Saturday, October 23, 2010
また引っ越し？！
旦那の日本転勤が決まりました！！神奈川県座間市です。基地内に住むのかまだわかりませんが、近くの人宜しくね！！子供達は温泉があってじいじ／ばあばがいるので大喜び。テキサスの大きいお家から日本の小さい家に行くのはちょっと残念だけど、温泉と日本食には勝てませんね。いつ引っ越すのかは何となく分かってるんですが、ちゃんと決まってからお知らせします。
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Life without the internet is like a night without stars: dark, dreary, cold.
My computer was having a panic attack from the traveling I put it through during the Christmas break. When I came back to Virginia, it simply decided to quit altogether. It took nearly an enitre month to find someone who could fix it. Now, I'm back online and am happier than ever.
The biggest reason I missed my http://www.(fill-in-the-blank) was the lack of communication I had with my family. Being able to use the webcam to talk to my wife and kids is almost as good as being there (almost). Of course, when the connection goes weird and the sound and the video are out of sync it's not as pleasant.
Another reason I dig the web is to look up stuff. Holy cow, how many times in the last four weeks have I wanted to know something and been completely helpless. I called my wife in Indiana to ask her for the phone number to Domino's Pizza here in Virginia Beach.
I'll tell you what though, this past month I never would have been able to read The Picture of Dorian Gray or Great Expectations if I had Hulu and Youtube.
My computer was having a panic attack from the traveling I put it through during the Christmas break. When I came back to Virginia, it simply decided to quit altogether. It took nearly an enitre month to find someone who could fix it. Now, I'm back online and am happier than ever.
The biggest reason I missed my http://www.(fill-in-the-blank) was the lack of communication I had with my family. Being able to use the webcam to talk to my wife and kids is almost as good as being there (almost). Of course, when the connection goes weird and the sound and the video are out of sync it's not as pleasant.
Another reason I dig the web is to look up stuff. Holy cow, how many times in the last four weeks have I wanted to know something and been completely helpless. I called my wife in Indiana to ask her for the phone number to Domino's Pizza here in Virginia Beach.
I'll tell you what though, this past month I never would have been able to read The Picture of Dorian Gray or Great Expectations if I had Hulu and Youtube.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
My Christmas Wish List
Here's what I got for Christmas:
1. A two-week vacation.
2. Snow, which I wasn't exactly thrilled about.
3. The chance to shake a boy's hand who had always wanted to meet a "real soldier." I didn't mention that I was in the band.
4. Wake up every morning next to my wife.
5. See the faces of two kids light up on Christmas morning when they got just what they wanted.
6. See the face of my wife light up when she joined the 21st century.
7. Watched a brand new Disney animated musical with my kids. A dream that I thought would never come true.
8. Chocolate-covered rice crispy treats.
9. A head cold.
10. A reminder of what and who I want to be.
1. A two-week vacation.
2. Snow, which I wasn't exactly thrilled about.
3. The chance to shake a boy's hand who had always wanted to meet a "real soldier." I didn't mention that I was in the band.
4. Wake up every morning next to my wife.
5. See the faces of two kids light up on Christmas morning when they got just what they wanted.
6. See the face of my wife light up when she joined the 21st century.
7. Watched a brand new Disney animated musical with my kids. A dream that I thought would never come true.
8. Chocolate-covered rice crispy treats.
9. A head cold.
10. A reminder of what and who I want to be.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Happy Veteran's Day
A short while ago, the Army School of Music Student Company took a trip to Washington, D.C. The purpose of the trip was to meet some of the musicians who work with the Army's top band, Pershing's Own. However, a secondary purpose was to help us remember what our role is as musicians in the Army.
While the entire day was spectacular, one of the most humbling experiences of my life occurred on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. There are nearly 100 hundred soldiers in Student Company and we all gathered at the famous landmark in order to take a company photo. As we marched across the National Mall, tourists and visitors started to appear from all directions to take pictures of us. We were warned beforehand by our First Sergeant that the people will look at us like characters in Disneyland, but nothing could have prepared us for the shear numbers of onlookers.
