Charlie and I were committed to learning Japanese as soon as we got our orders. We bought Rosetta Stone and got started...well, we completed one lesson each. Then we got caught up in daily life and let it go, promising to get back on it as soon as we arrived.
Well, I cannot find the disc. I'm currently going through everything we own trying to find it. I'm sure it will turn up in the oddest location.
However, this is all leading up to me letting you know that I do NOT speak Japanese and find it very difficult. I have a few things I can say...
konnichiwa (good day/hello)
kudasai (please)
hai (yes)
arigato (thank you)
Ok, maybe a few more but very basic communications. I am working on it. However, I finally drove out to the stable to try to apologize for missing Clara Grace's last scheduled lesson and set up her next one. I went with my handy dandy laminated language map that is a quick reference for basic communication.
Her instructor was busy in the corral giving a lesson so the kids and I hung around petting horses and watching. When she approached I was ready and said, "Sumimasen" which means excuse me or sorry which is how I was using it. She lit up and gave me a big smile at my attempt. We fumbled through my trying to explain why we missed it so I'm not sure she knows why but then it was time to schedule the next lesson. I got applause for my efforts!
I said, Kugatsu, which is September and once again she cheered for me and flipped to September.
Then I said juichi which is the word for 11. More cheering!
Then I gave the time for ten which is ju...big smile!
So that was all fantastic and I was feeling SO proud, but then she started talking more in Japanese and I was totally lost. I searched my language map and so did she but we couldn't find it so we settled for what she had already penciled in.
Basically, I was thrilled with the exchange but definitely see the humor in it. I must find that Rosetta Stone though because I seriously need to do better on learning the Japanese language. If I can find it, maybe I'll communicate better by the next lesson...
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Hooray for Clara Grace!
We've been working on riding without training wheels and we sort of hit a wall since she kept wanting us to hold her steady as she began riding. She did not want to have to start on her own. Since returning from Yokosuka I have taken my bike down and told her that she was on her own. I'd give demonstrations and support but no more physical assistance. She was ASTONISHED I would take this stance. However, as you can see from the video, she is now an official bike rider without training wheels. I thought the video showed her actual take-off but it I guess there was a little delay. If only she could remember how to use the brakes lol.
Can you tell she is proud!?!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Yokosuka Pictures
This is a picture of Clara Grace as we waited for the taxi to pick us up outside our apartment building. She was so excited to be riding in a taxi. When I saw this picture I just thought she looks so grown up now!
I know this is an odd picture, but there is a story behind it. We have people in Iwakuni that do the same thing. You see someone using a weedeater and there is this other person standing there holding a screen so that debris doesn't hit people/cars passing by. I've heard people call them the Grass Ninjas. I totally thought they were using some nickname, UNTIL I saw one of the little trucks that they drive and their official name is Grass Ninjas! I think it is hysterical. When I saw them and had the camera I had to snap a pic. One day I'm going to get a picture of the vehicle to add.
Clara Grace and I were really intrigued by this tree on the base up there. It looks like there are eggs growing on it! The pictures aren't great, but I'm trying to figure out the name of this tree. Admittedly I haven't done a thorough search, but I plan to do that soon.
As close up as I could get of the egg-looking things.
Zach playing on the playground we played on the most. It was right at McDonald's and offered a bit of shade plus was a good stopping poing between the room and the NEX or comissary.
This is to the left of the playground. Very pretty!
Here is a picture of McDonald's and the water. We really were able to spend quite a bit of time in this area.
Here are some pictures of Friendship day.
This was the bounce house area for kids. Clara Grace had a lot of fun but Zach was content to watch. There were actually a couple of things he was big enough to do but he was not up for it.
But he was all for chilling out and drinking some water on this scorcher of a day.
As you can see, Clara Grace was burning energy.
The kids were smart to take advantage of this. It was set up beside the fire truck that Zach totally loved. Clara Grace just ran in and out and didn't stick around to play in the water.
Here are some pics of the live entertainment. This group was called the Sparkling Spurs and did some line-dancing up on the platform, then came down and let the crowd join in. And yes, the group is completely Japanese, line-dancing to country music.
Then we were able to watch some hula dancing. Clara Grace really enjoyed this part.
Back at the playground
Clara Grace just a swingin'
This is the day we returned to Iwakuni. This is a picture of a local train that passed as we waited on the platform for the one that would take us to the Shinagawa (I think I've been spelling it wrong in previous posts so forgive me) station to get on the bullet train.
This is a picture at the Shinagawa station waiting to get on the bullet train.
