Fuji-San Champions!

I’m not really sure when my obsession with Mt. Fuji started. The first time I even realized it existed, I was probably in middle school. My BFF Kayla and I went to a restaurant called “Mt. Fuji.” It’s the same concept as Benihana’s, where they cook in front of you and do tricks. My favorite is the onion volcano, with bonus points to the chef if they then push the volcano around while it’s smoking and say “choo-choo!” I’ve eaten at different variations of these restaurants since then and have never found one I've enjoyed as much as Mt. Fuji.

When we heard the news that we were moving to Japan, George and I sat down and brainstormed about everything we knew of our soon to be home. We knew they used chopsticks, and spoke Japanese. We knew it was an island, and what their flag looked like, and we knew what a kamikaze shot was. We also knew about Mt. Fuji. We knew it was a volcano, but I’m pretty sure I even googled that night to ensure it wasn’t an active volcano. (It’s not.)

Upon our arrival in Japan we learned that you could see Mt. Fuji from the base. I was enthralled with this idea. One week went by, and then a second, and a third. A month, two months, maybe even three passed by with no sightings of the great Fuji-san. I was convinced that it had all been a hoax; a joke to play on newcomers to the base. “Very funny” I thought, but really felt “very disappointing.” Just when I’d given up hope that Fuji-san even existed, one day when were in Yokohama (an hour and a half away by train) we were at the top of a building and we saw a Japanese couple pointing out the window and saying “Ooooh! Fuji-san!” And they pointed it out to us, and it was peeking out from behind the clouds. And I was instantly, and I mean instantly, in love.

We got back to the base that afternoon and were driving around the flightline. We both turned our heads at the same time to look at the mountain range we see daily, and there it was. Fuji-san. In her glory. Just staring at us. Massive, and truly breathtakingly beautiful.

So the talk began of climbing Mt. Fuji. The conquering of the feat quickly rose on our list of things to do while living in Japan. When George deployed we agreed to get in shape for many reasons: to lose weight, be healthier, be able to run together and to be able to climb Mt. Fuji this summer. George got in shape, losing 25lbs during those 4 months, and since his homecoming he runs about 4 miles daily, just for fun. I gained 6lbs while he was gone, and struggle walking up our one flight of stairs with groceries. Since his return in June, about once a week, he’d say “Still climbing Fuji this summer?” And I’d say yes, and go to the gym that day… and then resume my semi-sedentary life style. And then all of a sudden... it was August. Where the summer went? I have no idea, but it seemed to fly by. So we agreed to climb Fuji on Saturday night. The plan was to both work Friday (I was nanny-ing for a sweet family on the base), and then sleep in really late on Saturday to be prepared for our night climb up Fuji with a group of friends.

Problem was we somehow forgot about this whole military life we live where you hear news at the drop of a hat, and life changes. So Friday morning at 9am George sends me a text that says “I need you to call me asap.” Crap. I don’t care much for texts like that!!! He says he got put on a TDY leaving first thing Sunday morning. So we can’t climb Fuji Saturday night. So he suggests we either do it next summer, or we do it tonight. I laugh, and of course think next summer is our only option. I only slept 6 hours the night before and anyone who has ever met me knows I need a lot of sleep to function properly. So we get off the phone agreeing to do it next summer. Two hours go by, and I get another text. “I’m going tonight to climb fuji, you should still go tomorrow. I promise I will go with you next year.” Crap. Nobody in their right mind climbs Fuji more than once. I go back and forth on this for the next couple of hours. What should I do? Climb it tonight when I’m miserably tired and mentally unprepared but do it with my husband? Or go the next night with the friends I had originally planned on? Or just let him go tonight, and pray he has a good enough time that he wants to do it again with me next summer, when I’m in better shape?

Eventually I agree to go tonight. Why not? It’s our shot. It’s only advisable to climb Fuji in the months of July and August because it’s snow covered almost year round, and we have plans every weekend until the end of August. So I agree. I swing by Outdoor Rec after lunch and I see George’s car in the parking lot just as I’m about to call him and tell him I’ve decided to go. I go inside and he says “You’re going? But there isn’t room for you! I invited other people.” So my reaction is anger. How couldn’t it be? “I’m going. You can make room for me.” He clarified that of course he wanted me to go, he wanted to do it with me. So we decide we’ll take my car that seats 7. We rented rain pants, boots, gators, and headlamps. (And I got a can of oxygen) At 4pm when I’m done with the baby I head home and packed up snacks, a first aid kit, got my jacket ready, and George filled up our Camelbak’s full of water.

Mel, DJ, Kevin and Erol met us at our house and after a stop at the ATM and gas station we were on the road by 6:45ish. I had imagined everyone would want to be just like me and nap in the car on the drive out there; after all, everyone worked that day too. How wrong I was. Everyone was pumped. Super excited, and chatty. There was no sleeping in the car. We drove out to the Mt. Fuji train station and parked there, and then took a bus an hour or so the fifth station. It’s as far up as you can drive a car. We bought our walking sticks, paid our 50Yen to use the bathroom, and stretched a little bit. Mel and I noticed a group of Japanese girls similar to our age stretching. They were chanting as they stretched and giggling. It looked like fun! So we got brave and joined them. They humored us for one round of chanting and stretching and we thanked them. Japan never ceases to offer us entertainment.

Here's the whole crew! Erol, Kevin, DJ, Mel, Chelsea & George! This is us in the parking lot where we parked our car. That's Fuji Q Highlands amusement park in the distance!

Rule number 18: Limber Up!!!

This is us at the very beginning of the trail. Smiles on our faces, and we were relaxed and ready to go!

