An American Girl in Japan

It's cold, hard facts rainin' up in here...

2012-01-02T12:28:00.002+14:00

Momma, in a recent tiff, told me that I should call Grandma more. Truth be told y'all, I love my Grandma more than my own life. And after I lost Daddy, I just couldn't stand the thought of losing anyone ever again. I didn't call her as much as I should. Mostly because I couldn't be reminded of the love I have for this woman. She is everything I have ever wanted to be, and is proof of everything that is beautiful in this world. I couldn't stand to feel such love and closeness for someone who will not live as long as me.
When Momma said this to me, I almost died, then promised my only New Year's Resolution would be to call my Grandma, at least 2 times a week. I called her today, and we talked for at least 2 hours. At the end of the conversation she said, "Ash, I was feeling down, and I wondered what 2012 would bring. Then you called me, and now I know that this New Year will be great."
What a blessing y'all, and how damned selfish have I been by not just calling when I missed her so much I could die? I love my Grandma so much...she is truly my soulmate. I promise I will never make the mistake of not calling again. I'm no longer scared to live life..I'll live it as long as the good Lord has me on this Earth, and I promise I'll call my Grandma every week. I think Daddy would be proud.

An open letter to the madness of housewifery,

2011-12-28T12:00:00.001-10:00

Dear 10 loads of laundry,
you are freaking KILLING ME. No really. KILLING ME. Who in the HELL wears this many sets of outfits when they're at Aunt Lisa's house? Apparently my family. That's who. And who has "special consideration" pieces like us? Tutus, only cold water pants, only dry clean, only have to sneeze once before you wash, etc. Again. My family. If this is servitude then servitude can kiss my a%s! I bet honey badger doesn't have to do this.
love,
me

Ah hell..Momma's home!

2011-12-27T15:36:00.001-10:00

Went to hell and back again (that, in a metaphor, means I lived in Iwakuni, Japan, on an air station, and lived to tell the tale when I left)--This is a truth to be sure, that place is a hell hole of ugliness and horrible energy. Quite possibly because the Marines there are air station Marines, which makes me hate them. A Marine handles shit. He isn't a flier of planes nor is he an officer that is a dick. Just sayin' And he ALWAYS, ALWAYS, has a proper high and tight. I knew I was in trouble when I saw Marines with Air Force hair cuts and sweat pants out in public. Idiots.
So glad I'm home now, and Marine is retired. Because that means I have no constraints on me whatsoever when I post on my site. Ahhh hell y'all..things are about to get interesting.

Letters from home...

2011-03-19T16:23:00.004-10:00

Love Letters from Kchan
Of course I had to get in the act. Translation - We love you!

Sending donations to Fukushima and Kchan said that she had something she had to include. We spread out a piece of poster paper across the kitchen and she started writing her "Love Letter" to the Emergency Center. Afterward, she asked me if I could please box up her toys and also add her bed to the box of supplies. She said, "Momma, I can't stand the thought of them sleeping on the floor, can you send my bed to the children too?". I sat down and counted our blessings. The tears were finally ones of joy for the first time in 2 weeks.

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

2011-03-11T14:38:00.003-10:00

Very heavy heart today. Things in Japan are not good. The destruction is widespread and all encompassing. If you'd like to help from where you are, please click HERE and see how you can help.

Happy Valentine's Day honey!

2011-02-13T20:03:00.001-10:00

Make your own postcard design

Oh the tangled webs we weave...

2011-01-08T00:12:00.002-10:00

Sitting here thinking about how crazy life can be. Not a very life-changing statement for sure, but one that is certainly moving my life in the direction that it is going. Because, as all us good Southern Baptists know, if you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.
My life has led me in many directions these past 5 years. To Okinawa, Japan...to mainland Japan (which...GOD help me)..and who knows where next. One thing is constant. My love for my husband, my daughter, my family. I found, in all my study, that there's a reason there is even a phrase for it in the most dead of all languages..Latin. Amor Vincit Omnia (and not the crazy painting with a half cupid and a broken violin on the floor, nor the painting by Michaelangelo...so maybe Omnia Vincit Amor for those of you with a passion for the Spanish lean to the word). Love Conquers All.
Here's to a year of new beginnings, new homes, new places to explore..and a world where truly love does conquer all obstacles. Blessings to you and yours!

Well hello there!

2010-11-23T22:50:00.003-10:00

Is there any reason, in particular, that I've neglected my blog so much that I had to come in with a team to "flip my blog"? No..there is no reason. Other than I left my beloved home, Okinawa, and came suddenly and violently to Mainland Japan. It has been quite the transition for me. Marine and Doodle seem to be getting on amazingly well. I'm the only one who had trouble.
I've since taken to teaching at the school (finally giving this Master's Degree JUSTICE!), and have subsequently decided to learn Italian. It just SOUNDS romantic doesn't it?
My precious little sister is expecting, and everything here on the home front is gearing up for retirement. Can't wait until this Marine's wife is celebrating all manner of holidays with my family.
So..for Thanksgiving..I am thankful for such a beautiful soul to be married to. My husband, Marine, is more of a soul mate than I could EVER have dreamed of to be mine. I'm thankful for a beautiful, intelligent daughter, who, incidentally, won a writing contest this week (proving she is SO much like her Momma), and I'm thankful for the absolute most precious family anyone could ever achieve. My Momma, my sister, my Grandma, my Aunt Lisa...they all keep nudging me even when I'm 10,000 miles away. How blessed am I that I can pick up the phone and literally FEEL their presence all the way over here in Japan? :) And last, but not least, I'm thankful for my daughter's God Father Dustin. We love you SO much and can't wait until we get to be within driving distance of each other!
All in all, this is a year of many blessings. Lil Bean (my sister's baby) is sure to come by February..retirement comes in June..and in between there is nothing but love. Just as Daddy would want it to be. Have a blessed Thanksgiving all. Remember your blessings...and as Bing sings in Holiday Inn..."I've got plenty to be thankful for"..

My Momma's Day..as a Momma, not a daughter

2010-05-09T00:37:00.009-11:00

Most of my existence before Doodle was, as some pre-children women's lives were...I laid in bed until I wanted to get up..if I wasn't in the mood for breakfast, well, forget it..lunch could be sometime. Either that or I would dig the leftovers from last night's rockin dinner and down them with a flat glass of wine. Let me say this, I'm not trying to be the spokesperson of how childless women live, so save yourself from composing the hate mail. I'm telling you that is how THIS momma lived.
Now, well, now life is different. Still a cynical Momma at heart..I'm always taken aback at these undying professions of love lured my way. Like, what could I have POSSIBLY done to deserve the love and devotion of this precious little girl?? Today, Doodle gave me a card she made in school. It said, in her handwriting, "Momma, I luv you becus you make my bos and you always make shur my nals ar painted...and u are so kool". AHHHH...Ladies, may you all be blessed with such accolades.
Hubby woke me with a happy plate breakfast in bed :).

And because Marine knows me...my coveted pair of Coach sunglasses...
Then, went to take me to get a proper Japanese pixie cut. Then...cho expensive sunglasses to shade these eyes from that there sun. I posted those pics mostly because I look SO MUCH like Momma.

Then tonight, he wanted to know what a queen would eat on her special day. Of course I told him, Ribs, BBQ Beans, and Potato Salad.

I ate like a queen..and I sat down in the floor and I blessed the good Lord for bringing me to this point in my life...with this man, and this little girl. We're so blessed y'all. We're so blessed.

To my Momma..

2010-05-08T21:49:00.005-11:00

You may be wondering about the picture of potato salad that heads this story. You shouldn't. It's the same recipe that's made it through countless years of family reunions, and many good years of 4th of July celebrations. Just like my Momma, this recipe is tried and true. And I thought, a pretty good way to show how Momma really does just make everything taste/sound/feel better. When you see Mother's Day cards in Hallmark, they say things thanking Mommas for "loving me", "helping me grow", and "just for loving me". For me, Momma's Day means so much more.
Yesterday on the phone my Momma and I were "solving the world's problems" and near the end of the conversation she told me..."Ash, I know that you're 8,000 miles away, but I feel like you're RIGHT here beside me". I told her I felt the same way, got choked up, and we said our I love yous. I've been thinking about that a lot today. But..it's more than just a passing phone call. With one ring, and 10 seconds of conversation, my Momma knows if I'm happy, sad, or indifferent. And, if sad or indifferent, we work that out before I hang up. Momma has always been that way. Able to read me just by hearing me.
And that's why she is a true embodiment of what Mother's Day is. She is my protector, my comforter, my shielder from anything bad that might happen, and my very best friend. And when she tells me during a phone call that she loves me...I feel that all the way to the bottom of my feet and up again.
Momma, I love you too...and I pray that I can one day be the same influence on Doodle that you are on me.
Happy Mother's Day - to the BEST MOMMA EVER!!!!

A Momma...and the two daughters she raised JUST right :).

Bipolar Toddlers? Another WTF moment in America.

