(Take your computer off mute and listen to the song as you read this entry. It will bring a tear to your eye and then you'll jump out of your seat and start dancing, I promise!)
We're going back to the States on Tuesday. Yes, we are insane to put our family through the awful journey and jet lag for a short 3-week trip to the mother land. It's hard to be excited when I think about the flight (We leave Okinawa and fly 1 1/2 hours to mainland Japan. After a 4 hour layover we fly for 9 hours to California. After a 2-hour layover we fly for another hour and a half to Utah.) Lucky me, I get to fly back with the kiddos by myself as Randy is only staying for 8 days.
Speaking of 8, it has been 8 months since.....
• I've seen or been to a shopping mall.
• I've left my house without making sure I have my military ID.
• I've eaten mushrooms without feeling guilt (they're $10/lb here)
• I've seen a FedEx truck.
• I've been able to watch The Today Show in the morning. (It comes on at night here.)
• I've seen real mountains (small hills covered in jungle don't count)
• I've driven on the right side of the road
• I've seen an American flag without a Japanese flag posted next to it
• I've driven faster than 55 mph or anything close to it
• I've seen snow
• I've watched the local news
• I've eaten at a good American restaurant (we have Chili's and Macaroni Grill but those aren't good)
• I've driven to my house without passing armed guards at a gate along the way
• I've worn a coat
(are you dancing yet?)
• I've tried on clothing at a store
• I've been able to talk to my family without calculating the 16-hour time change
• I've seen my mom or sisters in person, and that is why I'm insane enough to drag my kids around the world, across the ocean and International Dateline.
(at this point you should be dancing and crying)
Thanks to Braden and Tiffany whose wedding is making this trip possible!
Have a wonderful time, Mel. Even though I haven't seen you since we've been back I'll miss seeing you, Randy and the boys.
ReplyDeleteIt's an exhausting trip, but well worth it!
We'll be praying for you!
Enjoy Cafe Rio and time with your family. If anyone can travel for that long with two kids, its you. You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteYeah you're going to only be 3 hours away for 3 weeks! Sure you don't want to hop in another plane and visit your old NE pals? ;) I hope your travels are safe and that you have a wonderful time with your family.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Wish that we could see you!
ReplyDeleteWhahooo! I'm singing and dancing already! Hope the flight is good! no problem getting married so you guys can come visit! I just shed a tear! Hooray for mushrooms!
ReplyDeleteCan you swing by Boston on your way back?!? We'd all love to see you!
ReplyDeletewow, I LOVE that song, especially now, living overseas. i totally understand! sigh. i am coming to America too, the first 3 weeks of April. are you still going to be there then? flying alone with 2 kids just like you. but Neil Diamond reminds me that it will all be worth it! have a great trip!
ReplyDeletewhahoo!!! You're in Utah by now! We are going home in June for about 7 weeks! It's gonna be fun, but crazy. That is a long time to live in a suitcase. But I'm excited because I won't feel rushed to see people, and I'll get to camp in real mountains! And I'll have baby sitters for free when ever I want! SWEET!
ReplyDeleteYou are ambitious but it will be worth it! I am lucky to go home for a wedding in June and I can't wait. Loved the music the girls joined right in with the dancing!
ReplyDeleteWe wish we could be in Utah you see you guys and meet your kids! Have a fun and safe trip!
ReplyDeleteRandy and Mel,
ReplyDeleteIt was good to see you at the wedding. Flying from Okinawa is still about 4 hrs shorter than driving from Texas which we have done dozens of times, even alone with 3 kids, so you can do it. No problem!
Ruth Ann
Mel, I am so excited that your coming back to the Motherland!!! It would be so great to see you, catch up, and let our boys play together. But Colorado is probably not on the itinerary (misspelled). Have so much fun. Your an amazing woman to travel that length of time with two boys. Trust I know this all too well.
ReplyDeleteOk, Mel-
ReplyDeleteSeriously, you were in California for two hrs-and it better not have been San Francisco! I am LITERALLY 6 minutes from that airport!!!!!!!! I know, I know, I know-it would possibly not be worth the hassle to get those kids through security yada, yada, yada. But the least you could've done was let me know so I could hug you over the gate and bring you some great lunch. You have a return trip-and a brief opportunity to redeem yourself-mind you, I said brief!
I want to come to America! That Neil Diamond song brings out the blubbering patriot in me. I hope you are having a killer time. I would do anything to spend an hour at Cafe Rio or Target. Sigh. I'm so sorry about Ethan's head. What a traumatic experience for you both. Best of luck!
ReplyDelete