Car types

Before I went back to the states, I decided to keep a list of all the types of cars we see on the road here. The Japanese have some interesting names for their cars!

Tanto
Ipsum
TownAce
Max
Cube
BB
That's
Mira
Naked
Voxy
Fit
Every
Via
Comfort
Space Gear
Bassara
Move
Serena
Rider
3
Starlet
Wagon R
Step Wgn
Fun Cargo
Zest
March
Sparky
Alto
Hiace
Life

Vending Machines

I've been meaning to post about this for awhile. Sunday's walk was a perfect time to discuss one of the unusual things in Okinawa.... Vending Machines. There is literally a vending machine every 500 feet. Joe and I walked from farthest point of the Awase Communications tower to our apartment and saw.....
I always enjoy when Tommy Lee Jones shows up on the machine.

Six vending machines on a 15 minute walk!

New Balcony Stuff

This past week Joe and I finally got our patio furniture!

It looks great! We can finally sit outside without having to bring furniture in and out. I'm also pleased and surprised that my plants are alive (knock on wood!)

Within the last 15 minutes we've had quite the change of weather. It was pretty sunny all day - until about 2 pm. It got cloudy around 2, but there were still patches of light. At about 3:45 it started to rain and this dark fog covered everything up! Now, at 4:00, the heavy fog has lifted and I can see the White Beach peninsula again. Crazy!

I'm back!

Well, after a wonderful trip back to Ohio, I'm back in Okinawa. I know many of you have been longing for a post -- so here's a little something for your Monday morning at work!

Becky & Tim's wedding was wonderful! Perfect weather, beautiful ceremony, fun reception and beautiful bride and groom. I'm so happy and thankful I was able to go back!

Now that I'm back in Japan, I've noticed a few things:

1. There is so much SPACE back home. I know it might be obvious, but Okinawa really is tiny. Every inch of land is used, every building is quite vertical and everything is so squished up together. I was especially reminded of this when driving around.

2. When people talk about "the boys" that serve in the military -- that's exactly what they mean. I know I'm not that old, but to be 25 in a sea of 18-20 year olds really makes you think. It's these 18-20 year olds that are going on the 7-month deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Maybe they have family with them here, but probably not. Maybe they have a good family at home to send them mail and letters, but maybe not. It really makes you feel grateful for the people that choose to serve in the US Military. I don't think I've ever been so aware or so proud.

3. Watermelon really is a great fruit. Sadly, most fruit on the island is very expensive, so Joe and I don't usually get fruit. But my mom had watermelon while I was home and it was GREAT!

4. And last but not least; I'm so grateful for the family and friends we have back home. I had so much fun with my family, cousin Colleen (& spouse TJ), Becky & Tim (and their lovely families) and Adriane (who made the trip to Ohio for a visit!)