uphillbothways0621-blog

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

April 1, 2019

Today was our last day on Kwaj. Joe headed in to work early and the kids were up before he left. It was an insanely busy morning finishing laundry, emptying the cabinets and fridge, just getting the house ready for us to leave. It’s so empty and sad in the house. And to think less than 24 hours ago this house was the scene for our last get together, our goodbye dinner with friends and kids playing everywhere. Makes you wonder what stories these walls can tell. (The next people to come in the house will never know the story of Harry taking the dividing door down in the middle of a party. It’s a shame they couldn’t have been there to witness it or they would have thought it was as hysterical as we do!) Who was here before us? Where did they come from? Where did they go? Do they ever regret leaving this paradise in the middle of nowhere or are they satisfied and happy wherever they are? Was Kwaj just a stepping stone for them? A landing point to get to their next destination? Regardless of how long you stay on Kwaj it will leave a lasting impression. It will change you in ways that you will discover for years to come.

While we had a very unique experience on Kwaj-Joe being here with, and living next to, his co-workers and friends; the boys coming out here to reconnect with longtime friends from NJ; and me having a friend to look forward to- I can’t help but wonder what our experience would have been like if we didn’t have this unique set of circumstances. Would I have ventured out and made friends? Befriended people that I will never see again in my lifetime? Would I have been miserable out here day in and day out?

Fortunately for us we had people to lean on when we got here. The friendships have fortified and have grown into lifelong friends for all of us-they were our family out here. This experience is one that no one else will ever understand. You truly cannot grasp life on Kwaj and the extreme remoteness that you feel out here unless you lived here and experienced it. I cherish the solid friendships that I have gained out here with both Ali and Francey and look forward to the next chapter of it-when we are all back in NJ again.

As I sit typing, Jax is playing with Charlotte for the last time, Ant is waiting for Gabe to come over for the last time, Joe is at Space Fence for the last time....a lot of “lasts” but that only means that there will be a lot of “firsts” waiting ahead. First day at a new school for each of the boys; first day to ride a bus to school for Jax; first day the kids will have their “new” friends over our house in NJ. Looking forward to the future.

Later in the afternoon Ali, Matt and their kids headed down. We had one last Kwaj drink together and some laughs. We lost track of time and before we knew it it was 3pm! The shuttle was coming at 330. We hurried around doing the last minute things and the shuttle came early. The Smith family helped us outside with all of luggage and saw us off. (Charlotte and her mom and sister ran down as well to see us off. She brought Jax some lollipops and a card too. They really played so nicely together. Yet another family we will miss.) Ali and I were a blubbering mess by the time we finally let go of our grip on each other. I know I will see her when she gets back to NJ but she was my wing woman here-and we have grown so close over the past several months. I am truly grateful that I had her with me during this experience.

Ali dropped off a card for me to read when I got to the airport. I can’t bring myself to take it out of my bag as I am finally settling down from our goodbyes. At the Kwaj airport for the last time we familiar faces, most of which will return to this little rock in the middle of nowhere (Hawaiian Mike), some are making their treck HOME as well (the SAC TEACHER). Will our paths ever cross again? Or is this the end of the road as far as that is concerned?

As we sit in the airport spending our last few minutes in Kwaj I am pondering whether I think the pros of the island (safety, friendships, beautiful scenery, history) outweigh the cons (lack of food, schools not on par, lack of medical care). I don’t think I am in the right headspace to actually make a determination at this moment. I’m sure that once I get back to the hustle and bustle of NJ life I will miss the simpler times and functions of Kwaj life. But for now I am just going to allow myself to replay the last 9+ months in my head like a Reality TV show-a great one, one that you wouldn’t believe could possibly be true if you didn’t live it yourself. At this time it has only been “written” in our memories, but who knows what the future holds. It is a great story....our story.

Our flight out of Kwaj got delayed by an hour but some how we got to Hono only 30 minutes past the originally arrival time. When we got to Majuro we actually got off the plane this time. I had heard people talk before about the “snack bar” in the airport. I didn’t really have a pre-conceived notion of what it would look like but it was nothing to write home about. That being said it would be nice if Kwaj would offer something to the passangers waiting at their airport other than the vending machines.

