I want to watch Heroes!!

You may remember just over a month ago when I was complaining that NBC moved all their shows to Amazon.com and they decided that I wasn't allowed to download the shows because I lived in Japan. (see: Ranting)
was surfing the net just now and got excited because I finally have a computer of my own and I am in the US; perfect for downloading my shows. I went to Amazon to download their Unbox software. Guess what! It's not Mac compatible!
Grr. That is so annoying. Now I have no other choice but to wait until next summer for the season to come out on dvd so I can watch it.

New computer

I have been brainwashed and converted. I now own a macbook.
Honestly, the thought of using Windows Vista was not a pleasant one and the price on this laptop was too good. I got a teacher discount too. How cool is that?
Speaking of getting benefits for being a teacher.... US Bank has put me in their system as working in the education field for 4 years. Technically I was a student for three and worked on campus there. Now I substitute at an elementary school and teach English. We are trying to get a lower interest rate on our outrageous credit card, so anything helps.
Well, just wanted everyone to know that you can contact me and expect to hear back on a semi-regular basis. Once I get a USB cable, I will add the pictures to my new computer and find a few good ones to add here on the blog.

Happy Late Thanksgiving

Hey, sorry if you haven't heard from me in a while. I just wanted to say happy day after Thanksgiving to everyone. We spent the day at my step-aunt's house and had lots of good food. Today we are having a small family get together at the in-laws. AJ and Danny are playing my Wii (my birthday present from Danny) right now.
Hope everyone had a good turkey day.

Navy Ball

Here are some funny pictures of us before the Navy ball. I didn't have any makeup on and I had just finished my hair and getting dressed (I had very little time to get ready).
Anyway, enjoy. I have some of Danny singing karaoke too. They'll come later.

Heading to Chicago

We just want to let everyone know that we made it to the airport in Providence this morning and we are ready to head to Chicago. Once we get there we'll change planes to Seattle. We land at 2:30. We'll probably see everyone tomorrow.

End of our time in Newport

Well, its Thursday. We're getting ready to leave Newport. Finally!!
Its been an interesting experience. Every time I go downstairs to eat, some officer thinks that I am in the Navy. Just today I just had a guy ask me if I was here for legal. I don't know what it is, but its pretty funny.
Today I met an XO's wife who lived in Negishi. She is quite a character. She was excited to meet someone who lives in Japan. In fact, I think she is jealous.
I've got more to write, but I'll write more later.

Holiday weekend

Its Tuesday and I haven't updated again in a while. I didn't check my email all weekend either and had 40 new email waiting for me this morning. Luckily I was able to delete over half of them without reading them.
We had a nice long weekend and am looking forward to Danny's class being over and hanging out in Washington for two weeks. This is still a vacation for me, but it is much more enjoyable when Danny isn't busy. We had a good weekend... at least I did. If you talk to him all you'll hear is complaining.
On Friday he was done at about 1 o'clock. We headed to Mass. to visit Battleship Cove. That is where the battleship Massachusetts is moored. There are also other ships there, but we didn't have much time til they closed so we mainly checked out the Massachusetts.
On Saturday we took the Newport tour. We rode a trolley bus around town and got a tour, mainly that focused on the houses. Toward the end we took a tour of The Breakers which is the largest mansion in Newport and was the summer home of the Vanderbilts. It was huge and very beautiful. Its hard to imagine anyone living in a house that big. The downside was that our tourguide had no personality and sounded like she was reading from a textbook. Overall, I think the tour was overpriced but it was fun to see Newport. Its definitely the rich, hoity-toity neighborhood of Rhode Island.
Sunday we drove up to Boston. Danny wanted to go on the Freedom walk, which is a "trail" through Boston that follows important historical landmarks. He really wanted to go to the Constitution, but paid to go on a guided tour instead which didn't take us nearly far enough. He was very disappointed that he didn't get to see it. We tried to drive by later, but got lost at about midnight. Maybe someday he'll want to go back and see it, but for now he claims he'll never go back to Boston because the people were so rude. Everyone that we actually talked to was nice, but there is an idea of everyone for themselves. Its the jaywalking capital of the country and the taxi drivers (and just about everyone else behind the wheel) are very impatient. Not a good combination.
We me up with Hannah and her fiance, Anthony - who is student at MIT, for dinner. I think Danny's feelings about Boston are partially because Hannah talked about how rude Bostonians are. Otherwise I don't think he would have noticed. Either way, I don't think I'd go out of my way to go back, but it was an okay city. It definitely had more history than I have ever seen in a city.
Yesterday we stayed in bed until noon because we didn't get home until about 2 am. We just did shopping and stuff yesterday. Nothing fancy. And we ordered pizza for dinner. Then Danny had to stay up and watch the first half of the Seahawks on Monday night football.
This week may be hard for Danny, but we'll be ready to head to Seattle by the end of the week.

Another Thursday

I forgot to make a mention yesterday that it was a landmark. November 7th, 1997 was the original day Danny and I started dating. So we've officially known each other for 10 years. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, at least Danny doesn't seem to think so, but it was important to me to mention it.

