Friday, April 29, 2011

Joys of PCDC

The month of April is month of the Military Child & management has been treating the staff as well.
*Monday we all got little goodie bags that were filled with candy that had the following saying written on the outside.

"You are a TREASURE for everything you teach our Children. You deserve a GOLD NUGGET every PAYDAY. We know sometimes our kids act like NERDS or like they're from somewhere beyond the MILKY WAY. You bring such ALMOND JOY when you teach about New YORK and ignore their LAUGHY Taffy ways. It must be hard to contain your SNICKERS when those little Baby Ruth's tell you Cow TALES.
Thanks, Teacher! You are the RIESEN our kids are SMARTIES instead of DUM DUMS. You are LIFESAVERS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO"

The bag was filled with each of the candies mentioned in the script as well. It was so cute and very thoughtful.

*Tuesday we received a letter telling us how much we are appreciated and how we are all great Team Players. It was very simple but to the point. Little things such as this remind me that I enjoy the people I work with.

*Friday management bought us lunch, pizza from Costco. It was so yummy, I had two slices of pepperoni and I was stuffed. This week has been a quick one to me. Maybe it was because we had alot going on at the center due to the Month of the Military child but hey that's ok with me. :)

April is finally over with and I couldn't be happier, May is going to be a busy month. Its not even here yet and I have so much planned. Hoping it will bring me closer to my love and faster. Here's to another month down in the horrible thing we call deployment.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Military wife survery...

1. How long have you been a military wife? 3 1/2 years

2. What branch of service is your husband? Army

3. Active/Reserve? Active Duty

4. What is his job? Infantryman

5. How many deployments have you gone through? 2 ~ 1 -15 month to Iraq & 1 -12 month to Iraq

6. Camo or Dress uniforms on your man? If I had to pick it would be camo

7. What do you like about being a military wife? The friendships Ive made along the way & the way its brought my husband & I closer.

8. Do you live on base? We sure do!!!

9. What is your favorite base so far? Schofield Barracks has been our first & only duty station so far so I have to say HERE!!!.

10. What is the hardest part of the military life? The times we have to be apart when he is up in harms way.

11. Do you go to the grocery store or Commissary? I shop at the commissary since we live on post & the prices are lower compared to off post here in Hawaii.

12. Do you work or stay at home? I work full time, as well I am a full time wife & homemaker

13. Do you have a lot of military wife friends? I have a lot of military friends but only a few close ones that I have really opened up to and let into our life.

14. Do you prefer Walmart or the BX/PX/NEX/MCX? The PX because its close but we love going to take a gander around the NEX.

15. How did your husband propose? One night while visiting me back in Texas on our drive home.

16. Did you marry him after he joined or before? He was already in when we met and got married & still is.

17. How long have you been together? This November will make 5 years!!!

18. Any kids? NOPE nor here

19. Any kids yet to come? no...& not for a while if any either.

20. Is your husband one of those "I am soldier hear me HOOAH" kind of guys? No he does his job and does it to the fullest but when he is not in uniform you would never know he was in the army unless you talked to him for a bit.

21. Have you ever done combatives with your husband? No

22. How many bases have you lived at? 1

23. If you could change one thing about the military? How the families are treated.

24. Do you like military balls? UGH, never been but we have one coming up on July 9th & I'm totally stressing over it.

25. Where does your family live? His family is in Arizona...mine are in Texas

26. What do you do for a job? I work at the CDC on post.

27. Have you ever gotten in a fight with an NCO's wife? Nope can't say that I have.

28. Name one thing you do when your husband is gone? Stay as busy as I can.

29. Do you think other wives do that too? In their own way I'm sure they do.

Friday, April 22, 2011

My 25th :)

The morning started off just perfect talking to my love. That right there was simply everything I needed to make for a great day. He makes everything so easy & knows just what to say to make to me smile. My gift from him arrived a few days early & he totally out did himself. I was so excited when I opened up the box and noticed what it was. I am in love with Fiestaware, its so fun mix & matching the colors. I have a list of items that I want to get & two of them are the 11 Piece Cutlery Set & 6 Piece Steak Knife Set. I had been holding off because the Cutlery set is kinda pricey so when I opened my box saw them both I was so excited. He did perfect on the color as well, we didn't have anything in the Peacock blue on the counter tops.
He mentioned that picking out the color was the hardest part of the whole process, But he couldn't have done better.