This is a shot of the train coming through. See the rails? Those are great. They do not have rails at the station in Iwakuni and you cannot imagine how scary it is the very first time one of those trains blows through that isn't stopping. Very startling. Zach was on my back, but I did not have to tell Clara Grace to stay away from the edge. She was glued to my leg after that first train came by. Charlie warned us, and we were still startled. Those trains go F.A.S.T.
Our train departed at 10:21. These trains are extremely punctual. They arrive when they say they are going to arrive. They stop for about a minute so you need to be ready.
I know this is an odd picture, but there is a story behind it. We have people in Iwakuni that do the same thing. You see someone using a weedeater and there is this other person standing there holding a screen so that debris doesn't hit people/cars passing by. I've heard people call them the Grass Ninjas. I totally thought they were using some nickname, UNTIL I saw one of the little trucks that they drive and their official name is Grass Ninjas! I think it is hysterical. When I saw them and had the camera I had to snap a pic. One day I'm going to get a picture of the vehicle to add.
Clara Grace and I were really intrigued by this tree on the base up there. It looks like there are eggs growing on it! The pictures aren't great, but I'm trying to figure out the name of this tree. Admittedly I haven't done a thorough search, but I plan to do that soon.
As close up as I could get of the egg-looking things.
Zach playing on the playground we played on the most. It was right at McDonald's and offered a bit of shade plus was a good stopping poing between the room and the NEX or comissary.
This is to the left of the playground. Very pretty!
Here is a picture of McDonald's and the water. We really were able to spend quite a bit of time in this area.
Here are some pictures of Friendship day.
This was the bounce house area for kids. Clara Grace had a lot of fun but Zach was content to watch. There were actually a couple of things he was big enough to do but he was not up for it.
But he was all for chilling out and drinking some water on this scorcher of a day.
As you can see, Clara Grace was burning energy.
The kids were smart to take advantage of this. It was set up beside the fire truck that Zach totally loved. Clara Grace just ran in and out and didn't stick around to play in the water. 
Here are some pics of the live entertainment. This group was called the Sparkling Spurs and did some line-dancing up on the platform, then came down and let the crowd join in. And yes, the group is completely Japanese, line-dancing to country music.
Then we were able to watch some hula dancing. Clara Grace really enjoyed this part.
Back at the playground
Clara Grace just a swingin'
This is the day we returned to Iwakuni. This is a picture of a local train that passed as we waited on the platform for the one that would take us to the Shinagawa (I think I've been spelling it wrong in previous posts so forgive me) station to get on the bullet train.
This is a picture at the Shinagawa station waiting to get on the bullet train.
This is a shot of the train coming through. See the rails? Those are great. They do not have rails at the station in Iwakuni and you cannot imagine how scary it is the very first time one of those trains blows through that isn't stopping. Very startling. Zach was on my back, but I did not have to tell Clara Grace to stay away from the edge. She was glued to my leg after that first train came by. Charlie warned us, and we were still startled. Those trains go F.A.S.T.
Our train departed at 10:21. These trains are extremely punctual. They arrive when they say they are going to arrive. They stop for about a minute so you need to be ready.
Batteries, Batteries, Batteries...
You know how there is usually something the you have to take care of after a trip away from home? Sometimes it is a piece of mail that comes that requires quick attention or something of that nature. Naturally I had to run to the commissary for milk and other perishable items. We had switched over to the van before the trip so we could pick Charlie up, but it doesn't have A/C so I was eager to switch back to the Pajermo Mini (we call it the Jeep although it isn't one so from now on when I say the Jeep, please note I am referring to the Mitsubishi Pajermo Mini). It turns out the battery died while we were gone. Oh well. The windows roll down on the van so we stuck to it but I did go buy jumper cables and attempted to jump the thing. I couldn't figure out how to pop the hood so waited on Charlie.
Well, once he got home we jumped the jeep but as soon as it was put in gear it died. Not good. That was late afternoon so we just went back inside and decided to do something about the next day which would be yesterday. So we drove the van to Charlie's work where the little ceremony for promotion took place. As we loaded up in the van to leave, it was deader than a door nail! Charlie got a friend to try to jump it, but no success. The friend let us borrow his van to finish the errands we had for Charlie yesterday as he had a lot of paperwork to handle and it was the first business day after his return. We stopped at the base auto shop and asked them to handle the jeep and thankfully were able to return the friend's van quickly.
So today, we stop at the auto shop to buy a battery for the van that is still at Charlie's work. Brace yourself...$191.00 for a battery for the van. Anyway, after Zach's nap I think we will be heading back over to install said battery. The jeep is due for JCI next month...let's hope it is uneventful! We should be good on batteries for a little while though.
