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| Make your own picture collage |
12.31.2010
12.30.2010
TIS Moment of the Year
While I'm sure we will still be surprised and amazed at everything Saipan, we really feel like this might be a contender for TIS ("This is Saipan") Moment of the Year....Who knows? We may not be going back to school on Monday after all. The school's power and water could be disconnected! TIS!
Govt agencies lose power, water. Central govt owes $2.5M in utilities.
Among these agencies are divisions under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, whose personnel were sent home early yesterday noon due to the lack of power and water at their workplace.
In a visit to the office of DCCA Secretary Melvin Faisao yesterday, Saipan Tribune saw the closed offices of the secretary's office, the Policy Language Commission, the Child Care Development Fund Office, the Division of Youth and Services emergency shelter, and some offices of federally funded programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Faisao confirmed that CUC crewmembers cut both the water and power lines in his office around 2pm yesterday.
CUC gave consideration, however, to DCCA's other divisions and programs and spared them-for now-from power and water disconnections, Faisao said. These include the Juvenile Detention Unit in Kagman and the Child Protective Unit, both under DYS.
CUC also cut the water connection at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium yesterday. Since the facility cannot be used without water, Faisao also sent home the gym's caretakers.
Saipan Tribune learned that an estimated 90 DCCA employees were placed on administrative leave since yesterday noon and were told to stand by today if they will be called to report for work.
DCCA, which has eight divisions under it, is under the Executive Branch and its utility consumption falls under the branch's accounts and billing.
Saipan Tribune learned that this was the first time DCCA lost its power and water.
If the situation last for days, Faisao said this will affect the department's programs, including federally funded ones that have regular funding allocated for utilities.
Among the initiatives that will be affected are the payment processing for child care recipients, the tenants for foster care providers, translation notices of the government, and backlogs in many offices.
According to CUC executive director Abe Utu Malae and chief financial officer Charles Warren, a disconnection notice was first issued to these agencies prior to cutting the power and water lines.
They said CUC is required by law to issue disconnection notices but it decides to first work on “non-critical loads.”
Warren said the central government owes CUC nearly $2.5 million to date, which reflects delinquent payments for August, September, and October.
He claimed that DCCA is not the only department affected by the disconnections. He said about 50 accounts were on the disconnection list. He did not elaborate.
“We did notify the CNMI government in advance.We had a meeting with the lieutenant governor today and we talked about payments and arrears. They're working on something to get the power back [tomorrow],” he told Saipan Tribune.
Under review
Press secretary Angel A. Demapan confirmed yesterday the meeting between the administration and CUC. He could not say, though, if the central government will immediately pay its arrears so that affected offices could return to normal operation.
“The lieutenant governor did meet with CUC today to discuss this matter. In view of this development, the administration is now conducting a thorough review of outstanding billings for the Executive Branch and the finances of the affected accounts. It is not known yet when payment will be made or what arrangements will be proposed to address this matter,” said Demapan.
He said the findings of the ongoing review “will largely dictate the necessary steps the administration will take to best address the issue.”
CUC earlier disclosed that it has yet to collect nearly $4 million from its biggest customers, resulting in its own cash-flow problems. These customers include the central government, the Public School System, and the Northern Marianas College-the Top 3 biggest clients with the highest delinquent accounts.
Govt agencies lose power, water. Central govt owes $2.5M in utilities.
By Moneth Deposa, Reporter
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has disconnected the power and water lines of a number of government departments and agencies due to unpaid bills. Among these agencies are divisions under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, whose personnel were sent home early yesterday noon due to the lack of power and water at their workplace.
In a visit to the office of DCCA Secretary Melvin Faisao yesterday, Saipan Tribune saw the closed offices of the secretary's office, the Policy Language Commission, the Child Care Development Fund Office, the Division of Youth and Services emergency shelter, and some offices of federally funded programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Faisao confirmed that CUC crewmembers cut both the water and power lines in his office around 2pm yesterday.
CUC gave consideration, however, to DCCA's other divisions and programs and spared them-for now-from power and water disconnections, Faisao said. These include the Juvenile Detention Unit in Kagman and the Child Protective Unit, both under DYS.
CUC also cut the water connection at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium yesterday. Since the facility cannot be used without water, Faisao also sent home the gym's caretakers.
Saipan Tribune learned that an estimated 90 DCCA employees were placed on administrative leave since yesterday noon and were told to stand by today if they will be called to report for work.
DCCA, which has eight divisions under it, is under the Executive Branch and its utility consumption falls under the branch's accounts and billing.
Saipan Tribune learned that this was the first time DCCA lost its power and water.
If the situation last for days, Faisao said this will affect the department's programs, including federally funded ones that have regular funding allocated for utilities.
Among the initiatives that will be affected are the payment processing for child care recipients, the tenants for foster care providers, translation notices of the government, and backlogs in many offices.
According to CUC executive director Abe Utu Malae and chief financial officer Charles Warren, a disconnection notice was first issued to these agencies prior to cutting the power and water lines.
They said CUC is required by law to issue disconnection notices but it decides to first work on “non-critical loads.”
Warren said the central government owes CUC nearly $2.5 million to date, which reflects delinquent payments for August, September, and October.
He claimed that DCCA is not the only department affected by the disconnections. He said about 50 accounts were on the disconnection list. He did not elaborate.
“We did notify the CNMI government in advance.We had a meeting with the lieutenant governor today and we talked about payments and arrears. They're working on something to get the power back [tomorrow],” he told Saipan Tribune.
Under review
Press secretary Angel A. Demapan confirmed yesterday the meeting between the administration and CUC. He could not say, though, if the central government will immediately pay its arrears so that affected offices could return to normal operation.
“The lieutenant governor did meet with CUC today to discuss this matter. In view of this development, the administration is now conducting a thorough review of outstanding billings for the Executive Branch and the finances of the affected accounts. It is not known yet when payment will be made or what arrangements will be proposed to address this matter,” said Demapan.
He said the findings of the ongoing review “will largely dictate the necessary steps the administration will take to best address the issue.”
CUC earlier disclosed that it has yet to collect nearly $4 million from its biggest customers, resulting in its own cash-flow problems. These customers include the central government, the Public School System, and the Northern Marianas College-the Top 3 biggest clients with the highest delinquent accounts.
Staycation
Since we have one week off of school, but we do not have the resources to travel off island, we decided to have our first Staycation (won't you hop on the new, trendy, economically-hip bus with us?!). We have been the definition of slugs...using Brian and Colleen's internet while they are gone (we don't have internet at our house and many sites are blocked at our school, so we have been ADDICTED to email, facebook, and surfing--don't worry friends, we'll be back to our old selves next week), catching up on a few TV shows (again, we don't have a TV at our house, so we haven't really seen any shows since September...I am now officially a hulu convert!), reading, knitting, preparing for our SCUBA certification (which will begin in January), cooking, playing games, and just being. It's been fantastic! We've managed to go sea kayaking, catch some sun, and go running as well, but we are really priding ourselves on our ability to be sloths. And, one of the best parts...it's been FREE!
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| Some of our supplies on day one...pudding, sushi, grapes, oatmeal...you know, the basics! |
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| Colleen's tub, of which I am most envious! I spoiled myself with a luxurious bubble bath with an incredible view of the ocean. |
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| ESPN certainly was a favorite on Joey's computer. The "other woman in our marriage" (i.e. sports) was on the Staycation with us! |
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| Brian and Colleen's view. Different from ours but still amazingly Saipan! |
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| Managaha from the O'Laughlins |
Christmas in Saipan
Christmas in Saipan--what a wonderful experience.
We started out with Immanuel United Methodist Church's Christmas Eve Service Nine Lessons and Carols, which featured songs in Tagalog (Filipino language) and Silent Night sung by the traditional candlelight and accompanied by the nontraditional ukulele. Growing up, Mom sang Christmas carols to get Russell, Coleman, and me to go to sleep, and one of her favorites was Silent Night. So, when we started singing that song on our first Christmas away from our extended families, it finally hit me and the waterfall started! Joey did a fantastic job comforting me, and by the end of the evening, we were both looking forward to Christmas Day.
We woke up bright and early to a gorgeous view, ate pumpkin bread that Joey's Mom had bought for us during her visit with instructions to eat it on Christmas morning, and headed to Colleen and Brian's. They are out of town on a trip to Thailand (to volunteer at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and play with elephants in an elephant refuge), so we jacked their internet. We video chatted with everyone at the Smith home for the Christmas Even shindig, including Joey's parents. It was wonderful to SEE family and dear friends on Christmas Day from 8000 miles away. The miracle of modern technology!
