My 1st Trip to Hawaii (part - 4)

We spent the next month and a half talking non-stop. Again till wee hours in the morning and later into the day. I couldn't get enough of him. I remember taking a cruise mid January thinking what am I going to do a whole week without talking to him. Whelp it didn't happen. He may have had a crazy high phone bill that month but it was worth it. 

At some point mid January we decided we just couldn't wait any longer. We needed / wanted to see each other again but when and how? He was in Hawaii and I was in Texas. He wasn't getting leave again any time soon so the option for him to come to TX was out. So I went to Hawaii. Yup, he flew me out to Hawaii over a long weekend. And it was the absolute best weekend ever. Very few people knew I went. Again I kept things very hush about the two of us because I didn't want anyone coming between us and at that time I knew of a few people that would try to. 

Just a week before Valentines day '07 I took the 2nd biggest leap of faith, flying across the Pacific to Hawaii. It was my very first time flying alone and on top of being completely excited and nervous the flight there was full of turbulence all the way there. Talk about being a nervous wreck. I arrived late that evening and he made it well known he was on time. The first night we staying at his friends J & A house since he was living in the barracks. The plan was to get a hotel for the rest of the weekend and go that route but J & A insisted we stayed with them. They had the extra room and it was a great way for me to get to know them as well. After all they were all such good friends to the hubbs. 

I mean who were we to argue and complain, it saved us money for sure. 

We spent the weekend out and about checking out the local area. He showed me around to some of the more popular spots around town. We had a couple date night and beach trips mixed in there as well. He even had a surprise dinner and carriage ride planned for one evening. 

I have more pictures from that weekend (& the weekend he came to TX there just on my external hard drive & frankly don't wanna get up to get it right now. ) but here are a few from our date nights. I had the best time ever. We hiked up KoleKole pass which quickly became our go to place when I move to Hawaii. 

The weekend went by way to quickly and before I knew it we were saying our "see you soon's" again. He was headed off to the Big Island for training just days after I went home. The distance and lack of communication sucked major. But we never, not once let it affect us or come between the relationship we had built. 

Mid spring that year, I can't remember when exactly it was but his mom came out to Texas to visit so we could meet in person. We had previously talked on the phone several times and I was excited to meet her as well. She knew we were serious and wanted to get married, she said she just couldn't wait any longer. Ok, fine by me. Forgive me as I don't exactly remember what all we did that weekend. If we're being honest I truly enjoyed it and was so grateful she came but my focus and energy was the relationship I was building with her son, not her. lol

(the proposal's coming up....)

That one time I turned my heater off......

With this being our first home we've owned or even had to pay utilities. I've been super paranoid / OCD about our electric bill. We do our best to conserve water and electric when we can. So much that I turn my heater off when I'm gone to work during the day. Why am I gonna have the heater running all day when I'm gone for 10+ hours most day's. Ok yes the dogs are home and they might get a bit chilly from time to time but I refuse to pay a outrageous electric bill. I knew this past week the temps. were going to be in the single digits but didn't think anything about it. I turn my upstairs heater on when I get home from work to warm up my bedroom for a couple hours before I go to bed. Leaving the downstairs one off. Yes its chilly, but that's when a good blanket comes in handy. So Tuesday night I turned it on when I got home at about 7:45pm and then off around 10:30pm when I went to bed.
Wednesday I got up went to work till 6pm got home around 6:30pm that night and went to start dinner when I had NO WATER. I panicked and ran around opening all the cabinets under the facets. Because of course that was gonna help right then. The current temp. at the time outside was 3 degree's and the "feels like temp" was -6 degrees. I kept thinking that, this was not happening. I have to cook dinner, take a shower, give the pups water. I called our friends C & R to ask them what I should do, and after much deliberation C was on his way over to crawl under the house through the crawl space to see what he could do and to make sure the pipes hadn't busted. In the mean time I continued cooking dinner and wen to my neighbors to ask him if he could help me turn the water off from the main supply at the street. He so kindly agreed and told me to go wait inside that he'd be right over. A couple minutes later he came over fully suited up head lamp and all. He explain that this same thing happened to him last winter and that he used a extension cord and a electric heater and set it up under his house to defrost his pipes.
I explained to him what I'd been doing during the day w/ leaving the heater off and he of course laughed and shook his head. He asked me to go get my hair dryer and he went home for a extension cord. I explain to him that C was on his way and would be here in just a few minutes but he went ahead and said he didn't mind. The poor guy crawled under my house and proper the blow dryer up on the frozen pipes on high to defrost them. Then he continued around the house closing all the outside vents that led under the house. Who knew you could close those things, I sure as heck didn't know.
Just shortly later C arrived and the two of them chatted it up in my kitchen while I finished cooking my dinner, praying my pipes didn't bust and that this was going to work. About 15-20 minutes later the water started running at the kitchen sink. (I had turned the facet on so we knew when the pipes had defrosted) E let if go for a bit longer to fully defrost them before turning off the blow dryer. They both gave me the speech / lesson about how I need to at least leave the downstairs heater on when its freezing out especially during the below freezing temps. and that it takes more out of the heater to go from 40 or 50 up to 68 when I turn it on at night.
Lesson Learned for sure and my heater is on. Not gonna lie though that minute it starts to warm up the slightest some I'll be turning it off. I also left the sink in the kitchen slowly dripping while I was at work the next day (another thing they told me to do, which I also remembered after the fact). I did put a large bowl in the sink to catch the water. I was not going to let it run all day and waste it. Heck No!! I poured that right in the dog water bowl. Go ahead and call me crazy I look back now and almost shake my head about it and well maybe laugh a little, but in all honesty somethings aren't though of till it happens. This being one of those things. The last thing I want to do is have to pay to repair or replace a busted piper and / or have it flooded under my house.
When I told the hubbs what had happened his response was "ya, I was worried about that happening". Dude I'd been telling you the outside temps. all week, why hadn't you said anything or mentioned being concerned. Men I tell ya......gotta love them.
I'm so thankful for our two fabulous friends that jumped with out hesitation to come over and help me.

My FIRST Fried Egg!!!

Apparently its un-american to have not made or eaten a fried egg at the age of 27. So what if I had to ask how to make one. You can't blame a girl who's never tried right. When it comes to eggs, scrambled or in a omelet is the only way I've ever had them. Ok and boiled to but still. I've never made a Fried egg until tonight. While fixing dinner the recipe suggested serving it topped with a fried egg. No thank's I'll pass. Although I asked the hubbs if he wanted one and he was all over it. Ok, "so how do I make it". He explained, I was still not to sure about how it was gonna turn out but I gave it a try. I'll have you know it wasn't as complicated as I expected it to be. Shocking right!!! 

I'll have you know I caught a bid of slack for not even trying it from a few friends. But really the inside was runny and not fully cooked, that's just as bad as eating steak and it still being red on the inside. 

Yea NO thank you. I like my steak burnt. 

Dinner turned out fabulous even with out the egg on mine, there wasn't a single serving left. 

This was hands down a quick and easy dish and very filling

You can find the recipe here ----->>>>Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus

Dirty Girl Mud Run

When I was in Texas I ran in my first Mud Race, it was called the Dirty Girl Mud Run. It was to help support breast cancer. I did it with my sweet friend Vic. that I know from Hawaii and her friend S from Ft. Hood. It was a first for all 3 of us, running the mud run. It just so happened to be the first cold day Texas had, had. It was quite chilly out, which wasn't very fun when your going through wet muddy obstacle courses. Our Team name was HH6 and we busted out the ACU's to wear. I don't know how Soldiers run in those things plus everything else. I tell you once they got wet, and weighted down with mud that was enough for me. We ran the whole race straight through, it was a 5k so nothing to terribly long. I had so much fun and can't wait to do it again. There was a Color Me Rad Run in Columbia when I was away so I didn't get to do that one. I'm hoping that I'll have a chance to do one early next year, when they start up again. 