2010-04-04T14:43:00.005-11:00

Ok. I love my country. I love the fact that we celebrate your right to be whoever, however, whatever, wherever, and whenever you want at any point (unless you want to be a same-sex couple, in which case, no dice). But when I received an invite in the mail for an event asking for a donation (of course) and realized that there was an actual affiliation for bipolar toddlers (I thought they were all moody?!), I just had to take pause. Ok. Really? There are Marines dying in Afghanistan, genocide in Darfur, and people in Haiti literally crawling to UN food shelters for 1 scoop of rice and we're using money to placate rich people who have nothing better to do than blame a damned normal part of childhood on a serious mental health issue that really does affect over 5.7 million adults in the world. Really oh ye who live in white suburbs of America, please stop marginalizing serious causes by advocating that your children have something wrong with them simply because you are inconvenienced for one second and have to get out of your damned politically correct, though brake-impaired Prius (there's something else to blame someone over) and call Nanny Stella on your cell phone to pick up your 3 year old from their upper-Richland Heights/Murray Hill area private daycare/arts prep school because they are pitching a temper tantrum about an organic goldfish cracker. Enough already.*

*that said, a footnote...that though tedious, is necessary. I work at a school. I understand that there are cases, as with anything, that prove the exception makes the rule. I know this. I also know that there are a bunch of rich, white people with a lot of time on their hands. Also, poor, white, other-raced, it doesn't matter excuses-know-no-boundaries people. I get it. They need to get with it too.

Growing Pains

2010-03-27T03:14:00.003-11:00

I've obviously been neglecting my blog as of late, because I've taken on another project to do in addition to the blog. That of capturing all of my little ones waking moments in film..albeit digital. I've also started a 100 pics project. For those of you who would like to join, please do! I can tell you that it has done wonders for both my photography skills and my relationship with my tiny dancer. Her legs were hurting tonight and I explained she was getting "growing pains". I remember my sister's legs doing the same thing. Subsequently, she grew 1000 inches and now towers above me. I don't think Doodle will ever grow to be even taller than me, at my towering 5'1", but I do think the thought of her getting bigger makes me have pains too..of the cardiac kind :).
When I asked her what she thought about getting growing pains she said that they had better stop because, "Nanas will NOT like it that I'm growing up so fast." Neither do I my little Doodlebug, neither do I.

Juxtiposition. Ethereal meets concrete.

2010-03-27T03:07:00.003-11:00

Juxtiposition. Ethereal meets concrete.
Originally uploaded by American Girl in Japan

Scaling that wall

2010-03-27T03:07:00.001-11:00

Scaling that wall
Originally uploaded by American Girl in Japan

I can't believe how fast my baby is growing up. She truly is my little muse.

100th Day of School, and a Spelling Test

2010-02-27T00:22:00.004-11:00

Its been 100 days of kindergarten for the Doodlebug. She's been in school for the same amount of time it takes some to form a habit, break it, and then reform it all again. Twice.
We play a game which she loves and I on alternate days, hopes she doesn't remember. She spells words - sometimes real words, sometimes I think may be Acadian, or possibly Romulan, and asks me what they spell (and here I just finished that pesky Klingon Rosetta Stone. wejpuH).
Today her list was just like Doodle...extravagant, contradicting, and so very her I wanted to keep it close to my heart forever. Momma, how do you spell CROWN? C-R-O-W-N honey. Ok, just 2 more Momma. Splendid and opossum. And, for bonus Momma, SUPERIFIC. Isn't that a great word Momma? It means ever more special and fancy than just plan super. And much like automatic defib paddles to my heart, she continues to keep me going when everything else seems to fail.

10 Little Happies

2010-02-16T15:28:00.000-11:00

Here are 10 little things to be happy about this week.

1. Japanese fashion.

2. My sister playing her guitar. There are few things more beautiful to see and hear in my whole world.

3. "Unkie Patick" and Doodlebug, eating smores in front of the camp fire. Now if that ain't country..

4. This fort. Because. It's a FORT!

5. Playdates. With princess dresses, and makeup! You can tell which one is mine. She's the one with the MAC lipstick.

6*. Googling before you speak. Because there are waaaay too many people flaunting stupidity. Are you listening Sarah Palin?

7. Red hair. In particular, this red hair. And, anything Christina Hendricks does.

8. Tutus. For every occasion. 2 of my favorite tutu makers are mom2twogals on Etsy and Cambria.

9. Handknit fingerless gloves. You can find these and other handknit beauties at Studio Cybele on Etsy here.

10. Having friends and family you love so much you miss them in 2 languages.

Japanese fashion courtesy of RIDSNAP Get a "google before you tweet" and see other typographical goodness here

The Big Woods

2010-02-12T14:55:00.005-11:00

One of my most precious possessions is the set of Little House books my Momma and Daddy gave me. As a child, I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder more than recess. Recently, I was cleaning one of my book shelves and came across my copy of Little House in the Big Woods. Right there on the floor, I propped myself up and read it again. I can remember getting so INTO these stories that I wished and wished that I lived in a little house in the big woods with my family. That we had to make our own cheese and Daddy had to hunt for our food (which I obviously didn't think through - my Daddy never would have shot ANYTHING. I guess we would have been vegetarians). Needless to say, I didn't think through the no running water/bathroom portion of that equation.
When I reached the end of the book, I was overcome with emotion that I remember feeling when I read the end of the book for the first time at 9.

She looked at Pa sitting on the bench by the hearth, the firelight
gleaming on his brown hair and beard and glistening on the
honey brown fiddle. She looked at Ma, gently rocking and
knitting. She thought to herself, "This is now". She was glad
that the cozy house, and Pa and Ma and the firelight and
the music, were now. They could not be forgotten, she thought,
because now is now. It can never be a long time ago.

I thought about how precious our time together is. How the world plays a cruel trick just when you feel comfortable, and pulls a fast one. If you want to hear God laugh..tell Him your plans. I miss my time with my Momma and Daddy. Our time of music, of laughter, and of all of us being right down here in the Big Woods together. I ran to Doodle's room, picked her up, and held her so tight she squirmed in my arms. Then, I cried.

AND WE'RE BACK!

2010-02-05T15:18:00.002-11:00

Yes, as a matter of fact, I did need to yell about that.
Sorry about the non-working website for a whole month. I have not, contrary to popular belief, dropped off the face of the earth...I'm still over here dangling on the edge in Japan.
After a long bout with name.com, google apps, and various other messes, I am now live. Thank God. I was beginning to doubt my existence.

with mounds and mounds of Great Memories...

2010-01-07T12:52:00.006-11:00

Sometimes a once a year picture with Santa can capture the spirit of the season. But for our Christmas season spent at Nana's house...one picture just won't do. Our time at home was filled with such richness and strength of family I just want to go dip diamonds into gooey smores and plate them.
There's lots to tell and lots of photo evidence to show for it. Which is to say..the stories they are a'comin. Among them, Aunt Amy taking Doodle to ride a real live white horse, Marine and Opposumgate, and Nanas on a camel. I know..seems like more than you can handle. What a fantastic vacation!!
I've never felt more centered, more full of love, more loved, and more important than I do right now. My cup, once still packed away with a snarky remark, has been put on the table and is running over.
Thank you to each and every of my family members for reminding Kev and I that we do indeed have a place to call home and that place is waiting for us as soon as we're done here. We can't wait either.
This year...let's make all 525,600 minutes count.

...and our bodies to thy service

2009-11-27T00:08:00.004-11:00

A happy Thanksgiving to one and all! Traditions here in mainland certainly are different. We had a great Thanksgiving dinner with friends, but I was also able to bring home a traditional Japanese sweet for dessert. It's known as Taiyaki, and though it looks like fish, it is a pastry is usually filled with an assortment of azuki bean paste (which is a Japanese sweet that is much more yummy than it sounds) or some sort of custard or cheese. Mine were filled with a chocolate paste that was akin to nutella. And trust the woman who ate about 5...they were freaking delicious. The ones I bought were from a street vendor and they were literally the size of my thumb. We ate 15 as quick as you can say taiyaki (which could be really fast, or really sloooooow, depending your ability to Japanese language it up).
All through dinner, I couldn't help but think of Daddy's prayer every holiday. So to all of you...may your Thanksgiving dinner have been blessed "to the nourishment of our bodies, and our bodies to Thy service..."
Blessed day to all!

Happy Happy Birthday Honey! and, incidentally, Happy Birthday Marine Corps

2009-11-09T20:16:00.004-11:00

I know what you're thinking. It is even possible for Marine to be more "Marine" than he already is? He was actually born on the birthday of the Corps. It's just oohrah all over this mug isn't it?
To my sweetie, my confidante, and the one who went with me today to what was the most romantic lunch EVER...here, exactly right here
...was our view from our outside table (the kind with the electric warmer underneath and fluffy blankets). It started raining softly (we were under an outside roof), and suddenly I saw covers of Romance Novels floating overhead. Ah, here's to so many more wonderful years honey..Happy Birthday!!

Yes I am a pirate...

