One of the harder things to deal with as a military spouse is time apart. It is a reality of life for those of us married to a man or woman in uniform. If you are lucky, your spouse is on shore duty, but other than a few special rates, the time will come where they are on sea duty or deployed out. Sometimes you may only have to spend a week apart, other times it may be a year or more. No time apart is fun or welcomed but it is necessary to develop healthy coping mechanisms sooner than later. It is easy to let deployments come between a marriage and if the two people in the relationship are not careful a lot of bad stuff (ie cheating) can happen. I have heard many a horror story about a husband that goes off to sea only to find out that his wife has befriended a sailor or what have you. The opposite is also true. "Port rats" (the tramps who wait at the pier for the sailors to get in and are there for a good time) are very real and are always ready and waiting.
Some things I would advise as a spouse is to find a support group and make friends. I know especially during the first few times your husband leaves, its hard to find the motivation to get out and do things that might be fun. Believe me, you need to. Find other wives from your husbands command because they are in the loop with what is going on with his ship and you will have things in common with them.
Find a hobby. Whether you are living in the states or abroad, all bases have clubs and activities planned. Look up your bases MWR on facebook. Most are really good about listing events that are coming up. Go even if you go by yourself. Be willing to talk to those other women that are there. You will kill two birds with one stone, hobby and friends.
If you can, visit home. If your husband is going to be gone for a long period of time why not take a trip to see your family. Make sure if you are living in base housing to talk to the housing office about their rules for how long you can be gone before you forfeit your housing.
Make plans. Ask neighbors and friends over for a BBQ. Find people to celebrate a holiday with. Making plans will give you something to look forward to.
Take time to write your husband. I normally write my husband at least once a day on facebook or his email. It is normally about the hum drum stuff of the day but it makes me feel more connected to him. Tell him how much you love him. Send him pictures. Put together a care package. Have him get a phone card so when he is in port he can call.
If you are really lucky, meet your husband in port. There are many safe ports that sailors visit. Make up a code of some sort so you know when he will be there. Make sure its a really good code. If you know where he is and when you can always fly there and have some time together. Make sure he oks with his ship to be with you BEFORE you get there.
My biggest advice, don't get too close to another sailor. The intentions may be good, just friends. The chances are that you are both lonely and stupid things can happen when people get lonely. Don't be dumb. Stay true to your sailor.
For any questions and or comments, email me a navywifeinjapan@gmail.com
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Things never to say to a military wife
There are a lot things that people say that are beyond irritating. I am sure that its true or close to true with any military wife. Here are some things I would recommend a non military family person not ask or say.
"Oh my gosh, I miss my husband so much. He has been gone two days and isn't coming home for three more days." This one to me almost always has one of two effects. I either get upset or laugh. Anytime apart that is less than a month is what I consider short. I really don't even think of it or make a big deal of it anymore. So a little five day stint apart to me is nothing to be crying over.
"I never see my husband." If you mean you never see your husband because he works an 8 hour/day job all I can say is boo hoo. Most people in the military have to be on base and at work by 6:00am so with travel time most leave during the five o'clock hour. Most days these guys don't get home til 6:00pm on a good day. There have been more days for us that my husband has come home closer to 9:00pm or not at all at the last minute.
"Aren't you bored?" Stupid question. Of course we are bored. A lot times wives have a hard time getting jobs because of how long they will be in the area. In two of the three places we have lived in the last couple of years I was told by people that they wouldn't hire me because of how quickly I would be moving. <----Totally understandable but it still sucks.
"Where is your husband at?" If I haven't told you then its one of two things; either A, I can't tell you or B, I have no clue where he is at.
"Don't you miss your family?" Do you really need to ask? Yes, of course I miss my family.
All I am trying to get across with this post is that life can be hard for a military wife and it only makes it harder when people ask certain questions without thinking. I understand that for some people five days or even one day apart can be hard but honestly it is hard for me to find empathy for you if you make a big deal out of it. I try not to take offense to things said in peoples statuses on facebook because they aren't said to me directly. When they are though I kind of just have to roll my eyes.
"Oh my gosh, I miss my husband so much. He has been gone two days and isn't coming home for three more days." This one to me almost always has one of two effects. I either get upset or laugh. Anytime apart that is less than a month is what I consider short. I really don't even think of it or make a big deal of it anymore. So a little five day stint apart to me is nothing to be crying over.
"I never see my husband." If you mean you never see your husband because he works an 8 hour/day job all I can say is boo hoo. Most people in the military have to be on base and at work by 6:00am so with travel time most leave during the five o'clock hour. Most days these guys don't get home til 6:00pm on a good day. There have been more days for us that my husband has come home closer to 9:00pm or not at all at the last minute.
"Aren't you bored?" Stupid question. Of course we are bored. A lot times wives have a hard time getting jobs because of how long they will be in the area. In two of the three places we have lived in the last couple of years I was told by people that they wouldn't hire me because of how quickly I would be moving. <----Totally understandable but it still sucks.
"Where is your husband at?" If I haven't told you then its one of two things; either A, I can't tell you or B, I have no clue where he is at.
"Don't you miss your family?" Do you really need to ask? Yes, of course I miss my family.
All I am trying to get across with this post is that life can be hard for a military wife and it only makes it harder when people ask certain questions without thinking. I understand that for some people five days or even one day apart can be hard but honestly it is hard for me to find empathy for you if you make a big deal out of it. I try not to take offense to things said in peoples statuses on facebook because they aren't said to me directly. When they are though I kind of just have to roll my eyes.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
So your husband wants to join the Navy...
Boy do I have some words of advice for you. I have had a few girls write or talk to me about their husbands plans on joining the Navy. I am going to be straight with you right now...I wouldn't advocate any family going in. The military is GREAT for single guys and girls. The military has some GREAT benefits. The military is stable. The military is a pain in the you know what.
I met my now husband two weeks after he signed his contract to go into the Navy. I had no idea what I was getting into and to be honest, neither did he. I love my husband dearly and I would still marry him even now knowing how tough life in the military would be but if I could change the fact that he was going to join I would. I am going to try to be as unbiased as I can be, but here are some of my pros and cons to think about if you find yourself in this situation.
