Kidney Stones

Just to let you all know, Ben is in the hospital in Kuwait. He was admitted last night. He's been having problems with kidney stones again/still. I guess they never really stopped after the first ones a year and a half ago. But he went to the dr at Buehring yesterday, and they sent him down to the hospital at Arifjan. He's got two stones in his right kidney, a lot of pain in his left, and possibly an embedded stone in one of the tubes and a UTI. So needless to say he's in pain. They've got him all drugged up right now, so it's not too bad. And he sounded a lot better this afternoon than he did last night. There's really not a whole lot they can do for him right now, other than give him pain meds. They don't have a Urologist in Kuwait. So they are going to keep him there until he passes these two stones and is feeling better. If he's not feeling better after they pass, they may have to medevac him up to Germany to see the Urologist there. Hopefully there's nothing too serious wrong. Not that kidney stones aren't serious, but you know what I mean. He'll be home in about a month, so if he can just hang on until then. He promises me they are taking really good care of him now. I'm still kinda skeptical though, just because I'm not there to see it. I was debating with myself which is worse: being by his bedside seeing him laid up in pain and not being able to do anything or being half way around the world and not being able to do anything. I decided it's worse to not be with him. I'm not there to hear what the dr has to say and to see that he's getting the best care. Atleast when I'm with him I can hold his hand and really know that things are ok. I wish they would just send him home, but that's not the way the Army works. I know, one month. July is almost half way over and he'll be home in August. It's so close, yet still so far. I'm beginning to think the end of the deployment is just as bad as the beginning. You know they'll be home soon, but the days just don't pass fast enough. It's been a really long rough week. My best friend moved back to the states, my husband is in the hospital and there's nothing I can do about it, and it was that time of month on top of it so I've been all emotional and hormonal anyway. But anywho, that's what's going on right now. I'll keep you updated and what happens with Ben. Hopefully he's back on his feet soon.

Happy 4th of July

Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July. Make sure you eat an extra hamburger and shoot off a couple extra fireworks for us! =)

Army Ball

The annual Army Birthday Ball was tonight. And even though I didn't have a date I decided to go anyway. One, I got to go for free; and two, it gave me a reason to play dress up. I've never been to an Army Ball before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. As one of my friends described it, it's kinda like Prom for adults. And it kinda was. It started out like most military functions- Posting of Colors, National Anthems (both Japan's and America's), etc. Then they did the Streamer Ceremony. This was new to me, and I can't really explain how it all works. But basically they go through the history of the Army and connect these streamers/ribbons to the Army flag after each time period. I'll admit, I was a little lost then. After the Welcome Remarks and Invocation, they The Toast. This was new to me too. Every one's place setting included a wine glass and each table had a bottle of red and white wine. You pour yourself some wine and then do these toasts. No, I didn't drink the wine. I didn't even like the smell of it. And according to everyone else at the table it wasn't that great anyway. But anyway, the made a toast to the Prime Minister of Japan, the President of the United States of America, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (the Japanese Army), the United States Army, Our Fallen Comrades, and then finally the Ladies. I found the toast for the Fallen Comrades really interesting. They have a table set for one, with no one sitting there, that represents those who have fallen in combat, who are MIA, prisoners of war, etc. And they go through all the different symbolisms of this table, followed by a moment of silence. I don't remember what each thing symbolized, but I thought it was really neat and a great way to honor those who weren't able to be there. After all the Toasts, the Army Band played the USARJ (US Army Japan) March and the Army song. So that was all in the first 45-60 minutes. It was a lot of sit down, now stand up, sit back down, now stand back up. Finally we were able to start eating and the entertainment started. The first thing they had was a Tuna Cutting Show. For those who don't know, Japan has the biggest fish market in the world, and it's actually not too far from here in Tokyo. But basically this team of chefs brought in this big tuna, and cut it up for us. Then of course it was served to each table.

I know these aren't the best pics. They had us at the table in the back corner and it was kinda dark in the ballroom. But that's a pic of them cutting the tuna of the big screen. It's really kinda cool and interesting how they cut it up. It's huge and in maybe half an hour they had the whole thing cut up and served. Amazing!

The final result! It's called Sashimi, and basically it's just raw fish. I didn't try any. I'm not a big fan of fish to begin with. But raw fish?! Yeah, I'll pass on that.

