It's been a few months since I've blogged - yep, I've completely fallen off the radar. I always said that I'd never be that blogger. But much has happened since the start of the summer and its scary how good and how bad the months have been.
I got engaged. I got a new job. My grandmother died. My parents unexpectedly PCSed to South Korea.
Yeah, all that in just a few months. I do believe in karma which explains the great things. That everything happens for a reason which explains the sad things. But it seems so odd that I can have such great things happen in one breath and such horrible things happen in another. I've tried to find the silver lining. I just wish it didn't all happen in such a rush with no time to enjoy the good before the bad arrived.
I'll be pushing multiple posts through this weekend for those who'd like to catch up on the happenings. And after this, I promise to be back.
Happy weekend all.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
2009 Yokota High School All Years Reunion Recap
Wow. The trip that I waited more than a year for has now come and gone. We came from across the nation, spent less than 36 hours in the state of TX and had a phenomenal time. Some of the best 36 hours of my life and hands down one of the best "weekend" trips I've ever taken.
Some top line highlights . . . for photos visit our group page on Facebook . . .
- The gang hit the Riverwalk up on the first nite for the official welcome mixer. Heather, Ruth Ann and I rolled up around 12:30pm and took the party to Pat O'Briens. We continued the party back at our hotel pool where we talked about old times and met some military fly boys - one of which rolled with the Thunderbirds for the past four years. Not surprising, San Antonio is crawling with boys in blue. But we were happy to meet these two and swap our military stories.
- Despite the fact that we had about three hours of sleep, the ladies and I somehow made it out of bed on Sat morning and cruised to the Riverwalk for a Mexican lunch and some sunshine. Full of queso goodness, we took to the streets and headed to the Alamo! The last time I visited the Alamo I was about seven or eight. Um, it's much smaller than I remember.
- Later that evening, the gang headed to the official reunion dinner where we met Panthers that had come before us. When we entered the room, one of the coordinators called the room to attention and all eyes fell on us. "The babies have arrived everyone. Let's show them how we party," he echoed throughout the hall. Mind you, we graduated in 1999 and 2000 - we are by no means babies but the term of endearment continued throughout the weekend and we grew to appreciate it!
- The evening was wonderful and the official DVD that they presented, which showed the past, present and future of Yokota HS, was very moving. It was fascinating to come together, swap stories and share yearbooks. The attendees hailed from the classes of the 70s and 80s. Some from the very first few classes to ever graduate from the school. (Did you know it wasn't established until the 70s?) We all had so many questions for each other. What did you do in Japan back then? What was the school like? What trouble did military kids get into then? Where did you have prom? What do you miss the most?
- While the years span between us, the stories are almost the same. Okay, so replace our grunge wear for bell bottoms. But, I always believed and do especially after this reunion, that once a Panther always a Panther. The same can be said for any military high school. It really showed me that we are truly one in the same and each hold a very special place and time in our hearts that is connected to Japan. I felt so lucky and privileged to be included in the event and to have met these fantastic and fascinating military brats.
- After the official dinner, the girls and I headed back to the Riverwalk and made sure we had a chance to dance to music from our era! Mad Dogs was the official choice and it didn't let us down. Complete with rock bottom priced drink specials and a Micheal Jackson dance off, it proved to be an outstanding location to shake our money makers.
- Sunday morning I woke up and realized that our trip was ending. And yes, hadn't it just started? Bridget headed out early and the rest of the girls headed to el Mercado for lunch and shopping. We met up with another pal from back in the day and had another round of reminiscing. One by one the girls departed and at the end of the afternoon Mikki and I found ourselves in a cab headed to the airport. We were the last to leave the great state of Texas and I certainly was sad about it.
The great thing about this weekend was, that despite the fact that some of us had been apart for more than 11 years, it seemingly didn't matter. It was like we didn't skip a beat. Sure we hadn't spoken in years. Sure we had all gone to college separately. And sure we had all grown up. But in less than 5 minutes we all fell back into a rhythm. And even as we met the brats that came before us, we all felt like old friends. That's the true beauty of being a military brat. No matter how far apart we are, no matter how many years that pass, we will always have a connection to a place in time and a place so very far away. For me and the brats I was with that weekend, that place will always be Tokyo, Japan. It will always be Yokota AFB and Yokota HS. And we will always bleed blue and gold as Panthers.
As my plane took off over San Antonio, I paused and looked out the window. Remember the Alamo? Oh I'll remember much more than that. And even though part of me was sad, so much of me was happy. This marks a new beginning. A future that holds many reunions in other random states. A future that will include these wonderful people. A future of continued friendships and a love of the land of the rising sun.