Well, once he got home we jumped the jeep but as soon as it was put in gear it died. Not good. That was late afternoon so we just went back inside and decided to do something about the next day which would be yesterday. So we drove the van to Charlie's work where the little ceremony for promotion took place. As we loaded up in the van to leave, it was deader than a door nail! Charlie got a friend to try to jump it, but no success. The friend let us borrow his van to finish the errands we had for Charlie yesterday as he had a lot of paperwork to handle and it was the first business day after his return. We stopped at the base auto shop and asked them to handle the jeep and thankfully were able to return the friend's van quickly.
So today, we stop at the auto shop to buy a battery for the van that is still at Charlie's work. Brace yourself...$191.00 for a battery for the van. Anyway, after Zach's nap I think we will be heading back over to install said battery. The jeep is due for JCI next month...let's hope it is uneventful! We should be good on batteries for a little while though.
Congratulations Chuck!
Charlie found out some very good news this summer...he was selected for promotion! I am very proud of him and believe it is well-deserved. He was due to pin on the rank of gunnery sergeant August 1st, but he was out of town as mentioned before and the warrant was in Iwakuni.
We took him to work to check emails (he cannot drive yet) yesterday, Monday August 16 and asked if they could just promote him in the office. His master sergeant said yes, but he wanted to do it with a formation so...it wasn't long and they called a formation and did a short ceremony where I was able to pin one of his chevrons on his collar. Amazingly enough this is the first time I have been present at one of his promotions.
So, CONGRATULATIONS GySgt Hollowell!!!
We took him to work to check emails (he cannot drive yet) yesterday, Monday August 16 and asked if they could just promote him in the office. His master sergeant said yes, but he wanted to do it with a formation so...it wasn't long and they called a formation and did a short ceremony where I was able to pin one of his chevrons on his collar. Amazingly enough this is the first time I have been present at one of his promotions.
So, CONGRATULATIONS GySgt Hollowell!!!
Traveling in Japan
Lately, I've been feeling a bit more adventurous and branching out a bit more. For example, I took the kids to the beach and we've been exploring Iwakuni a bit more. Well, I was recently given the opportunity to really test my desire for adventure.
It began with the fact that Charlie has to travel to Yokosuka, which is a Naval base, to get the surgery to repair his torn ACL. After much deliberation, we decided I would stay home with the kids since I was till teaching summer school and he took a medical attendant with him. He left July 19th and was scheduled to return July 30th. As the kids and I ran around the day before getting everything ready for his return, he called to let us know that the x-ray revealed a problem with the screw. It looked like it had come loose and would require an additional surgery which had already been scheduled for August 5th. We did some talking and decided the kids and I would join him. The medical attendant's wife initially planned to go as well but she wasn't planning to go until after the surgery so I decided to go up on Tuesday, August 3rd. I went to ITT (Information, Tours & Travel) and asked them to handle my ticket purchase and arrange for a taxi to pick us up. They did everything but told me that I'd have to buy tickets for us on the local train once we got up there. Our trip was layed out to go like this:
The taxi would pick us up at the apartment and take us to Shin-Iwakuni where we would get on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and ride it to Hiroshima. There we would get off that train and get on the next one that would take us to Shinigawa which is one stop before getting to Tokyo. Once getting off the Shin at Shinagawa we would purchase tickets on the local train to the Shiori station, then catch a taxi to the place Charlie was staying on base.
Well, it went pretty well although it was super hot and it was tough dragging a big suitcase and hauling Zach's carseat plus toting him on my back. Clara Grace was a real trooper and carried the backpack we used for his diaper bag and snacks. Luckily we made it all the way to Shinigawa before I ran into a complication. Purchasing tickets for the local train turned out to be difficult. Although ITT had written out my request in Kanji, it was proving to be a tough question to answer. I made my way to a track that I thought would take me there, but could find no way to make my purchase. I learned later on, on the return trip where I should have gone, but was completely getting a bit frazzled. I went to several kiosks as the ITT guy told me to use it but none appeared to be what I needed. As I was nearly at the end of my rope, I looked at saw two college-aged Japanese girls and approached them to see if they could help...and they spoke English!!! I have no doubt God was answering prayers because these girls had to be angels sent to look out for us. They said they were going near my destination, got on the train with us (without us paying anything so I was a bit confused but decided to trust them) and took us to another station where we went through a booth, they talked to the guy, I supplied the fare and tried to pay for them too but they wouldn't let me. They then took me to a kiosk and helped me purchase tickets for us to our final destination. They pointed the way and told me where to go before leaving us. And it took us exactly where we needed to go. I didn't have too difficult a time finding a taxi to take me to the base and found Charlie.
