Japan Moms

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

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  • T-Lynn

    Ok Pan Moms time to Wish fellow Navy Pan Mom Happy Birthday !

    All together:

    Happy Birthday to you

    Happy Birthday to you

    Happy Birthday dear Kim

    Happy Birthday to you !!!!

  • T-Lynn

    thought I had another picture - try again

  • T-Lynn

    Time to party!!!

  • T-Lynn

    WE all need some cake to celebrate ! Oh darn I forgot the candles!

  • T-Lynn

    Ok - now lets party !!!!

  • 2tymeNavyMom

    Anyone elses sailor call them about a bomb threat at the Yokosuka base.  My son works at the hospital and they had to evacuate mid surgery.

  • T-Lynn

    this will be your front yard next year Kim !

  • T-Lynn

    Hi

    Back from my appointment no bad lump - just normal lumpy bumpy breast. ok now for a just check up breast smash - oh yippee for me. yes, being sasarcstic

    Hope everyone else has a great week   hugs

  • T-Lynn

    NO 2tyme - have not heard a thing. Keep us posted. Gentle hugs

  • scully_the_skeptic

    MonkeyFlower - we use WhatsApp for text & phone. All free. We've got 2 deployed in Japan & they both use it. Sends pictures too.

    Congrats Maggs!!!

    Love the pics.
  • Blondie

    Haapy Birthday Kim!!!

    T-Lynn, glad it was only lumpy bumpy and not bad.Love this pictures!  How's Riker today?

    Miss, glad to hear from you, sorry you're so busy, don't forget to Enjoy life!  Go see your daughter. 

    Maggs, sounds like angel is back to her tricks.

    Hugs Monkeyflower, glad he's liking it, ship live is different. but all the places they get to visit!!!

    2tyme, haven't heard a thing, Prayers going up.

    who'd I forget?  Good thoughts to all and HUGS

  • Blondie

    5 days now!!!!  I will be collecting hugs from my daughter and SIL and cuddling baby Tahlia!!!!!!

    today was day from he!!  boss doctor first day back from vacation, 2 extra hours for school physicals.....usual Monday stuff. and now month ends.  but not letting it get me down! Oh and 6 new pts. today, lots of extra paper work.

    this past week I had a migraine, watched the bosses house and cat., a 2 year old birthday party, a bridal shower, dogs took a walk about....not letting it get me down!  :)

    not packed yet but started and have lots of lists.  Not letting it get me down :)  Hubby just brought me a glass of orange juice....with Vodka :)

  • Kim

    My sailor deploys tomorrow for a month, home for month, then the big deployment.  My DIL and grandson will be in Sasebo with her family for Christmas.  I'll be asking you new moms with sailors in Sasebo to keep me informed of things to do on base over the holidays.  She can answer questions you have about Sasebo. 

    TLynn, make sure it is the 3D mam. 

    Thanks for the birthday wishes but I am skipping this year.  Sons results today.  Tumor had small area in the middle that turned to higher density in the two weeks.  We could see the change on the two mri's. He starts radiology and chemo soon. Next year will be a BIG celebration.  Sailor will be home from deployment and we both will be cured.  I'll be dancing with those flamingos.

    Keep the gossip coming.  Jump in new mom with stories. 

  • Kim

    My sailor deploys tomorrow for a month, home for month, then the big deployment.  My DIL and grandson will be in Sasebo with her family for Christmas.  I'll be asking you new moms with sailors in Sasebo to keep me informed of things to do on base over the holidays.  She can answer questions you have about Sasebo. 

    TLynn, make sure it is the 3D mam. 

    Thanks for the birthday wishes but I am skipping this year.  Sons results today.  Tumor had small area in the middle that turned to higher density in the two weeks.  We could see the change on the two mri's. He starts radiology and chemo soon. Next year will be a BIG celebration.  Sailor will be home from deployment and we both will be cured.  I'll be dancing with those flamingos.

    Keep the gossip coming.  Jump in new mom with stories. 

  • Blondie

    Kim, we will all be Celebrating with you next year.  Positive thoughts, Prayers and Hugs coming your way.  Navy Strong. You got this. HUGS

  • maggs

    FREE to good home. Well, any home really. At this point I don't give a shit what kind of home this inconsiderate jerk goes to: ASSHOLE ROOSTER. He's the perfect rooster if your alarm is broken and you need to be awake at 5:30 a.m. That is his only setting, 5:30. He has no snooze button but will be quiet just long enough for you to fall back to sleep and then he'll start back up with his obnoxious cock-a-doodle-doing right outside of your windows. It's like he knows where you sleep and can zone in on that particular window so maybe he has some sort of special x-ray vision where he can see sleeping people behind walls. He is also a perfect rooster if you want to start running... around your yard... while you're trying to get away from him. He no longer goes after me as he is also an instructor of interpretive dance. Or at least that's what I imagine it looked like as I went after him flapping my arms, jumping up and down, kicking at him, yelling and screaming, and swinging a mop in his direction. So, if you're looking for an alarm clock with the only setting being 5:30 a.m., a personal trainer and a dance instructor, I have the perfect rooster that is able to fill all 3 of those positions FOR FREE! But you're coming out to catch this asshole, I want to see your first interpretive dance lesson.

