Wingers!

Obviously I haven't posted in awhile, but I've been inclined to start blogging again if only to try and document this crazy little journey we call life. It was fun going back through previous blog posts, and I decided that I would like to be able to do that in the future.  No idea how often I will post,  or if i will ever post again,  but we had an adventure today that was worth documenting.

So this year for Christmas we tried to go to Tennessee to visit James's family, but after long discussions and a hard look at our budget, it was clear that a trip just wasn't in the cards for us.  We could, however, afford to fly them to us!  This would cut out the hotel, rental car, and much of the food costs.  Also, Brittany and Brandon had never been on an airplane and we were happy to fly them out. :)  James's Mom isn't comfortable flying and chose to stay in Tennessee, but we were thrilled to have the twins and their friend Tasha out anyway.

We picked them up from the airport early this afternoon and then headed to Tacoma to pick up food at one of my favorite places; Wingers!  They only have one here in Washington, and while I didn't appreciate the place much in Utah, I'm a big fan of them here.  I was happy to show up to eat, but when we pulled in the parking lot was dangerously empty.  It was relatively early though, so that could explain the lack of patrons.

We hopped out of the car and headed into the building which was open.  In the lobby there a single man wearing a coat.  He gave us a huge smile.

"Hi!  I'm John."  He shook my hand.

I blinked.

"Uhh,  I'm Kara... Nice to meet you."

The rest of the party shuffled in behind us and John stood politely to the side, rubbing his hands together.

"Seems just as cold in here as it is outside!"  He said jovially, giving another big grin as i looked for someone to seat us.

The place was silent.  I stood there completely confused, staring at the desk that should have someone behind it with a stack of Wingers menus spread in an arch across the top.  I glanced around the restaurant, but noticed no waiters.. in fact, no people at all.  Several moments had gone by with all of us standing awkwardly, and John politely standing to the side, watching us with that big smile, though admittedly it was beginning to fade.  Suddenly something seemed to click and he laughed.

"Wait... are you guys here to eat?"

I looked at him hard and said.

"Well... yeah.."

He laughed then, a genuine laugh.

"The restaurant has been closed for over a year!"

"What?"  Though this didn't really surprise me... it wasn't totally making sense as we were there standing in the restaurant and it looked like it had been in operation not moments before we walked in.

John thought this whole thing was hilarious.

"I'm a Real Estate Agent!"  he explained between chortles.  "I'm supposed to be meeting a group here right now to show the place,  I just figured you were them!"

I started laughing too.

"Well, that would explain the lack of staff!"

He politely escorted us out and we all laughed around at the coincidence that he just happened to be there at the exact time we wanted to eat, leading to the perfect storm.  I can also say that I was particularly embarrassed that I didn't notice the place was closed, though in my defense, it looked pretty open to me!

Frisby - pardon me - DISC Golf

This weekend one of my best friends from high school brought his wife over to have a date night with James and I!

Let me preface by explaining that several weeks ago, while mom and dad were here, we all managed to stumble on a Frisby Golf course located just a few minutes (literally like, 2 minutes) from our house! That day we all had a great time following the course and getting lost between Tee's trying to stay out of the avid Frolfers ( thanks Meghan) way.

We were able to tag along with a group - who demonstrated the art of Frolfing - only to find out that they didn't use frisbies at all!

"Oh yeah, you use these disc's" our host explained, showing off his slightly flatter than average Frisby. "They are only $15 or so at Big Five."

15 bucks? For a frisby? I think not! No no, I will be a Frolfer, I thought to myself, pocketing this information for later. Afterall, how much of a difference can a 'disc' really make?

This weekend, with Mike and Meghan in tow, James and I decided to try out our new found hobby, using $1 frisbies from Wallmart. Oblivious to the etiquette we tromped right into the course and got started, lining up at Tee one and looking for the little chain basket ahead. I went first, Aiming and launching my purply frisby into the air... only to see it plummet about 10 feet in front of me.

Huh. Was I always this bad at frisby?

Mike, Meghan and James, lined up and didn't have much more success. Behind us, an avid group of Disc Golfers (Dolfers) were waiting for us to move on to the next tee. A bit embarrassed, I picked up my frisby and launched it again. With the same result. Impatient, the group behind us, stood at the starting point and watched. Eventually we got our frisbies into the basket and rushed to Tee Two. At our back a disc wizzed through the air and landed just a scant few feet from the hole.

