Typhoon Kompasu Day Two TC-1E

Our back patio with the cover removed

So this storm slowed overnight and gained strength. When we woke up this morning, it had gone from a category one to a two, and was due to become a three before it hit. That has changed by tonight and it will hit us as a two and then turn to a three after it passes. It will be interesting to see what that means.

The below videos were taken right before we went to TCCOR-1 (Emergency), meaning all outdoor activity must cease and people must remain indoors. The kids wanted to say they had been out in a typhoon. Since they hadn't "called it" yet, how could I refuse?

Now we are safely inside, munching on Kompasu scones, watching the Karate Kid II from Netflix. Seems fitting for an Okinawan typhoon, no?

It's supposed to be crazy windy tonight and tomorrow, as the eye of this thing was far forward, and all of the weather seemed to be behind it on the radar. The worst is still a couple of hours away.

Today was the first typhoon day the kids have had (day off of school) in six years here. (Woohoo!) The teachers still had to go in, though, since they didn't call TCCOR-1 Caution until after school was already over, which is the required level for staff to also have the day off. (Boo!) I don't understand why the military peeps were all told to stay home (other than essential personnel), but the school employees had to go in. Different bosses, I guess.

Scene out our back door

The kids really wanted to say they'd been out in a typhoon...



But it was short-lived, as they called TC-1 (Emergency) about 2 minutes later.

It's really howling out there, now...and I'm ever so grateful for this ugly cement bunker!

Typhoon Kompasu Day Two PM

Typhoon Kompasu Day Two Midday

Typhoon Kompasu Day Two AM

Typhoon Kompasu Day One PM

We had a great time battening down the hatches today, getting ready for the impending typhoon of doom. Cliff had the day off (almost everyone that was involved in the exercise over the past two weeks, involving crazy hours, was scheduled to have the day off today) but we hadn't intended to spend it doing projects we were just going to have to turn around and undo. Oh well. Turns out, he'll also have tomorrow off. We'll all be confined to our homes at some point, until they call off the threat.

Anyway, we got the patio cover taken down, the BBQ and patio furniture put away in the sheds, the hanging and potted plants secured, bikes brought in the house, trashcans chained down, the portable shed strapped down, etc. We found lots of crazy critters while moving things:


This guy was just like the one who chased me in my own home one day. Oh...I haven't blogged about that yet? I'm still suffering from the flashbacks. It may take awhile to recover.



Jake and Coree found these gecko eggs while chasing a gecko (who had climbed up Cliff's leg, into his shirt, up his back and back out the arm hole to the ground).



Worried about their chances of survival, they thought maybe we should bring them inside. I assured them their mom probably laid them there for safe keeping, even in a typhoon.





Here's our sunset weather watch. Hopefully we'll be back in the AM with something more exciting. Unless this thing turns in the night...which doesn't look likely.

We're pretty sure we're all set with goods...flashlights, water, candles, plenty of food, baking supplies (must have typhoon goodies), games, movies, including Karate Kid II, which came in the mail today via Netflix. Coincidence? I think not. We're saving it so we can watch the Okinawa typhoon scene during our typhoon. We're just hoping the power stays on, of course.

Bring it, Kompasu. Let's see what you got. We've been wanting to try out this cement bunker for awhile now.

Typhoon Kompasu Day One AM

Brazilian Shrimp Soup

My friend Stephanie shared a link to this soup recipe on Facebook last month, and I was salivating the moment I read it. It was a fortunate day for me, as I had every.single.ingredient on hand with the exception of the cilantro, but I knew my friend/neighbor Brenda would have it because we always borrow it from each other. (Which she did. And can I just say she says it WAY cuter than I do? She has the authentic accent. I just sound white and nerdy even if I try.) I sent a kid over to fetch it, and I was in business.

Anyway, so I made it that very night...and I must bear you my testimony that this is the finest soup ever invented. And I have made and eaten some excellent soup in my lifetime. I'm not sure if it is authentically Brazilian, but if it is, they should be more known for this soup than anything else. More than Carnaval, more than that baby doing the Samba on YouTube, more than their wax...anything!

I made it again last night, and my family once again worshiped me accordingly.


