Out with the old, in with the new....

It was sad to leave Hawaii. Understatement. Sure, on the surface we knew that leaving Hawaii was going to be hard but I never imagined it would be this hard. Hawaii was the birth place of our new family. We got married on the rock, had our first married home, bought our first car together, had our precious baby girl. There were many tears in the beginning and I desperately wanted to return to Texas but now I would do anything to return to our little island. There is something to be said about making your home where ever you are together with your love. I am proud to say Hawaii truly became our home. I guess I need to do that here in FL. We have moved on and said good bye to big blue in HI. We went on to prosper with a new family and today we said hello to our new family member. A new bright and shiny black truck.

Letters to Grandma (the first draft)

Dear Grandma, I turned 19 months today (well yesterday by the time this posts)and I am growing up so fast. I love to run and talk all day. I say silly things like, "I go", "pretty", "cool", "foot", "pants", "milk", "aqua", "uno" "hola" I just love getting into cabinets and climbing over furniture. Mama says you'd love me so much. I carry your name and sometimes mama says I do things just like you. For example, I like to say the world "cool" which mama has no idea where that came from. I swing my arms in the air when I hear music like a conductor would and again it's something you would do grandma. I wonder if you see us and smile at our silly dances in the kitchen. It is funny how I think mama has slowly turned into you. Thank you for teaching mama there is no better gift than love for your children. Love, G bear

I'm taking out the pen and paper...

Last week marked the 7th anniversary of my mom's passing. I need to admit I struggle at times in letting out my emotion. I tried so hard to be the rock of our family even though no one asked me to do so. My husband recommended I write my mom on a regular basis to reach out to her and let out my emotions that I easily pin up from the world. I must say, he's right. The more I hide my feelings the more it distances me from my own little family. So today here goes nothing, my first letter to grandma. Lil g's grandma that is.

Hello, is there anybody out there??

When I start to type this post yearS later, I totally hear the Pink Floyd song "Is there anybody out there?" So much has changed here in the DLP casa. 1. We have added a new family member. 2. We moved. (SAD isn't even the word) 3. Daddy made CHIEF. 4. the list is pretty long. The question today is: Do I revive this blog or let it go....? Time to ponder that question. Mommy time over. I hear a little person singing in bed.... She has the cutest voice. I love my mini me. <3 -Jai ♥⚓

One more year...

It's that time of year here at the casa. It's birthday time! My favorite Sailor and I are one year older (well, he still has a few days) and I must proudly say that I am feeling pretty darn accomplished this year. We both have done so many great things and are taking the time to readjust to something we haven't had much of during our married life, TIME TOGETHER! Those pesky deployments cramped our newlywed years and for once we are learning how to live together as a married couple. Yes, I know our relationship is NOT new by any means we have been together now for six years but there have been many adjustments here on the rock. In our short 2 years and 4 months of marriage we have endured the changes of marriage, being a military family, grad school, family separation, career changes to name a few.

It is with great joy for me to type that we are in a good place right now.
We have both taken up running and I am in training for my very first half marathon.

I did achieve my goal, I lost 30 pounds before my birthday, actually during the last deployment I lost 37 pounds. A big shout out to OLU, PATTI, SHANNON for their knowledge and expertise and motivation. Now I will be honest and I have gained back 5 pounds but I am overall happy. I hit my ultimate goal of size 4 but now I with my muscle mass with running and a healthy diet I am a comfortable size 6.

It's been a year of team building for us and none of this would have been possible without our FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.

Here's to another year... well....back to making doughnuts...
I mean homework.
I still have another year of grad school, please start praying now for me that I pass my comprehensive exam this coming Spring 2011.

More to come.... I promise.

I must share my birthday gift with you all, my favorite Sailor literally flew my sister out for my birthday, talk about a great present. Geez, I have no pressure for his birthday in a couple of days.

Until the next time....

p.s.
If you know me then you know that my world stopped for a brief moment this past weekend, Eddie got married. Congrats Eddie and Jill. <3

Time marches on....

Where do I begin? I can't believe it's July 1, 2010. I have yet to post about so many things!