Vic & I after we finished strong, we didn't do it for time so much but simply to finish. We sang cadence as we ran passed people and straight through the finish line. It was def. quite cold out, thankfully with it just being the first day it was cold the lake was still warm. After seeing the shower line forever long we decided to go take a dip in the lake. I had mud every were, it was such a mess but so much fun. 

Trying Something New

DAY 58

& I have to say it wasn't to bad at all

This afternoon I did a first, I went and saw a movie all by myself.....Just Me, Myself & I. Gabe is gone for the next 4 almost 5 days & well we had plans to go see "New Years Eve" together last night when it was released but thank you dear Army and your last minute changes you messed that up. I know he wont be heart broken that he didn't get to see it with me, he isn't much for chick flicks & overly romantic movies.

I was really excited to see it, a spin off of the movie Valentines Day which I LOVE and not to mention it takes place in my most favorite city in the US New York City. It started off much different then I had in mind, then again I didn't really know what to expect. In a weird way I like how there are so many different stories going on at the same time and in the end they all tie together as one. It was a really special movie that touched my heart in so many ways but one inparticular being a MilSpouse really hit home. It had me laughing so hard at times I was glad I didn't have anything to drink and then other times I was wishing I had a box of tissue to stop the tears rolling down my face.

I'm really glad that I stepped out of my box by going & seeing New Years Eve by myself this afternoon. I know it would have been even better with the company of my spouse & or mistress but it was totally worth going alone. I loved the movie and I'm glad that I am continuing to slowly step out of my box and be more independent and do things that I normally wouldn't do.

Gone PICKIN

DAY 9

The Holidays are COMING!!!!

I mentioned to Gabe last night that this Halloween was going to be the first one that we have been together for out of the almost 5 years we have been together. THANK YOU ARMY.
'07 he was in Hawaii, I was in Texas.
'08 he was deployed.
'09 I went back to Texas
'10 he was deployed
'11 TOGETHER
He sat there for a moment trying to rack his brain and tell me I was wrong but after I went over the past years he zipped his lips, I was right. I suggested we go pickin & carve us a pumpkin together. He agreed it would be a fun idea, we aren't going to go full blown HALLOWEEN (which is a big deal here at Jackson, tons of houses are really decorated) but just a little something to get us in the holiday spirit. The fall weather was a bit nippy but it didn't keep us in & although the pumpkin patch was a wee bit tiny we still enjoyed our trip. A new yearly tradition I think so :) we never decorated for Halloween growing up but something simple like this I can do.

My First 5K

Today was a first for me, as well as my two running buddies. We were participating in the Honolulu 5K for kids downtown. To help promote health and fitness for Hawaii’s children as well as their families to create a more active and healthy lifestyle. It was a 3 mile race. I have been training and working up to this day for the last two months now. It definitely paid off well to, however I should have worked more on the getting up early part. The plan was to get up at 4am and get to Sarah's house by 5am. I did make it but I was so tired at first, I just wanted to lay in bed. Some how deep down I found some energy and got my butt in gear. Dressed ready to walk out the door just as my husband got on line. AWH, I love him so much and he couldn't have gotten on at a better time. I was able to talk to him the whole way down to the race up until we parked. He is my best supporter and its all because of him that I am able to do something like this. I love love it when he tells me how proud he is of me. It just gives me butterflies and makes me push that much harder.


Here we are right before the start of the racing hanging out and getting all hyped up. We were so excited, but so nervous at the same time. There was so many people there and allot of them looked really really fit and totally knew what they were doing. Not that we didn't know what we were doing but we were definitely beginners at this whole race thing. Seeing all the young kids out there gave me that much more strength to push on and give it my all.