    From a farming website.  

  • Blondie

    hahaha, sounds like supper to me!  

  • 2tymeNavyMom

    Maggs, that was awesome.  I imagined the whole thing.  Thanks for the laugh.

    Update from Sailor: They never found anything (thank God).  They were cleared to go back to the Hospital after 8:00.  I did not pay attention to when he called so I don't know how long they were out.

    He did send a video of lots of rain.  He also sent some our way as it was 77 degrees with 100% humidity today at 6:00 a.m.  I know, I know that cool for other areas of the country.  I am enjoying it and the lawn could use the extra water.

    Sending prayers and positive thoughts for you Kim and your son.  I hope you both raise the roof next year. 

  • KAM Mom

    My son has been in Japan just a week:  he sent pictures of the vending machines,  the bay,the bay at night, bowling scores, and a beautiful long sidewalk shadowed by trees ( it reminded me of a walk in Charleston, SC!)  Not one word about the other sailors or if any would be on his ship, but he was not alone in looking across the bay! Am thinking all these were taken on base. Will do some hiking also this week up a famous mountain.  Not complaining!  Thankful for the pictures!

  • kimberlya

    KAM Mom,

    Our son goes to Japan at the end of the month.  What city is your sailor in?  Did your sailor fly commercial to Japan?

  • KAM Mom

    Yokosuka .....wish I could both spell it and pronounce it.....not sure when he will go to his carrier.   He did fly commercial.....he has not been off base yet, but hopes to do some hiking this week.  I just returned from taking his car to our mechanic who will put it in front of his shop with a 'sale'  sign on it.  It has 170,000 miles on it, but it cleaned up nicely.  At least it will be off my insurance and out of my driveway.  He is not much of a "car" guy anyway.....as long as it gets him from point A to point B.....but he did like to drive my mustang...sold it for a Nissan Rogue with a nice sunroof!!!  I loved the convertible, but need something a little taller for easier driving on the highway.  I drive to Charleston and to Atlanta.  So much for cars.  He won't be needing one for a looooooong time!  

  • Kim

    Kam, it is pronounced Yo Ku Ska. I work with that base and we always refer to them as Yoko.

    Maggs, you caught me.  I thought this was your rooster until the end.

    Son's insurance won't let him be treated here, so we are headed to Maryland on Friday to play the HMO referral game.  Wish us luck.

  • Blondie

    Kim, safe travels and best wished.  Hoping all goes smoothly

    KAM, glad he's enjoying his free time.  And he was thoughtful enough to send you pictures!  Bet it made you feel better :)
    2ty, thanks for letting us know. 

  • maggs

    Kim, let me know where you are going in Maryland.

    Maybe we can meet up.

  • Anti M

    Actually, it is Yo-ko-s'ka. The U is so soft it is silent.  Americans tend to put a u in where the long o should go.

     I was there 12 years ... three, and later, nine years.  Twice on my own orders, twice as a dependent spouse.  The last three things blended together, and we stayed in the same home the whole nine years!

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Maggs - I am in stitches !!!! I thought too - like Kim - that you had gotten a rooster. But to think about it - that rooster might be a good match/friend to Angel.And then too - those two might tag team on you ! Hugs

    yippee Blondie - counting days with you. Have a wonderful time - Really - vodka and orange juice?

    Kim - ok  Pan Moms - mark your calendars - July 31, 2018. We will let Kim skip this ONE birthday . BUT next year it is going to be party time !!!!  I have to start collecting those flamingos. Think the UPS guy will set up the flaningoes?  Maybe I just will get the Chip n Dale guys to set up for you :).

    Fingers crossed that all goes well with HMO business. I have a good gut feeling. Hey - if you meet up with Maggs - share with us all here.

    Riker is finally back to eating - drinking - non stop energy!!! That medication took hold and drinking the PediaSure - I think gave him the energy and protein he needed.  Maybe Yaya here needs to get some of that stuff too.

    Only gossip I have - today and tomorrow is last days of Summer Cub Scout sessions. Yes, I am happy. I have had such asthma with this summer. Hope Autumn is better.

    Yes, about those 3D glasses. And these last few days of session we have been sharing about the upcoming event. We will see a partial eclipse here. How is it for everyone else?