We start walking at 9:50pm Friday night. The walk is simple enough for the first 10 minutes, and then we hit the trail head. And it points up. And within those first 20 minutes Kevin, Erol, Mel and DJ are almost out of sight. I’m huffing. And puffing. And struggling. The air is thin already, and again—I am OUT. OF. SHAPE. They stop for me and wait, and I feel SO guilty. I really hate to be the reason to slow everyone else down. I explain this to them and they were all so nice about it. George sees how bad I’m struggling (don’t think he was really surprised) and he took my backpack from me. What a guy. He would have carried my water too if that wasn’t such a big part of my survival for the next 7 hours. Somewhere in that first hour I turned on my iPod and it was such a huge motivation. Throughout the hike I listened to Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album, Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill, and Ashlee Simpson’s Autobiography. I just needed a little “girl power.” As those came to an end, I finally selected the Beatles as the artist and hit shuffle. All 300+ songs shuffled about, and they were so energizing. It gave me a beat to walk to, and I think without that, it would have been a much more difficult accomplishment.

Here we are at probably the 6th of 7th station. There's my sweet husband carrying my backpack! I think I was eating a power bar when this was taken; it's certainly not an attractive picture of me, but it's funny!

We reached the 6^th and 7^th stations pretty quickly. I think we were making great time, in spite of my slowness. Each station is like a checkpoint, where you can get a stamp on your stick. The sticks are wooden, with bells and flags on them, and in my opinion is the greatest souvenir you can take back with you from Japan. There is nothing I wanted more than that stick and those stamps. Each stamp was 200Yen, and we both got 16 stamps. It was pricy. Plus we paid 1,000Yen each per stick. Plus anywhere between 50-300yen for each bathroom break! We sweated enough to not have to go too often though.

At each station as I’d arrive, the other 4 would be ready to take off again. I felt like in those 7 hours I never had a chance to catch my breath. My deep breaths never subsided. Once. It was a strange feeling, and I almost felt like I knew what it would be like to be an astronaut. Around the 7^th station I started to see people using oxygen cans. I was so envious of them, so I finally broke down and took my first pump of oxygen. I was really glad I brought the can with me. Even with the oxygen though, I never felt completed energized. I had a couple spouts of dizziness, lots of tiredness, and moments of doubt if I’d make it to the top. George never faltered to be an incredible support. We had a few tiffs when we climbed the Great Wall of China back in November (check out that post here http://chelseametros.blogspot.com/2010/12/long-awaited-continuance-of-china.html), but we never got upset with each other once on this trip. He was caring and understanding and I really feel like it was a strengthening experience for our relationship.

I don’t know how to explain the climb. It was incredibly difficult. Steep. Challenging. The changes in terrain were abrupt. You’d go from a steep almost dirt path to suddenly climbing over boulders. The path started out with us feeling like we were the only ones on the mountain and the number of people increased with time. I don’t know where they came from! We passed a lot of people, but were passed by others too. My least favorite was when the children that would pass me. I’d say we saw about 10 kids the whole time, if that. Stupid overachiever kids.

This gives you an idea of what the hike looked like 25% of the time. Vertical, with rocks. We were fortunate enough to have climbed during a full moon though! It was beautiful!

I feel like there is more to say about the climb up, but really, now, 24 hours later, it’s a blur. It sucked. But it was incredible to look down at the towns below us with all of their lights. It was incredible to see the stars. And I mean incredible. Living in Tokyo doesn’t offer us the opportunity to see many stars, but on this mountain, they were there. In general, this was just a spiritual experience. When I’d start feeling down and like I couldn’t make it to the top, I’d see one spectacular purple flower. You can only see what your headlamp is pointing at, and my eyes would drift to the one flower. And it was funny, because it made me feel like God put this mountain here for a reason. He wanted to challenge his people, but didn’t forget to add those little details like a flower for the weary. The greenery that survived at that altitude was one of the things that impressed me the most.

As we hit one of the last stations before the top (5 and a half-ish hours into this hike) it felt like we were going to make it with plenty of time to see the sun rise. And then we hit a traffic jam. The higher we went, the steeper, rockier and more narrow the path was. And the more tour groups we ran into. These tour groups would stop on the trail and let everyone in their group catch up, which would result in making everyone else on the trail halt to a standstill. At this point the other 4 in our group were far ahead of us and we were sure they’d beat us to the top! George and I had gotten so frustrated with standing around behind the giant tour groups that we began climbing around them, sometimes even stepping off the trail to do so. As the hours neared 4am, we were really hoping to make it to the top before sunrise, but were sure we’d miss it, and our 4 ahead of us would beat us up there! Then we saw them! We had managed to catch them during our passing of everyone. So we all reached the top within a few minutes of each other. As Twist and Shout came onto my iPod you couldn’t help but smile. We made it. I was alive. And I was at the top of Mt. Fuji!!!

What a champ!

At least you can see our silhouettes! The sun is bright in the early morning!

Here's a video George took of us at the top, watching the sunrise.

I was so exhausted. I had imagined I would’ve cried when I reached the top. But my body wouldn't let me. I was too tired. We watched the sun come up and then I curled up into a ball and allowed myself to sleep for about half an hour. It was cold, and I was glad I had a hat, and gloves. We had the breakfast of champions at the top of Mt. Fuji as the sun continued to rise. The bowl of hot ramen was tasty but a few bites in I began to not feel so well. I spent the next hour and a half in the bathroom. I’m not one to discuss any tummy issues I have because I feel it isn’t very ladylike, so let’s just say I felt really sick. I’m not sure if it was altitude sickness (I don’t think so), or if it was something I ate, or if it was because I was dehydrated (I drank a ton of water though), but I know I didn’t feel well! It really took away the appeal of the top of the mountain. Instead of really taking in the top and exploring around the crater, I had to just take care of myself.