2009-11-08T21:39:00.007-11:00

Shots from All Hallow's Eve. My precious girly pirate...plus Marine and I as Bonnie and Clyde. We had such fun at the SNCO club for the costume party! And, I was the only female not dressed as a more slutty version of whoever.

aha! Get it? :)

Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会)

2009-10-30T03:48:00.003-11:00

The best way I can explain this concept to those of you who have never been to Japan is to say "once in a lifetime chance"..or, never again JUST LIKE THIS. Ichi go ichi e, is the Japanese belief that everything happens at it's appointed time at exactly the right time for exactly the right reason. If you've studied Buddism, this makes sense. If you were, like me, raised southern baptist, it takes some time to get used to. Either way, in my past four years here in the land of the rising sun, I'm beginning to understand that the saying is really true, no matter the language in which it is presented.
So I say to all of you...please know that everything in your life is happening because it should in this very moment. And you, no matter what your feelings on the matter..can handle everything that comes your way. For those of you who habla Bible...if it were not so, He would have told us (a la John 14). For those of you who don't...please remember ichi go, ichi e...one life...one chance..one meeting. Make this one your best.

We say grace, and we say ma'am, and if you ain't into that...well. FOR SHAME!

2009-10-29T13:12:00.002-11:00

Doodle had a Halloween craft day at school yesterday and I volunteered to work the whole day with her at school. Things were going along swimmingly until I heard a little boy answer the teacher with a loud, resounding, "YEAH!". I looked over at Doodle and she looked as if someone had just set themselves on fire. MOMMA, HE SAID YEAH! The teacher simply went on as if YEAH was a perfectly acceptable way to answer a question. Well, this just simply won't do with me. I am constantly in awe of the way parents are teaching (or NOT teaching) their children a certain amount of respect. Where I come from, if a child said "yeah" to a teacher, they may well find themselves getting a proper dressing down in front of God and everybody. And that, of course, means it's a REAL lecture. If the Divine is invited to the lesson, you know you've REALLY MESSED IT UP BIG THIS TIME.
I understand there are cultural differences to the ma'am and sir thing, but being from the north or south notwithstanding, if you can't teach your child to say ma'am, you could at least teach them to say yes, please...something with a modicum of respect. And don't give me that horrid answer about ma'am and sir being slave terms and that subjugation crap. That dog don't hunt with this girl. Teach your child some manners...Because God help us all if they ever run into me or my Momma and answer us with a yeah.

Incense, Peppermints...and also burning of Sage

2009-10-21T15:00:00.004-11:00

There is a Native American custom of burning sage to rid places or people of any negative or unwanted energy. This is a custom that I read about long ago, when I moved somewhere that I wanted to "cleanse" of another's presence. Stay with me here...I'm not the hippy I sound like. I'm very psychosomatic. If you tell me something works, it does. That said, I burn sage whenever we move into a new home. Today I saged our new house. I learned a few new things. #1 - I have no idea what pot smells like, but I would venture to guess that Japanese sage SMELLS JUST LIKE POT WHEN IT BURNS. Seriously. Jamaican men appeared out of nowhere playing steel drums singing, "pass the duchie on the left hand side". Also, and most importantly, the smoke detectors in military base housing are really really sensitive. That is all. Blessed be PMO and the MPs of Air Station Iwakuni(*), blessed be.

*Provost Marshall's Office, Military Policemen

Thoughts of home...

2009-10-01T13:54:00.003-11:00

Took flowers to the Iwakuni seawall today. It's the first time I've done that since we've moved. I had a spot in Oki that I went to so I could talk to Daddy. After much looking, I found one here yesterday. I dropped the flowers in the Pacific and watched them until I could no longer make them out among the waves. A ship passed and I heard a horn in the distance. I'd like to think that was Daddy...telling me he loves me too.
Happy Birthday Daddy. I miss you so much...

Because brown bagging it just wouldn't do

2009-09-28T12:18:00.002-11:00

Since she's taken over the kindergarten, Doodle has decided that school lunch just doesn't meet her daily requirement of cuteness. Enter...bento. I've done posts on this before, but I just thought this was so precious it deserved a mention. Look, the little bear sandwich has a bow, and the little rabbit has a crown (!!!). If this were any cuter, I'd dress it up and call it pookie.

Because anyone can cook

2009-09-16T15:15:00.002-11:00

Since we've been in our new home, I've attempted to be a very new-agey Martha Stewart. You know, with cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner (LIKE A NORMAL MOMMA), and ironing all of the clothes in the house. Twice. I never realized how much being at home would mean to Doodle. She is overwhelmed with the fact that I'm fixing such dinners, (WITH DESSERT!), and was so happy with last night's meal she declared that was THE TOP CHEF TO END ALL TOP CHEFS. Then, I reminded her that, per our favorite movie, anyone can cook. She finished the conversation by telling me that it shouldn't be a big deal for me to fix Ratatouille for supper tonight then. Hell, if a rat can do it, so can I right? Right? *silence, crickets chirping*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!

2009-09-13T12:43:00.011-11:00

There are a few select days of my life that have made me who I am. Today is one such day. It's my little sister's birthday. My Momma and Daddy gave me the biggest gift of all when they brought Ames into my life. And, once again, I find myself 9,000 miles away from my best friend on her day of celebration. So, as has become my custom since being here in Japan, I enlisted some friends to help show her that though I may be on the other side of the world, I couldn't be closer in my heart. I love you so much Ames..Happy Birthday Baby!

There she is...Miss Iwakuni...

2009-09-11T23:35:00.005-11:00

Any good southern girl with her weight in pearls knows the name Mikimoto. His crown graces the head of Miss Universe. He is one of Japan's most famed pearl jewelry designers..and has been the things many of my dreams are made of. Today, while shopping in Shin-Inagushi, I saw from across the way....yes. OH MY GOD A MIKIMOTO STORE. The angels sang, and I, being of sound mind and body, wept. The only thing I kept thinking was how cool my Aunt Lisa (she being of Miss UAM and Miss Arkansas fame) would think this was. Never in a million did I think I'd ever see such wonder. And, I don't care how silly that makes me sound. Naturally, I thought I would be window shopping. Marine surprised me with a BEAUTIFUL keychain that is, without a doubt, fancier than any car I've ever had. And on the Debutante list...Mikimoto pearls, check!

It's 1500 and all is well...

2009-09-09T19:23:00.004-11:00

A landmark reached...Doodle's first day of kindergarten. When we went to pick her up this afternoon, Ms. L said that Doodle was extremely vivacious, happy, and dominant. Dominant. That's my girl. In other words, she could very well be the next president, or possibly a cult leader. Watch out world, here we come!!

Atsui ne! (isn't it hot?)

2009-09-08T22:09:00.003-11:00

Because it doesn't matter what side of the world you're on as long as you have a bow.

This do in remembrance of me...

2009-09-06T12:51:00.004-11:00

First week on a new air station (*Iwakuni, Japan*), and I'm trying my best to find my way around mainland Japan. Things here are CHO (japanese for VERY) different. Somethings, thankfully, never change. We went to church yesterday and midway through the service had Communion. As we were walking to the front to receive the sacraments, Doodle asked me why I wouldn't let her have some. With a glorious feeling of responsibility and Southern Baptist-ness, I told her that this was a public profession of faith, and meant that she had been saved, and baptised. I told her that as soon as she was old enough to understand, she could receive Jesus in her heart, just the way I did when I was 7 years old. I went into quite a little spiel, and stopped finally to get her response. It was short. I UNDERSTAND MOMMA, NOW MAY I HAVE A LITTLE TASTE?

There truly is no place like home...

2009-08-20T13:40:00.001-11:00

One of the most amazing things about my stay in Japan has been how connected it made me to where I'm from. There's just nothing better than being from the south. Have a great Friday y'all!

You say good-bye, I say hello!

2009-08-18T19:19:00.002-11:00

It's an bag of mixed emotions in the Marine-Momma house. I've held off sharing the news with the hopes that it would actually sink in for me. We're moving to mainland Japan! Marine has received orders to Iwakuni, Japan and, believe it or not, 1 September we'll be flying our way to a new base, a new home, and a whole new life.
Doodle is so excited, and can only think of going to Tokyo Disney and kindergarten. Apparently, in kidspeak, Mainland Japan is the coolest. Like going to live in Space or something.
In the meantime, a website design is is order, and I'm sure that I'll have lots of new stories to tell. Packing up the house has been gratifying. Three years worth of memories in 1,000 pounds. We've done a lot of living these past 3 years, and life has changed dramatically for me. I've done some laughing, some crying, and a whole bunch of growing up. Here's to our next 3 years!

It's Fashion Advice Friday!

2009-07-23T20:19:00.002-11:00

You know it's going to be good when the name of the page is "Fashion tips for women from a guy who knows dick about fashion". Click here. Seriously.

It runs in the family y'all

2009-07-19T01:15:00.004-11:00

Me and mine in various states of do-ragness :)

One of my biggest shocks when I moved to Okinawa was that people just don't wear do-rags here. Well, they do, but only if they're a mamasan and cleaning house. Otherwise, you don't just put on your do-rag and go to town. Here, most locals use what we gaijins call hand towels. They put them on in a way similar to a dorag, but the part in the back is longer. Either way, you rarely see good ole country girls in do rags. Unless, of course, you come to one of my festivals. I have one for each day in every color of the rainbow. The Marines always know where to find the woman in charge because they look for "that red-headed girl in the do rag". No matter that, I'm happy to know that I got it honest. I do, in fact, still wear my Daddy's dark blue do rag from time to time. He used to wear it when he painted the high school every summer before summer band practice. My precious best friend and little sister Ames sent me this picture of my Grandma taken in the late 40s.

