Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Back again
Hello hello. Well, we're back again. Back in action. Finally, we have internet. Not only that, we have internet phone! According to Joe, we have a North Carolina phone number, so whenever you wanna call us or we wanna call you, it will cost the same as it would in the states. And it works the same as dialing any 'ole stateside number -- no prefixes or anything. Unfortunately, neither Joe nor I actually know this phone number yet so we are relying on your caller ID to clue us in.
In other news, Joe has been working his tail off. He's worked every weekend since we've been here. Some of the cases that he's been working on are just so sad. Especially when there are children involved. Anyway, he's been learning a lot and his colleagues pitch in to help one another out, which is good on the long weekends and late nights. And, since we work close by one another, we can have lunch together and stop by each other's offices now and again. I would tell you a lot more 'cause his job is very interesting, but I'm not allowed to.
Meanwhile, in the world of framing. I framed my first "multi-window" piece today. I also learned how to shrink wrap (you know shrink-wrap -- like the plastic wrapping of a new board game). I figure it's a good skill to have if you wanna re-gift something and make it look brand new. If you can stick a piece of saran wrap over something and then blow dry the hell out of it, then you know how to shrink-wrap too!
Well, I'll let you go now. I've got way more to write, but figure it's better in short bursts than in one humongous letter.
Japanese word of the day:
"dai-joo-boo" - this means, roughly, "okay" It's a great word to know. You can use it like, "Okay?" "Okay." "Are you okay?" "It's all good." "That's okay."
Bye! - K
In other news, Joe has been working his tail off. He's worked every weekend since we've been here. Some of the cases that he's been working on are just so sad. Especially when there are children involved. Anyway, he's been learning a lot and his colleagues pitch in to help one another out, which is good on the long weekends and late nights. And, since we work close by one another, we can have lunch together and stop by each other's offices now and again. I would tell you a lot more 'cause his job is very interesting, but I'm not allowed to.
Meanwhile, in the world of framing. I framed my first "multi-window" piece today. I also learned how to shrink wrap (you know shrink-wrap -- like the plastic wrapping of a new board game). I figure it's a good skill to have if you wanna re-gift something and make it look brand new. If you can stick a piece of saran wrap over something and then blow dry the hell out of it, then you know how to shrink-wrap too!
Well, I'll let you go now. I've got way more to write, but figure it's better in short bursts than in one humongous letter.
Japanese word of the day:
"dai-joo-boo" - this means, roughly, "okay" It's a great word to know. You can use it like, "Okay?" "Okay." "Are you okay?" "It's all good." "That's okay."
Bye! - K
Saturday, January 28, 2006
FINALLY On-Line
We finally have Internet access!!!! So I'm sure Kelly will be writing everyone and catching up on emails. We'll get to posting again here shortly. I've got tons of pictures I want to post and a few news stories. I hope all is well.
Joe
Joe
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS
Out of the Net
We finally moved into our new place and have a house full of Uncle Sam's furniture. It's in great condition, but a little retro in style. We've got an extra bed, so when you guys come to visit, you'll have a place to crash. The house is currently a disaster and we have to put everything in its place, but Kelly has promised to make our home a happy and comfortable one. She's been reading Feng Shui articles and design magazines, so she has some great ideas. I've been told that I have some input in the process, but she gets the final vote, which really means I have no say in the matter.
I finally get my car today. It’s a Toyota Corolla station wagon, that’s right folks a station wagon! Or as I like to call it “the Fishin’ Wagon”. It has plenty of room for my fishing poles and cooler. It’s kind of funny how your view changes on vehicles when you go to certain areas. Living in Eastern New Mexico, where a dually diesel pick up truck is the standard and then being stationed in the south, I would have never thought of buying anything less than a pick up truck. But coming here, where some vehicles are even smaller than the Mini Cooper, it kind of changes your views on things. The pick up trucks here are what I like to call the bongo trucks. It’s a two seater with a large bed. Mainly used for working, but not a cool truck to own. Not like my Dodge Ram
Anyhow, Kelly and I will be out of the net for a while. We don't have Internet access and won't have any for about 7-10 days. You'd think as technologically advanced as the Japanese are, it wouldn't take that long to get Internet, but like most tropical and sub-tropical islands, we're on "island time". So don’t feel like we’re neglecting you if we don’t write you back soon. And the “man” has blocked all “civilian” email accounts on base, so I can’t check my email from work either.
