Media and Groceries

Kon ni chi wa!

 

Brandon is settling in his new city but not for long. When he wakes up in about four hours it will be Saturday and they are leaving for spring training. They will train somewhere on the island of Okinawa. Thursday they had to do some media interviews. I forgot to mention his first encounter with the media when he arrived at the airport. Yes they were there waiting for him. He was greeted with cameras and questions. Nothing like a warm welcome. Anyways the website has more photos from the day. These are two of the other American players on the team. The website is www.buffaloes.co.jp/ if you'd like to see more photos and read the interviews. It's a little bit tricky once translated but I think you can get the idea of what they are trying to say. I know it isn't Cardinal red but so far I'm loving the dark navy and gold. 

 

He also did a little grocery shopping. He only got what he knew how to fix because he can't read the Japanese directions. The loaf of bread has five slices and he said it's thick like Texas toast. Last night, Friday night for him, they went to a sports bar and had some pizzas. His only complaint about the food so far is that the portions are small. He had Subway his first day there and told me they only gave him half of a sandwich. From now on he will order two. His stories always make me laugh. Not because they are that funny, but just because he is learning to adjust to something completely new and it's fun for me.

 



New Digs

I present our new apartment. We landed a top floor corner apartment. Thank you to whoever set this up for us. It is amazing! If you remember our Memphis apartment and the roaches then you know I feel like this is a castle. Brandon took me on a virtual tour of our place and I am already in love with our new nest. The view isn't bad either. I can't tell you how thankful I am for this apartment - an answered prayer. This place is better than I imagined and we don't have to move throughout the season. Of course after seeing our new place I am ready to book my flight and go.

 

living room

 

 living room into dining room

 

master bedroom

 

kitchen

 

 

 guest room - hello visitors

 

morning view

 

corner view

 

What do you think? Who wants to come visit?

Small Town Kid

We hit the pillows around 12:30 a.m., set our alarms for two and half hours later and held on to each other as if we weren't going to see one another for years. As soon as my alarm went off I thought, please not yet, I'm not ready for him to go. He gathered his last few items shoved them into his luggage. I headed out the door first so I didn't have to witness him saying goodbye to our pup. I knew I would lose it. We rode silently to the airport holding hands. I had a lump in my throat and my stomach. I apparently had refused to acknowledge the idea that we were moving to Japan. I ignored the fact that he was getting on a plane without me and flying halfway around the world.

We talked little about a few things that didn't get taken care of before he left. All things that I can easily take care of for him. As we got closer and closer to the airport I couldn't help but feel more and more anxious. Where had this peace gone that I was so confident I had. He was going and I couldn't stop him. But I didn't want to, I just wanted to be going too. We hugged and exchanged looks. His said, "I love you please don't cry." Mine said, "I love you please don't go." Tears slowly streamed down my cheeks as I kicked myself for crying. This is just as hard on him don't make it harder. I wiped them away, smiled, and sent my handsome hubby on his way. I hate to see him go but I love to watch him walk away.

I drove home alone and it always amazes me the songs that play on the radio during certain times. Two in particular. First played Brad Paisley's Southern Comfort Zone. Although Brad is singing about Tennessee, substitute Alabama and this fits perfectly for Brandon.

Not everybody drives a truck, not everybody drinks sweet tea
Not everybody owns a gun, wears a ball cap boots and jeans
Not everybody goes to church or watches every NASCAR race
Not everybody knows the words to "Ring Of Fire" or "Amazing
Grace"

 

And I Miss my Tennessee home
But I can see the ways that I've grown
I can't see this world unless I go
Outside my Southern Comfort Zone

- Brad Paisley

 

Then I heard Thompson Square's If I Didn't Have You.  Basically saying this life would kill me if I didn't have you. True. It probably would. I can't tell how comfortable I feel when Brandon is around.  I'm so proud of him because I know that he took this job for more than just himself and baseball, but to provide for our family. How can I be sad or upset that he left? I can't. We mesh perfectly and I'm looking forward to meeting up with him in Japan as quickly as it can come! I miss that cowboy of mine.