- my brother's wedding
-Christmas & New Year in TX
-HOMECOMING (3 deployments down!!)
-First year of grad school D-O-N-E
-weight loss!!!
-my sister's college graduation from the University of North Texas
-my sister made a perfect 4.0 her ENTIRE last year of college
-I finally made all A's in Grad school
- 2nd Year Anniversary and anniversary trip to Vegas!
-2 years living in HAWAII

and the list could go on.....


I need to get back in the blogging seat and I will soon.....

Aloha <3

Dear Mom and Dad

Since I am writing letters publicly I figured I would do as my husband a.k.a MY Favorite Sailor as suggested me to do MANY times... I am going to write my parents. Tonight as part of my healing and yet still mourning process....

I carry very deep feelings about my parents within myself and never express them publicly until now...

Dear Mom and Dad,

I miss you so much.

I know that my brothers and sisters miss you both so much as well.

There are many times that I turn to pick up the phone to call you both and then realize that I can't.
I know that you hear me in my thoughts and see my tears but I want you to know that you are not forgotten.
Everyday I think of you both and wish that you were here physically to see all of the greatness that all of your children have done and could have shared in it here with us physically here on Earth.
I do think that it is amazing that you have the best seat in watching all of us from heaven and so that you never have to feel that you are not dividing your time amongst all of kids evenly.
It is even more great that I never saw you grow old or gray, I will always remember you as young vibrant parents.
I know that it is because of the holidays that makes these feelings so much more profound but there is NEVER a day that I don't remember you all. I love you mom and dad and thank you for teaching me all that I know today.
When I think of my struggles I remember that it is because of you I have the opportunities that I have today, not once did either of you complain about your struggles in life or did you feel robbed for knowing that your life was to be too short.
You taught us not to worry about the material things and not to worry about what others thought or did and to live life to the fullest because we all know that it can be too short.
I hope to live my life as you have taught me and dedicate everyday to you both.
Miss and love you.

Jai

Dear Not So Little Bro...

This time next week you will be a married man. WOW!

I must admit this has me a little choked up.
I wanted to call mom and tell her about the last minute thoughts and ideas that I had and when I remembered that I couldn't I wanted to share with you that I know that you are about to have the best day of your life and not to worry, MOM and DAD will be there both with you all.
(This goes without saying but big sis will be there if you need me to give you a mama hug. :) )

I know that they are watching the preparations and smiling with happiness.
I know I am and I am only stuck on this rock. LOL

MY Favorite Sailor and I wish you and your wife to be nothing but the best.

This past year and a half has been one heck of a ride for MY favorite Sailor and I and we want you both to know that we are here for you both.
Marriage is a beautiful relationship that you both will learn how to love and appreciate every aspect of throughout your lifetime. We both are still learning ourselves and we thank God for the opportunity that he has given us and we respect that He will guide us just like He will guide you both.

Take your time and enjoy it, you have a whole lifetime ahead of you both.
Love you and can't wait to come home and see you all!
I am TEXAS bound! :)

Aloha <3

Dearest Love...

Have you ever reread an email or letter 100000000 times?

ME?

Guilty!

I am finding that when I need a moment or two, ok.... MORE often than NOT.

I am reading MY favorite sailor's email/letters over and over....

Guess it's the darn holidays and the holiday spirit catching up with me.

So..Lub if you're reading... I LOVE YOU and your emails make my day!

Baby Showers Galore!

It's that time of year, ladies and gentlemen!

Baby time!

NO, NOT OURS!

I have been to two baby showers in the last 7 days!

Wowzers....

I am taking a break...I hope the next one I go to is my own.

LOL

Belly rubs for the new moms-to-be!

Back to studying and researching....

ALOOOHA!

What to do in Aloha land at 06:00?

Interesting question, huh?!

This Saturday morning I woke up just to watch the infamous TEXAS/ou game.

I must admit that the Texas State Fair and Texas weather looks GREAT!

The game is finally taking off, after the first half of nothing but field goals, touchdowns are finally happening.

I am especially proud to watch one of my very own students play and SCORE for TEXAS today!

That is very exciting and definitely a PROUD highlight of being a teacher.

So, this is a great way to start my weekend, I am eating pizza that I saved purposely from last night and watching a GREAT football game.

-ALOHA-

Jai

No paper needed...

