Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2008 Reflection
Where did you begin 2008?
In Reno with Yuma friends
Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Just a free Japanese language class this summer. Yes, I have forgotten everything I learned in the class.
Did you have to go to the hospital?
No. I won't be able to say the same for 2009.
Did you have any encounters with the police?
Yes. I don't a "Failure to Stop at Stop Sign" ticket on base while running late to work one day. Did I mention I was traveling at less than 10 km when I saw the flashing lights.
Where did you go on vacation?
Twice to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Australia, Big Sur, California,
What did you purchase that was more than $500?
My Hello Kitty car. Plane tickets to the USA, Australia.
Did you know anybody who got married?
Jason and Melinda, Jeremy and Andrea, Chris and Tammy, Nate and Dana (Did I miss anyone?)
Did you know anybody who had a baby?
Jim and Brooke had Mylie. Brad and Alisha had Conner. Three babies born on-island to people we know.
Did you move anywhere?
Only to Okinawa.
What sporting events did you attend?
Cubs game in July!!! Minnesota Wild hockey game in March. I wanted to go to a sumo wrestling tournament on Dec. 14 in Okinawa, but it sold out before I bought tickets. Boo.
What concerts/shows did you go to?
III MEF band's Christmas Concert, it's the Marine Corps band here
Where do you live now?
Oki
Describe your birthday.
I woke up and opened my present from Benny -- a bag of Carmel kisses. Yummy. Surprised by cake from my co-workers. Lots of phone calls, emails and well wishes from friends throughout the world.
Did you get any tattoos or piercing?
nada
What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Climb the Sydney Bridge with my sisters, eat a meatball dipped in a raw egg
What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
The baby's first ultrasound in August, my entire Australia vacation with Colleen and Rachel, month-long vacation to the States in July, road trip with Benny in March back to Minnesota/Iowa, Seabee Ball, nighttime leaf viewing in Kyoto. Gosh, 2008 was an awesome year!!!
What's something you learned about yourself?
I expect to have friends within two weeks of moving to a new location.
Any new additions to your family?
No.
What was your best month?
July
What music will you remember 2008 by?
Any crappy song on AFN, Cupid's Shuffle to name one of many.
Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Alicia when I lived in Port Hueneme
Made new friends?
A few. I'm working on fostering a few more friendships here in Okinawa, but retaining the ones I have in the States.
Favorite Night[s] out?
Sushi night with the Olsens. Catch Phrase Night with Adam and Rachel here. Anytime we sing karaoke.
Any regrets?
Can't think of any
What do you want to change in 2009?
Continue to work on a positive attitude, get more organized in my daily life.
Overall, how would you rate this year?
9 out of 10
What would you change about 2008?
I would have all my friends and family in Okinawa with me ... but that's more of a dream than a tangible change, huh.
Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
In an airplane.
Any life changes in 2008?
Pregnancy, international move to Japan
Change your hairstyle?
Chopped it so I could donate 10 inches to Locks of Love
Get a new job?
yes, "MCCS Consumer Relations, how many I help you?"
How old did you turn this year?
29
Do you have a New Year's resolution?
No
Did anything embarrassing?
at least once a week, but I have a short-term memory about these kinds of things.
Are you happy to see 2008 go?
No because it was such a great year, but I'm excited to see what 2009 has in store for us.
Drank Starbucks in 2008?
Religiously until June 30.
Been naughty or nice?
Depends on who you ask
What are you wishing for in 2009?
Healthy baby, painless childbirth (hey a woman can dream, can't she?)
In Reno with Yuma friends
Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Just a free Japanese language class this summer. Yes, I have forgotten everything I learned in the class.
Did you have to go to the hospital?
No. I won't be able to say the same for 2009.
Did you have any encounters with the police?
Yes. I don't a "Failure to Stop at Stop Sign" ticket on base while running late to work one day. Did I mention I was traveling at less than 10 km when I saw the flashing lights.
Where did you go on vacation?
Twice to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Australia, Big Sur, California,
What did you purchase that was more than $500?
My Hello Kitty car. Plane tickets to the USA, Australia.