PROS
Your housing costs will be covered. This is awesome because whether you decide on military housing (another story all on its own) or to live off base, you will not have to pay for it. If you live out in town you will get money to cover your utilities up to a limit.
Your husband will receive the GI bill. Great for when you would like to buy a house or if he would like to go back to school.
Traveling is great and you might get to see some of the world with your husband. Even if you do not get stationed abroad you will have what they call "Space A(valiable) Flights" open to you. If your husband is on leave or gone for at least 90 days you can travel anywhere in the world that has a military flight open. The only catch is it is all stand by.
Stability is huge. Your family will receive a paycheck every two weeks and he will have a job as long as his contract is good for. Other than a few small instances, those two things are secure.
Medical benefits. This is what gets a lot of people. The military health care system is pretty awesome. For example, to have a baby you will only pay about $25.00 out of pocket. Nice compared to some people who have to pay around $10,000.
These are the major pros for me.
CONS
The military owns your husband. This was super tough for me to get used to. It really doesn't matter if something is going on that you might need your husband for i.e. funerals, advice, births, weddings, just to be around. If the military needs him, too bad so sad, cause guess who isn't going to make it. This can add major stress on a marriage if the spouse cannot handle it. You may come first in his heart but in a lot of ways he is obligated to put the military first.
You will not know what is going on a lot of the times. Depending on your husbands job and security clearance you may be left in the dark a lot. You may not know where he is in the entire world, what his assignment is or what he did on his last mission. You cannot need to know everything. He cannot tell you everything.
Where you live is not your choice. His recruiter may have told him that he will get a choice as to where you two end up...lies. Believe me, this isn't true. You may get lucky and end up in Hawaii or wherever it is you want to go. But for the most part it is luck.
His recruiter will lie to him. Everything that he says that is not written in his contract doesn't have any grounds in the future. For example, he was told he would receive his signing bonus after boot camp. We got it nearly three years later. Make sure it is all in the contract and that you see it with your own eyes.
Depending on his command, your husband can be gone for a year at a time. If he is sent to a war zone be prepared for a long separation. If he is on a carrier, nine months is a normal time to be sent to sea.
Long lengths of time away from family is unavoidable. Sure, your family is just a flight away, but believe me, with the money you get from the military, those flights will be few and far between.
Your paycheck does not go up if you have kids. Everyone is always surprised on this one. Nope, you get to make it work with the money you were already getting.
I really hope that these pros and cons help you and your family make the choice as to whether or not the military is right for you. These are just some of the main points but I have a ton of other things I can say on this topic. If you have any question or want to know more, my email is navywifeinjapan@gmail.com
I met my now husband two weeks after he signed his contract to go into the Navy. I had no idea what I was getting into and to be honest, neither did he. I love my husband dearly and I would still marry him even now knowing how tough life in the military would be but if I could change the fact that he was going to join I would. I am going to try to be as unbiased as I can be, but here are some of my pros and cons to think about if you find yourself in this situation.
PROS
Your housing costs will be covered. This is awesome because whether you decide on military housing (another story all on its own) or to live off base, you will not have to pay for it. If you live out in town you will get money to cover your utilities up to a limit.
Your husband will receive the GI bill. Great for when you would like to buy a house or if he would like to go back to school.
Traveling is great and you might get to see some of the world with your husband. Even if you do not get stationed abroad you will have what they call "Space A(valiable) Flights" open to you. If your husband is on leave or gone for at least 90 days you can travel anywhere in the world that has a military flight open. The only catch is it is all stand by.
Stability is huge. Your family will receive a paycheck every two weeks and he will have a job as long as his contract is good for. Other than a few small instances, those two things are secure.
Medical benefits. This is what gets a lot of people. The military health care system is pretty awesome. For example, to have a baby you will only pay about $25.00 out of pocket. Nice compared to some people who have to pay around $10,000.
These are the major pros for me.
CONS
The military owns your husband. This was super tough for me to get used to. It really doesn't matter if something is going on that you might need your husband for i.e. funerals, advice, births, weddings, just to be around. If the military needs him, too bad so sad, cause guess who isn't going to make it. This can add major stress on a marriage if the spouse cannot handle it. You may come first in his heart but in a lot of ways he is obligated to put the military first.
You will not know what is going on a lot of the times. Depending on your husbands job and security clearance you may be left in the dark a lot. You may not know where he is in the entire world, what his assignment is or what he did on his last mission. You cannot need to know everything. He cannot tell you everything.
Where you live is not your choice. His recruiter may have told him that he will get a choice as to where you two end up...lies. Believe me, this isn't true. You may get lucky and end up in Hawaii or wherever it is you want to go. But for the most part it is luck.
His recruiter will lie to him. Everything that he says that is not written in his contract doesn't have any grounds in the future. For example, he was told he would receive his signing bonus after boot camp. We got it nearly three years later. Make sure it is all in the contract and that you see it with your own eyes.
Depending on his command, your husband can be gone for a year at a time. If he is sent to a war zone be prepared for a long separation. If he is on a carrier, nine months is a normal time to be sent to sea.
Long lengths of time away from family is unavoidable. Sure, your family is just a flight away, but believe me, with the money you get from the military, those flights will be few and far between.
Your paycheck does not go up if you have kids. Everyone is always surprised on this one. Nope, you get to make it work with the money you were already getting.
I really hope that these pros and cons help you and your family make the choice as to whether or not the military is right for you. These are just some of the main points but I have a ton of other things I can say on this topic. If you have any question or want to know more, my email is navywifeinjapan@gmail.com
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tips on Japan from a Navy wife
A lot of times I am asked what tips I have for people that will be going to Japan soon. There are so many things I can think of and some I have written about before but the following are my top tips.
1. Learn some Japanese before you go. There are plenty of programs available at reasonable prices that will get you all the basics and then some. Big words to know right a way are: thank you, good morning, good afternoon, good evening, excuse me, sorry, navy base, where is the train?, and can you help me? If you can master these before you go you will feel more confident going out into town. The people appreciate an American who took the time to learn some Japanese and will be more willing to help you out.
