Wishing it was warmer

Hey everyone, we are back home and the flight was fine considering the hours. Going to the Brewers game w/ Stacy Schmidt on Thursday out at Wrigley. Can't wait!!

Tre-bien!

If you've watched SportsCenter in the last century Tre-bien means 3..good! So its down to 3 days and tonight (in 1 hour, brenda starts her last shift) and she is extremely pumped about it. My so called diet made it 1 day...again! and I'm off to wine and crackers again too. I bringing Brenda and her crew some doughnuts for breakfast and a bottle of champagne for after (7am). After that, we are going to layout for a while and then hit up some shops. Tonight we just packed what we could and shared a bottle of wine and triscuts in our little shack. Other than that, can't wait to "boonie stomp" some drinks down as Bennett would say...I know if we are up to it, we would like to go out for some drinks on that Sunday with friends/family if anyone can make it. Not sure if we are sold as I have no idea what we'll be like after 24 hours on a flight with the Japanese! Enjoying our last couple days here and see you soon. Go Crew, just found out we beat the Phillys with Princes 2 HR's.

6...6 days of Guam left

Yes, 6 days left. It will be nice to see an oven again and carpet for that fact. I think upon our arrival, we'll take pictures of ovens at our parents houses and full sized fridges. Today, we went out to a sushi buffet and it was great. Some of Brenda's co-workers threw a going away party for her and it was very nice at the Hyatt. Other than that, Brenda is working from 3-11 today and then three 11-7 and then she has off on Friday and Saturday and our flight leaves Sunday. Other than that, not much, just trying to bake in the sun for the final couple days to get a nice tan. I think I've hit a ceiling though and am getting whiter. Take care everyone.

9 ah ah ah

Well, not much has happened...Brenda and I watched American Gangsters yesterday on our big screen. Well...a 17" computer screen is big, right??? Brenda is at work and helped deliver twins yesterday so to me, that is very cool, for her, just another day on the job. Oh, I've spoiled my diet and excersice plan. wine and naked chips were to hard to turn away. Going to sign up for a 5k right now that I will run tomorrow. Brenda works 3-11 today and 7am-3pm tomorrow so not much of a break for her, but then she has off until Monday. Take care and I found the widget to play our "last 10 days" song. Just listen to the music that plays when you go on the blog. Also, I thought I was pretty clever with a pic of The Count. Maybe I've just been away from reality too long though? I'll write tomorrow so until then...God bless and take care.

Its the Final Countdown! (Insert Rocky 4 Clip)

10 days...ah ah ah (count dracula will be the theme for the last 10 days).
Well, a lot has come and gone, namely Dan and time since the last time I blogged. My brother Rob has made me aware of this via facebook. The first night Dan was here, we went to Jimmy Dee's on the beach for some fire dancing and to show Dan a little Island life. The rest of the time Dan was here, it was a lot of R & R. Although we went for a couple hikes to the caves we were in before and then to Mt. Lam Lam. Brenda, Dan and I had a great time going to these places (I was the only one at both before, so I was with a couple of newbies). Another Day we went to Jeffs Pirate Cove and made a nice day out of it learning how to make fish out of palm tree leaves and hanging out with our buddy Teke again. We also went to Two Lovers Point, the short story about the name is that it was an arranged marriage gone bad because the girl wanted a local Chammorro boy and that just couldnt happen...so....they went to the top of this cliff (TLP) and took the leap. Story over, sad...yes...true...yes. Another venture we went on was to visit all the main beaches that Japan stormed, followed up by the US some years later. You'll have to look at all the pics that are being put up.
Today, Brenda went and got her hair done and my little blonde is back! Just a little other note, I'm on a diet the last ten days (strict) so that I'm not a fatty upon our return. After all, with a nice tan, you want to look good, right??? and not like buddah. Well, off for my second run of the day...see, it is a strict workout and diet plan...AND No Drinks.