Clad in our bathing suits, we headed to Daniel Stafford's house on the beach. We feasted on a roasted pig, my Grandmother's macaroni and cheese, and other scrumptious goodies brought by our friends (including black-eyed peas and okra from Trey's girlfriend, Maggie, who was visiting from Eatonton, GA). There were five people from small towns in Georgia celebrating Christmas together in the small town of Saipan! What are the odds?!
We munched, drank, talked, played frisbee, and swam in the ocean well into the evening. It was definitely a different type of Christmas, but it was a wonderful Christmas nonetheless!
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| Merry Christmas from the Tropics! |
We woke up bright and early to a gorgeous view, ate pumpkin bread that Joey's Mom had bought for us during her visit with instructions to eat it on Christmas morning, and headed to Colleen and Brian's. They are out of town on a trip to Thailand (to volunteer at an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS and play with elephants in an elephant refuge), so we jacked their internet. We video chatted with everyone at the Smith home for the Christmas Even shindig, including Joey's parents. It was wonderful to SEE family and dear friends on Christmas Day from 8000 miles away. The miracle of modern technology!
Clad in our bathing suits, we headed to Daniel Stafford's house on the beach. We feasted on a roasted pig, my Grandmother's macaroni and cheese, and other scrumptious goodies brought by our friends (including black-eyed peas and okra from Trey's girlfriend, Maggie, who was visiting from Eatonton, GA). There were five people from small towns in Georgia celebrating Christmas together in the small town of Saipan! What are the odds?!
We munched, drank, talked, played frisbee, and swam in the ocean well into the evening. It was definitely a different type of Christmas, but it was a wonderful Christmas nonetheless!
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| Our son, Micah |
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| Daniel looking sexy and festive, preparing to fix some low-country boil. |
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| Stewing up some crawfish |
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| Trey and Maggie enjoying Rotelle! So Yummy!!! Thanks for bringing that, Russ. |
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| The pig that was smoked all day...so delicious! |
12.24.2010
Christmas is HERE!
It is about 83 degrees today, and we are one day away from Christmas! Yesterday was our last day of school (we return on Monday, January 3), and all week we were feeling the Christmas spirit!! While the climate has certainly challenged our notions of the holiday season, we are learning to re-define what Christmas means to us. This year, it will not be spent with extended family and close friends. Nor, will we be celebrated snuggled up to a fireplace in cozy sweats experiencing the first "White Christmas" in Cornelia. Instead, we will be partaking in a pig roast at Daniel Stafford's house followed by snorkeling and paddle-boarding in the ocean with some of our closest friends. This will be our first (and perhaps only) Christmas Day where it is just the two of us. It will also be our first (and probably not only) Christmas Day celebrated somewhere other than Habersham. In many ways, it doesn't feel like a traditional Christmas, but in many others, we have felt the true spirit of the season ten-fold. 90% of this island is Catholic, so the phrase "Merry Christmas!" is said rather than the ubiquitous "Happy Holidays!" heard on the mainland. In front of the courthouse, the palm trees are decorated with gigantic ornaments, a huge Christmas tree has been set-up, and a life-size Nativity is on display. Signs saying "Merry Christmas" are hung on the front doors of our school, carolers serenade shoppers at our local grocery and department store, and our school celebrated the holidays through student performances all this week during lunch (complete with a cameo from Santa Joey Claus!). Colleen baked Christmas cookies, and I helped her ice them. We watched A Christmas Story and all of us reminisced about some of our favorite Christmas memories. It is indeed a wonderful time of year!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
12.23.2010
From Demorest to Papago to...
Yesterday, we went to our mail box, and to our great surprise, we received a Christmas package from Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Douglas (John's sister and brother-in-law). While we have received some wonderful packages and precious and thoughtful cards this season from friends and family on the mainland and Saipan, this gift really took the prize. Custom-made signs featuring our hometown of Demorest, GA and our new hometown of Papago, Saipan with their respective longitude and latitude coordinates. Aunt Lindsay, a reader of our blog, included a note, "Just a little something to add to your 'Photo Wall.'" Thanks, Aunt Lindsay!
Merry Christmas to everyone in
Demorest, Papago, and everywhere in between!