2. If you are planning on staying in base housing, bring all your electronics. They will work just fine. They may not work as efficiently as they did in America but they will work.
3. When deciding on housing, really take in all the factors. Off base housing allows you to be more involved in the Japanese society. Housing is smaller and there are a lot more rules. Some of those rules are no loud noises, no BBQs on balconies (in most places people hang their laundry on the balcony and they don't want it to smell like steak), and recycling is mandatory and you will get a fine if you don't do it. On base housing is larger, has American outlets, but you are never really getting away from base life. It can get old a little quick.
4. When it comes to pets, I will always encourage people not to bring them. It is an extremely timely and expensive process to get you dog or cat approved. Also, once on the plane they might have to fly in luggage which isn't the safest place for them. Plus if there ever is an emergency situation again when an evacuation takes place, you will have to leave your animal behind if you choose to evacuate.
5. Yen is not monopoly money. It is really easy to pull out 10000 yen and think you are only spending 100 dollars. Depending on the daily rate you could be spending as much as $130. Do it a couple of times and it really adds up. I have heard of plently of people on ships that go crazy out in town on pay day and are broke the next day. Be wise with your money. One reason you or your family were allowed to go to Japan is because you looked finacially responsible enough to handle it.
Hopefully these tips help you out if you are planning on moving to Japan soon. Most of all remember that Japan is an amazing country with so much to offer. Be wise and you will love your time you spend there.
1. Learn some Japanese before you go. There are plenty of programs available at reasonable prices that will get you all the basics and then some. Big words to know right a way are: thank you, good morning, good afternoon, good evening, excuse me, sorry, navy base, where is the train?, and can you help me? If you can master these before you go you will feel more confident going out into town. The people appreciate an American who took the time to learn some Japanese and will be more willing to help you out.
2. If you are planning on staying in base housing, bring all your electronics. They will work just fine. They may not work as efficiently as they did in America but they will work.
3. When deciding on housing, really take in all the factors. Off base housing allows you to be more involved in the Japanese society. Housing is smaller and there are a lot more rules. Some of those rules are no loud noises, no BBQs on balconies (in most places people hang their laundry on the balcony and they don't want it to smell like steak), and recycling is mandatory and you will get a fine if you don't do it. On base housing is larger, has American outlets, but you are never really getting away from base life. It can get old a little quick.
4. When it comes to pets, I will always encourage people not to bring them. It is an extremely timely and expensive process to get you dog or cat approved. Also, once on the plane they might have to fly in luggage which isn't the safest place for them. Plus if there ever is an emergency situation again when an evacuation takes place, you will have to leave your animal behind if you choose to evacuate.
5. Yen is not monopoly money. It is really easy to pull out 10000 yen and think you are only spending 100 dollars. Depending on the daily rate you could be spending as much as $130. Do it a couple of times and it really adds up. I have heard of plently of people on ships that go crazy out in town on pay day and are broke the next day. Be wise with your money. One reason you or your family were allowed to go to Japan is because you looked finacially responsible enough to handle it.
Hopefully these tips help you out if you are planning on moving to Japan soon. Most of all remember that Japan is an amazing country with so much to offer. Be wise and you will love your time you spend there.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Up to the minute updates
For all those interested in what is going on in Japan, the Stars and Stripes has an up to the minute play by play of what is happening with this disaster. Please use this information in correlation with what you are receiving from your chain of command.
http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/earthquake-disaster-in-japan/up-to-the-minute-1.138447#
http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/earthquake-disaster-in-japan/up-to-the-minute-1.138447#
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
To Stay or Go
Its been five days since the massive earthquake and really in some ways it feels like it hasn't stopped since then. Just last night there was a 6.0 aftershock centered in Tokyo that gave us a really swift jolt. There is still steady shaking and conditions here are deteriorating, even if it is slower than up north. Radiation was detected by the USS George Washington yesterday (the carrier in Yokosuka) and we were advised to stay in doors and to close all windows and doors. They told us that the level was not high enough to cause us harm but enough to be cautious. It has been reported by many sources on the news and Internet that food and water are running low in the city and surrounding areas of Tokyo. Gas is sold out on the base and many gas stations out in town are as well.
Many families are sending their dependents home to the states. Although no evacuation has been ordered, many feel it is wise to leave before it gets to that point. Right now we are not in immediate danger, but we are living in fear of the unknown.
Ships have evacuation systems to protect those who serve upon them. If something was to happen they can easily pull out to sea and go to a safer area. Those of us on land would have to deal with the radiation, earthquake, tsunami or what not as best as we could and as best as they could help us. One good thing to keep in mind is that the base IS prepared for disasters. They can and will help you with what they can. If you or your family is coming here or already here I urge you to stock up on bottled water, non perishable food, first aid supplies and invest in a hand cranked radio and flashlights.
My husband, my family and I decided it would be best if I went home and stayed there until I delivered our twins in the summer. Radiation is most harmful to pregnant women and their unborn child. Hopefully conditions will improve here enough that I can return back in the fall. My heart breaks for Japan. I have really come to love this country and I am truly sad to be leaving.
Many families are sending their dependents home to the states. Although no evacuation has been ordered, many feel it is wise to leave before it gets to that point. Right now we are not in immediate danger, but we are living in fear of the unknown.
Ships have evacuation systems to protect those who serve upon them. If something was to happen they can easily pull out to sea and go to a safer area. Those of us on land would have to deal with the radiation, earthquake, tsunami or what not as best as we could and as best as they could help us. One good thing to keep in mind is that the base IS prepared for disasters. They can and will help you with what they can. If you or your family is coming here or already here I urge you to stock up on bottled water, non perishable food, first aid supplies and invest in a hand cranked radio and flashlights.
My husband, my family and I decided it would be best if I went home and stayed there until I delivered our twins in the summer. Radiation is most harmful to pregnant women and their unborn child. Hopefully conditions will improve here enough that I can return back in the fall. My heart breaks for Japan. I have really come to love this country and I am truly sad to be leaving.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Earthquake Q&A
I have had a lot of people ask me questions about this whole fiasco and although I really don't have many answers, here are the answers I do have. For any other questions you may have, you should look to CNN or other news outlets that you normally watch.
