Finally getting settled in!!

So we've been in our house for almost a week now and things are starting to fall in place. On Tuesday, we had our express shipment come (kitchen items and rest of our clothes), and 1 of 5 crates of our house hold goods. In our house hold goods shipment is literally everything else we sent over, our king size bed, couch, blue ray player, my teaching stuff, etc. So it was a guessing game on what exactly that one lonely crate had in it. Erik was hoping and praying for our bed and couch, me on the other hand knew with our luck it would be stuff we didn't need at this moment...Well we were both partly right. We got our TV for the bedroom, Christmas decorations, linens, the front tire to my bike, but no bike, the box spring to our bed, but no mattress or bed frame, and about 10 boxes of my school stuff which I don't need because I don't have a teaching job right now!! AHHHH!! (lol) To top it off, every time we call to check to see if the rest of our shipment is in, they tell us they have no idea when it'll be here =..(

Anywhoooo...we decided to get me a car sooner than later. I'm trying to get into the schools and sub as much as I can ($99/day!!), but really couldn't without a way to get around. So I bought a 2000 white Nissan Cube. Now I can go off whenever, where ever, and not have to worry about sitting at home bored while Erik is at work. I'm bound to get lost here sometime soon. Besides a few signs here and there that are written in English, everything else (95%) is in Japense. Little old me only knows the vowels in Japense writing (barely)...not nearly enough to be reading all these road signs and what not! So wish me luck with that one while I continue to learn as much as I can. Hopefully I'll be taking a class sometime soon with Carla to learn more Japense instead of the very very basics (lol). Oh yea and as far as subbing, that's after I fill out a 67 page application/background check to be cleared to sub...holy hell!! (lol)

As for things to do around here, we've been finding that out slowly but surely. And thanks to our friends the Hartfords, we've been doing a little exploring with them as we go. Last weekend we went to Rocktoberfest on the beach at Tori Station and also to check out the view from a lighthouse. The beaches are absolutely beautiful pictures can't begin to fully explain. The water is sooo blue and clear, it's hard to think about going back to the states and swim in that nasty/dirty water (lol). Erik and I are planning on getting certified for scuba diving!!! I will admit, I'm really really nervous and all we've done was talk about signing up for classes. We haven't said when yet, but it's still scaring the heck out of me! I'm afraid my asthma is going to be a huge factor in weather I can actually do this or not. From what we've been told it's a 4 day class in a pool, then they schedule 2 dives from 6:30 - 11:00...don't you guys think that's rather quick to be certified to dive in the ocean alone with no instructor with you????? (Can you tell I'm just a tad bit nervous?) On the other hand the idea of being able to drive to the beach, suit up, and walk out into the ocean and just dive has me extremely curious. I will definitely do some snorkeling while I'm out here if I can't cut it with diving.

There are also a ton of concerts coming our way, comedians, resorts to visit, clear blue water to swim in, beaches to visit, and more. I'll be sure to keep you guys updated as we explore more of the island. Mrs. Hardy recently asked me to "let her see Japan through my eyes" since she more than likely will never be able to come out here...so here's to Mrs. Hardy and the rest of you who won't come out and visit!!

(www.dropshots.com/teenyfred to see more pictures I've taken recently)

As always, miss you guys and don't forget about us =)

1st week in Okinawa!!

Week one down, and it's been a roller coaster of emotions. Let's see, started with anxiety over the dogs flying over and then being put in the kennels. To add to that, our friends the Hartfords had a rough start with their dogs. Their dogs were in the same kennel as Jax and Shelby. About two days of being there, Ringo their oldest dog was bit by something while he was there, spent a few days at the vet, and eventually had to be put to sleep. Poor Ringo was older (13) and his body just couldn't handle the infection from the bite. He also had other health problems to add to his complications. Finding this out last Monday, made me completely freak and become even more anxious to get our dogs out of there.

The week continued with lots of meetings (good and bad), buying a car and getting our Japanese license (both exciting), then there was our housing meeting...not so good. We were given two options to pick from, one a tower apartment which we couldn't consider because of the dogs, and the 2nd we had no choice but to accept without even looking at it. It's an older build for base housing, 3 bedrooms 2 1/2 bath and a decent yard for the dogs as long as we fence it in. I know doesn't sound bad, right? Well we were told we couldn't move in for another week because it had just become vacant and needed some work done to it. We also couldn't go in to see it due to maintenance...bull!! Well that wasn't going to stop me and not sure if that was a good idea. We drove by the other day and the crew must of been on lunch. The doors were unlocked, but no one was in the house, so I let myself in. Like I said, bad idea...the people who lived there before....total slobs!! I can't even begin to explain...all I can say is they can take the week to fix up the place, hell even longer for that matter, it better look a hell of a lot better come the 9th!!
A little side note, the Hartfords also offered to keep the dogs at their place until we moved in (1 week total). You don't understand what a relief it was getting them out of there and with people we trust. Their other dog Milo is having a blast with Shelby, they are even getting in trouble for playing around waaayyyy tooo much! =) I can handle that kind of trouble. Jax and Shelby are also getting the ultimate treatment by Kayla and sleeping with her every night! Makes me feel even better!! I'm not saying the Karing Kennel was horrible because our dogs seemed to be doing fine, it's just the simple fact of not having them here with us.

