
November 14th-I am thankful that I get along with my in laws. I have several friends that despise their in laws. I am so lucky to have a nice relationship with mine. I couldn't be more pleased with mine. It makes for an even happier time when we can all get together without drama!!
November 15th-I am thankful for pictures! Yes pictures! I am thankful for them because they are our link to the past to memories. Isn't if cool to look at pictures of yourself as a baby and then see the comparison in your children? On Saturday we did pictures with our friends on a cool beach here in Okinawa and it was so much fun. I will post some later....
November 16th-I am thankful for fresh produce. We went to a little store off base and bought some fresh lettuce and a few other things. It was so nice. We came home and had a salad for dinner. That was the first time that I have ever bought food off base that wasn't in a restaurant. I know, I've been here almost 3 years so that's kind of crazy, but I will be returning to do it again once we get back from the states. And if I remember I will try to take pictures in the grocery store to let you see what stuff looks like. :)
November 17th- Wow Kara turned 7 months old today. I can't believe it. Time is just flying by. On reflection of today I will say I am thankful for a routine. No just in my everyday life but in things that you always know are going to happen or something you are going to do. It's a little comfort that we all have. Most people have their morning routine that feels comfortable. I enjoy mine and am thankful for that.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Catching up on thanks....
Nov. 8th- I am thankful for travel. Thankful that I am getting to see and experience things that I never dreamed that I would. I never knew I would live on another continent or that I would be there for 4 years. Sometimes ( more like, most of the time) I complain about living here, but overall it's been a cool experience.
Nov. 9th- I am thankful for my home. A place to be warm and cozy. The place I feel the most comfortable in. I see people that live on the streets and pray for them to find jobs and homes. How awful must it feel no having a place to call home, a safe place to lay your head down. Yes, I am certainly thankful for my home.
Nov. 10th- I am thankful for my time with Kara. We spent all day on the 10th shopping and just spending time together. I was thinking how cool it will be when we have mommy and me days when she's older. We can talk about boys, clothes, anything. It is awesome.
Nov. 11th- I am thankful for my husband and the service that he gives to our country. I can't tell you the times he has told me he has volunteered because it's his duty. He can't face the thought of something happening to someone going in his place on missions. I joke (not entirely true) that I will run him over if we ever have a bad war break out so that he can't go. He then tells me that's not right. He says he would rather go than someone else go. How selfless is that? Also I am thankful that he's a good husband. Most of the time, he acts sweet and tries to make me feel special. I am thankful for the things he does for me.
Nov. 12th- Today I am thankful for my mother. She is and always has been there for me. I know so many parents that have ran out on their children or mistreated them. My mother never did. She always put me first and made me top priority. I can only hope to be as great of a mother as she has been.
Nov. 9th- I am thankful for my home. A place to be warm and cozy. The place I feel the most comfortable in. I see people that live on the streets and pray for them to find jobs and homes. How awful must it feel no having a place to call home, a safe place to lay your head down. Yes, I am certainly thankful for my home.
Nov. 10th- I am thankful for my time with Kara. We spent all day on the 10th shopping and just spending time together. I was thinking how cool it will be when we have mommy and me days when she's older. We can talk about boys, clothes, anything. It is awesome.
Nov. 11th- I am thankful for my husband and the service that he gives to our country. I can't tell you the times he has told me he has volunteered because it's his duty. He can't face the thought of something happening to someone going in his place on missions. I joke (not entirely true) that I will run him over if we ever have a bad war break out so that he can't go. He then tells me that's not right. He says he would rather go than someone else go. How selfless is that? Also I am thankful that he's a good husband. Most of the time, he acts sweet and tries to make me feel special. I am thankful for the things he does for me.
Nov. 12th- Today I am thankful for my mother. She is and always has been there for me. I know so many parents that have ran out on their children or mistreated them. My mother never did. She always put me first and made me top priority. I can only hope to be as great of a mother as she has been.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friends and being a step-mother
As always I am a day behind on my thankful post!! Oh well. So anyway. For yesterday I will say I am thankful for friends. Real, true friends. Ones that are there for you no matter what. I only have a handful of these type of friends, but they are the BEST!! They are so great! My trip home is going to be awesome. I am staying the first week with my BESTEST friend in the whole world, April. She has been so sweet in trying to make us feel at home when we arrive. She has offered to stock up on baby food for Kara and anything else I ask for. Last year she had all my favorite foods (including a welcome home cake) waiting on me. What a comfort to have a friend that in tune with me. My other group of friends are arranging a baby shower for one of them while I am there so I will be able to attend and see everyone in one place. How cool? I am so excited. I can't wait to see everyone and to show off my baby girl!!!
