Pictures of Saipan

Here are some pictures I took and did some work with so that you can see the full potential of the land here in Saipan. How beautiful it is! And how luck I am to have it to call home!

Water splashing up against the rocks which line Wing Beach, Saipan

Jan touching the coral fossil

Beautiful Wing Beach, Saipan

Coral found all over the beaches here in Saipan

Jan snapping pictures of the beautiful beach

Jan walking off in the distance

Wing Beach, Saipan

Waves crashing up against the reef

Pink toenails in the golden beaches

Pathway to the beach

Beautiful Ladder Beach, Saipan

Father & Son spear fishing past the reef

Been Way Too Long

I realized that I had begun to let life drag me by the hand again, instead of pacing myself on my own. It's so easy for us to let go of the wheel which steers us down the path of life. But, when we do that, we lose control of what happens! I am slowly getting my grip again and pushing life's driver out of the way and full speed ahead it is baby!

I am still attending NMC and found out a week ago that I will be graduating with my B.S. in Elementary Special Education in May 2014. Hmmmmmmm.... To jump for joy or to hang my head in "it will never get here" shame. I, instead am focusing on this semester and that is all. I'm hoping that doing so will preoccupy myself so time will pass by faster. At least my grades are all A' s as of now. That is a goal I have been trying to meet... Straight A' s. And since I am a true believer in getting what you believe in, I KNOW I can do it!

Saipan has been nice lately. Nice warm days and nice cool evenings. I lost sight of what was around me (during that time I allowed someone else aka life direct my every move) but now I can see and smell the earth again. For those of you who are so caught up in life's agenda for you that you forget to stop and look around you, I am sorry. Not only dots the joy in my days come from my family, but from liking a3 the trees, taking the more scenic rout home, saying hello to a stranger, pulling over and watching the ships out past the reef or to say goodnight to the sun. Those tiny moments are what fill those unfulfilled moments in the day. Those moments that add up, and over time take over your emotions. You must remember, we are part of the earth, and earth is BYwhat we go back to when our time for this life is over.

Here is my philosophy:
Karma. Treating others, and animals how you would want to be treated. When you die, your next bout might be as that same person our animal which you abused in some way. Also, that animal or person may be your own "deceased" loved one... Karma. Just let go of false anger and resentments and allow yourself to feel life!

posted from Bloggeroid

Night time swim

If you can believe it, I experienced something today for the very very first time in my 26 years of existance. Our good good friend Maryann has been asking me to grab some beach time with her almost a month now. Every week i get the text asking if i can join. Well, finally i decided that today would be the day! Our beach time excursion began late in the day, not till 4pm. We found a spot, put the blanket down and enjoyed watching the kids jumping in the water, off of the long dock. They were doing flips and lauging, and were just having so much fun.

As we sat, we talked about many things. The rain soon joined us, and we raced to out anything electrical in the cars. Thankfully, we were parked within 6 feet of the shore, so we were able to see. Watching the sun set there was so peaceful. I felt this overall happiness inside me. Finally, we decided to get in the water. The water is rather shallow, but at least 4 feet. Time disappears while you are in there. If you know me, you will know that this evening was something of a marker for me. Firstly, i do not swim, also i have panic attacks about drowning. The only times i have been in the ocean were a few times when i was young, and recently when Jan took me snorkeling at Managaha.

We stayed there, talking, in the lagoon for about an hour! I watched the transition of the sun and the moon just above me, as I enjoyed the calmess that the the tall waves cast upon me. I didnt want to get out..... Ever! :-)

I wish i could find a way to put the feeling of joy that i felt tonigt here, for you to share with me.... But i just cant. You may not understand why on earth this was such a big thing for me, but, that is ok. I found something new that truely makes me happy! It calms mymerves,and washes away all the things that stress me out and bring me down!

I am thankful to have found this.... And i look forward to doing this very often!

Signing out!

Lauren

posted from Bloggeroid

A day that will never be forgotten....

I can't believe that almost 10 years ago I was standing in the library a Stuart Hall Boarding School watching as the World Trade Center went crashing down. Chaos seemed to fill the halls as my peers cried in fear of their parents and family who worked at the Pentagon, in the towers, or even close by. My best friend at the time told me that her mom worked in the pentagon at that time.... But I could only stand there, confused at what was going on. I didn't know anybody in those buildings....

So the whole school gathered in the old auditorium and listened while our Head Master Fr. Fox told us what was happening. I might not have known anybody who died that day, but my heart still ached for their loss.