When we got to Hono we were in awe of the amount of coolers and cardboard boxes of fish that were at baggage claim. It was insane. (The Marshallese catch fish in the RMI and then bring them to Hono to sell.)

284 days ago we started this journey...and although we are not home yet, we are staring the end to our journey.

Goodbye Kwaj-keep true to yourself. Stay beautiful, safe and unique. Hold out to be different.

Xo

April 1, 2019-part 2

This is the day that never ends. We finally got to bed somewhere between 5-6 am and slept until 11. It was a difficult time getting up this morning. Unfortunately my phone hasn’t been working to make calls since we landed-it won’t connect to the cell service and the update won’t load either. After a LONG trip to the Apple store I ended up having to purchase a new phone-but at least I am reconnected to the real world again! (Even my phone was effected by Kwaj in ways it didn’t know!)

We spent the day at the hotel walking around and looking at the animals (we found a talking Macaw), followed by a big lunch at Tropics which had a live band, and then back for the room for a nap. Everyone took one except for Anthony of course. And the night ended with a walk around Waikiki.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 31, 2019

Today was our last full day here on Kwaj and it was a jampacked day! The day started with a golf cart rental. We headed around the island and to sea glass beach-Jagger came as well. Then we picked up Matt around 1130 and we all headed to Zamperini for lunch. About 1/2 way through lunch we realized that we were sitting at the table that was reserved for the fire department. They were nice about it though. And in all honesty the sign that was hanging was not even over the table-they really should fix that. When we were finished there we headed back to New Housing and all of the boys-big and little-got off the cart. Ali hopped on-we put her bike in the back-and headed to the library. I needed to return the cart and she wanted to reserve one for next week. We made my final stop to Surfway-I didn’t need anything, just went along for the ride-and they actually had bagels!!!

When we got back Ant hung with Jagger downstairs, Jax and I watched a movie upstairs and Joe and Matt went on a shore dive. They got back around 3 and we all headed to the beach shortly after that.

Up next-home for showers and to get ready for our “goodbye dinner” with friends. Ali and her crew, Francey with hers, Richard and Sam all came over for dinner and to spend our last night here with us. The Proudfoots happened to be out on a walk so they stopped by as well. The kids all played nicely together the whole night and Joe and I enjoyed spending time with our Kwaj family. It was great!

Our “lifeline” while we were on Kwaj.

It was an awesome sendoff! And Jax was not feeling well but he was a trooper and hung in there all day.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 30, 2019

Today was another busy day from the jump. The kids were off to their last day of school here and I needed to get as much work done before 1130 (when someone was coming to pick up our printer) as I could. Oh, and on top of that we had a few more boxes to mail out. I dropped the boys off at school and was just walking in when I heard the door-Joe was home. He had to head to the hospital to get a refill on his meds, but first he helped me pack up the rest of the boxes. Then he headed out. He called from he hospital because the “system” was down. They weren’t able to pull up his previous medications so I had to read him the info from the label on the bottle. (We could have told them anything and they wouldn’t have known the difference.) He was there for close to 2 hours and still couldn’t get the meds. The pharmacy didn’t open until 1pm today. The hours are so inconvenient!

When Joe was done he stopped home and took the boxes to the PO. That was a huge help.

During lunch I sold Ant’s bike and Jax’s bike, plus the printer and some blankets got picked up as well. I dropped the kids off at school (Anthony borrowed Johns bike since he is off island) and then headed to the PO with the last box (Anthony came home with a bunch of schoolwork at lunch that I needed to ship out), the hospital to pick up Joes medicine and then back home. Joe headed out fishing with Matt, Richard and Sam and I got to catch up with Ali for awhile. Anthony’s teacher and art teacher both separately stopped me today to tell me how much they are going to miss him and how great of a person and student he is. Mrs Kirk gave Anthony a shell necklace and told him he will now always be an island boy. Plus he got to be in her spot at the end of the day for the “hand shake, high five, or hug” line and she sent an envelope of cards that each of the students made for him. I mailed them home so he can look at them when we get back to the states.

Anthony had a 1/2 day today but he wanted to go to “open rec” from 1230-430. The Smith boys were going too and it was Miss Jamie’s last day. She is PCSing on Monday and actually on our flight out. He said he had a great time!