Q: How far away are you from the epicenter and the nuclear plant?
A: We live in a city outside of Yokohama Japan and we are about 160 miles from the plant and 200 miles from the epicenter.
Q: Could you really feel the earthquake even though it was so far away?
A: (the only annoying question) YES! If California was getting tsunami waves from this earthquake you better believe we felt it here 200 miles away. At the epicenter it was a 9.0, here it was a 7.5. That was followed by two other 7.0 range after shocks.
Q: Did your area receive much damage?
A: No, other than items falling down, there was no damage in my area. I have not been out in the city since the quake but from what I can tell everything is OK.
Q: Are there still aftershocks?
A: Yes. On the day of the earthquake we were almost constantly having aftershocks with about a dozen over the 6.0 magnitude. Many of the aftershocks we are now feeling are around a 3-4 range. I would guesstimate that we get one every 4-5 hours.
Q: Are we being evacuated?
A: No. Right now we are not in immediate danger from radiation, tsunami or the volcano (in southern Japan).
Q: Did the tsunami reach your area?
A: No. We are next to Tokyo bay which has zigzag barriers set up through out the harbor to help break up the wave. So although a tsunami could hit us, it is far less likely.
Q: Do you have food and water available to you and the people in your area?
A: Yes, our area has plenty of food and water. Being part of a military family has benefits of knowing that if a food shortage or water shortage was to happen, they could help us rather quickly. So far we have not had any need for help from an outside source.
Q: Will the radiation fumes come to your area?
A: Right now it looks unlikely. The winds have luckily been blowing out to sea.
Thank you everyone for your concern, thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way. We truly do appreciate it.
Q: How far away are you from the epicenter and the nuclear plant?
A: We live in a city outside of Yokohama Japan and we are about 160 miles from the plant and 200 miles from the epicenter.
Q: Could you really feel the earthquake even though it was so far away?
A: (the only annoying question) YES! If California was getting tsunami waves from this earthquake you better believe we felt it here 200 miles away. At the epicenter it was a 9.0, here it was a 7.5. That was followed by two other 7.0 range after shocks.
Q: Did your area receive much damage?
A: No, other than items falling down, there was no damage in my area. I have not been out in the city since the quake but from what I can tell everything is OK.
Q: Are there still aftershocks?
A: Yes. On the day of the earthquake we were almost constantly having aftershocks with about a dozen over the 6.0 magnitude. Many of the aftershocks we are now feeling are around a 3-4 range. I would guesstimate that we get one every 4-5 hours.
Q: Are we being evacuated?
A: No. Right now we are not in immediate danger from radiation, tsunami or the volcano (in southern Japan).
Q: Did the tsunami reach your area?
A: No. We are next to Tokyo bay which has zigzag barriers set up through out the harbor to help break up the wave. So although a tsunami could hit us, it is far less likely.
Q: Do you have food and water available to you and the people in your area?
A: Yes, our area has plenty of food and water. Being part of a military family has benefits of knowing that if a food shortage or water shortage was to happen, they could help us rather quickly. So far we have not had any need for help from an outside source.
Q: Will the radiation fumes come to your area?
A: Right now it looks unlikely. The winds have luckily been blowing out to sea.
Thank you everyone for your concern, thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way. We truly do appreciate it.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Japan's Worst Earthquake Ever
Yesterday my husband and I were here to witness history as Japan experienced what is being said as its worst earthquake in recorded history. This is thought to be even larger than the earthquake in 1717 that later caused Mount Fuji to erupt.
At 2:45 pm on Friday afternoon Brett and I were recovering from my night in the hospital. I had been hospitalized the day previously for severe abdominal pain in my right side that turned out to be kidney stone. Brett was allowed to stay home with me after I was released on Friday due to the large amounts of medications that I was on. After we got home around noon, Brett helped to get me comfortable and at the time of the earthquake we were laying down for a nap in our room. The shaking started and I woke immediately. I woke Brett up and both of us knew that this was a huge earthquake. We put our shoes and jackets on and headed down the stairs to the outdoor playground outside our building where others were gathering. During the next couple hours earthquakes were almost constant and the first major 8.9 earthquake was soon followed up by a two 7.0 range earthquakes. We decided to return to our apartment to collect our documentation and some supplies and decided to wait until word came for what we were to do. About an hour and a half later one of the military police came to us and told us that we were to expect many more earthquakes throughout the day but it was safe to return to our apartments. When we re-entered our apartment we found that many of our pictures had fallen and some other items had also been thrown about. We took as many precautions as we could in our powerless home. We took down the remaining pictures, filled the bathtub, and packed a better bag to take with us if the need arose. Then we waited. Earthquakes were literally every few minutes and although none we nearly as strong as the first three, they were nonetheless scary. As of now, we are still experiencing some shaking. As I type there is another earthquake.
Brett is off to work today and unsure what the day will hold for him. There is no word on what the plans are for us as Americans here in Japan. We are safe but shaken. I just pray that it does not get worse than it already is. Keep us and those who are experiencing so much worse than us in your thoughts and prayers.
At 2:45 pm on Friday afternoon Brett and I were recovering from my night in the hospital. I had been hospitalized the day previously for severe abdominal pain in my right side that turned out to be kidney stone. Brett was allowed to stay home with me after I was released on Friday due to the large amounts of medications that I was on. After we got home around noon, Brett helped to get me comfortable and at the time of the earthquake we were laying down for a nap in our room. The shaking started and I woke immediately. I woke Brett up and both of us knew that this was a huge earthquake. We put our shoes and jackets on and headed down the stairs to the outdoor playground outside our building where others were gathering. During the next couple hours earthquakes were almost constant and the first major 8.9 earthquake was soon followed up by a two 7.0 range earthquakes. We decided to return to our apartment to collect our documentation and some supplies and decided to wait until word came for what we were to do. About an hour and a half later one of the military police came to us and told us that we were to expect many more earthquakes throughout the day but it was safe to return to our apartments. When we re-entered our apartment we found that many of our pictures had fallen and some other items had also been thrown about. We took as many precautions as we could in our powerless home. We took down the remaining pictures, filled the bathtub, and packed a better bag to take with us if the need arose. Then we waited. Earthquakes were literally every few minutes and although none we nearly as strong as the first three, they were nonetheless scary. As of now, we are still experiencing some shaking. As I type there is another earthquake.