Some top line highlights . . . for photos visit our group page on Facebook . . .
- The gang hit the Riverwalk up on the first nite for the official welcome mixer. Heather, Ruth Ann and I rolled up around 12:30pm and took the party to Pat O'Briens. We continued the party back at our hotel pool where we talked about old times and met some military fly boys - one of which rolled with the Thunderbirds for the past four years. Not surprising, San Antonio is crawling with boys in blue. But we were happy to meet these two and swap our military stories.
- Despite the fact that we had about three hours of sleep, the ladies and I somehow made it out of bed on Sat morning and cruised to the Riverwalk for a Mexican lunch and some sunshine. Full of queso goodness, we took to the streets and headed to the Alamo! The last time I visited the Alamo I was about seven or eight. Um, it's much smaller than I remember.
- Later that evening, the gang headed to the official reunion dinner where we met Panthers that had come before us. When we entered the room, one of the coordinators called the room to attention and all eyes fell on us. "The babies have arrived everyone. Let's show them how we party," he echoed throughout the hall. Mind you, we graduated in 1999 and 2000 - we are by no means babies but the term of endearment continued throughout the weekend and we grew to appreciate it!
- The evening was wonderful and the official DVD that they presented, which showed the past, present and future of Yokota HS, was very moving. It was fascinating to come together, swap stories and share yearbooks. The attendees hailed from the classes of the 70s and 80s. Some from the very first few classes to ever graduate from the school. (Did you know it wasn't established until the 70s?) We all had so many questions for each other. What did you do in Japan back then? What was the school like? What trouble did military kids get into then? Where did you have prom? What do you miss the most?
- While the years span between us, the stories are almost the same. Okay, so replace our grunge wear for bell bottoms. But, I always believed and do especially after this reunion, that once a Panther always a Panther. The same can be said for any military high school. It really showed me that we are truly one in the same and each hold a very special place and time in our hearts that is connected to Japan. I felt so lucky and privileged to be included in the event and to have met these fantastic and fascinating military brats.
- After the official dinner, the girls and I headed back to the Riverwalk and made sure we had a chance to dance to music from our era! Mad Dogs was the official choice and it didn't let us down. Complete with rock bottom priced drink specials and a Micheal Jackson dance off, it proved to be an outstanding location to shake our money makers.
- Sunday morning I woke up and realized that our trip was ending. And yes, hadn't it just started? Bridget headed out early and the rest of the girls headed to el Mercado for lunch and shopping. We met up with another pal from back in the day and had another round of reminiscing. One by one the girls departed and at the end of the afternoon Mikki and I found ourselves in a cab headed to the airport. We were the last to leave the great state of Texas and I certainly was sad about it.
The great thing about this weekend was, that despite the fact that some of us had been apart for more than 11 years, it seemingly didn't matter. It was like we didn't skip a beat. Sure we hadn't spoken in years. Sure we had all gone to college separately. And sure we had all grown up. But in less than 5 minutes we all fell back into a rhythm. And even as we met the brats that came before us, we all felt like old friends. That's the true beauty of being a military brat. No matter how far apart we are, no matter how many years that pass, we will always have a connection to a place in time and a place so very far away. For me and the brats I was with that weekend, that place will always be Tokyo, Japan. It will always be Yokota AFB and Yokota HS. And we will always bleed blue and gold as Panthers.
As my plane took off over San Antonio, I paused and looked out the window. Remember the Alamo? Oh I'll remember much more than that. And even though part of me was sad, so much of me was happy. This marks a new beginning. A future that holds many reunions in other random states. A future that will include these wonderful people. A future of continued friendships and a love of the land of the rising sun.
Friday, July 10, 2009
San Antonio Bound : YHS All Years Reunion Weekend
The day has finally come! The 2009 Yokota High School All Years Reunion is upon us.
I'm thrilled to be heading down to the great state of Texas to see some of my favorite military brats. Some I haven't seen in ten years. Some I saw just the other day.
We've got a great itinerary planned. The Alamo. National Parks. Mixers on the Riverwalk. And of course, a big party on Saturday night complete with a traditional Japanese dinner and a DJ.
I'll be back next week to post pictures of our adventures and fill you in on all the details. But for now, it's blue and gold time. Panther time. And time to remember the land of the rising sun.
I'm thrilled to be heading down to the great state of Texas to see some of my favorite military brats. Some I haven't seen in ten years. Some I saw just the other day.
We've got a great itinerary planned. The Alamo. National Parks. Mixers on the Riverwalk. And of course, a big party on Saturday night complete with a traditional Japanese dinner and a DJ.