I should probably print it out, in case I ever want to make it when the internet is down. (I drag my laptop into the kitchen to cook a lot.) This is me slicing all the shrimp down the middle.



Look at all those yummy onions and peppers.



The shrimp only go in for the last three minutes.



Perfection!



Wanna come over?

Or...you can find the recipe here for yourself. Let me know what you think!

Flashback Friday...Buds and the Hawaii Girls

Jimmy & Carrie circa 1970

Is that the sweetest sweater you have ever seen? How about that expression on my face? It hasn't changed much, actually...I still walk around confused, with my mouth hanging open. I have much more hair now, though. Other than before age two, it's been pretty thick, actually.

Today is my brother Jimmy's birthday. He's 18 months older than I am.

{Trivia: When I called my mom to tell her I was pregnant with Patrick, she spoke in very consoling tones. When I told her we had planned it that way...and pointed out that Jimmy and I were also only 18 months apart...she replied, "Yah...but not on purpose!"}

Whether my parents meant to or not, I was very lucky to be so close in age to Jimmy. We played all kinds of fun stuff together when we were little. {And when we were in high school...he had really cute friends (payback for all those times he wouldn't leave us alone when I had friends over to play).} I don't know whether it was because Jimmy was older or because I was a pushover of a girl or what...but we always had to play masculine games.

We played Army...which consisted of Jimmy using a kitchen towel as a sling or a head bandage, holding one of our great-grandpa's rifles and moaning while I pushed him around in our great-grandma's wheelchair.

At home we played "Island of Lost People"...only this was before the days of Happy Meal toys and the general action-figure overload that most kids have today. We had to get really creative with our "people". I had these perfume-bottle dolls, and Jimmy had a Gumby and that GI Joe rip-off (I think he was called Jungle Jim or something?) and other random objects that we would move around and create dialogue with, while they tried to find a way off the "island" on my bedroom carpet.

We also used to play Cowboys and Mexicans with our friends in the neighborhood. {Don't laugh! I think the name must have something to do with us being from So Cal. Other than that, I have no idea where we came up with the name.} Everyone wanted to be Cowboys, but there had to be Mexicans, or the game would be pointless. {Enter...the little sister.} I specifically remember one day in our back yard when I was four or five, Jimmy saying to me (in his most persuasive voice), "Don't you want to be a Mexican, Carrie? Grandma and Grandpa are Mexicans." And I remember thinking it over and being like, "Ohhhh...that's why they spend so much time in Mexico!" We did go to Mexico a lot...shopping, on camping trips, or sometimes just to eat dinner and back. (And I LOVED it there. They had the best cookies.) And I had heard my grandparents speak some Spanish, too. I don't know how long after that I believed my grandparents were Mexican...or if Jimmy really thought that they were, or he was truly a manipulative genius. I also don't remember if the logic worked on me that day...but if I was wagering, I'd bet that the part was played by the hermanita. {Disclaimer: I love me some Mexicans, always have. I think this had more to do with the fact that kids want to be on the winning team, and the cowboys are the "winners," whether they are fighting Indians or Mexicans. Just had to put that out there so you wouldn't think I was a four-year-old bigot.}

But even more than Gringos and Vaqueros, our far most creative game was "Buds and the Hawaii Girls." I know not the origin of this game, but it was one we could play anywhere...the scenarios were endless. Whether we were in the backseat of the car, or sitting at the counter, trying to avoid eating our dinner, we could get into character like thaaat. {*snaps fingers*}

{Synopsis: Two grown men, each named Bud (or...at least that's how we referred to each other) lived in constant fear of two Hawaiian women (clad in grass skirts and bikini tops). The Buds were best friends, fond of hanging out in bars, taking business trips together, and slapping each other on the back while saying "Hey Bud" with deep voices. The Hawaii girls had the ability to teleport, read minds, predict the future, and fly through the sky and directly through the walls of airplanes in order to attack unsuspecting traveling businessmen. (And by attack...I mean hug, kiss, tickle and in general, rub their half-neked bodies all over them in a disgusting manner that no self-respecting kid would tolerate.)}

The game went forward with each of us contributing to the storyline, while we acted out the parts. We were always both the "Buds" and the Hawaii girls were only represented in our imaginations...and by our physical reactions to their attacks. Those were good times.

