Japan Moms

For all the Moms(and Dads) with a Sailor in Japan

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  • Anti M

    You need to not check US news sources.  They only report earthquakes big enough to kill people.  

    Try NHK:

    http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/

    or Japan Today:

    http://www.japantoday.com/

    Or bookmark an earthquake tracker 

    http://earthquaketrack.com/p/japan/recent

  • T-Lynn

    HI all :).

     Blondie - fingers crossed that by now - your computer is behaving. And that Blondie JR gets her infor soon too. That Kids Day sounded fun. Did Conor attend?

    Anti M - I think I was visited San Diego once. In 1960. So thanks for the the site, I know things have changed.

    I forgot the Mom who's Grandfather will be passing. Is there a chance for sailor and his Grandfather to skype? I just thought it would nice if they could have a time to chat.

    Well, still in planning mode for big trip in July. But at least one big job was finished here at home. Hubby and I were able to paint our living area its NEW calming and fun color. Now the place feels like ours and reflects the afternoon adn evening light. No darkness anymore! Will psot pics when I can remember how to get them off my phone!

    Maggs - yes - POSITIVE thoughts and affirmations too. funny - I have a book that has daily affirmations and one relly stuck with me. It said: " Your affirmations still work for you - even though you think they don't at times" I will say some for you too . Gentle hugs.  Now what is Angel up too?

    Shark is buys on her Spring walk abouts. But at least she is eating. She now will stop in front of the patio doors and look out. I know she would like the patio doors open - but its just still too cold here.

     hey need to get along - have dinner to make. hugs all

    hey - Kim - Miss - JoshMom - Drama - Kathy CHECK IN !

  • Mississippi Mom

    Hello to all!  I know it has been forever since I have communicated, but I have been keeping up, and praying for the needs.  Welcome to all new Moms!  Blondie, bless your heart, computer problems are about as bad as a toothache!  I don't even know to where to begin....my kitchen is 99.9% done.  I think my hubby has either hit burnout or has a mental block.   All that he lacks finishing is running my lights and receptacles  underneath my cabinets.  I do have some plugs but just not where I want them. I am so tickled with everything, and just ready to wind it all up and get all of the tools back to the shop.   After he found a stopping point in the kitchen, we had to start working on our pool.  We had a slow leak all last summer.  Hubby thought it was a small hole in the liner,so we have replaced that, along with patching every little little crack and crevice in the poolcrete, and guess what??? We still have a small leak! UGH!  He has been trying to figure that out and hopefully get it fixed.   We also moved our daughter to Columbus, GA in March to start a new job with KIA.  She  is loving it, but she said they are about to kill her!  She has been working 12 hour days and on Saturdays for the past several weeks.   She is hoping to get back on her regular hours.  She loves the work and loves where she is living. My son is is flight school and has finished his first semester.  He is loveing flying.   T-Lynn I need you to come to my house.   I have had paint bought since last May to repaint son's bedroom.  I think I am about burned out too on the remodeling thing and don't want to even start it.   Maybe one day soon....  Just got back from physical therapy on both knees, and I am also having it on my right heel,with a stretched Achilles tendon, will be so happy when this all settles down.  Hope all of you are doing great and that each of have a wonderful weekend.  

  • NavyMum

    I'm so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the repose of your FIL and comfort for all who mourn his loss.

  • Chris, Forever Ray's Proud Mom

    Hugs for your family Navyfan. The support of our Navy family is like no other.

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Gentle hugs NavyMum.

    Maggs - I could not believe what I read - poor Angel. So glad you heard the call for help and was able to get her in fast. Like Blondie - do you know the other cat? I was surprised to hear that she went out in just a couple of days - so she is strong in spirit. And with your foot being hurt - WOW - you jumping into action for Angel. o how is yoru foot doing?

    Well Blondie - know how you feel - I had the same thing happen a couple of times. could not check in to Navy Moms. And when you got gossip t share and can't - you just wan to stream!  Sorry Conor did not get to go, but why did they pick a weekend with graduations and proms going on. Maybe a new person did not realize this. Hope things are runnign smoothly now.