So Friday afternoon, (yes I am a NERD) I stayed up at school to start some research on one of THREE research papers for this term. I was looking up articles and books to find out one of three things:

1) I am getting old and technology is getting better faster

2) Students are really lazy

3) Paper use is really being minimized

I say this because, I was searching and on the computer screen with my search results there was an option to text or email the book/article information to my phone...

WOW!

University life has really changed since my undergrad days....

I will try to remember to take a pic next time....

Better get to writing.....or not....

Where have we been?

Howdy Everyone!

I mean.... ALOOOHA!

Well, please excuse our absence as the summer took us by storm. This past August was a whirlwind! We returned back to good ol' Texas for a family emergency and we are happy to report that things are looking up! Look at how we have ALL grown up!! Mom and Dad would be sooooo proud!!

I celebrated my 30th birthday with MY favorite Sailor

and what a day it was!

I am now a proud Graduate Assistant at the University of Hawaii-Manoa and teaching Undergraduate Spanish while I pursue a Masters in Spanish.

My 30th birthday has come and gone...........................

......and it was not a bad thing at all. I love the look that my students gave me when they asked my age and I said "30". No one seems to believe me. MY loving husband and favorite Sailor surprised me with a dinner at Top of Waikiki to celebrate and it was a very romantic dinner. We had been there before for our 1st wedding anniversary and it has quickly become a family favorite. He had taken the day off to prepare my gift and dinner reservations, what a loving hubby! He even was my personal driver that day, driving me to and fro Manoa for class. I did feel bad though that I was so tired at dinner, I had been in school all day and that was the end of my first week back in school and it was a KILLER!

I am not a supermodel at the age of 30 and disappointed that I didn't lose the 30 pounds I wanted to but I did accomplish something. I am back in school.

I am so happy and blessed to have this opportunity to attend grad school for GRATIS and trying to earn my place in the program. It is VERY time consuming and I felt like I was neglecting MY favorite Sailor.

Speaking of MY favorite Sailor he is out playing battleship here and there and well that's sea duty....So, now I have NO excuse to do nothing but study. (I guess...)

I must say that our marriage has really progressed even though it has only been a year and half, this last goodbye was NOT that bad. We held it together and smiled and waved. Quite honestly, we are just getting used to it. Not to mention this is our 3rd time to play battleship and it helped that he did not man the rails, it wasn't as gut wrenching to see them leave. I am also very blessed to be surrounded by great friends, military and non military that genuinely care. MY favorite Sailor had his birthday recently and well I will just say this he is one hot Sailor...he DOES NOT look his age either!! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY LOVE!!! He didn't want me to make a big deal about it, but I still did!!

Well, that is all that I have time to write for now, so much for to say but I must read.

I do not remember my undergrad studies being this hard?!?! This degree is very demanding, and not to mention, EVERYTHING is in Spanish! Ay yay yay....

Today Was Inspiring.....

Today is Monday, July 13, 2009.  What seemed like a typical Monday, turned out to be an inspiring day.  As most of you all know, I used to be a High School Spanish teacher and  now I teach little ones at the Navy Elementary in Honolulu.  (changing your job comes with the territory of being a Military Spouse) I have been wanting to blog about my latest adventures in cycling to work.  I was held back by the shear negativity of the many faces that I have encountered the past weeks.  

First of all, I would like to say how disappointed I am.  Personally, I ride my bike for the physical activity and exercise.  As many of you know, I try to jog and I am not a marathon runner, but I try.  Here lately though...I have been starred at for riding my bike as if I had two heads or something, maybe WORSE.  Geez! I have been asked if I can't afford a car. Quite honestly, yes my husband and I can easily afford a second car.  (I left my civic in Dallas for my little sister, bc I think she needed a better car, long story...short version - I LOVE MY SISTER)I have been ignored at the crosswalks waiting for the walking white cartoon pedestrian and better yet, when it pops up cars try to beat it and put the pedal to the fall and drive off without a care and could have ran me over if I didn't know that some ppl were just being a jack@$$.