The night ended with Joe, Jax and Anthony watching a movie. I got some “girl time” hanging out out back with Ali and Francey and had a ton of laughs. It was a great night. Plus we planned the “categories” for when we have our own award ceremony at our “Kwaj Night of the Stars” when we are all back in NJ. It was a blast. Unfortunately at the end of the night Jax spiked a fever and wasn’t feeling good. I had to borrow medicine from Ali as I had shipped everything except for chewable medicine-and Jax wasn’t having that. Ali and I biked Francey home and then I hung out with Jax and watched a show-poor thing.

We have a cart planned for early in the morning tomorrow as well as a full day of activities for the kids and with friends. I hope Jax feels better so he can enjoy the day!

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 29, 2019

I didn’t sleep a wink last night! I worked off and on throughout the night and then headed downstairs before 6 to pack up some more boxes. When I got downstairs I found this note that Nina had left for Jax last night.

I had the pickup truck rented this morning and an appointment at the post office to bring our boxes. (A friend of mine happened to mention that the PO prefers you to call and make an appointment when you have a large amount to mail out.). Joe and I biked together this morning-he dropped Jax off at school and I peeled off and went to get the truck from the library. We met back at home and worked like a machine!

All said and done we brought 33 boxes to the PO today-2 of which were Scott’s and I probably have 2-3 more to bring tomorrow. Then we should be all set. The postal workers had us going on 2 machines at one time it was like an assembly line!

Once we were finished with that we drove home, put Joes bike in the truck and I dropped him off at work. Then I took the truck back. By the time I hit the Exchange for more packing tape and the Surfway for a couple things to get us by the next few days, it was time to get Jax for lunch!

After lunch I got myself settled in and went full force into work mode. I got a lot accomplished but tomorrow is going to be the challenging day. Just tying up loose ends before vacation, and moving back home. Big John knocked on the door around 2 to let me know that they were being picked up by the airport shuttle at 4 this afternoon so we wanted to get the kids to see each other one more time. I promised to take the boys over as soon as we got home from school at 330.

I got Jax and of course he wanted to wait for Anthony. So we waited in the sweltering heat and went through the books that be purchased at the book fair with his class this afternoon. (Yes, that would make 3 times so far that the Salimao’s have been to the book fair.). Jax lucked out because today was the last day of the fair so everything was half off. Books were either $0.25 or $0.50. Now the bell rings and I can see Anthony, but he doesn’t get on his bike. He wants to go back to the book fair!!!!! (For those of you that are counting that would make trip #4.). How can I say no to books? Anthony had gone back in during his recess and saw something that he wanted (I guess that’s 5 trips. Lol). We came out of there with 5 more books and $1.75 paid out of pocket! By now we were cutting it close to the time that the Halenar’s were going to leave. So I told Ant to bike ahead as fast as he could-I had Jax in my basket. We got there just in time. The airport shuttle pulled up just as we were parking our bikes. We had just enough time to see them off. (I would have felt terrible if we didn’t make it.) And I will admit that I did get teary eyed watching the kids say good bye. They all know that we won’t live next door to each other anymore but I don’t know that they are really processing how much their daily life and routine is going to change.

Anthony came home with his 3rd quarter grades-all A’s!!!!!! I’m so proud of him!!! And he was super excited too. He also got another PEARL for getting an A+ on his science test and his teacher asked if she could keep his maze race project as an example for her students for next year! Way to go !!

While I was cleaning out Anthony’s bookbag and folder I came across this. ❤️

And this is the math test and answer key that Mario made for Anthony.

Jax was insisting on going to see the Halenar’s plane take off. It was 6:00 and take off was 6:19. I took Joes bike with the tank trailer, Jax was in the trailer, and Anthony and I biked as fast as we could. By the time we got there they had already boarded the plane but hadn’t taken off yet. We stood at the gate and started waving. Someone waved back-the boys think it was Nina. I’m not sure if it was or wasn’t but I have a text out to John to see if Nina saw us. Jax was adamant that we needed to stay until the plane took off. So Anthony biked back home and I waited with Jax. Man the ride back to the house was painful!

When we got home I listed the last few things on the Swap and Joe and the boys were outback with the Smith family. They called and asked me to come down so we ended up hanging out there all night. A few of the other guys from the island (non-SF’ers) came down as well to play beer frisbee with Joe and Matt and to see Joe off. Ant and Jagger hung out, I got to shoot the s**t with Ali and the younger boys played inside the house.

