Moving On

After Brian joined us back in Norfolk permanently at the end of June, it has taken a month to set in that we are indeed back in the USA and moving on to our next "tour of duty." For the most part, I've tried to only look ahead and haven't let myself feel too sad. I've been too excited about visiting family and friends, eating plums and (American) sweet potatoes, and the freedom that comes with all-American shopping options! But to be completely honest, it's been a bittersweet move for many reasons:

• It's hard leaving a foreign country that in three short years we experienced fully and grew to love--as our first home as a family of four; but we are happy to be returning to a somewhat familiar place near another ocean, with a lot of exploring yet to do.
  

• We will be sacrificing family time with Brian as he will be at sea often (not to mention his own sacrificies of a more stressful job with much responsibility and a long deployment); but we will be closer to extended family.

• We were sad to say good-bye to many of our friends in Japan; but it has been fun saying hello to many friends we have been out of touch with.
  

• We were surpised that the moving process in the Navy is definately getting easier the second time around (I probably should've waited till we receive our HHG before I said that); yet we know not all the kinks have been worked out and we'll be doing this all over again every two to three years...

But by now, you know me--always up for a new adventure (after airing a few complaints, that is!) Thank you for joining us in our Japanese journey! I hope you'll keep in touch and follow my next blog, which I hope will be filled with words worthy of some of your valuable free time (although I doubt any other content will lend itself as well to a blog as Japanese culture did!)

The new blog address: http://www.norwoodsinnorfolk.blogspot.com/, of course.

Voyatzis Visit

The girls and I had fun visiting Nana, Grandpa, and Uncle Jimmy in Greensboro, NC, while Brian had to return to Japan for two weeks. Here are a few of the highlights: swimming daily in the new pool with Nana and Grandpa as lifeguards, enjoying the awesome Little Tikes play kitchen and food Nana and Aunt Laura scored at a church fundraiser (all for $1!), trips to a couple of parks despite the heat, rough-housing with Uncle Jimmy, the fun and newly renovated Children's Museum, the animals and play area at the Natural Science Center, and playing the piano often (even Millie's). And we finally convinced Sydney to wear her Greek "koukla" (Greek for doll) t-shirt to get a photo with Grandpa the night we ate at a Greek restaurant.

Norwood Camp

After a few short days in Norfolk to square away a new home for ourselves, we relied on our newly released (from storage) Pilot to get us up to MA and NH for Curtis' wedding and a visit with Brian's family.

Here are a few highlights: Sydney swam in the cold lake with cousins Shane and Valerie, we saw Aunt Cindy and Uncle Bruce's farm and animals, Matt, Sandy and Cole came to camp for a visit, the girls ate breakfast (Life with blueberries) every day with Grampie, and we finally convinced Sydney to wear the less-than-frilly, gray "Future BU med student" t-shirt for a photo with Grampie. The girls spent the rest of the time monkeying around as usual, claiming the place as their own.

Curtis and Zareen's Wedding

Brian's medical school friend, Curtis, had to plan his wedding about one week too early for us, even though we told him it was going to be tough to make it since we'd be moving back from Japan.


We were just kidding about working around us, of course. Though it wasn't looking good for a little while, we eventually pulled it off, working some logistical magic! Brian just had to go back to Japan for two weeks to finish up with moving out of our off-base house and checking out of his command.















We were really glad to make it to Curtis' home town of Cape Cod to celebrate with him and his new wife, Zareen. We also got to visit with our good friends, Dave (another medical school friend) and his wife Danielle, while leaving the kids with Brian's parents--another reason it's great to be back! We're already planning when we can unload them on my parents.

Blast From the Past

We were very lucky to be welcomed home also by Brian's former Commanding Officer in Japan, Captain Krentz, and his lovely wife Kathy. They drove down from D.C. to see us two days after we arrived back in the States. We enjoyed a delicious Mexican lunch together in Norfolk. And it was just weeks before they returned to Japan, so we know they were busy.