After my classes that day I sat at my computer trying to find out as much as I could.

Then the President addressed the nation, our rather the world, and said we were officially headed to war... My heart sank. I was again, confused. So, would we be living like in wars past where we need bomb shelters and needed to paint our windows black? What did it mean to go to war?

Jason approached me at school and asked if I would walk to the recruitment office with him there in Staunton, VA. I believe a group of us had gone but I remember him asking me to go. I adored Jason. Of course I would go with him.

May 2003, I stood on the steps of old Stuart Hall with 30(I think,) others. Others who had become a piece of me forever. We all wore white, and us girls thought we were so clever wearing our red shoes.

Mixed in the crowd was a young man dressed in his sharp Marines uniform. Jason would be leaving just after graduation.

After we all went our separate ways, I ended up attending school at East Carolina University. Jason, believe it our not, was stationed at Camp Lejeune right there in my neck of the woods. We spoke some on the phone, and he came to Grenville a few times, randomly bringing a friend with him. The guys were very nice country boys, just like my Jason.

One night I was at a snow party with a guy I was dating at the time, Michael. Jason had told me that he was headed to Iraq. They were shipping out in the morning I believe.

After drinking a bit tooooooo much I began crying to my then bf that Jason was really going to war. And I remember crying that I wouldn't see him again, and what if he died....

Michael, my ex, got my phone, and called Jason. Jason told me it was ok and that he was coming to see me.....

I can't explain how happy I was... I remember sitting out on the cold, snow covered porch, waiting...

Jason showed up with a friend. My ass was sloppy drunk and the only time I had with him was his amazing laugh picking on me and saying he couldn't stay, but wanted to tell me he was going to be ok........then he left.... And that would be the last time I ever got to see my brother and best friend.

Time passed. They didn't end up shipped out that day, but soon enough, he was in unknown territory and very far from home. Jason and I didn't talk much after he left. I think back now and kick myself in the ass for not writing him more.

Long, sad story short, Lncpl. Jason Redifer, my brother, was gone......

Many events lead up to his death and it is the most gruesome death I have had to deal with... But, he was gone...

He now lays along side all the men and women who list their life during Iraqi Freedom. I will always remember York Rd., where you will find his name. And the tree thatkeeps them all company...

But my favorite memory of him, one only few know, was when he told me that I was his sister and he wouldnt be there like he had with me for just anyone........ I knew that day that the bond we had was priceless...

Because of 9/11, I lost a very special person in my life.... But so did so many others!!

Forever in our hearts, and forever in my heart........

posted from Bloggeroid

Welcome home sun!

*sigh*

how good it feels to wake up to the beautiful sunny sky I am in love with here in Saipan! If you happen to stumble across the weather radar over the past week here you will see that this part of the pacific ocean has been stalked by a huge weather bully. He made it rain terribly, he took the blue away from the sky and replaced it with thick mean clouds- the wind on the other hand I wont complain about because that was nice to be cool at night. But I woke to the warm rays of the low sun and instantly am in a happier mood.

Jan is almost done with her training/family time/medical leave trip to the states. It makes me think about how hard it has been all these years when loved ones from the islands have made the venture - back then with no plane - to the main land. I cant imagine... I would have been so worried about my loved ones leaving for so long. Its not that traveling from Saipan or any of the many many islands here in the Pacific isnt like a flight across country- but- the scary part for me is the long flight across the Pacific Ocean!

My second year of NMC has started. I complete my first week just yesterday.

NMI History, Current Issues in CNMI, General Psychology,& Physical Science.

Not too bad except that my science is from 9am-330pm Saturdays! But- it is nice to have the class just once a week... it will definitely be the hardest for me, but I plan on a grade no less than a B!!!! A's & B's baby!!! I did it last semester, and I plan on it again this semester!!!! But I will admit I am leaning more toward all A's of course! :-)

Im meeting a friend for breakfast over at Java Joes. So- its fun time for now, then after I come get the boys- and some laundry and hit the washing machines!!!! YEP! its laundry day people! :-)

I leave you with this fine quote: Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.
Leon J. Suenes

Just one of those reads...

So last semester I took Mrs. Arriola's Pacific Literature class. It really was one of my most favorite classes I have every taken. One of the books we were to read was called "Warriors in the Crossfire" by Nancy Bo Flood. Wow- what a read! I remember pushing it off till last minute. But the day I picked up the 141 page book and began to read. That night I was finished! I remember having to put the book down for certain things like cooking, getting Jan from work, taking Tasi out to pee. Im sure my potty breaks that day were down to none!

