Army National Guard

Well friends... I did it.

I am now a member of the Army National Guard.

Yesterday I attended MEPS and was sworn in as a Citizen Soldier.

I'll write more details later. But this has been a long and wonderful journey. I feel like I've accomplished such a huge feat in my life. Next step is BCT (Basic Combat Training) beginning 23 March. =) I'll be attending school until 1st block is over then it's off to say goodbye to some family members. Gads! Only 8 weeks of school and work and then buh-bye!

One love to all!!!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Stress of Finals & MEPS

Well, usually when it's finals week... carbohydrates and I become best friends! Sad to say... it would break my heart to tear away from such a loving relationship.

Never-the-less, I had my last taping before I go to MEPS. (Military Enlistment Processing System) I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't pass this last taping, because of my three times a year love affair with carbs - but I did!

Neck: 14.5"
Waist: 31"
Hips: (which is really the biggest part of the rear) 42"
Weight: 184lb

I dropped 6 lbs, and 3% body fat in one month. I'm pretty happy about that. =) It's all about cardio, cardio, cardio. Blah.

Anyway, I go to MEPS on Tuesday - meaning I leave Rexburg Monday at noon and travel to Boise by 6 pm, check in for the night - eat and do another workout. Tuesday, before the roosters get up, I start my paperwork, testing, interviews and exams. Then, when all is said and done, I swear in to the National Guard. I believe I'm calling my parents so they can hear me get sworn in. (Gotta love technology.)

I'll find out when I go to BCT, Basic Combat Training, and what my MOS will be also. (MOS: Military Occupational Specialty)

Wish me luck and all that jazz!

Another RSP & Another PT score

Went to RSP last weekend... did combatives, worked on NVG's, 50 cal's, 249 bravos and had another PT test. Well, I don't have a lot of time to update this, however, it's safe to say that I passed my PT test again! =) Yeah for me. This time, I got 11 points higher than the last time.

RSP PT Scores:
p/u: 42 (90 points)
s/u: 58 (74 points)
2-mile run: 20:00 (64 points)

Total: 228 points

I found out that I came in tied for 8th rank out of everyone that passed their pt test. I tied with another guy who is a MMA fighter. I'm feeling pretty good about myself. =)

I got cleared to go to MEPS and should head out there in 2 weeks. The RSP cadre were impressed that I was able to drop 2% body fat and 5 lbs in 2 weeks. Hey... when you have two hours to work out over the Thanksgiving break... I definitely made use of my time! =)

Finals are going on next week... a bit stressed out it, but whatever. I just hope I can pass my classes. BLAH!

P.S. Had the military ball this past Thursday. It was nice. But I think I would have enjoyed it more if it wasn't such a long day and I still had reports due that night before 11 PM. Oh well... such is life. Only 5 more days of school... I'm counting down!

PT, PT, PT

Today I FINALLY passed my PT exam!!! Yeah for me!!!
I believe the numbers were as follows:

Beginning Exam of Fall 2009 Semester:
Push-ups: 22 (66 points)
Sit-ups: 36 (50 points)
2-Mile run: 22:45 (40 points)

Mid-Term of Fall 2009 Semester:
Push-ups: 37 (84 points)
Sit-ups: 44 (59 points)
2-Mile run: 21:20 (52 points)

Final Exam of Fall 2009 Semester:
Push-ups: 39 (87 points)
Sit-ups: 52 (68 points)
2-Mile run: 20:17 (62 points)

I also got over 200 points!!! A grand total of 217!

I was so excited at the end of my sit-ups that I passed, that I gave a big hoot and holler at the end! People looked at me like I was nuts. I DIDN'T CARE! I PASSED!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHH!

