And So It Begins...

Yesterday, we drove Doug to the airport for a 3 1/2 week trip back to the States.  This is the start of our adventure, since after a week spent in Portland at a conference, he plans to fly to Virginia to find us a home.  We are so excited to begin this next chapter in our lives.  It feels like forever since we've had a place we could call our own.  For all who know me, I swear  I will try to remember to water the flowers and the plants.  Really, I will.  I can't wait to decorate the kids rooms, finally get a new bedding set for our room (we're still using the one from Doug's college days) and hopefully create a cool and useful playroom for the kids.  I can't wait to cook in a kitchen and not feel cramped.  I hope to be able to open the dishwasher and the refrigerator door at the same time (don't know why, but I'd like the option).  I miss our furniture that's been in storage these past 3 years, the beautiful lava rock Sicilian outdoor table, our couches...even the 32 in. antiquated t.v. (since the 19 in. is to tiny in the living room).  We're both so excited about a garage, me for hauling the kids and groceries to the house without getting soaking wet (esp. needed today) and Doug for tinkering on his car(s) and stashing his "beer" fridge.  I like to think I'm not materialistic, but sometimes I get a bit giddy looking at the homes for sale online and start imagining how our life would be so much better in this house or that house.  Maybe it's because we've lived in such a secluded place for so long that the mere thought of a shopping trip to Target or the mall or heck, the local grocery store, sends my heart into palpitations.  So yes, it's a little bit about the "things" I will be able to buy, but it's also being with family.  Not having to do the math to figure out what time zone we're in and who we're calling and if they're awake, asleep or wishing they were asleep.  Being able to hop on a flight that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to travel a few hours away instead of a full day will be amazing.  Just having the option of driving  to any destination and not falling off the edge of an island will be fantastic.  Ahh, can you tell we're excited?


I will say, it hasn't been all bad.  We've never lived anywhere we haven't liked.  It's just now, with kids and the speed at which they grow, it would be nice to live closer to the grandparents.  I will miss the safety here.  How Mary or Adam can run into the next aisle of the store and I don't immediately fear that something has happened to them.  How the Japanese love kids and wiggly, messy, cutie patootie kids in restaurants don't even faze them.  I'll miss the wonderful food.  The freshness of the sushi that melts in your mouth, the soba, tempura everything, even the bitter goya.  I'll miss the funny English translations on clothes, signs and at restaurants.  I'll miss how everyone bows when you drive through the gate, when you pass a workman on the road directing traffic, when they hand you your receipt at a store, when they pass you your tray filled with McDonald's deliciousness.  And most of all, I'll miss the wonderful group of friends I made here.  Friends who are quickly moving away as the summer approaches.  Military wives are amazing.  They build you up, they support you, they help you in a time of need, they make you laugh, they give you a shoulder to cry on, they run to the commissary for you.  They are a unique breed of women.  I will truly miss all these wonderful ladies and I hope we continue to stay in touch over the years.  


So somewhere this post turned from a quick "good-bye" we had a great time playing with daddy at the airport before he flew off post to a full out "book" of my thoughts about leaving.  Good grief.  What I meant to say was, Yea!  Doug's back in the States and I'll let you know as soon as he finds us a house!  Good-night.


Ok, one last note.  The Japanese may be super strict about some things, like drunk driving and talking on the cell phone while driving, but seriously?  No law about kids in car seats or seats, in general?  Ah, it will be good to get back to the States.