Other than that, they are not hiring teachers at the moment (figured that much), now I have to fill out this enormous packet to sub as much as possible. They did say it is Okinawa and with the rotations and people PCS'ing all the time, I might have a chance this year. Fingers crossed it happens sooner than later. I've uploaded a few pictures to dropshots (www.dropshots.com/teenyfred), I will have more once the weather clears up. We've had rain here and there and there is a Typhoon possibly heading our way (yikes!!). As always we miss you guys, take care and don't forget about us!!

Finally Here!!!

So it's currently 7:30am Sunday morning (6:30pm Eastern Time on Saturday) and Erik has had me up since 5:30 this morning (boooo). I guess the time difference is still getting to him. Our trip out wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be. All we had received was our overall flight time, we had no clue what the actual itinerary was. So yes it was still 5 1/2 hrs to Seattle and a 13 1/2 hr layover there, but that wasn't bad either. By the time we got our bags, stored them, got a room, ordered food, showered, and relaxed, it was just about time to head back to the airport. Our flight left at 2:50am but we got there at 8:30pm, and lucky for us and having the dogs we got front of the line service and didn't have to wait in line with about 200 other travelers. After checking in and being told we could keep the dogs until midnight, we headed out to explore the grounds of the SeaTac airport and let the dogs run around for a bit. We were lucky enough to meet another family with their two dogs and it made the time go by pretty quick. Our flight left on time with first stop in Anchorage, Alaska. We were there for about 1 1/2 hrs and I'll be happy (not really) to say it was all of 37F outside!! (Eeeeekkkk). Our next stop and longest flight time was to Yokota, Japan - 7hr 47min in the air. We had about 3 hrs in Yokota (that's when the heat wave hit us full force), and we were able to get our dogs and walk them for a bit. Jax was a bit grumpy, but they survived the flights with a little help of a strong doggy benadryl. After sitting around for some time with about 380 other people who were on our plane as well as being in a closed off area that was gated and locked (talk about feeling like a detainee), we were able to board the plane and head for our third stop in Iwakuni, Japan. This was only an hour flight and an hour stop to drop off some people and refuel...last stop was an hour and 19 mins to Kadena Air Force Base in Okianwa, Japan. Woooowhoooo...that's our stopping point!! Up to this point I will say my biggest complaint was how uncomfortable airplane seats are and how achy my legs were. But the service was great, free meals and about 4 movies total. After getting off the plane, taking the buses to the passenger terminal, we waited for what seemed a lifetime for our bags. Of course since we were one of the first few to check in, our bags were last to get off....and.....there was a helicopter blocking the last two loads of baggage to get to baggage claim. We finally got our bags and dogs, headed to customs (which to our surprise they let us walk right through, and I brought 2 bottles of wine with me), and met our two sponsors at the door. They took us to the kennel to drop off the dogs since our hotel doesn't allow pets, but it's ok, I'm glad to say I felt better after taking them in. The kennels were huge, well to our two runts for dogs, they were kenneled together and had their own doggy door and personal potty area. We are able to go visit when we want, and their friends Milo and Ringo are there too! (not that they will be able to go out and play...lol) Hopefully their time there and our time in the hotel won't be long, we'll find out more tomorrow at the housing brief. We are staying at the the West Pac Inn on Camp Foster and have the Macaroni Grill right next to us. Our sponsor took us around yesterday to go see the dogs, hit the commissary, and the PX. We ended up taking a walk back to go get our cell phones and do a little bit of looking around. We ended up being traitors to Verizon and the Blackberries and went with a company named Softbank that has the iPhone. We both got 16G 3GS iPhones and now I feel whole again. Beth (Michalak) and our new friends Carla, Jim, and their daughter Kayla, are Softbank users...sooooo, now I can talk and text and have a bit of sanity until we get our house =) On the agenda for today...Beth is coming to pick us up so we can go visit for a bit, and that's about it. The upcoming week will have us busy with appointments, checking in, and god knows what else. Just fingers crossed and hope that we get a house soon!! Take care guys, we miss you all, and I will be uploading pics soon!!

Coming to an end...