I was lucky that I could tap into Ali’s internet while we were there. I was able to sell a few more things on the Swap. The one gentleman that wanted to buy my towels works at the fire station. He said he was on duty and when I asked him when he would be off duty he said Monday morning at 8! I figured I must have read his message wrong so I asked him “you are working from now until Monday?”. His response was that the schedules are really crazy right now (I guess short staffed) and he has been working since Tuesday! That is a whole 7 days of “living” at the fire station. Ali and I agreed to bike him the items he wanted to buy-plus it got us out and up and moving for a few. When we got to the station he said he lives on Ebeye and can’t wait for 8am roll call on Monday morning so he can take the ferry home. That’s dedication! And insane!

Everyone was exhausted by the end of the night but it was a good day all the way around!

Xo

Side note-These are some pictures that John sent of a dive he went ok with Joe a few days ago.

Side note part 2- this is NOT a joke!

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 28, 2019

This morning Anthony’s school was holding a (used) book fair (Jax called it a “book fairy). Everything was really inexpensive so I gave Ant a $5 and figured that would be enough. Nope! He asked on the bike ride home for lunch if we could go back. They were open during lunch hours and up until 6pm. So after the kids ate we headed back up there. Jax picked out about 1,000 books and Ant picked out several more as well. I didn’t mind though, I love that the boys have a love for books! Anthony came right home from school in the afternoon and dug in. He even chose a specific book to bring on the plane to keep him occupied! (Jax’s class is headed to the book fair tomorrow at 1pm. Let’s see how many books he comes home with this time!)

Right before I was leaving to go and get Jax for lunch, Jana, Mario’s mom called the house. They were leaving today for a trip to Japan and she wanted to say goodbye. Even though the boys had a falling out at one point, they had a great time together while they did hang out. I had a talk with Anthony at one point a few weeks ago, he ended up being the bigger person and calling Mario. He didn’t do anything wrong in the situation, but he called Mario and said he only had a few weeks left here and wanted to put it all behind them and just hang out and have fun. (That was a super proud moment for me.). Although Mario never came to the house again after the falling out, they starting talking again at school and hanging out during recess and when they would see each other at the basketball court. Jax and I waited for Anthony’s class to get dismissed so we could bike back to the house with him. When the class came out I reminded Ant that he wouldn’t see Mario again before we left. They said their goodbyes, and Mario even asked for a hug. (When Anthony came home in the afternoon and we were going through his folder there was a “math quiz” and “answer key” in there. Mario had made it for Ant to take on the plane on Monday to help keep him occupied. That was so sweet.) In true Kwaj fashion, Mario and his family didn’t end up leaving for Japan. The plane had an “issue” and was stuck in Hono. Word is that the plane got fixed and will be making 2 trips tomorrow to make up for it, but who knows. (The same plane makes the Hono-Kwaj(Marshall Islands-Guam trip day after day. It never occurred to me before living here that the same plane traveled back and forth to the same destination day in and day out. I just figured they rotated. And maybe that is the case, but not for our tiny island in the middle of nowhere lol.)

This afternoon I had to stop at the bank to cash in the smaller bills from the Swap money, and hit the PO, Express and Exchange. Then I headed home and started on the vacation packing, as well as packed up a ton of more boxes. (I must say, vacation packing from here was not as daunting as I thought it would be. We only have a certain amount of clothes, and nothing fancy, so it left out all of the “choices” that you would normally have at home. I went through what each of us have here and only left out/in circulation what we will be taking. Then I packed the rest in a box to ship back home. This way on Monday I will literally just empty the drawers into the suitcases.) I have the truck rented for tomorrow morning and an appointment to bring the boxes to the PO. When you have a ton of boxes to mail they ask that you make an appointment and come in before hours in the morning.