I'll be back next week to post pictures of our adventures and fill you in on all the details. But for now, it's blue and gold time. Panther time. And time to remember the land of the rising sun.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Well Wishes for My Army Brother
I've mentioned before that my brother is contracted by the Army. He attends the the University of Oklahoma on an Army scholarship and will become an officer upon graduation next May.
He's one of my favorite people. And despite the fact that he has spent almost more years apart from me than with me, we're so close.
Last week he departed for military training camp - two months, no contact. Yeish. Three days earlier he had just celebrated his 21st birthday. He made the rounds of phone calls reminding me that it wouldn't be that bad for me - we'd only miss our weekly calls. So that's like, 8. I couldn't help but smile when he said this.
I didn't think his departure would shake me. After all, we're both military brats and it's not like he's going far. He is stateside. It's just a camp. I mean, it will suck for him but it's not like it will suck for me.
But it made me sad, for a little bit. He's growing up. And even though he's been filling the role of an Army solider for the past three years, this suddenly makes it very real. Makes me realize that he's going to be graduating soon. And then going everywhere.
So, with a proud heart, I said good luck and bon voyage. Here's to you bud. We'll be thinking of you and we know you're going to rock at camp. Your scores are going to be stellar and when you get home, we'll totally celebrate your major achievements.
He's one of my favorite people. And despite the fact that he has spent almost more years apart from me than with me, we're so close.
Last week he departed for military training camp - two months, no contact. Yeish. Three days earlier he had just celebrated his 21st birthday. He made the rounds of phone calls reminding me that it wouldn't be that bad for me - we'd only miss our weekly calls. So that's like, 8. I couldn't help but smile when he said this.
I didn't think his departure would shake me. After all, we're both military brats and it's not like he's going far. He is stateside. It's just a camp. I mean, it will suck for him but it's not like it will suck for me.
But it made me sad, for a little bit. He's growing up. And even though he's been filling the role of an Army solider for the past three years, this suddenly makes it very real. Makes me realize that he's going to be graduating soon. And then going everywhere.
So, with a proud heart, I said good luck and bon voyage. Here's to you bud. We'll be thinking of you and we know you're going to rock at camp. Your scores are going to be stellar and when you get home, we'll totally celebrate your major achievements.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Over the Celebrity Hype: Real Heroes Die Every Day
This week marked the passing of three high profile celebrities: Ed Mc Mahon, Farrah Fawcett and Micheal Jackson. While I am certainly aware of each of them, the attention they received in the social media universe and the traditional media space was crazy. Particularly the King of Pop.
Word of his condition spread on Twitter like wildfire before traditional media could even get a foot in the door. Everyone I followed seemed to want to jump on the bandwagon and almost all had something to say.
I follow @PattyGale on Twitter. I often agree with a lot of comments she makes and this week she tweeted something that resonated so strongly with me. "Sorry, can't get into the last 2 days of news. Sad for the families yes. However, real heroes die every day & don't get headlines."
I loved this statement - I had been thinking it since I began to see the Twitter flurry that had erupted over MJ's death. She literally took the words out of my mouth.
I had no desire to tweet about their deaths. I had no desire to state my unending (and mind you non-existent) love for the musician. I think it's crazy that fans rushed to his home and hospital. That people were overcome with emotion - bursting into tears.
It's not that I don't think that passings aren't important - they are. But they are private. And most importantly, I do feel that we channel an inappropriate amount of energy into how much we care about people that appear on the silver screen or fill our heads with tunes.
I think its fine to pause, reflect on a life, and wish nothing but peace to the ones they left behind. I just don't think I need to participate in what I call a celebrity Twitterpaloza.
Patty's right. Real heroes die every day and few stop to pay attention. And if you're a regular reader of my blog you know that I'm referring to the military members of our fine nation.
I do think it is fascinating that some people can touch our lives in profound ways, even if we never meet them. For those people to change our line of thought, to help us look at the world in a different way or broaden our horizons. But for me, those people are rarely celebrities. They are often the men and women of our nation's great forces. Because they are my heroes.
Word of his condition spread on Twitter like wildfire before traditional media could even get a foot in the door. Everyone I followed seemed to want to jump on the bandwagon and almost all had something to say.
I follow @PattyGale on Twitter. I often agree with a lot of comments she makes and this week she tweeted something that resonated so strongly with me. "Sorry, can't get into the last 2 days of news. Sad for the families yes. However, real heroes die every day & don't get headlines."
I loved this statement - I had been thinking it since I began to see the Twitter flurry that had erupted over MJ's death. She literally took the words out of my mouth.