I saw it and laughed out loud. Even before I was born, it was all pre-destined y'all. I was made to be country. Now ain't that just better than peach cobbler & ice cream??

You raise yours, I'll raise mine

2009-07-15T15:21:00.004-11:00

So I'm constantly bombarded with people's opinions of how I should raise my Doodle. And by that, I mean reproachful looks when I let her come to the Seether concert (I totally explained to her that until she's a Marine or in a band, she is not allowed to say the f* word..unless she just REALLY means it), and the obvious distaste of the lady who saw Doodle in Master's studio while I was getting my new ink (no worries, I totally made Doodle put out her cigarette before she came in). Either way, the choices I make about and centering around my daughter are my choices. Perhaps because I was older when Doodle graced my life with her presence, perhaps because I've seen a lot in this old world, and perhaps because I just treat Doodle the way I would like to be treated, I have a very clear view of what her childhood should be. She's amazingly well adjusted, intelligent, snarky, witty, and everything that I could hope my offspring could be. Also, she asked me for a Ramones shirt yesterday that she found online (!), and knows almost all the words to "Love Song" by the Cure.
This is not to say that raising a child to be involved in more than Sesame Street is always easy. She's extremely inquisitive. JUST BECAUSE is not an acceptable answer to Doodle. She does understand, however, that it isn't enough to question authority, you gotta speak with it too. But something else she knows is that her Momma loves her more than life and can sing kid's songs and the whole of Rent! with her, while teaching her about rhetorical theory and the show The Office.
Now, get your jaw off the floor, go back to your officer's spouses meeting, and say ugly things about my mothering skills. Pardon me while I help Doodle change into her Viva Che! shirt.

Mono no aware (物の哀れ) - Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T12:36:00.006-11:00

Today is one of those days that, along with Godiva Dark Chocolate Truffles and that song by The Verve, are bittersweet. Mono no aware is the Japanese term that is used to describe the awareness of the transience of things and a bittersweet sadness at their passing. A good term to use when thinking about today and what it means. On one hand, I have such wonderful memories of my Daddy, and such fond stories of our time together. On the other, it's Father's Day, and my Daddy isn't here.
At least I can watch Marine and Doodlebug and know that they are building the same amazing bonds. So, a Happy Father's Day to one and all...to those who can see their Daddy today, and to those who have to do like me, and only feel his presence. Today I remember the great times, and think about how lucky I really am.

Of unrequited love

2009-06-07T23:30:00.005-11:00

The day to day conversations that I have with Doodle are the things that mean the most to me. They aren't necessarily big "moments" in-and-of themselves, but when I look back, those 15 minute talks we have in the car on the way to school really are the stuff of memories.
This morning on the way to school we were listening to Pearl Jam Ten Redux. For those of you who don't Redux, I can say that with every waking minute of my senior year in high school and my entire college existence, Ten was MY album. I had the flannel and Docs to prove it. Anyway, there is nothing new under the sun, so this is on my most played list of the moment. The song, "Black", is one of my favorites, and it was playing when we went to school this morning. EV sang the line, "I know someday you'll have a beautiful life, I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky, but why, why, why...Can't it be, can't it be mine?" I was singing along, oblivious, and Doodle asked me, "What did that mean Momma?". I was temporarily confused and stunned by 0700 traffic on 58. "What did what mean honey?" "What that man just said?" Doodle said. I stopped (at a traffic light, and also with my whole person), and told her, "Well baby, that means that he loves her and she will be everything to someone in life, but he knows that as much as he loves her, it won't be him". "Ah", she said. "That's really sad Momma". Well yes baby, it is. And on the list of things I'll teach my daughter...Romeo and Juliet...check.

It's Found Object Friday

2009-06-04T14:36:00.001-11:00

The truth...and it fits on a post-it.

And a Happy Anniversary...

2009-06-01T01:12:00.003-11:00

I can remember being in Jr. High. In fact, all the way to my senior year, all of my friend's parents were divorced. When Angela Massey (my best friend) came to me and said her Daddy and Momma were no longer going to be married, I remember being stunned. You mean, people get married and they don't stay that way? When Amy Losser came to school and told me during 2nd period that her Dad was leaving her Mom, I remember thinking, "WHAT?? But why? How?". In the fairy tale existence I had, people were married once, and to the love of their life. I've learned a lot since then, but no knowledge has taken me from this fact..when Steve and Susie Platt married, they meant forever.
Today is Momma and Daddy's Anniversary. I hope that today does for you as it does for me; and reminds me that Momma and Daddy are clear examples that there are some loves that are real, and eternal. There are some couples that are just meant to be. There are some partnerships that are true examples of what real love is...there are couples like Steve and Susie Platt.
So, Momma, thank you so much for raising me to see a Momma and a Daddy that not only loved Amy and I, but also loved each other. In my own relationships, I see myself wondering how Momma and Daddy would have handled it. I think about their love and see the beauty of 2 individuals who loved, trusted, and counted on each other with their entire hearts. How good would life be if we all did that? I encourage you all to look inward at your relationships... give until there's nothing left, kiss until your lips run dry, hug until your arms hurt, and love until you can't love anymore. Then, at least for a moment, you will have what Momma and Daddy had. And isn't that what we're all searching for anyway? What else is life about if not to love? Happy Anniversary, to the best couple I'll ever know...

Rockin out

2009-05-25T17:23:00.002-11:00

Because I am the kind of Momma that people just really wish they had, I let Marine bring Doodlebug to the Seether concert on Saturday at my festival (I say "my festival", but I really mean, the festival I helped plan for the Marines). That said, I of course warned her that the men on stage may say words that we were not allowed to repeat (unless we were rock stars or Marines). She hasn't dropped the f-bomb yet. Thankfully.
The concert was eventful. Several broken bones, bloody noses, and black eyes. I guess you just haven't moshed until you've moshed with the boys from Recon and CAB.
So, to all the Marines, a happy 96 (off for Memorial Day), and a pleasant recovery from the almost-alcohol poisoning you probably had on Sunday morning.
:)

Lots of Laughs Wednesday

2009-05-12T13:54:00.003-11:00

Ok, this is the funniest thing I have seen in forever.

Happy Mother's Day Momma!

2009-05-10T14:52:00.003-11:00

So, I decided that I need to start my own business making greeting cards...and the first card I'm going to make is going to be a Happy Momma's Day card. Because I almost went nuts trying to find the perfect card for my Momma. I don't call her MOM, and I surely don't call her MOTHER...which always makes me think, NO WIRE HANGERS! So to my Momma - the biggest hugs, kisses, and love on this Momma's Day.

The very best compliment anyone could ever give me is that I remind them of you. I hope that I continue to grow up to be the kind of daughter who makes you proud. These past 2 years have not been easy, but you have shown Ames and I a strength that is so inspiring. You truly are something else Momma. I love you so much, on this and every day. Thank you for being my Momma, my confidante, and my best friend...I'm so lucky that I have you.

Growing up...it's hard.

2009-04-29T18:39:00.002-11:00

Today I am having what the women in my family affectionately call a "Momma Day". It's the kind of day where you just want to lay in bed, cry, and be held by your Momma (not necessarily in that order). Being the fine, productive member of society that I know I pretend to be, I made myself get up and start getting ready. Things went along per the usual until I started to drop Doodle off at the door of school. I bent down to kiss her goodbye and, in her most serious voice, with the most sincere look on her face, she reached up, put both hands on either side of my face and said, "Momma, I know your heart hurts today, and I want you to know that I love you". Without another word, my little angel skipped into school. I've said it before and I'll say it again...man, I raise 'em right don't I?

The joy is in the little things

2009-04-28T13:50:00.002-11:00

Doodle is very verbose. Something, I'm sure, she inherited straight from me. We've been reading the Fancy Nancy series of children's books. Nancy is a very precocious little girl who reminds me much of Doodle. In the books, she uses big words, then explains them in ways that little girls can understand (i.e., "It was extraordinary - that means it was fancier than just ordinary"). Doodle wore her silver sparkly shoes to school yesterday and when she got there, her friend Nalani came out to greet her. "Do you like my shoes Nalani? There iridescent. It's an expression. It means sparkly, like a mermaid tail". God I love this child.

Who does your little one resemble?

2009-04-26T19:09:00.003-11:00

Found this incredibly cool feature on myheritage.com. Upload a pic of you, your partner, and your baby. It will tell you who the baby resembles the most (based on face recognition software and the like). I must say, I was thrilled with the results...though we all knew that she acts the most like me anyway :).

And bunny makes 4

2009-04-21T01:43:00.003-11:00

There is an addition to the Marine-Momma household. A cute little lop-eared bunny that we have named Penelope. For the record; to me, she only speaks Japanese - because we bought her at a Japanese pet store. Marine thinks this is stupid, but I remind him that he doesn't speak BUNNY, so consenquently, she only understands me and Doodle. Either way...LORD JESUS is she PRECIOUS. Welcome to the party little one, welcome. Or should I say, "Mensore Nelly chan, Mensore".