"He almost just got a chain in one." James mumbled under his breath, looking a bit frantic. I think we were all feeling the pressure. we picked up our pace - hardly even pausing for others to throw as we crept forward 10-20 feet at a time, all the while the Dolfers waiting behind us. We finished Two, and went to Three... definitely rushed now - jogging to our frisbies and trying every possible technique to improve. James and Mike got pretty good... the girls were definitely slacking - but we were getting better! The group behind us - went back to tee one... trying to kill time. By Tee Four, the professional Disk Golfers were waiting on us... again, having managed to complete the first two Tee's before we finished Three, and we broke into a full out Frisby Golf Assault - adding rules like a mandatory 10 steps forward between every throw, and not caring who threw when so long as we were all hurrying. Needless to say, the front nine couldn't go by fast enough before we tucked our tails and took the walk of shame back to the car. In spite of the pressure - I think we all had a blast. Though I don't think I'll be returning with a frisby any time soon.

Maybe $15 isn't so bad afterall...

My excessive use of...

Dear Blog Readership,

Okay, so... as you all may have noticed in my last 4 posts I tend to use the whole ... thing a lot. Maybe it's just my love for hang endings or the idea that I am leaving the rest open for people to discover by opening my blog! I don't know. Either way, I'm apologizing for my repetitive grammar. I'm hereby going to try and change my ways.

Sincerely,
Kara

Crazy little thing called love...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!

As of today, James and I have officially been married for TWO years. A huge milestone - I know. For the first time we actually get to spend our anniversary together. I consider myself lucky. Although he missed our first anniversary by a scant 4 days, there is just something special about truly being able to celebrate the day in all it's glory. So many Military wives get so few anniversaries or any holidays. I think James and I have lucked out that we got this year together and I intend to take full advantage. Last year I remember thinking: 'The important thing is that we've made it a year! It's okay that he isn't here right now - because the next time I see him, we will have been married for OVER a year, and isn't that even better?' Well... to be honest... No, it's not better. It was pretty lame having to spend my first anniversary alone.

Oh well! We are totally into the 'holiday' spirit now. I had already decided to get him an anniversary present that I know he will love. In true girl fashion I heavily hinted that he should go get me something too. James isn't much of a 'let's surprise each other' guy - but he made a HUGE effort this time and actually went out and got me something that he insists I will love. He's even worried that he set too high of a standard for himself... so the next 50 years are going to be a lot harder haha. I'm excited and completely clueless as to what he got me, though unable to resist he hinted that i have to wear it out to dinner tomorrow.... so we'll see. :)

As for James, well.. if you can all keep a secret I'll tell you his surprise gift. See James loves a game called Mass Effect. Easily one of his favorite video games. Well - I HATE it. As a whole I enjoy games, but man this one can get boring. Anyway, the much anticipated sequel to Mass Effect comes out when? Today. Our anniversary. He insisted that we had to go get it today and I put my foot down. "Absolutely not! This is our ANNIVERSARY. I will NOT share it with a game." My poor unsuspecting husband is on Duty tonight - so I went out to the Midnight release party (this is love) and bought him the game. *sigh* probably dooming myself to hours of watching him play the second most boring game (nothing could be worse than the original) in the world. But at least I can snuggle up to him while he plays. To throw him off I also got Transformers 2 and I put the game in a Mr and Mrs. Smith DVD case so that he will actually have to pull out the 'movie' to see the game. I'll let you know how long it takes him to figure it out. :)

As for now I will leave you all with two very important things about my wonderful husband in honor of our two year anniversary:

1. I have never met a man so willing to give up everything he holds dear because someone needs him. I'm humbled every day to be able to know someone so special, and I will continually strive to be the sort of woman he can be proud of.

2. These past two years of marriage have been the best two years of my entire life. I truly found someone I could consider a soul mate. He understands me so well and knows exactly what to do to keep me happy - I only hope I do the same for him!

I love you James!

Moonlit Stroll...

Tonight I made James come with me to one of my jobs. The client booked their walk relatively late at night. Washington, as a whole, isn't very well lit so I used my girly weaknesses to appeal to my husbands protective nature. He agreed, grudgingly.

I realized tonight that dogs are definitely going to be a part of our future. Not now, because I don't think either of us wants to deal with the responsibility, but sometime. There was just something so peaceful, walking along through the darkness holding my husbands hand with the dogs walking quietly by our sides.

Of course not everyone can be blessed with dogs as wonderful as Kona and Sullivan but for now I'll just enjoy the time I get to spend with two of my favorite 'clients'. James agrees. He fell in love with them just as I did over a year ago.

I also decided that I am definitely more at peace in Nature. I couldn't live in a big city. Washington is perfect for me with it's huge pine trees and clean air. It's so beautiful. We were walking down a road that is very densely populated with driveways every few yards yet James and I felt as if we were the only two people in the world on that little walk, and I couldn't be happier.


Here is a picture of Kona and Sullivan. :) and a view from the house where they live.

Maybe an overreaction...

