CATS

So my last post was a rant about Lexington and UK, but before I get into my weekend, can I just say that UK played some mighty fine basketball this weekend. I don't care who your team is or if you even like basketball, both games this weekend were so interesting to watch. It didn't hurt that we are now on our way to the final four. I did have to wake up at 6 AM and go into work to watch the game, but I'm not complaining.

On Friday we had a field trip to Okinawa World, a place that is an assortment of Okinawan-based attractions. It is interesting to see how the life of an American child in the school system is so different, interesting, and rich in Okinawa. At Okinawa world there is a cave, habu (snake) museum, snake show, souvenir shop, brewery, Eisa performances, and garden. Yeah, it kind of seemed like a random assortment of things. My favorite part was the Eisa show. They had traditional dress, drums, instruments, and dance. It was so entertaining, but unfortunately they did not allow photos. I also actually like snakes, so the snake museum and show was interesting to see. The kids got to take their pictures with a python over their shoulders or holding a small snake.

Field trips are absolutely exhausting. It was so fun and the kids really enjoyed it, but I was worn out. I had to take a nap as soon as I got home. That evening, I met up with some friends to celebrate my friend's birthday. We went to one of our favorite restaurants. We had such a fun time talking and hanging out. I sure do miss Jake, but girl time has been so fun. How is it that girls can talk for hours and hours on end?

How cute is this dolphin cake?? I didn't make it, I'm not that talented. 

Happy birthday friend!

Saturday I watched the Cats play and then went into my class to work for a bit. One of these days, I won't work at all on the weekend. But that weekend was not this one. I have eaten out about 2 times total in the past month and I haven't been making all of the recipes that I had wanted to while Jake is gone. We have a Thai place that is right down the street from our house. Jake won't eat Thai after his food poisoning our last day in Thailand, so I decided I should try it before he gets back. I walked in to see if they had take out, and within 10 minutes I had ordered and was out the door. They were so kind and friendly. They even gave me a bowl of pineapple to eat while I waited. I really love the restaurants here. I got the basil chicken and it was delicious. I want to go back to Thailand!

This coming weekend my friend and I are going on our trip to Ishigaki Island! So on Sunday we decided to go down to the outlets for a little shopping. If you are like me and stopped shopping at Gap for awhile because of their bland clothes, do yourself a favor and start shopping their again. There stuff has been so cute lately and has such a J.Crew vibe. I like shopping way more than is necessary, but I don't shop that often anymore, so I have to take advantage when I do.

Sunday evening I took Lexie for beach walk. The weather is finally starting to be consistently warm. I thought that it would be very warm at this point in the year, but many places in the States are warmer than it is here. I thought I was moving to an always warm tropical island! I hope the weather is good on our trip this weekend! I just need to make it through this week and then I am onto our trip and Spring Break!

I know things have been a bit boring around here lately, but thank you for sticking around with me during this crazy adjustment time. I promise lots more exciting adventures are coming!

What is it About Hometowns + Newsom's Nest

For some reason, I've really missed my hometown, Lexington, KY, lately. I really love it here in Okinawa, but you never forgot the feeling that "home" gives you. I think I have been missing it lately because of basketball season. If you didn't know, UK is the best college basketball program in the country. That's not debatable, folks, because it's in the numbers. March is hands down the best month(usually) to be a UK fan and to be in Lexington. The atmosphere of camaraderie is one of the best feelings. I was lucky to be in college and to be in Lexington two years ago when the Cats won the National Championship. It was complete madness and an experience I will never forget. I stayed away from the burning couches, fortunately, but it was still fun to be a part of the celebrations. This year we have made it to the sweet 16 so far, and I am dying to be in Lexington! But I will just have to cheer on my Cats all the way from the other side of the world!

(Photo)

I might be biased, but I truly believe that Lexington is one of the best places to live. It has a fun, southern feel, but at the same time, it isn't too conservative and is still artsy and eclectic. It is a big town, but still has a super cute, home-towny downtown. Not to mention, you can drive 10 minutes out in any direction and be in the most beautiful countryside you have ever seen.

Ok, I could go on all day about how much I love Lexington, but today I am here to introduce someone who loves her home state just as much as I love mine. I met Katherine from Newsom's Nest when I first started blogging. She is a fellow Marine Corps spouse and teacher. Her passion for life radiates from the moment you start reading her posts. She recently got a beautiful new blog design that reflects her personality and her love for her home state, Texas. I asked Katherine some questions and I really enjoyed reading her responses. I hope you enjoy them as well!

1. If you could have any job or career in the world, what would it be?

I've always dreamed of working for the DoDEA and teaching at an elementary school full of military kiddos. Preferably one overseas, in their branch in Europe, for a few years. The bummer is that there aren't any DoD schools here in California, since the districts and schools are so numerous! But I would love to be able to  give back in that way --- I've been in their shoes, since I grew up with my dad in the Army, and I know what it's like. Being able to relate to your students - living in the same neighborhoods or having a similar lifestyle, etc - is SO important. I know how it feels to move around all the time and switch schools constantly - those kids are not alone! It would be a great way to really make an impact on those little lives! If only there were more DoD schools stateside...

2. What is one things that surprised you about military life?

Since I grew up as a military kid, there weren't any big, huge surprises for me. One thing that struck me though was military housing - we only lived on base a handful of times when I was little, all before I was in kindergarten, so you can imagine that I don't recollect any of it. While we were living in Virginia, I had a friend I met through LINKS who lived on base, and went to visit. I was SO surprised! Actual houses?! That's not what I remember! Of course, growing up we were generally near a reserve base, so there isn't housing to compare, and we lived in town. I was just so little the last time we lived on base (Colorado and Kentucky, both when I was in preschool) that I was shocked when I realized that people actually do live on base! Woah. Now one of my best friends here in Camp Pendleton lives right on base, so it doesn't shock me anymore. But when I think about it... I didn't expect the housing to be that nice (comparable) nor that numerous. There are at least 6 housing areas here, which just blew me away. We love living in town, but I know others prefer not to!

3. The Marine Corps moves you around often, but you talk about your home state, Texas, often. Do you plan on settling down there one day?

Oh yes, hands down, no questions asked! We are settling in Texas without a doubt - that is our home. There is just something about it. Right now we aren't planning to put in for career designation, and Marshall isn't even up for that yet. So at this point we are "planning" on finishing our next few years in California, then getting out and PCS'ing back home to Texas for good. Tentatively. But who knows what is going to happen - you can never ink in plans with the military!

4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I really want to take Marshall to Hawaii for a vacation one day. I went with family during my freshman year of college, and we were dating then, so you can imagine how jealous he was of that kind of a vacation! It was my high school graduation gift - a fun trip. Somewhere tropical, for sure - maybe even exotic, to an extent, like Cabo. We also would love to go to Australia if given the opportunity--- But it has to be somewhere warm!

5. What are three posts readers should not miss when reading your blog?

All about getting my new blog design: http://www.newsomsnestblog.com/2014/03/taking-plunge-its-live.html

Our love story! From the archives: http://www.newsomsnestblog.com/2013/05/our-love-story-so-far.html

Reminiscing on our first year in California http://www.newsomsnestblog.com/2014/02/socal-year-one.html

You kind find Katherine on Bloglovin', Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram