okinawa hai!

CONTRIBUTED BY AMANDA HARMS PLAY ROLLER DERBY WITH US… the KOKESHI ROLLER DOLLS! Part manifesto- part invitation, here is my proposition: So there I was… Thirty-one years old and pregnant with #3.  I could feel my body succumbing to the demands of pregnancy and as much as I love being a Mom and as much [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER SHAFER  Parenting is not always a bowl of cherries, especially when you have an energetic, in-your-face, rambunctious, and all around difficult five year old son.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my children, but they can be quite the handful. Recently, I stumbled upon the new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at the Courtney [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY TONI BRADBURY Since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to become a massage therapist, so I had searched the web looking for places in Oki where I could learn.  I found ALA Relaxation and gave them a call.  The owner’s name is Kaz and he has a place right by [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSONLiving on Okinawa for a year and a half, I’ve taken several Japanese classes. I started with the basic classes at Camp Foster Personal Service Center and moved on to a two-month long class at Kadena USO.  Both courses were helpful and gave me a good foundation. But afterwards, I didn’t know where [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA OLIVERAS Love photography? Like to mingle? Then you will want to know about the PhotOkinawa Ning group. Back when I lived I San Diego, I joined a photography meet up group. My first meeting that I RSVPed to with them was a carpooling trip to the Anza Borrego Desert. Yes, I was [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON Are you looking for an artistic and cultural outlet in Okinawa and more interaction with local nationals? Ikebana is the perfect way to achieve both goals.  Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, originating nearly 500 years ago. Today it is recognized as one of Japan’s distinct arts and is [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON Do you need a little push to get in the spirit of Halloween? Try out the Spooky Sites Tour offered through Tours+ on Foster.  My husband and I ventured out on this tour in the rain and mist last Friday, and despite having fairly average expectations, we had a really fun [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY DASHA GARIEPY My daughter Heather works the rock face under the watchful eyes of our guides. Those of you who like to cling to the face of a craggy rock (seeking elusive finger and toe holds among the minute cracks and fissures as you patiently work your way to the top) will be [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY DASHA GARIEPY I can’t help it: when I first heard the word “Hippotherapy” this is what came to mind: Hyacinth Hippo (from Disney’s Fantasia) lounging on a couch, Dr. Freud lurking just out of sight behind an imaginary desk. So functions my colorfully chaotic brain… if you ever run into my husband now, [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY SNUFF Let me give you a little background about myself.  I’m not a big fan of working out.  I know I should do it.  I know it’s good for me.  And I know it makes you feel better.  I just don’t like to do it.  If I can help it, my workouts would [...]

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