T minus 75 days and counting

Yes, in 75 days I am leaving Japan for good, or at least 3 years. The process has begun. My packout dates are set; Brian's packout dates are set; the ball is rolling! In just 19 days I'll be in Saint Louis for the holidays visiting with Brian and his family and then off to Maine for another 10 days. When I get back to Japan on Jan 10th, I'll only have 34 days left until it's time to go. It's hard to believe that I'm finally moving in with my husband and we are both so excited the time has finally arrived! We're busy trying to decide what kind of car to purchase in Hawaii. Right now the frontrunner is the Toyota Prius. We are also trying to figure out what to send out in what shipment. It takes 45 days for Brian's stuff to get to Hawaii from Maine and it takes up to 70 days for my stuff to get there from Japan, so crazy. My stuff has to go to Los Angeles first before it can go to Hawaii, something about inspections and quarantines, etc. LAME. Anyhow, so we'll be using loaner furniture for the first month or 2 at our new house. Oh well, at least we'll be in the same house. Well, so much to think about, so much to get done. It's no wonder I can't sleep, my brain is on and won't relax!

Thank God it does not get like this in Hawaii!!!!!

This is my car after 3 hours at my friend's house. I went outside and found it buried in snow. Today is the first snowfall of the season here and I am less than thrilled. I had to open my trunk to get my ice scraper/snow brush out and a bunch of snow dumped inside the trunk.....just great. I guess this is the official start of winter here, wonderful.

Holes

Today is 1 week and 1 day after my surgery.
I'm still moving slow, but that's ok. I'm sore which is to be expected. Brian could not make it out here to help me, that part sucks. It's not like I can't function without him, I would have enjoyed having him around. I am more or less whining at this point. I guess he's lucky though, parts of the recovery have been gross and rather unpleasant. Over the weekend Andrew (hooray for Andrew, he's been so awesome!) took pictures of me taking the nasty medication I am not taking anymore. I have 5 new holes in my abdomen and they are nice and small. Today I am off to see my surgeon for follow up. Thankfully I had all this done in time to be ready for ski season!

Yoga

I have been doing more and more yoga lately. I am trying to relax and find some inner peace since I am definitely not finding any at work. In fact, my office is the exact opposite of inner peace, it's more like inner turmoil. (to put it lightly) Today at yoga I was able to get into the crane position (see the picture) for 8 whole seconds before I fell out of it and nearly landed on my face. I know what you're thinking, how can this be inner peace if you're going to land on your face? It was a sense of accomplishment that I finally got into that position. Now, in the picture, the woman has her arms fully extended, I'm not quite there yet. My arms are still bent. Baby steps.

When life gives you lemons..................

Ok, so I know the cliche about "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" but wouldn't it be more fun if you added vodka, shook it over ice, and poured it into a sugar rimmed martini glass? VOILA! You have a lemon drop martini! Anyhow, I am desperately trying to stay positive, just for my sanity's sake. Bad things have happened at work and my career is pretty much screwed. The worst part is that those that were really deserving to get into trouble, didn't. As my friend told me last night "Remember in the movie National Treasure when it was said 'someone has to go to jail for stealing the constitution', well you're the one who went to jail." Sometimes no matter how hard you try, and how good of a person you are, you still get crapped on. Sometimes life is just not fair, and guess what? That's life. On the plus side of things, Brian is back in Maine safe and sound, currently recovering from a nasty headcold.

This weekend is the Halloween Ball here on base and I have an awesome costume. There will be pictures soon. Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday of them all. One night out of the year I get to be someone else and I don't really have to worry about who's watching because it's Halloween.

I am finally having my surgery on November 6th. It's been about a year I've been trying to get this scheduled to repair my damaged esophagus. (thanks to dad for bad genes!) I will be on convalescent leave for about 3 weeks, a nice break from reality. So, I have a lot coming up, the days are counting down and I am thrilled!!!

Jen-isms

Every once in a while I say something very profound, but most of the time I just say random Jen-isms that make very little sense to people who don't know me very well. Tonight as I was sitting with my friend Andrew watching "Saved" the song "God Only Knows" was playing as the opening credits rolled. I looked at him and said "This is my favorite Beach Boys song" because it absolutely is. Now he looks at me and recalls a bizarre Jen-ism. Apparently many moons ago we were talking about the Beach Boys and I told him "when it is snowing and freezing outside I like to turn the heat up, turn on the Beach Boys and dance around my room in my underwear and pretend it is summer." Apparently this is a good idea, because he's tried it and agrees it works. He reminds me of the importance of closing the curtains so no one can view this spectacle. In times like these it is important to have friends around who can remind you of the important things in life, such as how to make a cold place feel like summer.

Spring cleaning good for the soul

Today I did some serious spring cleaning..........but in the fall. Why is it called spring cleaning afterall? Anyhow, I returned to my room after being away for 5 months and I now have a 2 room suite, versus a single tiny room. I moved things around, organized, got rid of a ton of junk, and cleaned both rooms. Now I feel at home. It's amazing how a good clean can be good for the soul.

Grandma in Court

GRANDMA IN COURT
Lawyers should never ask a Mississippi grandma a question if they aren't prepared for the answer. In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grand motherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?" She responded, "Why, yes, I do know you , Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a young boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you." The lawyer was stunned! Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?" She again rep lied, "Why, yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can't build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him." The defense attorney almost died. The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said,
"If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I'll send you to the electric chair."

tube in the nose day

Today has been kinda hellish. I went to the hospital today for my esophageal tests and it was just not fun at all. Jessica's boyfriend Chris went with me, what a trooper! Today was kinda gross and I certainly didn't enjoy it at all. Oh well, tomorrow I get to return so that wonderful technician can remove the tube from my nose. Today I went out looking like "that sad little cancer patient". Yes, I look like a freakshow.