I finally get my car today. It’s a Toyota Corolla station wagon, that’s right folks a station wagon! Or as I like to call it “the Fishin’ Wagon”. It has plenty of room for my fishing poles and cooler. It’s kind of funny how your view changes on vehicles when you go to certain areas. Living in Eastern New Mexico, where a dually diesel pick up truck is the standard and then being stationed in the south, I would have never thought of buying anything less than a pick up truck. But coming here, where some vehicles are even smaller than the Mini Cooper, it kind of changes your views on things. The pick up trucks here are what I like to call the bongo trucks. It’s a two seater with a large bed. Mainly used for working, but not a cool truck to own. Not like my Dodge Ram
Anyhow, Kelly and I will be out of the net for a while. We don't have Internet access and won't have any for about 7-10 days. You'd think as technologically advanced as the Japanese are, it wouldn't take that long to get Internet, but like most tropical and sub-tropical islands, we're on "island time". So don’t feel like we’re neglecting you if we don’t write you back soon. And the “man” has blocked all “civilian” email accounts on base, so I can’t check my email from work either.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Wedding Photo's, Moving In and Funny Japanese Cars
Well, our wedding pic's are FINALLY online. After numerous emails, phone calls and a report to the Better Business Bureau, she got them out to us. So, if you wish to check them out here's the link:
http://birdsong.smugmug.com/
the Password is "Kelly".
I've noticed that a lot of the vehicles in Japan have automatic side mirrors that retract. There's a a button inside the vehicle that you push and the side view mirror's fold in. I think the reasoning is that some of the parking spots are pretty tight and some are along narrow roads.
http://birdsong.smugmug.com/
the Password is "Kelly".
Here's a view from our bedroom window.
We're finally moving into our house tomorrow. We've got the movers coming in on Wednesday and Thursday and will hopefully have Uncle Sugar's furniture moved in on Friday. Since we don't have any furniture we're going to borrow a bunch from the Government. So when you guys come to visit us, you'll get to see our furniture from the 50's and 60's. It's a good thing that retro is in!
Kelly's car w/ it's mirrors folded.
I've noticed that a lot of the vehicles in Japan have automatic side mirrors that retract. There's a a button inside the vehicle that you push and the side view mirror's fold in. I think the reasoning is that some of the parking spots are pretty tight and some are along narrow roads.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Work and Kimonos
So, we didn't move into our house this weekend. There were a bunch of documents that needed to get signed, appointments to be made,Japanese holidays, etc. So now as it turns out, Wednesday is the day Joe and I finally get our first load of household goods delivered to our new home in Yomitan, Okinawa. Thursday is the second day. And then Friday, I suppose, is when we get our government furniture. Uncle Sam is gonna loan us a nice functional only slightly beat up sofa, dining room table, chairs and other furniture essentials until we get our own. (So nice of him.) To prepare for the challenge of government-furniture-interior designing, I bought a couple of home decor magazines. My hope is that skilled feng shui placement can compensate for what the gov't pieces lack in style. Plus, remember, I'm a framer now; so, soon the walls of our home will be filled with tastefully framed prints and paintings! Lovely and cozy home, here we come!
Yesterday I saw girls walking down the streets in kimonos! Not many. Only two. But, it was so different and surprising, even here in Okinawa, that it stood out. They looked beautiful. One of Joe's Japanese colleagues said yesterday was a holiday for twenty year olds. Apparently, those people who have turned twenty during the past year go through special ceremonies. I don't know what they are, but they involve visiting the school they graduated from, dressing up, and then celebrating afterwards. Hence the kimonos. I want one!
Well, not that much more going on. Started the tedious MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services) orientation for work. Two days of boredom, but actually glad they have it. Also, trying to figure out what classes I wanna take with the tuition assistance they give me. Joe's been working very hard in his new job - long hours of crime solving. Plus, he's now on the NCIS volleyball team. By the way just in case you start to get the wrong idea here, not all marines here are criminals and killers (just the ones Joe happens to work with!) The receptionists/my Japanese teachers at the hotel here taught me a new phrase. Wanna learn it?
"Tsukale mashita"
It means, "I'm tired."
