My Nemesis!

So, this is a reason of why I haven't posted in a long time. We got a new computer - and it is not my friend. That, along with the fact that we had to buy a new camera (thank you, you know who you are, for stealing it!), and trying to figure out how to download, etc. that - I have not been a happy camper. I gave up! It's true! I've just been frustrated. BUT, alas, I am back and ready to kick some computer & camera butt. So, keep your fingers crossed - we may get some real photos and a real post soon!

We are mover's & shaker's!

Compliments of MSNBC:

Strong earthquake shakes Tokyo area
No immediate reports of injuries or damage

TOKYO - A strong earthquake shook Japan's capital and surrounding areas Sunday, halting trains and a professional baseball game, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

There was no threat of a tsunami from the quake, which was centered at a depth of 188 miles (303 kilometers) in the Izu islands off the eastern coast of Japan, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The USGS measured the quake at magnitude 7.1, while the Japan Meteorological Agency put it at 6.9.

The quake, which rattled furniture and walls in Tokyo homes, hit at 7:56 p.m. (1056 GMT) and shook the capital region, including Ibaraki, Saitama, Tochigi and Chiba prefectures, the Japanese agency said.

A baseball game in Yokohama between the Yokohama Bay Stars and Chunichi Dragons was stopped temporarily by the umpire when the quake struck. Some high-speed bullet trains also were halted, but began running again after the shaking stopped, public broadcaster NHK said.

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and experts believe Tokyo has a 90 percent chance of being hit by a major quake over the next 50 years.

In 1995, a magnitude-7.2 quake in the western port city of Kobe killed 6,400 people.

On the subject, we happened to be feeding the Elders when the earthquake hit. It was a pretty good one, that actually seemed to last, at least 5 minutes. One of the Elders is from Japan, and I think he was more freaked out then anyone else. Kind of ironic, I thought, since they have so many. But, what do I know?!

Also, Scott's birthday has come and gone. It was a huge success! I do have pics to post. I will hopefully get that done this week!

2009 Army Ball

Ed and I were able to go to the Army Ball on July 3rd. It was surprisingly a really fun time! A few of our friends were leaving within the next week, so it was a great send off for them. We actually had some interesting entertainment that was provided by our host country of Japan.
First, we got to watch while a huge tuna was turned into sashimi. It was amazing to watch - but it was hilarious when the table collasped and the huge tuna fell on the floor. Luckily for the Americans, the floor was previously covered with plastic, luckily for the Japanese, Americans have the 5 second rule, and luckily for me, personally, I don't eat the stuff. But it was really interesting to see.
Next we were priviledged to hear a group of guys from the JGSDF (Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force) that perform on the Taiko Drums. This is the view from our seats. It was amazing. If you are unaware of Taiko Drums - search it online. I'm sure there are probably some YouTube's of it. It's awesome!
Lastly, we were able to hear from Jack L. Tilley, Ret. Sergeant Major of the Army. It was amazing! Such an amazing person. I could have heard him speak all night! I was actually really sad that his speech wasn't longer. Here is a picture of SMA Tilly with Ed and Nick Scott. Nick is Ed's good friend. They teach combatives together.
After the dinner & festivities, we got our groove on dancing & even headed to the Firelite Lounge for an after party. Such a fun time! Here's a picture of me and my two friends that just left. I will so miss you Cindy & Gizelle!

Fun for the Whole Family!

It's an exciting day in our house! I was woken up at 3:30am, this morning to Finley complaining, coughing, and nose completely stuffed. She was crying because her ear hurt. I had been planning on calling the doctor, to take Scott & Finley in, but Finley couldn't wait until a decent hour to notify us of her discomfort. Scott has been having the same symptoms, as Finley, so I figured he probably had the same thing. Wouldn't you know it, they both have ear infections! Finley has it in both ears, Scott & Berkley - only in one. I had just taken Berk to the doctor last week. Good thing we love Dr. Wu! Too bad he gets paid a salary from the Army, or we'd be paying for a nice summer vacation! Here's to hoping the meds kick in soon, so we can get a good nights rest!

Catching Up. . .

So, it has been a long time since I last posted. Ed has commandeered the camera, so I have finally gotten a chance to download some pics. So, these are some of the events that have happened.

Berkley had her first ballet recital. They did The Lonely Goat Herder, from the Sound of Music. It was really cute! I was hoping that she would stick to it. We'll see. As of now she says it's too slow!


She did love wearing make-up and having her hair done!


She also loved getting a bunch of flowers from her fans!

We also celebrated Finley's 4th birthday! We had a little party for her at the bowling alley. She had tons of fun with her friends. This is one of her favorite gifts.


She also graduated from Joy School. Next step, Sure Start! (keeping fingers crossed!)


Ed also went on a little trip to the Kyoto/Kobe area. Ed is doing a sponsorship program with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force. He has been partnered with Sgt. Takastuka. They have been together for 3 months. Sgt. T is from Kobe & so he took Ed home for the weekend, to show him his home town.
Here is a picture of Ed with Sgt. T and his family.

I got my hair done - again! I love it! Marrisa is amazing. . .

770 days!

That is a long time! To break it down, that is 2 years, 1 month, 1 week, and 3 days. I don't even think that Ed would disagree with the results.

Look at that 'Colgate' smile! He looks great!!!

. . .but, I found a tree with a bush to hide behind. . .

This is what Berkley told me, when I asked her why she needed toilet paper for Sass. See, they were at the park playing and Sass 'really had to go bad!' This might be understandable if the park was in a remote location, where there is nothing else in sight. But no, this park is just down, half a block. So, I did what any mother would do. I told Berkley I didn't know who she was, that she must be at the wrong house. Okay, so that's not true. I grabbed the wipies and a trash bag and forged to the park. As I was nearing, I could hear her crying, but I couldn't see her. I thought that was good, at least no one else could see her either. Oh boy, was I wrong. We walked through the park and there she was standing in the clearing, naked from the waste down. Berk was right, there were trees and bushes, just Sass was standing in the middle of the opening, instead of hiding. I was mortified, since in front of her is a little Japanese road that tons of people walk and ride on. It is always busy. Behind her, is the street that runs in front of the elementary school that just let out. On the other side of the street, is the school field, where the HS boys soccer team was practicing. It really is a wonder that no one has taken that child away from me. Unfortunately, I didn't bring the camera along - sorry, you'll just have to use your imaginations!