Something else funny...This Sunday 4/20/08 one of Brenda's co-workers is holding a Kareoke party for us. Could be fun...right????? Well, this co-worker is SDA, which is a religion that doesn't believe in drinking at all. So on Saturday night (CST) I would like everyone to think about Brenda and I singing soberly at a party full of Fillipinos that will most likely make fun of us "howlies" (hawaiian for mainlanders) in their language. Man its going to suck actually hearing how bad we are. I mean, in a bar, you dont have to hear yourself, but in a house....I'll try to take video so everyone can get a good laugh. I'm touching up in the shower on my Elvis, hopefully they have that on the playlist!!
Alright, enough rambling...Miss everyone and see you soon.

The Crew

SO....as I got back from our boonie stomp today (we went to Pagot Caves) I was watching ESPN for some Brewer highlights. I was laughing histarically...first because the Crew is putting some woopings together and secondly, I saw a bunch of drunks cruising around on the home runs hit by Billy Hall. This is my first home opener that I missed and I can only imagine...if I would have remembered the first 8 home openers I've been too. Anyhow, just nice to relate to home a bit.

Our boonie stomp went to Pagot Caves today. Brenda and Anne both came along and it was absolutely amazing. Not many pictures will be up because we had to be in water to get to the big caves. I know, I dont have a camera, but I'm sure Anne didnt want her's to face the same fate as mine. The cave was like a little Miller Park, but pitch black, except for the glow sticks that were thrown in the water. It was like something out of a movie and it made Brenda feel like she was in a group...The Goonies! I would say the little Miller Park (roof closed) was about 50 yards by 30 yards and the water was anywhere from 2-8 feet. It was truly amazing and Brenda and I feel that it was the coolest place we have ever seen in our lives. Sorry, pics wouldnt really show up in there so the camera stayed out and for the above reason of fates. Take care.

Still...pictures are a thing of the past

Hey everyone, well...I dropped my camera in the Tarzan Falls so I'll have to wait to take picture with Annes camera. Also, Joe S left yesterday and my buddy Dan gets here in 30 some hours. Should be a great time. We'll have to watch NCAA Final Four games at 11am here at a beach bar, but ya know, someones got to bite the bullet. Other than that, not much new because we are in a routine now and nothing is really knew. We dont know where we are next but we are keeping our options open to California, Cape Cod or Milwaukee. We'll see what God has planned for us. However, we do know that we are going to be vacationing in Santa Barbara on June 19th - 25th or so for Summer Solstice. Should be a great time. Have a good day everyone!

Forgot to mention the earthquakes

There have been two earthquakes (Joe and I slept through both). Anne was at work for one and charts starting falling from the nurses station. All of the other nurses were shouting at her in their Filipino accents to get under something, and she froze. I guess she was thinking that her fate was going to be "trapped in a pile of rubble of what was once known as GMH-aka, Get Me to Hawaii, as the educated locals call it.

Wishing for Ruby Slippers at times

Hello to all who are reading/viewing our blog and photos! (It's Brenda-Joe usually does this) So it is 6:00am now in Guam and I am anxiously awaiting 7 when I get off of work for the night. Not that I wasn't thankful before, but recently I have been so thankful for everything that I have been given in life. Living in South eastern Wisconsin may be not so fun at times (snow, cold, more snow, freezing, more snow-not that I know a whole lot about that now), but I really am thinking that there is no place like home. I know everyone sees the photos of the beach, sun, and fun that we are having-don't get me wrong-it is nice and we do have a lot of cool experiences, but as we are getting to the end of our trip we have been really missing everyone and everything about home. The hospital here is really wearing me out, and I think my complaining about it is wearing Joe out (he needs something to wear him out!). Every time that anyone gets sick, needs medical care, has a baby, etc. PLEASE be thankful for what we have at home. This place is pretty aweful and most people don't even know it. Also be thankful for our urban planning, water treatment facilities, and things like that. This week there was a sewage spill at the beach of Joe's favorite hang out Jimmy Dees and everyone has been getting sick because of the water! (they are still dragging the Japanese tourists through it on banana boat rides-sick) Also, be thankful for law enforcement-cops here are paid minimum wage and literally hang out in our hotel lobby to watch TV all night even though there is tons of unreported crime and domestic violence on the island. Anyway, just thought I could be the one to share some of the not so great things about Guam. We'll be home soon and can't wait-even Joe who is having a great vacation has realized that he actually likes work-or maybe he just says that so that I'm not jealous... Love you guys and miss everyone very much,