One of my favorite questions: Don't you get hot riding your bike? Ugh, yeah.  I am not that big of a princess, I plan for it, like change my shirt and wash my face at work and then apply makeup or who cares if I am going home.  I've been lucky though the trade winds have been awesome and makes for a pleasant ride.  I even venture to Target after work with my bike or the exchange and even picked up a few groceries at the commissary, only to be starred at by some wives with the pitiful .... oh my gosh look. (now I know what the poor homeless people feel like being starred at, because you would have thought I was digging through trash and I organized my backpack with groceries) I personally thing the pity should be given to them for wasting their time on staring at me.  Lastly, the poor Target security guy who thinks I am going to steal because I carry a backpack instead of purse well, because have you ever tried to bike with a purse?

Well...

Despite every rant I just typed and negative look and feeling...

TODAY IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!

One of my little girls in class wanted to be just like me. (PLEASE, don't think I want my kids to be like me, that is not it AT ALL! I want them to make good choices and think about their future)

She rode her scooter to school. 

High 5 to the mom!

This mom bikes with her kids to school regularly, I think that is AWESOME!

I ride my bike to stimulate my body, clear my mind, save money (hey...more $ for me later at Target) and.....

HELLO help the environment!

In the grand scheme of it all, I have helped make a positive impact on one of my students and that to me is a sign that I am doing my job!  

I can't explain the pride I felt when the little girl came up to me today before class and said Mrs. ........  Can I park next to you?" "Or course you can sweetheart!" 

Her mom told me, she wanted to be like me...

What an inspiration! :)

Our Awesome Homecoming Pics

 The following were taken this past Homecoming, April 2009. 

A big MAHALO to Gwen at Butterfly Kiss Photography!
Gwen is an awesome, kind person to begin with.

She follows her instinct and captures true emotion.

I am so blessed to have found her, she was more than my photographer that day, but my friend!
Thank you for capturing our memories Gwen! Check out her website for our complete portfolio! :)

One Whole Year, Plus Some

Well friends...

I have been living in Hawaii for over a year now. My love has been here for over 2 and we are really loving the Aloha life.
The past year has been full of events:
-I survived my first deployment (his 1000000)
-We got MARRIED! (here on the island) and had our honeymoon in Waikiki
-became an "official" Navy Wife
-We finally PCS-ed our stuff from Texas
-I moved from Texas to Hawaii
-We moved into our first married home
-I have travelled to two neighboring islands, Kauai (with my love for our anniversary) and the Big Island (thanks M*)
-I was an extra on Lost
-I was on the set of Lost all day
-I have survived countless luaus, the first 3 were great...
-MIL has come to the island
-My bro and sis have visited the island
-My first principal I have ever worked for came out the island and we had a great dinner
-I finally found a job at the Navy elementary
-I became a librarian (I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!!!)
-I am going to grad school for FREE
-I will be teaching at the University of Hawaii-Manoa
-I have met some wonderful new friends
-My old friends haven't lost contact with me
-I have survived my SECOND deployment (his 1000001)
-We celebrated our FIRST anniversary TOGETHER!
-survived countless FRG meetings
-learned how to garden, grill, and keep my sanity during deployment
-welcomed new friends into this world, congrats to the new moms

I am sure that I haven't listed all of the things that this past year has brought, but it's an awesome feeling to have found the love of your life and wake up every morning happy with your life.

God Bless Everyone....

I hope to update more soon.....

Happy First Anniversary!

My love and I have celebrated our first wedding anniversary on May 7, 2009.
Wow!
Where has the year gone?
Words can't express how fast and amazing this year has been.
We have survived our first PCS move together, second deployment together, job hunting, sharing one car (because I left the Honda for my sister) and various adventures in our new home state of Hawaii.
I am so astonished at the fact that DH has been here on the island for just about 2 years and myself for one.
Where did the time go?
I can't believe it!
Our anniversary was absolutely beautiful!
It was full of emotion and love.
(I guess the fact that he just got back from another deployment also added to the emotions)
You would have thought that we had just gotten married with our tears of joy and absolute bliss.
I wish I could say that this first year was a piece of cake and marriage takes away all of your problems, but it doesn't.
You just learn to make decisions together and the problems and struggles are no longer your own to carry but "ours" and now that is easier.
When you have a spouse who will help you carry the weight and make decisions together that is something to be proud of!
I am very proud of all that we have accomplished this past year.
I pray that each year we will continue to build on the previous years and our relationship will continue to grow.
We both have committed ourselves to letting the seeds of ourselves grow and we will decide together which direction we will go.
We are so proud of our home and all that we have accomplished.
I still live in amazement when I look around at the island of Hawaii and think, WOW, this is OUR home!
I love married life!