This was my dinner- Chicken Cordon Bleu, carrots and potatoes. It was actually really good. The carrots had some kind of honey glaze which was alright, but over all I was pleased. Could have had a little more food, but I have to remember that servings in Japan are smaller than those of the States. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

After dinner, the entertainment started with Taiko. Those are the drums that the Japanese play. I think that was the first time I had actually seen a Taiko performance in person. It was really cool! I don't know how else to really explain it. I'm sure you could find some videos on YouTube if you wanted to check it out. Then after they performed, a group called Ko-La performed. It's a group of 3 girls from Korea who play classical music on electric instruments (violin, flute, and cello). They were pretty good, but I was ready for them to be done after a few songs. Sorry, didn't get any pics of them. After they performed, they had the Cake-Cutting Ceremony, followed by the Guest Speaker. SMA (Ret) Jack L. Tilley came and spoke. He was the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army and served in the Army for 36 years. He served in Vietnam, was at the Pentagon on Sept. 11th, and really just accomplished a lot in his career. You know, I did pretty good through out the evening when it came to not having Ben there, until the end of his speach. He was talking about how we all have our parts to do in the Army, and then asked us to close our eyes and listen. They then played the song "I'm Already There" by Lonestar. The version where they have the wives and families talking about their family members who are deployed. Yeah, I couldn't help but start crying then. That song makes me cry anyway, but to be there without my husband who is actually deployed was almost a little too much. I know he'll be home next month, but I still miss him. But anyway, I'm glad he played that at the end, and that I had put some kleenex in my purse (not for that reason, but it worked). So then they had the Closing Remarks, Benediction, and Retirement of the Colors. They had a dance afterwards, but that's when I left. I didn't have anyone to dance with and I was starting to get a headache anyway.

All in all it was a fun night. And I learned some new stuff. We've been in the Army for 4 years now, and I'm still learning new stuff. I met some new people, and got to catch up with others. It was fun to get out and get all dressed up. Ben called just after I got home and we talked for a bit. He asked if I'd go again. I'd go again, but not without him. It's kinda awkward being there without a soldier on my arm. But it was worth it.

Just a few more pics. This is an ice sculpture they had at the entrance. It has the US Army Japan logo I guess you call it, along with all the different logos for all the units stationed here. I'm sure there's another name for them, but it's late and I can't think of them now.

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without pictures of me. I should have taken pics before I left, but seeing how I'm living here alone, it makes it kinda hard. It's been raining so it's all humid which makes my hair not so cooperative and you just start sweating when you go outside so my makeup didn't look that great, but oh well. I ordered my dress online, and it got here Monday night. I tried it on, and it fit in the waist but the chest was like 3 sizes too big. So I took it down to the alterations shop Tuesday and just got it back this afternoon. They did a great job, despite how busy they were this week. It fit great! I got so many compliments tonight. It's so fun feeling all pretty. What a fun night!

Happy Dogs

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Our dogs are spoiled! But they are our babies, so what do you expect.

They love popcorn. I had a bowl while watching a movie, so I decided to share. That way I don't feel as bad for eating the whole bowl, because I don't. Hehe! =)

Misty always seems to have her tongue out when I take her picture. Apparently the popcorn was lip licking good.

It was nice and sunny yesterday so I took them down to the dog park to run around. Ok so they spend more time eating grass and marking their territory than they do playing, but oh well. It gets us all out of the house for a little bit.

And they love riding in the car too. Just look at those big smiles! =)

Free Bowling Thursdays

Every Thursday the bowling alley has free bowling from 3-close. It's supposed to be for "family time", but it's not often you actually see families there. At least not when I've been there. You'll see a few, but it's mostly just kids. Anyway, that's not the point of this post. There have been many Thursdays where I would meet up with Maryl and the kids and we'd head down for a game or two. I was really sad when I realized this past Thursday was going to be our last time going together. They PCS next week, which is depressing in and of itself (for me anyway). But I did remember my camera this week, so here's a few shots of our fun bowling trip.

I think this is the one of the best pictures I have ever gotten of Tate. She was just chillin' while we got our shoes and balls and everything ready.

Who needs bowling shoes when you've got these cool bright pink crocs?!?!

Calum is one great little bowler. He's so funny. Maryl is trying to teach him the concept of running and throwing the ball so it doesn't take an hour to get down the lane. Well he got the running part down, but then he gets to the line and basically just drops the ball. It did have a little more speed that way I guess.
Tate thought it was her turn next. And I'm pretty sure she was thinking "I don't need Mom's help" as she climbed over the sign that says "Parents, please assist your children."


