Taipei 4/2011

As we prepared for Justin's rapidly approaching deployment, we decided to take some time for ourselves and take a trip. We searched around and picked Taipei, Taiwan. After only an hour and a half flight on China Airlines, we arrived in busy, bustling Taipei. It had a great mix of modern conveniences, shopping as well as touristy things, and temples. I think we made a good pick!

This is one of the temples right in the middle of Taipei. You can see a Buddhist monk knelt in prayer.

The scenery was absolutely gorgeous as well. This picture was taken in the park surrounding the Chiang Kai Chek memorial. It almostlooks fake!

It was crazy to see the amount of food everywhere. There were markets filled with lots of food on nearly every street (a lot of it unidentifiable!) I have no idea what this really is, but Justin was brave and tried it. Some kind of gelatin/lime drink.

I guess this is Taiwan's version of escargot?? We didn't try that!

We took an awesome Gondola ride over tons of tea farms to the top of a mountain where we were able to partake in a tea ceremony. Definitely a cultural experience I will never forget.

When we went in search of the Maukong gondola, we came across the Taipei zoo. From what I've seen so far, typically the zoos in asia are kind of sad but this one was amazing! Complete with pandas!

And last but not least, one big Buddha!

My derby player's card

Here is my player card for derby. As you can see, I decided to change my name. Introducing:

Babblin' Bruiser #7

Proud Air Force Wife

Unless you've been under a rock, in a coma, or in a deep state of denial, you've heard about the tragedy that is occurring on Mainland Japan. First a massive earthquake, then a devastating tsunami, and now a nuclear disaster. Of course no matter where in the world I was, my heart would be heavy for the people of Japan in the wake of this tragedy, but living here - on this tiny island of Okinawa - this literally hit close to home. The Japanese people are so sweet and polite. Giving and good natured. Humble and respectful. And even during this time of devastation have shown the ability to thrive to survive yet not resort to looting and violence as we as Americans have sadly almost come to expect in the wake of a disaster.

While I can do very little to help, though I wish I could, I am so proud to say that Justin, his squadron, along with the rest of our American Military Forces are doing all they can to help the country of Japan and it's people. It's not often (never) that I get totell (and rarely that I even know) about Justin's job. But this time, the Air Force posted an article online so I think that makes it fair game, right?? :) Here is a picture of Justin's plane (MC-130H Combat Talon II) taking off from Kadena heading to the mainland to deliver help. If you'd like to read the article that talks about this particular flight, here is the link http://www.353sog.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123246559

While I have no idea of the specifics of what Justin and his squadron are doing, I know it's important, and I know it's needed. I can honestly say that I am a proud Air Force wife. Actually, I'm just a proud wife.

Now, with all that said, I've had several people ask me if this nuclear mess will affect us here on Okinawa. I'm obviously no expert, but everything i've read (and it has to be true if I read it on the internet, right??) says that we should be perfectly safe. I don't think most people realize just how far away we are from the nuclear plants. Its about 1200 miles. And right now the area of concern is about 30 miles around the reactors. So we have about a 1,170 mile buffer zone. AND even if the wind does carry some of the radiation this way, by the time it reaches here, it should be dissipated enough that it wouldn't be harmful to humans. Less than what you would get with one x-ray.

Here's a little map to show you where we are in relationship to everything. We are that tiny little island next to the big blue arrow.

Stay tuned for more updates. Big things to come. The movers come in exactly one week to pack up our things and we will officially say GOODBYE base housing, and HELLO new house!! WOOHOO!!!

One more!!

Okay, so remember I said we had three teams under our league, The Kokeshi Roller Dolls? Well here is our official "Shisa Slammers" photo!! All of the girls on my team are so great! It's a good thing that I absolutely love every girl on my team since we spend 6 hours a week together skating and bumping into each other!

If you are looking for me among all the awesome-ness that is my team, I'm front and center!

MORE DERBY!!!

I just wanted to share our League photo with you guys! The Kokeshi Roller Dolls - Spring 2011 - I think we all look GREAT!! Just so you aren't having to do a "Where's Waldo" hunt to find me in all the awesome-ness, I'm on the right hand side, second row from the bottom, third person from the right.

I know, I know, I know …. that my last several posts have been about Roller Derby. I do occasionally do other things - like soaking in a hot bath, laying on a heating pad, and online shopping for roller derby clothes :) I know I said it before, but I'm having a great time. It's great exercise and great friends! Who would have ever thought i'd like something that involved EXERCISE - not to mention falling down repeatedly! HA!

Just more derby pictures

Nothing exciting - Just wanted to post a couple more derby pictures.

Derby Update

I promised a derby update, so here it goes. After lots of falls, bruises, and an accident that nearly broke my nose, I am proud to say that I am now an OFFICIAL Kokeshi Roller Doll as of this past Saturday. I have fulfilled my two month probationary period!! I fell and I got back up. And I kept coming back for more. Now I can get my offical KRD tank top with my name and number on it. I can't WAIT!!

DelectaBelle #7

About a month ago, the league (KRD) split into three teams. We each have our own logos, our own coaches, and our own practice times. That way when the time comes, we will be able to bout each other. I am a Shisa Slammer!!

And here is a picture of my team. Such great girls! I couldn't imagine having a better team!

I know it was a short update, but I hope you get the gist. I am loving derby. Regardless of the falls and occasional bruised ego! :) As for the nearly broken nose incident….well, let's just say that I hope that never, EVER, happens again - and thank goodness for mouthguards!!