I treated myself to a local style breakfast, one that the two of us would of had if he was home. Koa Pancake House is one of our favorite places to veg at on the weekends every once in a while. I had my usual short stack of banana pancakes, crispy bacon & I added in Home Fried Potato's. Ummm it was so yummy, of course I never am able to finish it all & today was no different but boy did I sure try.




The agenda for the day: meet up with my favorite person for a bit of shopping & a much needed PEDI trip. (thanks spouse for my pedi!!!!)
We had so much fun running around town getting things done sipping on Starbucks. I couldn't have gotten through the day if it wasn't for her.
After much running around we both headed home to get ready for a wonderful evening out. Dressed in simple sun dresses we were on our way down to Waikiki. Reservations for 3 at 7:15pm at one of the world's most famous steak house's it was Ruth's Chris.


None of us had been there before so we were all in for a treat. From the moment we arrived & greeted at the door to the step out the door as we were leaving the service was simply FANTASTIC. I don't even know if fantastic is the right way to explain it. We had two different wait staff taking care of us, anything we needed they were there with in seconds giving us there opinion or suggestion. I have never been to a restaurant that was so amazing from start to finish. I can't say enough about it, the food oh my let me tell you. So delicate & perfect, the table settings were just so. When you got up from your seat to go to the restroom they would come by & refold your napkin. We got so tickled by this, Nancy went to the restroom at one point. Before leaving she tucked her napkin behind my back & I pulled it out. Sure enough our waiter came over and folded it just perfect placing it back in her place setting.
The FOOD..........omg the food was it just mouth watering amazing. Every bite was like heaven melting in your mouth. From the Caesar salad, Steak, Chicken, side dishes and the dessert. Oh yes the dessert that was brought to our table on FIRE!!!!!!!!! It was simply delicious and the drinks, lets just say you get your moneys worth of alcohol. One drink and the three of us were good for the evening, no need to make a after trip down stairs to the Yard House.
As a gift from them for spending my birthday there, they gave me a $20 gift card to use on my next visit. I mean who does that really. Talk about a over the top restaurant. Gabe & I talked we are going to take his parents there for dinner when they come out this summer. I'm so excited to see them I can't wait and even more so for the reason they are coming out here.
After dinner we were walking back to the truck, Nancy mentioned how she was so full. I agreed saying I was as well but we all agreed that it wasn't the overly stuffed roll me to the car full. You know that feeling when you eat way to much and feel like you can't move. Well that's NOT how we felt, we felt pleasantly full not over the top. "Just perfect."




As many times as I told these two not to worry about getting me anything they still didn't listen. Spending the day with them both & doing dinner was enough for me. But no that wasn't good enough for. I guess I can't say much I wouldn't have listened if one of them told me that either.
A Victoria Secret gift card awh that will come in great use closer to Home Coming. I love you N. thank you so so much, you did not at all have to do that. We can't thank you enough, yes I said we. Gabe says thank you as well and you really didn't have to.


Sometimes the best things come in smaller packages & sometimes they don't need packaging at all. I have bottled their friendship up & hold it close to my heart & will never let it go.

Sarah had a shirt made for me that is simply priceless. It's one of the best gifts I have ever gotten. She is so creative and genuine. One day I keep hoping if I spend enough time with her that her creativeness will rub off on me. I thank God every day for putting her in my life. Not only is she a friend, but a best friend, the sister that I will never have. She is my life long Army Spouse.




I had the best 25th birthday ever, of course spending it with my husband would have been the cherry on top. But we will surly get to celebrate together soon when he gets home. I am so grateful for the time I am getting to spend with him via the internet right now for holidays & celebrations. Definitely a birthday I will not forget, each year they just get sweeter & sweeter.

‎"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth."


BIRTHDAY WISHES!!!!!

These are just SOME of my favorite Birthday wishes that my sweetest dear friends left on my Facebook page. I am the LUCKIEST girl in the whole wide world. I have the most amazing people in my life, & I'm so grateful for each & every one of them. I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for them.
I love each & every single one of you, Thank you for making my 25th Birthday one that I will NEVER forget!!!!!!!!!!!