So, Bye! Love, Kelly
Yesterday I saw girls walking down the streets in kimonos! Not many. Only two. But, it was so different and surprising, even here in Okinawa, that it stood out. They looked beautiful. One of Joe's Japanese colleagues said yesterday was a holiday for twenty year olds. Apparently, those people who have turned twenty during the past year go through special ceremonies. I don't know what they are, but they involve visiting the school they graduated from, dressing up, and then celebrating afterwards. Hence the kimonos. I want one!
Well, not that much more going on. Started the tedious MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services) orientation for work. Two days of boredom, but actually glad they have it. Also, trying to figure out what classes I wanna take with the tuition assistance they give me. Joe's been working very hard in his new job - long hours of crime solving. Plus, he's now on the NCIS volleyball team. By the way just in case you start to get the wrong idea here, not all marines here are criminals and killers (just the ones Joe happens to work with!) The receptionists/my Japanese teachers at the hotel here taught me a new phrase. Wanna learn it?
"Tsukale mashita"
It means, "I'm tired."
So, Bye! Love, Kelly
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Report: Kitty Hawk sailor admitted killing Yokosuka city woman
I apologize for placing another article, especially one so gruesome, but I wanted to share a case that my fellow Agents were able to solve. We and the JP's were able to locate, interrogate and get a confession from this guy. Mark one up for the good guys. The whole office is working an armed robbery case today, so hopefully we'll knock that out and be able to go home. - J
Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Sunday, January 8, 2006
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — A U.S. sailor being held by the military as a “possible suspect” in the Tuesday beating death of a 56-year-old Japanese woman has confessed to the crime, the Associated Press quoted Japanese police as saying Friday.
No request has been made to turn over the sailor to Japanese authorities, U.S. Navy and Japanese officials reported Friday.
The Associated Press, citing Kanagawa Prefectural Police spokesman Tsuneo Kosuge, reported Friday that the man admitted the killing to Japanese police.
Police officials said earlier that a request by Japanese interrogators to question the sailor had been approved by U.S. authorities, and Japanese police had questioned the sailor at the Navy base Friday, according to the Associated Press.
The Associated Press quoted Kosuge as saying police plan to question the sailor further over the weekend.
The sailor currently is in U.S. custody at Yokosuka Naval Base. Yokosuka police and Kanagawa Prefectural Police said Friday that they had not yet made any request to transfer the sailor to Japanese custody, but Yokosuka police indicated Thursday they intended to do so.
“If we get a turnover request, we will handle it in accordance with Status of Forces Agreement provisions and joint committee agreements,” said Commander, Naval Forces Japan spokesman Cmdr. John Wallach on Friday. “The U.S. Navy continues to cooperate fully with and support Japanese law-enforcement officials in this case.”
Local police said they are investigating the case as a murder after Yoshie Sato, a 56-year-old Yokosuka city resident, was found lying in a building near the Yokosuka Chuo train station Tuesday morning.
Sato, who was found with bruises on her face and head, was taken to a local hospital, where she died from internal injuries, according to a Yokosuka police spokesman.
Sato had been on her way to work in a Yokohama office before she was spotted talking to someone who looked like an American man earlier that morning, police said.
So far, the sailor is the only person in custody, though investigators are talking to many people about the case, Wallach said.
“We’re not identifying the sailor yet, as no charges or indictments have been brought against him,” Wallach said. “We can say that he is 21 years old and was assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier in May 2004. He joined the Navy in 2003.”
Wallach would not confirm news reports about multiple suspects or robbery as a motive because the investigation is ongoing, he said.
The Navy released a statement Friday apologizing to the citizens of Japan for the “tragic incident.”
U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Commander, Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. James Kelly visited Yokosuka Mayor Ryoichi Kabaya and Kanagawa Gov. Shigefumi Matsuzawa to offer condolences Friday afternoon.
“I reiterate my deep regret and sadness over this tragic incident, and my promise of complete support and cooperation with all Japanese authorities remains firmly in place,” Kelly said in a written statement.
Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Sunday, January 8, 2006
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — A U.S. sailor being held by the military as a “possible suspect” in the Tuesday beating death of a 56-year-old Japanese woman has confessed to the crime, the Associated Press quoted Japanese police as saying Friday.