Here are a couple of shots from during the race, we managed to snag. I carried my camera with me, no way we could do this and not document it. Right before the two mile marker we grabbed some water from the aid station set up and were quickly back on our way. As you can see Nancy & I looking back at Sarah as we make our way down the marked street. The three of us below was right before the finish line. We could see it up above in front of us and decided to sprint to the end. The three of us finished together at the same time crossing the finish line right at 43.57 minutes. We started off jogging and then walked a bit and then back to jogging. We continued this pace through out the whole race and finished strong.

We DID IT!!!!! We crossed the finish line like I said just at 43.57 minutes. We were each given a finishers metal as we crossed the finish line. I think I'll frame a picture of the three of us & add in there my bib number & metal with it. I'm so proud of myself for doing this and I want to remember this day forever.

I DID IT, JUST FOR YOU BABE!!!!! COMPLETED MY FIRST RACE OF MANY TO COME, I KNOW YOUR PROUD. HAPPY 28TH BIRTHDAY SWEET CHEEKS!!!!!!!!!

Now we are off to celebrate our VICTORY with breakfast at the Original Pancake House down in Honolulu. I can't wait for our next race just a couple weeks away. Its twice as long so I better buckle down on my evening run at the track with the pups!!!!

Free Fallen

Today was my friend Tara's Birthday & her friend Jarod's birthday was yesterday, so to celebrate we did something alittle daring. Something a few people might call crazy. We went Skydiving down off Dillingham. I was stoked and so excited about going, I couldn't wait.



I met up with them both at Skydive Hawaii @ 10AM and we were on our way. We filled out the paper work, with in seconds after I was in my harness and on my way to the plane. I didn't even have time to think twice about what I was about to do. On our way up I probably asked Joey (aka my jump buddy) a million in one questions. He kept avoiding half of them and told me not to worry about that. It was probably for my own good.




Once we reach the jumping point, 14000 feet high in the air later, I found myself standing on the edge of a perfectly good airplane wondering what I was doing. I don't remember the jump after that, I just remember falling as fast as ever and hoping and praying we were going to be ok.






A few seconds went by, which totally seemed like forever and Joey pulled the chute. Thankfully it came open and all was well. You could see all the way from Waikiki and Diamond Head to Kaena point. You could see to the other side of Oahu and so much more. Joey called it his office, he kept saying welcome to my office.





Today was one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life. I can not wait to go back and do it again. The view was spectacular and the rush you got from free falling was priceless. It was totally worth every bit of nervousness that I had. You have the best of both words the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Per~perfection at its finest if I do say so myself.




HAPPY BIRTHDAY TARA & JAROD!!!!!!!

Bar Hopin Birthday's

Dinner at Buca di beppo's with another couple that we know for the hubby's birthday. We absolutely love this Italian restaurant downtown. We went for our two year wedding anniversary and fell in love with it. The Shack's arrived just a bit before us & informed the staff that we were there to celebrate Gabe's Birthday. It was picture perfect, we enjoyed our dinner and had some great conversations and then bam outta NO were came the celebrations. People chanting, singing and clapping while they sat this giant candle thing down in from of Gabe and a mini cake. He was so shocked and it was prefect, I love the expression on his face. I unfortunately didn't know it was coming myself so I didn't have the camera ready but was able to snag this picture of the excitement.



After dinner we were headed further downtown to meet up with some other friends for a few drinks at the Yardhouse. A quick stop at Ala Moana Center "Macy's" were we scored two new place settings to add to our collection of Fiestaware & a baking dish. Only paying $19.09 after a gift card and a 25% off coupon on top of that.
Once at the Yardhouse we ran into so many of the guys Gabe work's with, it was great to see some of them that I had already met before and even better to meet the ones I hadn't met yet. I felt blessed to know that they knew me by name with out Gabe even getting the chance to introduce me first. They were all to kind and I think they had a great time seeing Gabe out. (see he's not a bar kinda guy) We enjoyed the evening chatting away with the two other couples we were with. A few drinks in there as well, some good laughs and funny stories.