From:
Ashley J.
I know im a little early, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Hope you have a fantastic 25th, enjoy the day!!! (id rather be a little early than a little late) :)

From:
Misty C.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SWEETEST WOMAN! WE LOVE AND MISS YOU TERRIBLY!!!! Kisses and hugs from the kiddos and I on your very special day! And everyday! We love love love you and are so glad you are in our lives even from a distance! We can't wait to see you again! Xoxoxoxoxo

From:
Alana H.
Happy birthday!!!! It's crazy I can remember my 1st day at Howard where you and misty welcomed me into your little group :) and all the times at rush creek...it's amazing after 8 years that we have become our little group again :) you are an amazing, strong, dependable, loving woman that simply deserves one amazing birthday :) hope you have an amazing day that you deserve!!! Love ya girl and I can't wait for the day I can give ya a huge hug ♥ :)

From:
Brittany W.
happy birthday to someone who brings light into my life ♥ glad you were born!!!!!

From:
Lindsay G.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss you and love you!!!! ♥

From:Tanya R.
Happy Birthday beautiful...I wish I could make your birthday dream come true...sending lots of hugs and hope you are able to have a wonderful day!

From:
Kathy L.
Happy Birthday to my daughters army spouse, you two have fun celebrating and please, be very careful when you do the Stairway to Heaven, Keith is worried so call as soon as you get back to earth...lol

From:
Sarah M.
Happy Birthday to my Spouse! Just by looking at all the posts I can tell that you are an amazing friend, daughter, sister in law, wife and lastly my spouse.I am truly lucky to be the one spending the day with you on your birthday. I love you!

From:
Annie P.
Happy Birthday chickadee!! Hope you have a fabulous day...you deserve all the happiness in the world :)

From:
Crystal W.
Happy Birthday to u Happy Birthday to u Happy Birthday Tiffany Happy Birthday to u!!! ♥ u!!!!!

From:
Justin T.
Happy birthday T. I love you more than anything hope you have a wonderful day.

From:
Kari Beth H.
Happy happy birthday my beautiful friend!! Wish I was there to celebrate with you! Hope you have a fantastic day!! Love ya lots!

From:
Nichole C.
Happy Birthday my sweet friend! I wish we could be there with you to help you celebrate! I hope you make an entire weekend out of celebrating how wonderful you are! Love you!

Barbie W.
Happy Birthday Sweetie.....I know you'll have a wonderful day/week/year because you know how to get the most out of life & make the most of every situation!! Pray abundant blessings & joy beyond measure! Love you lots ~~~ :O)

From:
Richard M.
Happy happy Birthday Tiff,Love you!
~"Am I going to be a Uncle or a Aunt????? Was the question you asked 25 years ago. Gosh I miss you so much, I hate being so far away from you. It completely totally SUCKS, Im so use to doing everything w/ you and always being there for family disfunctional gatherings. I so can not wait to come home and see you. I love you so much you are the BEST Uncle I could ever ask for. Love your FAVORITE NIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!"
~"Omg,I remember asking that,it seems like so long ago now. I miss you so much too,I hate that we are missing so much precious time together. We will definitely have to play catch up when you come. Ha ha our disfunctional family gatherings is right,they haven't been the same without you. I love & miss you sooo much and hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love you Tiff!"

From:
Rose Marie
HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY~! ㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛㋛
HERE ARE 25 SMILING FACES FOR YOU TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY~!~! LOVE YA MOM

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ ░H░A░V░E░ (¯`'•.¸ *♥* ¸.•'´¯) ░A░ ♥ ░W░O░N░D░E░R░F░U░L░ ♥ (¯`'•.¸ *♥* ¸.•'´¯) ░B░I░R░T░H░D░A░Y░ ♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*• Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ. Hope your birthday is amazing!!!
♫ ♪♪ ♫ Happy Birthday to You ♪♫•*¨•.¸¸.•**•♫♪♪ ♫•*¨•.¸¸.•*¨• •*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫ Happy Birthday to You •*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫•*¨•.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday toooooooo Yooooooou! ♫ ♪♪ ♫----------------()---()—()—()—()-------------||---||—||—||—||------------{*~*~*~*~*~*~*}--------@@@@@@@@@@@@@@♫ ♪♪ ♫ Happy Birthday to You ♪♫•*¨•.¸¸.•**•♫♪♪ ♫•*¨•.¸¸.•*¨• •*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫ Happy Birthday to You •*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫•*¨•.•*¨*•♫♪ Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday toooooooo Yooooooou! ♫ ♪♪ ♫----------------()---()—()—()—()-------------||---||—||—||—||------------{*~*~*~*~*~*~*}--------@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

From:
Rebecca B.
Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!!! I hope you have a GREAT day!!!

From:
Julie E.
Happy Birthday Miss Tiffany!!! Hope you have a great day and weekend celebration!!!