No request has been made to turn over the sailor to Japanese authorities, U.S. Navy and Japanese officials reported Friday.
The Associated Press, citing Kanagawa Prefectural Police spokesman Tsuneo Kosuge, reported Friday that the man admitted the killing to Japanese police.
Police officials said earlier that a request by Japanese interrogators to question the sailor had been approved by U.S. authorities, and Japanese police had questioned the sailor at the Navy base Friday, according to the Associated Press.
The Associated Press quoted Kosuge as saying police plan to question the sailor further over the weekend.
The sailor currently is in U.S. custody at Yokosuka Naval Base. Yokosuka police and Kanagawa Prefectural Police said Friday that they had not yet made any request to transfer the sailor to Japanese custody, but Yokosuka police indicated Thursday they intended to do so.
“If we get a turnover request, we will handle it in accordance with Status of Forces Agreement provisions and joint committee agreements,” said Commander, Naval Forces Japan spokesman Cmdr. John Wallach on Friday. “The U.S. Navy continues to cooperate fully with and support Japanese law-enforcement officials in this case.”
Local police said they are investigating the case as a murder after Yoshie Sato, a 56-year-old Yokosuka city resident, was found lying in a building near the Yokosuka Chuo train station Tuesday morning.
Sato, who was found with bruises on her face and head, was taken to a local hospital, where she died from internal injuries, according to a Yokosuka police spokesman.
Sato had been on her way to work in a Yokohama office before she was spotted talking to someone who looked like an American man earlier that morning, police said.
So far, the sailor is the only person in custody, though investigators are talking to many people about the case, Wallach said.
“We’re not identifying the sailor yet, as no charges or indictments have been brought against him,” Wallach said. “We can say that he is 21 years old and was assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier in May 2004. He joined the Navy in 2003.”
Wallach would not confirm news reports about multiple suspects or robbery as a motive because the investigation is ongoing, he said.
The Navy released a statement Friday apologizing to the citizens of Japan for the “tragic incident.”
U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Commander, Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. James Kelly visited Yokosuka Mayor Ryoichi Kabaya and Kanagawa Gov. Shigefumi Matsuzawa to offer condolences Friday afternoon.
“I reiterate my deep regret and sadness over this tragic incident, and my promise of complete support and cooperation with all Japanese authorities remains firmly in place,” Kelly said in a written statement.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Four Marines jailed on Okinawa over holiday weekend: Alcohol fueled alleged housebreaking, vandalism
Crazy stuff in Okinawa - You gotta love the Marines, luckily this doesn't fall under our jurisdiction, but funny none the less. - J
Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Wednesday, December 28, 2005
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Four Marines on Okinawa landed in Japanese jails over the holiday weekend in three incidents involving alcohol, according to police reports.
A 21-year-old lance corporal assigned to Camp Hansen was taken into custody after he was discovered asleep Christmas morning in the home of a 72-year-old Kin woman, according to a spokesman for the Okinawa Prefectural Police in Uruma.
According to the police report, the woman awoke early Sunday and heard heavy snoring in her son’s room while she watched television. She didn’t think anything of it until her son came home at 5:40 a.m. and they checked the room to find the Marine asleep in her son’s bed.
Police believe the Marine drunkenly entered the house, located near Camp Hansen, after the woman went to bed Saturday night. The Marine was being held in the Uruma precinct lockup Monday pending an investigation into a charge of housebreaking. Police referred the charge to the public prosecutor’s office in Naha on Monday.
On Saturday, a 20-year-old lance corporal from Camp Hansen was taken into custody after he allegedly damaged a sign on top of a taxi in Okinawa City.
According to a police report, the Marine became upset at 4:55 a.m. when the cabbie told him his taxi was not authorized to take him on nearby Kadena Air Base, and he struck the $100 sign with his fist. He was apprehended by police officers patrolling the area and was released from custody Sunday after police referred a misdemeanor charge of vandalism to the prosecutor’s office.
The third incident reportedly began about 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the Kumoji district of Naha, where two lance corporals assigned to Camp Kinser were allegedly involved in another incident involving a cab. According to a police spokesman, a 22-year-old Marine was being arrested for vandalism for jumping up and down on the roof of the cab when his 25-year-old friend grabbed a policeman’s arm. Both appeared to be drunk, a police spokesman said.
