Wanna play a gaaaame?

I still cant get my memory card to work in my new computer so I can put up my Mothers Day pics from the caves yet. So let's play the question game instead. It seems it's the new cool thing amongst you lovely military spouses. So go ahead, ask me anything and Ill answer. Probably. Depending on the vulgarity...my parents read this blog peeps. But Im pretty much an open book.

Ive noticed quite a few new followers around my bloggity blog lately so Ill update you with WHO I am. The name is Lindsey, and Im from Massachusetts originally although Ive been to like 6 different elementary schools. Ive been married to my Stud for 7 years and he is a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps. We have two offspring, (girls 5 and almost 3). We are currently in Okinawa for our SECOND tour. My FAV things to do are snorkel, shop, teach Zumba, cook, exercise and of course, hang with the hubs and kiddos.

Thanks for following me! Now here are some questions for YOU! Just leave your answers as a comment!

1. Whats been your favorite duty station so far and why?

2. Do you have kids? How many?

3. How do you get your daily exercise?

4. Morning person or night owl?

5. Whats your FAVORITE food in the whole world?

6. Do you have any magnets/bumper stickers on your car?

7. If you could give $1,000,000 to a charity or organization, what would it be?

8. In your opinion, what is the best Disney movie ever made?

9. Granny's, T-back, breif, boyshort, bikini, or commando?

10. Who inspires you? Besides me. (bahaha!, I always laugh at my own jokes)

Mil Spouse Friday Fill In

1. What is one of the things you always do special when your husband returns from a deployment?

The usual, make sure the house is really clean and Im lookin sexy. I usually bake a lot of goodies too.

2. What do you do to help your spouse and/or yourself re-adjust after a deployment or long separation?

I try to make things relaxing and comfortable. He doesnt want to come home to a hectic, loud place.

3. Are you a crazy coupon clipper (I’m becoming one, so share your secrets with me)?

I am a crazy coupon lady. The manager at the commissary knows me by name because when I come through she comes out of her office to watch my savings add up. People behind me in line ask for tips and Ive helped several people make "coupon binders" like my own. The binder is the first step to success. Then you need to learn to combine coupons. Thats how I get my stuff for almost free.

4. What’s your most treasured memory of you and your spouse (not counting your wedding – that’s a given)?

We've been married for 7 years, so there are way too many memories to pick just one. The day we eloped, our kids births, reconnecting after months apart. No way I can pick just one.

5. If you could live anywhere overseas, what would you pick and why?

We picked Okinawa but only because hubs duty station list is super short, we just wanted overseas again. But if I could pick ANYWHERE Id pick England, that way I could travel around Europe easily.

Slacking

Ive been slacking big time on my Blog. My apologies! I dont really have an excuse, Im busy with the kids as usual. And I FINALLY got in a co op so I can go to the gym again. (Its been like 2 months) and Ive gained like 10 serious pounds.

I have to say, I tried to post a blog about Mother's Day but blogger was being lame and not letting me put up any pics.

My mind is in other places right now so forgive my lack of blogging. I should be back soon!!

Karma

Last week, the Hubs and I were shopping for a lawn mower. We went to the register where the employee rang in all of our things. She couldnt reach the lawn mower so handed me the scanner and I scanned it myself. We left and I was checking out the receipt when I noticed the lawn mower not on there. it was $104.99. Hubs and I feel super guilty so we head back and pay for it. Even the guy at customer service was shocked that we were honest enough to come back.

But it did take a minute of contemplating. For starters, AAFES is a HUGE scam and I hate supporting them but I needed a mower. I try to buy local or avoid aafes as much as I can. Im not a super religious person, so I didnt feel like I was going to hell. But I do believe in Karma. And I reallllllllllllly didnt want a flat tire or get the flu or something. So I went back.

What would you have done? Is it because of what GOD might think? Or Karma? Or just plain honesty? Or would you leave without paying because its their mistake?

Clear some things up.