Did you know anybody who got married?
Jason and Melinda, Jeremy and Andrea, Chris and Tammy, Nate and Dana (Did I miss anyone?)
Did you know anybody who had a baby?
Jim and Brooke had Mylie. Brad and Alisha had Conner. Three babies born on-island to people we know.
Did you move anywhere?
Only to Okinawa.
What sporting events did you attend?
Cubs game in July!!! Minnesota Wild hockey game in March. I wanted to go to a sumo wrestling tournament on Dec. 14 in Okinawa, but it sold out before I bought tickets. Boo.
What concerts/shows did you go to?
III MEF band's Christmas Concert, it's the Marine Corps band here
Where do you live now?
Oki
Describe your birthday.
I woke up and opened my present from Benny -- a bag of Carmel kisses. Yummy. Surprised by cake from my co-workers. Lots of phone calls, emails and well wishes from friends throughout the world.
Did you get any tattoos or piercing?
nada
What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Climb the Sydney Bridge with my sisters, eat a meatball dipped in a raw egg
What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
The baby's first ultrasound in August, my entire Australia vacation with Colleen and Rachel, month-long vacation to the States in July, road trip with Benny in March back to Minnesota/Iowa, Seabee Ball, nighttime leaf viewing in Kyoto. Gosh, 2008 was an awesome year!!!
What's something you learned about yourself?
I expect to have friends within two weeks of moving to a new location.
Any new additions to your family?
No.
What was your best month?
July
What music will you remember 2008 by?
Any crappy song on AFN, Cupid's Shuffle to name one of many.
Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Alicia when I lived in Port Hueneme
Made new friends?
A few. I'm working on fostering a few more friendships here in Okinawa, but retaining the ones I have in the States.
Favorite Night[s] out?
Sushi night with the Olsens. Catch Phrase Night with Adam and Rachel here. Anytime we sing karaoke.
Any regrets?
Can't think of any
What do you want to change in 2009?
Continue to work on a positive attitude, get more organized in my daily life.
Overall, how would you rate this year?
9 out of 10
What would you change about 2008?
I would have all my friends and family in Okinawa with me ... but that's more of a dream than a tangible change, huh.
Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
In an airplane.
Any life changes in 2008?
Pregnancy, international move to Japan
Change your hairstyle?
Chopped it so I could donate 10 inches to Locks of Love
Get a new job?
yes, "MCCS Consumer Relations, how many I help you?"
How old did you turn this year?
29
Do you have a New Year's resolution?
No
Did anything embarrassing?
at least once a week, but I have a short-term memory about these kinds of things.
Are you happy to see 2008 go?
No because it was such a great year, but I'm excited to see what 2009 has in store for us.
Drank Starbucks in 2008?
Religiously until June 30.
Been naughty or nice?
Depends on who you ask
What are you wishing for in 2009?
Healthy baby, painless childbirth (hey a woman can dream, can't she?)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Illumination
Last weekend Benny and I went to the Southeast Botantical Garden's Christmas Paradise 2008. The gardens were illuminated in different animals themes and you were encouraged to take your photo everywhere. There was also a light and laser show set to music that ended with fireworks.
Benny and I took a couple of photos when the batteries in my camera died. Benny was in line to climb a ladder and take his photo next to the O in Okinawa on this palm tree when the camera died. Oh well, there is always next year.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Our Christmas Letter
メリークリスマスおよび明けましておめでとう
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
2008 was a year Benny and Michelle will never forget. We rang in the New Year with the Nevaris and Team Gabel in Reno, but the rest of the year is a blur.
This year we were honored to witness the union of six of our friends, Jason and Melinda in Sovlang, Calif., Jeremy and Andrea in Elko, Nev., and Tammy and Chris in Graeagle, Calif. We wish them a wonderful first Christmas as husband and wife.
In January, Michelle's sister Colleen and her boyfriend Adam came for an action-packed vacation that included front row seats on The Price is Right, a visit to Grandma Kann's house in San Diego, and cable car riding in San Francisco.
