Sunday, June 29, 2008

The one where Debbie's 'think positive' goal got put to the test





This summer, I had every intention of taking the boys to the States at the end of July for a month. My plan also included a small group of Japanese students to go to Colorado at the end of our trip and then after spending a week with them doing 'touristy' kind of things (of which I had set up everything!!), we would all return to Japan together.

Well.....due to one lady's husband getting ill and needing surgery, she cancelled.....and the other 2 (with whom she was traveling), being typical Japanese women....they also cancelled. I asked the remaining two (a very lovely couple!!) if they wanted to go ahead and go....but (and I totally agree with them) they would rather go with a group.

Since part of the money they were paying was going to help pay for one of the boys' tickets, I am now in a bind. So...being the mature individual that I am (I really am!!)...have decided that NOT going to the States would be the best thing. It would be so much fun to go, but....I just don't think that I could truly enjoy the whole trip knowing that I had just charged a little over $6,000 for tickets...just to get there!!! That didn't include food, fun and festivities!!! I would rather go when I don't have all that debt and whatnot hanging over my head!!!


So....in line with all that "thinking positive" stuff I had said I was going to work on this summer...I've decided to make a list for "Why it is good that we stay in Japan this year"....you know...to help me feel better about all this!!


#1. I don't have to spend 18 hours on various planes....with the boys (one very closely resembling Calvin, of late)....and having to eat all that really totally disgusting wonderful food.

Oh....and the hours in the airports in-between? About 10...in total....IF the planes are flying on time and the moon and stars are aligned and all is right with the world.













#2 Think of the money I will save by NOT going to these establishments (and many more like them). Yes, I know...I can still order from the Internet (except from the VFW....I just go there to drink, dance, play pool...you know...spreading the joy!! I doubt they could send me beer!!).....but...since the US Postal service did away with the Sea Mail....aka "Slow Boat"....there is only Air Mail...and the shipping is dreadful!!!



















#3 Do you know how dry Colorado is?!?! Here in Nagasaki, in the summer the humidity factor may be up to 80% or higher.....Colorado? Maybe....just maybe....8%!!! And the heat?!?! Holy Mother of God!!! It can get up to 106 degrees there!!! And windy!! Lord, but the wind never stops blowing!!! I usually spend a small fortune on Jergens and other products just so my skin doesn't just crack and peel off!!! My skin will thank me for this in a few years!!!














#4 Think of calories I am NOT going to consume by not traveling the big water. Yes, of course I drink beer and eat here....but....it's just not the same!!! We all tend to go a bit crazy when we're home....it's all just so damn good!!! My mom's motto/mantra of "Moderation, moderation, moderation" pretty much gets tossed!!!




I may post other things when I think of them. Sometimes I think about this more often than others....consider this a 'work in progress'.

I am feeling a bit better...but...maybe I need just one more thing to help me through
this difficult time.....kind of like a band-aid for an emotional cut....

Aaaaaahh...there ya go. A little bit of Matthew helps all the time!!!

17 comments:

David said...

That the ticket. It's all about attitude. I was thinking though of doing a Bloggy fund raiser for you.
Attitude is much easier.

C. said...

Bwahahahahahha. Oh Debbie, you heartbreaker you, poor Matthew!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lauren said...

You will never have to set foot in the USA while George Bush is President! If Matthew is tired of consoling you President Obama will be there for you....

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I'm sad, too. I was so looking forward to meeting you--maybe next year. It is all in the attitude though; good for you for looking on the bright side.

trenda said...

Dang It Deb! Sorry to hear. I know that you look sooo forward to your summer visits. We will miss you. Thank God for IM and your blog. It makes it seem like you're not quite so far away. Keep your head up, and let's plan to attend a virtual buffett concert this summer.
Love Ya,
Trenda

stephanie said...

I am penning a letter to Matthew on your behalf right now, to reward your positive attitude.

I promise it won't include anything about him swinging by my house on the way back from Japan...

jan in nagasaki said...

pros for staying in Japan.

1. you don't have suffer that "let down" feeling of returning to a small cluttered moldy stinky house...and recovering from a few weeks of "return from vacation" depression.

2. You won't have several weeks of pre-trip stress and worry and what-if's and general sick feeling of all that money ....all that money....

3. you can hit some good good summer matsuri and hang out and enjoy the summer.

4. I'll bring you back some stuff..... what do you need???

The Girl Next Door said...

Awwww I know you're partly bummed (and props to you for looking on the bright side) another good thing about postponing:

1) when you re-plan the trip you can add DC to the list of places to go and STAY WITH ME!

Anonymous said...

Hi Deb and Guys, Sorry to here there will be no fair this year, but I suggest put half that money away for the trip next year, be one up on the airlines....But I will try and consume yours and my share of Margaritas at the V. I will actually be going home this year for fair. Miss you but enjoy your summer with the guys. They grow up oh so fast...beleive me I know. Shellie

Brom said...

Ohh Bed Bath and Beyond.. inspired so many thoughts of what could be inside - never ventured in myself!

Was about to say - Hey I know that particular store, it's in MD, then I remembered that in the US all those outlet/mall facades look the same.


See I AM real! ;-)

Helena said...

I'm really sorry to hear that your travel plans have gone to pots! If it's any consolation at all "we" are off to Portugal tomorrow. Hope to see you back at my blog in a week's time. Stay positive - maybe Matthew can come over to Nagasaki!!

Anonymous said...

That stinks! But, since you're saving all that money, maybe you should take a little mini vacation in Japan somewhere! Or, maybe fly your mom over instead?

San Diego Momma said...

From one Debbie to another:
We share the same "think positive" goal...but I think you do a better job of it.


Teach me?

Deb
sandiegomomma.com

Manager Mom said...

Yegods. The flights and layovers are THAT LONG? I think you have saved yourself a heapin' helpin' of emotional trauma. But the US will miss ya.

Leeann said...

Good for you for being positive...but I'm sorry you aren't going to making your trip.

If you want, I can try to make you feel better by telling you that my Dh went to San Francisco this week and I was supposed to go. Childcare was all lined up and everything, and then we maturely decided we couldn't really afford it. So he went. :::sniff:::

Hugs to ya,
Leeann

Anonymous said...

Hey Deb! Brooke here. We could set up cans around town and take up a donation. Julia was really looking forward to swimming with Koji! Well, next time then!!

Karen MEG said...

Awww, Debbie, that is a bummer! But look at you, all positive... that's what I absolutely love about you. Your attitude just shines through your blog.

I feel bad for Matthew though, poor guy ;)