Day is Done

Sunset at Araha Beach

Feeling Crafty

I finally have the time to tackle all the little projects I've lined up for myself throughout the year.  Here's my latest: a camera strap cover!

Instructions on how to make this can be found at Design*Sponge.

Beer & Pizza

I've always wanted to visit the Orion Beer Factory here in Okinawa.  When Jen mentioned that she and Perry were going to head there this weekend, we jumped at the chance to join them.  

We missed the initial turn to get there and ended up driving around a little, but finally made it and were obviously excited to be there.

Since Jen is pregnant she was the obvious designated driver.  Whoever is the DD in the group gets to advertise it with this tag and receives a complimentary juice card.  As you can see, Jen is thrilled.

The rest of us got complimentary beer cards.  I don't know what it says, but I do know that we not only get a pilsner glass full of Orion, but free refills too!

The tour was self-guided and we had some laminated cards in English that described the beer-making process.  Here are the ginormous mash pans used early in the process that filter out the "amber, clear liquid" which eventually becomes the Orion that we know and love.

Here's a view of the bottling floor.  It wasn't in operation since it was Sunday.  This reminded me of the beer factory in my hometown.

This is the original Orion label from 1957 when Orion Beer was first created.

Here we are enjoying our complimentary drinks.

After we toured the Orion facility we stopped at the Pineapple Park to pick up some tasty treats, but I was too focused on pineapple wine cake to take any pictures.  Whoops!

After that, we drove around trying to find Pizza in the Sky.  Although we've been there before, it's always a little tricky to remember which roads lead there.  Anyone who has eaten there knows that it's way off the beaten path.  Eventually we found it and enjoyed salad and pizza during sunset on the longest day of the year.  We seized the opportunity to snap a few pics before the sun went down.

Jen & Perry: the parents-to-be!

Team Juloa

Me and Jen relaxing after a busy day up north.

Wheeeee for Wii!

 I know that this is the gift that was popular about 2 Christmases ago, but I am totally excited about my Wii and Wii Fit (thanks, Boohers!).  Maybe turning 30 isn't so bad after all.  At least now I can embrace my inner child with video games when I'm feeling old.

A Week's Worth

A lot has happened in a little over a week.

Noa threw me a surprise birthday party at my favorite restaurant!

As you can see, I was completely surprised!  My birthday isn't until this week, so I had no idea a party was in the works.

The food, as usual, was excellent.  I looove me some good curry!

My friends really know me - I think most of the cards had dogs on them which made me smile.

Since it was my birthday, I got to be included in the guy photo.  From (L - R) Perry, Joe, Tom, Noa, Kent, Kenny, Allen, and Sean.

Here are the ladies: Emily, Laura, Tritia, Sara, Me (yes, I'm in the back, trying to look tall on a chair), Amanda, MaryAnn, Beth, and Jennifer.

Dinner was followed by some crazy karaoke at the Big Echo.  As always, it was a blast!

I was Noa's back up rapper.

I have no idea what it going on here, but apparently I'm really loving this song.

The girls ham it up - probably with the Abba medley.

I think Noa and Jay were singing their rendition of U2's "One."

Karaoke was followed by cake.  Yum!

We had another reason to celebrate - Team Juloa celebrated 8 years of marriage this past Tuesday.  With all that's been going on around here, we simply celebrated at home.

On Wednesday, the girls got their toes done at Cocok's for a little pampering.  Here's a group shot.

Here's an up-close shot of my toe.  I went with an ocean scene.  It took a little getting used to, but it's so cute!  

Speaking of fish, with the school year ending this week, we acquired some new house guests.  And yes, I left on the classroom sign that says "fish."  It's one less thing I'll have to label in the fall.

As usual, I worked my tail off during the last days of school, but I'm already feeling ready for next year with how everything has been packed, sorted and organized for the summer.  Check out the result of all my work.  Organized shelves!  Labeled bins!  It makes me happy!

We've had to say good-bye to a lot of friends lately.  It started with Joe, who's moving back to the states.  We hated to see him go.  We've been friends since day one in Okinawa.  

Joe, we wish you the best - hope to see you soon!

Then, we had to say good-bye to the Yosts and Scherdens.  Both families will head to Germany for new teaching assignments with DoDDs in the fall.   They have been like family for us, so it was extremely hard to say good-bye (yes, there were lots of tears).  But, our last couple of days together in Okinawa were great.

Grace and Noa share a moment at lunch.

The girls (and little Milo) at Freshness Burger in American Village. 

Me with the baby girls, Grace and Ella.  I can't wait to see them in Germany some day when they have grown and become best buds.

Grace models my sunglasses.  After shopping with her and Emily, I've learned that she's quite a little diva.

Jay and Noa share one last beer in Oki. 

Laura introduced me to Baskin Robbins "Daiquiri Ice" flavor.  It tastes like a sweet tart!

The group on the last night together (sad...).  In the back are Sean, Liz, Jason, Ella, Tom, and Lauara.  In the front are Tritia, Emily, Grace, Kenny, Amanda, me, Noa, Allen, and MaryAnn.

We'll miss you, Scherdens and Yosts!

LCDR

Noa is now officially a lieutenant commander in the US Navy!

Noa taking the official oath.  Giving the oath is the Commanding Officer of the US Naval Hospital Okinawa, Captain Dawson.

I'm beaming with pride.  Like how we took our picture in front of the emergency fire equipment?

The whole group - or as I like to call them, Noa's cheering section.  To the left are some of the guys he works with: Jeff, Matt, and Sean.  To the right are the teachers: Sean, Pete (Tom's dad, pictured in the back), Kent, Tom with Ella, and Jason.

Congrats, Noa!