I'm writing this from our couch after dropping Bryan off at the ship for another deployment. As I look back at the last seven months of living in Japan, I'm reminded of the fantastic trips, awesome sightseeing, and worldly experiences that I never imagined we would get to do. But it’s days like today that I'm reminded of the simple days, the easily forgettable days, that we also get to enjoy while living in Sasebo.
It's days like this past Sunday when Bryan and I went on a spur-of-the-moment coffee date. Bryan hadn't been to the Goban-gai Shopping Mall, and I saw this as an excuse to get out of the house for the afternoon, so we headed to the local Starbucks for a drink. We ordered two of their advertised specialty drinks having no idea what they were; Bryan got the "something meets Caramel" (see the picture below) and I got the "Oolong Meets Citrus."
We take our drinks outside to sit by the water, and Bryan quickly regrets the outdoor choice as he sips his some-kinda-tea frappe in the freezing air. After slurping down his drink and helping me finish off my warm "citrus" tea, Bryan grits his teeth and bears a smile as I ask him to pose for a picture with the Sasebo sign! Surprisingly, the man didn't say anything as I set up my phone for a selfie with a bunch of people walking by!
As we slurp up the last of our tea drinks, I mention Jam Coffee and Bryan says we should go there for lunch- so we change our afternoon plans for a second cup of joe and an awesome lunch back near Hario! This is one of the local restaurants I eat at quite often with a group of the USS America Spouses, and I have talked up this chicken sandwich so much Bryan just had to try it!
It’s simple day dates like this that remind me how good I have it. On days when the ship leaves and I'm back to being the sole Johnson in Sasebo for the foreseeable future, I have to remind myself that we signed up for the good times and the tough times, and those good times outnumber the tough times tenfold.
It may have been an especially dark morning as Bryan walked off to board the USS America, but as I look back at these pictures of the ship, I'm reminded of the insurmountable bright moments we have made here in our new home: Sasebo, Japan.
'Til Next Time,
The Solo Sasebo Johnson (for now!)
--Katie
The quiet times with your best friend are the best!! Get ready to share each other in May!!! Jennifer, Kevin, Dad and I will be right in the middle of you both! You’ll be ready for some additional quiet time 🥰
Am proud of you buddy, you are a great military wife.