A trip a couple blocks down to Nashville's were we parked ourselves at the bar for a couple more drinks. It was a first for Gabe & I, going to the Bar that is. See he's not the Bar kinda guy, really we are not at all big drinkers. We were invited by another couple and took them up on it and had a wonderful time.


"Cheer's to you Cheer's to me......." I'l leave it at that. I had a great time with these two girl's they are so sweet. :)

Happy Valentines Day

Finally after what seemed like 20 years we are getting to celebrate our FIRST Valentines Day together. Now, yes we have been together but not physically together in the same place. I'm not one to make a big deal about Valentines Day, to me there are other Holidays that mean more to us than today. Although that doesn't mean we aren't celebrating because we sure are. I remember talking to Gabe mid-January about what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to keep it simple and just that is what we did.

Starting out with a breakfast, it was one of those were you prepare it the night before and put it in the oven to cook in the morning. This was a first for us, I've had breakfast like this before just never did one myself. I knew I wanted to do something different other than the normal that we do on the weekends to make it special. It turned out pretty good, I was impressed. Gabe put it all together for me last night because I wasn't home and he did a perfect job.



We exchanged gifts, which again was kept very simple. Last year Gabe got back from Iraq just shortly after Valentines Day so we didn't get to celebrate. I had a card and a small stuffed bear waiting for him on his nightstand and I had a matching stuffed bear on mine as well (they both are still there, never been moved). I told him that we should start a tradition for Valentines Day and have a stuffed animal exchange instead of a big gift to kept things simple and easy. With Christmas a couple months prior and both our birthdays 2 months after V~day it just made sense.
So I got him a card of course and a cute green frog holding a heart that said "LOVE YOU" and a box of chocolate :) he love it. He pulled through on our new tradition as well and got me a cute little green frog that sits in a box holding a heart as well. Super Super cute :)!!!!!



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I made Valentines cup cakes last night in the middle of cooking dinner to add to the occasion and they turned out so good. Super cute I might add, they were topped with red and white sprinkles and a touch of love.



After lounging around for a bit we loaded up the puppies and made our way to Wheeler AAF. We have found that they really like the dog park there. I was worried that they'd just walk around because there aren't any other dogs there to play with, but they LOVE it. Dingo is so much more active and runs around like crazy. Were at the dog park in Mililani he sticks by our side more than venturing out. They both stay together were ever they go, its so cute to watch they running around.




This afternoon we had a nice relaxing afternoon at home watching "Couples Retreat". I saw it when I was in Texas this past fall but Gabe hadn't because he said it was a chick flip. I'll tell you he was laughing through the whole move.

All dressed up & ready to hit the road.......


With dinner plans at Red Lobster we headed downtown around 4pm and enjoyed a nice evening together. (I am not a sea food person at all but I do love Red Lobster) Be time we left I was totally stuffed and couldn't eat another thing. We totally out did ourselves ordering 2 appetizers, salad, dinner & dessert. Boy was it all so good and worth it though. It's not often that we go all out like but it was nice. hee hee





We made our way back to town for a late night movie. "Valentines Day" Super cute movie, I loved it and can't wait for it to come out on DVD now. It was crazy seeing so many top celebrities in the same movie, they definitely pulled it off well. (It's a must see in my opinion) The ending got me a little teary eyed when the mom came home to her son.



The day couldn't of been more perfect, I was with the Love of My Life and just smitten :) He always knows how to put a smile on my face and make the day just amazing. I couldn't of thought of a better way to spend our first Valentines Day together. The simple things in life are what matter most to me.



I LOVE YOU BOO, MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY AND MORE TOMORROW THAN TODAY. LIFE WITH YOU JUST MAKES PERFECT SENSE.