Happy New Year!

 祝您新年快乐,身体健康 – Wishing you a happy new year and good health.

Christmas Wrap-up

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine. Mine was quite unusual. I celebrated with my husband. You may ask, "What is so unusual about that?"  It is unusual for me in that Jared has been home for Christmas for 1 out of 10 years. This year makes it 2 out of 11.

Usually he has been here the days before or the days after. The one other day he has bee here, he left the next day. Holidays like that are wonderful if you enjoy packing your husband's sea bag to send him off the next day. But that one day is better than nothing!

This year, there was no packing to leave. He performed his "Santa duties" rather than me. We got to go to bed late and be woke the next morning early by impatient children. I refused to leave my bed at first and held on to Jared tightly, refusing to allow him to respond to the children's insisting. It is not something I am allowed to do very often so I decided to enjoy it as long as I could.

Unfortunately, the ocean that is my children cannot be held back for long. Grudgingly, I arose. Jared was more eager. The plan WAS to have breakfast first. I settled for a cup of tea, Jared coffee. After we settled in to our loveseat, the barely controlled chaos began.

For our family, we have elected on on three gifts. First gift is something that is need, such as clothes. The second gift is something useful but practical. Chao lei demands a lot shelf space for his displays. The third is something requested. It could be anything; toys, electronics...

I know. Electronics are counter to family participation. Honestly though, we have yet to receive a request for electronics. Tablet covers do not count. We did get a panicked request when June could not get her tablet to turn on but it was rescinded after Chao lei solved the problem.

I spent the morning cuddled up to my sailor. That was all the gift I needed but I did receive a new dress he bought in Perth, Australia along with some jewelry. But cuddles were the most important gift.

We had our dinner Japanese style. We went to Kentucky Fried Chicken. It seems it is a traditional Japanese Christmas dinner and we do enjoy exploring Japanese customs and traditions. I will say KFC in Japan is a little different than in the US. The atmosphere in the restaurant is more formal. Not formal formal but definitely not casual as in an American KFC. When was the last time an American fast food worker genuinely smiled at you as they served you? You almost feel guilty eating with your fingers. It tastes different too; not as greasy.

Watching my children enjoy their Christmas and having my husband with me were such great blessings. How could I have wished for more? I am blessed beyond measure.

Happy Christmas!

My week will be busy so I do this now.

I wish all of you a happy Christmas. I simply wish warmth, joy, and peace to you and the ones you spend it with! May this time of year remind you of your blessings and bring new ones in the year to come.

I also would like to encourage you to spend a moment thinking of/praying for those in our military that are alone this year.

Another Year Done... Almost.

 

It started as all years do, I suppose. Nothing really stood out except that I noticed a small lump in my throat. I did not pay it attention though until June became fixated on it. She constantly touched it and asked if it hurt. In the beginning, it did not hurt but with June’s constant rubbing it began to be an issue, so I scheduled an appointment. It turned out to be thyroid cancer. I ended up losing all of my thyroid and 2 para-thyroids. Now, I am cancer free. Who knew my thyroid was my internal thermostat, though? I am always cold... except when I am not. I have never been fond of cold but now I shiver at 70° but feel roasted at 73°. It is a constant battle to find the happy median.

In April, Jared was home  while the ship went through a maintenance avail so we took a mini-vacation to Fukuoka. It was short but so needed for us. Doing something as a family was wonderful but awkward at the same time. Awkward because I had to give up control of many things I am accustomed to controlling. Considering the input from Jared on many of the small decisions just felt odd. I bit my tongue often.

I finished my first year as a high school teacher. I do not regret my decision to leave the university to teach teenagers. It has challenges but it is a fulfilling occupation. An additional benefit is I see my children every day. Sometimes I believe they do not enjoy that as much as I do. Chao lei wishes for no more hugs at the drop-off. Good luck with that little man. June still cheerfully hugs me. I also participate in their education a bit more than before. I get to go to their conferences like a normal parent does.