Brett is off to work today and unsure what the day will hold for him. There is no word on what the plans are for us as Americans here in Japan. We are safe but shaken. I just pray that it does not get worse than it already is. Keep us and those who are experiencing so much worse than us in your thoughts and prayers.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Japan Has Earthquakes
Click here for video about the March 9 quake in Japan
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/03/08/bpr.lah.japan.earthquake.cnn
If you did not know, yes there is a very active fault line that effects Japan pretty regularly. Today I got the chance to experience my first earthquake here. It was small and mild here in the Ikego housing area but lasted around 30 seconds. At the epicenter it was a 7.2. That's big! I don't know about you, but I am not a fan. Growing up in Southern California I have dealt with my fair share of earthquakes and I know what damage they can do. In fact the Whittier earthquake in the late 80's actually got my house to slide down a hill. Are earthquakes scary...heck yes. But one good thing to know is that Japan, just like CA has done its preparation for the natural events. Hills are reinforced, buildings are retro fitted and they have a system in place to help those who need it. I would much rather live here in Japan or California, a place that works to be prepared, than somewhere else that is not.
So what can you do to prepare for a natural occurrence like this?
One of the best things you could do is pack a 72 hour kit for each person in your household. Click here for a link to a list of items you should consider including in your kit. One great thing about being a military family is that the military is prepared for these things to happen and will do their best to take care of you and your family. BUT keep in mind, if you leave it up to them to help you, you may be waiting a couple of days before they get to you. There are thousands of people on the base.
Know the Red Cross number and talk to them to find out what you can do. The Red Cross is how members of our families can get in touch with service members in times of emergency.
Think about having a food supply that can sustain your family until help is reached.
I know, all these tips are for the worse case scenario, but do you really want to be unprepared if that time ever does come? I know I don't, especially in a foreign land.
For any questions or comments please email me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/03/08/bpr.lah.japan.earthquake.cnn
If you did not know, yes there is a very active fault line that effects Japan pretty regularly. Today I got the chance to experience my first earthquake here. It was small and mild here in the Ikego housing area but lasted around 30 seconds. At the epicenter it was a 7.2. That's big! I don't know about you, but I am not a fan. Growing up in Southern California I have dealt with my fair share of earthquakes and I know what damage they can do. In fact the Whittier earthquake in the late 80's actually got my house to slide down a hill. Are earthquakes scary...heck yes. But one good thing to know is that Japan, just like CA has done its preparation for the natural events. Hills are reinforced, buildings are retro fitted and they have a system in place to help those who need it. I would much rather live here in Japan or California, a place that works to be prepared, than somewhere else that is not.
So what can you do to prepare for a natural occurrence like this?
One of the best things you could do is pack a 72 hour kit for each person in your household. Click here for a link to a list of items you should consider including in your kit. One great thing about being a military family is that the military is prepared for these things to happen and will do their best to take care of you and your family. BUT keep in mind, if you leave it up to them to help you, you may be waiting a couple of days before they get to you. There are thousands of people on the base.
Know the Red Cross number and talk to them to find out what you can do. The Red Cross is how members of our families can get in touch with service members in times of emergency.
Think about having a food supply that can sustain your family until help is reached.
I know, all these tips are for the worse case scenario, but do you really want to be unprepared if that time ever does come? I know I don't, especially in a foreign land.
For any questions or comments please email me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Loose Lips Sink Ships
What information would that be exactly? It really doesn't take much. A simple "I am so sad my husband is leaving in a few days" or, " (Sailors name Here) can't wait to port in (location)" on Facebook defiantly indicates ships movement. You may also think that because when a ship is leaving is pretty well known around base that its ok...wrong. It may be common knowledge to you but it actuality it is not. Remember most people do not know all the people on their Facebook list and if by some miracle you do, there is a good chance you haven't been in real contact with that person in some time. The point is, you don't know who is getting that information.
Talking to Family and Friends
Everyone needs support when a deployment is coming up but one of the worse things you could do is start letting people know ahead of time, even family and friends. Obviously they have our best interest at heart but you don't know who they might innocently talk to and leak that information that you just gave out. Keep in mind as well, phone lines, the internet and the mail are not secure means of communication. You may think you are having a private conversation but you never really know.
The Do's and Don'ts
-Don't announce plans ahead of time. This includes when the ship is leaving, coming back, where it is going, or even what your spouses leave dates are.
-Don't give any information over unsecured means of communication...so basically never.
-Do let people know if you would like AFTER the event has occurred. Once the ship is gone let people know that your sailor is out to sea. By then it is public knowledge because anyone that can see the harbor knows that the ship is gone.
-Do master the phrase, "I don't know." Most of the time this will be true, you really won't know what is going on with your sailor but in the times that you do, answer "I don't know" anyway.
-Do remember that a little bit of information given by you can be added up with information gathered from other people to paint a full picture.
-Don't forget that even though it would be easier to be able to tell ahead of time and get the support you need and want from family and friends, your sailors life is more important.
If you have any questions or comments please contact me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Few of the Extras in Your Paycheck
I know many people have concerns about money and moving to Japan, but if you have the right information it should make the transition much easier. Your money matters will change due to a PCS move here and for many it can be a really good thing. Here are somethings you and your family can look forward to coming into your bank account.
COLA
COLA, or Cost of Living Allowance, is a benefit to help offset the difference in living in a higher cost area. There are a few factors that determine what you are going to receive. Click here to find out what your COLA might be.
Here is a sample of what this worksheet looks like once all of your information is in.
PAY PERIOD: 1-16-2011 thru 1-31-2011
COLA Payment for Pay Period
Just type in your own information to see what you can expect. This money is added on to your base pay and can equal a pretty nice sum.