Today while I was taking a dog to the dog park, James called from the boat. He's on Duty today, so I answered while driving to explain that I couldn't talk, and that he should call me in an hour.

"Well.. We have to talk honey, I've got some bad news."

"Uh oh, What now?"

"They are probably going to make me go ride another boat."

To give some info, this essentially means that they (the Navy) would make James go help out another boat that is about to go on a deployment or an underway. Basically they would require that he leave his regular boat - which is FINALLY in port for a little while - to go out to sea again, on another boat!

I didn't have time to deal with the situation then, so I told him that I thought that sucked, and that I would talk to him about it later.

He took a few hours to call me back - and I put the time to good use, figuring out just how many ways I could get him out of it. It's not like I'm being crazy. I have waited two years to get some down time with my husband, and this stretch of time has been coveted since before we got married! The last thing I wanted was my precious time snatched away because the Navy felt like he would do more good out to sea. For the first time in my marriage, and my Navy career I wasn't going to take this sitting down. Nope, I was NOT going to agree to sending him back out to sea. If I had to chew out his chiefs, his captain, I didn't care, I was NOT going to let them take him.

When he finally did call back - our conversation went a little like this.

"Okay, honey, now what is this deal about you riding another boat?"

"Oh.. Yeah, they are probably going to make me, and Johnson (the only other married guy in the division) and Nichols - well.. probably not even him. Probably just me and Johnson out on-"

Well.. that told me all I needed to hear.

"WHY ON EARTH DID THEY CHOOSE TO SEND OUT THE ONLY TWO MARRIED GUYS?! Are they trying to break up our marriage? Are they trying to make us hate them? There are 6 other guys in your division who AREN'T married. Send one of them! This is Ridiculous! I can't believe that they would do this to us! I suffered through the whole last year alone, and maybe I wasn't clear, but it SUCKS. I EARNED this time with you."

"Uhhmm.. Wow.. you are really worked up about this."

"I AM. I'M PISSED."

"Ooookay, so, I'm going to see if there is any way to get out of this okay?"

"Thank you."

"Oh... and just so you know - it would only be a monday through friday thing. Just as a training to learn some new equipment."

"Oh. Just a week?"

"Yeah."

"Oh well... umm... You can go. Sorry - I just... I just really didn't want to go another few months or something. But a week isn't a biggie."

"... are you sure?"

"Yeah. I'm fine now."

Moral of the story? Don't jump to conclusions. And sometimes the Navy ISN'T out to destroy marriages.

Support

I am trying to write a book.

I can't tell you the number of times I have spoken that sentence in my life. I have creative ideas and I love writing, but somehow putting my ideas into words leaves me with a whole bunch of jumbled, formal sounding ideas that isn't remotely like what I had in mind! Sometimes I feel that somewhere between my brain and my fingers there is a huge writers block that prevents anything good from coming out. It sounds fantastic in my head, and yet somehow everything i write up is thoroughly disappointing.

Well now, I'm up against a problem. See this book is different. Characters are already taking shape and just begging to be brought to life - and for the first time in all of my writing career, I have a story and an idea that just wont go away! After the first attempts failed, instead of scrapping the whole thing I took it from another angle, and it's actually not sounding too bad! But how long can it last?

One bonus that I have this time is James's support - and honestly, it's made all the difference. I've only trusted close friends with my story line and world simply because I'm scared that someone will snag my idea and run with it. I'm not the fastest writer - but I have goals to finish what I've started no matter how long it might take me to do it. Having James to support me has given me initiative and drive to keep going - because he wants to see it completed too! He loves my idea and he has a way of giving me new ideas without taking over the story to give me that little push in the write(haha) direction. I might not ever be a world famous author - and who knows if I will be satisfied with my book if I ever finish it, but for now I'm just glad that I have my husbands support and his willingness to let me have the spotlight for awhile in spite of the fact that he is arguably a better writer than I am.

I hope he knows just how much I appreciate him. Maybe I'll tell him - or better yet, write a blog announcing it to everyone who reads this...

Confessions of a Book worm

I am a book worm. I can admit it.

I forget relatively often about how much I love to read. I have tons of books, I bought a book shelf that still doesn't hold all of my books. My husband brings me home books by the boxful, and i can't get enough of them. But, as a true book worm, I get offended if someone doesn't enjoy the book that I recommend. I know I shouldn't, but this is why I'm confessing my problems!

If I genuinely recommend a book it's because I love it, and I hate when people say they are going to read - and then don't. Or start another book instead. Or, heaven forbid, read it and hate it.

*shudders*

It's a nasty issue, and one that I need to get over.

Here's to the future of positive book sharing! I CAN DO IT.