Once I felt a little settled, I drank half of a 5 hour energy drink, and it really did give me the boost I needed. It didn’t make me feel jittery, but did make me feel a little more awake and energized for the walk down. The sun was up, the temperature was rising (it was probably 40 degrees at the top, it was cold, and windy!) and our spirits were relatively high. The hike back down was a new level of difficult. Instead of using your thighs to go up, up, and higher up, you used your knees and toes to keep from sliding down the mountain. We dug into the gravelly rocks with our heels, and braced with our sticks. There was a lot of sliding and slipping and I was SO grateful we didn’t have any rain on this hike because the way down would have been so much worse if it had been muddy!!! It took us just under 4 hours to make it to the bottom of the mountain, and get on the bus. We stopped much less for breaks, and I still can’t decide if the hike up, or hike down was worse. I think going up was certainly more physically and mentally demanding, but on the way down my body was so tired and energy was depleted enough to really struggle. And I was getting blisters on my feet at that point. I came out of the event with a total of six blisters. Four on my right foot, one on my left food, and one on my ring finger where my wedding rings were! My hands had swollen so much that my rings had dug into my hand and rubbed it raw. Weird!

We had a few odd experiences on the way down. One of them was when we saw a handful of steamrollers going up the mountain. And we saw one bulldozer. The path down was much different than up and was like sliding on marbles and golf balls for 4 hours, so we were pretty surprised to see the heavy equipment going up the mountain! At this one particular turn on the mountain the bulldozer was coming up and needed to turn on this path. Well, there was one lady who felt that bulldozer was in her way (or something) and tried to walk underneath the bucket of it. I’ve never heard so many people yell and gasp at the same time. She seriously almost got smoked (Tribute to you, Kyle!)

Notice the lady underneath the bulldozer. What an idiot.

Here's Kevin and Erol taking a little break on the way down!

We made it. We did it. I accomplished something most people never will. And I’m only 23. It was an extraordinary experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’m so glad George and I did it together. What a blessing to have him to push me into these crazy adventures. We do balance each other out so well, and I just love that guy so much. I mean, he carried my backpack up the mountain. What a guy.

I truly understand the meaning of the phrase “Land of the Rising Sun” now. I’m sure my love affair with Mt. Fuji will continue for the rest of my life. Currently, as I sit on the couch crippled with pain and soreness from my toes to my head, the idea of that mountain makes me sick. The next time we have a clear day on the base, and I see that iconic mountain sitting there so grounded and powerful, I’ll probably have a good cry, and the respect for each other will be mutual. I conquered it. George conquered it. And we did it together. And for us, that is enough. It’s just another thing on our lifelong journey together to cross off the list, but it was awesome.

In the car on the way home George was the only one out of the 6 of us that said he’d do it again. There were dollar amounts thrown around about how much we’d climb it for. George said he’d do it for free in the next couple of days after a good meal, sleep and a shower. I think the next lowest bidder was $4,000. Someone said they’d do it for $7,000. I’m pretty sure you could write me a check for $10,000 and I’d laugh in your face. I would never do it again, but I wouldn’t trade the experience I had for the world. I’d maybe do it again for $100,000. Minimum. And that’s a BIG maybe. That being said, if you live here in Japan, or come to visit and you don’t do it… you suck. You’re missing out on a spiritual, physical and mental feat. Just do it. You won’t regret it. I promise.

We made it. Back where we started. P.S. Go Braves!

Spread the LOVE

So… now it’s time for a post that I’ve been writing in my head since I landed in Seattle. But… it’s going to have to come with a disclaimer: I LOVE the United States of America. Please don’t take this post in any other context.

But OMG. I think everyone and their mom should have to live overseas in another country, for a minimum of 6 months. It’s been the most eye opening experience. I realize that Japan is a whole OTHER culture, but it’s been so informative to live there. Here are some interesting things I’ve observed while being back in the US over the past two weeks.

1. American food is delicious. The variety is probably the best in the world (wings, pizza, burgers, steak, seafood, coffee houses, cafes, Mexican food, Italian food, Chick-fil-a (it’s its own food group as far as I’m concerned), sandwich shops etc.) But the portions here are out of control. I mean—seriously. I ordered a half order of chicken nachos the other day at a Mexican restaurant. They came out on a 13 inch plate, stacked ridiculously high, smothered in liquid white queso cheese, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole. It was disgusting. (But oh so very heavenly) It took me three meals to eat it. Imagine if it had been a full order. And we wonder why we’re all so fat.
2. Can we talk about recycling? I grew up in a house where my parents have always recycled. Maybe not everything, but cans and plastic for sure. When I moved out, I didn’t think twice about getting a recycling bin, meaning I did not use one, for several years. When we moved to Oklahoma we recycled because we lived on the base, and it was convenient for us to set our stuff by the curb. Texas was the same, as well as Arkansas, but I never went out of my way to do it. If it was inconvenient, oh well- I’d just toss a plastic bottle in the trashcan while I would pump my gas. But now—living in Japan where the base offers a nice, clear and easy way to recycle, and I’ve been doing it for awhile, and now I really see how much stuff could be recycled that we just toss in the garbage. Lately, the only reason my garbage has to be taken out is when it smells, and not because the bag is full. I take out the recycling at a much higher frequency! I challenge each of you to recycle everything you can, I’m talking paper, plastic, cardboard etc. for one month and see how much you’re tossing that could be recycled. I think you’ll be surprised!
3. Why are we so lazy? I sat in a Publix (southern grocery store chain for you non-southerners) parking lot today and watched not 1, not 2, not 3 but FOUR people leave their carts near their car. Are you freaking kidding me? Just take the cart to the cart return. And what’s worse is that Publix baggers will take your groceries out for you. If you’re too daggum lazy to put your cart away, at least pay the teenagers $2-$3 for them to do it for you instead of risking your cart to be rolled into someone else’s vehicle!!! That’s just common courtesy folks.
4. When did American vending machines get so expensive?! I’ve only been away for ten months, but since my return I’ve already paid $2.50 for a coke. And $1.25 for a bag of cheez-its. Are ya kidding me? (But hey, I paid it, so I guess if you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem, right?)
5. Are we not smiling anymore? Are we so unhappy that we can’t offer a smile??? When I went to take my finals today I spoke with at least 6 different employees at the school. Not one of them offered me a smile. And I’m a smiley person!!! I smile when I ask questions, I smile when I thank them kindly for answering my questions. No “you’re welcome.”? No “Have a good day.”? No “Thanks, you too.”? And one lady at the post office yesterday was rude too. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve just been running into the wrong people at the wrong time (I really should credit it to that) but I’m unhappy with the friendliness of Atlanta, Georgia. What happened to my sweet state of southern hospitality???
6. We still have to tip here…. Awwww crap.
7. In Japan, the culture and relationships are a little different than here. Example: eye contact. In Japan, eye contact means a relationship has been made. Driving? Need to move over a lane? Just make eye contact with the driver next to you, and you’re in. Blinker, horn, staring… nobody moves out my way here in GA these days…