Before parting with California, we toured Big Sur and Monterey. It was a fun trip up the Pacific Coast Highway with a stop at Ragged Point Inn, a hotel Benny knew only from the stories when the Volkmann family stayed there (pre-Benny) more than 30 years ago. Our last visitors were Benny's friend Chris and his girlfriend Ulrike, who made the long side trip to Oxnard during their vacation to Las Vegas.
Before leaving for Japan, the V-Team Farewell Tour made stops in 10 states. After many miles on the open and sometimes snowy and icy road, Benny and Michelle pulled into an awesome surprise party in Minneapolis hosted by Benny's sisters. Before we knew it, we found ourselves on a 747 and after 14 hours of travel, the V-Team landed in Okinawa on April Fools Day.
So where is Okinawa? It took us a while to find it on the globe as we circled our fingers around the Japanese cities. This tropical paradise lies 956 miles south of Tokyo. The island is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide with countless scuba and snorkeling spots. Everything goes at its own pace, and nothing happens in a hurry. The people are friendly, and have a great work ethic (many regularly work Monday through Saturday). We enjoy the local cuisine, especially sushi until the doctors put dietary restrictions on Michelle's fish consumption during the pregnancy.
Less than two months here, Michelle got island fever and flew the coup to join her sisters in Australia for two weeks. Rachel was studying in Newcastle, and it was the first time the three sisters slept in the same room for more than one day since Rachel was a baby.
Benny has settled in as the Public Works Officer for the five naval bases on the island. It is a bit different working on the Navy's small corner of an Air Force base, but only 45 minutes away is the naval port. He has 48 people that provide facilities planning, engineering, environmental, repair, and transportation services to the Navy. As the aviators describe public works, “they're the people you call when you have a clogged toilet or when the power goes out.” We haven't seen too many clogged toilets, but you'd be surprised how often bats (with a 2-foot wingspan) fly into transformers and knock out the power.
Michelle answers customer complaints as a consumer relations specialist for Marine Corps Community Services. MCCS is the organization that provides gyms, restaurants and daycare centers for the seven Marine Corps bases on island. She also writes a monthly restaurant review for the marketing department's magazine.
Michelle and Benny went to a Navy conference in Waikiki in July. We would have never guessed we'd find ourselves in Hawaii again so soon, but thankfully it was on the Navy's dime. We got to see friends we hadn't seen in years, and swap sea stories, which didn't take long with only 5 years in the Navy.
We spent Thanksgiving on mainland Japan in Osaka and Kyoto. We thoroughly enjoyed viewing the fall colors and touring the historic areas of Japan.
The V-Team is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Volkmann on or about March 1. We plan to visit the States this summer to celebrate more weddings and introduce either Olivia or Jack to her/his American family.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and many blessings in the year of the Ox (2009)!
The Okinawan Volkmanns
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
2008 was a year Benny and Michelle will never forget. We rang in the New Year with the Nevaris and Team Gabel in Reno, but the rest of the year is a blur.
This year we were honored to witness the union of six of our friends, Jason and Melinda in Sovlang, Calif., Jeremy and Andrea in Elko, Nev., and Tammy and Chris in Graeagle, Calif. We wish them a wonderful first Christmas as husband and wife.
In January, Michelle's sister Colleen and her boyfriend Adam came for an action-packed vacation that included front row seats on The Price is Right, a visit to Grandma Kann's house in San Diego, and cable car riding in San Francisco.
Before parting with California, we toured Big Sur and Monterey. It was a fun trip up the Pacific Coast Highway with a stop at Ragged Point Inn, a hotel Benny knew only from the stories when the Volkmann family stayed there (pre-Benny) more than 30 years ago. Our last visitors were Benny's friend Chris and his girlfriend Ulrike, who made the long side trip to Oxnard during their vacation to Las Vegas.
Before leaving for Japan, the V-Team Farewell Tour made stops in 10 states. After many miles on the open and sometimes snowy and icy road, Benny and Michelle pulled into an awesome surprise party in Minneapolis hosted by Benny's sisters. Before we knew it, we found ourselves on a 747 and after 14 hours of travel, the V-Team landed in Okinawa on April Fools Day.