Very thankful for home, the experiences that I have been given here, and lessons learned,

Brenda

Easter Time

Hello again and Happy Easter! This week was obviously Easter and we went to church on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Some pictures of our church are in our album if you would like to see them. After sunrise service for Easter, Brenda and I went to Ritidian Beach. It was really cool and was a perfect day out, pictures are also in our album. On Good Friday, I climbed Mt. LamLam, it is a really high point and on the top of it is crosses that you do the rosary to. It was quite the hike and I followed that up with a 5k run Sat. morning for the Make a Wish Foundation and then went on another boonie stomp. The Stomp was very hard and had plenty of swordgrass to compete with. I have some really nice gashes in my arms and hands, there getting better though. Also, on Sunday night, we went to Jimmy Dees Beach Bar and relaxed there. A lot of pictures taken so please look at them in our Guam Album. Take care and have a good rest of the week, Hope everyones Easter was a ton of fun. Brenda and I miss a home cooked meal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its some Fish, a Run, Couples Massage, Palm Sunday and St. Patty's Day all on Tumon Bay

This past week we went on a 5k run that benefited fitness here on Guam. It was a ton of fun and we also got a shirt for running in it. Brenda did great in it and finished in the top 1/4 of women. Joe S. and I also finished in the top 1/4 of the competitors. These finishes were all very good for us considering we were the last 3 competitors in line at the starting point.
The other day Brenda and I also got a couples massage. It was my first massage ever and let me tell you...it felt great and Brenda said "it was the best massage she ever had". I like to think it was because I was there with her. Great spa in general and I was very impressed and it made us both feel more rejuvinated.
Last Tuesday, we went deep sea fishing on the Mumulan II. Our captain was Joyto "Joe" for short. He was great and our excursion was outstanding. We had a completely sunny day, 4 mahi mahi, and a great time with great friends. The picturs are in our Guam Album! Joe Smycheck got a little sea sick but not bad at all. Joyto fillets the dolphin right on the dock and we ate some sashimi, outstanding! He then filleted the rest out which we cook out every other day or so by our pool. Brenda was REALLY happy that she got out on a boat and I think it took some stress off her from all the late hours she had to work that week at the Hospital.
Yesterday, we went to church for Palm Sunday and next Sunday we are going to church for Easter. The church we go to has a 6am sunrise beach service so we are going to that one. I'll take some pictures of the view next sunday. The people at the church have been very friendly and they always have a potluck after church. We are going to have the free breakfast at the church after the sunrise beach service.
Today is St. Patty's Day!!!! Somehow, Brenda and Anne both have off today so we are going to drink some nice cold green beer today. I'll take some pictures and update the blog later this week about it. Gotta go find some green shirts although I think Brenda and I both have green t's here, so no problem.
I met a bartender here that is here because of her husband and the military. The world is so small because her parents best friends are my parents friends too. It was crazy to have someone know where Grafton was. It was too funny and it got me a free beer too!!!
Brenda is doing very good at her job, but it is very different from the hospitals she is used too. She has to work a lot of nights and doesnt get 2 days off in a row, except this weekend (Easter weekend) she has off Saturday and Sunday. Wooohooo!!! The hospital is not really up to standards but they do use the same medicine as back home so nothing too drastic. I usually drop/pick her up from work everyday, which is nice and it gives me a chance to go up in her Unit to see how things are going. Other than that, I'll let Brenda update you about her job when she gets a chance. I'll take some pictures the next time I visit so everyone can see it.
The other day, I went with a doctor Brenda works with to the ocean and he taught me how to Kite Surf. It was a lot of fun and I can't believe how powerful it is, one time the kite threw me a good distance and it felt like a giant picked me up and threw me. The Doctor said I was a natural though, I told him I wasn't surprised that I picked it up quick because I'm a Nowak. HA, just kidding.
Well, miss everyone very much and cant wait to see everyone when we return to Milwaukee for a week or so (April 27th, 6pm arrival). Things are gooing good out here and its always nice to see people commenting on our blog or sending us emails. Thanks everyone and Happy St. Patty's Day!

