Our New Playground

When I said I lived at the edge of the forest, I wasn't joking. This is our backyard and I LOVE IT. I was very worried that I wouldn't find a cooler place to walk my dogs than Comprehensive Park but I have to say this is pretty awesome. We let Piko off the leash and she follows the trail with us. Unfortunately, after a deer chasing episode, Lilo is no longer allowed to go off her leash. These fire lanes wrap around for miles and I'm safe until September when hunting season starts. The updated pictures may have me sporting an orange vest. Do you think they come in doggie sizes?

For those of you that have seen the movie, Yes Man, I am that strange creature who goes on walks and runs with my camera in hand. I am desperately trying to capture on film all of the wonderful wildlife here. I have seen deer, squirrels, hawks and weird lizards. All without having a camera on me to use!! So be on the lookout for new posts that feature all the Georgia Natives I can capture on film!

Why Women NEED Women Friends

As many of you know, I'm taking this time to restart my fitness routine and shed some weight. I didn't pack a lot of clothes and I've been having to do laundry every other day. The hubby and I decided that I should buy more workout clothes. My slow, chunky butt really doesn't need to be pimped out in Nike, Adidas or Puma. So off to Walmart we went for some Danskin and Champion gear. Unfortunately, the selection was scarce which was a first for me. The selection at both the Hawaii and Florida Walmarts were huge for active wear. Oh well, I made a few selections based on the little, available in my size. The following is the conversation that took place while I was trying these items on.

*After trying on the first pair of capris....
Me: How does this look?
Hubby: Very nice!
*In the cart, go the capris and I'm off to try on the next pair.
Me: (donning capris #2) How about this one?
Hubby: It looks good. (He says while not really looking)
Me: Ugh! MEN.... (Finally gets a look from said Husband)
*At this point, I try on a matching shirt and capris set. I think the capris are a little long. In fact, they look more like crabbing pants but for $7 I'm willing to deal with it. Let's ask the hubby....
Me: How do you like this one?
Hubby: It's good. (He says from a side-glance.)
Me thinking: Good? Big W-T-F??
Me saying: Honey, I don't have any female friends here! You're going to have to be real with me. Friends DON'T let Friends have Camel Toe!!!
Hubby: (Jaw dropped...) ?????????????????
Me: (Head hung low) *SIGH*
*I turn around and change back into my street clothes.

Clothes shopping is just one of the MANY reasons Women NEED female friends!!

Should I have known better than to expect my husband to be a good shopping partner? Sure, but I'm desperate!!

My Piece Of Home.....

You'll often hear, "Home is where the Army sends us!" This is very true as every house you are assigned or rent has to be turned into a home that you will live in for any given amount of time. This could mean weeks, months or years. Of course, what I'd like to address in this article is the definition of "home". Home isn't merely a place but also a feeling. This rings especially true to those of us who move due to the military. Home expands from the places we grew up to the current dwelling we reside in. However, not every duty location you're assigned or community you belong to always feels like home. So what is your definition of home?

For me, my home is where my family and friends reside. More personally, home is where my husband, my love is located. He is my piece of home (both part of Hawaii and anywhere new) that I carry with me in my heart. Having that one piece makes living away from where I grew up, from the rest of my family, from my friends bearable. Many of my family members and civilian friends ask me how I can stand to live so long overseas or uproot my life, my career, my family and move every three years. It's because I love my husband and without him any place else I go wouldn't feel like home. Many military spouses feel this way and it's this understanding and connection that bonds us as sisters. No matter where I go in the world I have family or friends stationed throughout the U.S. and overseas. I look forward to them coming to visit and having the chance to visit them. My heart will never feel homeless ever again.

And There I Was...

An Island Girl Living At The Edge Of The Forest:

I grew up on the beautiful island of Oahu in Hawaii. Since I left at 19, I have lived in Japan. First in Kanagawa prefecture (near Tokyo), for three years and then on the island of Okinawa for another six years. We have enjoyed our time overseas and I have made so many wonderful friends in the process. I am accustomed to a diverse, multi-cultural environment with many languages, customs and culinary adventures to try.

Now that we're back in the U.S. and living in Georgia, I still feel that sense of wonder and adventure. I have never had the privilege of living in the continental United States. For a girl who's used to eating sushi and driving on the left hand side of the road, the States is as alien to me as any foreign country.

This blog is my way of documenting my travels and life experiences for myself and my friends all over the world to enjoy. Everything I've learned (and continue to learn) about blogging is thanks to my talented and sweet friend, Diane. She is a blog-goddess and much of what I do here is stolen (oops, I mean borrowed) from her work.

For my friends who know and love me.... I hope you like this crazy and unapologetic glimpse into my psyche and life!!