OHA
Similar to BAH (but with some differences), OHA is an allowance given to services members with families living outside of base housing. Here is a OHA calculator to help you determine what you can plan to revive here in Japan if you are not planning on staying in base housing. Here is an example with the same information that I used from the last one.
JAPAN Location: YOKOSUKA (KA) , Location Code: JA061 PAY PERIOD: 01-16-2011
For an E-5 with dependents, the Overseas Housings Allowances are as follows:
Wow, is that a lot of money? Heck ya it is, but keep in mind that the Navy isn't giving you all that money for nothing. Housing here out in town is very expensive. There are a lot more fees that you can expect to pay than you would in the states. Your utilities can really get up there too. Some people can really save a whole lot of money being smart with their OHA money. So if you choose wisely, you can too.
Beware of expecting too much of the money that you are getting. It is easy to think that there is no way you could run out of money each month with all that extra money on top of base pay. A lot of people leave here broke though and it is easy to do. Yen to dollar rates change everyday and the dollar is a lot weaker than the yen right now. Remember when you pull out 5000 yen, you are not pulling out $50.00. You are pulling out anywhere from $60-$70 depending on that moments exchange rate. If you were not a good saver in the states it can only get worse here when you are using currency that you are not familiar with so plan ahead! If you are great at saving, bravo. You will most likely be able to put away a lot of money while you are here.
If you set up a spending plan and workable budget before you get here based on what you think you will be getting, you will be better off and the transition will be a lot easier. If you have any questions or comments please email me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com. Thanks for reading.
COLA
COLA, or Cost of Living Allowance, is a benefit to help offset the difference in living in a higher cost area. There are a few factors that determine what you are going to receive. Click here to find out what your COLA might be.
Here is a sample of what this worksheet looks like once all of your information is in.
OVERSEAS COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE
|
COLA Payment for Pay Period
1-16-2011 thru 1-31-2011
| COLA: | $ 721.78 |
| UNIQUE: | $ 0 |
| __________ | |
| TOTAL PAY PERIOD ALLOWANCE: | $ 721.78 |
Just type in your own information to see what you can expect. This money is added on to your base pay and can equal a pretty nice sum.
OHA
Similar to BAH (but with some differences), OHA is an allowance given to services members with families living outside of base housing. Here is a OHA calculator to help you determine what you can plan to revive here in Japan if you are not planning on staying in base housing. Here is an example with the same information that I used from the last one.
Overseas Housing Allowances
For an E-5 with dependents, the Overseas Housings Allowances are as follows:
Effective: 20101001 | Local Currency | US DOLLARS |
|---|---|---|
| OHA Rental Allowance | 210000.00 YEN | $ 2618.13 |
| Utility/Recurring Maintenance Allowance | 95000.00 YEN | $ 1184.39 |
| Move-In-Housing Allowance (MIHA) | 68322.00 YEN | $ 851.79 |
Wow, is that a lot of money? Heck ya it is, but keep in mind that the Navy isn't giving you all that money for nothing. Housing here out in town is very expensive. There are a lot more fees that you can expect to pay than you would in the states. Your utilities can really get up there too. Some people can really save a whole lot of money being smart with their OHA money. So if you choose wisely, you can too.
Beware of expecting too much of the money that you are getting. It is easy to think that there is no way you could run out of money each month with all that extra money on top of base pay. A lot of people leave here broke though and it is easy to do. Yen to dollar rates change everyday and the dollar is a lot weaker than the yen right now. Remember when you pull out 5000 yen, you are not pulling out $50.00. You are pulling out anywhere from $60-$70 depending on that moments exchange rate. If you were not a good saver in the states it can only get worse here when you are using currency that you are not familiar with so plan ahead! If you are great at saving, bravo. You will most likely be able to put away a lot of money while you are here.
If you set up a spending plan and workable budget before you get here based on what you think you will be getting, you will be better off and the transition will be a lot easier. If you have any questions or comments please email me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com. Thanks for reading.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Yokosuka Ship Information Pages
All ships I am pretty sure have websites nowadays and it is a great way to get information about that ship. Here I have complied a list of the ships websites that are stationed here in Yokosuka.
USS Blue Ridge click here for information
USS George Washington click here for information
USS Cowpens click here for information
USS Shiloh click here for information
USS Curtis Wilbur click here for information
USS John S. McCain click here for information
USS Fitzgerald click here for information
USS Stethem click here for information
USS Lassen click here for information
USS McCampbell click here for information
USS Mustin click here for information
If you are looking to contact the ship, head over to their contact page for that information.
USS Blue Ridge click here for information
USS George Washington click here for information
USS Cowpens click here for information
USS Shiloh click here for information
USS Curtis Wilbur click here for information
USS John S. McCain click here for information
USS Fitzgerald click here for information
USS Stethem click here for information
USS Lassen click here for information
USS McCampbell click here for information
USS Mustin click here for information
If you are looking to contact the ship, head over to their contact page for that information.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Paperwork That Will Get You to Japan
I don't know anyone who enjoys paperwork, especially military paperwork, but if you want to come to Japan you better start loving it. Make sure that you know what day the orders say your sailor has to report by. He will most likely be leaving on this day no matter what. You, your kids and pets are another story. It is up to you to finish your paperwork in time to move with your husband or wife. There is a whole lot to do, so get started as soon as you can. The following things are what you need in order to be approved to live in Japan and be a part of the base.
Orders
Orders are what makes everything official. Before you have these its all just word of mouth and as a lot of people can tell you, if it isn't in writing then it doesn't exist. Orders can be pretty hard to read so if you are having trouble understanding them, head over to your PSD and ask them for help. You will be working with these people a lot in the coming months so get to know them. Make sure that those orders are accompanied!
Passport
A passport is the way that you travel from country to country. They will check your passport three to four times before you have even left America so believe me, you can't do with out this. You do have options though. You can apply for a no-fee passport at the passport office located on major bases. This no fee passport can only be used for traveling on official orders. Make sure that you and all of your dependents have one of their own. The other option is a regular passport. This will let you travel to other countries with or without orders and costs around $75 plus a processing fee in some places. If you would like, click here to complete and print out. Apply as soon as possible because it can take up to 90 days to show up. Your military member will not need a passport to travel to the country on orders but it is highly recommended that he or she have one anyway.