Ranting

I've seen several different sorts of blogs out there. And I'm always drawn to the ones where I'm not looking at the cute crafts, but rather reading the stories about their lives. I blog-stalk several navy wives, one ex-navy wife, and a few horseback riders. I stalk people's pets, and their kids. In the end, sometimes I just can't get enough stories. Maybe it just comes with being a writer. You want more to write with and their stories get added to my repertoire. Either way, I've decided that I need to do less pictures - and more ranting. Besides, I could benefit from a good outlet, it's not as if I have my husband here to listen to my whining!

1. If you get to do something snazzy. Don't rub it in. It seems all week I've had to deal with people telling me how excited they are to do things that I can't do. "Oh, you and your husband had a great Anniversary dinner? I'm so excited for you." "You get to go to Hawaii? Awesome." "You just won $4,000 at the casino? Splendid." It's not saying that I wont be able to do these things, and I'm ashamed to say that I am guilty of the second complaint, of not more than a month ago. But did I really rub it in?! Maybe I did, and for all of you whose toes I crushed? I'm sorry. Seriously, I'm never telling anyone about my great news. Or maybe I'm just over reacting, and maybe i'm just horrible and bitter, but dude, have a little consideration for those of us stuck at home, not gambling, or with out their husbands!

2. Sometimes I just don't feel like cleaning. My house, at this moment, is a disaster. For those of you who knew me while I was growing up - my definition of disaster has changed a bit. My house looks nothing like my room did in high school, and in general, it's clean. But right now, it's messier than it's been in months... no. Years. There are clothes upstairs and down in various baskets, there are blankets everywhere (honestly, why did I think I needed so many?!) loose socks, books, papers, etc... But I'm exhausted! I worked all weekend, I haven't had more than an hour here and there off in who knows how long. And yes I know I've had all sorts of trips - Missouri, Hawaii, Ember came to stay, but those aren't breaks. Vacations and visitors are nice - but they aren't very good about really making people relax. In general, trips are stressful! And the last thing I want to do when I get home is clean. I want to SLEEP. My house will be clean tomorrow - I've had enough of the mess and I'm ready to overhaul, but for heavensakes I REFUSE to feel guilty because my house got messy for a few days! It's not the end of the world.

3. Just because I miss church for a few weeks, it doesn't mean I'm inactive. I love my ward. They are wonderful. All of them. But as I listed above, I have been going on several trips in the last month or two. Well, for someone who has not one but TWO very important callings, my absence is -always- noticed. I got more "Welcome back!" "It's so good to see you Sister Mooneyham!" and "Been busy?" in church this week then I've ever heard in my entire life! Not that I mind, it makes it obvious that I've been missed, but sometimes I feel guilty enough about missing, can't I just slide by under the radar once? Oh well, I shouldn't complain, I got to see my visiting teacher and my Home Teachers both this week, and everyone knows I could use the company (messy house or no).

Last, but not least.

4. Never write something like THIS at the end of an email:

"Third, I have some huge news to tell you and I can't go into details. Just keep as much money in our account as possible. Thanks."

When I got my *one* e-mail from my husband, I was more excited than I can express. Until I got to the end of course. And now I am just extremely happy that I will be speaking with him this weekend, because if I have to wait another month to get that news I'm going to be hunting down that Submarine myself! I'll keep you all updated... if I can.

Photos and Fun!

Recently I took a trip to Port Angeles with Jenny and her two kids, Nivek and Mackenzie. We had a great time! I found out that fly fishing here in Washington involves catching 10lb steelhead and that Hurricane Ridge is so high that we had to drive through clouds to get to the top! We also got to see all of the hot Twilight spots, like the place that Bella ordered her mushroom raviolli when Edward told her he was 'special'. They even have a dish on the menu called "Bella's Mushroom Raviolli" Who knew?! We stopped and saw Red on the way and got these precious pictures that were touched up by myself and Tina - the third member of our neighbor trio.

Journaling

Today, while listening to conference I decided that I was going to compile all of my e-mails to James into a word document that I could use as a sort of Journal. I've been meaning to do this for quite awhile. As I write to him almost every day, it really is a great way to keep a journal - without keeping a journal! I just finished with 2009, and it's 113 pages! I was in shock! Anyway, while sorting through I found several entries that made me smile. They are a bit long, but I find them funny, I hope you do as well!