This Brats for You...Milwaukee

Hafa Adai,

This past week we grilled out BRATS..so good...it made us all feel like we were back home in Milwaukee. I even found sourkraut at the store, obviously distributed from Green Bay. The pics are up. We also went to Horse and Cow, a country bar, with Anne and Brenda's hair stylist Skye. She is hilarious and is not afraid to speak her mind. The Joes went on another boonie stomp that was rated "difficult". Fun and great scenery so check out the pictures in our album.

Notes:
Congrats to my brother Paul and Allison on their new family member, Booker, a cute boxer dog. He looks like a healthy one! My friend Dan Marshall is visiting us in April and a couple of Brenda's friends are looking into it. Take care everyone and have a great rest of the week. Oh...Just got done watching Duke lose. Great Day!

We Miss You

Hey everyone, these last couple days we have been talking (phone) with you. It has really hit home that we miss you very much and can't wait to see you again. God has given us many different things, but the most is prayer. Prayer has got Brenda and I through some difficicult times and across the world, he still works...so BELIEVE! We love everone very much.

Today, we went on another boonie stomp and had to climb down a steep cliff, you wont see what that is all about, but the photos show our destination and reaping what the Lord put on this world is very rewarding. Some big spiders on the way (Brenda wouldnt let me tell her about them until we were past them) that were the size of my fist. Anyhow, God is very strong in OUR lives and we know its only 3 months total, but we rely on him to give us guidance and strength as we need it to without our family and friends. Love you and God Bless!
Check the pics, new and updated.

Update 2/27/08

Hey everyone, well a couple things happened since our last tax increase with the B2 bomber. We went to Jeffs Pirate Cove and had some good drinks and food. We met our bartender, Tike, he is very nice and has invited us to a couple of cool "local" things. This Sunday we are going to a beach BBQ, which are extremely popular here with him. I'll get to play some soccer on the beach and we'll all get to have some good chow. FYI, They all say Chow here for food. I also visited a place called Jimmy Dee's, it was the best bar I've ever been too. It's on the beach and is pretty much a shack and had local Raggae bands there. Literally, I just met about 25 Japanes by our pool (its 2 am here) and they were taking piturs with me. Must me a celebrity or the first American they saw. Pretty funny and educational at the same time. Brenda has off tomorrow so we are going to the Hyatt, which we got passes from Anne and Brenda's hairstylest and nail extrodinair. Should be a good time. You'll see by the pictures that Brenda and I each got haircuts too. Pretty short. To see all of our photos as we take them. Look under "joe and brendas favorite websites" and click "Our guam Album". These will be updated as we take the photos. Take care and God Bless everyone.

B-2 Bomber

Hey everyone, I'm sure your wondering if I saw the Stealth bomber go down. I did not, it happened in the northern part of the island while we were on the southern part climbinng in the jungle on a "boonie stomp". Saw some really cool things such as an old Spanish bridge built by the spanish when they first arrived here. Those photos will be up in the next week. Missing everyone very much and take care.