So where is Okinawa? It took us a while to find it on the globe as we circled our fingers around the Japanese cities. This tropical paradise lies 956 miles south of Tokyo. The island is 60 miles long and 20 miles wide with countless scuba and snorkeling spots. Everything goes at its own pace, and nothing happens in a hurry. The people are friendly, and have a great work ethic (many regularly work Monday through Saturday). We enjoy the local cuisine, especially sushi until the doctors put dietary restrictions on Michelle's fish consumption during the pregnancy.
Less than two months here, Michelle got island fever and flew the coup to join her sisters in Australia for two weeks. Rachel was studying in Newcastle, and it was the first time the three sisters slept in the same room for more than one day since Rachel was a baby.
Benny has settled in as the Public Works Officer for the five naval bases on the island. It is a bit different working on the Navy's small corner of an Air Force base, but only 45 minutes away is the naval port. He has 48 people that provide facilities planning, engineering, environmental, repair, and transportation services to the Navy. As the aviators describe public works, “they're the people you call when you have a clogged toilet or when the power goes out.” We haven't seen too many clogged toilets, but you'd be surprised how often bats (with a 2-foot wingspan) fly into transformers and knock out the power.
Michelle answers customer complaints as a consumer relations specialist for Marine Corps Community Services. MCCS is the organization that provides gyms, restaurants and daycare centers for the seven Marine Corps bases on island. She also writes a monthly restaurant review for the marketing department's magazine.
Michelle and Benny went to a Navy conference in Waikiki in July. We would have never guessed we'd find ourselves in Hawaii again so soon, but thankfully it was on the Navy's dime. We got to see friends we hadn't seen in years, and swap sea stories, which didn't take long with only 5 years in the Navy.
We spent Thanksgiving on mainland Japan in Osaka and Kyoto. We thoroughly enjoyed viewing the fall colors and touring the historic areas of Japan.
The V-Team is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Volkmann on or about March 1. We plan to visit the States this summer to celebrate more weddings and introduce either Olivia or Jack to her/his American family.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and many blessings in the year of the Ox (2009)!
The Okinawan Volkmanns
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas Spirit
I found myself in church on Christmas Eve waiting for the service to start. I got used to this with the Christmases we spent with Grandma Kann in California. Grandma got us to church so early, I don't even consider it early. It was an hour before the service started, so it was more like Grandma's social hour. About 45 mintues before the service, the Christmas songs started; before you knew it, the Christmas service would start. Grandma had the experience to know that if you arrived less than 30 minutes early to St. James on Christmas Eve, you would find yourself standing in the back. And that is not acceptable.
This was a new experience for me (arriving to church on time) before our time with Grandma Kann. Every Christmas Eve prior, the Volkmanns (all six of us) would pile in the station wagon or Volkmann-mobile and arrive just in time to file in the back (if there were still seats open). But sometimes we found ourselves unfolding chairs so we didn't have to stand the whole time.
Fast forward to December 24, 2008. Michelle and Benny arrived 15 minutes early only to see the previous Christmas service attendees leaving the chapel. So we had 15 minutes until the service was set to start. There is a lot of praying one can do in 15 minutes. The chaplain walked by, wished us Merry Christmas, stopped and smiled (still looking at us) before asking "Can you do the third reading for us tonight?" "Sure," Benny responded confidently. "Great thanks, Luke Chapter 2, verses 1-7. Then you two will light the third advent candle (third candle signifies love)." "Both of us?" Benny confirmed. "Yes, both of you will go up there for the reading and candle lighting," Chaps responded.
Time out here. You know when you get that feeling that the preacher is talking directly to you? Litterally, yes. But when he is addressing the whole congregation and you still feel he is talking directly to you is what I am talking about. This was one of those times, where I'm pretty sure the big man upstairs had something to do with how this all unfolded.
Of all the readings, five in all, Luke 2:1-7 is the part of the Christmas story that describes Joesph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem. Of course Mary is with child (exhibit A, Michelle with child) and Jesus is born in the barn and wrapped in swaddling clothes. Of all the readings, there could not have been a better one for us to read.