I had no desire to tweet about their deaths. I had no desire to state my unending (and mind you non-existent) love for the musician. I think it's crazy that fans rushed to his home and hospital. That people were overcome with emotion - bursting into tears.
It's not that I don't think that passings aren't important - they are. But they are private. And most importantly, I do feel that we channel an inappropriate amount of energy into how much we care about people that appear on the silver screen or fill our heads with tunes.
I think its fine to pause, reflect on a life, and wish nothing but peace to the ones they left behind. I just don't think I need to participate in what I call a celebrity Twitterpaloza.
Patty's right. Real heroes die every day and few stop to pay attention. And if you're a regular reader of my blog you know that I'm referring to the military members of our fine nation.
I do think it is fascinating that some people can touch our lives in profound ways, even if we never meet them. For those people to change our line of thought, to help us look at the world in a different way or broaden our horizons. But for me, those people are rarely celebrities. They are often the men and women of our nation's great forces. Because they are my heroes.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
My Father, My Hero
In honor of Father's Day, I wanted to pause for a moment and write a brief post about my wonderful father. While he's not one for gushiness, I try to always make a point of telling him that he's the best father in the world on this very special day.
The Dad who wears BDUs and serves his country selflessly every day. The Dad that not only takes care of me but of ALL of his troops - even when that number is over 300. The Dad who sends me laughter via email when he's in Iraq. The Dad who never forgets to thank his family for their support of his service.
My Dad really is the best Dad - but not just because he's in the military. While it cannot be denied that his occupation was my one way ticket to travel the world, the opportunity to speak different languages and see other cultures, or live out such extraordinary adventures, he's amazing without the military hooah. After all, he is the man that held my hand throughout that journey and the man that made it such an incredible adventure.
Truth is, my father is someone I will always aspire to be like. An amazing leader. An amazing role model. Brave. Intelligent. Generous heart. Brilliant sense of humor.
I would not be the strong, independent, fearless woman I am today if it were not for him. He made me believe in myself from day one and because of that I always believe that I can do anything. That I am someone special. And without him, I would have never learned to push myself beyond the limits I think I have.
After all, it was my father who helped me climb to the top of Mt. Fuji when I thought I could not climb another foot. It was my father who told me it would be okay when I moved my senior year of high school and was faced with rebuilding my life yet again. It was my father who taught me the true meaning of suck it up and press on.
And it was my father who offered profound wisdom to me when he told me that when it comes to life that it is "not the result it is the journey." Something I have taken to heart and tried to live by every day.
Many thanks to my phenomenal father for all that he has done and all that he will do. I love you Dad. You are my hero.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Stephen Colbert: MR. USO
Stephen Colbert did an AMAZING job in Iraq this week. His four shows were witty, tasteful and most of all tremendously supportive of our brave men and women stationed in the land of sand.
Some of my favorite things about this week . . . I really enjoyed when . . .
- Colbert flew with the AF Thunderbirds. I liked watching Colbert's reaction, mid song, during takeoff. In regards to the pilots, as a Air Force brat, I've always loved a man in a flight suit and this was no exception. The Thunderbirds are all SUPER hot and they are unbelievably talented.
- Colbert complimented the troops for doing their job in "140 degree heat in full battle rattle." When my Dad was in Iraq he'd tell us how the insane the heat was. It's something we can never understand here.
- Colbert compared Iraq to a bag of trail mix and said the the M&Ms were the US Troops.
- Watching Deputy Prime Minister Baham Saleh discuss Iraq and his gratitude to the US Forces.
- Seeing and hearing the entire palace sing the Army Song - proud and strong after Colbert attempted to get them to do the hokey pokey.
- Tom Hanks and Colbert packed care packages for the troops. It was my favorite part when Colbert tried to send puppies and ice cream to Iraq
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Tom Hanks Care Package | ||||
| ||||
A big THANKS to Colbert, his entire team and of course the USO. If you missed any of the shows this week visit the microsite for his tour Mr. USO.
You can watch full episodes there or download them via iTunes. Proceeds from your iTunes purchase will benefit the USO. If you have a few dollars please also visit the USO's website and donate money. Our troops, and their families, rely on the USO. When you help support the USO, you help them.
If you're tight on cash but want to help, try doing something for a family of a local military family. Bake them cookies. Help find a babysitter. Stop by to just say thank you. The families left at home are at war too - just in a very different way.
A special shout out to all our men and women serving abroad. It was great to see you this week - tan and smiling! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. You're all of our heroes!
***Special note: photo courtesy of the MR. USO website ***
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