Lights, Camera, Action

Yesterday I had a fantastic opportunity to see a pilot being shot. Not the flying type but the TV type.  I was invited by my fantastic brother in law to the filming of "Happiness isn't Everything". It's a new show that I really hope gets picked up.  It's written by the same people who wrote for Arrested Development. It's witty and funny and stars Richard Dreyfuss, Mary Steenburgen, and Jason Biggs. If this show gets picked up you must watch it on CBS at it's assigned day and time. 

The whole process was so exciting. Firstly, we were VIP's so we didn't have to wait in line Matt as able to whisk us past the line and to our pre-selected seats. They had an audience warmer who kept the crowd interested as the mechanics of filming went on behind him. It was very cool to watch all the workings on a television show taping. I've been to one other taping, Saved by the Bell, this one was much more interesting. I must note that it was freezing in the building, they must keep it cool so the hot set lights don't cause the actors to spontaneously combust. The taping went just short of 4 hours, we did not heed the suggestion to eat before so we were hungry when we left.  On the way home we stopped at In and Out. I finally got to have to most delicious fast food hamburger in the world. It was better than I remembered it. 

It was a great night, I hope Matt is proud of the quality product they put out, I hope it gets picked up and he continues to work on it.  Keep your fingers crossed.

I would have had a picture but cell phones, cameras and any digital equipment was prohibited.

Missing You

I was so anxious to come home to California. I missed my family and my friends. I would have given anything to be here. Now that I'm here for my Grandma Estela's funeral I feel like the price was too high. The reason to come back has left me so raw and hurt. Everything here that I was looking forward to doing seems to be masked by an underlying current of sadness.  I miss my grandma, I miss going downstairs and seeing her in the hospital bed watching tv. I miss talking to her and putting Gabi into the bed to sit beside her.  We've been doing a lot of planning for her services and it seems like all these decisions are harder because it's not what you want it's what she would have wanted. You must cast yourselves back to remember what she was like, not in the years of illness but in the years of good times and laughter. Once those memories come the pain that there will never be those times again seems overwhelming. Thankfully she lived a very full life, 97 years on this planet. She's seen world wars, the fall of communism, her family grow and blossom. She's seen our successes and our failures; experienced our highs and lows.  Through my whole life she's always been there, and now at a time I feel I need her tender smile and loving touch I've been abandoned. I know she is in a better place reconnecting with her loved ones that have gone before her to make her place. I'm sure she is rejoicing for the end of pain and the beginning of a new journey in heaven. I hope she is looking down and is pleased with the arrangements. I hope she knows that we will be fine, she's given us the tools to be understanding of death and the confidence that she will be in heaven. I loved her so much and I'll miss her. 

California Dreaming

Gabriella and I are back in California. As much as I missed CA I really didn't want to come back for a funeral. But, that isn't what I want to talk about today. Yesterday we arrived and I had to pick up a few essentials and some last minute easter gifts. My mom was kind enough to drive me around while I waited for my car's battery to charge.  Our first stop was the mall. I went through a little bit of culture shock.  The first thing I noticed was that no one was saying "Shamasei", I know that is butchered in spelling and accuracy, but it's what I hear every time I walk into a store in Japan. Also it was a shock to see so many Americans and to be able to read everything. I suppose I never really considered how out of the loop I am when I walk into Jusco because I can't really read all the signs or labels.  By far the strangest thing was driving. I headed over to my in-laws for easter eve and it was all I could do to keep up to the speed limit on the freeway. I realized a few times that I was going below 50 when the speed limit is 65 which means everyone is driving 80. I also used the windshield wipers about 11 times instead of the directional signal.  And this morning I drove on the wrong side of the street through most of Greg's parents neighborhood, luckily it was 5:50 am and no one was out.  It has been quite a trip already and it's only been a few days. 

I also had some delicious mexican food today, I didn't realize how much I missed it. Next on the food agenda In and Out. 

Castle Mania

Today dawned with the forecast of rain all day. We headed out with jackets and umbrellas in hand to visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Shuri Castle. We meaning myself, Greg and Gabi had been to Shuri Castle previously but had never ventured across the street to the Museum. Once we arrived in the museum's general area we were completely baffled as to why we couldn't find it. On our last pass of the area we saw a huge building that was being torn down, that was the museum.  Actually it was the museum's old building, apparently it's moved to nicer digs in downtown Naha.  Once we got over our initial shock we headed to the castle.  We got a great parking spot and started our assent to the castle itself. We picked up a guide book, which includes a stamp collection map on the back and got to stamping.  Gabriella and Greg filled up the whole map and received some stickers of the stamps on the map as a prize. We also stopped for some tea in the imperial garden. The tea included 4 famous Ryukyu pastries and jasmine tea. The tea also included a history lesson, however it was in Japanese so I'm not really sure what it was about. The girl did keep referencing the pictures of the pastries so I can assume it was about them.  We also headed to the Royal Mausoleum.  It was less impressive than the castle, but still interesting.  We managed to make it back to the car before the rain started which was a blessing on it's own. 