We climbed up the steps and lined up below President Lincoln's "temple." Still the people gathered, now pulling out their cameras to take pictures of us. I was touched by the excitement they had at seeing soldiers. A few minutes later, we were all in place and a civilian spectator offered to snap the photo. As he took a few pictures the crowd took advantage of the opportunity and the flashes and click-clacks of digital cameras reminded me of a rock concert. You have to imagine, the flow of people to the bottom of the steps of the memorial didn't stop until we left. They came from every corner of the National Mall to get a glimpse of the soldiers, all dressed in combat uniforms.
Finally, our leadership were satisfied with the photos and released us to spend the rest of the afternoon touring the Mall on our own. As we attempted to leave the formation, an applause followed by a cheer echoed throughout the park. Now stunned and entirely overwhelmed, we could only stand there, recognizing the gratitude the American people had for their servicemen and women, and yet feeling completely unworthy to receive such praise. After a minute or two the applause died down, and we were able to leave, but not before our company commander stopped us and said something very poignant: "When my dad got back from Vietnam he was booed and spit at. You should be very grateful for the way you are viewed today."
An unforgettable experience on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, just above the stone from which Dr. King spoke about freedom for all, and just below the feet of the man now considered responsible for preserving the unity of the United States.
I spent some time pondering about why that crowd of people gave us an applause. I think it was because we represent to them over 5,000 soldiers who have died in the last seven years. Maybe to them we represent someone they know and love who is in harms way right now.
We were constantly being stopped to take pictures with people; adults and children. We also had people yell at us from a distance, "Thank you for your service!" On my way to the Washington Monument, a man said, "Thank you boys for your service." I casually turned to smile, expecting to see just another person. When I looked at him, though, I saw that he was wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat. All I could say was, "No, thank you for your service." I had to stop and talk to him. It turns out he was there with some of his old war buddies to pay respects to one of their fallen comrades. They had built a small wooden cross and came to lay it underneath his name found on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall. He was kind enough to allow me to join them as they began to search the wall for their friend's name. Once they found it, they made a rubbing with a crayon, placed the cross on the ground, and then spent a moment in silence. The sacrifice they made, both the living and the dead, is far greater than anything I will have to go through. Once again, I was very humbled.
In the nation's most well-known cemetery, Arlington, I had a chance to pay my respects to the Fallen, particularly, the Unknown Soldiers. I watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony that happens every hour. Soldiers come out and carefully lay wreaths on the tomb and then a bugler plays Taps. It was very solemn. Very humbling. Those three soldiers represent the millions killed in action and the those who are still unaccounted for. The way that bugler played Taps made me understand a little better my responsibility as a trumpet player in the Army. He plays Taps every hour, every day and yet he played it like it was a special ceremony. I hope to be able to show that kind of respect to the soldiers whose funerals I get to play at.
It was an amazing trip. I was moved and motivated. I hope someday to tell these stories to my kids and then take them to D.C. to show them where they happened. In no way do I subscribe to the America-is-the-Greatest-Country-in-the-World doctrine, because I love another country and its people just as much. It's the great symbolism of freedom that America is, or should be, that I love. I'm grateful to represent not only those who fight for America, but those who fight for freedom of all God's children.
While the entire day was spectacular, one of the most humbling experiences of my life occurred on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. There are nearly 100 hundred soldiers in Student Company and we all gathered at the famous landmark in order to take a company photo. As we marched across the National Mall, tourists and visitors started to appear from all directions to take pictures of us. We were warned beforehand by our First Sergeant that the people will look at us like characters in Disneyland, but nothing could have prepared us for the shear numbers of onlookers.