Anyways- if you ever want to have an easy yet awesome read- I suggest this book!!!!

Good morning rain, hello wind.

Woke this morning from an awesome un disturbed sleep last night. Oh yeah. Jan spoiled us with some cool aircon, and every time we sleep with the aircon I literally sleep like a baby.

Today is a wet and soggy day, but I am thankful. The rain has brought with it the cool breeze. And the cool breeze is my best friend. Every time it rains here I think of all the positives. The rain of course keeps the land healthy and usually brings us a short relief from the heat, but also the rain brings drinking and washing water to people here. Some people rely on the rain. Even my own apartment almost gave out of water just before I left for the states. Its something you don't normally worry do much about in the states. But, hello rain... You are welcome here any day!

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Our trip to Managaha

Here are the pictures from managaha island. Jan took me there on her day off. I don't think I have been anywhere this beautiful!!!! We even did some snorkeling

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Jet Lag Hangover

Back in may I went home to spend some time with my family after being gone for a year. the night before leaving Saipan I did not sleep. jan and I stayed up all night packing. when it was time for me to board the plane I was delirious, sad, happy, anxious, and every emotion you would expect to have when you are heading to see family and friends you haven't seen in a year, but at the same time you will be away from your partner and dog child. I remember knowing that once I went through security that was it. Jan and I said our goodbyes and I kept my composure.... That is til I turned and walked away. Tears fell like crazy. Like I hadn't cried in 26 years and I was making up for it that moment. My whole body began to go numb. But I knew the next three months were needed. So, I dried my eyes and soaked cheeks, and told myself this was time to enjoy my family.

Needles to say it was a great visit. It was nice seeing my friends and family which I had not seen in a year. But, somehow, in the back of my mind and the beginning of my heart I knew I wished to be back in saipan.


The summer there went pretty fast. I was able to see my sister katie graduate from high school, see her turn 18, and even take her and her bestie to register for college.

Then it began, the prep to travel back to saipan, back to the life I had made with my own family. I went through all those normal anxieties that comes along with traveling 30 hours across the globe. But as soon as my bags were checked and mom, katie, and I sat together I began to feel at ease in a way. I wanted to cry to have to leave mom there. But I just knew I had to.

The trip back was long but not so bad. I guess I'm somehow getting used to siting in a small space for 10~16 hours at a time. I did talk with a lady from new bern to seattle who bought me my starbucks. I told her I hadn't had any while I was home do she said she wanted to do that for me. She was do interested in me and saipan. Ended up she works with special needs children. Awesome how we meet someone only to find out how much a like you are. But soon enough we parted and who knows if I shall meet her again.

So before I knew it I was siting in japan waiting to board my last plane. I honestly was delirious from not sleeping in over a days time. I may have gotten a total of and hour the whole half around the world trip. Lol

So I watched as the plane touched down in this beautiful land. Walking to baggage and customs I began to get excited. I was about to be reunited with my lil family, including our newest puppy addition.

Finally I was walking through the doors looking for the familiar faces. Jan was surrounded by some asian girls ooing and ahing over the pups. How nice it was to be back.

posted from Bloggeroid

Time flies when your letting life sink in

Half the semester is almost here. I can't believe in only 2 months roughly I will be done with my first year of classes here at NMC and coming up to my year of being here in Saipan. Time has flown by so fast this year. I don't know if it's the salty pacific winds or the bright warm skies, or maybe it's because I am happy here? Either way, whatever it may be, I accept it because I am very happy here right now.

Jan and I have had our share of hurdles and fallen to our knees both together and alone, but, we always know the way to help the other one back up to our feet.

I have gained a lot since taking the long journey across the whole US and Pacific Ocean. I am stronger in a way I never felt. I feel almost like I can do anything. I have lost 36 lbs and still going. I love the feel of the sun more than ever. But most of all, my core is expanding.

Not only am I gaining an education through books and teachers, I am gaining an education that ONLY is achieved through one thing. One very important thing. LIVING.

I am not living, If I am not feeling or seeing. I am not living if I can not enjoy the earth around me. Every waking moment here I am looking at something. The sky, clouds, the sun setting or rising. But not only is it that I am looking, but I am absorbing! You may not know it, but the earth around us is so full of energy it is maddening. This energy is something I have always known was there. As a child I loved the trees and the water. I was always more connected to the earth than any religion. I couldn't explain it. But, I can now. It was life. Life is my religion. Happiness. Love. Compassion. Forgiveness. Earth. This is MY religion I found here on this small magnificent paradise. All of this I found and yet it has only been but 9 months.

