Shabu-shabu ( also spelled syabu-syabu) is a Japanese dish. the term is an onomatopoeia, derived from the sound emitted when the ingredients are stirred in the cooking pot. The dish is related to sukiyaki in style: both consist of thinly sliced meat and vegetables and served with dipping sauces. However, Shabu-shabu is considered to be more savory and less sweet than sukiyaki.
I can say that Shabu-shabu is one of the best buffet in Okinawa. We tried this out during the first few months on the island. Since then, we have not found a place to replace it. Being that is cheap is a plus at the same time, it's an experience. The only down fall is that at the cost of 900 yen, with all you can eat Pork and Chicken, the sides are not all you can eat. That would means you would have to pay for every extra bowl of rice, noodles, vegetables and drinks. So be sure you know that at the same time enjoying the delicious taste. So do not forget!
The place is located right up the escalators from the Sega arcade in American Village. So far they are the best place, we've tried another one but I rather not say the name because I do not want to be promoting a place or giving a it a bad name. So if your a foreigner or stationed in Okinawa, Japan. This is one place you should try out.
This is my random ass blog post about my car. Haha! Well anyways, this is my first manual transmission I bought in December of 2007. I have never driven a manual in my life and the funny story is that when I signed the paperwork and my TC was in the pick up lot. I stalled out while reversing. On top of that, it was 5pm and California traffic has I-5 full. So I was nervous as hell. Anyways, I rolled up to the gate and yup! Stalled again... Well it did not take too long to get used to shifting gears and the clutch. Well right now, my car is in a Military storage in Seattle, WA. It will be there for the next 3 years, well that is if I get promoted. If not then it will be 4 years. Plus, I have seen the people that work there and it seems like they are having too much fun driving other peoples cars. So I kind of get a little worried about how they will treat my car. Well alright, this is the end of my random ass post. MOOD-Happy, Skilled & Missed SONG PLAYING-Racing Aint a ThangE by AZN Pride
Throughout life, we come across those times when we are all just hanging of the edge. Sometimes we all think that just letting go and giving up may seem to be the easy because there is no effort needed. Yet there are some folks who can pull themselves out off the cliff and try to make things right again. Then again it all depends on the situations as relationship, career, family or finance.
Giving up is not an option for me, I always will have to try to figure out what I can do to pull myself out of tough situations. Being a Marine is a battle to get promoted to the next rank, just because they are drawing down the military. So its tough right now and we have to do whatever it takes to be better then the others to get that next rank. My marriage has been rough and I have always been hanging on but I will not let go. I fucked things up and I am going to do whatever it takes not to give up. It is worth every will to not let go because if you love someone or your career. It is worth fighting for or in other words... it's worth hanging on.
"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that!"
Throughout human civilizations, humans have always tried to better themselves but in different ways. Some improved and become tyrants, kings, explorers, presidents and heroes. As for me, I try to find a way to mentally and physically be better then who I was yesterday.
Throughout the years of growing up, I have been through a lot more then the kids of today. Spanking was a way of discipline and keeping order in your home. So I was glad that I was able to go through that era. Anyways, what I have learned in high school is that popularity can only go so far, because once you graduate. All that popularity has no more hype.
I know I have struggled many times in after graduation and trying to make ends meet. When I moved away and I was on my own. I learned that in this world, it's only you that can better yourself. No one else. Also, I have learned that making sacrifices to make things meet can only be the way. But a few year later after this. I have made the biggest sacrifice.
Joining the Marines may have topped it all, this is a place were I can better myself. So throughout my 8 years in the Marines. I have been experience many things throughout my time and shared some wisdom with the Marines.
So overall, I am still trying to better myself, which in turn will help me better my relationship.
Describe in your own words "Why I Joined the Marines Corps?"
"The reason why is that I cannot be working at like Walmart for the rest of my life. I'm joining the Marines Corps is to build some skills I can use after the military. I (scribbled "I" out) Maybe check out what education opportunities it has. I just really want to take the challenge."