A Momma's Thoughts

2009-04-14T01:03:00.002-11:00

So, as a "Momma", it is all to common that I think of myself as "Doodle's Momma", "that cute preschoolers momma", or, "no-matter-the-desriptive-MOMMA". Today, I was just Ashley. Just me, and only me. And when I came home, the good night ritual reminded me that it's a really cool thing to be me. When I was tucking her in, Doodle said, "sing to me Momma". I asked her what she wanted to hear and she said, "Just good music". As any good southerner would, I took that to mean gospel, so I sang. "At the cross", "How great though art", and "In the Garden" (which, incidentally, was Papa Platt's favorite hymn.
The feeling that came over me was one of a woman that was raised to understand when a little girl asks for a song, she needs something in her heart. So, I minister in the only way I know how...to sing. And as my Daddy always taught me, there are as many people sang into Heaven as those who were preached in.
Blessings all...

Cuteness of the Day

2009-04-06T20:00:00.002-11:00

Marine and Ms. Prissypants at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Seriously, Doodle = Spitting image of me when I was 4 (minus the ridiculously curly hair).

It's all about the hands...

2009-04-04T23:13:00.005-11:00

My Daddy worked with his hands. Turning them over, you could see a lifetime of fiddle playin' and instrument fixing. You could see the lifelines of hands that had taken apart many things, and put them all back in perfect working order. Callouses on his first three fingers (he was a trumpet player), and a dryness that belied any attempts at moisturizing. Daddy, in fact, thought the weirdest thing in the world a man could do was use lotion. It was only fitting that I marry a man that reminds me so much of my Daddy.
Recently, my car window was giving me fits. It would either roll down and stay that way, or not roll down at all. When I let Marine know about this..he did exactly what my Daddy would have done for my Momma. He bought a new window and replaced it all himself. When he came inside to let me know it was finished, there was a smudge of grease on his cheek and dark streaks on his hands. He has never been more handsome. As my friend and I Wendy joke, he sure is cute, and plus, he could totally fix your truck if something happens.

Couch sessions with a dependent...

2009-03-28T23:47:00.005-11:00

Photo courtesy of sakura kitsa
On a few rare occasions, my four year old has gotten up grouchy. Write it down. I admitted it here....I don't have the perfect daughter. All of this was put in perspective when I dropped her off at school on Friday. "Momma!" she said, "I didn't get up on the side of the bed today!!". Never mind her poor understanding of an old colloquialism. The wrong side of the bed or not, she totally didn't get up on any side, so we're all good...maybe her couch sessions about me with a psych when she's 18 won't be so bad after all.

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

2009-03-26T11:50:00.005-11:00

photo courtesy of ippei + janine on flickr

It's amazing what can be considered normal after you've lived here awhile. Where I come from, I'm used to about 2 seasons. "Hot as 3 Hells in July" and "where are my deer stand hand warmers??". I'm also used to about 2 natural events. A tornado siren inevitably going off in the middle of a baseball game, and a flash flood in Maumelle when there has been more than 2 inches of rain. So country girl goes island, and here's what happens...
Last night I woke up about 430 and the bed was shaking. Maybe a residual dream about one of those beds in cheap motels that take quarters? I also thought Marine might be having one of those great dreams about sandboxes in the Middle East. Then he woke up, the shaking didn't stop, and I realized: Earthquake. It shook for about 10 seconds, then Marine looked over and said, "Hmm...earthquake". My only reply? "Yep". Then I rolled over, closed my eyes, and reached out with one hand to upright the alarm on the nightstand. Carry on, nothing to see here.

The day cupcakes took over Okinawa

2009-02-19T13:54:00.009-11:00

Valentine's Day at your child's school might usually contain everything we remember from our school days. Construction paper covered shoeboxes, cards with Pixie Sticks attached, a random princess or truck saying "Happy Valentine's Day - I CHEWS you!" taped to a piece of gum... Doodlebug, apparently, has other ideas of what should happen at Valentine's Day. She informed me on the Monday night before the big party on Friday that she had told ALL HER FRIENDS that she was going to bring cupcakes, and her Momma was going to make them. Like any southern woman, I knew that I couldn't go buy premade cupcakes at the bakery lest someone question my abilities to mother. It was cute that she wanted me to, and anyway, how bad could it be? Fast forward to Thursday, when she brought the list of classmates home. There were 49 names on the list. Apparently, all the classes join together for the party. Let me repeat. 49 cupcakes. Not counting sensais. 49!
5 hours later - we were baked, decorated, signed, sealed, and delivered. On the upside, she was the only child who had something homemade to give to her class mates, and plus, as she said, "LORD JESUS THEY'RE PINK!!".

And We'll Sing

2009-02-07T13:02:00.003-11:00

Daddy wrote Southern Gospel music. These songs came from a lifetime of singin schools and shape notes. If you're from the South, you might have heard the term "All Day Singin' and Dinner on the Ground". This is when you all head to church and stay there all day singing, playing instruments, and singing some more. Then, everyone eats and you start singing again.
There's a beautiful tradition of passing down this good ole gospel music from generation to generation. I'm lucky that way, because the songs I get to pass down to Doodle are songs her Pop Pop wrote. I sort of cut off the very end, probably because I was a crying mess.

It's all fun and games until someone starts crying...

2009-02-04T19:19:00.008-11:00

So it's a leisurely shopping day at your friendly PX. They had a great new movie, I found a cute pair of shoes for Doodle, the birds were singing, sun was shining (you get the idea). A woman was walking towards us, I nodded and said hi. Doodle waved and then punctuated that with, "Momma look - she's black!” It was at that EXACT moment that I had a heart attack and died. Right there. Flat on the floor at the PX. I think I even saw the bright white light and heard my Daddy telling me to "go back - it isn't time!” After I picked myself up off the floor I quickly thought of what I could do to erase time and go back..and then I remembered that show from the 80s called "Out of this World" about the girl who could stop time by putting her fingers together. But I digress. I mumbled something about all God's children being beautiful and ran out the door, half-pulling/dragging Doodle to hurry along.

When we got in the car? Well, that's another story. The 3rd degree emerged. WHERE DID YOU HEAR THAT? WHO TOLD YOU THAT? WHO SAYS THAT?? IF YOU EVER SAY THAT AGAIN I'LL WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP, OR AT LEAST BROCOLLI. Doodle had no idea why I was freaking out because apparently her teachers say it. Other children at her school say it. As a descriptor term. Here, that isn't so shocking because this is a very very homogeneous culture. If you aren't Japanese, you are one of the 2% in this country that aren't. You look different. Apparently here it isn't such a big deal to point out the obvious. In the politically-correct-to-the-point-of-insanity country that I'm from however, we tend to believe that all differences are beautiful, but you shouldn't necessarily point those differences out..unless that person wants you to. We also make big deals out of things to children that they don't possibly have the insight or intelligence to understand. Like when they use their semantics for description, not labels. We, in fact, are the ones teaching there should be some animosity coupled with describing people by the color of their skin. I explained to Doodle the importance of not using that terminology to describe someone, instead saying, “That girl has on a blue shirt”, or, “He has curly hair”. She looked at me perplexed. “What’s the difference Momma?”. Well, I don’t know honey, but when the rest of us figure it out we’ll let you know.

Are you ready for some football?

2009-02-01T12:14:00.003-11:00

Because we TOTALLY are.

Would you like fries with that?

2009-01-22T17:32:00.004-11:00

On Fridays I always take Doodle to "Old McDonald's" for breakfast. She thinks it's named after the song (...and on that farm he had a cheeseburger e-i-e-i-o). Usually, Japanese-run establishments are incredibly conscientious. They usually make sure that Doodle's meal is in a separate bag. Today I was in a rush, and upon seeing there were 2 bags (1 large, 1 kid meal sized) I simply grabbed her bag and took her in to school.
When I got to my office and opened our breakfast, I had my McGriddle and Marine's McMuffin, and Doodle's milk and pancakes. This meant I sent my daughter to school with a breakfast of hash browns and coffee. I freaked out and called the school immediately to tell Doodle I would be there with her breakfast. Here's how our conversation went:

Me: Honey? Momma is...
an interrupting Doodle: MOMMA MY BREAKFAST!!!!
Me: I know honey, that's why Momma is calling..
Doodle: MOMMA! 3 HASHBROWNS AND KETCHUP! IT'S THE COOLEST BREAKFAST EVER!!

Nice. Square meal? Nah, just give her 4 hashbrowns. Crisis averted.

Finding my way back home

2009-01-22T13:57:00.001-11:00

One of the hardest things I've ever dealt with in my life has been the passing of my Daddy. I've questioned, I've cried, I've gotten angry. When I saw this video, things suddenly started to come into focus. Get your tissues ready y'all..

Well now ain't that high falutin

2009-01-19T20:07:00.004-11:00

Doodle in her first car. Nevermind that it's the same size as my real japanese car, but mine doesn't have the cute stickers. Her's does, however, have a working radio...and she keeps lipstick in the glove box and a change of shoes in the trunk. I raise 'em right don't I?

