Japan Moms

Hello All

was just wanting some ideas to send in my first care package when she gives me her address. When she was in A and C schools I would send candy and nail polish but dont know if that would be a good idea all the way to Japan. would love any and all ideas. 

The post office has international regulations, so nothing flammable like nail polish or perfumes.  Because FPO packages can take longer, it is best to send anything scented separately from food.  

Hello everone! My daughter has orders for Iwakuni when she graduates her C school in a few weeeks. She will be heading to the lab at the hospital.

HI

 thanks Kim. Funny, you mentioned the USS Midway. When we arrive - sailor will pick us up and take us to the base so we can see where he works. Also, our first sight seeing is the USS Midway! So thanks for sharing a good place to eat! And keep us all posted about the surgery please.

I am going to ask my dil to show me how to be able to post pics as I am on my trip. So far I have to post to my fb or computer first - then here. there has to be way I can just post here too.

Welcome new moms! Agree - FPO packages have regulations and they will help know what you can and can't. My first package to my sailor - was his hiking boots. Well that took two boxes. One in each box - big feet. And his jeans and LONG JOHNS. then little surprises - letters - post cards - pictures - Halloween Candy :). You will know what to send.

Maggs - feeling you. A good feeling - giggling feeling. Hope I got this right. So something good has happened and angel really did something.  Hey - how are the wedding plans going?

Hope every ones Independence Day was fun. Ours was quiet and busy - No Riker. He was at his mother's side 100th Family Reunion. He had fun playing at the lake shore - eating food - getting hugs - BUT hated having to sit still for a BIG family picture. As soon as I get some - I will post them.

Well, need to get along - Sweet dreams all. hugs

Congrats Maggs!

Maggs, sounds like things are going so well!

Just came back from a wonderful weekend in Charleston SC.  We saw the fireworks from the flight deck of the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier.  It was great.  Highly recommend it as a way to spend the 4th.  Spend the extra money if you can and do the VIP ticket. It includes table and chairs and all you can eat bbq (which was awesome) and the fireworks were shot off about 150 yards from us.  The less expensive ticket is further away from the fireworks and you have to purchase your food and bring your own chairs.  Saw several sailors in A school while walking around.  I stopped and talked with them.  Felt good to be face to face with a sailor again. 

If you can ever go to Japan in summer for their fireworks, do it!  Nothing in the US quite compares.  The ones in Yokosuka are sponsored by different businesses in one big show, up to 90 minutes, and the different sections try to be the flashiest, with an amazing grand finale.  We'd sit behind the old gym, right on the water with them going off over our heads.

The cancelled fireworks are the ones on base, and personal fireworks.  The City of Yokosuka probably still does theirs, which is the one I was talking about.

Hi

YIPPEE Maggs !!!!! Soon you will part of the Granny Club. I agree, things are looking good for you. So happy.

I saw on fb, a fireworks program from Japan. Anti M is so right - awesome. Sorry to hear the base cancelled theirs.

Kim - glad you had a good time.

 Blondie, Wonderful how Conor loves his new sister, but now not getting all the attention could be hurtful. But with all love that is shared in your family - he will be ok.

No new gossip here. Just cleaning - major cleaning. Hurray the garage has had its' clutter removed, been sweep ( even the ceiling) and arranged in order. I don't want to the let the car back in! Just get a few days to look at it.

Well hope everyone has a good weekend - hugs

He can check the ITT (leisure travel) office at MWR.  Sometimes they can get better deals than we can. But $1800 is about right.  He will want to sign up for the MWR shuttle too.

my son just came home for a month, he left at Narita Airport, to Orlando and then to Buffalo and then back to Japan, About $1000 through Delta which I booked for him, that was the cheapest we could find.  Guess it was a good price, lol

Good luck!  And have a wonderful visit!

wow, I was worried as you didn't have as much time as we did to plan, but that is much better than $1800!  And he can check his luggage for free with his ID, awesome!!!  Glad I saw your post

Blondie, I have had some trouble posting, but then it worked after I left the site and came back.  Glitches.

UA is Unauthorized Absence.  Even a few seconds late is UA.  

That's Awesome DREW7062!!!  So happy for your upcoming visit (and awesome price).