In regards to my health, I have been better. Yesterday I was able to eat and keep it, but I couldn't keep my breakfast this morning. I made another trip to the clinic. I am not dehydrated and I am not pregnant. They didn't give me any different medications, but it was still good for me to come in. My diet is very strictly liquid (and I hate that because I am so hungry!). Hopefully tomorrow night or Saturday I'll be able to eat some real food again. For now it is Gatorade, Sprite, and maybe a few crackers. :P

We've got plans to go to Boston this weekend, so hopefully I am better by then.

Last night

I know the only two people who semi-regularly read this already know, but this is mainly for everyone else.
When Danny got back from class last night I still was not feeling well. I tried eating a few things and they still wouldn't stay down. I practically forced Danny to take me to the navy hospital. It was a bit of a hassle because I am not enrolled in their Tricare system, but I got in pretty quickly. I saw a doctor who gave me a prescription for nausea. She said that I was dehydrated (as I assumed). Apparently when you stand when dehydrated, your blood pressure drops and your heart rate goes up. Since they don't have the facilities for an IV, I was told to go to the emergency room of the Newport hospital.
The doctor's directions were terrible and it took us over half an hour to find the hospital. I had to register and wait for a bed, which probably took about 45 minutes. After they got me in, they hooked me up and ended up giving me two bags of fluids. I was in there until about 9:30 last night. Danny went out to get some food while I was sleeping and waiting.
I've been taking the medication from the navy and I've been able to keep a few meals down. I've been sleeping a lot which is a nice change.
Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am okay. Thanks for your messages.

Yuck

This cold (or flu?) just keeps getting worse. I'll spare you the details, but I haven't been able to keep anything down since Sunday night. I haven't tried eating anything yet this morning, but I am feeling better. Last night I slept in the chair because I didn't want to bother Danny. The poor guy did everything he could last night to try to help me feel better. He even went out and bought me pepto bismol, gatorade and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Needless to say, it may be a while before I can eat that ice cream.
He was feeling the same on Friday. I didn't realize how bad he felt until I got it myself yesterday. When he was sick and we went out for pizza! He didn't say a word. Wow, do I feel terrible.
On Sunday, when we were both feeling well, we drove out to Massachusetts to the Yankee Candle Factory. They actually just call it a flagship store. They sell all the same candles they offer at Hallmark or at their stores in the malls plus some other really nice stuff. They are decorated for Christmas, so it was fun. We bought the candles that people wanted and will hopefully be able to fit them in our bags. As always, we've gained a lot of stuff since we arrived. I went out on Saturday and bought a dress for the Navy ball at UW we're going to on the 17th. I'll be making a stop at the post office before we leave Newport to send our stuff that won't fit or is going straight back to Japan.
I am sure I'm forgetting some things, but I am still sleepy this morning at 10 am. Danny could hardly wake me up this morning when he left. After the chair, the bed was really comfortable even though I spent the whole day in the bed yesterday.

The beginning of November

Well, I had to write something new since it's been a few days. There isn't much excitement happening here. During the weekdays Danny is in class from 7 to 5 and is back for a very short time for lunch. He's been sick and not sleeping very well, so he isn't much fun to hang out with. That is on top of the fact that he is a boring old grouch and only 22. :) The last week has been pretty crappy. I usually end up sleeping until 10:30 or so 'cause I am sick, tired and there is nothing else to do besides watch tv.
Meals have been a real challenge too. It is common for people to stay here for many weeks on end, but the quality is that of a low end hotel. We have a minifridge under our bathroom counter (which has no drawers) and nothing else close to a kitchen. Our room is on the 5th floor and the microwave and toasters are on the 1st floor. Our choices for meals are very limited, especially because our freezer is hardly big enough to be called a freezer (it is a little box with a little plastic door in the upper right corner of the fridge). You may be able to fit 2 or 3 hot pockets in there.
Anyway, so we eat cereal for breakfast and whatever we can scavenge for lunch and dinner. Most of the stuff is ready to eat meals or soups that have 50% of you daily intake of sodium in them. Yuck!
On the plus side, we went to dinner at the O club last night. The had lobster for $10. It was a good deal. Since Danny threatened that he'd post it if I didn't: it felt weird to me ripping the meat out of the lobster. I've never done it before even though I've seen other people do it. I said that it felt primitive. Danny seemed to be offended by that, but its not every day that I take a nutcracker and break open a whole animal. Generally I like to stick to forks and spoons or, even better, chopsticks!
We've still got two more weeks of this to go, so if anyone has ideas of things we can eat for cheap that are somewhat healthy (I am pretty conscious of nutritional content of foods) please share. I am open to anything. I hope to get to know the city a little better and find someplace to buy a good meal to bring back to the room. Going out is out of the question only because Danny is so tired when he comes back. I am interested to see how he is feeling tonight. He slept during his lunch break today and had a bowl of cereal, which was the first thing he'd eaten all day. He should be back any time now.