From:
Tara R.
My beautiful friend Tiffany, I hope you have amazing stupendous and fabulous birthday!! Xoxo :) love u mucho!

From:
Eric P.
Happy Birthday Tiffany. I love you.

From:
Pace C.
Happy Birthday, Tiffany! Hope we get to see you two soon! Have a great weekend!

From:
Christel H.
Happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday dear if-ne (what cole calls you lol)! happy birthday to you!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Shop~a~thon

The day consisted of SHOPPING & lots of it to. It was a beautiful day out & I had plans with one of my favorite girls to spend it with. Our adventure started off in the Ward center parking lot were Sarah had to guide me into a parking spot because I stupidly drove the truck downtown. Hey at least I remembered that the parking garage across the street is to small & didn't try to park in there. (this time lol)
Our first stop was the kitchen store were we picked up some much needed baking supplies for next weekend. I can't wait to share with you all what we have up our sleeves. It is going to so much fun I'm so excited about it, but more on that later in the week.
With tons of stores to look through we just made our way up and down each side. We each managed to snag a few deals in the process & had so much fun doing it. On top of trying on cute clothes & some not so cute ones. I can happily mark off one of my "To Do's" off my To Do list. Which was finding a Homecoming dress, I found the PERFECT dress at a little boutique. It is simple yet classy & super fabulous if you ask me, I can't wait to go pick up my Soldier in it!!!
Sarah was on the hunt for "Care Package" items to send to her love. Each box has a theme & so we were looking for certain things. We came across a few goodies & were on a roll. With shopping still on our minds we made our way for one end of the island to the other. We made our way to Kapolei, we both like the Price Busters in that shopping center over any of the other ones. Not to mention Target is right there as well. At Price Busters we walked every aisle looking for different things to use to put together boxes for B. It was so much fun, seeings I can't send boxes to Gabe any more I enjoyed being able to help her start that part of their deployment.
Next stop was target, I think originally we only went in so I could look for a picture frame & ended up doing alot more spending. Hey that's ok though, we were able to knock out more Care Package shopping for B. I picked up a few post cards to mail home & I just so happen to remember a few family / friends birthday's & anniversaries coming up so I got those cards taken care of as well. Oh & Mother's Day is May 8th also (just in case you didn't know) ..... I can mark that off my To Do list. I found the frame I was looking for, the one thing I was going in for. (but after getting home & putting the photo in it, I don't like it. so looks like I'll be returning that one.)
We wrapped up our shopping & headed back to town. S was gonna take her pup Ella to the dog park & well since mine had been inside all day I figure I would to. I mean I really didn't have a reason not to, I had the truck out and it was already gonna have to be washed before I covered it again. So we met back up in Mililiani for about a hour to let the dogs run some energy out. I love watching them run around & play, however it was stressing me out a bit tonight. With all the rain we had on Saturday & Sunday the dog park was kinda muddy. I was just trying to keep them out of the puddles, the last thing I need is for Gabe's truck to get mud stains in it right before he comes home.
We ended the evening by picking up Subway for dinner & back to Sarah's house for girls night and ARMY WIVES. I still had my two mangy mutts with me & they seemed to enjoy their visit with Ella at her home. It was their first time there & they all got along just swell.
Sunday was one of the most relaxing days out and about that I have had in a while. I don't know if it was the fact that it was just Sarah and I out shopping & talking about the weekend to come. Maybe it was because we got so much done & had fun in the process. After watching Army Wives we just hung out at her house chatting away having a good night. It was so relaxing I didn't wanna leave to come home, partly because I knew Monday was just hours away & I was comfy on her couch. And partly because well I simply enjoy her company & the time we have together.

I am so excited about what is to come this next weekend. I love having fabulous weekends with great friends, they are the ones that keep me strong and pull me through this deployment when I am feeling weak.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

