Spot and Rufus

Some friends of ours are on the board of PAWS in Saipan (the local animal rescue organization) and asked us to volunteer to become foster parents for dogs awaiting a permanent home.  We were told about two dogs who were abandoned by their owner when he moved to Guam.  They were left outside to fend for themselves for over a week.  When we got them, they were covered in "not so nice stuff" and starving for food and attention.  We are desperately missing our dogs, Ellie and Wendell, so we were thrilled to have four-legged furry ones around. 

We are pleased to say that this Sunday, Spot and Rufus found a permanent home on the island with one of Elizabeth's students.  They are getting a legit dog house and tons and tons of love!  We can go see them whenever we want, which is an added bonus!  As some of you may recall, we had a neighborhood dog "adopt" us.  Sashi was none too thrilled with Spot and Rufus in our lives.  We got the ultimate look of betrayal when we brought Spot and Rufus home for the first time.  But she has forgiven us, and all is back to normal at Facey Farms!

Rufus on the porch...yes, he is that skinny!

Spot...if we could have, we probably would have kept him forever!  He is an odd mix of pit, corgi, and basset.  He also has a crooked leg, much like Ellie and Wendell's cousin, Smitty (Russell's dog).  He has soulful eyes and a fierce protective nature!

Rufus by the porch window giving us air kisses...such a good boy!

Spot looking like a little, old man!

Happy Birthday, Joey!

Happy Birthday to the coolest guy I know!

Signs of Saipan...Answers

In December, we posted a game for everyone to pair up names of random places on Saipan. We wanted to take pictures of all of the places, but we haven't gotten around to that yet...you know, with the rain and all!  We did want to give everyone the answers, though, so here they are:

Bing, Bang, Beng In-Door Shooting Range

Bo Bo Tire Shop 

Brabu Pharmacy

Chalan Pale Arnold (aka Middle Road)

Chung Ji Chinese Restaurant

Dan Dan and Chalan Kanoa (CK) Villages

Docomo Cell Service

Dong Boo Auto Parts

Ebisuya Bakery

Galaxy Restaurant (The Stoney's of the Marianas)

Guang Dong Hardware

Guk Bob Fish House

Hafa Adai Resort

Jhem's Filipino Fast Food

Jigz Barber Shop

Joeten Store

Lau Lau and Pau Pau Beaches

Ming Yang's Market

Paire Football Club

Poon's Restaurant

Tan-G's Spot Bar

This is one of our favorite restaurants on island...Not that we've ever eaten there, but we just really like the name!

Again, we've never eaten at Guk Bob, but we really like saying the name.

Goodbye, 2010. Hello, 2011!

The last day of 2010 in Saipan was just fabulous.  Joey planned the entire day, and it was perfect!  We started by leaving our beautiful O'Laughlin apartment during our staycation, and we went on a hike towards Suicide Cliff.  I took pictures along the way of the scenery...Yes, we LIVE here!

We both loved this tree.

Suicide Cliff in the distance.

This scene reminded us of Africa.  Just beautiful!

This is a Latte Stone, which the ancient Chamorros used as pillars when constructing houses.

After our hike, we went to the Grotto.  It's one of the best spots on island to SCUBA (we begin our certification next weekend!), but it's just beautiful to see.  Stalagmites are everywhere, and the water is such an incredibly deep shade of blue.  The "hike" down consisted of over 100 stairs.  Not that bad for a gorgeous experience!

See all the stalagmites?

 

At the end of the hike...so refreshing!

After our hike, we relaxed and enjoyed the luxuries of the O'Laughlin apartment (internet, the fabulous bathtub, the view, the pool, etc.).  Then, Joey surprised me with a dinner at Shenanigan's Restaurant.  We hadn't been there together, but Joey's parents highly recommended it from their time in Saipan.  The pre-fix menu was delicious!  We ended the evening at the O'Laughlin's apartment watching all the amazing fireworks displays.  There were small, quaint ones from homes nearby and huge, elaborate ones from the resorts all along the beach.  We got to see it all.  What a fantastic way to ring in 2011!  May your 2011 be filled with peace, health, and happiness!!

Memorandum from the Director of Finance

To:  All PSS Employees

From:  Director of Finance

Thru:  Rita A. Sablan, Ed.D., Commissioner of Education

Subject:  Allotments not Deducted

Due to an administrative oversight, the mandatory Government Group Health and Life Insurance deductions and personal allotments (i.e., Moylans Insurance, Wells Fargo, CUC, CNMI Treasury, etc.) for this pay period ended January 29, 2011, pay check issued February 11, 2011, were not deducted.

Since these personal allotments were not deducted from your pay check, you must pay for these allotments.  The mandatory Government Group Health and Life Insurance will be deducted twice from your next paycheck.  We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Bernice Dias or Evelyn Mungmitin at 237-3054 or 237-3023.

Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.


Richard Waldo, CPA


Got to LOVE Saipan!!!

We're working on it...

We are so sorry that our last post was nearly one month ago!  With all the rain (just kidding it was only for three days), we just couldn't make time to blog!  Actually, we had two very special visitors from Georgia; lots going on with cheerleading, soccer, and school; became the proud foster parents to two rescue dogs; and of course, taking part in the fabulous activities of our normal life on the island.  We have loaded many pictures and will be posting stories as soon as possible.  Be on the lookout!

In the mean time, we want to wish the best of luck to some of our favorite people in Georgia.  Go Raiders!!!  We are proud of everything you are doing this basketball season, and we definitely wish we had been there for Senior Night.  Congratulations on the win and big heads!

Pom-Poms Hit MHS

As coaches, we both feel blessed to work with athletes at Marianas High School for many reasons.  Both of our teams have matching t-shirts (purchased by the athletes), but beyond that, it's up to the girls to decide what to wear.  Some will play soccer and cheer in the jean shorts they wore to school that day.  Some will play soccer in tennis shoes, rather than cleats.   Kids are just happy to be participating, and to enjoy the experience is the main goal of everyone involved.  It's coaching and playing in its purest form!  Simple.  Joyful.

Thanks to the generosity of a dear Raider, the Marianas High School Cheerleaders got brand-new pom-poms a few weeks ago!  I cannot express in words how much this gift has meant to this team and this school.  "Miss, we've never even seen REAL pom-poms before!  Only on TV!"  "You mean these are ours to use?!"  "Oh, Miss, I feel like a REAL cheerleader!"  "Miss, our cheerleaders are legit now!"  To one of my favorite Raiders, thank you!  We love you!

Be on the lookout for a link to some videos of the MHS Cheerleaders in action.  Our half-time shows have had the whole island talking!  Go Dolphins!!!

Go Dolphins!!!