I did manage to pull off a win, by 2 pins. Maryl and I were tied the last few frames, and it was the very last ball that decided the winner. I will admit we did use the bumpers, but I didn't need their help much this game. I'm slowly getting better. Still do better on the Wii, but hey, I think actual bowling is still more fun. =)

Have You Been Drinking, Ma'am?

Apparently we have a problem with people drinking and driving here. In the past 36 hours, I've had to do a breathalyzer test twice. Not because I was pulled over for driving like a crazy person, but because they do them as you go on and off post. They are supposed to be "random". Yeah, uh huh. In the past month and a half, maybe two months, I've done a total of 5 or 6 tests. I made it a whole year here before having to do my first one, and then I ended up doing two in the same day. Same trip! I was on my way home from work over at the elementary school, so like 230/300 in the afternoon. I had to do one as I left SHA (the housing area about 10 minutes from the main post) and then I had to do it again to get on post at Zama. Seriously?! I still had my name badge on from the school. Do I look like I've been drinking?!?! Then yesterday it was like 11 am, and today it was about 8 pm. I don't remember what time the other ones were. And it's not like I can say "no, I'm not going to do it." Well I could, but then I'd get in trouble, they'd take away my driver's license and I wouldn't be able to drive here for the rest of the time that I'm here. (Although that might not be so bad... :P ) But it's not like I have anything to hide. So I'll continue to roll my eyes when I see them standing at the gate, ask the MP doing it: "seriously, again?!?!", and blow on their dumb little sensor and everyone will be happy.

Petting Zoo & Shrine Sale

I know, it's been a while since I last updated this. Nothing exciting has really happened lately though. School's out for the summer, so I'm done working for now. I haven't decided if I'll do it again next year or not. We'll just have to see how things play out when Ben gets back. Speaking of which, we're down to about 2 months left. YAY!!! But now August just can't come soon enough. I'm way past ready for him to be home. But anyway, I have done a few fun things in the past few weeks so here's a few pics.

These first ones are from a trip to Sagamihara Park with my friend Denise and her daughter Abby. It had finally stopped raining for a while so we headed down to the little petting zoo they have there. It's so much fun going out with them.

About half the animals are animals you would find on a farm back in the states. They even had a cow, but I didn't get a picture of it. I think that's the first cow I've seen since I've been in Japan. You see the everywhere back home. Well, you used to anyway.

Abby was just fascinated with this peacock. Can you blame her?! Look at those beautiful colors!

This raccoon reminded me of my dogs. Smokey likes to sleep all sprawled out. It's rather funny.

Before we left, we went over to the fountain area and let Abby play for a little bit. She's just testing the water here, but she was pretty much soaked by the time we left. There were some older Japanese couples sitting on some benches in the area who were getting a kick out of watching her, and watching Denise try to get her out of the water. She wasn't afraid of it, and sure didn't want to leave. Even after turning around and being sprayed in the face. =)

My next adventure was to the Machida Shrine Sale. The first of every month they have what they call a Shrine Sale down in Machida, which is about a 10 minute train ride from here. It's basically a big flea market on the shrine grounds. That's the best way I can think to describe it anyway.

There are tons of people there, and you can find pretty much anything. From kimonos to dishes, and buttons to tools. And everything in between of course. Nothing really jumped out at me, but I did get a couple bracelets. Probably paid a little more than I should have, but oh well. I like them.

This is my baby Tate. Ok, so she's actually Maryl's baby, but I like to pretend she's mine. We've become pretty good buds over the past year. She's just the sweetest thing with the cutest smile.

I stopped at Starbucks on the way back to the train station, and she wanted to play with my cup once I was done. I'm pretty sure she thought that was the best toy ever! I'm so sad that they are leaving in less than a month. Maryl and her family have become my family while Ben's been gone. I don't know how many times I've been over there for dinner or we've gone out on day trips. I've tried convincing Ben that we need to go to Texas with them, but he won't go for that. Oh well. It is the Army so there's always the chance that we'll meet up again someday.

So that's my exciting news for the past month, which really isn't so exciting. Guess I'll have to work on that so I don't go crazy in the next two months while I'm done working and waiting for Ben to come home. Hmmm... I'll keep ya posted on what I come up with. =)