3/15

JayJay,

I'll have you know my sweet that I just hauled my comfortable butt OUT of bed to come write you an e-mail. You better be grateful! I know you are though, so that makes me happy. It just means that you get another e-mail from your wonderful wife. Me! So today started out pretty lame. I woke up this morning to a full on blizzard... which was horrible because of course, I had to go to church. Can't ditch out on leading the music! Or teaching my blasted sunbeams! Anyway, so I dragged my sick (I'm on my period too, YAY) lazy butt out of bed and get dressed in a hurry so that I can leave early for church and right as I'm about to walk out the door I get a call from the missionaries: "Hey sister mooneyham, think you can go drive down this road that nobody ever drives on in the snow because it is super steep and twisty and pretty much a death sentence to anyone who drives on it, to pick up the this girl for church?" And what do I say? "It will make me late." They reply that they will lead the music for me if I don't make it ontime. So guess who is suckered into taking the deadliest road ever to pick up some chick? Me. Terrified, but thankful I have the Tahoe, I head out. I get the girl with only moderate slipping and sliding. I prayed aloud just about the entire time... afterall, I was doing the lords work; he HAD to protect me! Sure enough, I get her and we make it to church in one piece, though I walk into sacrament meeting ten minutes late only to see that they DON'T have anyone to lead. They wave frantically at me and I ditch my stuff on the nearest bench and run up to the front just as the organist finishes her intro... she started it as soon as she saw me. So I open to the page of a song that I REALLY didn't pick out and have to figure out how to lead it as we go alone. Ok whatever, not the best start but I'll survive. Song two was easy.. and also one that I didn't pick. Song three was great.. but super difficult to lead, and the organist, bless her heart followed my every move. (BAD IDEA, YOU PLAY, I'LL FOLLOW!) my regular organist and I have this down to a science. Anyway, so after the entire congregation figures out that I don't know what I'm doing and start singing their own tune (I swear that it really happened. I wanted to cry) Finally it ended... and the last song was absolute cake. So the second hour starts and honey.. it was amazing. NO SUNBEAMS! Half our congregation was gone because of the snow and apparently I have less active families in my sunbeams because not a single one was there! YES!! Anyway, it gave me an opportunity to talk to the missionaries and the girl I brought to church and I got to hang out in relief society. It was fantastic.....

It continued, but it got mushy, so I'll leave that part out. Haha.

5/12

(I'm starting this e-mail mid way through too)

.... Today was sad. I had to take my mom to the airport. She came on my dog walk with me, and met that bulldog. It was really fun. We went out to Scenic Beach and the tide was way way out. So it smelled all gross and the rocks were all barnacle-y... if that is a word. So mom and I were just meandering up the beach in the manner that you hate when I almost stepped on one of those pig plushy blobby looking starfish. You know, the purple ones. Anyway, after shrieking in my typical manner when I see sea creatures we realized that there were starfish EVERYWHERE. Seeing movement beneath a rock I decided to kick it over, and you know what I found?! CRABS - not the sexually transmitted disease of course - It was AWESOME! Okay, so really it was terrifying. Combine tiny spiderlike size with swift skittering abilities and my 'favorite' crustacean and you can only imagine what my first response was when that first rock was flipped and all the creepy critters scattered. Yeah. I pretty much screamed like a banshee, and maybe I didn't run a half-mile (which you TOTALLY exagerate by the way) loop around my mom and the rock in question, but it definitely gave me a scare. But the adrenaline was great, so we spent the next hour flipping rocks and shrieking when the crab babies went nuts. In other words. We had a blast! We got squirted a few times by burrowing sea creatures, which was surprising and also terrifying, but I suppose I survived. After Scenic Beach, we hit the Airport and I dropped mom off and then came home. I read that book and watched some shows and had dinner with Tina and Dale. It was fun. :) Anyway baby, I'm off to bed. I love you with every fiber of my soul and I can't wait to see you. MUAH.

Forever yours,

Kara

I hope you weren't too bored! But I thought they were funny and they made me smile! Also, as a follow up. Inspite of my lame attitude, the girl that I picked up from church that day was baptized this past weekend. I'm so proud of our missionaries and the work they have put into that girl for the past year.

Strangers...

For those of you who don't know, I am currently in Hawaii with James. A quick break for the both of us to spend a few precious days together before he heads back out to finish his deployment. Getting out here was a fiasco in it's own right, but it's all been worth it, and we've had an amazing time - Though it was the actions of complete strangers tonight that has made this trip truly memorable.

I'm planning on going home in a few days, and tomorrow night we are going to have Derek (our roommate) hanging out with us. Taking advantage of our alone time, James and I decided to splurge and hit up a fancy hibachi restaurant in Waikiki as a final real date before we part ways again. As with most Hibachi restaurants we didn't have the table to ourselves, instead we shared the space with two older couples who were here for a cruise and a pair of guys who are stationed at the army base here on Oahu.

The conversation was slow, but friendly, and eventually as we all conversed we learned bits and pieces about each others lives. We talked about James' career in the Navy, about the boys across the table and their trips to Iraq. We learned that the older couples knew each other because the men had served in the Air Force together some 50 years ago.