Signed by me on August 20,2004
WOW! Talk about Ghetto. HAHA!
(Sgt. Valladolid, Camp Hansen, Okinawa 2013)
Well if this question was asked to me again. I would say....
"The reason why I joined the Marines is because I needed to become better then the rest. Also, a ticket out of Alaska permanently, a ticket to discover the world and at the same time, a ticket to a undiscovered self. To gain technical skills and to push my physical fitness to its limits, which in turn strengthens me mentally. The Marines give me a pride of belonging, a pride of history that no other branch has ever cared for until recently. The traditions that the Marines withhold and which is practiced everyday. So, overall the reason why I joined the Marines. Is to be apart of the few and the proud."
Feb 2013
I know that may have sounded like an answer for a recruiting commercial. It is really how I feel right now. As you can see, I have fulfilled my first reason why I joined and now. I might have not been deployed but I have been to several places and maybe one place that some Marines may not have. Overall a Marine is a Marine no matter what.
(Typhoon Jelawat 2012 *Blue arrow is pointed at Okinawa*)
What is a Typhoon? A typhoon is a violent cyclone that occurs in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Typhoons feature heavy rains and winds that maintain speeds equal to or greater than 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour. Similar storms that occur in the other parts of the world are called tropical cyclones or hurricanes. The word typhoon comes from the Chinese term tai-fung, meaning great wind.
(One of my Marines car that is flipped)
Typhoon season begins around June - November and during these times, it seems like every weekend has a typhoon hitting Okinawa. Well it is because this island is in the typhoon alley. Typhoons usually roars over us and ends at Guam, South Korea or Mainland Japan. It is said that this year 2013 is going to have some worse typhoons this season but we are ready. So far since April 2012, we have been hit by at least 3 typhoons. Typhoon Jelawat being the worst typhoon we been in. When it hit, the power was out for at least 12 hours but there were power outages out in town that lasted longer than that. The video up top was one of the vehicles that was blown away by typhoon Jelawat and below would be another one. It's just crazy that not all these cars are blown away. Most of these tiny japanese cars are light weight and boxy.
(Car blown away, Camp Kinser)
Typhoons are kept a close eye on, just like the hurricanes back in states. It's not like these typhoons hit randomly, so there isn't an excuse for people not being ready. So prepare your SHIT!
(2 typhoons lurking around Okinawa *Red arrow is pointed at Okinawa*)
As you can see from the photo above, we are located in the smack dab in the middle of typhoon alley. Yes, it's awesome that we get to get off work but the bad thing is, if we were hit. We do not know if our water and rations will last if stores were shut down but I think we are ready for this year's typhoon season. Below is the chart that we use to keep track of how close and strong the typhoon that's coming.
Current Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness Chart
TCCOR 4: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 72 hours. TCCOR 4 will be continuously in effect as a minimum condition of readiness from 1 June to 30 November annually. Now is the time to stock-up on food and Typhoon Supplies.
TCCOR 3: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 48 hours. Initiate a general cleanup around homes and office.
TCCOR 2:Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 24 hours. Remove or secure all outside items.
TCCOR 1:Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. No school for DoDDS students. Staff and teachers will work normal hours, unless changed by DoDDS superintendent. Fill any containers you can use for water storage. If you live in low lying quarters, make arrangements to stay with a friend. Make final check of food and other supplies.
TCCOR 1 Caution:Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. All nonessential personnel will be released to their quarters at this time. DoDDS schools will close at this time. Staff and teachers return home or remain home. Base exchange, shops, Commissary, Shoppettes, Gas Station, Services facilities, Clubs, Restaurants, Recreational Facilities and Post Office will close. Movement about the base should be kept to a minimum. SFS will enforce "essential vehicles only"policy.(Reference Base O-Plan 32-1 "Base Disaster Operations Plan)
TCCOR 1 Emergency:Actual winds of 50 knots or greater. All outside activity is prohibited.
TCCOR 1 Recovery: Destructive winds of 50 knots are no longer occurring. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. Nonessential functions remain closed unless directed by the commander. All but emergency essential personnel remain in their quarters.