24 Hour Esophageal pH Test

So on Monday I have a 24 hour esophageal pH test so I can prepare for my upcoming surgery. Below are the details of what I have coming my way Monday morning:

24-Hour Esophageal pH Test
What is an esophageal pH test?An esophageal pH test measures and records the pH in your esophagus to determine if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The test can also be done to determine the effectiveness of medications or surgical treatment for GERD.
What is esophageal reflux?Esophageal reflux is a condition in which stomach acid refluxes or moves back into the esophagus (the "food pipe" leading from the mouth to the stomach).
What happens during esophageal reflux?A specialized muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, is located where the esophagus meets the stomach (see figure). This sphincter opens to allow flood and liquid to pass into the stomach, then closes. When the sphincter does not close tightly, food particles, stomach acid and other digestive juices can splash back up into the esophagus. When this happens, the condition is called gastroesophageal reflux. When reflux occurs on a regular basis, it can cause permanent damage to the esophagus. The esophageal pH test measures how often stomach contents reflux into the lower esophagus and how much acid the reflux contains.
How does the esophageal pH test work?A thin, small tube with an acid sensing device on the tip is gently passed through your nose, down the esophagus ("food tube"), and positioned about 2 inches above the lower esophageal sphincter. The tube is secured to the side of your face with clear tape. The end of the tube exiting from your nose is attached to a portable recorder that is worn on your belt or over your shoulder. The recorder has several buttons on it that you will press to mark certain events. A nurse will review the monitoring instructions with you.
How do I prepare for the 24-hour esophageal pH test?
Seven days before the monitoring period, do not take proton pump inhibitors: Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Aciphex (rabeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole)
Two days (48 hours) before the monitoring period, do not take the H2 blockers: Zantac (ranitidine), Tagamet (cimetidine), Pepcid (famotidine), Axid (nizatidine); or the promotility drug, Reglan (metoclopramide)
Six hours before the monitoring period, do not take antacids (such as Alka-Seltzer, Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Phillips, Riopan, Tums or any other brands)
Four to 6 hours before your appointment do not eat or drink
Please note: Occasionally, your doctor may want you to continue taking a certain medication during the monitoring period to determine if it is effective.
Once the test has begun, what do I need to know and do?
Activity: Follow your usual daily routine. Do not reduce or change your activities during the monitoring period. Doing so can make the monitoring results less useful.
Note: do not take a tub bath or shower; the equipment can’t get wet.
Eating: Eat your regular meals at the usual times. If you do not eat during the monitoring period, your stomach will not produce acid as usual, and the test results will not be accurate. Eat at least 2 meals a day. Eat foods that tend to increase your symptoms (without making yourself miserable). Avoid snacking. Do not suck on hard candy or lozenges and do not chew gum during the monitoring period.
Lying down: Remain upright throughout the day. Do not lie down until you go to bed (unless napping or lying down during the day is part of your daily routine).
Medications: Continue to follow your doctor’s advice regarding medications to avoid during the monitoring period.
Recording symptoms: Press the appropriate button on your recorder when symptoms occur (as discussed with the nurse).
Recording events: Record the time you start and stop eating and drinking (anything other than plain water). Record the time you lie down (even if just resting) and when you get back up. The nurse will explain this.
Unusual symptoms or side effects. If you think you may be experiencing any unusual symptoms or side effects, call your doctor.
You will return the next day to have the tube removed. The information on the recorder will be downloaded to a computer and the results will be analyzed.

Hail to the Redskins!

Monday night football for the Washington Redskins was a success! The Redskins beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 20-12, making the Skins now 2-0 for the season. I have been a Redskins fan since I was 4yrs old, and while they haven't always been on top, they have always been my favorite. Now, to gloat just a bit more, Brian's team, the St Louis Rams, is 0-2, and I cannot wait to tell him that!

Typhoon

Just another day in Okinawa, hahahahaha yes, another day in typhoon season. Yesterday I returned from a typhoon evacuation and tomorrow I think I'm leaving on ANOTHER typhoon evac. Okinawa is located in the middle of typhoon land and every summer this island is slammed over and over again by typhoons. The interesting thing is the Okinawans are unphased by these storms. They were smart, everything here is made out of concrete. The Americans living on the southeastern coast of the USA are dumb, building houses on stilts and wondering "why did my house wash away???" Ah yes, as Carlos Mencia would say: Dee dee dee!!!! So this picture is of the storm on its way to hit us. Hopefully the storm will turn further towards Taiwan (that bigger island to the left of Okinawa) and then I won't have to go out of town again.

Cujo!

This is our son, Cujo! We brought him home on June 20, 2007. He's a Miniature Pinscher with a lot of energy and love!

Trip to Hiroshima

Well currently I am in Okinawa and Brian is in the desert, working his tail off. Yesterday we evacuated our plane from Okinawa to Iwakuni Japan to avoid a quickly passing typhoon. This little jaunt made it possible for me to go to Hiroshima. What an amazing experience! I was able to see the remaining building left untouched after the bomb hit on August 6, 1945. This is my last year in Japan. In February Brian and I are moving to Hawaii to finally live together. I am trying to make the most out of my last 5 months here. Hopefully I am blessed with that opportunity.