TGIF

I am so glad this week is finally over, its been the week from down under if you know what I mean. Work the first three days was incredibly crazy and busy. We had over 16 kiddos each day and alot of them were new so that made for some stressful times as well. My 3rd staff member was out all week which truly I'm not complaining about at all it was quiet nice. The business of the days made the week go by fairly fast which is always a bonus.
Monday & Tuesday I came home from work and did my run with the pups up at the track. Then we just vegged out the rest of the evening. A simple dinner each night a bit of trash tv, chatting with the hubbs and then off to bed it was for me. After my long crazy work days I've been totally exhausted when I get home & just wanna crash.
Wednesday my most favorite person came to visit me at work. It was like old times when she worked there, we just hung out and talked. I only had two little ones in the evening when she came up so that was nice, I wasn't running around doing a million things. We made dinner plans for that evening at Chili's "ummm chips & salsa how I love you." We got there about 7:15 & didn't end up leaving till well after 9pm. There was hardly anyone in the restaurant when we walked out & they were even cleaning up getting ready to close for the night. It was nice to get out for dinner, have someone wait on us & just chat the night away. Talking about anything & every thing we could think of. I'm so glad we have each other to go to when we have problems or exciting or sad things to tell. My spouse is my everything she is the most sweetest person that I have ever met & I'm so grateful to have her in my life. This deployment definetly would have not been the same were it not for her & I am so happy that I'm here to follow her through hers.
I was really looking forward to Thursday night because it mint dinner downtown in Waikiki. A old friend I use to work with back in Texas at PCL (Premier Capital Lending) was here in Hawaii vacationing & we had made plans to get together. S & B are such a sweet loving couple & their 16 year old son was with them as well. Let me tell you apparently to the wait staff he didn't look 16 because he order a margarita & didn't get carded at all but yet me I order a drink the waiter asks for my ID. I can't figure out if that's a good thing or a bad thing seeing's I'll be 25 in a couple days.



We had dinner at Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville chowing down on their Famous Volcano Nachos. Which just so happened to be piled high and topped with chili, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, tomato, scallions & beef. They had to have been some of the best nachos I've had in a long time. We spent the evening catching up on life & what had gone on with the company & everyone that was there when I left almost 2 1/2 years ago. I absolutely loved working at PCL some days I wish it had never gone under and I could go back to Texas & work there again. That night as we were just talking it seemed like just another PCL get together minus the 15 other crazy people we worked with. I have to say that was one of the best jobs I have ever had. Not only did it give me a insight to the home mortgage world but it was a family owned & operated company who loved their staff & really took care of us.
We wrapped the night up with a little bit of country music at a local bar Nashvilles Waikiki. Last time I was there was w/ Gabe & a few other friends a few weeks before he deployed so it had been awhile. It has to be the smallest little joint I've ever been to but I sure do love me some country tunes.
Finally it was Friday, with no plans after work I was looking forward to a much needed movie night at home. As I was out doing my nightly run it decided to rain on me. Now any other time before I would have turned around & gone back home. Not now though I'm determined to finish what I start & the pups seemed to be enjoying it since it kept them nice & cool. Dinner consisted of grilled chicken breast seasoned with few different seasonings to give it some extra flair. Along with a side of fried rice & a few slices of cantaloupe which is one of my favorite fruits to munch on.
Earlier in the week I had purchased a new movie "Country Strong" & my Netflix dvd "It's Complicated" came in the mail. So that is what filled my evening. Oh & talking to my love of course the best part of the night :)
I am so happy its finally Friday night, a much needed break from the crazy stressful week at work I had. I plan on enjoying the weekend to the fullest. I am meeting up with S & B on Saturday after I pick up my two little ones I'm watching and we are going to venture down to the North Shore for the day. Sunday I have NO plans what so ever so we will see what the day brings. Next week is only a THREE day work week for me since I took two days off for my birthday :) WOOHOO!!!!!!! Easter weekend as well so Brunch at the Officers Club on Hickam Just my spouse & I Sunday morning. I can't wait for next week & we are that much closer to APRIL being OVER & even closer to this deployment coming to a END.
Speaking of the deployment here is a updated picture of the paper chain we have in our classroom at the center.