The other reason we knew the big man upstairs had something to do with this: The music tied to the reading was Ava Maria (exhibit B, one of our wedding songs). Many of you didn't see me before I walked down the aisle to meet Michelle at the altar at our wedding, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have goosebumps about that biggest milestone of my life to date. In fact, I still get goosebumps at the sound of Ava Maria, as it reminds me not only of Mary and Jesus, but also of that awesome day in October, and how awesome and blessed we have been since.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and wonderful 2009, and hope the holiday spirit has touched you as it has us this Christmas.
This was a new experience for me (arriving to church on time) before our time with Grandma Kann. Every Christmas Eve prior, the Volkmanns (all six of us) would pile in the station wagon or Volkmann-mobile and arrive just in time to file in the back (if there were still seats open). But sometimes we found ourselves unfolding chairs so we didn't have to stand the whole time.
Fast forward to December 24, 2008. Michelle and Benny arrived 15 minutes early only to see the previous Christmas service attendees leaving the chapel. So we had 15 minutes until the service was set to start. There is a lot of praying one can do in 15 minutes. The chaplain walked by, wished us Merry Christmas, stopped and smiled (still looking at us) before asking "Can you do the third reading for us tonight?" "Sure," Benny responded confidently. "Great thanks, Luke Chapter 2, verses 1-7. Then you two will light the third advent candle (third candle signifies love)." "Both of us?" Benny confirmed. "Yes, both of you will go up there for the reading and candle lighting," Chaps responded.
Time out here. You know when you get that feeling that the preacher is talking directly to you? Litterally, yes. But when he is addressing the whole congregation and you still feel he is talking directly to you is what I am talking about. This was one of those times, where I'm pretty sure the big man upstairs had something to do with how this all unfolded.
Of all the readings, five in all, Luke 2:1-7 is the part of the Christmas story that describes Joesph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem. Of course Mary is with child (exhibit A, Michelle with child) and Jesus is born in the barn and wrapped in swaddling clothes. Of all the readings, there could not have been a better one for us to read.
The other reason we knew the big man upstairs had something to do with this: The music tied to the reading was Ava Maria (exhibit B, one of our wedding songs). Many of you didn't see me before I walked down the aisle to meet Michelle at the altar at our wedding, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have goosebumps about that biggest milestone of my life to date. In fact, I still get goosebumps at the sound of Ava Maria, as it reminds me not only of Mary and Jesus, but also of that awesome day in October, and how awesome and blessed we have been since.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and wonderful 2009, and hope the holiday spirit has touched you as it has us this Christmas.
Holiday photos
After attending chapel services, Benny made me a delicious dinner of oyster stew. It was my first time having it and I loved it.
Classic photo in front of the Christmas tree. I swear there is a tree behind me.
Web cam chat with Benny's family on Christmas morning.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Hearing Edelweiss equals trash day
I have a stinking situation at my house.
My garbage is only being taken away about half the time. I can't figure out why and I'm left scratching my head. I didn't think this would happen to me because I follow the rules. So my trash should go away three times a week. Simple as that.
Well maybe it's not so simple.
Here on Okinawa the rubbish rules are a bit more rigorous than my previous housing locations.
First of all we need to divide our waste material into two separate bags. One bag is for burnable waste and the other one is for nonburnable items. Luckily the housing company gave us a pamphlet illustrating what to do with common household items. I often refer to it. It saves me the brain power of pondering if an aluminum can is burnable.
Secondly Japanese trash bags aren't of the Reynolds or Glad variety. We have to use clear bags. I guess the reasoning is so that the trash man can see that we are properly sorting our food scraps and candy wrappers. These clear plastic bags are sold nearly everywhere including both on-base and off-base grocery stores. Depending where you live you may be required to use clear bags printed with Kanji letters. We are one of the lucky ones. We are not required to buy the printed bags.
Finally there is a separate bag for plastic bottles, referred to as PET. The bottle's label must be removed and placed with the lid in the burnable trash.
All these rules made me weary for our first trash day six months ago. I really wanted to get it right.