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| Posing with our signs giving the obligatory "Hang Lose" sign (featured in almost all pictures in our local papers) |
Crash Test Dummies
As part of the Elgers’ trip to Saipan a day trip to Tinian was planned on Constitution Day (another seemingly random mid-week holiday – Wednesday this time). We rented scooters (except for John, who decided to go with a car to spare himself from the mid-day sun of the tropics) and set out to explore the numerous WWII and natural sites on the island. Trips to the former Japanese Radio Communication Building and a Shinto shrine were both intriguing and without major incidents. The blowhole, however, had a little something to say about our efforts at a leisurely day. Joey entered first on his scooter and cruised delicately down the loose gravel road. However, before he hit the bottom he saw Jan sprawled out on the ground in his rearview mirror. The gravel and the instability of her smaller scooter had caused a spill and sent her face (chin, really) first into the ground. John’s decision to have the car paid off, as he was able to take Jan to Tinan’s Medical Center for a clean-up and stich up. Some injuries that looked pretty ugly at first (thanks to the blood and a detached inner part of the lip) only required some thorough cleaning up and a few stitches. The doctor on call in Tinian was great, as were the ones in follow-up appointments in Saipan. All things considered, the situation turned out just fine. To top it off, In a night of karmatic redemption, our Tuesday Night Trivia team (sporting the moniker “Crash Test Dummies”) emerged victorious to offer a little relief to Jan’s bruised body (and ego).
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| Crash Test Dummies (Elgers, Colleen, and Micah) pose with Quiz Masters Daniel Stafford and Brian O'Laughlin and Host, Jordan. Glenn Hunter, Promotional Genius, is taking the photo. |
12.22.2010
Doctor's Orders
For about two weeks, I was a bit under the weather. It was flu season at school, so bad germs were free-flowing. When I finally broke down and went to the doctor (I couldn't talk anymore, my throat hurt so badly!), I received excellent advice.
"Do you like to swim?" he asked.
"Yes!" I replied.
"Then, go swimming about three times a day for the next three days. The salt water will do wonders for your cold. Just breathe deeply!" Dr. Stearns said.
No medicine required. I just drank plenty of water and went for swims. In about three days, I was feeling like my old self! TIS (This is Saipan!)
Speaking of the flu...Saipan has a flu mascot named Kung-Flu. With a steady beat of claps as the underlying beat, the words to the PSA go something like, "It is out there. Waiting for you. Be on the lookout for Kung-Flu." We wish we could find a recording to post, but a picture will have to suffice for now.
"Do you like to swim?" he asked.
"Yes!" I replied.
"Then, go swimming about three times a day for the next three days. The salt water will do wonders for your cold. Just breathe deeply!" Dr. Stearns said.
No medicine required. I just drank plenty of water and went for swims. In about three days, I was feeling like my old self! TIS (This is Saipan!)
Speaking of the flu...Saipan has a flu mascot named Kung-Flu. With a steady beat of claps as the underlying beat, the words to the PSA go something like, "It is out there. Waiting for you. Be on the lookout for Kung-Flu." We wish we could find a recording to post, but a picture will have to suffice for now.
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way!
This picture was in the local paper. Technically, you can't see me in the crowd, but trust me, I'm there. Joey's been in the paper twice, so, I'm saying this counts as one for me!
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| Go Forth and JINGLE! |
Signs of Saipan
Match the first part of the sign with the second part. We will post the answers next week. TIS!
Happy Guessing!
| Bing, Bang, Beng | Restaurant (The Stoney's of the Marianas) |
| Bo Bo | Barber Shop |
| Brabu | Village |
| Chalan Pale Arnold | Filipino Fast Food |
| Chung Ji | aka Middle Road |
| Dan Dan and Chalan Kanoa (CK) | Football Club |
| Docomo | Pharmacy |
| Dong Boo | Auto Parts |
| Ebisuya | In-Door Shooting Range |
| Galaxy | Tire Shop |
| Guang Dong | Restaurant |
| Guk Bob | Hardware |
| Hafa Adai | Bakery |
| Jhem's | Chinese Restaurant |
| Jigz | Resort |
| Joeten | Store |
| Lau Lau and Pau Pau | Cell Service |
| Ming Yang's | Fish House |
| Paire | Market |
| Poon's | Bar |
| Tan-G's Spot | Beach |
Happy Guessing!
Check One Off the Bucket List for Joe!
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| Daniel Stafford and Joey Elger after making their first national team appearance for the CNMI |
Joey plays for the CNMI National Soccer Team! Here's the article that was published in The Northeast Georgian about his experience.