Both Marines were held in the Naha police station Monday, the police spokesman said. The first Marine was held on a charge of vandalism involving about $300 damage. The second Marine faces a charge of obstructing justice.
“The Marines on Okinawa take the use of alcohol very seriously,” said 2nd Lt. Clinton Gebke, a Marine spokesman. “We have several programs that we utilize to help express the importance of using alcohol responsibly.”
Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Wednesday, December 28, 2005
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Four Marines on Okinawa landed in Japanese jails over the holiday weekend in three incidents involving alcohol, according to police reports.
A 21-year-old lance corporal assigned to Camp Hansen was taken into custody after he was discovered asleep Christmas morning in the home of a 72-year-old Kin woman, according to a spokesman for the Okinawa Prefectural Police in Uruma.
According to the police report, the woman awoke early Sunday and heard heavy snoring in her son’s room while she watched television. She didn’t think anything of it until her son came home at 5:40 a.m. and they checked the room to find the Marine asleep in her son’s bed.
Police believe the Marine drunkenly entered the house, located near Camp Hansen, after the woman went to bed Saturday night. The Marine was being held in the Uruma precinct lockup Monday pending an investigation into a charge of housebreaking. Police referred the charge to the public prosecutor’s office in Naha on Monday.
On Saturday, a 20-year-old lance corporal from Camp Hansen was taken into custody after he allegedly damaged a sign on top of a taxi in Okinawa City.
According to a police report, the Marine became upset at 4:55 a.m. when the cabbie told him his taxi was not authorized to take him on nearby Kadena Air Base, and he struck the $100 sign with his fist. He was apprehended by police officers patrolling the area and was released from custody Sunday after police referred a misdemeanor charge of vandalism to the prosecutor’s office.
The third incident reportedly began about 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the Kumoji district of Naha, where two lance corporals assigned to Camp Kinser were allegedly involved in another incident involving a cab. According to a police spokesman, a 22-year-old Marine was being arrested for vandalism for jumping up and down on the roof of the cab when his 25-year-old friend grabbed a policeman’s arm. Both appeared to be drunk, a police spokesman said.
Both Marines were held in the Naha police station Monday, the police spokesman said. The first Marine was held on a charge of vandalism involving about $300 damage. The second Marine faces a charge of obstructing justice.
“The Marines on Okinawa take the use of alcohol very seriously,” said 2nd Lt. Clinton Gebke, a Marine spokesman. “We have several programs that we utilize to help express the importance of using alcohol responsibly.”
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
The Daily Grind
Getting into the daily routine here. Joe's started his job and I've begun job hunting. Actually, I've already been offered a position, which I've accepted! No, it's not teaching. It's framing! Picture framing! I'll be working in the art studio on base, learning how to mat and frame so that I can then provide this service to customers and eventually give the framing classes. I'll be working in an art studio and have daily access to pottery wheels (and a kiln!) as well as the Okinawan artists who teach traditional crafts and whose classes I can take whenever I want (well, when I'm not working). Cool, huh? A big change from the world of ESL, but I'll most likely teach a few English classes here and there just to keep my foot in the door. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to delving into a new skill.
Tomorrow Joe and I sign the lease for our new house. We'll probably move in this weekend. Yeah! There are gonna be a lot of empty rooms to fill up. Maybe I'll make one room The Junk Room and use it to just throw everything in when visitors come over. Hmmm... Anyway, I'll get into more detail about the house once it's official. Hopefully Joe remembers to carry me over the threshold. Take care y'all! - K
Tomorrow Joe and I sign the lease for our new house. We'll probably move in this weekend. Yeah! There are gonna be a lot of empty rooms to fill up. Maybe I'll make one room The Junk Room and use it to just throw everything in when visitors come over. Hmmm... Anyway, I'll get into more detail about the house once it's official. Hopefully Joe remembers to carry me over the threshold. Take care y'all! - K
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Sightseeing around our 'hood
I found a new fishing spot near our house. These guys are fishing on this cliff that is about 15-20 feet above the water. Apparently the water near the edge is 50-100 feet deep.
This is the light house right next to my new fishing spot.
View from the other side of the light house.
Kelly on our adventure.
The start of our walk to a temple in Nago. We walked the 600 + steps and I almost had a heart attack.
Path near the temple.