Well, here it is Saturday night, only 3 more full days before we board the plane for Japan. So much has happened in our 40 days of traveling, but unfortunately it's all coming to an end on a very sad note. Due to unforeseen complications with the pregnancy this past week, we have lost the baby at 8 weeks. Don't ask me what happened, what went wrong, because I am still sitting here trying to figure it all out myself...bad timing, an uncooperative body, something I could of done differently...who knows. As hard as it is, all I can do is try to remain positive, take care of myself physically and emotionally, and hope and pray for a better outcome next time when the time is right. For the time being, I've got two puppies, my wonderful husband, and a big move to keep me pretty busy. Take care and until next time...Sayonara!!

Our time in NY

So our time here in NY is coming to an end, and to be honest with you, it's been a pretty good visit. We've been keeping busy, visiting family and a ton of friends, and just relaxing. I think in one night down at the pier, I seen about 5 people I never would of thought I would of seen while I was home. Definitely made the trip here even more exciting. My sister's kids are HUGE (12 and 15 and both nearing 6 ft tall) and my brother's kids are just as grown (4 and 9). The cutest thing, with Adam...my brother and Anna had his 4th bday party 3 weeks early so Erik and I could attend before heading to Japan. The morning after his party, Adam was singing to himself that he was a 4 yr old now. So of course I asked him when his bday was (Sept. 24th) and explained that he was quite 4 yet because it was his party, instead he was a "pretend 4 yr old". Well of course it has stuck...and now he's telling everyone. He even had a little questionnaire for preschool in which when asked how old he was he told his mom to write down "pretend 4". I've had more then my helping of great food, and still more to come in the next few days. We had pictures taken today with my Uncle Jon and they came out really good! Next set of pics will be with the baby and in Titans jerseys, of course Erik's choice. Tomorrow we'll be heading to Niagara Falls, out for wings on Thursday and watching the Titans game at the Dog House, my sister is cooking us dinner Friday, then leaving NY and flying out to Raleigh on Saturday. As of today we are down to 15 days before we board the plane for Japan. As far as the baby, things are still going good. No morning sickness, thank goodness, just still tired throughout the day and definitely loving the naps. Well that's all for now, off to bed...nighty night =)

Had a good night at the Tennessee Titan vs Cleveland Browns preseason game. Was pretty interesting walking into a sea of orange and brown with our blue and white shirts on sporting the Titans. We had fun a few showers for a couple of minutes but nothing to ruin the game. The Titans lost 23-17 but it was well worth it for a last game before we head to Japan and it will be hard to even watch them on TV. Headed to Dunkirk, NY for 2 weeks before we start winding down and getting serious again with us departing to Japan.

And baby makes 3 =)

So as most of you know by now, on August 19th (Erik's 30th birthday), we found out we are going to have a little one!! What a birthday present to him huh?? We are pretty excited about it, just a little bummed we'll be in Japan and won't be able to share the wonderful times with family and friends. Guess that's where the web cams come into play. Due to traveling reasons and lovely military insurance, I haven't been able to go to the doctors to find out an actual due date or exactly how far along I am. But...if I'm calculating correctly, I'm about 4 weeks along and should be expecting our bundle of joy late April(ish). I will definitely update once I find out =) Other than that, I've been taking it easy, changing some of our plans we had (extreme roller coasters), and doing some major online browsing at baby things! Boy-o-boy this might get me into some serious shopping problems!

Round 2 and Flea Med Warning!!

Ok so here it is, Sunday the night before we are leaving NC and starting our 40 day 40 night traveling adventure. We've been staying at a friends house in Swansboro for the past 4 nights, and the dogs have been loving it. Just shy of an acre of yard completely fenced it. They have free roam of the backyard with her two dogs as well. Sherry, Becky, Marquees were in the pool relaxing, the 4 dogs were outside exploring the yard, while Erik and I were inside playing Guitar Hero World Tour. I decided to check on the dogs due to the heat, when I saw Sherry was hoping out the pool running after Jax because he was throwing up orange stuff, but having a hard time getting it out.

Great....now what??

I run down the deck stairs, bring him in, take him to the water bowl and he pretty much just collapses on the tiles. Few choice words, Sherry and I are shaking and on the verge of tears. His eyes were slowly closing and he was breathing faster than a bat outta hell! I call the emergency vet, and to our luck, the closest office was a good 45mins-1hr away...$%@#!! We decided to give him a minute to see if he would come to, which he did, picked him up (asking him if he was trying to give me a flipping heart attack) and needless to say the raunchy smell from his mouth indicated that our lovely toad addicted dog has yet his second licking of a dang toad, but this time a little worse. I can't continue to support this dog's habits...the stress, almost a butt load in vet bills...he's going to make me go insane and broke!!!



Ok so a little scary, but a little funny at the same time...now on a serious note....



