Tropical Flowers & Gardening

I wanted to post a photo of the beautiful tropical flowers we recently purchased. We have a Japanese Azalea (which is the bright pink flower) and a Hibiscus plant. Both are doing very well on our balcony. Kevin and I bought the plants at a local nursery. The Azalea called "tsukuji" in Japanese, is actually a very common flower here on the island and can be seen in full bloom in mid-March.



The herb and vegetable garden we have growing on the rooftop terrace is doing equally well. We had some stunting with the tomato plants due to the wet and cold weather during the winter, but now they seem to be coming back. As a matter of fact, our spring onions grew like crazy, so I ended up giving most of those away to our Japanese neighbors. Kevin and I are enjoying taking care of our garden. :)

Take a look at my silly hubby posing for the camera (taken on our roof). Looks like he's aiming the hose at me!



Here's a photo I took of the beach across the street from our house. This is the view of the beach from our rooftop terrace.


The weather is certainly warming up. Looks like spring is here!

Take Care,

Chrissy

Work? Who Needs To Work?

Hi everyone,

Just thought I would post a quick update. Next Tuesday I will be starting my new job working as a "field representative" at the University of Maryland University College Asia campus at MCAS Futenma. It's just a part-time position (I'll be working the front desk Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm), while I wait for my contract to be finalized with MCCS. I'm happy with the schedule as it will allow me time to go to the gym everyday and pursue my other interests. If and when the contract does go through for the MCCS job, guess I'll have to re-evaluate and see if I still want to work in the TV studio for MCCS. Part of me wants the job as it will give me the opportunity to stay in the TV biz, but another part of me just isn't sure. I'm still recovering from my "burn out." After working as a producer for the Discovery Channel for three years, I'm not sure if I'm ready to just dive right in.

On the otherhand, the part-time job at Univ of MD will be good for me. I'm going to be starting classes shortly to pursue my 2nd Bachelors degree. This time around, I'll be studying Business Admnistration. Call me crazy, I know...
Math has never been my forte, but I have to take this time in Okinawa for what it is. A time for personal growth and reflection. I don't expect it to be easy. Heck, nothing has been easy since we moved here to Okinawa.... The past 6 months have been a roller coaster of emotions, for sure...

In other news, I've started advertising a bit more for my side business as a vocalist. Being involved in community theatre productions here in Okinawa has helped give me a bit more exposure, so I'm thankful for that. If you have an interest for a vocalist whether it be for a baby shower, a birthday party, or a special event, feel free to contact me. Nothing wrong with a shameless plug, right???

Anyway, this summer, I will be the vocalist in my best friend's wedding in Maine. Unfortunately, Kevin will not be able to join me for this trip back home to the States, but I'm delighted and honored that I will be able to perform AS WELL as be a part of the wedding. I will be singing Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me."

Well, I've got to run. I have some pizza dough rising. I've been trying to make Friday nights---pizza nights. My first two tries at making homemade dough weren't too pretty, but I have to say I think now I'm starting to get the hang of it. Ha! Take that, Wolfgang Puck!

Have a good weekend, everyone.

Love and Kisses from Oki,

Chrissy

I feel better...

Okay, so as some of you know, I've put on a *few pounds since I got married nearly two years ago. Call it the "post-nuptial-15" or whatever, but the fact of the matter is that somehow I've allowed myself to gain a little poundage. Kevin and I are both "foodies" and if you combine that with a lack of working out and going to gym...Sooner or later, you're going to gain weight. Duh.

Anyway, since moving to Okinawa, I've been making an effort to go back to my gym-going days and exercise 5 days a week. And guess what? I actually think it's paying off.

Earlier today at the gym, I ran into someone who made me smile. I've seen this woman several times now (we usually attend the same Turbokick classes at the gym). I hadn't seen her in awhile so when I ran into her today...I was quite surprised when she complimented me on my weight loss. She said she could see a difference in my body. I was so happy, I felt like hugging her..But I didn't.

I had no idea her compliments would make my day. I guess it's just nice to hear my hard work is finally paying off. I feel so much better. :)

So... for those of you who are working on a goal....keep at it! Eventually, your hard work will reap some benefits. Now if only I can apply this thinking to other things. Say studying for my math placement exam for example....(groan)....

*Disclaimer: Please do not ask exactly how much weight I've gained. I can tell you, but I'd have to kill you first.

Say what?!?!