Today in the states is Maddy's birthday. She turned 9!! Wow. She was only 2 when Nick and I started dating. Crazy how quickly time goes by. I am thankful that she and I have a good relationship. You know several step-parents have trouble with their step-children. I have been fortunate in that Maddy and I haven't had any problems out of the ordinary. Sure there have been times I have frustrated her or vice versa, but overall we get along great. Therefore I am thankful for my relationship with Maddy, my step-daughter. Happy Birthday silly girl!
Today in the states is Maddy's birthday. She turned 9!! Wow. She was only 2 when Nick and I started dating. Crazy how quickly time goes by. I am thankful that she and I have a good relationship. You know several step-parents have trouble with their step-children. I have been fortunate in that Maddy and I haven't had any problems out of the ordinary. Sure there have been times I have frustrated her or vice versa, but overall we get along great. Therefore I am thankful for my relationship with Maddy, my step-daughter. Happy Birthday silly girl!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
My Sunshine
Almost every night while I rock Kara to sleep I play her lullaby CD. She usually falls asleep by the 4th song on the disc, "You are my Sunshine". I have always liked that song but didn't know all the lyrics until I started listening to her CD. After hearing the lyrics, I came to realize that it reminded me of my son, Conner (My Sunshine). I cry every night I hear it. It's kind of surreal holding Kara asleep in my arms, while I am thinking of him. I can't explain it, but it's weird and comforting at the same time. His 3rd birthday would have been next week and I guess that's why I am writing. I want to talk about him to make myself feel better, if that's even possible. I keep thinking I should be planning a party right now rather than feeling sad. I should be putting my almost 3 year old to bed right now rather than typing this out. I have come to realize these are things I will always think about. He is in my thoughts every day. Oh how I miss him and wish he was here. If you were wondering the lyrics that play on her CD they are as follows:
You are my Sunshine,
my only sunshine.
You make me happy
when skies are gray.
You'll never know dear
how much I love you
Please don't take
my sunshine away.
The other night, dear,
As I lay sleeping,
I dreamt I held you in my arms.
When I awoke, dear,
I was mistaken
And I hung my head and cried.
Repeat chorus.
( It only plays that part of the song, a condensed version, I guess. I realize this song was written for torn apart lovers, but I think this particular verse fits for my situation.)
You are my Sunshine,
my only sunshine.
You make me happy
when skies are gray.
You'll never know dear
how much I love you
Please don't take
my sunshine away.
The other night, dear,
As I lay sleeping,
I dreamt I held you in my arms.
When I awoke, dear,
I was mistaken
And I hung my head and cried.
Repeat chorus.
( It only plays that part of the song, a condensed version, I guess. I realize this song was written for torn apart lovers, but I think this particular verse fits for my situation.)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Thankful post for yesterday and today....
As of yesterdays' happenings, I was having a hard time being thankful. Sounds horrible, but it's true. So yesterday the thing I was thankful for was rest and sleep. Rest that lets your mind be at ease and not worrying. I was thankful to go to bed no longer wondering who our next President would be. I was thankful for sleep that let my mind and body rest and not be in dismay. Yes, sleep was the highlight of yesterday for me (I took a long nap with Kara!!).
Today I will say I am thankful for hope. I am thankful that hope lives in me. I am thankful that I have hope for tomorrow, next year, and the future beyond that. I am thankful that I can rise above being scared for our nation and can hope that good will come to us all. Hope is a wonderful thing. Today I am very thankful for the hope in my life.
PS. I have a few pics of the monkey to share. She's such a little doll.
Laying on daddy's shoulder at the Halloween party. Aww!
Sitting with mommy in front of the Halloween display.
Trying her first taste of funnel cake at a festival!
She wrapped herself up in the blanket. Recognize it Aunt Sandi?
Kara and me at a castle ruins.
Just the three of us! 
Daddy and Kara at the castle ruins.
She and Chloe are becoming friends!
Pure class
First let me say that I am saddened by Americans choice in President of the United States. I feel that they way he got elected was wrong and uneducated. However I am willing to put my bad thoughts aside and pray for Obama, that he will go to God for guidance and will bring a change that is good for our country. My fingers are crossed and my hands are at prayer almost constantly now with that in mind.
