Fall Break

The kids and Josh have been out of work and school. It feels like the old Fall Break.  It is nice to have them all out together because sometimes their breaks do not coincide with his.  We had a busy and fun weekend starting with Wingman Day. Josh and I had the opportunity to present together at Wingman Day on Misawa Air Base.  We presented to the spouses only and we talked about building mental resiliency through the tools of breathing and yoga.  Josh talked about what he sees in therapy when people feel anxious and depressed and what is going on in the mind. I talked about how breathing tools and exercise can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.  Then I did a yoga class with the participants. Josh is great with power point presentations and I am very comfortable with yoga.  We have been wanting to collaborate our skills for a long time because we have recognized how they complement each other.  

The kids took part in International Day of Scouting.  We met at a hanger on base with Japanese scouts from the area.  They had a bit of ceremony, played games together, had lunch, and did swaps. They mixed all the kids up in the groups; boys, girls, all ages, Japanese, and American.  It was great way to interact and share with each other. Bear met a particular friend and they are going to be pen pals.  This is another unique thing that we get to do since we are in Japan. 

Josh and I attended the Air Force Ball.  It was a relief for Josh to just be a participant instead of organizing it like last year at Nellis Air Force Base.  The only problem was that he kept comparing this ball to his.  It is very different being in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, and tiny rural Japan, Misawa.  I thought it was nice time but I am just always happy to have an excuse to get dressed up and dance.

We went to Oirase Gorge, a National Park Area in Japan.  I got really used to the National Parks around Las Vegas.  I learned to appreciate the beauty of the desert.  This beauty was completely different, green and moss covered, and waterfalls at every turn.  We had a great day exploring a new part of Northern Japan.