He even said it with a straight face

2009-01-12T13:56:00.008-11:00

Photo courtesy of Silvia Leite

Yesterday Doodle got in trouble at school. I bought her a new pair of jeans that had a bit of elastic in the waist. Mostly because she is skinny. Charming and precious yes..and also - skinny. She looked quite forlorn when I got home and I could tell that she had gotten into trouble. After breakfast at school, when she put her hands in her pockets, her pants pulled down a bit. She did it once, and upon getting laughter from her classmates, she did what any self respecting comedian-in-training would do. She did it again. But farther this time. The teacher saw her and asked her to stop, but the peals of laughter were just too much for her to resist. So, again and again, all day, Doodle pulled her pants down.
It struck me that my usual very stern demeanor was missing. In a startling display of levity...I thought it was funny. Marine, on the other hand, went high and to the right. He was SO upset at her traveling pants show that he gave her a lecture to end all lectures. I was with him just until the end, when Doodle tried to explain that she was doing it because it made her friends laugh, and she liked making them laugh. With a very serious face he told her, "Doodle, it's never funny when it's YOUR panties that are coming off".
This morning, on the way to school, she assured me that she wouldn't do that again saying "because Momma, you know it's only funny when it's YOUR panties, not mine".

It's Friday Fail Time!

2009-01-08T13:21:00.001-11:00

In college, I was a hard core CEDA Debater. Among other eccentricities of being a theoretical tagline using, kritik writing maniac was being a pen flipper. I was an outstanding one. In fact, one of the first nonverbal impressions one got of their opponent was how well they flipped their pen. Dude. I was good.
This guy? Funny. Funny. Funny. It is 43 seconds, but watch it to the end. That's the funny part.

You like me, you really like me (or something)

2009-01-07T18:47:00.005-11:00

Doodle bowing like she's meeting the Prime Minister of Japan. She hasn't mastered the subtlety of a small bow just yet. She's all...go big or go home!

Today something amazing happened. My page hit over 11,000 views! And so, I can't help but wonder...is it the japanese culture tidbits, the "Dude, I really handled that incorrectly" parenting moments, or are all these visits from my Momma? Yes. That must be it. Either way, thanks a ton! Color me inspired to update lots more.

This is what love is...

2009-01-04T17:10:00.018-11:00

Doodle at her Christmas recital. If there is anything cuter, I'd just love to see...nevermind. There is NOTHING cuter in the world.
Doodle with her new laptop from Nanas. God help me when she's old enough to have her own blog about her family life!

Me and my Doodle Bug
Doodle and Marine
I know we've all been bombarded with pictures of the season. Kids in various party clothes, with various and 10 million presents, candy canes, party hats and cheese ball. All that said, this holiday season is one I'll look on with many fond memories (opening presents on the webcam with my family), and only a few tiny regrets (exactly how many cosmos did we have on New Years Eve Wendy?!).

Marine went above, beyond, and past with a gift of every MAC Holiday palette, lipstick, liners, mascara, and brushes that a girl could EVER want. My feelings can best be expressed with the photo (unglamourous as it may be) of my reaction.
Seriously, shortly after I think I fainted.

Beyond that, many shared laughs, joy, and let Doodle eat all the Christmas fudge Grandma made that Momma smuggled through customs. This was a holiday filled with all the good stuff - love, tears, webcams and Pepto. Which, incidentally, also sounds like the beginning of an episode of The Hills. A very happy one to you and yours!

The New Year "Oh NO HE DIDN'Ts!!"

2008-12-30T18:38:00.005-11:00

So I'm looking online for articles on what to wear for New Years Eve. Several reasons for this. First, we haven't been out to a New Year's Eve party since we arrived in Okinawa. I shant be the woman in the corner wearing my pearls while everyone stares. Nor, however, will I be the woman in the corner who looks like she's wearing her teen aged daughter's clothes. At any rate, I found this article on AskMen.com. What men, exactly, were they asking that gave these tips for an outfit to wear to something other than a fetish party??
Here are their tips, along with of course, my snarky observations:

They say:
A light blue or purple dressy shirt. Open up the two top buttons for a slick and more confident image.

I say: Not unless you're doing an impression of that old old skit with Chris Kattan on SNL. And also, slick? Is that really an adjective you want someone to think of when they see your appearance?

They say:
This year, it's all about leather, so get yourself a nice pair of leather pants.
I say: Seriously? Really? This is a joke. Right??

This whole article sounds like the writings of the costume director for the Village People.

First Annual American Girl in Japan Gift Guide

2008-12-23T20:28:00.003-11:00

I know I bowled you over with that creative title. Nevertheless, here is a last minute gift guide to those of you who still have no idea what you'll be wrapping up in less than 12 hours. I had some really funny ones in here, but then I remembered that my Momma reads this site...so now it is edited and tasteful.

MAC Passions of Red: Fascinating Ruby: 6 Smokey Eyes
I could give you 10 reasons, but here are just a few. It’s MAC. It’s smokey eyes, which means: date night eyes. It’s named Ruby, after my grandma. There you go.
$28.50
Maccosmetics.com

Gaiam Asian Blossom Print Yoga Mat
Because I live in Japan and yoga is cool here. That’s why.
$21.99
Amazon.com

The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule
This book isn’t nearly as hippy as you might think from the title. It really gives good ideas, good ways of looking at things, and great things to do with your hyperactive child.
http://www.soulemama.com/
$10 on amazon

Moleskine Pocket Ruled Notebook
People have thoughts they need to write down. And this is the perfect place for such things. I own about 10 million. I fancy myself a writer sometimes.
About $11 on moleskine.com

Hand Therapy Collection
Hands on Travel Kit
I can scarely remember a time when I didn’t see my Grandma putting lotion on her hands, so I do. It’s so southern and ladylike. You just need to join in my party. The Rosewater is my favorite. It smells just like fresh cut roses and my Grandma’s house in the summer. I mean, waitress hands were passable in college, but that was 10 years ago no?
$28.00 at http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/

Flower Carnival zipper pouch - Charmdesign
Charmdesign was founded by Ranja Lee who is a stay-at-home mom with two children. This purse looks like some of the beautiful fabric that I’ve found here in Japan. It’s certainly more exciting than that damned Coach logo.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=16633
$29.50 on etsy

Yule Log by Jane Carroll
Why this as a Christmas gift? Because it’s flowers! Yule love it!
$99 on 1800flowers.com

Venus Baton from StarLine Baton Co.
This was the first type of baton I ever owned. I had it when I was bitty little. I recommend this because you can never start twirling too early .
$31.50 at http://www.starlinebaton.com/

Rent!
After its fantastic run on Broadway, it will now be on tour! Go to the site and get your tickets like, yesterday. Now, when are they coming to Japan?! 529,600 minutes?
www.siteforrent.com

Thanksgiving Memories

2008-12-02T13:45:00.003-11:00

Because nothing says "celebrate the landing on Plymouth Rock" like Marines playing Call of Duty - World at War

Thanksgiving Place Setting

The turkey Chef Wolf cooked for us. YUM!

It's dressin', not stuffing

2008-11-24T17:59:00.002-11:00

Of course, around the office there's a running poll on what it's called and how you make it. And, since I live in Japan and work in the office with people from Tokyo, Germany, England, and all over the states, there are varied opinions. As for mine, it's dressin', and here's my recipe:

Ashley's Dressin'

Makes 16 to 18 servings
Ingredients
• 1 cup butter or margarine, divided
• 3 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 7 large eggs, divided
• 3 cups buttermilk
• 3 cups soft breadcrumbs
• 2 medium onions, diced (2 cups)
• 1 large bunch celery, diced (3 cups)
• 2 tsp sage
• 5 (10 ½ oz) cans condensed chicken broth, undiluted
• 1 (10 ½ oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 tablespoon pepper

Place 1/2 cup butter in a 13- x 9-inch pan; heat in oven at 425° for 4 minutes.
Combine cornmeal and next 5 ingredients; whisk in 3 eggs and buttermilk. Pour hot butter into batter, stirring until blended. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 425° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.
Crumble cornbread into a large bowl; stir in breadcrumbs, and set aside.
Melt remaining 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onions and celery, and saute until tender. Stir in sage, and saute 1 more minute.
Stir vegetables, remaining 4 eggs, chicken broth, and pepper into cornbread mixture; pour evenly into 1 lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish (I use a cast iron 5.5 qt casserole dish). Cover and chill 8 hours.
Bake, uncovered, at 375° for an hour or until golden brown. If you use a regular 13x9 size pan, the cooking time will be about 15-20 minutes less. Just make sure and bake it until the internal temp reaches 165.

Thanksgiving Primer

2008-11-23T18:17:00.004-11:00

www.someecards.com. Funny ecards. Really funny. Like this gem -

It's cry your eyes out Wednesday

2008-11-18T18:00:00.001-11:00

Lord Jesus this is precious. And, like all good office chair detectives, I checked it out on Snopes. It's true.

Happy Birthday Momma!!

2008-11-18T12:36:00.002-11:00

Doodle and Momma at the Seawall

I went to the Seawall this morning and stared across the water. If I squinted just right, I swear I could see home. Wish I was there with you Momma. Have a great birthday!!

Because sometimes this kind of snide behavior is just so right...

2008-11-17T20:03:00.003-11:00

From failblog.org. I just love this so much.

Happy Birthday Marine!