I recently have met a lot of new people here in Okinawa. Ive made some great friends out of the clubs and playgroups etc. There seems to be this tiny battle about on base housing vs. off base housing. Maybe not a battle, but Ive heard a tad too much arguing about it so Id like to clear a few things up. Most of the people Ive met are on base (first timers on island so off base is intimidating I think). They tend to tell others, or incoming people, that living off base is a bad idea and that you pretty much go broke doing so.

Untrue.

We actually save money by living off base but thats not the point. Why put a negative imagine in someones mind before even getting here? Why not explore all of your options before deciding? I prefer off base because you get so many more options that fit your needs. Such as, we are a family of 4, we need way more space than a tower (highrise apartment building) can offer. It might be tough to look and it might take some time. But the right house is out there for everyone. I think I can speak pretty well from experience because Ive lived on base in Okinawa, and off base. Our on base house was small, SUPER old, and was in a cul de sac so every single thing you did or said was known by the neighborhood. Not really my style.

And as far as the money, like I said we save money, but thats just us. Ive seen people go broke living off base (but maybe some of us can handle our finances a tad better than others) and Ive seen people save a lot too. At first yes, its tough to start out with. But let me ask you this...if you were moving to a different country with nothing but your household goods (no cars, etc) wouldnt you have a good amount of cash saved up? I sure as hell would! So with that being said, it costs to move in. But its not much different from the states. When you move into a rental place in the states you USUALLY owe first month, last month and security deposit right up front. Its the same here, except the rent is way high. Around 180,000 Yen for an e5, all the way up to 255,000 Yen for an e9. You need first and last month plus the agency fee which is half of your rent. Some people pay all of this money out of pocket and some take the advance from IPAC and pay it back over a years time. So its not much different than the states at all.

I also keep hearing/reading that off base houses are tiny, and dirty and the conditions are overall bad. Ive posted the pics of my house on here so you know what they look like. But my husband is an E6 and we found a 2000 sq ft, with a garage and fenced in backyard. I am 100% sure that doesnt exist on base. Living off base always gives you the freedom to live without the ridiculous rules. For example, I can run with headphones off base!! (I know it sounds lame, but I got yelled at for running on base with headphones! Its against the "law") Also, my grass doesnt have to be below 3 inches tall...no one is going to take a ruler to the my yard. I can have little fires at BBQ's at my house. I can be as loud or as quiet and no one will call the MP's on me. And last but not least and also my favorite...no nosy, catty, evesdropping, talking behind your back military wives are going to say a thing about me after I shut my door!! Yahoo! Dont get me wrong, I have tons of military wife friends. And I know you ALL arent bitches :)

SO, my point is. Dont listen to the jibber jaber from bitter wives who hate Okinawa on Facebook or any other site giving "advice" about this duty station. You have options. Explore them. The grass isnt always greener on base! If you have any grass that is.

Tadake Falls

Last Saturday we headed up to Tadake Falls. We grabbed a bunch of Marines from the barracks and another couple who we are friends with and drove an hour up there. You start out in a small creek and hike through the river (just below waist deep) until you reach the falls, which took about 30 minutes. It was a tough hike! The falls were amazing although a tad chilly. Of course we didnt stop there. I dont know who's idea it was to hike to the top. O.M.G. We were literally climbing straight up a cliff with wet shoes to add to the drama. Then had to repel back down.
If you are in Okinawa and want to try out this waterfalls...I highly recommend it!! Although I would not bring kids under the age of 10 or 11. Wear lightwear sneakers with a good grip on the bottom and dont attempt the hike to the very top unless you are in pretty good shape. I did it with Marines who PT every single day and even they were slipping and out of breath. Check out the pics!!

Proud Day!

Today was a proud day for my hubs and me! My husband was promoted to Staff Sergeant. OORAH! This is my third time pinning him on, and it never gets old. My man is now a Staff NCO and Im SOO proud of him. He is such a great Marine and takes so much pride in his work. He really deserved this and Im so glad I could be there to support him. Love him!! Here are a couple of pics...