A pair of former Habersham County residents recently got a chance to live out a sports dream thousands of miles from home. On Dec. 6, Daniel Stafford and Joey Elger had the honor of representing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) National Soccer Team in an exhibition match against Keio University of Japan. The CNMI, a U.S. Commonwealth, is a collection of 15 islands in the Northern Pacific Ocean. The biggest of these islands, Saipan, accounts for about 90 percent (50,000 people) of the population of the CNMI. The CNMI is a full member of the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF), along with notable soccer nations such as 2010 World Cup participants Japan and South Korea. They are in the process of becoming full members of soccer’s world governing body, FIFA, and will participate in World Cup qualifying for the first time for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Stafford, a resident of the CNMI and Saipan for two years, is currently an in-house attorney for Bridge Capitol, an Asiabased investment firm. Stafford is a 1999 graduate of Habersham Central, where he lettered in track, basketball, and football. He taught Spanish at HCHS and coached football and track for the Raiders during the 2005-06 school year. “I’ve been fortunate to compete in various sporting events throughout my life, and the excitement of stepping onto the field is always there to a certain extent, even in the most trivial of competitions,” said Stafford. “However, nothing compares to the feeling of representing your country in an international match. It’s exhilarating yet humbling, and I was proud to be a part of it.”
Elger and his wife, Elizabeth, have been teachers at Marianas High School since September. He is a 1997 graduate of Habersham Central, where he lettered in soccer. He taught World History at the Habersham 9th Grade Academy from 2005-10 and coached the Lady Raider soccer team. “From the training to the match, the experience of being part of the CNMI National Team has been one I’ll never forget,” said Elger. “Coach Seki’s experience and knowledge of the game at its highest level has helped me grow immeasurably as a coach and player. Each day living in the CNMI has made me feel more and more at home, and I can’t think of a greater honor than representing this place I’ve grown to love and respect.”
The 90-minute friendly between Keio and the CNMI, held at the CNMI National Stadium/Ada Field in Saipan, was split up into three 30-minute periods. Keio University, established in 1858, is the oldest institute of higher learning in Japan. Located in Tokyo, Keio is one of the most well-respected university soccer teams in Japan. Stafford started in goal for the home team, and recorded several outstanding saves as the game remained scoreless through the first 45 minutes. Stafford nearly created a few scoring chances through his distribution, as punts were consistently driven deep into the opposition’s half of the field. Stafford remained between the pipes during the second period and was unlucky to fall behind 2-0 on a penalty kick and screened shot from 20 yards out. Keio tacked on a third goal by the end of the second period, and took a 3-0 lead into the final frame. “Although we lost, we still played well,” said Stafford. “I’m excited about continuing to work with the team in preparation for the Marianas Cup in April, and hopefully for world cup qualifying games this summer.”
In the final period, Elger came on at central defense, but the CNMI was unable to slow down a fitter and
more well-organized Keio side as they tacked on four more goals to make the final score 7-0. “Of course, I wish the result would have been different, but I feel confident Coach Seki’s continued work with the team will pay off when the Marianas Cup (vs. archrival Guam) rolls arround in April,” said Elger.
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| The National Team warming up! |
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| Trey, Daniel, and Joey...three Georgia boys on the team |
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| #11 in the programs, #1 in my heart! |
Sakau--Not Just a Cup of Mud
Our continued embrace of the unknown took another step with the sampling of a mud-like beverage with intoxicating qualities. Known as Sakau by those from Pohnpei (an island in the FSM – Federated States of Micronesia, south of Saipan) and Kava by most others, the root-derived beverage takes some getting used to. It creates a tingling sensation on your tongue, mouth, and face. The more you drink, the more “enlightened” you feel. While I felt quite scholarly after five rounds, my wife was downright Socratic after her seven cups. Accompanied by delicious short ribs and chicken wings (and, of course, rice), it made for a sublime evening with our best friends and relatives (Thomas and Tab). The setting – on a farm right near one of Saipan’s prettiest beaches/overlooks – only added to the experience. Yes, there was a cock-fighting ring there, which is illegal unless it takes place at the sanctioned cock-fighting arena on Middle Road. Yes, there was a cage with a giant monitor lizard there. No, there was no electricity. Yes, there was an actual outhouse. What an amazing experience!!! TIS (This is Saipan).