My birthday

As I mentioned yesterday, neither of us are feeling too hot. Jetlag combined with illness makes me feel like I am living in a fog. Danny got sick while we were in Japan and passed it on to me. Every morning I hope to wake up and feel better, but I don't. When we were staying in Providence there was a small cardio gym in the hotel. I did sit-ups and squats which made my muscles incredibly sore. Feeling queasy and congested doesn't help that at all. Yuck.
Anyway, I made reservations for a local restaurant last night for 6. Danny got back just before 5. I got in the shower and by the time I was out, he was asleep. So I changed the reservation for 7. When we left the hotel I forgot the piece of paper I had with the phone number and name of the restaurant on it. We thought our map of Newport was in the van, but it wasn't. We drove around aimlessly and tried to get directions. We thought we were lost, but I found the place completely on accident. It was a cute little place and they had an awesome dinner for 2 special. I think it was both our meals plus wine for $25 dollars. I am a cheap date. :)
We got back to the room, crashed in bed and I didn't get up until after 11 this morning- just in time for lunch. I had to take nyquil to make sure I would sleep through the night. I don't think that helps me in the feeling like I am still in a fog at half past 1!

An Update in Newport

We made it to Newport yesterday morning. Danny started class today. I was sleeping when he came back for his lunch break. We've been having a hard time sleeping lately and haven't been feeling too well either. I have this horrible trend of being sick on my birthday.
We are settling in here since we'll be here for three weeks. I am having problems with my phone too, so you can't call it yet. You can contact us at the hotel though. The phone number is (401) 841-0800. You will get a prerecorded message- our room number is 518. Feel free to call us. If we don't answer you can leave a voice mail.
Newport is beautiful. It is cold here, but very clear. The water is amazing and the trees are wonderful shades of orange, yellow, and red. I promise that I'll post pictures once I have them.
Well, we don't have internet in our room so I want to finish doing my things on the internet and go back upstairs.

Rhode Island

Yup, we made it. It is 2 pm Saturday and we're just getting moving. It was a LONG day yesterday.
During our 4 hour layover in Chicago we had lunch with Ryen in the Hilton.
By the time we made it to Providence it was nearly 11pm. We got our bags, the rental car and headed to the hotel we reserved in Providence. I am really glad we didn't drive all the way to Newport last night. Not that it would be that bad in our Kia Sedona. :) We rented a Ford Fusion (or another car of comparable size), but they "upgraded" us. Danny doesn't really want to be driving it, but its what we've got.
The front desk at the hotel gave us directions to the Walmart here that is open 24 hrs. We drove out there and got some snacks which really consisted off our midnight meal (easy mac) and a breakfast snack (bananas). Guess now we'll have to get lunch/dinner.
Tomorrow morning we will check out of here and head to Newport. Danny starts class Monday morning. The next few weekends we plan on traveling to Boston and NYC. Wish us luck.

On our way to Chicago

We're in the airport now (and have been for the last few hours!) Everything is looking good so far for our flight to Chicago. We will try to call, but don't expect to hear from us until Saturday morning. Our flight doesn't land in Providence until 10:00 pm or later.

Goin' on vacation

We leave for our long trip to Rhode Island in four days!!!
I am very excited. Wait for pictures within the next three weeks.
We plan on seeing my friend Hannah in Boston, the Bakers in DC, and I can't forget Ryen in Chicago!
We'll go to the Yankee Candle Company Factory too. If you want anything while we're there, put in your order now.

Dead Computer

Well, my computer (less than a year and a half old) apperently died last night. Windows won't start, I get all sorts of errors and it seems the computer doesn't even recognize any hard drives installed on the computer. I honestly don't know what happened and I am a little pissed off since nothing is backed up.
There are two points to this post. 1, don't expect to hear from me too much since I now have to use Danny's computer to do anything. 2, back up anything important on your computer. You never know when it may die without warning.

Flying to Rhode Island

Here is our rough itinerary. Danny and I will be flying together.
American Airlines LEAVE Narita (Tokyo) 620 pm on 26 Oct FRI
ARRIVE Chicago O'Hare 355 pm
LEAVE Chicago 740 pm
ARRIVE Providence 1055 pm

United Airlines LEAVE Providence 915 am 17 Nov SAT
ARRIVE Chicago O'Hare 1055 am
LEAVE Chicago 1155 am
ARRIVE Seattle 228 pm

United Airline LEAVE Seattle 1219 pm 2 Dec SUN
ARRIVE Narita (Tokyo) 400 pm 3 Dec MON

Yes, Ryen we will be in Chicago for a few hours. We would be more than happy to see you if you are available to come to the airport.

We'll be in Seattle just over two weeks before I fly back to Tokyo and Danny flies on. We'll give more details in person.
Now you guys can fight over who is picking us up again. Does Grandma have to take the airporter home?

More laser chasing

This video has been waiting to make it onto the internet for a long time and I was finally able to upload it on to myspace this morning.

Laser chasing

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Amazon.com

Yep, I don't need Amazon. Beside the fact that they sent me a lame email about how they hold service members in high regard, they gave me no good reason why it is only available to people in the United States.
I think its cruel that they allowed us to pay for and watch the first three episodes and then they took it away. Either way, AFN will start the season on November 20th. I can watch it for free after we get back to Japan and I'd already watched it in the states.
So, :P to you Amazon. You don't get my money and I don't have to deal with your lame excuses for why I can't download a show I paid for.