An Adventure has begun for Sure!

The time with my parents flew by. I don't think that I will ever get completely used to being so far from my parents...we haven't lived in the same state in seven years. I love traveling, but I miss going to lunch with my mom, & having spa days. Maybe one day I will live closer, although I don't particularly want to go back to Bama. I like to be by the water. Anyway, my parents drove me across country...we saw Old Faithful on the way. I had fun spending time with them, and exploring the US:) Before I knew it I was sitting the Seattle airport...for 9 hours no less...and in a daze from exhaustion & anticipation. If my parents had not been with me I would not have made it with my dogs & all my luggage..I am so thankful that they were there with me. Our flight left at 5 am and I slept for the first 7! I woke up in time to eat dinner at 6:30 in the morning:) What I was not anticipating was the FIVE hour cab ride to base...omw. We didn't even go that far! It was the insanely terrible traffic! I hope that I never ever get caught in that again. And yes I regret to say that it is true...people here drive like maniacs, but surprisingly have few accidents from what I hear. I am TERRIFIED to start driving! I keep walking to the wrong side of the car to get in..everything is backwards to me:( I know several Japanese women who will not drive & now I know why!!
Eric did a great job finding us a house. I'm not sure how we landed this place..it is a block from the beach & appears to be an expensive resort area. The emperor's summer home is nearby. Anyway, I'm not complaining...we will likely NEVER live in an area like this again so I better not get used to it:)Even the Denny's here is on the water. That cracked me up. I am adjusting...but I so wish I spoke Japanese & read Kanji! I hate pointing to things on the menu, it feels SO rude! (It is comforting to know that Coca-cola is universal...I think;)I am trying to learn the language.
Oh, one more thing....it is the hottest, dripping wet, stifling humidity, unrelenting heat that I have ever felt...I'm serious...no exaggeration! As I sit here writing at 4:10 in the afternoon I am dripping wet...tmi, I know.