As I watched John McCain deliver his speech yesterday, I wept. I wept for him, for our country, for my friends and family, and for myself. It was truly heartbreaking to me. I watched a man that was a true American hero speak with such class. He was so kind in his words about "his new president, Obama" and the passing of Obama's grandmother. Several times he tried to hush the boos that were being done. I've always respected him, but that respect grew so greatly yesterday. He proved to be far better person than me. I couldn't have been more proud. I was saddened that America won't get to see what John McCain could have done for them. I know many people will disagree with me but he would have put the "Country First" no doubt about it! I will be honest and tell you that I didn't' watch Obama's speech, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I was angry because a friend of mine (an Obama supporter) called me all excited that he had won. She knew that I didn't vote for him. She called to gloat, something I would have never done if the tables were turned. I can't tell you how disappointed I was in her actions and felt that many other people probably did the same. I found it appalling and disrespectful. I never once argued with her on her choice. Oh well, I at least know that I handled the situation with grace. I pray that I have been wrong about Obama and that he will treat our country right. God be with us all.
As I watched John McCain deliver his speech yesterday, I wept. I wept for him, for our country, for my friends and family, and for myself. It was truly heartbreaking to me. I watched a man that was a true American hero speak with such class. He was so kind in his words about "his new president, Obama" and the passing of Obama's grandmother. Several times he tried to hush the boos that were being done. I've always respected him, but that respect grew so greatly yesterday. He proved to be far better person than me. I couldn't have been more proud. I was saddened that America won't get to see what John McCain could have done for them. I know many people will disagree with me but he would have put the "Country First" no doubt about it! I will be honest and tell you that I didn't' watch Obama's speech, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I was angry because a friend of mine (an Obama supporter) called me all excited that he had won. She knew that I didn't vote for him. She called to gloat, something I would have never done if the tables were turned. I can't tell you how disappointed I was in her actions and felt that many other people probably did the same. I found it appalling and disrespectful. I never once argued with her on her choice. Oh well, I at least know that I handled the situation with grace. I pray that I have been wrong about Obama and that he will treat our country right. God be with us all.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pets and clothes
I guess I will be doing post every other day due to my clingy baby. She's been pretty grumpy lately and only wants to be held, talked to, or played with. She drifted off to sleep so I have to get going on this....
I am thankful for my pets. While they get on my nerves at times, I am so thankful to have them in my life. They provide me with entertainment and love. The best thing about pets is that you are never alone. They are always there with you or up under you (as mine are) 24/7. Anakin is my sweet dog that loves to lick (sometimes too much) and be played with. Chloe is our temperamental cat that has a very sweet nature. Tinkerbell is a feisty little tyrant, but loves to cuddle. Leia our chipmunk is just so cute and funny. Their personalities are all so different. I can't imagine my life without them.
Today I am thankful for clothes that fit just right! I have been trying to figure out what outfits I am taking with me to the states so I tried on almost all my clothes today. In my amazement all my pants fit. It feels so great to be able to get in them without having to squeeze or pray that I am having a "skinny" day. I have such a broad spectrum of clothes now. I didn't realize they would all fit so I have been trying to not put them on lately. I am overjoyed over it! I love winter clothes the best. I feel most comfortable in a pair of pants and a sweater. Cold weather come my way!!!!
Just for your viewing pleasure:
Kara in her cute pigtails today!!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Behind already but that's me these days.
So I wanted to post everyday on the things I am thankful for, but it seems I am already running behind. Figures. Anyway first and foremost I want to say I am thankful for my faith. These next few days are so important to me. With the presidential election coming to an end, I find myself praying throughout the day that God will provide us with a leader that will not only help our country but will be under his hand. I am going to be a wreck on the morning of the 5th for me (Nov. 4th for the US). However in saying that I am trying to keep optimistic about it. I have to at this point. The so called polls are all pointing the other way and I am trying my best to not believe them. I know I am getting off track. Point is I love God and am so thankful that I have him in my life. I can't remember a time that I didn't and that is so very comforting. I have faith in him and what he has in store for our country.
Secondly, I am thankful for the gift of motherhood. I always knew I wanted children. I grew up playing with dolls. I am thankful that I was able to have my children. So many people miss out on the opportunity to have babies. I feel so blessed that I was able to do so. To be able to feel their little arms and feet moving around in my belly. It was the coolest feeling EVER!! I wouldn't change that for anything. Kara brings joy to my life everyday. She's so amazing, wonderful, and awesome!! I wish that I could have enjoyed these times with Conner. Everyday is something new and it's so much fun. I always knew it would be cool but I didn't realize how great being a mother would truly be.
Secondly, I am thankful for the gift of motherhood. I always knew I wanted children. I grew up playing with dolls. I am thankful that I was able to have my children. So many people miss out on the opportunity to have babies. I feel so blessed that I was able to do so. To be able to feel their little arms and feet moving around in my belly. It was the coolest feeling EVER!! I wouldn't change that for anything. Kara brings joy to my life everyday. She's so amazing, wonderful, and awesome!! I wish that I could have enjoyed these times with Conner. Everyday is something new and it's so much fun. I always knew it would be cool but I didn't realize how great being a mother would truly be.
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