Timing was everything on this trip... we arrive at the airport and board almost immediately. The flight, scheduled to be a 4 hour flight, to our delight, landed 30 minutes early. Jim met us out front and taxied us to the hotel. Early check in.... YEAH! Now it was time for food and staples for the next wave of arrivals. Walmart and the liquor store had no idea what hit them! Ha Ha!
As people started to drift in to the hotel, I believe the front desk notified everyone that room 1019 was "party central". We were stocked and ready to greet! Sheri and Cheryl, thank you for opening up your room when the AC in ours went out! As much as the committee tried to warn them, the hotel was NOT prepared for us! I only lost 6 keys Thursday night. At 3 AM, security walked me to the door to check my ID.. Ha Ha! That was our first meeting with hotel security...we saw security every night until we checked out. One security guard (former military stationed on Okinawa) even stayed to chat, before asking us to "tone it down".... hee hee!
My party gal pal Ronnie flew in Friday morning and shocked everyone downing 4 beers and a Bloody Mary at lunch trying to catch up with the gang. Who needs food? Ha Ha! Some things never change... miss you girl!
The Friday night mixer was so nice. The doors from the main room over looked the pool area, island-like breezes and raggae music... what a great space to roam! John's karaoke performance of "She's Outta My Life" was classic! Then it was off to the next door club... Manhatten's.. was that ironic? Perfect! Except for the slam dancing part.... Lisa Nies, I have a headache honey, send the asprin.
Saturday night, a more formal affair... Mr. Murray outdid himself once more with the class karaoke sing off... YES, the Russian judge was planted for sure! Our surprise guest for the 1985 Kubasaki class was none other than the beautiful Stevie Crumbliss! S-rah A-rah M-rah U-rah R-rah A-rah, I-rah...SAMURAI...sisters forever!
After that day's rivalry game between Kadena and Kubasaki (yes, we kept accurate scores this time and won AGAIN!) it was another ironic moment to pull the very first door prize names and call out Ron Ciron and Victor Sims as the first winners. I'll let y'all in on a little secret... I had planned to call out on the Kadena side Victor as the winner (NOT) as a joke... when the tag actually had his name on it... it totally blew the gag! But in all honesty, that is why I had others pull out names.... they really were the first names drawn!
The evening ended at sunrise..... very cool!
Sunday was all about catching up on some rest. We had planned to go to Six Flags earlier in the day, but decided we'd wait until evening when it cooled down to 96 degrees... YIKES. The TITAN kicked my butt! Someone tell me the G-Force on that thing, please?!#@
There were so many favorite moments this time. However, the BEST for me was watching Ron Ciron, Joe Corcoran, Jarinda Nettles and John Sullivan recap stories from 8th and 9th grade. I don't think there was ONE story that did not have anything to do with alcohol or running from the JPs! PRICELESS! Another favorite moment was Sheri Chambers yelling at Victor Sims to "get a back bone".... Ha Ha Ha Ha! Mike Thornhill...made the game with the catch of the year! GREAT ball game Kubasaki!!!
It was also very cool to watch the dynamics and establish new friendships blossom from our stories and experiences on Okinawa! Rekindling old frienships is a given at these functions, but when you walk away with new friends and expand your circles, it is so awesome! Marco, Tin and David....so cool to met you and promise to keep in touch!
In the end, I was ready to come home and wanted to bring everyone with with me.. just like leaving Okinawa.
Ronnie and Ron... THANK YOU for being there to see us off! I was ok until I hugged my girl before the flight and had to shed a tear! Miss you so!
Debbie, Jim/Lisa and Brad....THANK YOU for hosting a most excellent reunion! It meant so much to everyone there! This one was very personal for so many of us! I look forward to the next one!
I know there is so much more to share and I have left out so many people. I do want to say it was such a pleasure finding people and being a part of bringing people together. I send congrats to the other reps that hounded their classes as much, if not more, than I did... Cindy, it was so hard for you to leave your little miracle, Marissa and I am so glad to have gotten to see you...even if only momentarily! Yes, James White and Evil Jimmy are two different people!
To sum it all up.... truely AWESOME! I love and miss you all! Take Care and
keep in touch!
Marie
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