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| Elizabeth hanging out with Mannie (the owner of the farm). As you can tell from her shirt, it was a bit hot that day! |
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| Some of the natives making Sakau |
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| Amanda stepping in to help make the intoxicating drink |
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| The Cock-Fighting Ring |
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| Where the delicious food was prepared |
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| Where we ate |
12.21.2010
Elger Invasion
Unfortunately, the prohibitive cost of holiday travel ($2500 RT per person) prevented Liz and I from returning to Georgia for our Christmas break. However, we were fortunate enough to have quite an alternative present itself. Bracketing the holiday season would be visits from the Elgers (Dec 2-16) and Smiths (Jan 21 – Feb 2), bringing a little bit of Habersham to the islands to soothe our souls. Jan and John came first, followed closely by Thomas and Tab (the middle week of the two week period). All seemed to enjoy the hospitality and sights of the island. Highlights included the endless flow of Asian snack foods and beverages(Thomas and Tab), great snorkeling on hidden beaches (Thomas, Tab, John), affordable cleaning and drop-off laundry (John), endless supplies and varieties of tea (Jan, Thomas) and time mothering her sons and daughters-in-law (Jan). All four were ready to move after their short time there, and found themselves beginning to understand the strange pull that this delightful, frustrating, gorgeous, third world, small town America place known as Saipan can have on somebody. It was sad to see them go, but exciting to have one more group of people who (even in a small way) understood the unforgettable experience provided by the CNMI.
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| The Elger Clan in Saipan |
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| John in the backwoods of Saipan |
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| Thomas taking photos in the Japanese Communications Building on Tinian |
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| Tabitha at a Japanese Monument on Tinian |
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| Jan on Saipan |
12.16.2010
Coming Soon to a Saipandemonium Near You...
As you have probably noticed, it has been a little while since our last post. We want to blame this on two things, Brian and Colleen O'Laughlin and Invasion Saipan.
First, our dearest friends Colleen and Brian hosted an incredible (truly words can't describe it) Thanksgiving FEAST for 20 of our closest friends on Saipan. However, they wanted to post about the occasion on their blog before we posted about it on our blog. We have been out-posting them since our arrival on Saipan, and since they were (and are) the hostesses with the mostesses, we just couldn't turn down their request. They also just got internet at their house, so they will now be out-posting us. Check out their delightful take on Saipan here.
Second, Saipan is in the process of recovering from its first Elger Invasion! We were so lucky to have John and Jan (Joey's parents) and Thomas and Tabitha (Joey's brother and sister-in-law) visiting us for two weeks. What a whirlwind adventure we all had! John and Jan left at 4:30 this morning, and Joey and I are truly bummed. There is nothing like showing family your new home, and we were delighted to have visitors this close to Christmas.
This weekend, our plan is to get busy posting away. And, boy, do we have a lot to catch up on. Just to give you a preview, here are the titles of our in-the-works blog posts...
Check One Off the Bucket List!
Thankful
Doctor's Orders
Crash Dummies
Elger Invasion
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way
Drinking Mud
Gony and His Machetti
"Happy Holidays?!" We say, "Merry Christmas!"
Cookie Monster
We Love Uncle Jerry
Saipan Signs
We will see you back in blog-land really soon!
First, our dearest friends Colleen and Brian hosted an incredible (truly words can't describe it) Thanksgiving FEAST for 20 of our closest friends on Saipan. However, they wanted to post about the occasion on their blog before we posted about it on our blog. We have been out-posting them since our arrival on Saipan, and since they were (and are) the hostesses with the mostesses, we just couldn't turn down their request. They also just got internet at their house, so they will now be out-posting us. Check out their delightful take on Saipan here.
Second, Saipan is in the process of recovering from its first Elger Invasion! We were so lucky to have John and Jan (Joey's parents) and Thomas and Tabitha (Joey's brother and sister-in-law) visiting us for two weeks. What a whirlwind adventure we all had! John and Jan left at 4:30 this morning, and Joey and I are truly bummed. There is nothing like showing family your new home, and we were delighted to have visitors this close to Christmas.
This weekend, our plan is to get busy posting away. And, boy, do we have a lot to catch up on. Just to give you a preview, here are the titles of our in-the-works blog posts...
Check One Off the Bucket List!
Thankful
Doctor's Orders
Crash Dummies
Elger Invasion
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way
Drinking Mud
Gony and His Machetti
"Happy Holidays?!" We say, "Merry Christmas!"
Cookie Monster
We Love Uncle Jerry
Saipan Signs
We will see you back in blog-land really soon!
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