Why am I saying this? Well because I want to. Because I can. See, to me there is nothing worse than having religion shoved in your face. Some people think of me as evil because of my lifestyle and non acceptance of a religion. Some thing of me as weird to look at my Buddha figures as my religious icons. Or Gandhi. Or to call books like The Secret and A New Earth or even Eat. Pray. Love. my bibles. But that's who I am. Everyone has their own beliefs. I am HAPPY to hear someone excited about their religion. And I feel honored when they even share it with me. I am not against it. I do not dislike any form or denomination of religion, I just have a wide eyed approach to it. And a wide heart. I don't care what religion you are or political side you root for. If you are a good person then that is what I see. Just think how different the earths inhabitants would live with those around them if EVERYONE was able to just live and let live.

I don't want to keep blabbering on about this because it is only my own feelings on the matter. But, just remember, everything comes back around. Try to be the best person you can possibly be. Turn your negative thoughts into positive and see how your life changes. Love your family, your friends, and most of all: love your enemy. They are the ones who need the love the most. Try to think " that rude angry person may have been going through something awful. " and if not, then allow life to decide their fate. Just remember to live your life.

And to those reading who feel for whatever situations they are in that they may not be able to do the adventurous things they wish for, reset your thinking. If you want something and believe that it WILL happen then in time and when you are ready, believe me, it will happen!

Much love!! Lauren










- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Pacific Breeze

As I got outside tonight and looked up at the sky I suddenly lost my breath. The dark night was filled with cool whispering winds and the moon was making the huge clouds seem like giants. Tasi and I fed the homless kitties that we keep happy and made our way to the car. Going to pick Jan up from work now. But I couldn't take my eyes off of these large outlined clouds that seemed to want to devour the earth. I wanted so bad to be able to snap a picture but my phone just can't handle that sort of beauty.

Today was a long day for me. The first of 15 Tuesdays I will be in class. Meaning today was the first day of the semester. Today was Pacific Lit , Geography , and Intro to Teaching. Thankfully I have good teachers. Two of the three I have had already and the third who teaches , well, teaching is awesome.

My pacific lit class is going to realy open my eyes to Micronesia culture. I can't wait to start the reading material. This tiny island has more history than most big states have. It is just all so intriguing to me.

Now that I am back in school I will be writing more. I am happy to have my little piece of Blog land for those moments where I want to share what is going on.

At the moment and for almost a month now I have been sleeping on a makeshift bed I conjured up one night. Couch cushions, one hard as a rock body pillow for my real pillows and a nice folded up blanket for my feet to sleep on. Hey its way more comfy than the bed we had and all three of us can at least sleep in the same room again. Damn bed that came with the apt. Hard as the damn road. Lol I am thankful for creativity between Jan and myself and the ability to make an uncomfortable situation, comfortable.

And I end with this quote from my Intro to Teaching class today :"To live is to risk dying"

Signing off.
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New year new opportunities

So I welcomed in 2011 with Jan and Tasi. Sipping my Lemon Black Tea juice box I sat watching the fireworks go off for more than an hour. Though we did not watch them the whole time we were able to hear them all night long.

But let me go back a little.

I finished up my first semester here in Saipan. Its exciting to know I am on my way to getting that BS degree in Special education. I took Speech which I received an A. Then there was my Disabilities in Society class where I also got an A. Political Science, my least fav class I got a B. And last but not least a C in Math. Not too bad. But I want to do better next semester.

Jan surprised me with a 4 day trip to Guam from Dec 20th - 24th. I was so excited to go. We packed the day before and I had to take Tasi to Dr Tudor's office AKA tasis vet. To make it sound better I told tasi it was the Puppy Hyatt. Didn't work really because he gave me the sad eyes all day. But once I dropped him I knew it was real. Being here on the island I haven't been off in 7 months so I was definitely excited. Jan was able to get off early and we got all the odds and ends we would need.

The flight was only 40 minutes. Small plane. Hot. But it was so nice flying over Tinian, and Rota. They are other islands between here and Guam.

I was in awe of Guams coast line. High cliffs and bright blue water as clear as glass. I found myself looking very intently down at the clear bay hoping to maybe see a shark or something swimming. No such luck though.