Navyfan - same postage as you use here in the States for the FPO address. But if you're sending a Large priority box -there's actually a small discount on the postage to APO/FPO addresses!  And you can order the Large priority boxes online for free and they'll deliver to your door in just a few days :)

If you send packages, you will need to do a customs form.  The post office will show you which one.  You may want to get some to take home to practice with.  I hate filling them out at the post office.

One thing that is nice about the priority boxes is that you don't really have to worry about the weight.  I think the max is 70 lbs.  I agree about the zip lock bags.  If there is the slightest chance of leaking or melting, put it in a bag.  I have filled out many of the custom slips to send to soldiers in the past.  You don't have to put each item down.  I just wrote "snacks, books, clothes etc.".

One time I sent Hot Cheetos and tshirts - his tshirts were orange - from then on I zip lock and wrap everything. lol

HI.

WOW - all the great gossip, I mean talk.

Doing Happy Dance !!! Sailors are coming home !!!!  when my sailor came him - he was wired. could not sleep, so he slept most of teh next day. Don't be surprise that they will sleep.  Just getting back to USA time. I would go in just to look at him sleeping. I was trying to every moment I could. Have fun with your sailors.

Blondie - so good to see you back in mode. Energize Bunny mode that is. I am beginning to think that is our normal. Wish I had your stamina.

YES, do practice runs packing those FPO boxes. After a few - you will get the hang of it. I am trying to remember how we shipped cookies. Not boxed cookies - homemade. And they arrived just fine too! Do we still have that cake in a cup recipe around here?

This is a busy day for me - bridal shower and wedding reception to attend. Have to get hair cut - and get the two present yet. Better get moving  hugs

Riker at work.

Riker at the lake shore playing or trying to hide?

Coolleigh11, Are you on his orders?  If no, why not?  What is his rank and rate?  Where in Japan?  I am trying to think of all the additional information that AntiM will need to answer your question.

I commented on the old recipe discussion to put it at the top.  The pie in a Mason Jar is in there.  You should wrap it in bubble wrap, then seal it in a bag.  The pie stays fresh.

I would make fudge and brownies that I would use a sealer to protect and keep fresh.  I would make the fudge on the moist side and put it in the freezer before using the sealer.  It would travel across the world in the heat and still be fresh when it got there.

I have been busy this summer, but still reading up on here.  I finally had some time last week to get some housework done and put my back out.  I need a healing spell or a little prayer.  OUCH!  Time to find a new position.

My son was stationed in Sasebo for 3 years.  He was not allowed to live off ship until he was an E5.  He was granted early as a high E4 (over 2 years), but did not receive HOA until he made E5.  There are some E4's that live on base as bachelors (no HOA).

Anti M will be able to answer if/how you can move there if you are not on his orders. 

My son moved into a small apartment with his girlfriend (now wife) who is from Sasebo.  She is traveling to Sasebo for August with my grandson.  I can get answers about the area if anyone has questions.

DREW7062, hugs and kisses when they are sleeping are fair game.  Moms are allowed too.

Pictures for Shark

Coolleigh, I answered in the general forums, but I will answer here too.  Unfortunately, it is not an easy or quick process.

I see he is an E-4, so at least he is eligible to bring you over, AFTER he gets command sponsorship for you.  He has to apply for it, and the command must approve it.  Usually it requires him to extend his time in Japan.  You can't just go over on a tourist visa and live there, that is only good for 90 days, he'd get no housing/BAH, and you could not work, and your use of the base facilities could be limited, medical would be on space available basis. . If you overstay the 90 days, you could be deported and not allowed back into Japan, ever.  That is why you need the command to sponsor you, so you have the proper SOFA visa.    

Command sponsorship depends on the funding for the command, and that is tight right now, so do not expect a quick turn around.  My best guess is three to six months, and if he is on a ship, a lot will depend on their schedule.  There is no set answer.

Go ahead and get a passport now, do not wait for the Navy.  Their no fee one is no good for personal travel anyway.

I did a little searching, off base housing is not going to be an option in Sasebo if there is military housing available, and to be eligible, you have to be command sponsored.    He needs to ask about starting that paperwork as soon as he checks in.

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/installations/cfa_sasebo/ffr/...

>his orders say that once we get married and show paper work then I can go over.

Orders don't usually work that way, so I'm very curious about this new information.  Single sailors are rarely cut accompanied orders, he must have talked the detailer into it! Was he already at a permanent duty station, or was he coming out of A school?  I'm asking so I can be sure if things have changed I can update my information blog.