    Howdy - Miss:). I love to paint. Usually I end up wearing alot - but its fun. Looking forward to seeing your new kitchen. I agree with others - your hubby is just resting up to get it all done in a weekend. But have not a clue about your pool.  Now with weather getting warmer - you must want to jump in and relax . Hope that you can soon

    Ok - you know who you are - check in.

    My gossip tank is low.

    Need tog et along - eyes are so itchy. I will be so glad when it rains here tomorrow. Hoping the rains cleans out the air of polens.

    Sweet dreams all hugs

  • T-Lynn

    HI ,

     Hope everyone had a good weekend. We did here. Between - finishing painting the stairwell, sanding - varnishing and sealing three windows and patio doors and paper work - we did get to have two cook outs.

    Riker cut a moral through!   Yippe - maybe he will have a break fro cutting teeth.

    I found out why I cannot get my photos from my phone onto fb. FB and I disagree about passwords again. Working on it tonight - maybe i will win and I get my pics on.

    Wish all a great evening hugs

  • 2tymeNavyMom

    Got a Facebook post from sailor stating no alcohol allowed even in the barracks because of the drunk driving accident in Okinawa. Not a happy sailor....
  • Anti M

    No booze anywhere and restricted travel.  This will NOT help morale at all, and all because of one DUI offbase.  The CO is insane.

    http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/06/politics/us-navy-alcohol-ban-japan/in...

  • DREW7062

    Anti m I agree that's crazy. My son is due to come home wondering now if his chit will be approved. I don't think the entire navy should be punished for 1 person they should deal with that individual one on one.
  • tytulip40

    Think it was a few incidents that lead to the liberty/drinking restrictions.

    http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=95068

     http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/u-s-navy-slaps-dri...

    Sucks that the innocent ones suffer for the stupidity of others.  My son is on the Reagan right now - hopefully when he gets back the smoke will have settled down.  He loves to venture out to small towns and take in the culture - luckily he's never been a drinker but does love to travel. 

  • Anti M

    I feel terrible that things are so bad now.  I always had lovely Japanese friends, no trouble ever.  I did drink, sometimes until the bars closed!  All the little mom and pop bars must have folded long ago.  I lived offbase, and am still FB friends with my Japanese "family".  
    I know the Navy has to show they are making a response, but this seems over the top.  

  • 2tymeNavyMom

    I think the biggest impact will be the base restriction. My son loves to hike, scuba dive and explore. He volunteers with the Boy Scouts on base. Will that be affected? I think it will hurt morale and the local economy. How are they going to police alcohol use in those that live off base? Will the alcohol be locked up in the officers club?
  • scully_the_skeptic

    my son is on the Chancellorsville so perhaps and  hopefully when he's back, the air will have cleared.  I know he very much enjoys his liberty.  and like yours tytulip40, not a big drinker and enjoys travel & exploring. 

  • DREW7062

    BLONDIE- I agree with you whole heartedly if they are old enough to serve their country they should be responsible and respectful and accept the punishment this is serious. I just feel I don't think everyone should be punished but again we all have our opinions . Hope all is well Blondie.
  • Anti M

    Drew, his leave chit should be approved as he is leaving Japan.

    The problem with the restrictions is that this punishes far too many responsible sailors, which hurts morale and retention.  Nothing says "go away" like being treated as a child for the actions of others ... and these are very highly trained sailors, with a lot of our tax dollars invested in their futures. Such restrictions only work in the short term, because they have been in place before, and yet there are still incidents.  In Japan, any incident is an international incident, and right now very much under scrutiny.  A lot of this is political, the "stars" (admirals) are making sure the COs of ships and bases are saving face with Japan right now.  

    I m rather cynical about it all.  

  • Anti M

    Blondie, I was an LPO, and we had fewer liberty rules because we were on shore duty.  When we had a problem with a junior individual, we got them into the DAPA program as fast as we could.  But there was always resistance from the higher ups in our command, because "it makes us look bad", or "we can't afford to lose this tech for three months".  So kids who needed guidance would be counseled at a low level, but not professionally.  Then trouble would happen and we'd be asked why we "let" it.  The answer shouldn't be tight punishment for everyone, but to actually address the problems at the root.  The Navy is not very good at that, and it falls to leadership.