This weekend I get to RSP, which is the Recruitment Sustainment Program, as a guest for the National Guard, and I have another PT test on Saturday morning. A bit nervous but excited for it. I hope I do just as good, if not better than what I did today. If I do better, HALLELUJAH! I am a bit nervous for RSP, but I think I'll do just fine. The 3rd year Cadets from our ROTC program will be the Cadet Cadre and so, it should be good to be there with them. I already hear that I'm going to be picked on. Whatever. Bring it baby! =)

Okay friends and family... one love, p~

Update on Life

Well... the semester has started, and it's nearly mid-term. Obviously I've not kept up with the religiously like I have in the past.

So, for starters, here's a few updates and pictures since the beginning of the semester. They are in no particular order.

After the Hawai'i trip, Julie and I went to the Rexburg Farmer's Market, had coconut ice cream from a Mexican store and Ilote's! Good times and good memories! =)

I was driving home from one of my usual mindless drives around town and noticed that Smith Park had a memorial for those who served and died from this area. It was neat to see the different memoirs that were on the wall and also different quotes and information from the different US wars. Here is the flag from the memorial.

AH! the joys of shooting! Seriously, I was in heaven! I wanted to float the river before the weather turned cold, and my roommates wanted to go shooting... SO, I jumped on the band wagon, went shooting with the girls and Jake and then floated the river. You'll see all the guns we were shooting in the last picture of Jake and the beauties. =)

Ah, the ROTC days. =) 1 October the ROTC had it's opening social coupled with rappelling and gernade assault course. Needless-to-say, it was a lot of fun! Here's a picture of Cadet Schlect rapelling the wall. The next two are of me and Cadet Hyer, and Cadet Geiger. Hyer and I have been doing ROTC together for 3 semesters. Geiger and I were team leaders for 2nd squad. Hooah!

While in Utah for General Conference, I was able to go to Parker's gravesite. For those of you who don't know the story, Parker Bradford was a student of mine in the Freshman Academy program that passed away saving another student's life. It was really hard on me, but many spiritual experiences have come from it. Anyway, this was the first time since we buried him in July 2007 that I've been back. It was a bittersweet experience.

What's a stop to Utah without seeing old mission buddies! That's exactly what I did. AND, Sister Jackson and I went to a bridal store with Sister Byrd "Byrdie" to try on bridesmaid dresses. Here they are:

Then, we went to look at Chinese dresses for me. Unfortunately they didn't fit or was not modest enough, but this is what I found:

Sister Bettinger had a birthday and her boyfriend and Scott filled her office FULL of balloons. It may look like there's a lot already in there, but trust me, we had already filled a couple large bags of balloons and popped a bunch before this picture was taken! Happy Birthday Sister B!

Last, but not least, one of our Cadre, SPC Baker, fell asleep in our office during devotional. This was the result:

Isn't life great?!?!

Hope all is well. Much love, p~

Back to the grind of things... and then some!

Welcome back to Rexburg everyone!

Am I happy to be back? Well, yeah. For the most part. I do have to admit that I'm missing my little island in the middle of the pacific ocean, though.

Here are some of my favorite pictures. More to come later! =)

I love this picture of Foeata and La'akea! Very beautiful indeed!!!!! (This was at Keala's 5th birthday party.)

Here's a picture of Hanalei Valley. I was doing my best to get a panoramic picture of it.

This is Tutu Lady and Tutu Man's headstone. When I went there the first day on Kaua'i, I balled. I sat on their grave and balled. I'm not sure how long, but I it felt good. I've missed them.

This was taken on our last night on Kaua'i. We were down at Hanalei Blackpot. We were able to see the sunset. It was magnificent.

I'll have to see if I can get a picture of Julie and I pulling our sad face when I locked Uncle Philip's keys in the car. No bueno. (But he came to rescue us. That was a good thing!)

Random Scenes from Kaua'i

Aloha from Kaua'i!!!

First off, for those of you who are familiar with Shipwreck's Beach... it's now overrunned by hotels! I couldn't even find the beach! There are about 3 different hotels there with only a small road with about 15 parking spaces that lead to this once great place! Seriously, have the beach is gone to these hotels. So sad! But, I must say, the water was rough and great today!