This evening we had Graeson come over for the final time. Some of the SF adults were meeting at the Yacht Club for a few drinks and adult time. (I truly love the Yacht Club and regret not getting there sooner. I think I would have spent a ton more time there if I had.) Joe called and said he and Matt were going to stay at work later and meet us there-it is much closer to SF then it is to the house. So Ali and I headed there together. They sell a small amount of alcohol there but that’s it. So with snacks in tow, and some drinks, we headed there at around 630. Graeson was with the boys and Nina came over for her last playtime with Jax. Her family leaves tomorrow for an R&R, and obviously won’t be back before we head out on Monday. (I truly hope that Jax can find a partner in crime back in NJ like he has here with Nina. They have a love/hate relationship but they would play together all day if they could. I hope that Anthony finds a great group of kids when we get home to hang out with as well. It has been a little challenging here. Don’t get me wrong, he has had plenty of people to hang out with, just not sure that they are all the kind of kids he would necessarily choose to hang out with if he had the option. None the less, there was no shortage of “pals” for either of my boys during our time on Kwaj, and I’m super grateful for that.)

(Forgot to mention that there are currently 2 kids on Kwaj that have chickenpox. Word is that the Marshallese on Ebeye are not vaccinated against it. Praying that the sickness does not spread any further as not only would it in a sense “shut down” Kwaj due to the amount of Marshallese that we count on a a daily basis to run the island, but more importantly without the people of Ebeye being vaccinated it would cause there to be a complete epidemic.)

The yacht club was a blast-I’m so glad that we got to go there one last time and the boys had fun with Graeson as well. We got home at 930 and we were all exhausted. Bedtime for all!

Xo

Bonds have formed out here that will never be broken. They are not something that will ever be able to be taken away. Regardless of how long each of us has been out here, we all made the treck, leaving family, friends, pets, and belongings back at home; adapting to the Kwaj way of life (“it’s not logical, it’s Kwajical”)-somedays handling it better than others, but we did it none the less. We have all learned and grown from this experience in more ways then we probably even know at this point. I NEVER thought that I would be able to “survive” out here, being so far away...not even for 3 months. And here were are 9+ months later and we did it! For the majority of the people here, they will make friends and then never see them again as people PCS all the time and move all over the world. There is a “Kwaj population” in Huntsville, as that is where the KRS (Kwajalein Range Services-they used to hold the contract on Kwaj before DynCorp took over-a bad move IMO-but no body asked me. Actually the official KRS contract ends tomorrow so anyone left on the island from KRS is heading out.) headquarters is, but other than that people are scattered across the globe. I am grateful that my core group (Ali and Francey) will be heading back to NJ when they PCS (for the time being anyway-who knows what the future holds). And this experience has brought a “friendship” of 8 years to a whole other level. Ali and I have had our differences in the past but we have been partners in crime here and I’m super grateful that we had each other here. See our families, the SF families, had an advantage that other people who come to Kwaj don’t have. We had familiar faces to greet us when we each got here. They may not have been our “friends” or people we would have chosen to spend our free time with in NJ, but they were familiar faces when you stepped off the plane, and we have all grown to be a “family”-the “SF family” (a motley one but a family nonetheless). It gave us all a sense of comradery. The school aged kids seem to not have an issue making friends on Kwaj, but I’m sure Joe and I would have had a completely different experience had we come out here and not known anyone from the jump.

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 27, 2019

Today was more of the same during the day (work and school). This afternoon Jagger came over and played with the boys and then stayed for dinner.

Jax found another spot to relax and play his switch.

At 6 there was a concert at Emon being put on by the Pacific Partnership. I wanted to go, but honestly had no idea what I was expecting-just figured it was something to do. It was actually a lot of fun with a great turnout. The band played songs from today (Coldplay, Let it Go, Shut up and Dance with me), older songs (Jackson 5, Every little thing is gonna be alright), and some songs that I wasn’t familiar with as well. Their set lasted about an hour. The boys sat and watched some of it, but Ant soon returned to the basketball court and Jax to the playground with Charlotte. (Anthony’s class had already seen the concert in school earlier this week.). While watching the concert it crossed my mind how if this was taking place at home it would not have been something that would have peaked my interest. And if we were at home I wouldn’t have been able to sit there and enjoy the music while the boys were a short distance away playing with their friends. That is something that I am definitely going to miss when I get home and I’m sure the boys are going to as well.

Home for showers and bed.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 26, 2019

Today flew by as well! After the boys went off to school I got busy with work. There was an ATI yesterday so I went to Surfway early for my last “produce Tuesday” but the produce wasn’t out yet. The kids came home for lunch and then back they went.