Okay, first the good news. The period of "reflection" is now over. Hurray! The commanding general here on Okinawa finally lifted the restrictions (aka the "lockdown.") Kevin and I are now free to move about the island, go out into the public to go shopping, eat at our favorite restaurants, and so forth. Thank goodness. I was really starting to suffer from cabin fever... :)

Now for the other news. I am still waiting on my contract to arrive for my job with MCCS, but it looks like while I'm waiting, I might be able to work part-time as a receptionist at the University of Maryland University College campus. I know it's just a desk-job (hey, I get paid $8 a hour) but it's something.

This job may come in handy since I'm going to be returning to school here in just a few weeks to begin my studies in *gulp* Business Administration. Say what?!?!!?

I've gone back and forth on whether to study business or Public Admnistration for some time and I'm now ready to get to it. Of course, this means I have to take a math placement exam.

To prepare for the exam, I've been studying. And let me just say....Boy, is my math rusty!

Take a gander at this one:
If 300 jellybeans cost you x dollars. How many jellybeans can you purchase for 50 cents at the same rate?

And this one:
Solve the following equation for A : 2A/3 = 8 + 4A


Ummm....yeah...Obviously, I don't expect a miracle. I will probably "place" in the lower math classes. But that's okay. It's probably better for me to start there anyway.

Well, gotta get back to the books.

XOXOX

~C

Murphy Loves PA!

I just had to do a post about our cat Murphy.

As many of you know, our little furbaby Murphy Lee is living with his grandparents in Schwenksville, PA. Unfortunately we didn't have a lot of time and notice for our move to Okinawa, so we were unable to take him with us.

Well, as much as we would like to have him with us in Okinawa now, it appears that Murphy is making himself right at home with Grandpa and Grandma Miller.

He may not want to come and live in Okinawa afterall. He is just loving it in PA. He's even made a few friends--his co-horts Rusty and Trouble Miller.:)

Take a look at some photos my SIL Denise took for me.....



He's so spoiled, just look at his new toy! Wait a minute, he doesn't even have claws?!?!

This one is classic. "'Scuse me..trying to take a catnap here..."





"Finally, I can sleep."

Mom and Dad miss you, Murphy. Sending you kisses from Oki.

Love, Chrissy & Kevin (Mom & Dad)

A Time of Reflection....

I'm not new to the military lifestyle, I was raised an Air Force brat. As a child, my family even lived overseas for a while. But I have to admit, this is the first time I've faced restrictions on my freedom to go where I please.

Currently, we (we, meaning all SOFA (States of Forces Agreement) personnel stationed in Okinawa) are in a period of "reflection," a lock down-- to be more exact.

Due to some unfortunate incidents involving U.S Service members and the local Okinawan people, all SOFA personnel are restricted to 'on base' activites only.

Kevin and I live off-base, so during this lockdown, we are not permitted to go shopping at the local Japanese grocery stores, eat out at area restaurants, nor venture out to our beach (just a hop and a skip away from our house).

We are allowed to go from 'base to base,' but going out into the public is banned. It's unclear how long this will last....Frustrating...

Ah well....here's hoping it doesn't go on too long....

I Love You, You're Pefect, Now Change

I'm having a lot of fun in my show "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" with the Pacific Okinawa Players.

Last weekend was our opening weekend and we had full houses both nights! Friday night we performed at Coral Cove, a small club at Torii Station (an Army base). On Saturday night, we performed at the Kadena Officer's Club at Kadena Air Force Base. As a matter of fact, yesterday I was checking my mail at the post office at Camp Foster when I ran into a young woman walking out of the post office. She was staring at me and I thought for a moment that maybe I had something on my face. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "Hello."

Woman: "Hi. I know you."

Me: "You do?"

Woman:"Well, I don't really 'know' you. But I know you. You were in the play at Torii last Friday, weren't you?"


Me: (Lightbulb turns on in head thinking "That's why you are staring at me, lady.")"Why, yes I was."


Woman: "The play was a lot of fun and you were very good in the play. Sorry, I knew I recognized you-- but I wasn't sure from what."

Me: "Oh that's okay. I'm glad you enjoyed the show."

Anyway, this coming Saturday, we will be performing at Camp Kinser which is a U.S Marine Corps base. We also have shows at Camp Hansen and Camp Foster at the Butler Officer's Club.

Tickets are still available for those performances, so go out and get them if you can. The price of the ticket includes a 3 course meal AND entertainment.

See you at the show!



Me and the girls of the cast & crew "goofing" around. :)