Under the Sea

I'm a few days behind on my post, however I fear it will stay this way until my parents leave. Monday was Gabriella's birthday so to celebrate we went to the Churoumi Aquarium and the Tropical Dream Center. We started out late because we had to return the bouncy and get my parents their base passes.  Once that was all squared away we headed north to our destination.  When we arrived we decided to see the Tropical Dream Center first. It is full of greenhouses which are teaming with orchids. Big ones, small ones, some as big as your head.  It was a lovely walk and we were able to inspect all the flower topiaries to our hearts content. Once we'd walked through the dream center we headed back towards the aquarium. We were all hungry so we decided to eat before going into the aquarium. We found a nice restaurant with a delicious buffet.  My favorite part of the buffet was the free drink bar. I had iced coffee, tea, and sodas of all flavors. My dad's favorite part of the meal was dessert, they had 4 different kinds of ice cream and he tried them all.  With our bellies were full we headed into the aquarium, since it was late in the day we were able to buy discounted tickets.  We went through all the tank rooms, saw the whale shark feeding and took in the dolphin show before we finally called it a day. We got home just in time to put Gabriella to bed and collapse into our own beds. 

Out and About in Okinawa

My parents finally got off the base Sunday for a trip to Kokusai street in Naha. It's a long street full of shops and restaurants which they close off Sunday afternoon so people can stroll and shop. My parents enjoyed meandering through the covered markets and looking at all the shops.  We got to see a few street performers and had a delicious dinner at Sam's Maui Steakhouse. The day was great. We did a lot of walking and I was glad I'd worn my tennis shoes. 

Birthday Party Time

Today was Gabriella's fourth birthday party. I got up really early to make her birthday cupcakes. This morning helped me to remember why I don't like getting up early.  Gabriella ambled downstairs after 7 and promptly asked when her friends would arrive for her party and if she could eat a cupcake for breakfast. The party started at noon and those scant 5 hours she had to wait before her friends got here was pure torture. Once the party started and the friends arrived she was in heaven. The bouncy castle was the hit of the party, the kids only emerged from it to eat lunch, have cupcakes, and open the pinata.  We used the pull strings on the bottom of the pony pinata, so I'm pleased to announce that no one was harmed in the opening of the pinata.  We decided not to open the presents until after the kids left, we didn't want to take away any bouncing time.  I think everyone had a good time at the party, Gabriella was thrilled her friends from the school and the neighborhood came to her house for the party.

She got a lot of beautiful gifts all her friends were very generous.  I even managed to finish the thank you notes.  Her real birthday is on Monday, which is when she will open the family gifts. We haven't decided how we are going to celebrate her birthday yet, but I suppose we still have a little time. 

Dinner and the airport.

Last night we went out to dinner before picking up my parents from the airport. They main reason I wanted to go out was I didn't want to dirty anything in my kitchen, the lesser reason was I was too excited to concentrate on anything.  As Greg and I watched the flight status tracker to make sure what time my parents plane would actually get in we discussed where to go for dinner. As we headed out the door at 7 we still didn't have a place in mind, then inspiration hit. We went to Yakinuku Viking, it's a buffet restaurant which has a variety of raw meats that you cook on a tiny gas grill in the middle of your table.  It was so cool. This is how it works, you enter, get seated at a table, tell the waitress how long you want to stay 60, 90 or 120 minutes, then start cooking. We chose the 60 minute option since we had an airport to get to by 9.   The raw meats were set up in a meat case, there was steak, chicken, pork, scallops and prawns.  The meats were in a variety of styles and marinades.  Gabriella got some noodles, breaded fish and a hot dog to start. Greg and I both piled our small plates with beef, pork and seafood. Once you start the actual cooking process you control how rare or well done your food is.  They also had an extensive salad bar, curry, rice, and soba noodle soup.  Included in the price was all you could drink beverages, I had some delicious herbal tea while Gabriella and Greg tried out all the soda options.  The highlight of the meal was desert.  They had a tiny cotton candy machine, which I used to make Gabriella's dessert. Who knew all those years working at the St. Pancratius festival would prove so helpful while out having dinner in Okinawa.  My cotton candy was the envy of every patron.  They also had a soft serve machine, a snow cone machine, ice cream cups, jello, cream puffs and some delicious cakes.  The meals for adults were about $16 and Gabriella was free since she was still 3.  We definitely got our money's worth and left satisfied and ready to return. 

We arrived at the airport while my parents were still waiting for their luggage to come off the plane.  They got here safe and sound with only a few hiccups changing planes and getting through customs at Narita. I'm so happy they are here.  Gabriella is beside herself trying to show them her house and toys and she has been talking non stop. Gabriella didn't get to bed until 10:30 last night and she was up at 6am and went straight into my parents room.  

It's going to be a fun week. 

Countdown: in 5,4,3,2,1

Today's the day. The house is clean, the rug is vacuumed, the beds are made and we are ready. Ready for what? My parents arrival. They are our first visitors here in Okinawa and we are very excited. Today was also a special day for Gabriella, her birthday is on Monday so today I made small treat bags for her to hand out to her class. She was thrilled, her teacher even made her a gigantic birthday hat.  

These next few weeks are going to be chock full of excitement and adventure.  The first big event is my parents arrival, we are all going to pick them up at the airport, my fingers are crossed that all 5 of us plus luggage will fit in the Dingo.  The next event Gabriella's party on Saturday. Tomorrow I'll be picking up her bouncy castle, again crossing my fingers that it will fit in the Dingo.  As our count stands today 15 kids are coming and their parents, plus a few friends.  It will be fun for everyone.