Overseas Screening
Find out where to pick up your overseas screening packet on base. If you are on a smaller base, you may have to go to another one to pick it up. You will need to have an overseas screening for each dependent going to Japan. Once you have your packet call to make an appointment for an overseas screening with your Doctor. In the packet it will ask you a lot of questions about your health history. They are trying to determine if the facilities over here will meet your needs. Hospitals here are for basic problems and are not made to care for people with chronic illness. Check that your Doctor has filled out all of his portion, and make extra sure they signed everything that they need to. You will also need a dental exam and this can be done by your normal dentist. Make sure he fills out everything. You will also need to get some shots before you can be approved. If you have a shot record, great! You probably won't have to have as many. Double check that every last page is completed and signed by the appropriate people. Turn in your packet to the overseas screening office and now wait. Depending on how busy they are, this can take a while.
Importing Your Pet
This is a headache all on its own. Here is a list of everything that must be completed. It is a lot to do and make sure that you do everything as specified. If you get that blood test too early or late your furry friend may not be allowed into Japan.
Family Entry Approval/ Command Sponsorship
Make sure that everything above has been completed and also that everyone is enrolled in DEERS and you must go over any debts that your family has with a counselor. Please refer to this to help guide you. It is for the Coast Guard but it is the same form for Navy. Your sponsor must turn this completed into his command to receive the Entry Approval.
Get Your Flight
Contact the PSD once all your paperwork has been completed for your flight arrangements.
Make sure to contact your sponsor for all the information that you need in order to get over to Japan. These are the big things that need to be done and you may need to do some smaller things in between. Try to start this process as quickly as possible and make sure to write everything people tell you. Also, make note of who told you what or who said they are going to do something for you. I turned in some papers to the PSD only to have them lost by that person. When they asked me who it was, I had no idea so I had to start that paperwork over. Take names! The more organized you are the smoother this bumpy ride will be for you.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com.
Orders
Orders are what makes everything official. Before you have these its all just word of mouth and as a lot of people can tell you, if it isn't in writing then it doesn't exist. Orders can be pretty hard to read so if you are having trouble understanding them, head over to your PSD and ask them for help. You will be working with these people a lot in the coming months so get to know them. Make sure that those orders are accompanied!
Passport
A passport is the way that you travel from country to country. They will check your passport three to four times before you have even left America so believe me, you can't do with out this. You do have options though. You can apply for a no-fee passport at the passport office located on major bases. This no fee passport can only be used for traveling on official orders. Make sure that you and all of your dependents have one of their own. The other option is a regular passport. This will let you travel to other countries with or without orders and costs around $75 plus a processing fee in some places. If you would like, click here to complete and print out. Apply as soon as possible because it can take up to 90 days to show up. Your military member will not need a passport to travel to the country on orders but it is highly recommended that he or she have one anyway.
Overseas Screening
Find out where to pick up your overseas screening packet on base. If you are on a smaller base, you may have to go to another one to pick it up. You will need to have an overseas screening for each dependent going to Japan. Once you have your packet call to make an appointment for an overseas screening with your Doctor. In the packet it will ask you a lot of questions about your health history. They are trying to determine if the facilities over here will meet your needs. Hospitals here are for basic problems and are not made to care for people with chronic illness. Check that your Doctor has filled out all of his portion, and make extra sure they signed everything that they need to. You will also need a dental exam and this can be done by your normal dentist. Make sure he fills out everything. You will also need to get some shots before you can be approved. If you have a shot record, great! You probably won't have to have as many. Double check that every last page is completed and signed by the appropriate people. Turn in your packet to the overseas screening office and now wait. Depending on how busy they are, this can take a while.
Importing Your Pet
This is a headache all on its own. Here is a list of everything that must be completed. It is a lot to do and make sure that you do everything as specified. If you get that blood test too early or late your furry friend may not be allowed into Japan.
Family Entry Approval/ Command Sponsorship
Make sure that everything above has been completed and also that everyone is enrolled in DEERS and you must go over any debts that your family has with a counselor. Please refer to this to help guide you. It is for the Coast Guard but it is the same form for Navy. Your sponsor must turn this completed into his command to receive the Entry Approval.
Get Your Flight
Contact the PSD once all your paperwork has been completed for your flight arrangements.
Make sure to contact your sponsor for all the information that you need in order to get over to Japan. These are the big things that need to be done and you may need to do some smaller things in between. Try to start this process as quickly as possible and make sure to write everything people tell you. Also, make note of who told you what or who said they are going to do something for you. I turned in some papers to the PSD only to have them lost by that person. When they asked me who it was, I had no idea so I had to start that paperwork over. Take names! The more organized you are the smoother this bumpy ride will be for you.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Our Journey to Japan
Getting to the point where we are now has taken a lot of effort, time and tears to be honest. Moving here was probably the hardest thing we had to do since my husband has been in the Navy. We honestly did not know what we needed to do to get me here and had no help to turn to initially. We really felt helpless.
My husband got his orders on April 2, 2010 and we were so excited. This is where he wanted to go way back when he signed up for the Navy. After nearly two years of school he was really ready to get out into the fleet. The school house helped him with his paper work and made sure that he would be able to get out as soon as possible. I on the other hand, was left to fend for myself. A lot of times during this period I really felt like the Navy could care less about whether or not I would be going to Japan, and in reality that is probably the truth. I learned that their job isn't to get me to live with my husband but to get my husband to work for the Navy.
I knew I needed to get an overseas screening so I called my doctor and set up an appointment at the clinic. The day rolled around and guess what, I need a big packet of papers (which no one told me about) for them to fill out. I had to reschedule after I got the papers. I did as I was told and came back only to find out I would need several other medical appointments to complete that part of the paperwork and this would whittle away at the little time I had to get ready before my husband left.
