My first job was at Karmelkorn, you know, the flavored popcorn place in the mall food court?  I was 15 and the owner was the spouse of someone my Dad worked with.  It was a great job, I went after school and some weekends and was earning my own money.  My parents co-signed for a bank account for me and I felt all adult and responsible.

It was then I decided every year on my birthday to gift myself something.  It doesn’t have to be anything major but sometimes it was.  A nice piece of jewelry, an expensive bag or shoes.

With my birthday approaching I decided to simply place an Amazon order of a few things I’ve been wanting but not wanted to throw money at.

The order is in.  Clicking on the photos below takes you to more information about each, if you are curious.

First up, I’ve been wanting a nice eye shadow palette without breaking the bank and decided on the Lorac Pro.  It is getting great reviews and the shades are very much what I wear every day.

Really nice!

Second, Not really a birthday present to me but it was in my basket to purchase, it’s the third book in a series I am reading.

Cursor’s Fury (Codex Alera, Book 3) by Jim Butcher

I am really enjoying this series, the first book had me in it’s grip and I am half way through the second and it’s a win so far!  This is Science Fiction with a bit of historic battle weaponry and tactics – medieval type.  It is a field day for my imagination.

Third, another makeup item which I found here at our Navy Exchange but they were sold out and I found it on Amazon for about $3.00 less…so WIN!

Infallible^® Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray

I’m also hearing great things about this spray and with the heat and humidity in Japan and Hawaii I think this will come in handy to keep my makeup in place.

Fourth, and this is the big one.  I’ve been wanting a ruby ring in my jewelry case.  It doesn’t have to be super fancy or even gold/white gold just a nice, pretty ring.  After searching a bit, I think I found a good one and the price is under $100 for a real ruby in a silver setting.  Works for me.  Maybe one day I will upgrade to white gold or platinum but I’m not snobby about that.

1.02 Ct Oval Red Ruby 925 Sterling Silver Ring

The filigree resembles my wedding rings a bit and I think will go well on my right ring finger.  I hope!

–>   A little bonus item thanks to Yamanashi Kei for reminding me of my teenage favorite book, I ordered it for my Kindle so I can read it again.  I may buy the book again for my shelf one day.  Diana The Huntress

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Plans set for Autumn in Japan:

In September we are going on a trip we did last year that we really enjoyed, enough to book it again.  The Nanadaru Hot Springs and Joren Waterfall tour.  I’m really looking forward to this tremendously.  More fresh wasabi treats and beautiful scenery!

In October we will be taking a trip to Hiroshima.  The husband and I have this on our must do before we leave so when we saw the tour we jumped on it.  Rather than taking the Bullet train ourselves we figured the tour would be better for this one even though it’s a very long bus ride.  We will do the bullet train possibly to Osaka instead…don’t have that planned yet.

Also in October we have a quick trip to Guam planned.  I have never been and the husband has people there we want to visit.

In November, we are planning to book a trip to Thailand, hopefully will have that worked out this week.  Also, doing OzzFest in Chiba (next to Tokyo) where a lot of bands we really dig will be playing.  Click OzzFest to see the lineup.

Things are stacking up and it is feeling like crunch time, we don’t want to leave Japan!