After I got back from dropping Jax off at school Ali texted that the produce was out so back on my bike I went-got that out of the way. I also managed to sell a few things today as well.

Then at 330 Ali and I biked to get all of our kids, plus Nina and John and biked to the fuel pier. We were meeting the guys there for the navy boat tour. Man it was hot out today! The boat was humongous and it was incredible to see. The boat currently has a crew of 26 and can house up to 312. They go on humanitarian missions-they are going to the South Pacific when they leave Kwaj on Friday (they are here to re-fuel). They are going to help people who were effected by a typhoon. The crew brings people onboard and gives them food, water and medical attention. They can turn their “movie room” into a hospital. (Anthony’s “captain” picture is on Joes GoPro.)

At the end of the tour there was a small stand that was selling hats, coins and tee shirts. Of course we couldn’t leave without a few souvenirs!

Home for dinner, some basketball, showers and bed. Oh and in between we managed to pre-sell Ants bike as well as a fishing rod that Joe had. I would say it was a pretty productive day.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 25, 2019

Today FLEW by! I’m sure this week is going to fly by as well. This morning we packed some boxes and listed a few more things on Swap. Jax played games and Anthony slept really late. I got in at 11 last night and he was up playing a game. I told him to go to bed in 15 minutes but apparently he didn’t go to sleep until almost 3!!!!!

Then around 1230 Joe took off with the boys to get hair cuts. They were heading straight to the marina from there. Joe had a boat reserved- Anthony wanted to go fishing one more time. (I remembered to send the Dramamine this time but Jax refused to take it. He made out okay thank god.). While I was home someone came to pick up the TV. I sold it on the Swap a couple days ago and was just waiting for them to come and get it. Luckily one of our neighbors had a spare tv that we could borrow for the week so we have one downstairs. I did some laundry and stuff around the house while the boys were out. Also someone came and prepaid for Jax’s bike. I put on the post that I was going to need it until Saturday afternoon but that full cash payment would hold it. Only a few more things to move and then we are set!

Right when Anthony came home from the boat he headed out to a classmates birthday party at Emon. Joe, Jax and I hung out at the Smiths house for a little and then headed to the Zamperini for dinner. I wanted to see it before I left, it was nothing to write home about honestly. Just a regular cafeteria but I’m glad I got to see it.

Tomorrow we are going on a tour of the hospital ship that is docked at the marina. We have a special SF tour at 4 so we are going to head there right from school pick up and the guys will meet us there. I’m looking forward to seeing it upclose. It is huge just from the dock!

Side note-I wrote an email yesterday to the directors of the CDC (child development center- where Jax goes to school here) regarding the lack of sunscreen or the poor application as well as the issue that has recently been brought up about the kids not having access to water other than at snack time. After an acquaintance of mine, who was also the sub in Jax’s room for 2 weeks, mentioned to me that the teachers are not putting the sunscreen on the kids but instead having the kids do it themselves, I decided to ask Jax what was really going on. (The protocol out here is for the teacher to put rubber gloves on, pump the sunscreen and apply it. If she needs more sunscreen she is to change the gloves before touching the pump, and of course inbetween kids. While this can be a tedious and expensive process, that is what is set in place and should be followed.) Unprovoked, Joe and I asked Jax for who puts the sunscreen on him. He said “sometimes Miss Velma puts it on us and sometimes she puts it in our hands and has us put it on ourselves”. No wonder he got severely burned at the pool several weeks ago! I was beyond upset and figured I should reach out to the teachers. (In regard to the water I was informed by this acquaintance that due to the lack of paper cups, and how is is deemed “unsanitary” to bring the cups from the CDC kitchen into the classroom, that the only option was for the kids to go to the water fountain outside. That being said while she was subbing she would take the whole class out to get water and was told that the process takes too much time away from “learning”. The parents have since been informed that the children can bring in empty reusable bottles to fill up while they are at school (mind you that we were informed this last week, not in August when school started!). I was obviously very upset with what I was hearing so I sent the email to the directors. In true CYA (cover your ass) fashion, “the kids always have access to the water fountain...one teacher will stand at the door and watch them while they get a drink.....once there isn’t a paper goods/cups shortage the kids will have access to the water in the classroom again” and in regard to the sunscreen “the time that Jax got burned was the only time that the kids weren’t checked....we have since talked to the teacher about this...the kids applying the sunscreen themselves allows them to learn this skill/process....and on and on and on”. #nothappywiththeresponse #CYAatitafinest #imnotdonewiththisyet