Figured out the slide show thing

Hey everyone, I figured out how to use this slide show thing. Every week, I will put a new slide show up of the past weeks adventures. There will be about 30 photos per show, so you might have to sit there and watch it for a couple minutes to see all the photos. Having a great time, went out to eat last night at a really cool place. Those photos will be in an upcoming slide show. Thanks and God Bless.

Monday 2-18 10:30am

Just so everyone knows, Hafa Adai means the same things Aloha means in Hawaii, but in Chamorran. Its pronounced Half a day, which we all like. Brenda is laying down as she worked the 11pm-7am shift and I have to wake her up soon. We might be going to a Polynesian dance tonight or some other restaurant. We went to the Tree Bar yesteday for lunch, great view! Definatly snorkelying soon though. It takes a long time to upload photos, so I'll only give you a couple and show you all the rest on our return. 87 and sunny everyday, you can totally tell that the sun is so close to us because even by shins got burnt, dont even know how that happens...Also, I've been running every morning on the beach, its been a good change of pace. God bless!

Sooo Gorgeous!

Its official...Guam blows any other beautiful place on earth away. I can't believe we don't even show up on a globe any more. The beaches are white and the Philippine Sea is crystal clear. On top of that, seeing Brenda has made me the happiest person in the world. I think we've both heard our calling. Island boy and girl...? It seems surreal how pretty Guam is and how clean and safe the part of the island that we are on. Brenda loves that there is 2 Louis Vittans, Dior, Coach, and Prada and a bunch of other designer stores that are duty free. I'll take pictures tomorrow of the beach and some from tonight. Brenda and I are going to an all you can eat seafood buffett with free cocktails. Woohoo! I'm already burnt, but better than being in weather that you can count on 2 hands. Sorry, low blow. Love you and God Bless.

One down and 2 ta go to Paradise!

Brenda's best friend, Anne, arrived today in Guam. She will be in a different part of the hospital though so that have to make the best of it while their schedules dont conflict...and...by make the best means shopping at the Duty Free shops. Anne's husband will be arriving next week Thursday (14th) and I will be the final one, arriving the 15th around 7pm (3 am CST). Brenda is doing good and has explored a little bit and has some things to show me when I arrive. Until then, hope everyones day is good and that the snow hasnt gotten any moods down. Take care and God Bless.

Hey Milwaukee (and those of you who reside elsewhere:)

Hey everyone who is checking this thing! Joe told me how to use it so this is my first attempt! Guam is beautiful! The water is super blue. Work is good (actually I'm there right now...); the nurses are nice. Everything is going well, but I'm starting to get lonely-when I'm not at work there are not really many people to talk to because everyone where I live speaks Japanese (I did make friends with this old couple and the husband speaks some english so he translates for his wife and we talk a little:). Anne gets here on Friday though so I will have some company til Joey gets here. Stay warm and have fun in the snow! Oh, also, it is funny because here it will be "super bowl monday"! The kids have off of school; it's a big deal. I'll probably watch at one of the hotels, but it will be at 10am and I work at 3. Fun fun! Later!

Brenda has reached Guam safely!

Brenda called me around 5am this morning and let me know that she made it to Guam and is now at her apartment. Loving and missing her and as always, God Bless.

Brenda actually leaves

Hey everyone, Brenda left and is off to Guam. She had a small pit stop in Hawaii...but she just left the airport and is now on her way to Guam. These are pictures at 4am of Brenda, Wes, Pam, Anne-mal, and me at Mitchell International dropping her off. We'll miss her and can't wait to see her in a bit. God Bless!

Going Away Party

Hey, we had a great time with everyone at our going away party. I will hopefully get a handle on this site and be able to have it more user friendly for everyone. Thanks for a great send off everyone and we look forword to talking to you through our blog. We'll keep it updated. God Bless

3 Days Left for Brenda

Its Tuesday the 22nd and we are almost all packed up and Brenda will be on her way in a short 3 days.