Once I got to his room, he said we might have made the trip for nothing because his appointment that day called for a CT scan that revealed the issue was a bit more involved and his surgeon was going to look into sending him to Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii for the surgery. Luckily, after consulting that surgeon they decided to go ahead and have the surgery on Thursday. Charlie said he was very grateful to have us up there and the kids did really well. I took them out every morning for playground time and to run errands, and again in the afternoon which I thinking helped a lot. We just made sure Charlie had everything he needed before leaving. It was very hot though so we made sure we were equipped with sunscreen and plenty of water. One day was Navy Friendship day and the kids had a lot of fun with that.
The second surgery really was rough on Charlie but he is hanging in there. We went ahead and returned August 10th and he and his attendant were close behind on the 13th.
Luckily the return trip was rather smooth as I had learned the ropes so to speak. There were no travel glitches, but I did still have my share of help as there were places where there was no elevator or escalator and people helped me by carrying the carseat. At the station in Iwakuni this was one of those places and of course as I'm carrying my huge suitcase down the stairs, my purse strap broke, but a kind lady picked it up and carried it for me all the way to a taxi and another lady carried the carseat for me. We were very blessed all around!
Oh, and I'll post a lot of the pictures from our travels in the next day or two.
It began with the fact that Charlie has to travel to Yokosuka, which is a Naval base, to get the surgery to repair his torn ACL. After much deliberation, we decided I would stay home with the kids since I was till teaching summer school and he took a medical attendant with him. He left July 19th and was scheduled to return July 30th. As the kids and I ran around the day before getting everything ready for his return, he called to let us know that the x-ray revealed a problem with the screw. It looked like it had come loose and would require an additional surgery which had already been scheduled for August 5th. We did some talking and decided the kids and I would join him. The medical attendant's wife initially planned to go as well but she wasn't planning to go until after the surgery so I decided to go up on Tuesday, August 3rd. I went to ITT (Information, Tours & Travel) and asked them to handle my ticket purchase and arrange for a taxi to pick us up. They did everything but told me that I'd have to buy tickets for us on the local train once we got up there. Our trip was layed out to go like this:
The taxi would pick us up at the apartment and take us to Shin-Iwakuni where we would get on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and ride it to Hiroshima. There we would get off that train and get on the next one that would take us to Shinigawa which is one stop before getting to Tokyo. Once getting off the Shin at Shinagawa we would purchase tickets on the local train to the Shiori station, then catch a taxi to the place Charlie was staying on base.
Well, it went pretty well although it was super hot and it was tough dragging a big suitcase and hauling Zach's carseat plus toting him on my back. Clara Grace was a real trooper and carried the backpack we used for his diaper bag and snacks. Luckily we made it all the way to Shinigawa before I ran into a complication. Purchasing tickets for the local train turned out to be difficult. Although ITT had written out my request in Kanji, it was proving to be a tough question to answer. I made my way to a track that I thought would take me there, but could find no way to make my purchase. I learned later on, on the return trip where I should have gone, but was completely getting a bit frazzled. I went to several kiosks as the ITT guy told me to use it but none appeared to be what I needed. As I was nearly at the end of my rope, I looked at saw two college-aged Japanese girls and approached them to see if they could help...and they spoke English!!! I have no doubt God was answering prayers because these girls had to be angels sent to look out for us. They said they were going near my destination, got on the train with us (without us paying anything so I was a bit confused but decided to trust them) and took us to another station where we went through a booth, they talked to the guy, I supplied the fare and tried to pay for them too but they wouldn't let me. They then took me to a kiosk and helped me purchase tickets for us to our final destination. They pointed the way and told me where to go before leaving us. And it took us exactly where we needed to go. I didn't have too difficult a time finding a taxi to take me to the base and found Charlie.
Once I got to his room, he said we might have made the trip for nothing because his appointment that day called for a CT scan that revealed the issue was a bit more involved and his surgeon was going to look into sending him to Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii for the surgery. Luckily, after consulting that surgeon they decided to go ahead and have the surgery on Thursday. Charlie said he was very grateful to have us up there and the kids did really well. I took them out every morning for playground time and to run errands, and again in the afternoon which I thinking helped a lot. We just made sure Charlie had everything he needed before leaving. It was very hot though so we made sure we were equipped with sunscreen and plenty of water. One day was Navy Friendship day and the kids had a lot of fun with that.
The second surgery really was rough on Charlie but he is hanging in there. We went ahead and returned August 10th and he and his attendant were close behind on the 13th.