Well, my first part of being on Kaua'i is just about over come tomorrow. I have less than a week until it's back to O'ahu and then to Idaho. It's crazy to think that my 3 weeks is nearly complete.

Some of the adventures that I've had here on Kaua'i is attending Tutu Lady and Tutu Man's graveyard, going to Anini beach, Kalihiwai, Waipa, wet and dry caves, hiking sleeping giant, visiting Mom Brenda, locking my keys in the car, staying with and visiting with Uncle Philip and Auntie Liz's family... whoa... Keliikoa can play slack key and 'ukulele better than any of my cousin's put together! Chris is soooo tall and is someone I was able to talk military with. (He was in ROTC his first year of college. Great bonding time.)

My niece and nephews are sooo big! Tonight we made spam musubi for Hali'a's fieldtrip tomorrow and also for Auntie Julie. Julie ate one for the first time and liked it. I have pictures and videos that I'll have to put up here soon. You'll like them!

Anyway, I have to finish loading the pictures. More to come soon!!! =)

Hawai'i No Ka 'Oe

It's amazing how being back in the islands can have such an affect on me. I really haven't shared this with my brother Keoki or his family, well... I shared a little bit of it with Foeata... but tonight I was thinking about when I go back to Idaho in 1 1/2 weeks, and I already feel homesick.

The islands have been such a great healing place for me. It's funny how you don't realize that somethings broken until you experience what it feels like after it's been fixed.

Keoki, Foeata, Dee and Billy have been trying to get me to change my mind to move back to the islands. Dee has been bribing me with food. But Keoki and Foeata are giving me every reason why I really should move back here. They even took me over to UH-Manoa to check out the Nursing program. Although no one was there that could answer my questions, it was neat to be on campus and to see people with shorts, slippers, no shirt, Hawaiian attire etc... Now, if they took me to the ROTC department, that might have made a difference. =)

I'm trying to control my emotions. Even going to Kaua'i is getting a bit hard for me. Here, I have family. FAMILY!

I know I have cousins that live close to me while I reside in Idaho, but nothing seems to compensate for siblings, grandparents or even parents that I wish could be near. At this point, I wish I knew what the Lord needed me to do... whether it was to stay in Idaho and finish school Winter 2013 or move back to Hawai'i and graduate from the nursing program in Fall 2014.

Anyway... Here are a few pictures from the trip that I thought I'd share with all of you. Once I get photos from our trip to Kaua'i, I'll post them on here too.


I was able to get free tickets for the PCC villages and night show. I only had to pay for the Luau of which I was able to get a discount and only paid $114 for 4 adults for the Luau. (The children and everything else were free!!!!) Julie and P and PCC...



The Baclayon Girls and Auntie Julie after the Hale 'Ohana Luau Buffet! It was great to have the family together! We even got to see the new night show "Ha". What a treat!

Julie and I woke up early Tuesday morning and headed out to Pearl Harbor. We accidentally purposely cut in front of another couple who were taking their sweet time to get tickets (they were also in another lane) and ended up getting the last tickets for the 8 AM boat to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.

The Memorial was very special for me. It felt sacred and hallowed. The feel there was such a quiet and unique. Coming from a military background, I teared up as I read the names on the wall. There were 23 or so sibling pairs that died and a pair of father and son who had gone down in the ship. If I were in the military serving with any of my brothers, how would my brothers and I be remembered? I know we wouldn't have a memorial built for us, but for these valiant and wonderful soldiers... this was spiritual and I'm thankful for the service of the many men and women who give and have given their lives for my "freedom", because I know it isn't "free".

The beautiful U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. Everyone should at least go their once in their lives.

Sunday night after dropping Enoka off at the airport, the family headed out to Kaneohe where we were able to see my cousin Lynnae and her family. What a great time!

Foeata, Julie and I put on a mud-mask that Keoki brought home from Foeata after he made it in his Hawaiian medicine class. We couldn't figure out what color green we had pasted to our faces.