We do not wait for Jared for everything. As soon as school was dismissed for summer break, I decided to take the children, minus their father since once again he was gone, to see their grandparents. It had been some time since either of my parents last visited and June had no idea who they were. Mother was there when June was born but left shortly after. It felt strange to me to return to the house I grew up in after so many years and to show my children where I grew up. Things were so familiar yet so foreign to me.  They even slept in my childhood bed. Well, Chao lei did. It did not take long for June to attach herself to her grandmother, including invading her bed most nights. Mother did not seem to mind. More importantly, neither did Father. Who is this man that claims to be my father?

We returned home to discover Jared had returned ahead of schedule. I think he was jealous of our trip when he discovered that father had spent much time with Chao lei so he took him to his first sporting event. I suppose it was some time to make up for his frequent absences. They went to a baseball game in Yokosuka and now, Chao lei is hooked. I get to attend many games too. Not by choice mind you but someone must take him to the games. Which sport is not important, only that it is live. He is like me in that respect. Watching sports on tv is boring. Watching it live is exciting. But not golf. For Chao lei, golf is too boring even when going to play with his father. “I would rather watch paint dry,” he says. He does enjoy playing soccer.

I am in my second year of teaching high school, but I had better enjoy it while I can. Our next assignment has been confirmed and it is NAVSTA Rota, Spain. It is not my preference. I would have preferred a CONUS assignment but the Navy does not ask for my input. It was just another assignment until... The ship in the Red Sea that has had missiles launched at them is home ported in Rota. Oh joy. There is tension in the South China Sea but at least the Chinese Navy is not shooting at American ships. I do not look forward to yet another thing to think of when Jared is at sea.

A disappointment is already known for me. There are no planned vacancies for school staff when I arrive. Currently, the best I may hope for is substitute teaching. Yay. Glorified babysitting. But who knows what will happen between now and then. Jared’s report date is the end of June so school will just be out for summer break. This mean we will travel together but time is important. A slow meandering trip to Spain is not to be. I will see three days at home then off we go. It is better than nothing.  As it is, the current captain’s wife is going to begin the planning of the change of command reception for me. That is not until later in July, but planning takes time. I will finalize the plans.

All things considered, It has been a good year. I have no reason to believe next year will be any different.

What the Heck?

 It has been an interesting week so far. One would think that with the proximity of Christmas, children would not be so snarky. I thought this kind of thinking was well entrenched in June's mind when I heard this exchange between her and Chao lei while they were arguing in the back seat.

     June: When I tell Santa how naughty you are being, he will put you on the naughty list.

One point for June! Her brother however, has a different viewpoint on behavior. As once again the two were arguing, Chao lei's viewpoint was made clear.

     Me: You two settle down! You are both being annoying!

     Chao lei: But we are kids. It is our job to be annoying.

Dear Lord, give me patience.

June had a moment that she learned what a word actually means. In a moment of light hearted teasing she used a new word for her.

     June: Mom! You are such an idiot.

     Me (very startled): What did you say?

     June: Wait... what does idiot mean?

 I have difficulty remembering it for anything other than the funny moment it was. Not so much for the use of the word but more for the expression on her face when she saw my reaction. Her eyes were so large you could clearly see the panic in them. She thought it was a good word to tease with after hearing  a friend of Chao lei call him an idiot while they were both laughing. she now knows it is best to not use the word at all since one must be very careful when it is used.

I also discovered that June is learning to be manipulative. I was not feeling well on Saturday and probably looked it because she asked me what was wrong. I told her I was a little ill.

     June: You will feel better if you eat some pizza.

It is amazing how something she has been asking for for days is the cure for what ails me. I feel so loved.

 

Saturday Soup

 Imagine yourself sitting all wrapped up in your blanket watching a fire on a chilly day eating this soup. I am a potato soup lover. It is difficult keeping potatoes in my house because of it. This is one of my favorite soups and only takes 30 minutes to the table.

Ingredients

     6 slices thin bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

    1 whole medium onion, diced

    3 whole carrots, scrubbed clean and diced

    3 stalks celery, diced

    6 whole small russet potatoes, peeled and diced

    1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste

    Black pepper, to taste

    1/2 tsp. Cajun spice mix

    8 c. low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

    3 tbsp. all-purpose flour

    1 c. milk

    1/2 c. heavy cream

    1 tsp. minced fresh parsley

    1 c. grated cheese of your choice

Directions

 To a soup pot over medium heat, add the bacon pieces and cook until crisp and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Pour off most of the grease, but do not clean the pot.