Dinner was great - of course, and expensive. A nearly $80 blow to our checking account - but we could afford it and so neither of us flinched when the bill came - though unbelievably we didn't pay a thing because that wonderful couple next to us took our bill and insisted that they pay instead. Not only that but the other couple paid for the guys in the Army as well. It's hard to express how touched I was as the man took the ticket out of my hand and looking over at us said: "We can afford it, and you are out there doing so much more for us. Please, let us give back to you."

James and I were both shocked, and I was touched to the point of tears. These complete strangers, did something so overwhelmingly compassionate and kind. Not because they felt obligated but because they truly just appreciated the time and effort that James sacrifices. It is people like them that make all of this worth it. I will have seen James less than three months this entire year by the time he gets back in for awhile. I can't talk to him, or get e-mails, and most of the time i don't even know when he is coming home. But I can honestly say, that tonight, it hit me that I'm doing this for people like that couple next to us. I can only hope that there are more people out there who appreciate and understand the sacrifices that James makes, and the strength it takes to hold a marriage and a family together when you spend most of your time apart. We are truly blessed to have met such wonderful people, and it is their simple actions that will impact me most when I think back on this amazing experience.

Bento Bust!

I was planning on writing a blog about my trip to the Pacific Science Center, but then I realized that while I'm sure it was exciting to me, how on earth does that help everyone else? So what if I got to see all sorts of Gross things and the Grossology exhibit, and that I rode a bike on a tiny little rail two stories above the ground (terrifying - you gotta try it). What's most important is what did I learn? What can I possibly share with my tiny group of readers that will protect them in the future? I have one resounding answer.

Never eat Sushi with fruit in it. EVER.

Hmmm. I'll start from the beginning.

Jenny (neighbor and close friend) and I had decided earlier this year, when we realized that both of our husbands would be absent for most of the summer, that we would go all out exploring the surrounding areas. Afterall - why should we sit inside just because they aren't here? Seattle was first, and the military has great deals for a City Pass that allows us to go to several of the big Seattle attractions for a flat rate of $50.00. Seeing as how the Space Needle alone is somewhere in the range of $20.00 per person, this is a great deal if you use it.

For the next week we have four days planned crammed full of Seattle adventure. But aside from the actual activities we didn't plan for much else (food). Isn't it rather easy to find food in a big city? Of course it is. Our day was no exception. Not 5 minutes off of the ferry and we passed by an adorable little shop boasting Japanese Bento Boxes! CUTE!! YUM!! Okay, well, Dinner is settled. We'll go do the Pacific Science Center and then pick up our Bento Boxes as we head back to the Ferry and munch happily on our delicious rice balls and sushi on the ride home. Such a good plan!

After passing up Gyros (ugh they looked so good), and a Phoenix roll (shrimp Tempura, BBQ eel, and flying fish eggs all in one roll!), we somehow managed to make it back to the Bento place with empty bellies and full wallets. This was it! We walk in and are greeted by a little layered refrigerator ( you know, the kind that usually display deli sandwhiches and drinks in the airport) with probably a dozen little 'Bento Boxes'. And... that's it. Okay... so... not much of a selection - I guess I'll go without the rice balls... but that's okay! What are our choices? A little Japanese lady joins the mix with her charming smile and half-understandable english.

"So... what do you have?"

"Salmon with cream cheese, Tofu with omelet and ??, Oh, and of course our Pickles and asparagus!"

We determined that the mystery agreement above was something that she apparently didn't know the english name for and it looked completely unfamiliar to both of us. We were only slightly daunted by the lack of options, but the kids would never go for the Salmon... and I'll be honest, I wouldn't either!

"Ah... which would you recomend?"

"Oh.. Tofu omelet is great. So yummy. You will love."

Sold. But what for the kids? Tactfully I mention to Jenny that the kids probably wont go for the tofu option and she agrees that she will probably have to stop somewhere for else for them. This is when our Japanese sales lady pipes up.

"Oh! You must try fruit Sushi! So good, like candy! Kids will love."

Jenny: "Are those Mangos?"

Sales Lady: "Yes. Mangos. Very sweet. Very good."

Like Candy you say? Yum. So what if it sounds weird? If the sales lady says it's good then it MUST be good! Though.. why is there Wasabi and Ginger in there? Ah... oh well!

Sales Lady: "Also, you must try these with the nuts! They have pecans and walnuts in them. Delicious!"

Well.. now that she mentioned it, the nuts -do- look good. So into our pile they go, and we happily check out. What a great buy! Okay... so we basically just bought every option that the little place had, but they all look so good! I mean, who would ever have thought of fruit in sushi? I'm sure it is very innovative, and very authentic Japanese. I already feel posh with our little bags as we head down to get the kids something else to eat. Because I feel a bit starved I end up getting a little something at the Ivar's Fish Bar too (great food btw). Just so I get something substantial on top of the Sushi of course.

