The longer we are here the faster time seems to be going. This month was almost strangely speedy though. I started volunteering more often, including an entire week (part-time) of organizing storage for the new USO Okinawa branch office. It was sort of heaven for me, sorting through office supplies and putting them in order. Although I only worked half days, by the time I drove back and forth to the other base and then did my normal daily errands and chores, the day was done!!! No time for the beach...pffft!!! I haven't posted here at all this month, but check over at Kacey's Kitchen where I've been doing an "Eating Japan" series of everything we've been shoving in our faces...oink oink! Now, onto the recap!
Let's start off with a smiling face... How she lays like this with her legs only an inch off the ground, I'll never understand.
I can't get enough of the beach. Kassie, Maylee and I explored some islands on the eastern side of Okinawa and found what I think is my new favorite hidden beach. Don't go there. It's really horrible.
Aaron's parents sent us a Betsy Ross flag just in time for Fourth of July. It actually looked really nice in this huge window. Plus, Aaron is a direct descendant of Betsy Ross, so we definitely have to represent the family! True story.
Have I mentioned you can get really cheap and really good massages here? I'm talking $30 per hour. Crazzzy! This may or may not be my first one here. But, it was my first Lomilomi, which is a Hawaiian massage. Kacey approved for sure.
We signed up for library memberships and received this awesome pin. Libraries remind me of a dream I had where I said "Read more books motherfuckers", and ever since, I have really wanted to make that saying a t-shirt. You heard it here first.
Aaron finally got certified and we were able to go diving together a couple of weeks ago. We did two dives and had tons of fun. I forgot how hungry and tired diving makes you. We went right off the Sunabe Seawall. Although people dive there all the time and say how nice it is, I couldn't believe HOW nice it was. At one people I was floating around at about 45 feet and actually thought to myself "Wow, I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of coral!". Geez. Dumbass. Ha!!!
On our way back from returning our rental gear, we stopped for mango shaved ice at a stand run by two older gentlemen. I pass them all the time and have never stopped before. It's going to be hard to drive past WITHOUT stopping from now on. Shaved ice is a huge thing here, it's like snowcone but a MILLION times better. It's light and fluffy and they layer the toppings. You can even get them with azuki beans (red beans)!
Breakfast is awesome and brunch with champagne and friends is even better. A few of us in the neighborhood have been taking turns with brunch on the weekends, which is one of the most brilliant ideas EVER. I made baked caprese egg bites one day. My turn to host next!
Not the most exciting picture, but it's so nice that Italian tomato chicken (which I think is supposed to be Chicken Parmesan) comes with peace!
We like to torture the cat. On this particular day, I dressed her in the shirt I was brought home from the hospital in. She just laid there, defeated. Muahaha!
Penis cookies. I'm not even going to go there...my parents read this blog.
This book was recommended to me, and I finally got around to checking it out at the bookstore. This book is beautiful, and has so many fresh Japanese basics. It would fit lovely in my kitchen if anyone wants to buy it for me.
I've been desperately needing a hair cut, and although a few years ago I swore off dying my hair to go all natural, I couldn't help feel like I needed a change. I received a ton of in-town stylish recommendations and eventually made my decision based on closing my eyes and pointing to the list and made my appointment at Earth. Armed with multiple photos and a list of English=Japanese hair style terms, I decided to go all out. I paid extra for a higher level stylist, opted for highlights, and chose a deep conditioning treatment. A few people came over to talk with me about options and what I wanted done, they wrote everything up and reviewed the price with me to make sure I was okay with it. I thought that was awesome. No surprises!!! I showed my inspiration photos and then told the colorist that he was free to use his judgement, which seemed to take him by surprise but was very happy about. The only thing I told the stylist was "lots of LONG layers" and I want to keep my hair very long. After 5 HOURS in the chair (not an exaggeration), multiple glasses of iced tea, my butt was sore, but I left a happy girl. I originally requested a subtle ombre coloring, so when I took the picture below, I was a little concerned because I had foil all the way to my scalp.... But being as flexible as I am with my hair (I really don't care), I was curious what he decided to do.
The colorist was awesome, we talked quite a bit, his English was pretty good, and I tried to speak in as much Japanese as possible, which I'm sure I butchered because they were really amused with it. We also taught each other some words in our respective languages. I felt like a tool being a little nervous to speak with him so much, but it got easier as the hours passed. Gotta take advantage of speaking the language when I can! So I was happy with the color, but I was BLOWN away (hehe) buy the stylist. This was BY FAR the best hair cut I've ever had in my life. Even though he was really tall, he ended up kneeling most of the time to cut the back of my hair. He was a wizard with scissors I tell you. He really did keep my length, which you can see on the picture on the right (I was headed to bed when I took that picture) and thinned my hair so much I swear I lost 10lbs. I have really thick hair, and was so impressed with the way he thinned it out with scissors (not a razor), that it really showed off the layers and actually makes my hair manageable. The picture on the right shows the color a little bit more, although it's another weird photo - I'm sure you'll see better pictures in the upcoming posts. I have highlights on top also, but those are a little more subtle then the ones underneath, which I love. People say there are better places to go, but I'm going to have a hard time leaving this stylist.
KayCee, Kaylee and I did a last minute beach trip to catch the sunset the other day. Seriously, anywhere you go here the view is beautiful.
I feel like these might be floating around the US somewhere, but either way, I found them interesting. So...it's basically a $1.00 (¥100) converter for smaller batteries when you need a larger one. I feel like it would melt my gadget, but if you've tried it, let me know.
I had the pleasure of dog sitting ANOTHER lab. This is Millie, and it's not just her brown coat that reminds me so much of Bosco, but her personality as well. She thinks shes a human and she'll do anything for your love. Unfortunately she hurt her leg at some point, so we weren't able to play as much as we would have liked, but she did get some human cuddle time in, with both me and the elephant.
Lauryn and I dubbed this entire day amazing before it was even 1pm. After walking the dogs we headed off to do some paddleboarding in the East China Sea at Torii Beach. This was my first time and it definitely showed. The ocean was a little choppy (for beginners) once we got out there, but I was able to stand up a few times and we had fun just paddling around on our knees as well. After baking in the sun for about an hour we decided to return them ($5 an hour) and float around in the water just enjoying the day. I couldn't believe how many different muscles it took to stay balanced, pros make it look so easy! We later grabbed some gyros at Sunabe Gyro's (I got goat, she got falafel) and sat on the seawall enjoying our delicious grub. Picture of my view below. It was just a really good relaxing day all around.
At the end of the month we sponsored a new guy moving to the island and joining Aaron's squadron. We were pretty excited about this. The new guy seemed pretty cool based on the emails and phone calls we exchanged, and we were happy we could help someone out. At a minimum, the base requests that you pick up the new person, book lodging for them, and show them around. When you take into consideration that no one has a car or even a drivers license when they first get here, there is lots of relying on complete strangers for help. Seeing that we only arrived in February, our lack of freedom was fresh in our minds and we were determined to be awesome sponsors! Anyway, the new guy ended up being really cool and laid back and I'd like to think we helped him get settled in a little and have some fun.
While waiting at the airport, I had to get some shots with the mascot. He's so happy sitting in an airport all day!
Last but not least, fancy turtle! While browsing a pet store, I stumbled upon the store turtle. I'm not sure where he/she was going all dressed up like that, but it was a pretty huge and cool dude.
Again, sorry for not realizing this post hadn't actually post. In just a few days, we'll be recapping August! Woo Woo!!!
So tell me, what have you been up to?
Do you have a blog with monthly recaps? If so, leave me the link and I'll share them with the world!!
Click here for all of the past monthly recaps.
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