Driving and such

Well, I got a car, a Toyota Celica SS3. Cute, sporty thing. I know, I know, not exactly what everyone is used to seeing me in after my Jeep but you do what ya have to. It really isn't too bad driving on the left side of the road other than flipping on my windshield wipers when I meant put on my turn signal. I have only tried to drive on the other side once and thankfully no one was around. The speed limit doesn't really exceed 40 mph except in a few places so it is slow paced.

I will hopefully be moving into my house tomorrow. Yep, me my clothes, an air mattress and my new coffee maker. I have my priorities. They say my stuff should be here the 31 but I haven't quite figured out if that just means mainland Japan, Okinawa or to my house. Hopefully that will all work out this week.

The people here are so very sweet and kind and PATIENT!!! It amazes me how much tolerance they have for us not so bright aliens intruding on their quiet harmonious lives here.

I plan to go to a beach Sunday. Can't wait. Well, let me know if you all are really checking this out or not so I know if I should really keep it up. In order to post you have make an account but it isn't too hard.

Getting Adjusted

Well, I am getting adjusted here. The people are wonderful! All except a few of my fellow Americans who sat outside my hotel window being loud and obnoxious till the wee hours. I have a bit of a crush on my housing guy. Sweet, sweet, native Okinawan man in his 60's. Spent a good portion of the day with him showing me houses. He took the time to teach many things about Okinawa. We laughed a lot. Sweet guy. Doubt I will be getting one of his houses though as I fell in love with one on the west side of the island looking out over the harbor. Gorgeous!. It rains off and on, sometimes really hard but they tell me the rainy season is past. The cicadas are LOUD!!!. It's amazing. I saw a bright red dragonfly over a Kio pond. Little red eared turtles. The food is absolutely delightful. Even for breakfast they serve rice, miso, pickled vegs and other such yummy things. I will be getting a car in the next day or so and can I just say I'm extremely nervous. The roads are narrow and parking is tighter than tight. I am getting a very small car. The heat is not too bad though sometimes in the late afternoon I get a bit drippy. I am starting to adjust to the time difference. Unfortunately, I hjust found out I have to go to San Antonio, TX next month. I'm going to hate flying. Well, enough for now. Ja matta.

Up,up and away. I'm leaving on a jet plane. Don't know when I'll be back again. (Hopefully Feb.)

Countdown

Well, tomorrow is it! I cannot begin to describe the many emotions racing through me. Worry I forgot something. Fear of the flight. Sadness about leaving my kids, my grandson and friends. Anticipation of the future, seeing new places, meeting new people and then beginning an exciting new job. A little fearful I've lost my mind. Guilt about leaving my Mom who is getting out of the hospital today, YEAH! Oh, and just kind of exhausted with everything going on. It was hard leaving my job yesterday. Such great people. Well, I doubt I'll be getting back to this blog for a few days at least. Ja Matta.

Went to CO and Back

I spent last weekend with all my kids one night and then just hung out with my oldest and his wife on Sunday. It was wonderful. Shed some tears when I left them to go to CO. Monday morning.

Well, the trip to Ft. Collins, CO to see my Mom, Tom, and my sister Penny was very quit, out on Monday back Thursday evening. It was good but hard especially since my Mom had to be put it in the hospital. I took my grandson to the park where our family used to have gatherings. It was really nice to see everyone but very short. Got back to Salt Lake last night and to work today. My colleagues had a big going away party that was just amazing! Need I say I have been shedding tears left and right and I'm sure it is just the beginning.

I received my orders that will allow me to get around, rent an apartment, get utilities and whatnot. I have my flight itinerary. Now I just have to finish working the next 2 days, do laundry and pack on Monday and then get to the airport on Tuesday. Seems like time is picking up speed the closer it gets. I'm exhausted!