One Year Down, Forever to Go

A year ago Sunday, September 26th 2009, I married my love and best friend. It's hard to believe that it's already been a year since we tied the knot! I think the past year went by so fast due to moving and starting a new life in Okinawa. I think as a couple, we have gone through more trying times then most newlyweds do. I'm thankful that we have come this far, and I'm excited to strengthen our relationship even further as the years go by.

This past weekend, we celebrated our anniversary. It was nice just being together, without a care in the world! Friday we walked along the beach and watched the sunset on Torii Beach. It's probably one of my most favorite places on this island. There is hardly anyone there ever!

It was so nice just to be with each other. I know I keep saying that, but I can't explain it any other way. His job keeps him busy probably 6 days a week, some days I don't even see him but in the morning. For us to be able to just spend alone time with each other without an agenda was just so refreshing. I think I fell in love with him all over again this weekend. It really made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing man in my life!

Saturday, we relaxed at home most of the day. We went to eat dinner at Yoshi Hachi. It's an amazing sushi restaurant. The owner of the restaurant is actually pretty famous. On the walls at the restaurant, there are pictures of him and famous people, Tiger Woods for example. He's really big into golf I think! After dinner we went shopping down in American Village. It was a fun, relaxing day. On Sunday, we decided to go to Kokusai Street. It's one of the main tourist attractions in Okinawa. It's basically a street with tons of shops and restaurants on it. It has an underground market area too. The streets are crowded with tons of Japanese people, with a few Americans. 

They had Eisa dancers there too. It was pretty cool to watch. I'm not sure what their purpose is, but they put on shows where they drum and dance. They almost remind me of dancing ninjas (hahha)!

After Kokusai street, we decided to go eat dinner at a place called Seaside Ristorante. It's an Italian restaurant owned by the military, on Kadena Marina. We got there right about sunset, so of course we chose to sit outside. We saw one of the most beautiful sunsets we've seen on this island. It was so romantic, sitting there with our cocktails, watching the sunset, with an amazing view of the water.

 It's times like those that make me realize how lucky we are to actually experience this. Not many people can say that they have been to Japan, let alone live on Okinawa. Sunsets like this are normal year round. I just feel truly blessed. Not only am I blessed to be graced with Gods beauty all the time, but I found the person that makes me complete. He is my absolute everything, and I thank God every day that He brought us together! One year down, forever to go!

Hawaii Bound

the resort we are staying in is in the bottom right corner

we are right on the beach!

                                  

ahh, look at the water! i'm looking forward to sandy beaches

this will be paradise!

I first off just want to say, I have the BEST husband in the entire world! Some may argue, but I truly believe I have found one of a kind! In 1o days, it will be our one year anniversary! I can't believe we have only been married for a year. We have technically been together for four. Well, we have been talking about what we want to do for our anniversary. We originally were just going to rent a cabin on island somewhere at one of the bases. Just a little weekend getaway. Well, naturally, they are all full until like the middle of October. So that plan was out. When hubby got home from work yesterday, he informed me that he and a co-worker had schemed up all day what do to for our anniversary since there really wasn't much to do on the island that we haven't already done. So, he has decided to take me to HAWAII! 

We are not going until Decemeber, so he can put in leave and we can save up some extra cash. It is a few months after our anniversary, but hey, it's HAWAII! We are staying at the Hale Koa in Honolulu on Waikiki Beach! The Hale Koa is a military resort so it's cheaper and only open for military members and their families. The first photo above is the resort and the beach! I am so excited! It's a little less than 3 months away, so I will be hitting the gym extra hard! I've already lost 26 lbs, so I'm shooting for 30 more lbs! I have to be swimsuit ready!! It's definitely good motivation! I'm just looking forward to a romantic, relaxing getaway with the love of my life! I'd say I'm a pretty lucky girl!

Our New Home!

Well it has been almost a month since we have been in Okinawa and things are finally starting to settle down. We moved into our house on Monday and now it's just getting things unpacked and put away. I have met some new amazing people and that gives me hope for the next 3 years. Not that I don't miss my ladies back home (because I do so much!), but atleast I won't be lonely! Last Friday I was privileged enough to be invited on a helicopter tour of the island. We flew in an HH-60 and were all strapped in. We got to fly with the doors open so the view was just spectacular! I took the pictures at the top on the flight. I have some great pictures from it. It was truly an amazing experience! I got to witness the beauty of the island first hand and I am so excited to call this home! Hopefully this summer we can get dive certified and go out and explore the reefs. In 2009, Okinawa was voted 2nd best diving in the world (the first was the Great Barrier Reef). There is a lot to do on the island. There are tons and tons of beautiful beaches and I hear the fishing is great! The weather has been okay since we have been here. Only a couple days so far it has been extremely warm. The worst is yet to come though. In July and August is when it's the most humid. It rains a lot. May is the start of the rainy season. Hopefully no major typhoons hit the island this year! Although I think it would be an awesome experience minus the damage haha! Well that is all I have for now. I need to go finish some laundry! Oh fun!


♥ Jen