parentals.

Ron and Sarah came aaaaalllllll the way to Japan!!

This was the BEST early birthday present ever! We spent a week exploring every single form of public transportation, sweat our weight's worth walking up an island, saw Buddha, and even took a water taxi! I love when I have visitors and have an excuse to take a few days away from my Navy life to go out and see some of this crazy country I live in. During a very busy week, we had Thai, Peruvian, Italian, and American food all over Japan with quite amazing views. We went on a relentless search for the imperial palace, walked some, and also toured the glorious hunk of metal named eighty-five.

Fuji even gave us the privilege of showing itself through the haze with some glorious views from Midtown. Sarah and I got in some great Asain shopping, and Ron discovered the wine selection at Japanese grocery stores. The best was the amazing view of the nighttime Tokyo skyline seen from way up high in the Ritz. Tea time of course was good too!

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful family who loves me enough to add to the bucket list just for me. :)

baby.

My sister and her husband have welcomed baby Eve to the world!

Congratulations to the new parents! I love you all dearly and can't wait to be home to see you.

all.

 Stumbled upon this today. I think this about sums it all up. Life is scary and messy and downright terrifying at times, but is there really any other option than to go for it? 

So today is a reminder to give it all for the chance to achieve a dream, fall in love, reach the finish line, and take on life...

motivation.

While forcing myself to go for a run today, I started thinking about all the funny ways I find some motivation in my little Japanese life... even at times when I think it is so far off....

1. I was motivated to run today so I could get to my car sooner to drive home in AC.

2. I have been motivated to study for a different job because of how much I do not want to have my current one forever.

3. I am motivated not to eat crap so I don't have to replace those jeans that are just a bit more snug following summer cruise.

4. I am motivated to risk it all because I know the reward can be something wonderful.

Not too bad for a short jaunt into base. 

dream.

is it still ok to go for a dream? or does that just make you foolish?

either way, it's still crazy scary.

nice.

I swear it's not me; it's this job that makes me rude.... really I'm a nice person... or I was before THIS place.

back.

and i am back after a reeeeaaaalllly long few months.... 

I have learned a lot. And learned even more to work for what you want. It never amazes me how everyday underway is the same and yet everyday is different. This is probably what causes me to both love and hate this place so much. There are moments of complete reward and satisfaction that quickly are followed by moments of pure frustration and defeat. Maybe that is the point... to never really be comfortable. Otherwise, why would I keep working so hard?

But with the frustration comes some pretty neat experiences as well. This summer I have seen new parts of Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong... it's not everyday you get to see the sunset over part of China. I have also met people from all over, got a Korean BF (sorry J!), ran into Auburn folks in the middle of the Pacific, and made new friends as well. The world seems smaller and smaller, and the Navy certainly does as well. This job may not be forever, but it has been quite an experience and I have seen some fantastic places.

Hopefully the next time I am in these great places, it will be with my fave traveling companion.