Easter Creative Day!

Easter is one of those holiday's that is quickly celebrated or from what it seems. I know from some folks who are not really religious, this day does not seem as exciting as it was growing up. Anyways, this day was planned out by my wife as a date. We ended up dying and decorating eggs and watching 3 other movies. *Hop, The Rise of the Guardians, White Chicks* So far this day went well and it was fun. 

Time for dying eggs and finding many creative ways to decorate them. Well it has been many many years since the last time I have decorated them. I believe it was more in grade school, which was more then 20 years ago. Damn I am freaking old! Anyways, these eggs do not seem like the greatest but they are my first in a long time. More of a working progress. 

 I remember I used to just boil eggs but my wife has shown me a different way of keeping the eggs. Well, instead of boiling the eggs, my wife has taught me to take a nail and hammer. Creating a hole on top and on the bottom. Then on one side, you will blow into one hole and the yolk will go out the other. (As you can see in the photo below)

MOOD-Creative, Artist and Painter
SONG PLAYING-Be My Escape by Relient K

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Rollin...Rollin!

Biking is one thing great to do. You can either enjoy the scenery and get some much needed exercise. Today my wife and I took our bikes down the sea wall from Sunset Beach all the way down passing Araha Beach and all the way down to the 100 Yen store we usually go to. It is almost parallel to Camp Futenma.

The bike ride consist of strolling down and back is about 6 miles. Throughout the sea wall there are some things you need to be aware about. You will have to weave yourself around the walkers and runners. As well as looking out for fishermen and pet walkers. During this time we the sun was already about to set, so either have a glow strap or a vest. Also have a flashlight attachment on your bike because when the sun goes down. It gets really dark.

Today the weather was a little windy but typical because we were close to the ocean. Yet, the sunsets on this side of Okinawa, so if you are lucky you can find yourself looking at one. Also the waves were choppy and rough. Seeing the waves clash with the sea wall as the splashes hit about 8 feet in the air. So, it may seem bike rides are lame and boring. Well, stop talking and just go out there and see if for yourself. You'll be quite amazed.

But along the way you can also enjoy various graffiti or artwork. Just like this one of Sylvester Stallone right below. So overall biking is a must do but i am not forcing you to go. Just enjoy the fresh oceanaic air and overall nature.

MOOD- Moto, fitness & nature
SONG PLAYING-Drive By by Train

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Things happen for a reason...

Do you remember when you first heard the phrase, "Things happen for a reason?" And we look at them like they were crazy because we were either too young or stubborn to even care. As years, go by and decisions we make, sometimes have the tendency to make the wrong ones. Then the rarity of making the right choices comes along. Then your whole world is flipped, you stress out because you do not know where to start. You do not know where to begin because your too excited about it and you lost your train of focus. 

Overall, I am glad that two choices have finally caught up with me. Recruiting duty is not something I am looking forward to but I have to do what I have to do to pick up. As I was forced to go though the admin process. The first person told me that I could not because I did not have enough time in service but I was still required to finish the process. So then when speaking to the next level up in the process. They told me that I was not able to because I just recently got to the island but they will bring it up. Anyways, a couple of months later (today). I was told that the list came out and my name was on there. So, I had to talk to the jammer to figure things out. Hopefully they could change my class date till later. 

Second thing is that I was finally put on the list to deploy. After 8 freaking years and I was put on the last deployments of this unit. So, I was excited to go and say that I finally went. Anyways, I had 2 other chances of going but I lucked out on the first one and the second time my shop had a lack of responsibilities and forgotten me. 

Well today I have received one of those rare happenings. Already going onto dangerous places on deployment and then receiving something that could potentially boost my promotion but...but.. they may not let me do both. The chances are either taking me going on deployment or giving up my chances for my future in the Marines. 

Things happen for a reason and I believe things are going to smoothly and less stressful. I believe this year will be the milestone of change. So I am glad, my chances are at the front door and it's waiting for me to allow them in and watch the future unfold. Happier and relaxing days are near. 

MOOD-Happy, Kind of Successful & Patient
SONG PLAYING-Billionaire by Travie McCoy Feat. Bruno Mars

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Just some rain drops

Here in Okinawa, when it rains. It really pours and can make it seem like a typhoon is heading our way but typhoon season does not start till June thru November. The rainy season here starts from April - June. It basically makes it seem like, you should get your car ready and prepped before typhoon season. 

When the rain drops starts falling and the wind starts blowing, try to slow down on the roads and break much earlier. The reason is because the roads are made from flattened coral. So it makes the roads slick and breaking difficult. When it does rain all heavier military vehicles cease due to that reason. So drive safe!

MOOD- Soaked, Drenched & Wet
SONG PLAYING-Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head by B.J. Thomas

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Genghiskan Mongolian BBQ

Finally a buffet that we can enjoy here in Okinawa. This Mongolian BBQ is just like the ones back at in the states. They have different choices of meats like Chicken, Beef, Pork or Lamb. Then a variety of vegetables and sauces. They also have a small dry erase board with their own suggestion, to include as reminder to only eat what you can handle. Which is a smart way of saving food and not wasting it. 

You put your bowl together and top them off with sauces you like. Then hand them over to the cooks as you watch them prepare them for you. Watching them cook your stir fry creation with a spatula and a pair of long chop sticks. I know back in the states, they have a round wok but these are 4 squared ones to only keep up with the tempo of the customers. 

