One week of work left

Well, I have only one week of work left and I'm pretty excited about it. One of the first things on my list to do is go skiing. I'm gonna get passes for Kirkwood from the base as well as rent the equipment. I'm kind of concerned about it though because we have had such warm tempuratures here lately and no new snow. It may be like skiing on ice, which I have done before. After my ski trip I will begin the process of going through the house and deciding what goes to Okinawa and what goes into storage. I'm actually procrastinating at this point because I don't know where to start. I also have to start the cleaning process (UGH!!!). We still haven't found a home for Gus so it looks like we may have to take him to the animal shelter in Mono County. I don't want to but I don't know what else to do.

Phillip re-enlisted for the last time on Thursday, January 20, 2011. He did it at Post 1 which is the gate that you pass as you head to the main gate of the base. I'm so very proud of him words can't describe it. We will be in Okinawa when Phillip retires and when Gene graduates from high school.

Another week gone by

Our truck has been in the shop for a week now and it will finally be done tomorrow morning. It cost us about $1700 to get it fixed so that we could sell it. The hope for finding Gus a home has fallen through so we will probably end up taking him to the animal shelter.

I managed to get mine and Gene's medical records fixed so that we could get our overseas screenings started. I still have a couple of doctor's in Jacksonville, NC that need to send a copy of my records but at least we are on the right track. Getting all of that pulled together was a load off of my mind. Gene has been sick for the last two days but he seems to be doing better now. I believe that he had a touch of the flu. We have 3 1/2 months left here in Coleville and I'm getting a little antsy.

I only have two more weeks to babysit and then I'll be beginning the process of going through the house and dividing up the things that will go into the different shipments that we have either going into storage or going to Okinawa with us. That will keep me busy for a while. I hope that I will be able to get in a little skiing done as well.

Okay, here we go.

Well, this past week has presented it's self with some challenges for us. Mainly, getting our truck fixed and ready to sell and finding Gus a home. We have some light at the end of the tunnel for Gus, the vet's office is seriously attempting to help us find him a home which really makes me happy. I love that fat headed dog and will miss him terribly but if we can find him a home instead of having to take him to the animal shelter I will be a very happy person. As far as the truck goes... let's just say that it's not going to be cheap to fix it. However, it needs to be done so that we can either sell it or store it. My husband is a hard head when it comes to the truck. I want to leave it with my parents but he keeps insisting that it will be too rusted to keep when we get back. I personnally think he is crazy.

Gene is extremely excited about moving to Okinawa, so much so that he seems to be putting forth the effort to finish all of his school assignments on time so that he finishes here on a good note. I am getting more and more anxious and nervous about everything that needs to be done before we leave but I can't wait until it's all over. I have already been looking into getting a job while we are over there in the hopes that we can get out of and stay out of debt. I would also like to be able to save up enough money to buy us a brand new fifth wheel and truck when we get back.

Okay, I know that this is not exactly what I need to put on here right now but I'm still learning. thanks for being patient with me while I learn about this blogging thing. Love to all.

The Black Family

Well, we have begun 2011 with an old Southern tradition of eating collard greens, black-eyed peas and ham hocks. We also had rolls, macaroni pie and sweet potatoe casserole. Wish ya'll could have been here to share in the feast. We are in the beginnings of an adventure of a lifetime. As most of you know by now, we are being transferred from Bridgeport, CA to Okinawa, Japan. Phillip was selected for promotion to MasterGunnerySargeant, which was a welcome but unexpected suprise. He will be re-enlisting later this month and we will be quit busy getting things ready to move. I will attempt to keep this blog updated about once a week but I won't make any promises. I will however update this as often as possible (or as often as I think about it). Love to all and may God bless everyone in the coming year.