Kathy is my good friend, so I know she'll be particularly pleased that I referred to her affectionately as a "blast." Those who know her energy (she gives new meaning to "Chatty Kathy") would have to agree. It was the first title that came to mind.

Back in the USA

We were welcomed home by my parents and my sister, who greeted us at the Norfolk airport with open arms. Well, actually, they were talking amongst themselves and hardly noticed us walk up to them, since they thought our plane was coming in an hour later than it did. (Wish I had a photo of that!) But once we woke up the welcoming committee, we felt very welcome indeed.

We couldn't have managed our two girls, 4 carry-ons, 7 checked bags, 2 carseats, 1 double stroller, and most importantly the dog-filled crate without their support and in particular, their two cars! (Especially given the sleep deprivation.) But we definitely made room for the two red, white, and blue life-size "Raggedies," a patriotic welcome home gift from Nana!

We are thankful to be back in the USA, closer to our families, even if only for two years!

Moving Day(s)!

Or "weeee" as Miranda would say about any fun ride! Oh, to be so young and naive!

Our move back to the US was set into motion when two weeks before our departure, the first set of movers came to pack up 1,000 pounds or less of the "essential" things (but not furniture) that we'll need right away--well, in about 4 to 6 weeks--to be sent by air. This was formerly known as your "Express Shipment," which must have pissed off enough people to the point they changed the name to "Unaccompanied Baggage."

Then phase two included the rest of our worldly (literally) possessions, which were packed up over two days into 6 1/2 huge crates and sent on a boat. Maybe 7,000 pounds worth? (And we can't forget the approximate 5,000 pounds we have had in storage for 3 years! We're allowed a total up to 17,500 lbs...who knew I could have kept shopping?!)

It was a little unnerving at first for Sydney to see things disappearing gradually. But once I explained that we were going to our new home in the United States by plane and her toys were going on a boat and she'll get them back eventually, she was on board with the plan. Really, what choice did she have?

She came to terms with this also because I kept a few key toys, and took her and Miranda out of the house every day doing something fun with friends for the rest of the week, so they didn't get too distraught about living in an empty house.

Three days after all of our things were whisked away, we embarked on our trip, otherwise known as the longest day of our lives--May 30, 2009. Technically, it was no longer than my trip to the States with Sydney in July 2007, and no longer than our trip with both girls in January 2008. But this trip along with two older girls--and all of our 10 bags, 2 car seats, 1 double stroller, and a large dog crate--was so much harder and made us feel the day would never end. And that's even with everything going according to plan and the girls sleeping for about 6 hours on the plane! But alas, it was an 11-hour flight to Chicago, with a 2 1/2 hour connecting flight to Norfolk.

After we cleared customs and rechecked all of our loot in Chicago, we took 5 minutes we didn't have during our quick layover to let Mitch outside to relieve himself. He is such a good dog, he can go 15 hours or more without having to go. Needless to say after the long flight, he peed for at least a continuous 5 minutes, garnering several "thumbs up" and "that's the longest pee we've ever seen" comments from security personnel sitting on the sidelines for a smoke break.

I'm sure it was the longest day of Mitch's life as well. But it could have been worse...good thing for him his crate wasn't big enough for his sisters, too.

Girlfriends

For our last outing ever in Japan, Sydney, Miranda and I went to Soleil No Oka (French for "sunny hill") with Sydney's good friends Sydney W., Aaralyn, and Jocelyn. There is a Japanese fascination with all things French--from fashion to pastries--so I assume that's why this Provincial theme park is in Japan. It's not far from where we live in Yokosuka, and it may be the closest adventure to our house we've taken. But surprisingly, it is a little known spot, which is the only reason we haven't gone there sooner.

There is no admission to the park and there's a great big playground near the entrance (even if it's very dusty/muddy). Then there are activities that each have small fees. You can ride a few rides, feed the goats, or go in the wading pool (although we didn't). Of course there are restaurants, and even cooking and art classes for older kids.