NOT MUCH LONGER NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

My Saturday

The morning started off with a lovely chat with my Gabers, bright & early thanks to my puppies. But hey I'm not complaining any chance I get to talk to him I'll gladly take. We talked about everything from the "government shut down" to homecoming & the ball even life after deployment #2. Its just all so exciting I get all giddy about it when we talk, its so soon yet so far away. The time seems to be going quickly for both of us which is good. Lets just hope that it continues that way and we are done with this whole ordeal sooner rather than later.
I had breakfast plans with a old friend this morning in Kailua at our favorite little joint. We haven't hung out in a while, life kinda took a turn. She had a baby & I focused more on my free time / home projects and spending it at the beach. However when she invited me to go get breakfast at Crepes No Ka 'Oi I simply couldn't pass her up. I'm a complete sucker for them, its totally worth the drive to the other side of the island. Let me tell you if you haven't been your really missing out. You wont leave hungry that's for sure. The plus side as well is you never have to wait more than five minutes for your meal no matter how busy they are.
We had a lovely time catching up & talking about each others R&Rs we had recently had.
Home shortly before noon I took some time to myself to lounge around and watch a netflix DVD I had got in the mail. The Switch I had only seen previews so I was looking forward to watching it. It was a great movie, sad and funny all in the same way but I'm glad that it was a happy ending. It's always better that way any how.
My sweet baby was well over due for a wash so up to the local post car wash we went. It was a bit crowded for a semi cloudy day but none the less I waited it out and came home with her sparkling just like new. I can't wait to get the work done on it that we have planned. I'm so excited it wont be the same car after, ok it will it just might look and sound a little different.
I had been putting my workout off for the day, hoping that magically it would do its self and I would get the results. Yea right only in my dreams would that ever happen. Finally breaking down and getting to business I stepped up & got to busting my booty. Right now I'm following a 30 day work out routine to a DVD and there are different levels on it. After completing the one I'm working on I decided to check out the next set. Taking a quick water break and moving right in to it I felt great after doubling up today.
That wasn't it though, I still had to get my run it at the track. I look forward to going up there in the evenings now but before not so much. There is just something about after a good couple times around that makes me feel so much better about myself. I don't know if its the sweat dripping off my body or the accomplishment that I can do it but it makes me proud.
My friend B went with me, its always nice to have some one to chat with along the way. After we were done we decided to treat ourselves to a little ice cream from the PX. I can't even remember the last time I had ice cream other than the small bowl when Gabe was home. So I was excited, we sat at Starbucks and chatted for a bit then back home it was.
Ending my evening with another Netflix movie Beauty & the Briefcase. Along with a fabulous video chat with my most handsome man ever. Words can't describe the excitement I get when I get to see his face. It may be often & it may be not but still its a feeling I simply can't express. As I get ready to head to bed for the evening he is just starting his day. Chow, Gym, Work, Meetings, Work, Gym, Chow & shower then bed for him. Its the same thing over and over every day. I wish he was able to have a change of scenery or pace every now and then, soon soon I know just as he always says. He is the strongest person I know and I love that. There is no way I would be able to make it through this with out his love and support. I am so grateful for everything we have together, you can't put a price on our love life.

I hope you all had a wonderful relaxing Saturday, I know I did and I sure am looking forward to tomorrow. More time with my favorite person!!! :)


Horoscope for the day~ seems rather fitting if you ask me.
Memories are good and can spark enthusiasm to reconnect with someone you used to spend a lot of time with. Creative hobbies and doing things with people who have similar interests will lift your spirits and give you greater incentive to make positive personal changes.

Friday, April 8, 2011

RandOMNESS...in my life

With the weekend coming up I am happy to say this week has gone by fairly fast. I love when that happens, it seems as if once we get through the first week of the month that the rest of the month flies by. I haven't done much of anything other than going up to the track after work this week which has been nice. I like coming home after a long day and not having anything to do or plans. The time to myself has been really relaxing here lately. As much as i try to stay busy to pass the time some times is nice just to sit back and shut the rest of the world out.
Last night my two favorite girls here came over for dinner and gossip. It was fabulous just to be able to hang out and chat with out a bunch of other people around. I made Green Chile Pulled Pork Burritos one of Gabe & I's favorites. It was super yummy although for whatever reason it didn't turn out the way we normally make it. I was a bit bummed but it was still good & the girls enjoyed it. (well or at least that's what they said lol)
I finished up my classroom door at work and after getting it up I think it has started growing on me more. I can't seem to remember if I have even hung butcher paper on a door before but don't plan to do it again. It was not at all the easiest thing to do & the fact that I did it all on my own was even harder. We have gotten alot of complements on it & the parents seem to be loving seeing their child's face on the door. I'm really just glad to have it done, we were the first to get our door up and decorated. So now seeing the other classrooms designs I am happy with ours.



I absolutely love new goodies & creations, weather its something I come up with on my own or someone else comes up with. This past weekend a fellow photographer on island debuted her snazzy camera strap covers. They are personalized & custom made to each persons liking therefore its a one of a kind & no one will have the same one. I was quick to place a order & pick out a fabric I loved & had our last name embroidered on it. I got it in the mail yesterday evening and first thing took my camera out and put it on. I love it, its just so cute and fun. I haven't ever seen anything like it before or if I had I just wasn't paying attention. One thing I like about it as well, it has a little pocket on the inside to hold your lens cap with its off.