What would be a trip to Hawai'i without visiting some kind of Lo'i. This lo'i is located at UH-Manoa. Because they were prepping for the Fall 2009 semester, we weren't able to pull kalo. Thank you Keoki for taking us mainland folks around! =)

We also went to the Foster's Botanical Garden's in Honolulu. This was such a cool place to go! Julie had a blast looking at all the different plants that she was learning in school. I was fun to watch her make connections with her schooling and life applications of what those plants really look like it their natural habitat.

This tree was sooooo cool looking and HUGE! I couldn't resist... I jumped up and had to pose.

Ah! The coconut! I wish I could say that this is a juxtaposition, but it's not. Here, as you can see, are two coconuts! Brown on the outside and white on the inside. It was such a refreshing drink after Julie and I spent nearly 2 1/2 hours at the Swapmeet! Hello!

This was a cool place to be! We went to the Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe, the same day as the coconut picture above, and got to visit the Byodo-In Temple. Apparently it was cast in the TV series "Lost". How cool was that! Honestly, it felt calm and sacred as well. Beautiful place to visit. Highly recommended.

Here are the beautiful Ko'olau Mountains. Julie took this picture. (She took a lot of pictures since I drove... I'm thankful she let's me use her pictures for things.)

Wednesday night we had a family get together. We were all sad that Foeata had to work. Here is my cousin Dee, and her children: Brittany, Daniel (Danny Boy) and baby Camden. Billy V and his family: Sawako and Leion. Keoki's family: Keala, Tele and La'akea. Thank you to Julie for taking our picture.

It was a great night full of music and laughter, food and sharing stories that would embarrass each other! Good times!!! Thank you to Bill for the music.

Before heading to Keala's birthday party at Ferrel's Hawai'i Ice Cream place at Pearlridge Mall, Julie and I got to ride in the back of Keoki's truck on the freeway! It was such a blast! It was a great way to make other's feel stupid for starring at us. ha ha ha! Good times indeed...

AH! Here are a few fun video's that I like from the trip. There are tons more, but here's a small taste of things that happened.

On Monday, Keala had music time for her homeschool. She had to feel the music/rhythm and dance and move her body to the music. She also had to clap her hands to the rhythm of the music etc. It was amazing to watch. Anyway, here's a short video clip of Keoki being himself!

Here's another little fun video:

Almost There!!!

4 more days until "Hele on to Kaua'i"... well, to O'ahu really.

Excited? Yeah... I'm getting there. =)

WAHOOOOOO!

Spring 2009 Semester

I can honestly say that I am definitely glad that Spring 2009 has officially come and gone. Today our grades were posted, and I was afraid that I was going to get the following grades:

• MS 102 = A
• SPAN = B
• MATH = C (Because I flunked my final exam)

Instead, I got the following:

• MS 102 = A
• SPAN = A
• MATH = B+ (YEAH!!!!)

I was able to pull my GPA up from a 3.3ish to 3.642!!! If I got an A in my Math class, I would have had a 3.7; Oh well! Anyway, I would technically need a 3.7 to even be considered for the nursing program when I apply in November, however, I think I'll be able to get in. I just have to work my buns off to make sure that by mid-term I am holding solid A's in Chemistry and also in Anatomy and Physiology. Oh, by the way, the classes I'll be taking in the fall are:

• MS 201 (2.0 credits)
• BIO 264 (4.0 credits): Anat. & Phys.
• CHEM 101 (4.o credits) : Chemistry (Taking CHEM 101 because my credit from high school is too old. Hm, imagine that!)
• FDREL 121 (2.0 credits): Book of Mormon

I'm glad for this break we are underway with: 6 weeks of no school. GOD BLESS! I am, however, thankful for the down time because it's allowed me to get my two offices stripped down and now, it's time to put things back together. (Well, the deep clean and re-organization of the offices will happen next week when I have more time.)