If another toad incident with Jax wasn't enough, Shelby decides she wants some attention too! The dogs were just groomed so it was flea med time. We have been using Bio Spot (from PetSmart) for quite some time. Now let me note that until recently, Jax was only 3 1/2lbs, so we would only use a 1/2 tube on him. The tube was for puppies 15lbs and under. When we got Shelby, we would split the tube between the two of them...good to go! Well recently Jax has gained weight, up to 5lbs now and Shelby is 8 1/4lbs, so we decided to use a full tube on each. Last month, within minutes of putting the flea medicine on both dogs (as directed), they both went nuts. Rubbing their backs on the ground and furniture. It was almost kind of cute they way they were, we had actually nicked named Shelby "platy" because she looked like a platypus flattened on the ground. She would run, roll, then flatten herself. Well same thing today, except the reaction was a little worse then last time. Me being a worry wart (which paid off this time), went to good old google and searched "side affects of Bio Spot. Scared #$%@less of what I found, we immediately gave her a bath and will never use it again!!

The main active ingredient in Bio Spot is a pestiside known as PERMETHRIN. This ingredient is intended to to attack the nervous system of fleas and ticks, thus killing them. Well how in a world does an ingredient know the difference of fleas, ticks, or dogs?? Well, it doesn't, hence our poor Shelby falling to the ground and just laying there "flattened" because this (excuse my language) damn flea medicine was attacking her nervous system (in a not so severe way) when it was suppose to be helping her. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! What will be next??? I have included the website below, so you can read more about it and read true stories. Please, please, please, If you care about your animals as much as we do, be very, very, very careful in what you give them. Now I don't know of a flea med that doesn't have this ingrident, apparently Advantix does and supposedly so does Frontline. So what else is left to keep our pets free of these dang pests??

http://www.biospotvictims.org/

Ok, bed time soon, early morning and 7 hour drive to Stone Mountain. Thanks for reading =)

Jax's drug addiction

Okay so last post before bed. This past Tuesday we were cleaning out the garage getting ready for the movers to come. It was about 9am, we had the riding mower in the front yard, a container of horrible car fluids next to it, and the two dogs on their leads. Throughout the morning I would check on the dogs, make sure they had shade and were ok. Well needless to say, I went to check on Jax and he was laid out on his side, foaming (yellow) at the mouth, and using the bathroom on himself. Can you say PANIC ATTACK!!!! First thought, I poisoned my dog and he got into the antifreeze that was in the container. I rushed him to the vet, in tears and looking like death warmed over, to have the vet open Jax's mouth, sniff (saying "yuck, I know that smell"), and start laughing. This made me angry and cry even more. The next words to come out of his mouth in between giggles was "You have a drug addict for a dog"!!! What in the world?? Come to find out my dog had a run in with a toad/frog, got one good lick, and had what the vet called "toad/frog poisoning". Apparently it's like a bad (not lethal) LSD trip for dogs, that makes them drool, foam, and be dazed for quite sometime. He gave him a shot to come off his "high" and warned me to get rid of the toads because now that Jax has had his first taste, he will continue to seek out the toad to get that same "high feeling" again!!! So needless to say, he is completely fine, scared the living heck out of me, and now has a new nickname..."crackie jaxie"!!

The adventures of Jax Daniels and Shelby Roo =)

Our little man here, most of you know by now is Mr. Jax Daniels Kimmey. Weighing in at now all of 5.2 lbs, our little chunky butt has gain 2lbs since his manhood got taken away in March! He's quite the camera ham, and loves to pose for pictures!!

This young lady to our right is Miss Shelby Roo Kimmey, our 9 month old "toddler" who is in desperate need of some doggie ritalin!! She is 8.5lbs and is hell on wheels. Recently she got a hold of a black pen and decided to "scribble" all over our furniture and then proceed to bite it in half dripping ink EVERY WHERE!!! Wasn't too happy with Miss Roo for a bit there.

With all the craziness of packing and getting ready to move...we couldn't help but have a little fun with the pups. We decided to "tape" up and try shipping our dogs to Japan ahead of time. They weren't too happy with us, granted we found it absolutely hilarious!!

So it's the day after the movers have come, and the fun hasn't even begun yet! The house is empty minus computers, clothes, and dishes, and I have been sleeping on an air mattress that hates my guts and deflates at night. My back and neck are sore...and still another week of this wonderfulness until we leave NC!! Neighbors and friends have been great, helping out where needed, dogs have been troopers, and Erik and I are managing to survive through this craziness. The weekend will be full of cleaning and sorting through which clothes I'm taking with us on our 40 days and 40 nights (as Erik calls it) of traveling, a last trip to the drag strip, and probably more cleaning...lol. Our first stop when we leave next week will be ATL to see his dad, grandma and a few aunts and uncles.