That’s all the negative I’ve got for now. I’m sure more will come up. I still love Georgia and am proud to call it my stomping grounds. I can’t just end the post with bad things about the country and state I love so much. So, let me also tell you about the wonderful things that have happened since I’ve been here.

I needed to reschedule a doctor’s appointment that I missed while in Japan. On the phone as I’m explaining as to why I don’t need a referral, how I don’t live here and why I don’t have my medical records, the woman at the doctor’s office was incredibly sweet. She told me of how she and her family have been praying for the people in Japan since they heard about the disaster. She and her husband lived in Yokohama, Japan for several years when they were younger. We chatted for about half an hour. What a doll. I’m looking forward to meeting her in person.

When I needed to cancel the various flights I had booked and would explain my situation to the various airline companies, each and every employee told me they had been thinking about and praying for Japan.

The shuttle bus driver at the Seattle airport said the same thing. So did the rental car people, store clerks at the mall. Many also told me they’ve donated their hard earned money.

The guy at my sister’s gym helped me out with a very cheap month’s membership learning I was here temporarily.

While one lady was rude to me at the post office, another wasn’t. As I asked a question about shipping to an APO box, she asked if I was in the military. I said my husband was and she shook my hand and thanked me for my husband’s service and all that I put up with as a military spouse. She about made me cry.

And today I saw a college kid give a bag of potato chips to a bum outside of a gas station who asked for money because he said he was hungry.

There is good in all of us. There is bad in all of us, but there is good too. As the human race, let’s all unite as one. Help your neighbor carry their groceries up the stairs. Stop and thank a veteran. Help an old lady cross the street. Tip the bagger at the store an extra dollar. Give a homeless man a bag of potato chips. Hold the door for someone. Let someone else have that parking spot. Smile at someone. Pray for someone. Let a car over in your lane, while you’re driving, even if they have an ugly Auburn sticker, and didn’t use a blinker. Thank your waiter/waitress sincerely for their job well done, not only with money, but with kind words that may help them get through their night. Leave a comment for the novice blog writer who seldom gets comments but loves when she does (yes, this means my blog… or anyone else’s for that matter!!!). And write “I love you” on 5 different people’s Facebook walls, and mean it!!

Be good. Be the change you want to see in the world.

And think. Use your brain, and your heart to make decisions.

And keep thinking about and praying for Japan. Please. And thanks.

Just trying to spread the love,
Chelsea

Not enough fun...

Ok. So.
VERY long story short, I left Japan temporarily. My heart is breaking for the Japanese people that have done nothing but show support, kindness and love towards their country, and the visitors (aka, me) that visit it.

I’ll never forget March 11, 2011… and the way I felt that day watching the tsunamis roll in that afternoon. I’ll never forget the heartache I felt watching the images on TV of people and their homes, cars and livelihood being tossed around like boats in a bathtub. I’ll never forget the fear and sadness I felt as I watched the news for hours explaining about the nuclear problems that came with the natural disaster. I’ll never forget any of it. Just like I won’t forget how I felt on September 11, 2001.

I had already made the decision to travel to Georgia to visit family many months ago, long before the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear issues. In the wake of these events, I chose to head back to the states a bit early, just to err on the side of caution and for my own sanity. I know the people at Yokota are doing incredible things for the Japanese people, and I truly can’t express the amount of pride I feel personally knowing some of the heroes that are helping in the wake of tragedy. I want them to sign autographs. :) HA!

I made it back to Georgia several days ago, and have tried to lay low! Leaving a little earlier than planned threw off my school schedule and put me in a frenzy of panic to get all of my assignments completed and submitted on time. I have finals this coming week and finding a location to take them at has been more of an issue than I’d ever imagined. I’d like to say Georgia has been just peachy (pun intended) but I’m purposely avoiding too much fun so I can keep a responsible mindset. It’s exhausting. All I want to do is explore my hometown, eat at all of my favorite restaurants, and see all of the people I miss and love so dearly. Responsibility sucks.

Now that almost all of my assignments are submitted, and all that’s left to do is study, I want to shout from the rooftops! I must admit that I haven’t let Georgia be all work and no play, as I’ve eaten at a few of my favorite places (Chick-fil-a TWICE and TWO different Mexican joints) I’ve also had pizza, and a Five Guys Cheeseburger. Yes, it’s been heavenly. I have had quite a few meals of leftovers, and am trying to remember that just because I’m kind of on vacation (not quite) I can’t let myself gain 20lbs… but it sure is hard!