When Jimmy was on his LDS mission and I was in the Navy, every letter he wrote to me, he signed, "Buds Forever"...and although marriage, children and life have taken the place of childish imagination, he is right. We are to this day, Buds forever. Distance may part us and our new families take priority...but I will never have another "Bud" like Jimmy. We've been through much together, and I would not have made it through adolescence without him...and to some degree, I owe my life as I know it today to those letters he sent so long ago.

Many years have passed since our biggest concerns were getting enough money for tickets to see Depeche Mode and getting to the phone before the parentals when the automated "attendance alert" from the high school came through. Many trials have also passed...including his young daughter's battle with brain cancer...a diagnosis she received on his 40th birthday, two years ago. (Thankfully, she's beating it!)

When we are all able to get together, I love to watch the interaction between his children and mine. They see each other less than once a year...but always pick up right where they left off. There is so much joy in it, and I look forward to my own kids having the same experience with their children. I wonder what they will reminisce about?

Happy birthday, Jimmy. I am grateful to be your sister, and will truly be your Bud...forever. I love you.

Mommy eats chocolate because you cry...

Cliff and I would like to let you in on a little secret. Ritter Sport. Specifically, dark chocolate with WHOLE hazelnuts. We won't divulge our hiding place, however...you'll have to get your own. We like to split one at special times. Like bedtime.

Until recently, we kept this a secret from our children. When I'd bring these babies home from the commissary, I would stash them right away. But the other day, I was in a hurry and needed help putting away the groceries while I did something else, and I forgot about the goods. I heard Jake asking, "What are these chocolate squares for?" and I knew I was busted.

I told him they were special grown up treats that kept me from hurting him. He just said, "Ohhh..." With a knowing look on his face, as he put the package down. That boy is wise beyond his years.*


*And he knows I was kidding and would never actually hurt him. Or does he.....?

Sunsets and shrimp

Our kiddos wanted to go see a movie the other night and they needed a ride. We hadn't planned anything, other than to drop them off and head home. But as we drove down the hill, the sunset was irresistible. And so was the thought of garlic shrimp.

We sat out on the balcony at Anthony's (not like San Diego Anthony's...it's Hawaiian Anthony's). The temperature was perfect, the breeze was gentle...and this was our view:

Sneaky shot by Cliff.

And...since we were so crazed that neither of us thought to take a pic of the giant prawns on a bed of shoestring potatoes, with sides of garlic rice and macaroni salad (before inhaling it all)...you'll just have to settle for one last sunset view.

If you really must see them, I'll take one for the team and go back to Anthony's to photograph the shrimp. I'm nothing, if not a team player.

There's no place like home

I was driving home from an errand the other day, when I saw this:



Yes, that is a double rainbow. They were both entirely visible, but I was driving and couldn't fit them all in the frame. But this isn't the coolest part.

What made this so awesome? See where the rainbows appear to end? Well...that is where I was headed...home. My very own pot o' gold.

It was a nice little reminder that what I've got is a priceless treasure. (Even though the rainbow didn't actually end on my rooftop. Optical illusions are tricky like that. But it was the thought that counts.)

Watermelon Ice

Remember that summer list I made awhile back? Well, our summer is almost over, and I'm sucking at it. Big time. At least I think so, I may have accidentally done one or two I'm not remembering now...and I haven't actually looked at the list since about a week after I wrote it. It's that bad.

I do remember that this was on the list, though:


What is this, you ask? It is a watermelon slushie. Made with actual frozen chunks of watermelon. Like this:



Peel and cube an entire seedless watermelon.



Gather all of your small, round Tupperware containers. Fill them with watermelon chunks, squishing the pieces so the juice fills the spaces.



Get a cute assistant to help you.



Freeze containers for several hours, until solid. Empty each container into the drum of the ice shaver.



Place a bigger bowl beneath to catch shaved ice. Turn crank.



Spoon watermelon ice into cups. Add a little Sprite for that extra something. Eat while pondering why you don't do this more often.

Repeat.

You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)

You have to check out this video here.

Not only do my kids and their friends have impeccable taste in music...they are creative and talented, too.

The next feature is already being choreographed and costumed. You'll read about it right here first.