Now that we are all sitting down, Jenny and I are having our doubts. Fruit in Sushi? Wrapped in seaweed? Why did we think this was okay? I tried a pickle roll... and it was pretty good! I say as much and so we both get a little bit more brave. Nivek (her son) decides that he wants Mango so he eats it first (he may have had a little encouraging from us...). He manages to get it down with little to no effort, with only a mild grimace. Jenny and I are looking at eachother. Daring one or the other to go first. She caves and eats one with... prunes? fat raisens? figs? anyway, she tries it and her face tells all. Oh dear. My turn.

I pick a friendly looking roll at the top. It has cherries? Or possibly dried cranberries. This looks promising. BAD IDEA. Why ANYONE thought that fruit, seaweed and rice go together I'll never know. I'm relatively positive that the little Japanese lady woke up in the morning 10 Bento's short and decided to scrounge the house for options. I don't think that anyone would willingly eat these. I sank my teeth in.. chewed twice and spat it back out. I NEVER spit out food. Ewwwww! Surprisingly... the tofu omelet wrap was pretty good. And the mystery ingredient didn't ruin anything (thank goodness). The nuts were... edible. That's about all I can say about them. They didn't make me want to stop eating for the rest of my life, but they didn't really encourage the idea either. Maybe this is why everyone is so skinny in Japan!? Well... we are heading to Seattle several times in the next week... I dont see a stop at the Bento place in the future.

Obviously, the kids agree with us...

Just a little fun Outback.

Last night (as it's been for most nights this week), James and I went out to dinner, but we let Derek tag along. He is a part of the family now afterall. Don't get me wrong, I still cook, but we enjoy going out together and since we get to do it so rarely we like to cram in as many nights out as we can in the short time he is in. It also keeps the house considerably cleaner. Which means, more cuddle time, less clean time. I think both of us agree that this is a good decision.

So, we all stacked into the Tahoe for the quick ride to the Outback! But before we left I grabbed the camera. I've been slacking on the whole "bring the camera" thing in general. So with camera in tow, we went to dinner, ate, and returned home, without a single picture taken. Ugh. Oh well! Quick remedy? Photo shoot on the front steps! Only, I had to take the pictures, so here are Derek and James after our date night.

Date nights and Car Accidents

Yesterday was just one of those days. I have an entire week and a half off of work, and I'm enjoying the quiet time with James ( who has roughly that same amount of time in port). I truly treasure the simple conversations and the giggling that we share as newlyweds. It seems that whenever we are together there is always something to laugh at, it's kept my spirits up even when I know that he will be leaving again soon. At least I get to look forward to more inside jokes and exciting events when he returns. We decided that last night would be date-night. Though really, every night this week has been date night. It's almost like a honeymoon. I've saved up this paycheck so we have plenty of money and we enjoy going out and doing things that we don't get to do as often as we should. Simple things like walking around the mall (which always leads us to a video game store - or Barnes and Noble, both of our weaknesses), or going out to dinner. Last night was no exception. Red Lobster, followed by a quick trip to Target (me) and Game Stop (him) and then to Chucky Cheese for a birthday party. We only stayed an hour or so before we had to get back for a movie!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It's very funny. It is a bit lacking in excitement, but it definitely gives a big finish and the anticipation for the next movie that it should. James loved it as well. We both had a blast even though the movie theaters are lousy and we pay tons of money to sit in seats where you can't see past the person in front of you. I guess not everywhere can be as great as Utah when it comes to movies. It's just about my one complaint with the area here in Washington. Really lame Movie Theaters.

After the show it was around 10 and we were headed back using the back roads. I hate driving on the freeway at night. I feel blinded by the oncoming cars in my little escort, and though the thing runs like a trooper, I just don't like the mild panic when you literally can't see a foot in front of your windsheild. The back roads are a little better, though as I turned onto one of the roads near our house, a lady decided to exit the parking lot of a gas station right in front of me. Smart. We came within about 2 inches of her passenger side door before I was able to swerve slightly to the side and into the parking lot of the local bar, dodging parked vehicles and pedestrians alike and stopping. Completely white knuckled and terrified. The lady in the other car didn't even look at me. I'm sure she was embarassed, but I was worried more for her safety. Was she okay? James and I were in one piece after the near collision, but was she? Apparently: she drove off without a second thought for me in my little car. Nice.