It's been a ok work week, I'm glad that the weekend is in my very near future. I can't wait to sleep in and lounge around in my PJ's for longer than 30 minutes in the morning before I rush off to work. One week down in the month of April & only THREE more to go. I hope they FLY BY & nothing stops the time because I'm ready to have my husband home!!!!.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Just another Manic Monday

Mondays, oh how I hate you.......ok ok so maybe I don't really hate you but still. I wish sometimes you didn't come around. Last night I got in bed a bit later than I normally had been & it made for a slow morning. I try to get up at 6am so I can get something to eat & get my workout done before Gabe gets online. However this morning was way different, & I was not wanting to move. My alarm went off @ 6am and I hit the snooze button & went back to sleep. I just wanted to lay there in bed all morning, lay there dreaming of my most favorite person in the world. After a while 7am rolled around, I knew if I was going to get any kind of workout in I had to get up. So I did, it wasn't at all easy but some how I found the strength & managed. With just enough time to get my workout in before my love got online. I look forward to our conversations more than anything in the world. Whenever we talk especially before work I always seem to be in a better mood.
Work went ok today, nothing to jump up and down about, the day went by quick so that was a plus. With April being the month of the Military Child we are having to decorate our classroom doors. The theme is American, go figure. No biggie we came up with a great idea to do with our kiddos. White butcher paper with their hand prints all over it in the colors of red & blue paint. Out lining the door will be red & blue stars cut out of construction paper. We are also going to put some of our children's pictures on it, and it will say Welcome to Hourly Infant. Sounds cute right....yea well everyone that walked through my classroom said it was cute and that they really liked it. After I got it hung on the door and looked at it, it wasn't what I was thinking it would look like. I didn't like it and wanted to just tear it down and through it away. I didn't though, I'm hoping it will grow on me.
This evening when i got home, I simply had no motivation to do anything. I wanted to just sit on the couch and be lazy, I knew I couldn't though. I had no reason to, besides I would beat myself up over it later in the evening for not taking the pups out and getting my run in. So instead of going right then and there I waited a bit, which worked out really well. The sun had gone down a bit so it was cooler outside & made for a perfect evening. I think I might start waiting & go around 6pm instead of as soon as I get home.
For dinner I decided to go with something quick, simple & easy. Turkey / Cheese sandwich, Green Grapes, Asparagus & a Strawberry. It was so yummy, I could sit and eat asparagus right out of the can. Not to mention green grapes are one of my favorites. My night ended with my love of course, seeing his face just melts my heart. I can not wait till this deployment is over with, I'm so over it & ready to move on. I want my heart whole again & lazy nights on the couch watching trash TV together.
"Soon Soon, not much longer now" Is what he says, so thats what I keep telling myself.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

I Miss You

I miss you with my whole heart......and with my mind that loves to think about you, and with my lips that love to kiss you and with my eyes that love to look at you, and with my ears that love to hear you laugh, and with my arms that love to hold you and with my...........Lets just say I MISS YOU ~ Mind, Body, Heart and Soul.

I miss my love so much, it hurts & can't wait till the day we are reunited together as one!!!! Hang in there babe NOT MUCH LONGER NOW!!.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

That's not me

Focus on your personal life and your emotional well-being. You will discover something that eases your stress and ensures you will be at your best when it counts. Make changes to your image and outlook to better suit your lifestyle.

This was my Horoscope yesterday, & it couldn't be more perfect for me right now. I am trying my hardest to make healthy & wise changes to my body & life style (my way of living). It comes at a prices & let me tell you its not easy but I'm not backing down or giving in. Last night I went dinner with a few friends @ Dave & Busters. I have been there before but only to play games, I have never eaten there for a meal. As I was looking through the menu nothing at all was catching my eye as to what I wanted to eat. I was hungry but didn't want anything to big. Also in the back of my mind I wanted something semi healthy & not super greasy. I know as long as I stay active & keep up what I'm doing now I will continue to keep off the weight I have lost (& still plan to loose). But I couldn't help but think if I ate something bad that, right away I would put it right back on. aaaaahhhhhh stop me now please, I don't at all want to become that overly insane person who stresses out about what they eat and doesn't enjoy food. I LOVE to cook & I LOVE to eat yummy food so there is no way that it would happen. For a moment last night though I caught myself thinking that way & started to stress out.
I mean haven't I done enough already...I have completely given up Fast Food, Soda & any an all types of Candy. I have cut it out of my daily life & honestly have not looked back since then. I think it is easier being here in Hawaii because we don't have alot of my favorite FF places here, so they aren't so tempting.
I would be lying if I said I didn't care what over people though about the way I look. So I am trying to move past that & change the way I think, in doing so changing myself. I keep telling myself it just takes a little bit of self discipline and I can do it. Gabe has been super supportive though this roller coaster these last two weeks. I just makes me fall in love with him all over again and warms my heart.