Storm Watch:The typhoon is moving away but the base is still feeling some effects. Hazardous conditions may exist due to storm damage. In some cases the storm could return to Okinawa , so stay alert. All military and civilian personnel will return to work within 2 hours or at normal duty hours unless otherwise instructed by their commander. The Commissary and BX will resume operations, unless directed otherwise by the installation commander.
All Clear:Hazardous conditions and winds are no longer present. Return to normal duties. All Clear is announced when all hazards have been cleared. DoDDS teachers, staff and students will return to school during normal hours. From June 1st to November 30th Okinawa will return to TCCOR 4.
NOTE: The wind speeds shown above for each TCCOR serve as a guide for decision making. The final decision on TCCOR declaration rests with the Commander, 18th Wing based on wind speed, weather forecast, safety and operational and mission concerns.
Source: USFJ 10-4001 and 18th Wing Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 10-2
BE READY FOR IT!!!
(Typhoon Bolaven 2012 *Blue arrow is Okinawa & Red arrow is the direction.*)
MOOD- Prepared, Wary & Ready SONG PLAYING-We Are Young by FUN
You may think that the sunrises in Okinawa is the same as the sunsets but really it's different. Sunsets are not as rare as the sunrises. The reason is because Okinawan's are mostly a night society, so sunsets are seen every night. As for the sunrise, it's really rare because all of Okinawan's are still asleep, getting ready for work or on the road heading to work.
(Morning before the rifle range)
As for me, I get pretty lucky because the sunrises usually happens 10mins before our Morning formation. The other Marines do not see what I see, but these Marines are young and have a different way of thinking.
(Driving to work HWY 329)
Can you see the difference between the sunrises and the sunsets of Okinawa? I think the sunrise has a lot more, "awakening," features. If you do not believe me then why don't you roll out of your bed and stick your head out facing to the East and experience it for yourself.
(Tie up your laces and lets get back to the basics)
A lot has changed throughout my time in the Marines. Many junior Marines and newly promoted Corporals never grasp the concept of cutting that connection from their friends and that play time is over. You cannot move forward in this career if you keep that mentality. If you want to succeed you are going to have to make sacrifices, just like the sacrifice you made by joining the Marines. During my time through the Marine Corps, I have seen a lot change and new changes. Yes, we are Marines and we do adapt and overcome every obstacle that is in front of us, but there are a lot of things that cannot be changed and yet we are slowly veering away from being Marines. I know a lot of Marines are proud because they have served a tour in Iraq or Afghanistan and may have lost close comrades. As for me, I would not know that feeling because I have never been deployed, nor have I lost anyone close. I pretty much missed out on 2 deployments and 1 deployment because they were activated when I have PCS'd. Some say, "I'm a dodger," family says that, "I'm lucky," and I say, "it wasnt my time yet." But I can tell you now though, times are slowing down and the military is slowly pulling back. The Marine Corps' eyes are now focused on garrison productivity and it's units. We have recently passed a FASMO inspection and now we are preparing for an inspection lead by a General. So now wrench turning, paper pushing and marching has come into effect. I have spoken to new Marines with no basic mentality of what it is to be a Marine. And some Marines who have been in the platoon for quite some time now are not even back to the basics, their mentality is still deployed. Negative! THINGS WILL HAVE TO CHANGE. New join Marines come into the fleet and expect to learn from the senior Marines and NCO's but end up not learning anything because we keep veering away from the basic lifestyles of the Marine Corps. Like having respect for the senior Marines. Going to parade rest when you're being spoken to, or speaking to a Marine that is in a higher grade, even marching from here and there as we switch Marines to control the formation. It can help improve them and set them up for promotion. As simple as a "Good Morning Sergeant" or "Aye Aye Corporal" can get us back to the basics. I hate the fact that we are not exercising that and leading the junior Marines to failure. We have lost our ways and yes, I can agree that I fail some days but I do come back with the correct way and put them back on track. We need to stop acting like kids in a playground, treat them like how you want to be treated and correct Marines when a correction is needed. From what I think, Marines are afraid to correct their own. Why? Because their own are their friends. I know I may sound like a tool but in order for the Marines to effectively complete "The Mission" and win battles with less casualties, Marines have to learn and show obedience to their chain of command and in return their chain will set them up for success. All I am saying is that we all need to be slapped into realty and figure out what we can do to better ourselves and lead our Marines for success. Lets get back to the basics and the routine of a Garrison Marine.