That Monday morning I compared my bag placement with my neighbors. I left my bag in the street gutter, where the trash man wouldn't miss it. Then I waited for the musical notes of "Edelweiss." The garbage truck plays this “Sound of Music” tune so that you know when it is trash day. When I heard it directly in front of our townhouse, I rushed downstairs.
I was prepared to talk to the trash man. I bowed. He bowed. I nodded. He nodded. I tried to ask "is this alright?" using my Japanese for Dummies book. He smiled and placed my trash in the back of his truck. I patted myself on the back. On my first attempt I mastered the ritual of trash separation.
Everything was fine until two weeks ago.
That's when our trash started sitting in our driveway all day. And a question nagged me: What's wrong with our rubbish?
It's not like the garbage man is dismissing me. He took the time to tape a notice to my trash can. He stapled a second notice to the bag itself. But since both were written in Kanji, the written language of Japanese, it is no help. It may be written in plain English -- or should I say plain Japanese – but I can't follow the rules because I can't read the rules. It's time to put on my thinking cap.
Then last Friday we get a letter from our housing company saying that we must use “the appropriate bags” for Kadena. The answer came in English. The letter showed a picture of the bag. It's a clear bag with a picture of a turtle printed on it. I was so thankful.
I was also thankful to a patient woman at the grocery store, who took the time to point out the correct bags to me.
And I'll be most thankful if the trash man takes my garbage on Friday. His arrival will be music to my ears.
My garbage is only being taken away about half the time. I can't figure out why and I'm left scratching my head. I didn't think this would happen to me because I follow the rules. So my trash should go away three times a week. Simple as that.
Well maybe it's not so simple.
Here on Okinawa the rubbish rules are a bit more rigorous than my previous housing locations.
First of all we need to divide our waste material into two separate bags. One bag is for burnable waste and the other one is for nonburnable items. Luckily the housing company gave us a pamphlet illustrating what to do with common household items. I often refer to it. It saves me the brain power of pondering if an aluminum can is burnable.
Secondly Japanese trash bags aren't of the Reynolds or Glad variety. We have to use clear bags. I guess the reasoning is so that the trash man can see that we are properly sorting our food scraps and candy wrappers. These clear plastic bags are sold nearly everywhere including both on-base and off-base grocery stores. Depending where you live you may be required to use clear bags printed with Kanji letters. We are one of the lucky ones. We are not required to buy the printed bags.
Finally there is a separate bag for plastic bottles, referred to as PET. The bottle's label must be removed and placed with the lid in the burnable trash.
All these rules made me weary for our first trash day six months ago. I really wanted to get it right.
That Monday morning I compared my bag placement with my neighbors. I left my bag in the street gutter, where the trash man wouldn't miss it. Then I waited for the musical notes of "Edelweiss." The garbage truck plays this “Sound of Music” tune so that you know when it is trash day. When I heard it directly in front of our townhouse, I rushed downstairs.
I was prepared to talk to the trash man. I bowed. He bowed. I nodded. He nodded. I tried to ask "is this alright?" using my Japanese for Dummies book. He smiled and placed my trash in the back of his truck. I patted myself on the back. On my first attempt I mastered the ritual of trash separation.
Everything was fine until two weeks ago.
That's when our trash started sitting in our driveway all day. And a question nagged me: What's wrong with our rubbish?
It's not like the garbage man is dismissing me. He took the time to tape a notice to my trash can. He stapled a second notice to the bag itself. But since both were written in Kanji, the written language of Japanese, it is no help. It may be written in plain English -- or should I say plain Japanese – but I can't follow the rules because I can't read the rules. It's time to put on my thinking cap.
Then last Friday we get a letter from our housing company saying that we must use “the appropriate bags” for Kadena. The answer came in English. The letter showed a picture of the bag. It's a clear bag with a picture of a turtle printed on it. I was so thankful.
I was also thankful to a patient woman at the grocery store, who took the time to point out the correct bags to me.
And I'll be most thankful if the trash man takes my garbage on Friday. His arrival will be music to my ears.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)