Missing Jason...

It's been a little over 2 weeks since I watched Jason's bus pull out of the parking lot with a final destination in the middle east. I go through my days with laughs and smiles- determined not to let the fear and sadness change who I am on the inside or the outside. Some may view those smiles as if I'm not actually missing Jason, but please let me assure you- I am.

I miss my best friend, the person who I share everything with. Of course I miss the companionship, the togetherness. But it's the small things that I miss the most. I miss how he pokes me from behind when I don't know he's there. Or how he tries to slap my rear end in public because he knows it embarrasses me to death! Or how he gives our cat Grace a "voice" that always takes his side in any dispute and I can't help to laugh. I miss how he yells "I'm home!" when he comes home from work. I miss how he holds up 10 fingers at the gym while I'm on the elliptical machine indicating he'll be done with his workout in 10 minutes. I miss how he tells me I'm beautiful at the most random times.

I miss it all.... and while I allow my Facebook status to always be funny, upbeat or otherwise mundane. Missing Jason is a constant emotion I feel. No matter what. And I will continue to feel that way until I have him standing safely in front of me, God willing, 7 months from now.

Please keep us, all of our troops and our families in your prayers.

Ryukyu Kings vs Fukoka Rizing

My friend Susie and I went to a professional basketball game last night. The Ryukyu Kings is a new francise here in Okinawa. I don't know how the popularity of basketball compares to other major sporting events, but the arena they played was very small! Maybe comparable to my high school gym. But the crowd was really into it and the game moved fast. As you can tell, there were several American's playing on both teams. I'm guessing these are guys who didn't get picked up by the NBA after college. The Japanese players were quick and passed the ball and took open jump shots, but it was the taller Americans who took it to the hoop! I think there were at least 10 slam dunks last night. I recorded a brief video of the opening. As you can see, it is very similar to what you might see at a game at the states! And if you can't understand anything the announcer is saying, it's all in Japanese- except of course the American players names. We had a great time and Susie said it best when she looked over at me and said, "Can you believe we are at a professional basketball game in Japan? This is so cool!"

Jason is still training. Thank you everyone who have kept us in your thoughts and prayeres.

Our New Favorite Sushi Place!

Just minutes from our house, a great new sushi bar opened called Gen. The rainbow roll was excellent and rivals the Kitakaisen rolls. A definate "new favorite place" for us! Fresh sushi is something I will miss when we move back to the states.

Busena Terrace, Busena Cape, Okinawa

We spent last weekend at the Busena Terrace Resort. The weather here has finally started to cool down a bit, so it was a perfect time to enjoy the beach and pool. This resort was- by far- the nicest place we have ever stayed. It comes with a pretty big price tag, but it's a short drive away and a nice alternative from flying to another country. The G8 Summit was held in Okinawa in 2000, and the Busena Terrace was where the world leaders stayed during the summit. It certainly exceeded all my expectations! It was just a nice relaxing time, great food, good weather!

After a full morning at the pool, we had coffee and cake in this nice little open air restaurant while listening to someone play a clarinet in the background. It was so peaceful and relaxing.

Later, we had teppanyaki style dinner at Ryutan. It was traditional Okinawan foods prepared right in front of us. They asked us to have dessert on the terrace. Although some of the staff spoke English, like everywhere we go in Japan- communication was not easy. Our waitress came out with her camera and asked to take our picture. We were a little confused why, but later she came out with a calendar she had made on a computer with our picture. It was very cute and a nice souvenir!

Jason's Birthday

Jason turned 34 on September 1st, which also happened to be Labor Day, so we enjoyed a nice 3 day weekend. Thanks to everyone who sent cards in the mail. Jason also recieved a Dwight Schrute bobble head which sits proudly at his desk and Season 4 of The Office.

Jason Climbs Mt Fuji-Tokyo

Schrager's Visit Okinawa

Well we must have been "pictured out" after Tokyo. By the time Jeff and Carol got here, we took very few pictures and didn't take ONE picture of the four of us. But, we enjoyed their stay all the same. Unfortunately I didn't keep up with the Japanese holidays and offered to take them to an antique store north on the island, but the traffic was horrible because it was the start of the 3 day Obon celebration. Due to an unexpected call from my boss in regards to a random drug test- we cut the day short and never made it to do antique shopping. Just as well-- since I learned Sacchi's was closed for Obon anyway.

Our first stop on Saturday was the Japanese Underground Naval headquarters. It's where the Japanese hid and coordinated their attacks before the battle of Okinawa. It was pretty impressive to see the tunnels that were dug- but unbelievable so many people were living down there. Later, we spent a HOT afternoon at the Peace Prayer Park, dedicated to all those who died in WWII Battle of Okinawa. Next- the Ryuku Glass factory/shop and I finally invested in some nice glass pieces (thanks Jeff). Finally we had a late lunch at an "off the beaten path" restaurant nicknamed by us American's as "Thai in the Sky".

We got to share all our favorite restaraunts and a nice little coffee place, the Hearth Cafe that serves great coffee, salads, and deserts. I'll have to order the "Double Cream Hearth Toast" the next time I'm there after I took a taste of Carols and it was so good!

Jason is in Tokyo now. He's with a tour group to climb Mt Fuji, but they have a few days in Tokyo first. He had one of the doctors he works with (who is Japanese) buy tickets to a minor league baseball game, but after a couple of innings the game was rained out. He's climbing Mt Fuji on Sunday. He has the camera, so I'll be sure to post some pictures from the top once he gets back. The pictures posted below are the view from Thai in the Sky, the Japanese Naval Underground headquarters and the memorial wall at the Peace Prayer park and Jason and I in front of one of the monuments.