Early Struggles

(Taking off in our plane from San Francisco Airport. Sayonara USA!)

Well we got back from Seattle and I instantly fell into a coma like trance. I think I was subconsciously trying to prolong my stay in California by being lazy. But Akemi, being the ever diligent wife that she is, made sure that everything was packed and cleaned on schedule. Hey, I'm not that bad, I did help out quite a bit okay. My major responsibility was to get the moving truck to our apartment on time on Thursday afternoon. Thursday came, no truck. I called an complained. Friday came, the truck did not. WHAT! People we are leaving on Sunday night for SF and getting on a plane the next morning for Christsake!! Sunday night at 6pm, the truck came. Sweet Jesus, I can't believe we are going to make it.

Saying goodbyes at the airport was sad, but luckily we were such in the hectic state of mind that real contemplation of the meaning of this goodbye hadn't had a chance to settle in the forefront of our brains and so tears were not shed. As we rushed through the airport and settled into our seats I was immediately awe stricken by my wife's truly brilliant ticket purchases. She booked us slightly more expensive seats (which I complained about to her at the time) that resembled business class seats with tons of wiggle space, leg room and individual TVs!! I wanted to marry her all over again right there in the plane. Later when Emma threw up all over herself, she didn't even get a splash on one unlucky soul. Oh and while we are on the subject of Emma... It's been four days since we took that flight and I'm still holding a grudge with her. She was so stubbornly angry on that flight. Oh she had me clenching my teeth in absolute fury on the plane! But with all those people in close proximity, all I could do was try my best to appease her. Oh I just wanted to let her cry and cry but no, not when every childless person on the plane is looking at you in scorn thinking to themselves "My God, can't you handle your children?" Audrey on the other hand, absolute angel the entire way. Didn't cry once!! I know you are supposed to love your children equally but that day my friends, I had a favorite child.

Okay well we are in Okinawa and lots of good things are happening. I don't want this entry to be too long so I'll post more next time!

(Finally arrived at Narita Airport - Emma and Audrey celebrate!)

Getting Ready for the Big Move

1 week exactly to the day we leave California. Lots to do this week before we say good bye to the good ole' US of A. In one sense that represents all the stress and physical strain of packing up of all our household belongings, cancelling insurance policies and closing phone accounts. But emotionally it means saying goodbye to loved ones and cherished places of our past. Moving is easy, saying goodbye... not so easy.

Fortunately in our last week here we were very graciously given the opportunity to visit my family in the Northwest for a few days before we make our way back to the land of the rising sun. In Seattle, my daughter Audrey was very warmly received by her Bull cousins and to her father's suprise, took to the stage with them like she was born to perform! We were very pleased to see all the Bull children so healthly and HAPPY! You really made us feel welcome.

Here we are at the Seattle Center with the Space Needle in the background joined by Leslie, Laurie, Debbie, Lara, Kimmo, Stevie, Chistopher, Ava, Thomas in a day of Seattle sightseeing. Thanks to all the Bull family for traveling so far to see us off! We will be seeing you in a few years I imagine. I hope this blog can serve to many as an easy way for you to see whats going on in our lives and stay connected from across the globe. And perhaps it may even inspire those who have never traveled to Japan, to give us a visit someday!

Until next time...