The island is much bigger than SAIPAN. But so was the heat and humidity. I couldn't keep my hair straight. Every time I did it, I'd step outside and it would be wavy.

I got to meet some of Jans family I had not met before. We spent most of our time with her niece Nicole. She is such a good person and we had so much fun seeing the island together.

Our time went by so fast though. And I was ready to get back to our small tiny quiet island.

Once we landed I got this bit of sadness that came over me. We flew back on Christmas eve our time. Memas birthday. Not to mention grandaddys would be the day after Christmas. So three importants day were passing by me. I thought of what we always did this time of year at home. All the family around and seeing everyone. All the smells of a feast coming from memas kitchen. I missed everyone. I really did. But, it felt really great to be riding in our car again. Tasi hanging out the window, jan driving, and the cooler saipan air just kissing every part of my smiling face.

It is hard, very hard when we begin to venture out. Especially when where we go is a bit too far to visit family. But, its ok. I am learning that yes, I have my sad days but I love saipan. I love jan and she and tasi are my own little family too. And though jan asked if I wanted to fly home for Christmas, the answer was simple. HELL NO. I miss them, and I love them, but there was no way she would spend yet another Christmas alone.

So, 2010 went out with a bang for us , literally and 2011 came in with a kiss. From someone that no matter what struggles we come to, we find our way through them together.

Hello new year. I'm excited to begin living yet another year of adventure love and accomplishments.

In loving memory of my Grandaddy Baby. I live each adventure for him.

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|One Clean Puppy|

So, I totaly crack up every time Tasi does his business. you know, poops.

when we are at the apt, we have to follow him out the door and around the corner on the big balcony with a napkin ready. then as soon as he squats, you got to put the napkin under him and catch his lil poopies. sounds gross, but you get used to it. anyway, as soon as he is done he peels out, rounds the corner, and doges three circles in front of our door. then as soon as you open the door, he takes off inside, jumps on the couches and is the happiest lil pooch on the earth. oh, side note, if he poopies, and its messy, yeah, we wash his tooshie hahaha. hey, at least we know he is one clean puppy!

Some Pictures

PLACE DOWNTOWN WHERE WE GET OUR SUSHI

VIEW FROM OUR BALCONY

SUGAR DOCK IN THE EVENING

MY SCHOOL CAMPUS

CAMPUS

MEMORIAL PARK

MEMORIAL PARK

WHERE WE GO WALKING OUT BY THE AIRPORT

CRAZY CLOUDS THIS DAY!

THE CLOUDS WERE LIKE A HUGE WALL

AWESOME CLOUDS, THE ROAD HEADING TO OUR APT

BEACH ROAD WALKING PATH. IT RUNS FOR LIKE 3 MILES OR MORE. BEAUTIFUL

November 15, 2010

As i sit here on this new old couch i look around me. Tasi is laying on the cool linoleum floor and Jan is sleeping on the couch. The longer couch mind you. Though I'm ok with the short couch. Its rather snuggly over here. The aircon above me is dishing out nice crisp cold air while the fan in the corner fights to push the cool air around the room. Thank god for aircon aka A/C. My eyes are getting heavy. For some reason I was extra tired today.

Classes are coming to a close for fall semester. and amazingly the second semester begins soon. I was hopeing to get all A's but it looks like probably A,B,C,C. Ugh. Ill def report once i get my real grades though.

The weather here is the same. Though i am seeing pictures of the pretty yellow colored leaves at home, here the suns still hot, and the palm trees still stay in the breeze. I cant wait to take pics of us on christmas day, on the beach.. how weird haha.

jan and i have thought about trying to fix a video of us driving through the island and going to some of the more important places and uploading it to youtube or something. I will def put it up here though.

Well, im out. Its 11pm here tuesday and should be 8am at home, Tuesday. I miss you home, but this new spot of earth feels so right.

Happy 3rd Birthday Tasi Boy!!!!

Wow. So Tasi is turning 3 tomorrow! So I guess in doggy years thats, what, 21? So I thought about grabbing a pony keg down the road, but I think he is a bit too conservative. Soooo I think Im going to stick with the midget strippers and that chick that dances with fire. All dogs of course. I mean, my boy, ok, OUR boy (Jan did technically have him fiiiirssttt... *rolling eyes*) well, he deserves the best. So, he will get it! hehe


Here is a little memento of him! Enjoy!

Looking deeply out the car window is a typical moment with this boy!