2008-11-16T21:02:00.002-11:00

The last 2 weeks have been a big ole party at our house. The Marine Corps Ball, (which I need to post pictures of), Veteran's Day, The Marine Corps Birthday, and my dear Marine's birthday are within 2 days of each other. Marine's birthday is actually the SAME DAY as the Marine Corps Birthday. And, for those of you who know him, that explains a lot doesn't it? I kid.
Seriously, it takes a special man to put up with me every day (but I seem so charming in print right?!). And mere words on this blog just won't do justice to what this man has done for my life. To my best friend, my confidante, my PS3 partner, my dance buddy, my hero, my protector, my jar opener, my dress buyer, my snuggler, and the love of my life...Happy Birthday Baby! Here's to another 100 years!

Because she talks to angels...

2008-11-15T03:52:00.005-11:00

Some mommas are very good about keeping scrapbooks...or baby books. Something on paper that shows the development of a child's life. Well, Doodle has a momma who keeps a website. God help me if the internet should somehow decide to just come to a screeching halt one day. Remind me to put Al Gore on my speed dial. What with his invention thereof and such.
At any rate, there are times that I so want to record her thoughts that I can barely wait to get to a keyboard to type them. Like the time last week when we were out in the parking lot getting into the car and we heard colors retiring. To those of you that don't habla Marine Corps, that's the audible-from-any-point-even-close-to-base sound you hear over the loud speaker of a trumpet playing, to sound the flag being taken down just before sunset. Doodle got very still and said, "Oh my GOD Momma, did you hear that??". I was all, "what, you taking the Lord's name in vain??". And she said, "No, Momma. I heard Pop Pops. In Heaven. Directing the bands!!".
Then tonight, when I realized that I may subject her to way too much southern gospel on the way to school each morning. Before bed, she asked me if I was ready to see Pop Pops. I, of course, told her yes. She told me to just get ready, "because it would be a great Homecoming". If she would have just thrown in something about "crossin' o'er Jordan's shore" I think we could have gone ahead and signed her up for the next Bill Gaither Homecoming Special.

Because you can take the girl outta the country, but you can't take the country outta the girl...

2008-11-15T03:18:00.001-11:00

Submitted with (almost) no comment...Doodle's new cowboy boots. We bought them tonight. She wants to wear them tomorrow to church with a skirt. Naturally.

When fairies take flight...

2008-10-31T18:16:00.005-11:00

Pics of our Halloween autumn fairy

Because the web is a treasure box of laughs

2008-10-24T13:43:00.007-11:00

Cake Wrecks is a site that pays homage to professionally done cakes that just go horribly wrong. Whether it be horrible spelling, or just tacky decorating, no cake is safe. Some of my favorites are in the category "Here's what I ordered....here's what they gave me".

Case in point - Here's what they ordered

Here's what they gave them -

It may be the funniest thing I've seen all week.

Oktoberfest Funnies

2008-10-23T14:23:00.003-11:00

picture by Wendy Pratt

Oktoberfest is one of those neat events that is held at Marine Corps Bases. Sort of like a, "let's all come out and drink together" thing. Marine and I just love them. The laughter provided by the following exchange was worth the ticket price. A little background - Oktoberfest a celebration of German culture, food, music, and drink held at the O'Club. We were at the table with a friend and her husband (who happens to be of Jewish descent - I know, this is the makings of something either really funny or really offensive)...and he was trying to figure out what the panierter fisch (fried pollack fish) tasted like.

Me - What are you doing?
Him - Is this gefilte fish?
Me - ..... gefilte fish is a Jewish food. We're at Oktoberfest.
Him - Right. So is this gefilte fish?
Me - Let's just have another drink.

A Momma's Words of Wisdom to her Daughter - The Opener

2008-10-15T19:52:00.006-11:00

I don't care what Rachel Zoe says...don't wear white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day. And also - velvet? Please don't wear it until it's cold outside.

Saying ma'am and sir DOES matter. So do it. Every time. All the time.

Don't eat chili before you drink a lot of alcohol.

And on the subject of alcohol, don't drink beer in a can or bottle. Pour it in a glass. Because it's tacky, that's why.

Learn to play a musical instrument. Strike that. Learn two.

Read everything you can get your hands on. Books, magazines, newspapers, instructions, palms, music...

Take more than 1 speech class in college. You'll thank me later.

Have at least one friend that's really popular. Have at least 2 who really aren't.

Go to your high school football games. Cheer at pep rallies.

Hold your head up when you're walking. Live up to your last name.

Don't worry so much about your penmanship. Mine isn't good either. It's the words that you say honey, not the way they look on the paper.

Don't half-ass your homework. Trust me on this one.

Respect your elders, even if they are blatantly wrong. You can disagree and be polite at the same time.

Get out of your chair and fix your Daddy another glass of tea..every single time his gets low. You'll cherish that memory later.

And on the subject of tea? It's sweet baby. With lots of ice. And cornbread? It's not sweet. If you want a cake just bake one.

Kiss your Momma.

Write your Nana. On real paper. With real ink.

Open that door for that lady...or man.

Say please. Say thank you. Say SOMETHING.

Vote.

Go to church. Know that there is something bigger than you.

Pay attention to your Aunt Amy. There are all kinds of cool things she can teach you.

When you hear the National Anthem, put your hand over your heart and render appropriate honors. Your Daddy fights for that flag.

Ask your Great Aunt Lisa to sit down and tell you about her pageant days. Look at the pictures.

Curl your eyelashes.

Marry a man just like your Daddy. It worked for me.

It's super shot Sunday

2008-10-12T01:11:00.006-11:00

These pics were taken by my brand new cam...the one that was given to me by precious Marine hubby. Shots from the seawall.

Shades of Red

2008-10-08T14:52:00.002-11:00

So I've been working out for 4 weeks now. This is nothing to those of you who normally take care of your body. But for me? I haven't done this since college. Marine bought me a fancy iPod touch with all kinds of accessories so there is no excuse not to work out to cool music. Daddy always had me running to marching band music. It has a good beat - and if you get a march, you know you'll have a steady beat that you can run to. Same as with cadences. SO, I have marching music on my iPod. Now for the embarrassing part. I'm on the elliptical, giving it all I've got to my band music. I notice that the Marine beside me on the treadmill kept looking at me. Of course I'm thinking, "I must be looking GOOD!". He just kept staring. Finally he pointed up to his ear and I took my earbud out. He asked me what in the world I was listening to. I had the speaker phone feature turned on and it was blaring throughout the workout room. SO, to the Marines of Alpha Co., you are WELCOME for my DCI rendition of 25 or 6 to 4.

Submitted for your viewing pleasure

2008-10-02T17:37:00.001-11:00

Don't worry, this will not become a political-pundit-on-the-island website, but this one was just too good not to share. Eat the rich indeed.

Overheard at Supper

2008-09-24T13:47:00.004-11:00

I'm a big stickler for manners at the dinner table. In fact, I rarely plan play dates around meals, because I would probably have a small rigor when watching some of my daughter's playmates chew with their mouths open, smack, eat with their hands, or otherwise freak me out at meals. I know that this is ridiculous, by the way, but as I've learned to say in Japanese, "shikata nie"...it is what it is.
This being said, I've hounded Doodle like so many drill instructors about her table manners. Based on my tutelage, or the fact that she just doesn't want to hear me nag, I'd put my little one at the table with anyone (save the queen) and not worry about her manners. Marine and I have stressed the importance of not jumping up from the table and running when she's done with her meal, so Doodle usually asks if she "can be done-done now". Lately, she's been busting out with "Momma, may I have some excuse please?". At first I didn't understand and was all SURE! THE DOG ATE YOUR HOMEWORK! Then Marine and I realized she was asking if she could be excused. Much like her calling her belly button her "bee-boo", I just don't have the heart to correct her. It will be all too soon that she'll talk like a grownup entirely. So for now, we'll all give her "some excuse" at the table.

I'm not laughing with you, I'm laughing AT you

2008-09-17T19:14:00.005-11:00

After a week that has afforded me little in the way of the GIVING ME A D*MNED BREAK department, I needed a laugh. Fail pictures always lift my spirits. Because, no matter how bad my day has gone, it isn't THIS bad.

Why I do what I do

2008-09-15T14:51:00.007-11:00

It's a money hungry world out there. People take jobs that they don't like just for the money. They stay in jobs they hate just to bring home a check. I'm lucky in that I lived my whole life with a Momma and Daddy who loved their jobs. When I was growing up, I never heard a grumble, gripe, or complain. Because of this, I think it was just inherent in me to get a job that I loved. Luckily, I found one here.

These shots are from the festival we had on Futenma Air Station. Seeing local nationals with Marines and their families is something that brings me great joy and pride. Knowing that I'm doing something that, on some level, either brings people happiness or gives them something to do on the weekend, makes my job vastly rewarding. Of course, working around all these men in camis has benefits as well. Oh Marine, I kid. You know you're the only cami-wearing man for me. But for the rest of you ladies...

Paragliding at the festival

Marines from the wing meeting (and temp tattooing) local children

Marine showing a little one how heavy that flack jacket really is

It's a HAPPY day!

2008-09-13T02:56:00.010-11:00

26 years ago today, my life was forever changed. God blessed me with a gift that has continued to bless me each day of my life...my little sister Amy. And, since I can't be with her to celebrate her special day...I've gathered together people from all over the world to say just that. Happy Birthday Baby! I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much!