    Have to split - time to get ready to make parachutes with cub scouts.

    hugs all

    OH Maggs - next time - remember pee alert - PLEASE!

  • maggs

    I am glad I brought a laugh to all. We needed it. :)

    Angel got an all clear to allow her out of the bedroom. Since we live on one floor, she got to walk down the hallway, and look out the kitchen door. She has to have PT and I get to do it! Boy do I feel lucky while she growls! Anyway her E-collar looks like a halo, and I imagine she is a real Angel!  

  • DREW7062

    Does anyone know after you do 3 years in Japan can you sign up for anotheryear or do they send you back to the states? Guess I'm trying to find out can you stay in Japan as long as you want.
  • maggs

    My sailor did four years, but his friend, signed up for another three years. Right now he will stay with his ship, and continue living in Japan. Others have come stateside for a year, then returned to Japan.

  • 2tymeNavyMom

    My son would have had 6 months left on his contract when he finished his three years in Japan.  He would have to stay in Japan the last six months or sign up for additional time in order to come home.  He signed up for two more years and will be coming stateside.  I believe he could of chosen re-up and stay as well. They just won't send them home with only 6 months to go as it is too costly.

  • Anti M

    Frequently, you can extend your overseas orders for another year, IF the command approves it.  So they have to want you, and the detailer has to approve it too, make sure you're not desperately needed elsewhere.  So the answer is, it depends.

    After a sailor finishes one tour in Japan, they might be able to do another, if there's a billet open for them.  My husband went from sea duty on a ship in Sasebo, to the Ship Repair Facility in Yokosuka, then to a small mobile communications unit which counted as sea duty in Totsuka (that base is now closed, it was near Yokosuka).  So that made nine years in a row in Japan, at his choice.

    I was in Yokosuka for a two year tour, and extended for a year.  Then I went to a few schools, did a year in Diego Garcia, then back to Yokosuka to finish out my enlistment.  I asked for Japan.  Unaccompanied tours used to be just two years, but now those are three years.  It can be four years for married sailors.  If they do not have enough time, they either must extend or re-enlist.  No one goes back to the states for a single year unless it is to something like a C school.  Too expensive to move people around, and they usually do a better job if they get settled in to a command.

  • DREW7062

    thanks ANTI M, MAGGS and 2TYMENAVYMOM I appreciate all the information this is my son's third year in Japan I think he said he would only be there three years just wanted to know if he wanted to stay a fourth-year can they do that or does he have to come to the states after his third year in Japan he has two more years he signed up for five yrs as a Navyvorpsman
  • Anti M

    If he has two years after he finishes his three in Japan, it is hard to say what they will do.  If he extends for another year in Japan, then that last year becomes problematic.  There are a number of things which can happen.  One is they just let him extend once more, for the full five years at the same command.  Another is to find a different set of orders in Japan, although he'd probably have to add a year to his original contract to get that.  To get orders back stateside, he'll need enough time to fill out a set of orders too, to make a full 24 or 36 months to fill a billet.  Yes, there are 12 months billets out there, but those tend to NOT be in the US.   Those tend to be in more isolated or less desirable locations.  Bahrain, Diego Garcia, etc.  

  • Anti M

    The last probability is that he re-enlists to get a desirable set of orders.  Not uncommon to make that deal.  Once they get near ten years, and have advanced, then doing the entire 20 to get the retirement benefits begins to look very good.

  • T-Lynn

    HI

     My sailor is working to make a career in the Navy. My fingers are crossed all goes well. And my sailor really is a planner. So he does have a plan laid out.

    Maggs- a Pink Halo too. She looks bright eyed too. Hope that pink halo will encourage her horns not to come out.  I said  hope. Glad she is better.

    Waiting on grandson to get home form teh county fair. His parents took him to see teh baby farm animals. Oh will he have stories to tell.

    And tonight my hubby and I plan on going out to try and see those meteors. No clouds!

    Wish all a good weekend. hugs

  • Blondie

    Still alive , but very busy. Had a Wonderful time in VA.  but came back to a mess, home and work, trying to catch up.  This old girl is Tired!

  • Blondie

    cloth diapers are so much cuter these days and NO rubber pants!  and you can get matching blankets, :)  only bamboo for our Spoiled granddaughter!

  • T-Lynn

    that smile made my evening! How precious.

  • Blondie

    I know right?!  every time I get over stressed I pull up my pictures....LOL  gonna have to learn to add pictures from my phone..  Yesterday I got a new one, Eldest daughter and SIL arrived safely and eldest daughter had put Tahlia to sleep.  Such a precious picture, this is the daughter that cannot get pregnant.   Even Hubby was ready to get back in the van and head back down. :)

    Hope everyone is doing well.  Prayers continuing Maggs, Kim....and of course all our Sailors.