We climbed up the steps and lined up below President Lincoln's "temple." Still the people gathered, now pulling out their cameras to take pictures of us. I was touched by the excitement they had at seeing soldiers. A few minutes later, we were all in place and a civilian spectator offered to snap the photo. As he took a few pictures the crowd took advantage of the opportunity and the flashes and click-clacks of digital cameras reminded me of a rock concert. You have to imagine, the flow of people to the bottom of the steps of the memorial didn't stop until we left. They came from every corner of the National Mall to get a glimpse of the soldiers, all dressed in combat uniforms.
Finally, our leadership were satisfied with the photos and released us to spend the rest of the afternoon touring the Mall on our own. As we attempted to leave the formation, an applause followed by a cheer echoed throughout the park. Now stunned and entirely overwhelmed, we could only stand there, recognizing the gratitude the American people had for their servicemen and women, and yet feeling completely unworthy to receive such praise. After a minute or two the applause died down, and we were able to leave, but not before our company commander stopped us and said something very poignant: "When my dad got back from Vietnam he was booed and spit at. You should be very grateful for the way you are viewed today."
An unforgettable experience on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, just above the stone from which Dr. King spoke about freedom for all, and just below the feet of the man now considered responsible for preserving the unity of the United States.
I spent some time pondering about why that crowd of people gave us an applause. I think it was because we represent to them over 5,000 soldiers who have died in the last seven years. Maybe to them we represent someone they know and love who is in harms way right now.
We were constantly being stopped to take pictures with people; adults and children. We also had people yell at us from a distance, "Thank you for your service!" On my way to the Washington Monument, a man said, "Thank you boys for your service." I casually turned to smile, expecting to see just another person. When I looked at him, though, I saw that he was wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat. All I could say was, "No, thank you for your service." I had to stop and talk to him. It turns out he was there with some of his old war buddies to pay respects to one of their fallen comrades. They had built a small wooden cross and came to lay it underneath his name found on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall. He was kind enough to allow me to join them as they began to search the wall for their friend's name. Once they found it, they made a rubbing with a crayon, placed the cross on the ground, and then spent a moment in silence. The sacrifice they made, both the living and the dead, is far greater than anything I will have to go through. Once again, I was very humbled.
In the nation's most well-known cemetery, Arlington, I had a chance to pay my respects to the Fallen, particularly, the Unknown Soldiers. I watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony that happens every hour. Soldiers come out and carefully lay wreaths on the tomb and then a bugler plays Taps. It was very solemn. Very humbling. Those three soldiers represent the millions killed in action and the those who are still unaccounted for. The way that bugler played Taps made me understand a little better my responsibility as a trumpet player in the Army. He plays Taps every hour, every day and yet he played it like it was a special ceremony. I hope to be able to show that kind of respect to the soldiers whose funerals I get to play at.
It was an amazing trip. I was moved and motivated. I hope someday to tell these stories to my kids and then take them to D.C. to show them where they happened. In no way do I subscribe to the America-is-the-Greatest-Country-in-the-World doctrine, because I love another country and its people just as much. It's the great symbolism of freedom that America is, or should be, that I love. I'm grateful to represent not only those who fight for America, but those who fight for freedom of all God's children.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Cameron's BCT Graduation
So...He did it. He graduated from Army Basic Combat Training.
Not only did he graduated, but he also was the Soldier Leader of the Cycle for his company. It sounds like that's the best award you can get at basic training. We are so proud of his accomplishments.
He got a certificate and two coins like this one.
Ok. So I know what you're thinking. What's with the glasses?! Yeah, they are government issued glasses. The Army calls them BCG, Birth Control Glasses. No kidding. That's what they call them. Everyone (who has bad sight) has to wear them. But you know, just because everyone is doing it, doesn't mean it's right. Those glasses gotta go.
Cameron's mom was kind enough to come with us to SC. She really helped us out a lot by coming. I mean...there's no way I could've taken those two WONDERFUL children to SC by myself. Besides, it really meant a lot to Cameron.