These two are INSEPARABLE!

"Yes I am cute. I get it from my mom"

Best Friends. 

My sweet boy. 

Laundry day. October 24

So lits laundry day. The sky is grey. A car just came cruising in to the space next to me almost blocking my ass in the car because they parked two inches from me. I loaded my clothes, poured in the detergent, and began putting my quarters into a broken machine. Thankfully the maintenance man was here. He usually is because there has to be a machine breaking down every day. And I sit here. In the quiet safety of the car with tasi boy. I take a deep breath, push out any wanting, begging thoughts I may have of the nice house with a balcony, fenced in yard and get this washer and dryer, out of my mind. Its ok. I can deal with this. Whew. Don't I feel better.

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So today I met up with a woman over in the Education Dept for my school. It was yet another incidence that happened that made me very happy and excited at the thought of working with Special Education. She has already said which classes I should take and I will be in there to register the FIRST day of registration!! But the thing she said to me today was something that gave me this feel good feeling all day...

She asked how I liked the Disabilities in Society class. I told her I loved it! I got a 100% on the midterm, and everything we did in that class just came so naturally to me. Thats when she looked at me and said "well then, thats how you know you NEED to do that as a career" I know something so simple may seem like nothing to most, but I guess to me, to keep meeting new people everywhere I turn who seem to be guiding me down the path I must go, honestly just makes me straight up EXCITED to be in school!!

I am constantly posting pictures on my facebook page of the sky here in Saipan! I swear to anyone reading this, that every day here there is some sort of magical show going on just overhead. Whether it be lightening, rain, a beautiful deep blue sky, or clouds that look like they could engulf you any moment. But honestly, the most amazing things to me, are the the sunsets. I think Im going to try and start catching as many as I can just so I can post there here. Who knows, maybe this will just end up being my Sunset Blog! :-)

I want to end with a quote I found:

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”

The clouds tonight are like huge fluffy monsters being illuminated by the bright full moon. Jan and I went out to the balcony and once the cool breeze hit us I looked at her and said " hey, why don't we go for a drive". So we did. With tasi hanging out the window and the breeze that makes me happy to be alive pushing my hand back I could only smile. How the little things mean so much to me now in life. I think I have gotten to a point where I have been through so much now, I am done with freaking out over the small stuff. I am learning more how to stand up for myself.

So jan and I have been together for a year and 7 months. I can't believe how fast this has gotten here. I remember in the times we had our downs, and I just kept wondering if we would ever even get to live together. Little did I know it would be living on this cute, lively little island.

The past two days its been raining. Its funny how even when its raining here I find it beautiful.

So one thing I want to bring up. Fixed up cars looking and sounding like they are ready to race you every time you pull up next to them. Its especially funny when they pull up to our gold nissan sentra, tasi hanging out the window, jan looking all bad ass, and me laughing and looking away. .... Please don't tell me jans going to try and race this dude. Of course she's smart enough not to ~looks at jan~ I guess its something to pass the time here. Its just funny bc I'm always thinking, where the heck do they race?!

Well, I'm peacing out now. Much love. And even mucher laughs. :-)
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How time flies...

So tomorrow , Sept 20th, will be month number 4 for me being here in Saipan. It is funny how I feel like I haven been here longer, yet how time flies...

I am now feeling comfortable in my classes. Even have made some friends there. I share more than one class with at least 6 people, so its nice to have familiar faces around.

Today it has been rainy all day. I woke up to Tasi barking at the thunder. He gets pretty scared of it, and though it rains almost every other day here, we rarely get thunder and lightening. I miss thunderstorms. Though I have been keeping my fingers crossed that we will go untouched by any big storms. Many have been hitting China, which is good for us, but not good for them. Especially with the landslides they are having right now!

Saipan is beginning to feel like home to me now. I have always felt comfortable here, but now I am beginning to feel like this is yet another home for me.

Jan and I have now moved on to not only feeding dogs but now cats. We have two grown cats and this cute lil black and white kitten down in the parking area. I want to just pick them all up and bring them upstairs. Every time I mention it, Jan gives me a look like "I dare you".... hmph I can save the kitten if I want to hehe

I cant believe how fast this year has gone. Jan and I are talking about the possibilities of what to do for Christmas this year. Going home is probably out of the picture since its hella expensive.

Well, im going to wrap it up. While everyone at home sleeps, Jan and I are going to pay a few bills, check the mail, and enjoy the rest of our Tuesday!