 

 

 

 

Retired

This guy.

Every year he does some sort of speaking engagement.

It's not that he volunteers for them, the situations just come up.

Friday he was honored by his high school as they retired his senior baseball number.

As they spoke of Brandon, his character and achievements

I found myself beaming with pride.

I wonder how I ended up with such a great guy.

I wish you all could know him because he is truly one of a kind. 

 

 

 

At Peace

 

 

Our relationship has always had the element of distance play a role. When we first started dating we lived in different cities ten hours apart. The day before he would leave from a visit I would get really sad and not be fun to be around. All I could focus on was that he was leaving me the next day. Then the day of I would cry. It was the I don't want to live without you cry. I realize now this may have been a bit dramatic.

The following season we were only five hours apart with visits about every other weekend. The same for the following year. Some visits would end with me leaving sad and in tears but for the majority I tried to avoid being Debbie downer. Once we got married the distance was still there but it occurred just about every other week for seven to ten days. Distance has been at bay for the last few months but soon distance will have found it's measly little way back into our life.

We have spent the last four months almost inseparable except for a few hunting trips here and there. We have bonded and become closer than I feel we have ever been. Naturally you would think it to be really hard to say goodbye for six or seven weeks but I have this peace about it.

As we moved home in September pretty defeated about the previous season, we were uncertain as to where a job would take us. A new place to live. New teammates and wives to meet. A different life to settle into. It would be a new city to explore and of course a great new chapter to write in the story of our life. I just hadn't thought that it would be such a foreign place. Yet again I have peace about it.

If you came over to our house right now I'd be slightly embarrassed, not because all of the camouflage decor but the fact that it's undone and I feel like I've been cleaning and organizing since we got here. Remember the ant infestation of 2012. Ugh. It's hard to dedicate our 'off season' to big projects around the house. We want to enjoy things like movie dates, vacation, traveling, and lazy mornings like most people do all year round. So we have started lots of those big projects they just have yet to be completed at this point.

We are still very settled in. Cozy in our home. Our pantry is stocked and a fresh batch of cookies made. It seems as if no one is going anywhere anytime soon. I know different, but that isn't my focus. We are enjoying each day and the little preparations leading up to this adventure. I'm not stressed or worried about making sure everything is perfect and ready for Brandon's departure. Little by little the last month we have been prepping and guess what? I feel at peace about it.

This is completely out of nature for me. I tend to focus on what is being left behind. I dread when certain times in our life pass and I resist new changes. But this time I am confident that our new adventure will leave us changed forever with a stronger marriage and relationship. Not only do I have peace with the whole change, I am excited for the change.

Shoe Staples for Travel

Shoe Staples by lauren
 

I've already started thinking of what to pack on this seven month trip. Thanks to Polyvore something that I am brand new to, but loving, I created this sampling of footwear. I want to pack light on the way there because I have a tendency to shop like most women. I have also heard through the rumor mill that maybe, just maybe there is great shopping in Japan. I was thinking five pairs of shoes. A flat, sandal, wedge sandal, athletic shoe, and a pair of everyday flip flops.

 

Do you think I'll be safe sticking with neutrals?

Is there an everyday sandal you recommend?

How about another type of everyday shoe?   

 

I'd love to hear what shoes YOU would take on a seven month trip to Japan.

By the River

I'm a lover of black and white photos. Especially of our pup Tag. He has grown so big since we picked him up in September. His personality has also started to blossom. We took him down to the river last week and he loved exploring. I also snapped some other photos while we were there. We miss out going to the river during the summer months but one day we will be able to do these things.

 



 

Mani Monday

While I know you didn't come here to learn how to paint your nails pretty or even to look at pictures of my nails painted pretty, you're here. I have no other highlights to share with you. I also know that posts will soon be more exciting. They will be filled with stories of luggage successfully making it around the world, our new digs, and awesome pictures from a brand new culture. Just consider this the boring calm before the storm.