Cameron's mom was kind enough to come with us to SC. She really helped us out a lot by coming. I mean...there's no way I could've taken those two WONDERFUL children to SC by myself. Besides, it really meant a lot to Cameron.
Thursday was the family day and Friday was the graduation. We got to be with him for two days. The kids needed it. I needed it. And most of all, Cameron needed it. We still don't know how long Cameron has to be in VA (now doing music training), but he has his cell and his computer. So I think we'll make it.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
1st day - Disneyland 2nd day - Disneysea
We went to Disneyland!!! ディズニーランドに行っちゃいました。
Caden was soooooo excited to see Jesse and Woody that he couldn't stop dancing.恵伝はトーイストーリーのウッディーとジェシーを見て大興奮して、踊ってばっかりでした。
There were also Princess Aurora, Cinderella, and Belle. But Caden had no interest in them and Maya was scared (of course). My sister Nozomi, her daugher Hannah, and I were the only ones who got super excited.
他にもオーロラ姫とシンデレラとベルがいたのに恵伝は全く興味なし。真椰は誰やねんっていう目で見てたし。興奮してたのは、私と妹の望と姪の花ちゃんだけ。
I think Disneyland is funner to go with kids. Even Cameron who does not like Disneyland, had fun.
ディズニーランドは子供と行くほうが楽しい。ディズニーランド嫌いのキャメロンでもすごい楽しんでた。
We went to Disneysea the next day. It rained a little so we didn't really take pictures but we had a lot of fun.
Caden's Birthday
We've decided to have an early birthday party for Caden since we were moving. He wanted a firetruck theme party.
引っ越しやら何やらで忙しかったため、恵伝の誕生日パーティーを早めにした。消防車のケーキがほしいと言うので…。
作りました。
引っ越しやら何やらで忙しかったため、恵伝の誕生日パーティーを早めにした。消防車のケーキがほしいと言うので…。
作りました。Firetruck cake was a disaster...
I stacked blocks of cakes in front to make the front of the truck higher but it got too heavy and started to collapsed. I had to put graham crackers on the bottom of the cake to stabilize it. Unfortunately, it was after I put the frosting so it looked really bad. But the kids were excited so I guess it turned out alright.
でも前が重過ぎてケーキの前がつぶれてきてしまい、フロスティングをぬったあとにクラッカーとかを下に入れたり上にのせたりで最悪な仕上がりに。一応子供は喜んでくれたからいいかあ。
I stacked blocks of cakes in front to make the front of the truck higher but it got too heavy and started to collapsed. I had to put graham crackers on the bottom of the cake to stabilize it. Unfortunately, it was after I put the frosting so it looked really bad. But the kids were excited so I guess it turned out alright.
でも前が重過ぎてケーキの前がつぶれてきてしまい、フロスティングをぬったあとにクラッカーとかを下に入れたり上にのせたりで最悪な仕上がりに。一応子供は喜んでくれたからいいかあ。
We first played "put out the fire" game. Cameron made Wymount (our old apt) looking box and put red tissues everywhere to make it look like the building was on fire. Each kid got a water gun to put out the fire. We had fun.
最初にゲームをした。キャメロンがダンボール箱でワイマウント（前に住んでたとこ）を作って、赤いティッシュをいっぱい火事に見えるように作ってくれました。それを子供たちが水鉄砲で消すって言うゲーム。楽しかったみたい。
After we had did the cake and the presents, we all went to a fire station.
ケーキ食べてプレゼント開けた後、みんなで消防署に行き、いっぱい写真撮ったり消防車に乗せてもらったりした。子供達は大興奮！楽しいパーティーになりました。
ケーキ食べてプレゼント開けた後、みんなで消防署に行き、いっぱい写真撮ったり消防車に乗せてもらったりした。子供達は大興奮！楽しいパーティーになりました。
Even Maya had fun.
真椰も楽しかったみたい。
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