If you’re in Georgia and would like to get together, shoot me an e-mail/facebook/whatever and I’d love to try to plan an outing (perhaps somewhere delicious???)

And please do not let Japan slip away from your minds. They still need lots of love and prayers. I am looking forward to when I get back to Japan and can throw my able body into the cleanup and relief efforts. Japan is so deserving. I promise. And if you haven’t been there… add it to the list of things to do… it won’t disappoint. It really is a wonderful country.

Thanks for reading and leaving comments. Love you all!

XOXO,
Chels

The Day the Earth Moved...

How can I even begin to tell this story? The past week and a half has inched by. It was filled with shaking from both myself and the floor, countless hours of alertness, friendship, hurt, hope, airports, security lines, panic, food, family, relief, fear, heartbreak, strength and sadness. The events I am referring to began on March 11th, 2011.

As most crazy days do, this one began normally. I woke up, did homework, had lunch, checked my mail, went to the BX, came home and sat on the couch with my laptop in my lap. About 2:46pm it feels like my couch is shaking. Have you ever had a dog? When they scratch their ears with their hind legs, sometimes it feels like the house shakes for a second. But Cheyenne is in my line of vision, and she is asleep on her bed. “Huh. Strange.” I think. “Oh, it’s still shaking. Oh, look at my lampshade. Oh! It’s an earthquake!” And I’m embarrassed to say that for a split second I felt excited. Earthquakes are very common in Japan, and I hear about them all the time, but I’ve never felt one. The second floor usually doesn’t. But then, it’s still shaking and I can see everything I own rattling, and I can hear it. And the Earth sounds as if she’s moaning. And I panic because I don’t know what to do. I quickly realize this isn’t okay. This is major. My mind searches for an answer about where to go, because with each passing millisecond the house shakes a little more. And it's rattling, and rolling. I get in the doorway of my bedroom because it’s a metal frame. I cry out for Cheyenne to come because the entertainment center hutch is rocking back and forth and I’m waiting on it to fall and crush her. She doesn’t hesitate to listen and as I brace myself in the doorway and actively am praying out loud, “Oh God, please make it stop. Make it stop shaking. The towers! Oh God, those towers! Stop it. Why won’t it stop? It’s still shaking! Father, make it stop!!!” And I can hear my blinds banging from side to side, hitting the window frame, then shifting outwards and slapping against the glass window, and I can hear my neighbor’s dogs barking. And it’s still rolling. I’m being pulled from side to side and it doesn’t make sense. I’d always imagined an earthquake would feel like you’re shaking from side to side, but it doesn’t. It rolls, and turns and twists, and you can’t keep your feet planted. It’s terrifying. I watch a picture frame fall over, but then it’s done. It stops. The Earth stops moving, I take a deep breath, and want to break into tears. What do I do now? I look at my bookshelf that’s been re-organized. It’s just stuff. Nothing’s even broken. The people. How are my neighbors? I can hear front doors being opened, and I get Cheyenne on a leash and we go downstairs where we meet two of our neighbors.

They both felt it. I didn’t imagine it. None of us knew what to do when it happened. Jane was about to walk out the door because she had somewhere to be at 3. We discuss aftershocks, and tsunamis. I gasp at the thought of a tsunami. The island is so small, and we all know it would cause a lot of damage. We wonder where the epicenter was. A word I’d learned only a week or two prior, in the English class I teach. The center of the earthquake. Where it began.

We talk about our friends who live in “the towers” which are 9 story apartment buildings on base, there are tons of them. We try to call our friends, but the cellphone lines are down. We discuss that it must have been really close, or else it was a huge earthquake. I take Jane’s dogs upstairs with me because I’m not going anywhere, and we were afraid if another one came, we didn’t want stuff to fall on them.

I got back inside, and immediately google, “What to do in an earthquake”. I read about getting under a sturdy piece of furniture, crouch to the ground, hold on. I come up with a game plan to get under my dining room table if it happens again. I pulled up facebook, where everyone and their mom at our base has already posted comments such as “Whoa! Earthquake!” Or “Rocking and rolling in Japan!” And other witty things. I think I posted something about how scary it was.

I turn on Fox news. Nothing about Japan. I turn on CNN, nothing. From my house phone, which is still working, I call my friend who is pregnant and has a 2 year old and lives on the 8th floor. She’s okay. She only had a vase break, but she and her little boy are okay. She says she googled the earthquake and gives me the link. It says the quake was a 7.something and all it says it was off the island of Honshu. I can’t do anything but think, “No shit. Why isn't it more specific?”

I google Japan earthquake. Nothing. Then someone puts on facebook to watch the Japanese news coverage. Duh! And then there’s the tsunami. There’s a giant wave. And I begin praying again. Silently this time, but fervently. And it hit shore. I’m watching this live and the homes are being swept again, I see cars, and ships being tossed like toys in a bathtub. The cars are trying to outrun this wave, but it’s hopeless. They’re gone.

For the next few hours I can’t tear myself away from the TV or the internet, except for the 3 major aftershocks. When it started shaking, I yelled for the dogs to come, and all 3 of them did, and we crawled under my kitchen table. I have Cheyenne in the nook of my arm and the other two babies by the collars. They aren’t going anywhere. They understand.

I think about calling my parents, but know it’s after midnight there, and they both work early. There’s no way for me to contact George until he gets on Skype. So, I call other people around the base and make sure they’re alright. The base checks on me. George’s commander’s wife calls me. I say I’m fine. The squadron calls me; friends call me, my phone rings about 6 times. Those who don’t call, send mass Facebook messages asking if everyone is okay. We Facebook chat. Everyone has a different story, but everyone is okay!

Jane comes back and spends the rest of the afternoon and evening with me. We choke back tears as we watch the images of the country we love and call home, being destroyed.

I get home that evening and realize that when my parents, family and friends wake up in the morning and turn on the news, they’re going to worry about me. So I wait until about 4am their time and then call. My dad answers, and I explain that there was an earthquake, and when they turn on the news they’ll see how bad it was but I promise I’m safe. He tells my mom, and I’m relieved they won’t worry. Except, the worry just begins.

Then we hear that Yokota took in 11 airplanes that had been diverted from the Narita airport, and they need volunteers with the Red Cross to help. So we go. Jane and I take off to the Taiyo rec center on the base and wait for instruction. They have too many volunteers so I sign up for a shift for the next morning.

I get home that night and decide to send an e-mail. Here’s a copy of it (edited, this time):

Hello friends and family!

Just wanted to send you all a message and let you know that I perfectly fine! About 2:50pm here this afternoon there was an 8.8 earthquake about 230 miles from me. My house, which is on the second floor, shook like crazy. I had a couple of picture frames fall over, and everything hanging on the walls is now crooked, but nothing was broken! I did have some friends who live on the 9th floor of an apartment building here on base have things break (one had a tv fall off the wall) but there have been no injuries reported on base! What a blessing!

The quake itself was horrifying. The noise it brought was super eerie! It sounded like a monster rumbling outside and I could hear the blinds in my house bouncing back and forth off the window frames. I had always imagined an earthquake would shake side to side, but my house shook back and forth, left and right, up and down-- I don't know how else to explain it- except that I didn't like it one bit!!!

Cheyenne and I stood in a door frame and held on. It shook about 2 minutes! That is a really long time to have your home shake! I heard someone on the news report they thought it was 4-6 minutes long. I'm not sure, but I know it was WAY longer than I ever needed to feel one!

We also felt after shocks all afternoon, well, even until about an hour ago... we'll probably feel them all night, and maybe into tomorrow! Ick!

The main airports here in Japan are closed and Yokota Air Base (where I live) is taking in airplanes! The Red Cross here on base has been quick to respond, and I went in to help and am signed up to help from 7am-12pm tomorrow. There is going to be plenty of help needed throughout Japan for the next few weeks (if not months) and I'm happy I'll be able to do something! We're supposed to get an estimated 2500 people here that need to sleep in our community centers tonight.

Please keep Japan in your prayers. Just heard them say on a Japanese news channel that 3.98 MILLION people are without power tonight. Which means no heat, and it's supposed to go down to below freezing tonight... it's even supposed to snow. Watching the footage as it was happening just miles from me has been devastating. I feel pretty helpless. Japan is a wonderful country who will get back on their feet quickly. And continue to pray for the other countries throughout the Pacific that are being affected by the tsunamis that have resulted.

I'm a little shaken up (pun completely intended) but am fine! I am very thankful to be alive and well, warm, with food and water (and a little glass of wine).

George is off in a lovely sandy country right now and won't be home until June-ish, so he is fine too! Thanks for all of your concern!

Our cellphones were out all afternoon, but they are working now (you can't call it without costing us both an arm and a leg) but my home phone which has worked all day is now not currently working. I'm sure as people are waking up throughout the US people are calling us all here in Japan to check and it has jammed the lines! Call if you want, but know that I am fine!!!

I love you all!!!!!

Chelsea




I FINALLY got to talk to George that night around 10pm. He had just heard about the quake and was very worried, but we both felt so much relief to be able to see and hear each other. I love Skype. And I love George.

So, that was just the beginning. That was the first day. Quite literally—the day my world was shaken. I am safe and well in Smyrna, Georgia with my family. Cheyenne is here too. How I made it here is another story, for another day. I’ll be sure to tell you all about it.

Please continue to pray for their country. It is the saddest thing that I’ve ever experienced, watching Japan fall apart. They’ll prevail. I’m sure of it.

Chelsea

Here's one little picture I took of a bookshelf I have in my living room. The DVD's got shifted, and a few things fell, but nothing even broke.




Check out these reputable links if you would like to donate money/supplies, or your time-- if you're in Japan. Japan needs all the love they can get:

www.crashjapan.com

http://www.redcross.org/


AND Here's some more interesting links:

This is my fantastic friend Kate's blog. She's in Japan still and is working and doing incredibly brave and gracious things for Japan. She has wonderful information about what you can do to help... check out the blog from 3/11/11 and after.
http://tdubandkate.blogspot.com/2011/03/31111.html

This is an interactive map so you can see how MANY quakes they've experienced in the past week and a half.
http://www.japanquakemap.com

This is a cartoon that's aired on Japanese TV to explain the nuclear problems to the children of Japan. It's pretty funny!
www.urlesque.com/2011/03/17/nuclear-boy-cartoon-japan/

This is the bases official website. It's got up to date information on the truly INCREDIBLE things the USA and many other countries are doing for Japan, and the victims of the quakes/tsunamis. I am SO proud to know and be associated with the people at Yokota. Truly, they are heroes. From the pilots flying the planes, to the mechanics working on them, to the groups packaging supplies, loading the planes, the spouse groups making food around the clock... the outpouring love from Yokota to Japan is overwhelming. They're amazing.
http://www.yokota.af.mil

School Buses

I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned the school buses here in Japan, but each one seems to be different and unique! I always see this bus driving near base and think it's so funny, I finally had my camera with me and took a picture of it as it drove by! Neither of them are very good, but I tried. :)

Da-Ru-Ma Festival

I am pretty sure I already blogged about the Daruma Festival I attended, but have just 2 pictures I wanted to share from it. George and I colored in our dolls eyes, and we're both looking forward to our wishes coming true so we can color in the other!

Here's a picture of us with our warm chunky sake.

And here's one of us buying our dolls. Sorry my back is to you. Thought it would be neat for you to see the dolls lined the streets!