    On a ship, they can control who comes and goes.  The main gates are manned by Marines, and that becomes very difficult to stop and identify individuals who are or are not allowed off base.  The drunk driver this time was at an unauthorized house party, by another sailor who had a house off base with others, but not officially.   That is why those who are supposed to be living in the barracks are under such heavy limits.  They are not being allowed to "ghost", which is keeping a barracks room, but living elsewhere out of pocket.

  • tytulip40

    I drilled it into my son's head while growing up to be responsible, don't put yourself into situations you can not get out of, and to be aware and educated on the consequences of his actions - Anti M, you are on to something, just my opinion, but grab and address the issue at it's core, hit it head on - not punish thousands. Educate and help them.

  • DREW7062

    Tytulip40- right on don't punish thousands I feel that's wrong but again just my opinion.
  • 2tymeNavyMom

    I got a Facebook update that the restriction to base has been lifted but not the use of alcohol. 

  • Anti M

    Yay, that's good.

    I found the official announcement.  Hopefully no one makes any mistakes or is foolish!

    http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/news/navy-lifts-liberty-curta...

  • T-Lynn

    HI

     Wow - a drunk driver again. I should not be surprised. Just wish somehow a better way could be given to punish only that person. Good to hear that liberty is restored.

    Weather  is just plain weird! Saturday - so hot - I thought the sidewalk would melt. Then Sunday - so cold - I almost wanted the heat on!  today - started off cool and so nice. Even had a nice little rain. Right after the rain - it was humid in seconds and 30 minutes later the air had to go on. Nothing but dead air.

    Riker had his first hair cut on Sunday. Daddy and Riker always go to the store for Sunday morning donuts. Well, a lady told Nic what a sweet little girl he has. That did it. So that afternoon - hair cut. But daddy just had to take an envelope to collect the hair.. I was hoping my dil would have posted a pic - but so far I have not seen one to share.

    Yes, - got alot done - but our to do list still is a bit long. But I do feel - hubby and I will get it done before summer's end.

    CONGRATS to Maggs' Hubby !!! Beating teh odds. So happy to hear the good news. Now how is Angel?

    Well, I have some pics to share. Wish all a great week  hugs

  • T-Lynn

    This is what the old color of our walls was

  • T-Lynn

    The new color !!!

  • T-Lynn

    He loves to swing

  • T-Lynn

    Dad and Sailor at a Cub game before he left for Japan - so many years ago

  • T-Lynn

    Several ago - the kids took us to see an special visiting exhibit at teh Science and Industry - Myth Busters.  The exhibit had a photo opp you could do. We were encourage to be creative. Well - that is my oldest in his normal stage.

  • T-Lynn

    I found this picture. My sister took this. She put me in her pink dress and did up my hair, plus I got to wear her ear rings and she put make up on me. I think I was 4. She was trying to create a old style photo. I think she did a great job. this had to be taken in the early 60's.

  • T-Lynn

    Riker has his own style of watching TV. with a helping hand.

  • T-Lynn

    Look what I found - First hair cut !

  • Kim (Proud Mom of Sailor)

    Hi, my son arrived in Yokosuka on May 17th.  He is assigned to the Antietam.

  • 2tymeNavyMom

    You described it very well Blondie.  Everything you wrote was our experience when we were there in March/April.

    My husband even carries a small towel now.

  • DREW7062

    Maggs - OMG!!!! That is so beautiful so romantic. CONGRATULATIONS sounds like you're going to have a wonderful son n law. Beautiful pictures and nice ring.. Awwwwwww
  • scully_the_skeptic

    Aww, Maggs, that's soooooo romantic. Congratulations! He's one special guy.
  • amanda

    Hello everyone,I am new to japan moms.my son is on his way.and I just feel like I need to be close to people who have been there.and have info.i haven't been on since my son left boot camp.i was able to call him and even got a visit or 2 when he was in A school.But this is a whole new ball game.a whole new country.
  • NavyMum

    Maggs  - best wishes for your daughter and future SIL. How romantic!