 

Lately in the evenings I've been trying to enjoy being at Brandon's side instead of hiding in my sewing cave. I will have time for that and may already have projects planned for when he leaves. It's pretty hard for me to sit still and just watch TV/movies/reruns/football so when I'm not folding laundry or multi tasking with other household chores, I bust out the polish and paint. A lot. Because I love to and I can.

 

This is my latest favorite twist on a French manicure. For the base I used Marshmallow and then for the dotted tips I used my favorite mani trick + Good as Gold. They remind me a little of gold banded china. Fancy right?

 

Of course I've seen ombre nails online several places but never had the right gradient of any one color. I was looking through my collection when I realized I finally had enough to do a pink version of the ombre nails. How convenient leading up to Valentines Day.  From left to right I used Fiesta, Mod Square, Lovie Dovie, French Affair, and on my thumb not shown is Ballet Slippers.

 

There you have it. Sorry folks. It was this or more pictures of my dog.

 

Lauren

 

 

Friday's Letters 1.11.13

Dear Brandon,

In just a few short days you'll be boarding a plane to JAPAN! I can't believe the time has come so quickly. I know that we still have a lot to do before you go and I hope to be able to help you in any way I can. I loved suit shopping with you. You looked smoking hot - true story. Oh and..I'm really sorry my whole iced coffee spilt in your truck and in your lap yesterday.

 

Dear Tag Man,

Your schedule is about to change buddy. I don't want to say it out loud but... it's looking like you will not be venturing overseas with us. It breaks my heart. Each time we snuggle I try to capture the memory for later on this summer when I am dying to see your furry face. You're living arrangements have yet to be made.

 

 

 

Dear Passport,

You're making my life crazy. First, I couldn't find you. Then, I forgot to sign you. Please, please don't prevent me from making the journey of a lifetime when the time comes.

 

Dear Clarisonic,

I have only had you a few days but I do believe you were worth spending ALL my Christmas money on. It's like visiting a spa every morning and night.

 

Dear ER,

You are by far the worst place I have ever tried to take a nap. Thankfully everything came back okay and Brandon's Grandmother is doing fine. It turns out to be pleurisy that hopefully won't come back anytime soon.  

 

 

 

Dear Sister,

I'm glad you kept me company via text while I was waiting at the hospital. I looooved our chat. I will miss texting while gone but that's what gchat is for.

 

Dear baby boy I used to babysit,

I can't wait to spend time with you again when Brandon heads to Japan. I have some exciting things planned for you and your sister. I found this photo yesterday and it had me laughing out loud.

 

 

 

Dear last weekend before Brandon leaves,

Please don't fly by. Thanks.

 

Happy Weekend Everyone!

 

Lauren

Fridays Letter Link UP @ The Sweet Season



cleaning has perks

I got the bright idea that Mondays aren't tough enough on their own. Which is why I decided to tackle the mess we call our spare bedroom. You know it's bad when you can't even walk in the door. Thankfully we have a door and we've kept it shut. Problem temporarily solved.

 

I trashed a lot of clutter today but came across several gems. I found the journal I started writing when Brandon and I first started talking. Apparently he made me have all kinds of thoughts I couldn't handle in my head so I spilled them all over the pages of a journal. It is so great to have because I really fell hard for this man and at the time had no clue how it was going to end. A lot of it was written during our long distance time together and it just reassured me that the five weeks we are about to be away from each other will pass and we will survive. In fact I think I need to start writing a journal again because reading back personal thoughts years later is so fun. Plus you get to see what you were worried or thinking about  and how it has played out. Even though I thought it before I documented it, I wrote I wanted to marry him just seven days after the first night we hung out. I guess it's true when they say, "When you know, you just know."

 

And then... there is this gem. A birthday card from Brandon and it pretty much sums up his sense of humor. Now I just have to find the perfect frame for it. I love this silly man of mine.