More to come...
I have to cover my dear friend Susan's baby shower and HOMECOMING!
(but the season finale of Lost is on...gotta go!)

A Whirlwind Month

Hi ALL!

It's been a whirlwind of a month! I am gearing up for homecoming soon enough and this past month has been crazy.
I have been blessed with the greatest news in regards to my education. I will be attending the University of Hawaii beginning this fall as masters degree candidate in Spanish. Here is the best part: for FREE! The next two years will be covered by the university as I will be a TA, teaching undergraduate Spanish while I pursue my degree. How awesome is that?!?! I will even be paid a stipend! My husband and I are so happy that this opportunity has come our way.

This past month, I have been out of it as I gave myself a concussion.
For those of you who really know me, I am a short, clumsy person.
I do not know how I manage to hit my head on things but I do.
I have had bad headaches and just trying to get back to normal.
I had to go to the ER and had a CT scan and thank the Lord all is well.
I will need about a month to recover completely.
BTW, I will go ahead and admit it...I hit my head on a sink at work in the restroom.

I have started jogging again and it feels so good to get outside when the wind isn't pushing me around and jog.
I have also taking up jogging on a treadmill those days that the trade winds are just so powerful and working out on the elliptical and lifting weights.
I am back on track to losing 30 before 30.

This past month, I have also continued my regular church schedule.
I really enjoy the bond that I have reestablished with the Lord and thank him everyday for all that we have been blessed with.
I feel and live his presence in me even more.


Seems like the last month has been full of birthdays, baby showers, and meetings.
I have been going non stop!
Much happiness to all that celebrated this last month!

Last but not least, I am giving one of my new good friend S* a baby shower.
Well, if you know me...I don't like to skimp on details.
I am from Texas and everything has to match and have a bow.
Needless to say, even the water bottles we will be serving even have bows.
I really hope that all will have a great time at the shower, it is coming soon and I will breathe much easier once it is over.
I really want the "mommy to be" to have a great shower surrounded by friends and family.
Every mommy deserves this.

Well, thanks to all for reading my latest rambling.
I may be gone for quite a bit as MY BELOVED is coming home soon.
We are planning to spend some quality time on vacation on another rock in the middle of the ocean.
I can't wait to see him and know that my husband is a real person.
Not just a man I get random phone calls from at odd hours or emails on a nearly daily basis.
LOL
He is my love.
I know that for some; deployments can crush a marriage or put unneeded strain.
I want those who have faith to know that it doesn't have to be like that.
My husband and I are blessed in that we know that our love is strong and has endured so much way before my last name even changed.
We know that this time apart gives us the strength to endure many things.
We value each other and know that we made the right decision by choosing each other to continue on our paths in life as one.
As one very wise man told me: "I may not be the luckiest man who has luck in his everyday life, but you are the best thing that has ever happened to me".

All of our love,
Jai and Hubby

Happiness

Aloha Everyone.

I wanted to post that all is going well here on the homefront.
I have been very blessed to have found my way back to church and I feel that it has given me a renewed spirit these days.
Actually, the last month.
I wish I would have brought myself to remember the good memories I have of my entire family going to church, EVERY Sunday and talking about the word of the Lord. My heart warms itself with those fond memories of my mom and dad. I am ashamed for not giving God the chance to help me more in my life. I know that we all have to come to terms with our own self first and that is exactly what I am doing. After my mom and dad died, with each individual death, I felt resentment towards God and especially organized religion.
But, now I find myself remembering nothing but good memories because of God's love and acceptance.
I have found strength and courage also, in being a Military Wife and have come to accept the challenge with open arms.
I have learned to embrace our Navy life and really appreciate all that it has to offer.
I can not wait to share all of this with my loving husband.
He is the greatest!
He never pushes himself to be first but always tells me, take care of yourself that is the best thing you can do for me.
I agree.
We can not waste our lives while we are here on this earth, live life to the fullest and make everyday count.
I am very proud of my life .. :)
I LOVE MY FAMILY!!

Jai

The Men CURRENTLY in MY Life

Here they are... I promised I would share this a few posts back...They keep me company while the hubs is playing battleship...