On a lighter note, the CDC posted these pictures from when Jax’s class went to the weather station last week.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 24, 2019

Today was a pretty relaxing day here. In the morning we packed up a few boxes and I went on a bike ride with Ali around the runway. The wind wasn’t terrible which was a plus, but that also meant that it was sweltering out. Then Joe took the kids to the ski boat steps to go snorkeling, Nina went as well. And in the evening we had our PCS party at the A frame at Emon. It was very low key with a ton of food and drinks. The kids played with their friends on the basketball court, playground and beach. And the adults got to enjoy adult conversation. It was a great time for everyone.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 23, 2019

Today was the end of a loooong week and it started off with a busy morning. Joe took off from work today and while I was working he packed up more of our stuff. The amount of boxes is ridiculous! Then after lunch Joe headed out on a boat with some of the guys. They snorkeled and fished-caught a big Ono that they plan on cooking at the PCS party.

I sold a few things at the PCS sale that our neighbor was having. And I sold the TV on the swap today so that’s one more thing off our list. Anthony had just about all of the 3rd grade boys (and Jagger) over after school today and Jax hung out with them for awhile. Then we sat outback and did our routine “guess what I am drawing” game and worked on our alphabet and numbers a little too. (When I asked Jax what it said where his name was he said “Jax Carter Bean”....lol. I guess I need to cut back on that!)

We got a call around 6 that Joe was back at the dock with the fish. So all of the extraneous kids that were in the house left and I biked to the marina with the boys. Anthony biked so fast that Jax and I couldn’t catch up and he was out of sight! Back to the house for dinner and Jax played with Nina for awhile. I talked to Ant and he said he is ready to go back to NJ. He is not looking forward to making new friends and starting over. But I reminded him that when we came to Kwaj he didn’t know anyone! And the few kids that he did know from back home, the Smith boys, were off island and didn’t always do the summer camp. In 9+ months he has made many friends and I am confident that he will be just as successful in NJ. (For anyone reading this, if Ant talks to you about his anxiousness or worry of “starting over” please just reassure him that he has done this before and he will be able to do it again! I have no doubt!). The night ended with Joe hanging out with the boys and I had some catch up time with Ali.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 22, 2019

There really isn’t too much to report on today. Work, school, sold a few things on the Swap. This afternoon Joe went on a boat dive with John while the boys were in school. Then we all headed to the Elementary school talent show, which took place at the MP room at the HS. There was a bake sale that was going to take place at the start of the show and during intermission. They must not have gotten a lot of donations because it was picked over by the time we got there (515) and there was nothing left during intermission.

There were a ton of people there. Not too much spectacular happened-it was a kid talent show-but I have to give the kids credit that got up there and performed. Any everyone was clapping and cheering each one on. Joe and Anthony headed home during intermission but Jax wanted to stay until the end so we stayed lol.

Home in time for showers, something to eat and bed.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 21, 2019

The internet was in and out last night and most of the morning today. That was fun while I was working! Good thing it was back on (consistently) by around 1pm today. (It was going in and out at Joes work site as well.) Oh and there was a water shortage. That isn’t something that you are made aware of while it is happening. You don’t notice until you go to flush the toilet and hear all of the air in the plumbing.

I saw on the Kwaj Connect FB page that a “good service officer” of Surfway is going to be outside of the store tomorrow taking suggestions from each person (10-15 per person) of items that they would like to see at the store. (You cannot make this stuff up!). People are asking if they need to “take room up” on their list by naming things that should be a given like milk, bread, cheese, etc. Too bad we won’t be here to see how this one plays out. I sincerely hope that things turn around for those that are here long term or that just got here. There are truly beautiful things that the island has to offer, and it has been an amazing experience that has taught us all so much, but I can’t help but be honest. There are obviously things that taint your experience here and the lack of “everyday goods (and services)” is one of them. I have seen in the 9+ months that we have been here the supplies at Surfway, and the Express for that matter, go from bad to ridiculous.

