I can't believe how time has flown over the past few weeks! With Christmas now less than a month away I've been busy making holiday cards, Christmas shopping, baking, entertaining off island guests, and attempting to stay on top of housework and homework simultaneously, and still fit in some volunteer days down at the USO. To be honest, I love all of the activity and the busyness of the season, so the hustle and bustle has been nice. I was down for about a week with a really nasty cold, but now I'm back on track and really enjoying all the holiday decorations and activities available both on the surrounding bases and out in the local community.
Today John and I were supposed to go horseback riding near Ritidian Point, but there was a miscommunication between the MWR tour office and the ranch, so we ended up with a free day to explore the island. I already had my camera on hand, so we decided to visit some of the nice north island beaches and view some wildlife. Boy did we spot some great local critters; crabs, wild pigs, a big fat monitor lizard sunning on the road, skinks, various crabs, and lots of butterflies.
It was awesome to have an exploring day together since in Japan most of my exploring was done without John along to enjoy the discovery. We also found some coconut wine that I'm chilling in the fridge at the moment and I can't wait to enjoy that later on this evening.
Last night we had a fabulous time out with friends at our favorite local restaurant, Carmen's Cha Cha Cha!, then we viewed local Christmas lights in Skinner Plaza. I really thought it would be tough to get that Christmas feeling in such a tropical climate, but Christmas is definitely in the air here on Guam!
As we have been enjoying all of the amusements, celebrations, and tasty foods of the season, both John and I have noted that what we are relishing most is experiencing it together! Although life on Guam has not been a cake walk, the fact that we can experience it together has made a world of difference! Having John home and entertaining our first true visitors in years has been such a refreshing experience for both of us. We are feeling pretty blessed this holiday season!
What a fun post, Aime, I enjoyed your "debriefing" with me on the phone, too.
pics are a little stretched out but they open/save just fine.
xoxox
Posted by: sallywing | Sunday, December 07, 2008 at 03:10 PM