 

Lauren

a little nail he{art}

I painted my nails with a fun pretty pink,

then after awhile I started to think.

It'd be really cute, it'd be really smart,

If I added a tiny, white little heart.

 

 polish // Essie // mod square

 

quick tip** I use the embossing stylus I stole from my craft supplies to add different designs to my nails. I feel like a genius but I'm sure I'm not the first to think of it. The metal tips make it easier to clean than a brush. Dip your polish brush, use the stylus to grab the 'big goop' that drips off. Use the sides of the bottle to get the right amount of polish you want on the stylus. Apply to nail in whatever design you wish. You can practice first on scrap paper or scotch tape to get the feel for it. It looks like this and can be found at most craft stores. Let me know if you try it. I'd love to see what you come up with. 

 

Lauren

Being Intentional

I really, really, like my sleep. And I know that when kids come along, I will still really like it. I just won't have the choice if I get it, much less when. It might get ugly.

 

In the first four days of the new year, I've  managed to roll out of bed before 9:30. I know, I know...that's NOT early at all. But for me it is. I'm used to 11, 12, some days 1 P.M. Go ahead and judge, make jokes. Trust me, you will not be the first or probably the last. Call me lazy, I already beat you to it.

 

I don't have a job. I'm not in school. I rarely have to cook dinner because we eat with Brandon's family the majority of the time. Brandon works out four days a week and is usually gone four hours in the morning. That leaves me with cleaning and laundry duties as well as caring for our pup and playing with him throughout the day.

 

I also have time to sew new projects I've been eyeing. Or scour the internet/waste time on my phone. Then I stay up really late. I go to bed after Brandon has been out for a few hours and repeat again.

 

I often wake with a headache that I know is from too much sleep. It has wore on me and I am tired (pun intended) of my lazy habits.

 

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I didn't do things that needed to be done around the house. I keep it clean, did the dishes, laundry, and grocery shopped/ran errands. I just never went above and beyond to make my life, or my husbands easier. I didn't make sure that we were on the same page maximizing our time together this off season. Here it is almost gone. Enter major wife guilt. It's a real thing and it sucks. I'm not bringing that with me into the new year.

 

So why wait to change my bad habit for our new adventure. I don't want my time now or in Japan to be spent catching up on Zzz's. I have stock piled so many the last few months I should be good to go. We have only a few more weeks here at home together and I want to enjoy it as much as possible. I can't do that when my head is pounding and I feel physically ill. I surely can't do that when I get up after half the day is already gone.

 

In only four days I feel like I have made huge strides in fixing this terrible habit I created. I have cooked a little extra, slipped in a few workouts and was showered and ready before he even came home from his workout. Seriously a big deal. Then we could ride together for his eye doctor appointment while I grocery shopped.

 

I discovered the key is to be intentional with my time. I know that I have the power to change and I'm going to do just that, and I'll let you know how it continues to go. Hopefully great because I feel happier and healthier already.

 

Lauren

 

new stuff

It is clear, if you've been following along, that I like to change up the look and name around here. By the number of people who have asked specifically if I will be blogging our Japanese adventures, it seemed appropriate for another change. I'm sorry if this is confusing for you but I hope you'll stick around.

Brandon got some baseballs in the mail from his new team. They use a slightly different ball there. It's more sticky. Yay for fun facts. Now he has something to practice with. I can't believe how quick the days seem to pass. The 22nd is going to be here before we are ready.

Lauren

2013 - New Beginnings

 

Happy New Year from us!

 

We had a low key new year with shrimp creole and some apple dumplings. We could barely stay awake for the new year but we did and then sealed it with a kiss.

 

Remember that Christmas package from Hoteiosho, well we put them to use last night. Well actually, we faked it for the picture because I wasn't ready to start trying all these new things at once. I am not a seafood person so for me to really like the shrimp creole my mom prepared came as a shock for all of us.

 

I don't have a word or even any resolutions for the new year. But I hope I really embrace all the change and stay open minded to new things coming our way.

 

Lauren