Comment

Comment by Kim on April 23, 2009 at 6:49pm

6 children. wow. I thought I had it tough with 4 boys. Our youngest was born when my stepson (which I raised) was in high school. Not much privacy in our house. My husband was raised very old school catholic. He served mass in the convent every morning at 6:00 am when he was in grade school. I ended up being the one who had to have all the "private" talks. Today they are probably too open to me. LOL. Jonathan has been very open about some of the places he has visited. He told me that I would be amazed at how not all sailors are careful not to get STD's.
Rena and Terry, you are too funny.....
Anti:
I was in Japan last November and was amazed at the vending machines. The machines at the office on base had both hot and cold coffee. It came in various flavors, varities, with or without cream and sugar. I thought it all tasted like tin. The first thing I asked for when I arrived was "where do I find a cup of coffee?". They sent me to the vending machines. I was not impresed. I am used to travelling on business and offered a cup of coffee. Don't get me wrong. I would rather enjoy the culture. Every Japenese in the office had a huge pot of water that they made tea for the day.

Comment by Anti M on April 23, 2009 at 6:44pm

My parents never had the talk with me, but I was a precocious reader who hung out in libraries and I learned facts at least. I know that with my parents, information equaled permission. Which is so silly, most kids will absorb what they're told and make decisions based on how they're raised. Mostly.

I spent a lot of time studying the social culture of Japan, as I am very interested in cross-cultural learning. They do have an open culture, but you have to factor in the conformity and reluctance to bring shame on their family. Much stronger than in the US; and impossible to explain simply. In Japan the saying is "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down." In the US it is "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." To me, that was always one of the main psychological differences. Either way, I love both countries, but am glad to be an American citizen.

Comment by T-Lynn on April 23, 2009 at 5:07pm

The conversations today have been educational. Love this sight! Now, I have to ask my son about: vending machines? worm panties? the walk of shame? love hotels? hentia? He is going to wonder about this sight. And when I ask if he knows of any of his shipmates with their moms on this sight - he laughs. I am beginning to think he likes that I am the only Mom here from his shp. Ladies, I too agree that more direct talking and clear education about sex, should be addressed - honestly. My husband and I were with our sons. By being honest and giving the facts, has made our sons close to us. So thank you again for sharing ladies. Have a wonderful evening. Terry

Comment by Anti M on April 23, 2009 at 3:32pm

I agree Carol! Now I never had that talk with my sailor dad no matter how old I got.

Comment by Anti M on April 23, 2009 at 3:23pm

Warning: unvarnished truth ahead: He must be going to different restaurants than I did, but bars and such, yes they may have hentai around. Nice family places do not. There are censorship laws in place, what they can show and what American publications can show here are quite different. Culturally, the Japanese never have freaked out about boobies. That and the culture of communal bathing gave a rather more relaxed attitude toward non-sexual nudity. I know the communal baths are going away as most homes have indoor plumbing now. Sexuality? Different in Japan, the girls I knew next door were actually very naive and prudish. All depends on who you know, just as in the states.

I knew where a vending machine sold, um... worn panties. Ick ick ick. Although I promise, Japan is far less wild than it was in the 80s when I first got there. The really um, interesting places closed down. Now ask your kids about the Love Hotels.

Comment by Dawn on April 22, 2009 at 10:07pm

Hi All, All the packages and cards I have sent to my son haven't taken long at all. Maybe we've just been lucky? I wouldn't worry too much. I'm sure your sailor will get it soon.

Dawn

Comment by Anti M on April 22, 2009 at 9:01pm

You can get almost anything in a vending machine in Japan. Or at least you could when I was there.

Comment by Anti M on April 22, 2009 at 9:00pm

They get their luggage first so it can be inspected. Depending on what time of day they get in, the customs lines can be awful.

Comment by Anti M on April 22, 2009 at 5:40pm

Staci, your son is right, the vending machines in Japan can be amazing. I assume he's discovered the beer machines already?! The hot coffee in cans in winter were my favorite, they get turned to chill for iced coffee in summer.

Comment by T-Lynn on April 22, 2009 at 11:53am

Good Morning :)
I just off the phone with my son !!!!!!! It was so good to hear his voice. He was at the base's laundry mat. He said it gets good YFI service and it is the quietest place on the base - so he could talk and hear me. He is still out on tour and will not return until mid June. Still on crank duty too. Yes, he is cranky. He was sharing about sights he has seen and hopeful of getting a chance to see some musuems. And he was very happy to hear that the Cubs won last night! I hope everyone's day starts off nice like mine - talk later Terry

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