    Amanda - my son has been in Okinawa since April - he loves it there. We mostly communicate via FB chat but once he got WiFi set up in his barracks room, we also sometimes text through apple messanger (on his iphone). He did have to buy a local mobile phone to use in country and he phoned in early May to wish his sister a Happy Birthday and me a Happy Mother's Day. That's the only call we've had.

  • AUnavymom

    My son has been in Sasebo since February. We text video chat, and call through Facebook messenger. He loves it there and will be under way soon.

  • MAMA_C

    Hi Kim my son is stationed Yokosuka a CS3 culinary specialist. She may meet him soon enough, he is an amateur photography there. The recent curfew has put him on hold for awhile. He loves Japan and USS Blue Ridge deployment.
  • scully_the_skeptic

    My son is stationed in Yokosuka since last August. He loves it there. We use whatsapp for free calls & text. He also uses FaceTime. He did get a new phone when he got there.
  • tytulip40

    @maggs - that is sooooooo sweet!  Loves loves loves!  

    @amanda - my son is in Atsugi - been there since August.  He loves it there. 

  • Kim (Proud Mom of Sailor)

    Hi, thank you for the welcome.  My son loves Japan.  He is always trying to go to a different city each time he gets the opportunity.  He is planning on purchasing a bike.  We have found that early mornings work best for communicating through IM on Facebook.  When its 7am my time, its 8pm same day his time.  My work is very understanding and doesn't mind if I have to take a break to talk with him.  We are planning on visiting Japan next year. 

  • 2tymeNavyMom

    My son is a surgical tech at the Hospital Yokosuka.  He loves Japan as well. 

  • BestIntheBiz

    Hi everyone. This is my first post. My son is an AO in Atsugi. He has been there since February. We are planning to visit in August. Does anyone have any advise on where to stay and what to do?
  • Anti M

    August in Japan is very hot and humid. It may be difficult to get a room on base in the Lodge, as summer is PCS season for families.  I've been to Atsugi, but don't know the area off base very well, been too long ago.  Maybe look at Air BnB? 

    I always loved going to Kamakura to see the Great Buddha and the shrines, and to Nikko in the mountains.  Yokohama has a lot to do, again, that has changed somewhat

  • Anti M

    Sailors in Japan, not located in Okinawa, may now have a drink on base or at home.  Still no alcohol consumption off base.

    http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/news/alcohol-restriction-ease...

  • BestIntheBiz

    Anti M sounds like August in Indiana-lol. I will try Airbnb. If anyone else has advise it will be greatly appreciated.
  • Anti M

    The MWR on base has tours your sailor can book and go with you.  The Fleet and Family Service Center will have local information and directions to things to see printed on handouts.  August is a big fireworks month in Japan, do research now on which ones to see.  They are flat out amazing and make our US shows look anemic.

     http://www.navymwratsugi.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/AtsugiFleetandFamilySupportCenter/

    https://www.facebook.com/AtsugiTours/

    http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2267.html

    Not sure when the Yokosuka fireworks are scheduled, you can view them on base as they shoot over the water, right above your head.  Not too far away by train.

  • Kim (Proud Mom of Sailor)

    Since I have never traveled abroad, we are using AAA to assist.  I just got a big package of stuff from them regarding Japan.  You may want to consider using a travel agent for some information and tours etc. Anti M - you posted information regarding Atsugi - does anyone have information regarding Yokosuka.  On a even happier note - my son called me this morning.  It was really nice to hear his voice.   He hurt his leg on Saturday and is in a brace and crutches.  Waiting for the results of an MRI.  Did I mention that it was so nice to hear his voice.  Makes for the perfect start of a weekend.  BYW  Happy Father's Day to any Dads out there!

  • Anti M

  • Anti M

    Here is a guide to types of Japanese food, be sure to click on each link.  Sushi is not all raw fish!  I live tempura and katsu-don, and of course, all the noodles.  And Korean BBQ!  The Chinese food there is delicious, but not the same as what we get in the US.  (Sorry, I;m hungry!)

    http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html