Ugh...

It seems we are returning to Yokosuka. The Commander's orders have arrived. I give three guesses as to what ship.

I do not dislike Yokosuka. It is a lovely base that has much to keep one occupied. There are worse places I could live. In honesty, I wish for the Navy to allow me to discover such places for myself.

The housing is adequate though I hope to find a house somewhere closer to base so I do not find the need to live in base housing. It took much effort to avoid the drama of it. In a house off of base I can entertain who I wish with no fear of becoming the object of said drama. To be sure, I entertained who I wished while living in base housing the last time but there were whispers. The curious thing is, this drama did not occur in Florida so I must consider it only a local problem for Yokosuka. There is always the chance it no longer a concern. It is doubtful the same people will be there in any case.

I believe I will travel more this time. There were many places I did not see because I chose to work and survive a pregnancy. I would very much like to go to Sapporo in winter or a become a denizen often seen in the Ginza.

I do not wish a return to Japan. Since it is a certainty that I must go where I do not wish, the only thing that remains for me to do is focus on positives and prepare.

Bleh...

There are indications of the Commander's next assignment. It is this time I hope he is incorrect in his deductions. To be sure, he will be happy whatever the assignment, providing it is a return to sea. He has made his wishes known to his detailer and contacts him regularly.

It is not the move that I dread. The anticipation of a new place and new people excites me. It is the return to an old place I dread. Yokosuka was a pleasant place and I am sure there are worse places to be but I do not wish to return there so soon. In truth, I prefer a direction opposite of the Pacific. One that does not involve leaving this country.

It does not seem that will be reality. Two ship names repeatedly surface in conversation. One is a return to Japan. The other is in Hawaii. We are to discover the new assignment this week.

A Navy Man Will Be...

... at sea whenever possible.

Charles decided we required a break from the shore so he acquired a small boat for us to use for Monday and Tuesday. It was not too small though. The three of us could move about easily.

Monday began early. We were at the docks before sunrise. It is fortunate for Chao lei that sunrise comes later than in summer. He was able to sleep longer. He is not so eager as his parents to begin the day. He no longer wishes to tell his father good bye in the mornings if it means he must rise.

We spent the day on the ocean. A first day helps to understand Charles' attraction to the sea. That day was all that was needed for me. At the time we returned to the docks I was satisfied of being on the ocean. It is likely my limit was so quickly reached because of the boat (not a row boat but not a cruise liner). Also, Chao lei was with us and it is unnerving having him on the ocean. What if he fell from the boat? Despite him wearing a life jacket at all times (and despite his constant objection to wearing it) it was difficult to relax. 

My husband assures me I would enjoy it better from a ship this size. Perhaps, but since the Navy is likely unwilling to allow us use of such a boat we will never discover the truth of that idea.

Tuesday was much the same as Monday. In a boat. On the ocean. All day. Understand that I enjoy very much being at the ocean. I am not overly fond of being on it. I cannot go for a walk on it. I am trapped in the boat. I suppose I could swim but I am not a swimmer and when your husband takes you from the sight of land it is scary knowing there are creatures larger than you that could eat you and the bottom of the ocean is hundreds of feet below you.

Chao lei did not do well on Tuesday. He got seasick but not immediately. It was only after a few sick hours that he finally threw up. Seeing Charles' reaction leads one to believe that it is a most humiliating thing for a Naval Commander's son to get sea sick. It seems though that Chao lei has not connected his illness to being in the boat

One day on the ocean was mildly enjoyable. The sound of ocean waves calms me but not when they are incessantly slapping the side of a boat. Except fishing, there is little to do. 

Would I do it again? There is nothing I would rather do than spend time with my husband and son so perhaps for one day and then not until a few months have passed. Two days is too much. 

Halloween Recap

It makes one happy to see the resilience of their community and the kindness they show each other in times of difficulty. I was fearful that I would not see cute little goblins and small mighty heroes this year because of the storm. While we are again a tidy neighborhood, damages remain and people tend to repairs.

How could this not be an appropriate costume costume in consideration of the storm we have experienced? lol

I chose to be an actress of Chinese drama. They are much the same as a soap opera here. The commander decided he would be a Navy man... that is away... again. Still, it was an enjoyable evening to be out. My favorite dinner partner and I decided a restaurant was in order so we ate at House of Chong.

At the beginning, Chao lei was not fond of delaying our return home. There was the bucket of candy to be considered. Fortunately, it did not require much encouragement from me for him to eat his dinner first. It was enough to remind him of the few pieces of candy he thought I had not seen him eat and threaten to put away the remainder for a few days.

I do have a thought of some things of the evening. First, let it be known I do not begrudge an adult time to enjoy fun on Halloween. Even adults require fun and relaxation. My complaint(?) is of adults behaving as adults in an environment meant for children. If an adult prefers to be near naked, that is their choice. If that adult desires to act out in a sexually suggestive manner (think of  simulated sex), that is when I am less tolerant.

We do not hide anything from Chao lei. If there is a question, we answer as openly as possible at a level he is able to understand. Adults that behave in inappropriate manners, as the couple we witnessed last night, force me to have conversations that I do not wish to have yet. For the moment, Chao lei is satisfied that it was just adults playing an adult game and that no, he cannot play it because he is not an adult. What if he repeats the behavior with another child in his class? How am I to answer the teacher for that?

As I have said, adults can have their fun and act in such ways if they wish. My complaint is when they do so with an inappropriate audience.