Luckily the return trip was rather smooth as I had learned the ropes so to speak. There were no travel glitches, but I did still have my share of help as there were places where there was no elevator or escalator and people helped me by carrying the carseat. At the station in Iwakuni this was one of those places and of course as I'm carrying my huge suitcase down the stairs, my purse strap broke, but a kind lady picked it up and carried it for me all the way to a taxi and another lady carried the carseat for me. We were very blessed all around!
Oh, and I'll post a lot of the pictures from our travels in the next day or two.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Random Shots
Clara Grace is too funny as she totes her dolls around in her doll carrier. It is exactly like the one I use to carry Zach in, which gets some comments if she wears it out and about while Zach is on my back.
Clara Grace reading to Zach...soooooo cute!
I LOVE this picture! What a ham.
Clara Grace used blocks to build horses...what a surprise!
Going outside for some bubble fun.
Clara Grace reading to Zach...soooooo cute!
I LOVE this picture! What a ham.
Clara Grace used blocks to build horses...what a surprise!
Going outside for some bubble fun.
A trip to the pool...
I am not very big on public pools, but I finally caved and took the kids. Of course, they had a blast. There are two pools to choose from and I opted for the out of the way, less frequented one. I had fun too! Here are some quick pics to enjoy.
Zach's First Haircut
I'd like to say that I have pictures of the actual event or even a sample of those curls. But I don't. Although I loved Zach's curls, it was time to cut them off. The big hint was when the cashier at the commissary asked about his gender while he was wearing something rather boyish. It was time. So, although Charlie was gone and I was nervous about choosing the cut, I was committed. The kids and I loaded up and searched for a lollipop because I was convinced it would make things better. After all, Clara Grace always got a dum dum pop for those special events so surely it would work for Zach. It was all planned out. I had the camera, stroller, and lollipop. We then went into the barber shop and the chaos began.
As soon as we stepped in, we were swept into a seat (Zach sat on my lap) and the stroller was taken away. I was trying to explain how I wanted his hair cut as we were each draped with covers. Clara Grace very wisely sat down in a chair behind us and stayed put for the duration. Japanese ladies came out of the woodwork trying to make Zach smile...talking rapidly in Japanese while squeaking toys at him. One lady practically put him in a head lock while the lady cutting his hair went to town. She was fast and undaunted by his screaming. I tried the lollipop but he just kept screaming while hair landed on it. Then, as soon as it was done the hair was swept away and we were sent on our way.
Although it was a crazy few minutes I think he looks adorable with the new cut. Here are a few pictures of it but it is a bit messed up and you can see he is eating. He looks so much older!
As soon as we stepped in, we were swept into a seat (Zach sat on my lap) and the stroller was taken away. I was trying to explain how I wanted his hair cut as we were each draped with covers. Clara Grace very wisely sat down in a chair behind us and stayed put for the duration. Japanese ladies came out of the woodwork trying to make Zach smile...talking rapidly in Japanese while squeaking toys at him. One lady practically put him in a head lock while the lady cutting his hair went to town. She was fast and undaunted by his screaming. I tried the lollipop but he just kept screaming while hair landed on it. Then, as soon as it was done the hair was swept away and we were sent on our way.
Although it was a crazy few minutes I think he looks adorable with the new cut. Here are a few pictures of it but it is a bit messed up and you can see he is eating. He looks so much older!
Zach's Shiner
Not only did we go to the beach for the first time on my last day of teaching summer school, but Zach got his first (hopefully his only) black eye at daycare. I went to pick him up and there is was. This was the next day and you can tell he definitely hit it hard. They said he was walking along and fell into the side of a table. OUCH! 
Although he never gave it a second thought, doesn't he just invite sympathy with that look?
Although he never gave it a second thought, doesn't he just invite sympathy with that look?The Beach!
We celebrated the last day of summer school by taking a trip to the beach after work. It took us about 35-45 minutes to get there and I took plenty of pictures. Clara Grace had a blast and had been to this beach for a field trip with Camp Adventure so she was our tour guide. Zach enjoyed burying the sand toys, and tolerated the water for a brief time. He was happy in the sand but really didn't want anything to do with the water. If I remember correctly, this was July 23 which was the day after Charlie's first surgery which is why he wasn't with us.
Here we are loaded and ready to roll!
Although I've heard people say they didn't really enjoy this beach, I thought it was really nice. This is the view as we left the parking lot.
going down the ramp...
the view looking toward the boardwalk from the beach
unloading
Clara Grace LOVED it!
Here we are loaded and ready to roll! 
Although I've heard people say they didn't really enjoy this beach, I thought it was really nice. This is the view as we left the parking lot.
going down the ramp...
the view looking toward the boardwalk from the beach
unloading
Clara Grace LOVED it!
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