Wasaaaaabi!

After seeing Spiderman 3, Anthony and I went the the Universe Store (sort of like a Super Walmart) to buy dinner. We like going there. You can get Sushi, various teryakied meats-on-a-stick, some interesting deserts. I decided I wanted some Wasabi. I figured, Wasabi, a sort of condiment, right? Must be in the condiment aisle. I'll just find that aisle and wander down it until I see something that looks like Wasabi. Wait, what does Wasabi look like? I've never bought it in the U.S., so how can I pick it out in a foreign country?
I found the condiment aisle and began walking up and down the aisle. Now, I have been teaching myself how to read Hiragana, one of the three Japanese alphabets. So I tried to pick out some characters (is that what you call a Japanese letter?). Finally, I found something that could have been Wasabi. YES, the character for "bi" and I see the "wa." Wait, that isn't "sa." I look next to that, AH! "wa" "sa" "bi"!!! Now the real test... I get it home, start to eat my sushi, put the condiment on my sushi, put it in my mouth. YES!!! The familiar sinus-opening sensation of Wasabi! I found it! I actually feel like all my time the past week or so trying to teach myself how to read Japanese has been fruitful. I am quite pleased with myself!

Trying very hard to stay positive....

So, why am I so upset lately? I've always wanted to live abroad. I am living abroad. Stationed in Japan, a very cool country. One thing about visiting the States, my old command made me realize, is I miss the States...
But I am homesick. I miss Hawaii, 'cause I hate the cold and because I knew where everything was. I miss my house. I miss my doxies having tan bellies. I miss American food, hearing English wherever I go. I don't necessarily miss my old command, I don't think I would be happy being stationed there again. Too many changes.
I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I hate what I do. I am not doing my job. I am not a linguist! I am babysitting. I am mad that TPTB won't send linguists to Analyst school because they MAY not use their language, but have no problem sending us to a place where they KNOW we won't use our language.
Therefore, to deal with my ennui, my borderline depression, I have decided to do a few things for myself. First, I will work out everyday, without fail. Second, I will continue where I left off 6 months ago in learning Japanese. Third, I will refresh myself with Mandarin. Fourth, I will take better care of my Sailors, I will be a better Navy Chief. Fifth, and most important, I will remember that I have a hubby and a family who love me.