  • Anti M

    My thoughts with the missing sailors, the crew, and their families.  Again.  Damn.

    http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/20/asia/us-navy-destroyer-collision-sing...

    Support numbers, including stateside numbers for family members to call:

    >

    EMERGENCY FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (EPRC) has been stood up in the CRC (across from the commissary--same building as the library).

    If anyone has family onboard or needs assistance you can call 243-1728 / 1729 / 1730 / 1731 / 1732 or go to the EPRC.

    Edit: from stateside, phone numbers for families: 011-81-46-816-1728 DSN: 315-243-1728

  • NavyMum

    prayers for the missing sailors, the crew, and the families

    :(

  • maggs

    Another sad news story. Waiting to hear news, seems we are all holding our breaths.

  • T-Lynn

    Showing that we care

  • Anti M

    I will be offline for a while, my love to everyone.

  • Blondie

    Hugs Anti M

  • Kim

    Good morning 'pan' moms.  This has been a rough summer for me.  I started chemo for breast cancer and learned my youngest has brain cancer.  Fortunately, we where able to win with the insurance and he is being treated near us.  We drive him an hour every day for chemo/radiation as his license temporarily suspended for seizure. 

    On the humorous side.....I broke my toe yesterday.  The other foot this time.  (new moms, this is a regular thing with me).

    My sailor leaves for a long deployment soon.  His wife and my grandson will be in Sasebo, Japan for the holidays.  I hope moms with sailors there will post Christmas pictures and Santa  events for me.

  • maggs

    Kim, so glad he s going to be close to home. You need him with you. Sorry about your toe, I hate doing that.

       Angel going to the vet's today, I think she is in pain, but the Animal Hospital, who did her surgery, isn't very concerned. I know Angel, and she has not left the bedroom in days, Wakes me up, meows for attention and wait for it.. wants to be petted and clapped, and loved on, wile laying on the bed!  She is eating her regular food, but not treats, doesn't want catnip or other toys. Poor Kitty.

  • Blondie

    Prayers going up for both of ya.

    Kim, I had to smile,  HUGS

    Maggs, mama's  are never wrong.  we all KNOW that's no Angel!

  • maggs

    Angel the devil cat strikes again-(pee alert).

         Getting ready to take Angel to see her regular vet, for pain assessment. I bring the carrier onto the bed, she did not even make an escape effort, I tapped her bottom, and she went in.  Driving to the vets office Angel didn't even vocalize. She usualy sing protest songs Joan Biaz would be proud to hear.

         We get into the room, open the door of the carrier, waiting for the "Black Bullet" to emerge, Nothing!  I reached in, and she set her claws into the foam bottom. she would not budge.They evil carrier was now her safe place. So we ended up removing the top, Angel tried to crouch down, and pretend she was not there. I eventually got her out.  We sat in the room, waiting for the vet, who was dealing with a full load, So Angel walked around the room, looking for an escape route, or a place to hide. Neither one available, she got up on the bench I was sitting on, and hid behind me.

      Vet enters the room, and gets down to just get Angel to come to her. Angel does, and she is put up on the exam table. Her weight is good, her surgery scar is fine, She is doing some sever "Barbering" (pulling her hair out), under her belly, near the surgery,but overal,l she is in good health. Then comes the Temp taking. Angel growled the whole time, so the vet petted her, and announced she had a slight fever, nothing to worry about, but an indication of pain. 

    The hip  exam came next. needless to say Angel was none to pleased with that. She vocalized her protest with low growls, that reached crescendo I had never head from her, and this was just her good hip!   Moving to the other one, Angel began to quake, and growl, and try to meow, all at the same time. Good news is, her movement is excellent, and the surgery looks successful, but we will find more information after her next x-rays. At this time, the vet went to get an NSAID in a syringe. She was back in a flash, injected Angel, Let her down and went over the results. NSAID for two more days, in pill form, Pain medication is a must, she would prepare it. Then the VET Looks down and said.. "OH Angel! Why did you do that?".   The vet then  smiles and tells me  when Angel walked round the exam table, and sniffed the vets shoes, she thought nothing about it, She thought Angel was going to sit down near her. She didn't notice, Angel lifting her tail, until she felt the warmth on her shoes and her leg. She said "I have been peed on by dogs, but never before from a cat!" I must have looked horror struck, but she laughed, and commented on the full bladder, with no blood, and Angel got her revenge! 

  • NCali

    Hello all. Happy Thursday. Yesterday I got a call from my son. He is on the Wasp and he is a Yeoman. He said that the ship is going to help in the area of virgin island with the hurricane evacuation. He is very discrete in what he said as he knows that he cannot give out information in details.