(Well, they'll post it to Facebook first...but right after that, you'll be the first to know!)

You're welcome.

Flashback Friday...Eighties Fashion

January 1989...farewell party...leaving for bootcamp

Let me count the things I love about this picture:

(1) The one-side-longer-than-the-other-spiral-perm hair do

(2) The long-sleeve, high-neck, puffy-sleeve, hounds tooth shirt

(3) The sweet, retro, bolo-tie-inspired necklace.

(4) The baggy knit overall pants with big black buttons down the front.

And what you can't see:

The pants tucked into matching socks, with pointy, lace-up boots to round out the "totally eighties" look.

Somebody get me some Yaz, STAT!

Minimalist(ish)

Call me crazy, but I've done it again...started a new blog. Some of you who know me in real life are probably thinking I'm turning into some sort of hippie-freak with the changes I've already made...and now this. Maybe I am. All I know, is this feels SO right...and I'd like to bear my testimony of minimalism. And not some sort of sketch-piece, Seinfeld-fodder minimalism...just getting rid of the unnecessary stuff to let in the peace.

While I know I have a long road ahead of me, It feels great to jump off the consumer conveyorbelt...and on the path toward experiencing the life I want to live.

500th Post!!!

It's celebration time again! What are we celebrating, you ask? We are celebrating the most consistent journal I have ever kept! Just over 2 years ago I started this effort, and sometimes it's hard for me to believe I've posted here 500 times. {Those of you who know me in real life, I am imagining you saying, "Psshhh...big surprise...like she ever shuts up, anyway!"}

What would a celebration be without presents? I would LOVE to send you a care package of fun stuff from Japan. Just be the first person to leave a comment on THIS post, answering the following:

{At which movie did my brother Jimmy sob through the ending?}


I do have to make a couple of rules:

(1) I'd like to spread the love far and wide, so if you are a previous "grand prize" winner here on Imperialstuarts, please be understanding and let someone else have a turn. (It's mostly the same stuff, anyway!)

(2) If you are here on Okinawa, you aren't eligible, either. It would be nice and convenient to deliver it to your door...but it would be kind of anti-climactic to bring you the same stuff you probably already buy here. Thanks for being awesome.

Good luck...I hope you win!

Most Epic Birthday Ever

Doesn't this look like it could be featured on Cake Wrecks?
I especially love the green shoreline.

This year for Troy's birthday, we joined forces with the Joneses to celebrate Troy's 18th and Brandon's 17th birthday. Since we were going to be inviting all the same people anyway...this made perfect sense AND made for double the fun.

The party was held at Torii beach, pavilion 2, and featured our own dunk tank and snow cone machine...as well as water sliding and lots of yummy eats.



Poor Elijah sat up there forever waiting for someone with a decent throwing arm.



Pa Jones finally showed up to relieve Jake on the grill.



The ocean was full of sea cucumbers, which squished like poo between toes...so the fun was short-lived.



Here's my toes. Still cute.



Patrick, being patient with the photog, as always.



The kids left the water and headed down to check out the splash pad...







And the waterslide, which closed 30 minutes later.

So, the boys came back and played some football:












or hunted for seashells...



and then watched the sunset.



Isn't it gorgeous?



This was beautiful...sunset, moon and mars, all in one shot.



We were waiting for Rachael and Becca to get here to do the cakes, so it was dark by the time we cut into them.



I forgot the candles, so Troy got matches. Neither matches nor candles would stay lit in the wind anyway, so we sang sans flame.



Beautiful girls



Then the kids decided to play Mafia? (think that's what it's called)



Which was very entertaining to watch.



It seemed way too complex to me, and seemed to be a teenage excuse to hug people, actually.



While they all played, the adults sat around in a circle about here and had our own little party. I think ours was way more fun...solving the world's problems and all...



While Jake and the other "little" kids decided to use the dunk tank as their own personal swimming pool.



It just so happened that Rachael and Becca were moving back to the States the next day, so when it was time to go, it was more than just the party ending...it was the end of their three-year stay here. The kids in our neighborhood are such good friends, and this was such a sad scene. Unfortunately, it's all too common in the life of a military brat. It was a great send off for them, too, though.

Happy birthday, Troy and Brandon!