Being country - it's apparently contagious

2008-09-11T14:43:00.003-11:00

Doodle and I have been going through our ABC Chart like madwomen each night. Last night before bed I was pointing to letters and asking her to identify them. As I've said before, we use the "A says ah ah ah - Apple!" method, in which each letter corresponds to a picture. She hasn't missed one yet. I'm feeling very proud of my teaching skills. We get to V. I point. She says, "F says fff fff fff". When I protested, she was incredulous. "IT'S AN F MOMMA!". She must have noticed my confused look and straightened things out right away. "Lord Momma, IT'S A FIDDLE!!".

The first day of school - a primer

2008-09-06T15:36:00.003-11:00

Breakfast was eaten. The backpack was packed. Bow was in hair. Lacey socks were on feet. It was Doodle's first day of "big girl preschool". She's gone to a preschool-type place for a year now, but as she just turned four, we put her in her real, live, only-one-more-year-until-kindergarten school.
When she came home for the day, she had much to say. Soccer lessons on Monday, Wednesday is swimming (another good thing about living on a tropical island. Swimming in September-October-November? SURE!), and Taiko (Japanese drum) lessons on Friday. She told me of all her new friends, how good lunch was, and then sat down with her letter chart and began practicing. "A says ah, ah, ah, Apple, Apple, Apple".
I tucked her in, put my arm around Marine, and cried. It was her first day of school - and it was mine too.

It's Feel Good Friday

2008-08-28T14:49:00.001-11:00

Whenever I have a question about the goodness that remains in this world, I watch this clip from Britians Got Talent. Paul went on to win the competition, and now has a multi-million dollar contract. It is a reminder of everything that is beautiful to me...an unpretentious soul, a moving song, and it reaffirms that sometimes, even in this jaded world, the good guys do win.

Let's do RADIO TAISO!

2008-08-27T13:10:00.001-11:00

Radio Taiso, or ラジオ体操, is the act of morning exercise that Japanese people do in the morning to start their day. Each morning you'll drive by office buildings, garages, and places of business and see the people all standing, stretching in unison, to music that plays over a loud speaker. Marine's MLCs do this each morning. I love driving up and seeing them out there beginning their day.
What is so amazing to me is that there is rarely a "leader" at these office buildings and garages. Everyone just seems to know how to do what they do. Just one more thing this culture does to promote the health of it's citizens. Now, back to my 0800 candy bar.

And a big gochisousama back at'cha

2008-08-18T23:25:00.008-11:00

In Japan, before you receive a meal, you say "Itadakimasu", which is basically a "thank you" of sorts, for the meal. The direct translation is something like, "thank you for the meal, I'll eat now". Sort of like when we Baptists say a prayer before we eat. After you eat, you say, "gochisousama", which is another way to say a thank you for the hospitality of the meal, the meal itself, etc. Kind of like an appreciation gesture.
One of my (Japanese) friends told me that after you hear a sweet or loving story, it is also appropriate to say "gochisousama"...as in, my heart is literally full of love from your story. I hadn't properly understood this until tonight.
As many of you may (or may not) know, my job is to plan the festivals that happen on the respective Marine Corps Camps. This weekend's festival takes place at the Futenma Flightline. I was telling Doodle about the different rides we would have in the Kiddie area, and explained that we have a new train ride, as well as fireworks at the festival end. She was very excited and acted like the whole thing was planned for her. That is, in fact, the way I explain that I have to work all weekend - "Doodle, Momma is having a festival FOR YOU!". When she said her prayers tonight, she thanked God for the festival, the new ride, and all the fun she was going to have this weekend. Before I could even say, "gochisousama Doodle", she added..."Because Nanas has worked REALLY hard on the new rides and fireworks".
Damn it man. What does a Momma have to do for some credit around here? On a sidenote, Nanas, you're making out like a thief over here...even when you're 8,000 miles away :).

Friday Funnies

2008-08-14T19:06:00.000-11:00

It's Marching Season in Dixie!

2008-08-14T15:10:00.006-11:00

As every good band director's daughter knows, the period starting the 2nd week in August until a little after Thanksgiving is known as Marching Season. But, as my LSU loving heart can also attest...we do let the boys play a little football before and after we march at halftime. That said, my aunt sent me this today and I just couldn't resist the post. To my readers up north..Oh Bless your little hearts, I don't mean any harm, you know I'm just pickin'.

Planning for the fall football season in the South is radically
different than up North. For those who are planning a football trip South, here are some helpful hints.

Women's Accessories:
NORTH: Chap Stick in back pocket and a $20 bill in the front pocket.
SOUTH: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks, waterproof mascara, and a fifth of bourbon. Money not necessary - that's what dates are for.

Stadium Size:
NORTH: College football stadiums hold 20,000 people.
SOUTH: High school football stadiums hold 20,000 people.

Homecoming Queen:
NORTH: Also a physics major.
SOUTH: Also Miss America.

Heroes:
NORTH: Rudy Giuliani.
SOUTH: Herschel Walker & Peyton Manning.

Getting Tickets:
NORTH: 5 days before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus.
SOUTH: 5 months before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus, make a large financial contribution, and put name on a waiting list for tickets.

Parking:
NORTH: An hour before game time, the University opens the campus for game parking.
SOUTH: RVs sporting their school flags begin arriving on Wednesday for the weekend festivities. The really faithful arrive on Tuesday.

Tailgating:
NORTH: Raw meat on a grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio station with truck tailgate down.
SOUTH: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn. Cooking accompanied by live performance from the Dave Matthews Band, who come over during breaks and ask for a hit off bottle of bourbon.

Getting to the Stadium:
NORTH: You ask 'Where's the stadium?' When you find it, you walk right in.
SOUTH: When you're near it, you'll hear it. On game day it is the state's third largest city.

Concessions:
NORTH: Drinks served in a paper cup, filled to the top with soda.
SOUTH: Drinks served in a plastic cup, with the home team's mascot on it, filled less than half way with soda, to ensure enough room for bourbon.

When National Anthem is Played:
NORTH: Stands are less than half full, and less than half of them stand up.
SOUTH: 100,000 fans, all standing, sing along in perfect four-part harmony.

The Smell in the Air After the First Score:
NORTH: Nothing changes.
SOUTH: Fireworks, with a touch of bourbon.

Commentary (Male):
NORTH: 'Nice play.'
SOUTH: 'Dammit, you slow sumbitch - tackle him and break his legs.'

Commentary (Female):
NORTH: 'My, this certainly is a violent sport.'
SOUTH: 'Dammit, you slow sumbitch - tackle him and break his legs.'

After the Game:
NORTH: The stadium is empty way before the game ends.
SOUTH: Another rack of ribs goes on the smoker, while somebody goes to the nearest package store for more bourbon, and planning begins for next week's game.

And in case you need a visual...click here.
Photo courtesy of n1zzy

It's Happy Memory Tuesday!

2008-08-11T17:44:00.006-11:00

The three amigos at the big Aquarium

Momma and Doodle at the Seawall

Squid Arm Fries. It's what's for dinner.

A sure sign we watch WAY too much Disney

2008-08-10T11:59:00.001-11:00

Overheard in the commissary yesterday:

Me - Doodle, let's get some fruit ok?
Doodle - Oooh Momma, don't get the poison apples!

Under the same bright sky

2008-08-05T12:00:00.005-11:00

As I type this, my family is now winging their way from Tokyo to LA. They came, we saw, we conquered. The airport drop-off tore my heart out completely. When I got home, my footsteps in the hallway seemed to echo forever. Now, back to throw myself headlong into my work at the office. More pictures of our shenanigans are sure to come. Momma eating with chopsticks in a izakaya - funniest.thing.ever.

Family Ties, Part 1

2008-07-25T14:40:00.008-11:00

We are nearing the end of our first week. Here are shots from our time with the family.

Aunt Lisa and seaweed. Do.Not.Want.

Shuri Castle

Getting manicures

Kev on Kokusai Dori

Rene and Riley on the Ferris Wheel

Happier than a dead pig in the sunshine

2008-07-19T19:33:00.004-11:00

If you've never heard the post title, it's just one more great southern colloquialism for your eatin' pleasure. I do what I can to enrich us all. That said, the final countdown is here. Momma and company arrive at the airport TOMORROW! It seems like we've been planning for months, and it's finally here.
We have much planned, and I'm sure that mountains of pics will make their way on the site.

I've field day-ed(*) this house until I hope to never see another cleaning product in all my days. Marine is quite the Drill Instructor when it comes to getting things "squared away". You can trust we're all square around here, and I can see myself in the reflection from the squeaky-clean floor. From my vantage point, I look pretty darned excited.

*field day - A day set aside for the thorough cleaning of barracks or offices. (Marine Corps Dictionary)

Because that's just me...

2008-07-16T00:18:00.001-11:00

I miss hearing a good 'ole boy talking. I miss hearing an F150 roaring down a dirt road. I miss hearing y'all. When I ask someone how they're doing, I miss hearing, "fair to middlin'". When I get like this, I pull up a little Justin Wilson and for just a moment, on my little island, everything is aight again.