Needless to say, I was extremely stressed about everything. The school house told us we would be moving in a couple of weeks and to make preparations. We told our apartment complex that we would need to move ASAP and we were going to be out on April 20. The movers were going to come on the 19th so that all was moving ahead at full steam. After all this had been put into motion, we found out that my husband would be flying out sometime in the next couple of weeks. So after the 20th we would be homeless and I still wasn't close to being ready to go. The base really was useless in helping me to get to Japan. Every time I asked for help or to point me in the right direction, they would look at me like I was crazy or act like I was the first person to ever come across that situation. Our apartment was packed up and not having a place to live until we moved to Japan, we ended up couch surfing at a couple of friends houses.
Soon enough, my husband got the call to be ready and at the airport in two hours. We were going crazy trying to get him ready in time, not to mention freaking out that we still didn't know how I was going to get to Japan. He flew out on May 5th not knowing when we would see each other again. I finally finished my overseas screening and me being as naive as I was, thought that we were all done. Soon I found out that even worse news. Since he was now in Japan and no longer attached to the base in VA, all paperwork had to be routed through them and since I was not there to do it, he had to do it during the little downtime that he had on his ship.
I decided to fly back to CA and stay with my parents as I waited. I had started to feel hopeless. He now needed to get Command Sponsorship for me which is a whole different thing than what we were working on back in VA. Since this kind of sponsorship isn't used much, most people didn't know exactly what was needed. Paperwork was mixed up and missing sometimes. Finally I was able to get some help from a cousin who is an E9 in the Marines. Man oh man, did he get things done. If it wasn't for him, I would probably still be waiting. After he talked to the people he talked to, my sponsorship was excepted and we started to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, all we needed was to get my plane ticket. But wait, which base is going to pay for it? Dam Neck said because he wasn't attached to their base anymore that they wouldn't pay for it. Yokosuka said that they never pay for it. That argument went on for a couple of weeks until my husband and I decided to bite the bullet and pay for the ticket ourselves. It was expensive and hard to know we wouldn't be reimbursed for it, but it was worth every dollar to finally be here. On September 9th I was finally in Japan.
This was my abridged version of our story but I think you get the idea. The whole thing was awful and I really wish no one had to go through it. Sadly a lot of people will. I hope that anyone who is reading this and is going through this knows that you will get here if you keep trying. Make sure to call on every network and resource you have to get you here. You may even step on a few toes along the way, just do what you have to to get where you want to be.
If you have any questions or comments, email me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow this blog for quicker updates.
My husband got his orders on April 2, 2010 and we were so excited. This is where he wanted to go way back when he signed up for the Navy. After nearly two years of school he was really ready to get out into the fleet. The school house helped him with his paper work and made sure that he would be able to get out as soon as possible. I on the other hand, was left to fend for myself. A lot of times during this period I really felt like the Navy could care less about whether or not I would be going to Japan, and in reality that is probably the truth. I learned that their job isn't to get me to live with my husband but to get my husband to work for the Navy.
I knew I needed to get an overseas screening so I called my doctor and set up an appointment at the clinic. The day rolled around and guess what, I need a big packet of papers (which no one told me about) for them to fill out. I had to reschedule after I got the papers. I did as I was told and came back only to find out I would need several other medical appointments to complete that part of the paperwork and this would whittle away at the little time I had to get ready before my husband left.
Needless to say, I was extremely stressed about everything. The school house told us we would be moving in a couple of weeks and to make preparations. We told our apartment complex that we would need to move ASAP and we were going to be out on April 20. The movers were going to come on the 19th so that all was moving ahead at full steam. After all this had been put into motion, we found out that my husband would be flying out sometime in the next couple of weeks. So after the 20th we would be homeless and I still wasn't close to being ready to go. The base really was useless in helping me to get to Japan. Every time I asked for help or to point me in the right direction, they would look at me like I was crazy or act like I was the first person to ever come across that situation. Our apartment was packed up and not having a place to live until we moved to Japan, we ended up couch surfing at a couple of friends houses.
Soon enough, my husband got the call to be ready and at the airport in two hours. We were going crazy trying to get him ready in time, not to mention freaking out that we still didn't know how I was going to get to Japan. He flew out on May 5th not knowing when we would see each other again. I finally finished my overseas screening and me being as naive as I was, thought that we were all done. Soon I found out that even worse news. Since he was now in Japan and no longer attached to the base in VA, all paperwork had to be routed through them and since I was not there to do it, he had to do it during the little downtime that he had on his ship.
I decided to fly back to CA and stay with my parents as I waited. I had started to feel hopeless. He now needed to get Command Sponsorship for me which is a whole different thing than what we were working on back in VA. Since this kind of sponsorship isn't used much, most people didn't know exactly what was needed. Paperwork was mixed up and missing sometimes. Finally I was able to get some help from a cousin who is an E9 in the Marines. Man oh man, did he get things done. If it wasn't for him, I would probably still be waiting. After he talked to the people he talked to, my sponsorship was excepted and we started to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, all we needed was to get my plane ticket. But wait, which base is going to pay for it? Dam Neck said because he wasn't attached to their base anymore that they wouldn't pay for it. Yokosuka said that they never pay for it. That argument went on for a couple of weeks until my husband and I decided to bite the bullet and pay for the ticket ourselves. It was expensive and hard to know we wouldn't be reimbursed for it, but it was worth every dollar to finally be here. On September 9th I was finally in Japan.
This was my abridged version of our story but I think you get the idea. The whole thing was awful and I really wish no one had to go through it. Sadly a lot of people will. I hope that anyone who is reading this and is going through this knows that you will get here if you keep trying. Make sure to call on every network and resource you have to get you here. You may even step on a few toes along the way, just do what you have to to get where you want to be.
If you have any questions or comments, email me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow this blog for quicker updates.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
How to buy a train ticket in Japan
Getting around on the train here is super convenient once you know how to do it. This youtube video shows you how simple it is to buy a ticket.
Make sure that once you put your ticket in the machine that you collect it on the other side of the machine, you will need this ticket at your destination to let you out of the station.
Keep reading and email me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Make sure that once you put your ticket in the machine that you collect it on the other side of the machine, you will need this ticket at your destination to let you out of the station.
Keep reading and email me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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