The boys had school and there wasn’t too much to report on that. Jax was supposed to have a field trip today to the “condemned houses” (aka the houses we live in. Seriously-they are slated to be demolished in the fall) and the old airport. The manager at the school told me that the trip got pushed back since they need to make sure that going there won’t be a safety hazard. The teacher said that they didn’t go today because there was a conflict with the bus. They should be going tomorrow-we shall see.

I was able to sell a few more things on the swap today-just a few more things left to go-the boys bikes, tv, printer, towels. I watched a movie with the boys after school today and then just as Jax and I were heading out on a bike ride to meet up with Joe he came walking in.

Xo

I forgot to post a picture of this sign that I saw at the marina yesterday. I’m sure it has been there since we got here but I didn’t notice it until yesterday. Joe goes out on a boat to go fishing-so that covers that. And only the Marshallese are allowed to fish in the reef-are they immune to the chemicals in these fish?!? And only the fish in the harbor contain these chemicals...how is this so?

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 20, 2019

Not too much to report on today. I went on the usual Wednesday morning Surfway run with Ali when they opened. It was a grim sight! The produce was put out late yesterday afternoon and this is what it looked like when they opened today.

Jax’s class went on a field trip today to the weather station to see the weather balloon. And this afternoon I went on a ride with the boys to the marina. We went to look at the sharks but it was sweltering so we didn’t stay too long. They both wanted to get a soda from the vending machine at the SBM but no matter which option they chose water was dispensed! Whoever filled the vending machine should have been supervised lol.

Home for dinner and Jax played with Nina for awhile too.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 19, 2019

Today started off incredibly busy with work. And I was up half the night-I couldn’t sleep-so that made for a tough combination. Jax went on a field trip to Surfway today-they are on their “buildings” study. He said “we saw 2 empty shelves and some garlic bread”. That’s pretty accurate!

This evening Anthony had an art show at school and his stuff was awesome!

We came home for dinner, sold a few things on the Swap and Jax played with Nina until it was time for bed!

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 18, 2019

Joe had to go into work today for a half day and I was home with the boys. Anthony and I managed to finish his school project and Jax was in rare form. (I sold a few things as well).

Then Joe was going to go on a boat to fish this afternoon but the scene that he walked into was ridiculous with the boys yelling at each other and fighting so he cancelled his spot on the boat and stayed home (thank god). Then we headed to Brain Freeze with John and his kids to get water ice and the kids played with each other all day. I did hit up Surfway looking for fresh chicken, chocolate syrup and popcorn-all of which they were out of.

Joe headed to the beach with the boys and Johns crew for awhile too. The playing and shenanigans continued until a little after 8 when all of the kids went home to go to bed. Joe and I were exhausted by then!

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 17, 2019

Today was another full day. Someone showed up bright and early and bought my bike. Then I went on an impromptu bike ride around the airport runway with Ali. We got caught in the rain twice and then the wind was so bad that we had to literally walk our bikes. Ant had a birthday party for one of his classmates at the bowling alley this afternoon and had a great time. Jax played with whoever would play with him. Lol

This morning Jax drew the “Roi plane” and did a great job.

Then Joe went on a shore dive with Matt and John this evening. Ant went to make a fort with Jagger and Jax played with Nina and Wyatt. Then Anthony and I worked on his school project. He needed to make a toy out of recycled and natural materials. We made a ball maze-I’ll post pics tomorrow. Then Anthony and Jagger went to movie night at the multi-purpose room at the HS. They were showing The Sandlot and selling concessions. They had a great time! Jax hung out with the Smith boys and then Joe and I.

Xo

[uphillbothways0621-blog]

March 16, 2019

Jax was super excited when I picked him up from school for lunch today. He had made 10 “green choices” and filled up his stamp card so he got to choose a prize. He chose bubbles and couldn’t wait to get home to use them. (Now if he can just make green choices at home.....)

Then Anthony came home from school with 2 tests that he aced today as well as another “PEARL” for academics! It was a great school day for both boys!

Next up was dinner and then the boys played with some friends. Anthony played baseball out back with John and Chili for awhile before heading to the basketball court at Emon and Jax headed to Charlottes.

The boys came home for showers and then Graeson came over to stay with them for a couple hours. We were finally cashing in on the bowling party that we had won from the scavenger hunt back in October. About 10 of us went to the bowling alley and had a blast!

Xo