Sunday, May 17, 2009

Okinawa Parks/Roller Slides!

Even though we don't have kids (yet), my girlfriends and I like to go out and explore the island once in a while to try out new parks, restaurants, beaches, shopping spots, etc. But I have to say that the parks in Okinawa are a lot of fun, even for the grown ups too! They have a countless number of "rollerslide" parks here with little picnic areas, paths, etc. Lots of fun, but next time we'll definitely have to bring a piece of cardboard with us because your bum feels like it's on fire after you finish sliding down, haha! If you squat down and hold your knees and go down using your feet, it solves the problem, but adds a lot of speed :) This picture is from Tobaru Koen Park, one of the largest rollerslides on the island.













These last few pictures were taken at a park/community center just a few blocks from our house. The rollerslide is smaller, but there are a lot of walking paths and picnic areas here. Nice place to relax, take a jog, or watch the cute Okinawa elderly play "gateball" a croquet like game that is common here.

Jobs & Projects... Part 2

Wow, long time no blog... oops! Took a break from blogging for awhile due to crazy schedules and also because we spent almost 3 months in the states earlier this year (Jan-March). But, we're back to our routine in Okinawa and things have been going well for us the past few months.

In addition to flying for the 961st AACS squadron, Schan now has a new job... flight commander of AFE for the 18th Operational Support squadron at Kadena. A lot of new responsibilities in addition to flying, but it's great experience for him. When he's not working at the base, he's busy working at home to obtain his master's degree in Homeland Security. If all goes as planned, he should be finished with that late this summer, just in time for his promotion board at the end of this year. He has a lot to be proud of lately, even though I'm sure he'd like to have a little more free time :)

As for me, the book I illustrated is finished and available for purchase (well, it will be again in June). It's been so great to hear positive feedback about the book and even better when you get to see kids flip through the pages and smile. Whew! The hard work was worth it! The book, "Takako and the Great Typhoon" is a children's picture book set in Okinawa about two shisa (lion-dogs) who go on a little adventure. Along with this book, I've been trying to work on the business side of things for my artwork... selling prints, signing up for booths at art bazaars, looking for shops to sell my pieces/prints, working on my website, etc. I still have a lot to do, but I hope to have things running more smoothly by mid-summer. Below are links to the book's website, my artist's website, and an article OkinawaHai.com wrote about me not too long ago.

Oh yeah... Schan's squadron (the 961st AACS) has a new mascot, the Dragons, and they chose my design to use as their mascot logo. Yay!! I can't wait to see this dragon on tshirts, patches, and other squadron "stuff" that may come about. Go 961st!





http://www.shisastory.com/

http://www.carmen-daniel..com/

www.okinawahai.com/my_weblog/2009/04/carmen-works-to-draw-our-island-experience.html