It's been a long time since I was in a near accident and I hope that it's another long time before I'm in another one. I couldn't shop shaking on the way home, even though James assured me that had we hit her he would have made sure to break a bone so that he could be kept home from this underway. Blast. Is it healthy for a couple to cheer injuries? Probably not, but I know we aren't the only ones that do it, I think it must be a military thing. Either way, I'm glad that James and I are safe, and am more than greatful that we just replaced the brakes on the escort. This is the second time that little car has saved me, I think it will have a home with us forever. Thanks Dad. :) I guess no matter where you are, you are always watching out for your little girl. Sometimes it takes an accident to bring out focus on what's important. James and I are safe and healthy, and that's all that matters - as James said: "Objects are replaceable, you aren't." Buckle up everyone! Love,
Kara

Blog Prisoners - UNITE!

So much has happened since my last post. I started feeling overwhelmed and behind on updates. My pictures keep stacking up on the camera and in the meantime absolutely nothing gets done. Well.. I'm a blog prisoner no more! I'm liberating myself by doing an all inclusive update. And then I can start with a clean slate. I know that others of you have the same problem, so... I'm encouraging you to do the same. Shed the shackles of Blog Blues... and be free. Like me! :) Sooo, Update number one:

I no longer have a roommate!
My sweet Marissa actually left a few months ago to head back to Utah. I miss her lots but it was good to get a few days with James to myself when he got home. Which leads to update number two!

James was home for a whooole month.
We went to Seattle for Sushi, got a pet peacock (not purposefully it adopted us for a few days before it moved on to a neighbor who lives a few houses behind us.) We bought an X-box 360 and a new 40 inch TV - all James's idea of course. I think he's pretty happy to show off his new "toys". So I couldn't help but throw in a little snippet about it. I'm sure I'll get pictures up soon... cause the entertainment stand is beautiful...




We got a NEW roommate!
Derek Nichols is one of the guys on James's boat, and they work together in the same division. He's made a fun addition to the family. Because they are only going to be in port for two months of this entire year he didn't want to waste money on an apartment and instead decided to crash in our extra room. He may just have a matress on the floor and an old dresser, but he has a place to stay with nice people who care about his well being. He seems pleased to be apart of our little family, and James and I love having him around. I have a feeling that this arrangement will lead to having a life-long friend. Having a roommate isnt' too bad - especially because he doesn't mind being kicked out occasionally so that James and I can have our alone time. ;) Which probably happens more often than not! We fondly call him the family pet.


I got a Promotion!
For those of you who don't know I work for a company called: Spoiled Rotten Pet Sitting. ( Check out the website @ http://www.spoiledrottenpetsittingllc.com/ ) I'm officially a pet sitter, and now I'm also the Client Coordinator! This means I handle all customer service and set up jobs from scratch. Its a lot of fun but -really- busy, and I'm sure if you talk to me regularly you've heard me complain about it. Really though I have a wonderful job and I get paid to make sure that animals are taken care of.

My Horsie is coming in August!
I have a horse. Her name is Red. She lives in Utah, and I live in Washington. Well.... Not much longer! I found her a great barn called "Painted Valley Farms" and it's wonderful. The people are great and I found a fantastic price to get her shipped out here. YAY!










James lost a bunch of weight!
I figured that if -I- had lost a bunch of weight, I would probably blog about it, so I should do the same for my adorable husband. He had a busy underway for the first half of this year and while he was gone he started working out and never looked back. He lost over 3 inches around his already svelt frame, which left me wondering where on earth my husband went?! I'm not complaining though - he's always been cute. Now he's just that much better. ;)


Well, that just about rounds out the most important things, so I guess I'll say farewell until tomorrow... or later on this week as I already have a blog idea that I know I'm going to do. Hope you enjoyed reading my updates as much as I enjoyed being liberated from my chains...

Easter Festivities... and DDR.

I had a great Easter with my spiffy friends who made just about the most scrumptious dinner. Between Jenny's ham, Raymond's honey-butter, my rolls, and Tina's cheesecake we were ah... well, we were all full within about 5 minutes. But all the rest of the food LOOKED delicious. And we all pined about the fact that we were too full to eat it.

So after our meal.. we decided that we should burn off the added calories and busted out the wii fit. I WISH I had my camera for that, but I didn't make that mistake twice and made sure to pick it up later that night for DDR. For those of you less electronically minded... you may know this as "Dance Dance Revolution." Or as I like to call it: "Dance Dance Ridiculous!" It was fun! Haha, I had forgotten how absolutely crazy that game gets, and we were only playing it on beginner! It made me long for the days when I used to be able to tear those mats apart with my mad "dancing" skills. It's been a long time... apparently. Because the only thing I was tearing were my pants when I fell all over myself (I didnt' really tear my pants.. I wore stretchy ones.. for ease of movement). Raymond ducked out early, so we made it a girls night and took some time getting some good pictures... it took awhile....

Hmmm.. not quite...

Ah.. Nope!

Definitely Not

FINALLY! A cute pic!

It was the perfect end to a fun day!