Your bowl is ready to eat when they hand it over to you. So that you can finally enjoy your creation. At this Mongolian BBQ is a buffet, so that not one bowl is made the same unless you want to. Beverages are also unlimited and they do also sell Blue Seal ice cream for dessert. They accept dollars but from only Military members or associated with the military such as spouses. It's $1 for 100Yen, so basically one for one and this place is worth it. 

MOOD- Starving, Craving & Full
SONG PLAYING-Top of the World by The Cataracs

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St. Patrick's Day Engineer Meet!

History of St. Patrick?

St. Patrick, as the patron saint of engineers, is credited with fostering the development of arts and crafts and introducing the knowledge of the use of lime as mortar in Ireland. He is also responsible for the initial construction of clay churches in Ireland in the 5th century A.D. Another of St. Patrick's achievements was teaching the Irish to build arches of lime mortar instead of dry masonry. These beginnings of ceramic work developed into organized crafts, and that's how St. Patrick became the patron saint of ceramic engineers.

St. Patricks day! A day for engineers from different units and branches to come together and conduct a friendly competition. Today, we had USAF CEG and Redhorse, USN Seabee's, USMC MWSS-172, CAB and ourselves 9th ESB. All who competed in a friendly game of:

(Lumberjack Race)

(Tug of War)

(Sway Bar Toss)

(Dizzy Izzy)

(Chemical, Biological, Radiation & Nuclear *CBRN* Suit Race)

(Modified Iron Man Race)

(7ton Truck Pull)

But there were other events like Rock Toss, Bangalore Race, Chariot Race...

Today MWSS-172 took the win for this field meet but at least we were able to establish a competition between units and branches for the future. Winner just wins bragging rights but we all know that 9th ESB is the best engineer unit out here. Haha! Anyways, this is a great way of bringing all the Engineers of any unit or branch to get together and have fun. 

Chariot Races

(9th ESB)

(Navy Seabee's)

(CAB)

(CEG)

(MWSS-172)

Over all it was a good field meet and a lot of motivation. Friendly taunts but none is directed negatively bad. Good games. Until next year.. We will bring back the trophy. 

An Extra but not a part of the Events. Its just want Marines do on Fridays..  

MOOD- Motivation, Competitive & Proud
SONG PLAYING-Boondocks Saints Theme by The Boondocks Saints Soundtrack

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Containing the Beast!

When people hear or say about the Beast. They mostly think about the Hulk, Beast from Beauty and the Beast or just a untamed animal. Just some creature that causes great physical and mental destruction.

To me, everyone in this world has a beast and it only shows when your angry. This beast is the other side of yourself that you keep contained within you. Stress, negativity or loss of concentration for something important can trigger it to awaken.

This Beast can be really nasty when someone is pushed too far or just frustrated to a certain point that the only way of satisfying it, is to destroy things physically and mentally. That certain anger rage that has been built up within you fuels it up and the beast is let loose. Once everything settles or when you stop, it's already too late to realize what the fuck happened.

Throughout the ages, humans have found ways to contain the beast. Since there is nothing you can do to get rid of it. So, we find ways to keep it under control by doing things that makes us forget we have it. Like being artistic, singing, dancing, weightlifting and other leisures. Or some just tend to linger in loneliness or work alcoholics. Something to keep themselves busy.

Patients is the key to keeping this emotional side of you locked up. By trying to take a deep breath, to calm down in situations or taking a walk to clear your mind before it gets bad. Patients is a lost skill but this skill is worth trying to keep it.

Others use this anger to beat their enemies or opponents. Utilizing the beast at times is a plus but yet it isn't the smartest thing. The beast is not controllable, so at the same time you cannot think and make the right decision or choices because not everything needs to be destroyed.

MOOD-Thinking, Understanding & Patient
SONG PLAYING-In My Mind by Ivan Gough

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Okinawa's Ferris Wheel

Just like the London Eye in London, Singapore Flyer in Singapore, Mall of Asia Eye in Philippines or The Seattle Great Wheel in the United States of America but this one in Okinawa is not as large. This ride takes you 60m high and it gives you a view of the East China Sea during the day but when the sun goes away. You can view the lights that glow during the night life in American Village. 

The ride is only 300 Yen for Children and 500 Yen for adults. It takes 15 minutes for one revolution, so it gives you enough time to check out the view from up top. This is one of many places that should be on your, "To Do List," here in Okinawa. Also, this is so close to 3 different bases but it can be easily found. 

MOOD-Tourist, Joyful & Relaxed
SONG PLAYING-Hello by Karmin

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Baskin Robins: U.S.A. ➤ Japan

Baskin Robbins in Japan is way better then the Baskin Robbins in the U.S. One reason is because of the Japanese creativity. They take their time to put these creative concoction together. Bringing out the smile out of the youngest child to the eldest person in line receiving their ice cream.

For some reason the Ice Cream overall here in Japan have been our many firsts. I have never heard nor tasted such flavors during my whole life in the U.S. but I do understand that maybe Baskin Robbins in an international way have different flavors from other countries. Yet, Okinawa, Japan has the best flavors.

 Look What I found, An Easter Egg. Yet, again an awesome creative way of making customers come back. It is such a detailed artwork, inside an egg. How can they fit all that in there? 

Must try Ice Cream Flavors: Easter Egg Hunt & Popping Showers.

MOOD-Adbenturous, Tasty & Tourist
SONG PLAYING-Yes by LMFAO

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