Return the pot to medium-high heat and add the onion, carrot, and celery. Stir and cook for 2 minutes or so, then add the diced potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Cajun spice.

Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes start to get tender. Whisk together the flour and the milk, then pour it into the soup and allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes.

Remove half to two-thirds of the soup and blend, in batches, in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. (Note: Use caution when blending hot soup; if possible, allow the soup to cool before blending.) Pour it back into the soup pot and stir to combine. Let it heat back up as you taste for seasonings, adding more of what it needs. Stir in the cream, then stir in the parsley, reserving a little for garnish.

Serve in bowls with parsley, cheese, and crisp bacon pieces.

 

What the Heck?

It seems education is not June's favorite activity so far this week. In two short days her attitude went sour.

On Monday, she was practicing her letters...

             Me: June, that is not how you write an “h.”

            June: Oh, fiddle crap sticks.

I honestly do not know where she gets such things. 

After picking her up yesterday, I was treated to the following...

            June: I need to go home. This week is so long. I hate people.

Only two days in and she is that tired of her week? Then again, I have had those kind of weeks too.

On the way to school this morning, we were just asking simple, random questions.

           Me: June, how many wheels does a tricycle have?

          June: I do not know. I do not know all the Spanish yet.

Perhaps I am overloading her learning abilities with too much too soon. I believe I will forego her language lessons for now.

New Week

 What a great way to begin the week!

There are only two weeks until winter break. There are no plans so far but I would prefer just being with my family at home doing only what must be done. I would not be upset with spending two weeks on the couch snuggling my husband and children ( well, not Chao lei. I can barely get a hug out of him these days. What are the chances of getting a snuggle?)

Endure two weeks, enjoy two weeks, and begin earnest preparations for a PCS. Easy peasy.

Happily Draining

Being a ship captain’s wife is a wonderful experience but having said that, it can be draining. I become attached to the crew and worry of their wellbeing. I have lost sleep over one of the crew getting a DUI. The sailor and their family are on my mind and I pray they survive it. I see the good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes, all on the same day.

I watched Jared work many late hours because his captain was still at work. Now I try to remind him, usually unsuccessfully, that he is the captain now. Now when he does leave work, it follows him home. Phones ring, emails never stop, texts are plentiful and non-stop. There is no such thing as a quiet family night. The song of our house is "DING." The ship is always first. I admire him for that, but it can be frustrating. Sometimes it seems easier when he is underway.

I can see the weight he carries. I see it on his face when he comes home, before he sleeps and when he gets up. The ship is always on his mind. When he is home, the night before he has to issue a letter of reprimand or conduct a Captain’s Mast, I see the anguish on his face. It is obvious he does not want to do it but he must. I cannot imagine it is any different when he is at sea.

I feel through him his pride of his sailors. I love being able to attend graduations and being a part of awards and promotions. I can see his heart almost bursting with pride when one of his sailors excels in the Navy.

I think many do not realize just how hard our spouses work. He lets others go home knowing it creates work for him so they may have time with their families. I complained of Jared’s long hours before he assumed command. I wish I had known then what I know now. Jared takes on so much so that younger sailors can have the life the recruiters promised them.

Jared misses so much. He misses birthdays, date night, putting his children to bed, anniversaries, etc. because of little “fire” in the office or sailors behaving badly. Scheduling a family activity is a gamble so I take advantage of his presence as often as I can. I just wrap my arms around him and hold on as long as I can, usually until the next "DING.".

Something I was not prepared for is, being the captain’s wife can often be lonely. Peers are few. I had Dorothy as a friend, but this is the Navy. Nothing lasts long. When I do meet new people, I dread the question, “What does your husband do?” I wonder if they will see me for me or if they will see the captain’s wife and treat me differently. I want them to feel comfortable enough with me so that I can help but I do not think I accomplish that well. Sometimes, it seems as if I am the last to know but am the one that could help the soonest.

Do not misunderstand. I love this life the Navy has given me. I am beyond proud of what Jared chooses to do. This post is not so much of a complaint as it is an acknowledgement what my husband sacrifices for us and that not all is as smooth as I sometimes wish.