So I guess I should start with the most important news in case someone is in the dark. Gil and I got married on July 10th! We went down to nan's condo at the beach for a week and had an amazing time. He is coming out here for Christmas so that we don't have to spend that time apart.
A lot has been going on as of late. I had the pleasure of going TDY (temporary duty orders) to Yokota Air Base in mainland Japan. It was really an awesome experience. I sadly did not get to go to Tokyo, however, I hope to get to soon. Disney looks awesome.
I also went snorkeling for the first time here at Mieda Point. It is unbelievable. I think a few of us from work are going back this weekend, so I am going to invest in a cheap underwater camera. You won't believe what I saw. There was a sea snake, a couple lion fish, multiple clown fish (nemo's), hundreds of starfish and sea cucumbers. The list goes on and on.
Tomorrow night I plan on cooking dinner for a few of my co-workers. I feel like a real person right now because I am house/dog sitting for some friends while they are on leave. I think we are going to have sirlions, whole kernnel corn, mac and cheese and cresent roles. I hope it turns out well to say the least.
Believe it or not, I have actually taken a few pictures, so I will try to post them soon.
This week is the Japanese holiday obon week. Obon is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating thier ancestors. It is believed that each year, during obon, the ancestors spirits return to this world to visit. Traditionally, laterns are hung in front of houses to guide the ancestors' spirits, obon dances are performed, graves are visited and food offerings are made at house altars and temples. At the end of Obon, floating laterns are put into rivers, lakes and seas in order to guide the spirits back into their world.
I was at a friends house who lives near the sunabe sea wall and we saw a parade in celebration of Obon. One guy had a camera, so hopefully he will post picks soon and then I will repost for you all.
Also, on September 1st I pick up Corporal, which I am super stoked about. Well, thats all for now.
Reporting from AFN Okinawa, I'm LCpl Meredith Watts.