An Overnight Culture Trip...

Oh brother. I haven’t written in ages, and it feels good to get something written down!!! January came and went, February is flying by too. Which is good news for me- I’m ready to get this deployment over with! So far the support has been incredible. Truly. I have only made myself one or two meals since George left. Everyone just keeps feeding me, or inviting me out to lunch and dinner. It’s so wonderful to have people here to lean on when this whole military life rears its ugly head. So far, I’m doing very well. I’m sad of course, and I miss my best friend, but skype is my saving grace. I’m so so so so so so happy I can hear his voice, and see him. I can sit here at the computer and chat, just like he was in the room with me! Obviously it’s not the same, but it could be worse!

I got to go on a very neat trip in January. My awesome friend Kate invited me and our friend Lacey along on an overnight onsen trip with the culture club she belongs to. There were 8 American women and 6 Japanese women. We left the base on Friday morning and took a chartered bus to a town called Kusatsu, it’s a touristy hot springs attraction. We stopped at some funny Japanese rest stops, and tried some new things to eat. One of them was a pancake drink from a vending machine. Imagine liquid pancakes with butter and syrup. But don’t think of it as too thick. It was actually pretty heavenly. :)

We got to our hotel, checked in and went off down to the village area. It was snowy where we were and the streets were icy. We had lunch, (I had chicken and rice along with some edamame with salt. So delicious!), walked around a very stinky but pretty sulfur hot spring, and did a little shopping. We made it back to our hotel and did a little onsen-ing. Yes, the giant naked hot tubs. Still sounds a little weird when I say it like that, but it’s not weird at all. (Well, maybe just a bit).

The products they have in the bathrooms are incredible. Face washes, moisturizers, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, foot lotion, collage treatments etc… of course they are for sale in the gift shop. A lot of us fell in love with a face wash that’s a gel, and as you use it, your skin peels off. It doesn’t have the substance of an exfoliant but does the same thing, but on a whole ‘nother level. When we found it at the gift shop, it had labels on it that resembled an award for 2010 and the Japanese women we were with encouraged our purchase, so a lot of us bought a bottle of it. I do love it.

After the onsen we went back to our room and put on our Yukata’s, which is a type of traditional Japanese dress. Most of the people at dinner were wearing them. We had a really fun time taking pictures in them. We couldn’t stop giggling and doing funny poses. Thanks for being fun roommates Kate, Lacey and Stephanie! It was SO fun to have a girl’s weekend, just what I needed! AND of course, I forgot my camera at home… so thanks to Lacey for sharing these pictures with us all!






We had dinner, which was a buffet at the hotel. This was my first Japanese buffet and it was fun to try a lot of new dishes, with the aide and guidance of our Japanese hosts! I didn’t find anything that I fell in love with, but it was still fun to try. After dinner we went and sang karaoke! The hotel had rooms set up, similar (but on a smaller scale) to the black cat karaoke I’ve talked about in the past. We took turns singing American songs and Japanese songs. We tried to do songs the Japanese women would know. I think one of them even selected YMCA. Which let’s face it—everyone knows it! We had a great time drinking wine, Lambrusco (a new favorite if none of you have ever tried it, it’s an American kind of wine? It reminds me of sangria in a bottle…) and champagne. We shared snacks and fruit, and sang Happy Birthday to our friend Stephanie. I discovered sweet rice cakes on this trip, and now I eat them like candy. (I’m sure they’re not that good for you, but they’re better for you than American candy, that’s for sure).

We went back to one of our hotel rooms, and since this was a “culture trip” the women brought different Japanese crafts for us to make. We made a cellphone charm, origami, and chopstick holders before it was time for bed (and maybe some others that I can’t remember!) We went back to our Japanese style hotel room which consists of bamboo mats on the floor and basically a sleeping pallet that’s stacked in the closet for a bed, with a buckwheat pillow. I brought my own pillow so that helped some. It actually wasn’t that bad, and very common for a Japanese hotel. (You also take off your shoes before you enter the room).

The next day after breakfast where I tried nato, (fermented soybean, that I truly almost made me throw up at the table), we went to a demonstration of how “in the olden days” they would cool off the hot springs so the towns people could bathe in the water. It’s naturally super-hot… I don’t remember the temperature now, but know that it’s smokin’. I got to participate in it, which was really neat. They took giant long planks of wood and splashed them in the water with incredible force. I found it very difficult to maneuver, but the demonstrators seemed to have it figured out.  I don’t know if there are any photos of me doing this, I’ll have to ask around. It was neat to see!

After that, we walked around town, had lunch, got a few Chu-Hi’s for the road. And then took the bus back towards home with a stop at the famous Kokeshi doll factory! We were very behind schedule for the day so we just a short time to spend there, but it was very cool to see! The factory we stopped at makes (I think) 90% of the world’s Kokeshi dolls, so it was pretty impressive. They had traditional dolls, newer style dolls, dolls wearing different uniforms and outfits, children, pets etc. I bought a little bride and groom Kokeshi couple, and a Kokeshi Mary holding baby Jesus doll. They are all really cute. That factory sells things at the annual Bazaar the base holds so if I’m in town that weekend I’m really looking forward to getting some more as gifts! (And maybe a few more for myself.)

It was a really culture-filled weekend. I wish I spent more time traveling Japan instead of sitting on my butt around the base. I do get out way more often than some, but not as much as others. I really am looking forward to finishing school so I don’t feel guilty spending my weekends away from my books and computer and the studying I’m neglecting!

Pass this blog around to your friends. I get really excited when I get a new follower. :)

Mucho love,
Chelsea

Daruma Dolls

On Wednesday January 12th I went to a Daruma Doll Festival! Me and 4 other girls headed out around 1pm and walked to the train station, took the train up to Ome (about 30 minutes) and walked around the festival. The Japanese love their festivals and I suppose having one on a Wednesday afternoon is not too uncommon… who knew?!

