SCUBA AND PROM!

I finally finished my PRT (Physical Readiness Test) that every service member of the Navy (Reserve and Active Duty) must complete twice a year. It consists of a timed 1.5 mile run (or the optional 450 meter swim that I opted for), 2 minutes of push-ups, and 2 mintues of sit-ups. They also weigh you in to make sure you are within weight standards. I have been training for this for the last month, and harder the last two weeks since I finished my P90X. Unfortunately, I forgot to "train for the test" and did not do push-ups and sit-ups before the swim in my practice sessions. So, I ended up being very disappointed with my time of 45 seconds slower in the swim than my slowest practice time in the last month! Oh well, I averaged out to "outstanding" which is still the highest category but my goal was to get that level in all the events, not just my average of all three. I think I will run in the Fall.

Since I was done with that, I figured I could start enjoying the "island life" again, though, and went diving with my buddy Jason. It was sunny, warm, the water was warm and the visibility was over 120 feet! Awesome! Some folks from the ER are planning a deep sea fishing charter trip soon and a dive trip to the Keramas, a nearby group of islands. Can't wait. I have also been trying to go out and experience some more of the "culinary delights" here and went to a great Thai restaurant last week and we are planning a trip to a "Noodle" restaurant this week. I have also been following "The Pacific" (very violent and realistic) and LOST (still managing to get weirder with every episode). I was able to watch the final episode of ER and it brought back lots of memories of the last 15 years as I truly "grew up" (in my ER career) with the show, as Carter was an intern when I was, too!

While I was busy saving lives and diving, I did miss Benjamin's first Prom:( He and his best friend AJ (looking like "Mutt and Jeff") are getting ready to board their bus (party bus???). Where are their dates, though?

In addition, I missed Ben and Morgan's Confirmation that same day. I did get some pictures sent to me, though, so I could "live vicariously." Also that day Morgan and Steph got to attend a quinceanera of one of her friends. They had a great time.

Benjamin visited UofA last week and had a great time. He and Steph are at NAU on a trip right now. He wore shorts and a t-shirt to the UofA visit and will probably be in his ski gear tomorrow at his NAU visit as it just snowed last week in Flagstaff! I figure that is good for him to experience NAU with snow to see if he likes it.

I have already been here for over 4 months, and will soon reach the halfway point. It is only another six weeks before Steph and the kids get to experience "Space-A" flying on military transports to come over to mainland Japan and visit. We plan on visiting Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, and the Navy base Atsugi where Steph's cousin's taught one summer! I can't wait.

Until the next blog..........

LCDR Butler

90 Days of P90X

My first round of P90X is done! I lost 30lbs since I arrived on island and feel great. I have not been in this great of shape since I wrestled my senior year in high school. I will not share my true "before" and "after" pics, but, needless to say, I really did transform with this program and highly recommend it to all people motivated to start a hard-core exercise program. For those not familiar with P90X, it is a series of workout DVD's that you do over a 90 day period. The daily routine is 60-90 minutes a day of working out, with varying workouts ranging from chest/arms to yoga to kenpo to plyometrics to stretching. It really works, especially when combined with a sprint-distance triathalon 5 days a week!

The first pic is my first shift on Okinawa. The ER is a really relaxed place, as you can tell by my posture. The next pictures are "post " P90X where I am 30 lbs lighter and still able to eat what I want now (occasionally, not EVERY meal as I would like). One shows me at my favorite curry place (Fab Curry) which has 5 varieties of curry and is "all you can eat" for 790 yen (about $8). I usually eat 3-4 plates! Rob and I go there at least once every two weeks and I will have to find a new "Fab Curry partner" as he is going on leave for almost a month to take his ER Oral Board Exam and then vacation with his family back in Virginia. The night time pic is on the Sunabe Seawall outside of Fab Curry which has a beautiful ocean view and reminds me somewhat of the boardwalk on Mission Beach in San Diego but much closer to the ocean! The last picture is a sushi night we had recently at a "sushi-go-round" where they continuously make the sushi and you just grab the plate as it goes by if you like it. Obviously, I liked a LOT of plates! Although this would not be considered a very good sushi style place in the US, they are actually very popular and quite good in Okinawa as long as you aren't ordering custom rolls.

I am still doing well here and keeping busy with work and workouts. I recently attended a disaster medicine dinner conference with both the Japanese and American leaders. I am also trying to keep up with my movie watching and have recently seen The Green Zone, Alice in Wonderland, The Lovely Bones, The Clash of the Titans, and The Wolfman. I am also trying to keep up with LOST on TV and The Pacific (the HBO miniseries). I am keeping my "culture" up by reading, as well, and am slowly working my way through "Atlas Shrugged" on my Kindle (a very welcome going away present from an ER colleague and friend).

I look forward to Steph, Ben, and Morgan coming out this summer and look forward to my return in the Fall. It is still a pleasure and an honor, though, to be taking care of our warriors and their families here in Okinawa. Keep our deployed members in your thoughts and prayers and if you see a member in uniform, please thank them for their service to our country. They deserve it.

LCDR Butler