Last night when we were driving home from dinner I was fumbling through my phone. At that point I came across the horoscope app. that I have & that's when I was reading mine for the day. It was so fitting for the evening I had just gone through & what was on my mind right then.

Friday, April 1, 2011

April Fools

The title has absolutely nothing to do with this post but it seemed appropriate for the day.


I am so proud of myself and feel so much better and refreshed. More than I have in a really long time I have to say. I have been working my buttay off like crazy every day since Gabe left to go back to Iraq from R&R. Sounds crazy I know why wait till after he leaves but you know we all have our reason's behind why we do things the way we do and what motivates us.
I have a great morning routine workout that I have implemented into my day & its working out just fabulous. I am not a morning person what so ever but I'm showing that alarm clock who is boss. And let me tell you its not the snooze button at all. I have been getting up even earlier than I normally would working out first thing before getting ready for my day. It just puts me in a much better mood and I feel so much better about myself. I tend to finish up and get ready for work just in time to meet Gabe for our morning chat dates. Nothing could make my day any better than that, well other than him being here that is.
After I finish up my lovely day at work it's back home and back into work out mode. Quickly switching clothes and putting the dogs on their leashes, we are out the door. Not going far just the track right by my house, which happens to be one street over.
I tend to have to walk them one lap around to get most of their energy out, other wise they would be pulling my around the track. I mean heck I would have a ball of energy as well, if I was inside for most of the day. So I really don't blame them at all. After our one lap around, I am able to get in a nice long run. I am absolutely loving getting out and running with them. I tend to run for about a hour and have stayed faithful to it every day. It as well makes me feel so much better, I just keep pushing myself that little but more. As I'm going I'll give myself a end point to stop at and then when I get to that point in my head I'm like ok just make it to the next point. I continue this through out the whole hour, at which point I'm literally dripping in sweat and my face is as red as a tomato. But I feel so much better after I'm done, even if it takes me a bit longer to walk home. It's totally worth it and I am only getting my body in better shape. Two of the things on my "30 b4 30" list were *13~Get into the best shape of my life* & *26~Lose 10-20 lbs.* I am doing both of those things at the same time & couldn't be happier. I plan to knock Gabes socks off when he comes home from this deployment. I know he did mine when he came home for R&R, he is such a hottie.
In the first week I lost 3lbs, doesn't sound like alot but when you are use to seeing a certain number on the scale & then its different is a big deal. Well at least to me it is and that is what motivated me and kept me going and pushing myself that much more.
The second week I lost 2lbs. I can't believe the progress I have already made in just 2 1/2 weeks. It just takes a little motivation, strong will & of course the amazing supportive husband that I have.

5lbs down and ____(I'm not going to share yet what my end goal is, I'd rather keep it to myself.)_____ more to go. :) I'm excited because I am that much closer to reaching my goal!!!

Here's to week 3 and whats to come or should I say go rather. :)

"through the years"

~~This has got to be my new most favorite song ever. (thanks to my spouse for introducing it to me) I absolutely love my husband & I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for what we have been through, through the years. We have been through more than most couples can say in a life time. It has made us & molded us into who we are today. I know with out a shadow of a doubt we will make it through any thing & every thing that life may bring our way.
With out him I'm lost & I'm so thankful I never have to live a day with out him. Maybe in distance at some times but never at heart. We are always united by the bond we hold together through our love. I love you Gabe & I can't imagine anything the two of us can't do!!!!!



~~On a different note, I have officially registered for my first two races. They are both in the month of May, one is a 5k & the other is a 10k. My spouse Sarah & I are doing them together & we are pretty stoked about it. Depending on how these go we are planning on doing one a month.
I look forward to getting off work and coming home grabbing the dogs & going up to the track for a run. It's my way to relax & let loose from the day. As it helps me get rid of all my stress & worries, I just sweat it all away. It the best feeling ever. I just wish Gabe was here so I could give him a big hug when I'm all nasty & sweaty like he does me.