A daruma doll is an ugly little “doll”, which really is just a head with a face. They come in lots of colors and sizes, but the traditional is red. Each color represents something that will bring you good luck in the new year. One color is for wealth, another for health, etc. (sorry for the rhyme). You make a wish, pertaining to the color of the daruma you bought, and then color in one of the eyes. Once your wish comes true, you color in the other eye! The following year, you bring your doll back to the festival you purchased it at, and throw it into the fire and it burns. Awesome huh?! Even if the wish doesn’t come true, you still get to burn it the following year.

I got George and myself each our own dolls to make our own wish.

The festival was a lot of fun. There were plenty of vendors to keep us entertained. We drank a sweet, hot, chunky (YES, I said CHUNKY) sake… well… we all tried it, but I think almost all of us threw it away! We also had yakisoba, which I am not much of a fan of… so then I also had what I have nicknamed “Japanese pancake” It’s similar to Gyoza. It has pork and vegetables put inside of what looks like a giant pancake. It’s super greasy and probably not very healthy, but it sure does taste good! I also had a candied strawberry! It was 100 times better than a candied apple.

One interesting thing that happened was a little girl saw us, and turns and points and keeps repeating “Gaijin! Gaijin!” (which means foreigner in Japanese). Her mother began “shushing” her. It was so funny because it was totally that kid that is saying to her mom “Look at that fat (or interject any other non-PC title here) person!” It was too funny to be offended. My friend Kate, who is an incredible photographer, took photos most of the photos on that day, but I didn’t bring my camera. Once I get a few pictures from her, I’ll try to add them to this post!

DARUMA!

--Chelsea

Happy 2011!

Happy January, friends!

I’m sorry to say that I obviously have not written since the new year! Lucky for you all, I started my classes back today, and in the spirit of being a true procrastinator… here I am writing a blog post! Ha!

New Years Eve was spent in a low key fashion. George and I, and two other couples hopped on a train and headed to Hachioji, a town not too far from here. We had hoped to eat at a noodle restaurant that plays round-the-clock Beatles music! BUT… since it was closed for NYE, it was a no-go. We eventually found a yakiniku restaurant that was open, and ate there. It was pretty good! We only had one minor ordering issue, when I tried to order a drink. I wanted sho-chu mixed with juice, and pointed at the picture and everything. I also wanted a water. What I received was hot water and sho-chu mixed, which was disgusting. Good try.

We made a quick run to Starbucks, and then hopped back on the train and back to the base. We rung in the New Year at midnight at our friends/neighbors place. There were about 6 couples, and it was a nice semi-low-key evening. We had champagne, counted down at midnight to the Japanese TV, kissed at midnight, did a little dancing to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s, and then went home and went to bed! The coverage we saw of the countdown didn’t involve a ball dropping, but instead, a gong being hit at a shrine! And instead of kissing, they threw money at the shrine.

New Years is a very family oriented holiday here. From what I gathered, most stores, restaurants and businesses are closed for a couple of days, and most of their time is spent with family, instead of partying.

Hope you all had a great time ringing in 2011 (can you believe it’s 2011?) with friends and family that you love!



-Chels

"It's going to be an adventure..."

I love yoga. Just since we've moved to Little Rock I've kind of fallen in love with it. Am I very good? Questionable. Do I enjoy it? Definitely. It's all about flexibility, balance and overall health--all things I look forward to improving in the future. George and Kyle got Lauren and I a yoga certificate to do 5 90minute classes with our favorite yoga instructor Katie. She is also an AF spouse and will be leaving soon, so we are trying to get our last 3 out of 5 classes done!

I want to extend a big CONGRATULATIONS to Kyle and Lauren who have had their offer accepted for a house they are going to purchase in Abilene, Texas. We are so happy for them! And even a bit jealous. :) We get to sit around and watch our friends buy these wonderful homes because they'll be here in the states and we won't. It's a little disappointing but we know Japan will also be a wonderful experience for us. We can at least save up money to get a home when we're ready! We really are very excited for everyone else!

Finding a job sucks. Really. I hate searching for a job. I find this to be one of the most awful, daunting tasks. It makes me have to think about myself and my skills and sometimes I feel I fall short of the mark for what people are looking for. OR I'm completely over qualified. I've applied for the same job that I did in Corpus. The job I loved, the actual act of working there... eh- not so much, but I really look forward to hearing back from the CDC in Japan! I miss working with children and really hope that this job will work out!

I really enjoy working. I like to leave the house, do something that makes me feel I'm contributing to society and our financial situation as a family, and it gives me something to do. BUT... I also enjoy laying around all day playing Yahtzee and Bubble Spinner on my computer and watching HGTV. (Yep, more tv addictions...) I enjoy painting and scrapbooking, all things creative, baking/cooking. I have enough hobbies to occupy myself, but I do want to work. I just can't justify NOT working. Even though it is fun to not work. :)

I really just want to travel when we get to Japan. Travel, travel, travel. I feel that is one of the most important things to do while we have he opportunity. We don't have children to lug around, and hello- we'll be living on the other side of the world- how could we not want to travel?! I can't wait to meet local people, try the local food, learn the language, eat barefoot in restaurants, sit on the floor, finally conquer the art of eating with chopsticks (instead of sushi with my fingers... hahaha). I'm just so excited! Sometimes it makes me sick to my stomach thinking about leaving the US, and my family and friends (even though we're already separated)... but I just keep repeating: "It'll be fine! Everything will be OK!!! It's going to be an adventure!!!"

Feel free to continue to repeat these phrases as you run into me too. :)

Love,love,love,

Chelsea