It was a great way to spend time with all three of Sydney's best girlfriends in Japan (and bonus, two little sisters Miranda's age, Julia and Keeley!) I've known all along how great it was for me to find such good friends immediately in Japan. And once Sydney was old enough to begin making her own first friends, it was wonderful to see her make fun, valuable connections. But especially through these three girls and their mothers, I've come to appreciate how blessed Sydney and I both were to find such great friends together. While the girls have shared, laughed, fought, and cried, we moms have laughed, refereed, commiserated, and lended support to each other and I know we'll do our best to keep in touch.

Sayonara, American-Style

My Japanese friends Keiko, Emiko, Akiko, Noriko, and Kayo have taught me so much about Japan's great culture. Along the way, they have presented me with so many heart-felt gifts, most importantly their friendship, that I wanted to show them one last time in Japan how appreciative I am for their friendship. So, Brian and I invited my English class, and Noriko's husband and our friend Masa-aki, to our home for an American-style sayonara cookout.


We grilled filet mignon and vegetables and rounded out the meal with mashed potatoes, a Greek honey walnut cake for dessert, plenty of American beer, and of course, all the sake we had on hand and needed to finish before leaving.

And even without beer and sake, my Japanese friends have always enjoyed Sydney and Miranda like surrogate aunts/grandmothers. They have always paid them lots of special attention and it always amazes me how well they are able to get along despite the slight language barrier. Of course they always brought special treats and little gifts for the girls. Emiko has even been known to give them the necklace and bracelet she was wearing that day!

As a small token of my friendship, I presented my friends each with a handmade piece of pottery made in the USA, to represent a little piece of where I am from and where I am going as we part ways. And not knowing what I could buy that would ever be significant enough, I dedicated a noncontinuous week of my life (spread out over at least 2 months between packing and other required time constraints) making sets of five quilted coasters for each of my friends to remember me by. Practical, yes. But they were made by an American (me), from Japanese and American fabrics, and the number represented each of my five Japanese friends. And together they were a fusion of cultures and a complete and useful set, just like our group has been for us. And since I just started sewing in January, they were a learning experience!

In true Japanese fashion, my friends presented me with generous gifts, which I do not think I deserve because these were not just any gifts. They were the most meaningful gifts that, after spending two and a half years together, told me I was as dear as family to my friends. So, even though part of me didn't want to accept the gifts because they were extravagant, I did so because I want my Japanese friends to know I will treasure the Japanese things and will also remember them as dearly as family.

Akiko, gave me this gorgeous kimono and obi she wore for her own retirement to remember her by, to enjoy, and display in my home. And the many pieces of beautiful Japanese wood block artwork Keiko gave to me will be placed in prominent places in our home, no matter where we live. Kayo presented me with a thoughtful set of furoshiki representing Japanese cultural holidays. And I've already mentioned the beautiful pearls Noriko and Masa-aki gave me.

Despite it being a weeknight, it wasn't until 10:30pm that we parted ways, none of us wanting to say good-bye. Since we have two year orders, the joke of the night was, "See you in two years...when you move back to Japan." And while we wouldn't mind moving back to Japan, most likely it wouldn't be in two years. So, in the meantime, I hope my friends will come to visit me in the USA so I can be as generous a host as they've been to me and my family.

Anpanman for the Third Time

Three's a charm. But basically, it was about all we had time for. One of our last outtings in Japan was to the Anpanman Museum for our third and final time with our friends Kathleen, Sydney, and Julia.

This was the first time Sydney enjoyed the craft table, where she made an Anpanman hat...that she wouldn't wear.

Miranda enjoyed pretending to serve ice cream, although we all know she would rather have been eating the real thing.

We had a great time as usual. And then we said good-bye to all our Anpanman friends. But Sydney made me feel better when she put her naive preschooler spin on things by saying, "We can just come back another time!" It makes me feel happy that she doesn't know the sadness of moving...yet.