(Even as simple as completing clean up)
"You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong." - President Abraham Lincoln
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." - President Theodore Roosevelt
Most of the days right afterwork, I would drive home to see such sunsets over Okinawa. Yes, I have taken these while I was driving and I do not recommend anyone doing this. If you do, you are doing this at your own risk. So overall just drive safe or just pull over and take the photo.
(Camp Shields)
Some of the sunsets do form something. Like this sunset above, which seems to be an evil of some sort. Crazy right? I actually slowed down for some of the photos but this one. I actually pulled over and took it. This would be the first sunset that had some crazy cloud formation. Amazing though right?
(Chibana Housing)
(HWY 27)
(Kadena BX)
(HWY 330)
Above are some spectacular sunsets of how the sun enhances the sky and clouds. Also, showing how powerful the sun is by showing the sun rays that punches through.
(Uruma Island)
I am not a professional photographer or a person with an expensive camera. Remember these are taken with just my cell phone and enhanced with the options on my instagram. You can only capture such views if you are fascinated or understand how mother nature works. Okinawa has not yet to disappointment me with its amazing sunsets. Remember do not drive and take photos, ensure you are doing this in a safe manner by just pulling over. Trust me here in Okinawa, you wont be the only one pulling over to view the gorgeous sites.
Well today was finally a good day to hit the beach. 70 degrees and a little breeze blowing, ehh it was good enough for us. Catching up on some sun and a little tanning for my wife. When the days here are sunny, the beaches are gorgeous. Even if today may seem a little too chilly for the locals and other military folks. The sun was still blazing when the clouds were never blocking the rays. It was good to just relax and enjoy the japanese lifestyle on their off days.
(Beach Feet, Tropical Beach, Okinawa)
Just enjoying the beauty of the sun and the blues of the ocean. Crystal clear liquid of the chilly waters. (Since later on the day, more and more Okinawans would walk up to the water and give that "WOW! chilly noise," in japanese though. haha) The mixture of crushed coral and sand that make the golden, loose grain of land. The beaches are the second wonders of Okinawa. The first is being the Sunsets and Sunrises. To my wife and I, the beach season has started. The wonderful weather is back but there are some days have been really cloudy and sometimes unpredictable but today was the best choice.
It has been almost a year since my wife and I landed on Okinawa, Japan. So, far it has been a great experience. Since this is my 2nd tour to this good ole island but this time it's a lot better because I get to share it with my wife. Next challenge for our relationship is getting back into the fleet mentality. Prior to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) we were stationed with 6th Engineer Support Battalion in Eugene/Springfield, Oregon. Serving as an active component in a reserve unit. Times there were rough and a lot of struggles and I am glad that place is behind us.
Being Stationed in 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa would be a wary one. Just because most of the unit was still deployed in Afghanistan. Knowing their outstanding reputations as the ESB of the year. So, during the 3 months as a Remain Behind Element (RBE), I was just trying to loosen up the rusty areas as a Fleet Marine. Getting back into the routine, it was non stop inventories, correcting the junior Marines and standing at parade rest. Just the daily life as a Fleet Marine. Throughout this year, I can say that our road was not always smooth. Yes, there are times where we hit bumps, make U turns or take the wrong roads but at the end we always tend to find a way to get back on track. This is how unique our relationship is and there are none like it. When it's rough, it's rough and when things are smooth, it's the best. Overall living in Okinawa has been great. Sharing my wife the places I have been and ate at. While at the same time, she shows me these places she's found and knows that I would like it.