Tomorrow through Saturday we have Education Week. I'm excited that I'll get to help out with that again. It's always a pleasure and such a great Spiritual uplifting experience. Good times indeed!

Anyway, if anyone has any great ideas of how I can get ahead in studying for my Anat. & Phys. class, PLEASE let me know. Much love to one and all.

KAUA'I HERE I COME!!!

Well folks... I finally did it! I booked a flight home to Hawai'i! I leave August 11th and come back on September 1st!!!! It's only $391.20 for a round-trip ticket from Las Vegas to HNL, then to Kaua'i. Thank goodness for cheap flights from Idaho Falls to Las Vegas as well! =) Love it!

AAAAHHHHHHHH! I'm so excited!

Little miracles...

Today I was able to reconnect with a dear friend. What a beautiful and sweet little miracle.

Snip-snip here, Snip-snip there...

Lately I've been craving a hair trim. That's right, a hair trim... not cut... and well... last night my roommate trimmed my hair! Yeah! It feels A LOT healthier.

Anyway, here's a picture of Keaton, my roommie, and me after she worked magic on my curly hair!

New "Adventure"

Guess who's got a new adventure?

Well friends, as crazy as some of you think I am, I really think that this one with take the cake. I don't know if I'll make this a life goal, meaning I'd have to complete this before I die, but... I am thinking of doing each of these Marathons... it's called the Adventure Marathons. Here's the website for more information: http://www.adventure-marathon.com/Default.aspx

Next year, if I'm not in the Nursing Program at BYU-Idaho, I'm pretty sure I'm going to run the Great Wall of China Marathon next May 15th. Meaning, I have to pinch pennies between going to school and paying to go to China.

Anyway, that is my new goal adventure.

Happy early 4th of July

Well, another 4th of July is coming... this year, I am hiking West Table with some friends of mine tomorrow morning, then a fun breakfast on Saturday morning with some other friends. (Hopefully I'll get some homework done in between then.)

Something interesting happened to me the other day. I had an opportunity to attend a meeting with a friend of mine and we talked about identity theft. It's insane just how much of that goes on here in the US by fellow US citizens and also for those who are coming to this country. The thing of it is, sometimes lawyers can only help so much. But what about a restored credit record? A clear slate from other people stealing who you are? Well... I think I've finally found a company that will help with that. I'm doing more research on the company just to make sure.

However, just think about it... what if there was a company out there that could really help to "restore" your identity... credit and all? Wouldn't that be amazing to look into? Having a company look out for you? Interesting thought indeed.

Happy 4th of Julying. Be safe and have A LOT of fun!

Happy Father's Day

Obviously, I've not yet given tribute to my father for Father's Day...


I wish I had pictures from when I was younger... There are definitely many fond memories I have of my dad. I'll see if I can pen a few of them here.

I grew up travelling to various places around the world because I was blessed to be born to a United States Marine Corp Soldier. Yes, my father, a man whose blood runs deep with the spirit of the land, or the people of Hawai'i, whose own ancestors protected others including a former king of Kaua'i. My father, Kealohanui, is a wonderful man. He may not be tall in stature but a man who has a life that's been lived working for his family and doing his best to provide for us.

A fond memories I have of my father are as follows:

North Carolina:
- When I was in grade 1, I remember we lived on base at Camp Lejeune, NC and I was heading out to school. My hair was a little wet and for some reason, I don't know why my mom didn't do my hair that day, but my dad did. I remember he brushed my long hair very tenderly and even braided it. The thought of not having my hair braided tight like mom did it kind of annoyed me then, but now, it's a great memory.

- Daddy daughter Valentine's date in NC. I was in primary and my dad and me went to our church building to attend the Daddy/daughter dinner/dance. I don't remember the dinner but I remember the dance. My dad took me and put me on his toes and we danced. Don't know who else were around, except I do remember me dancing with my father.

- When my dad would come home at night, I remember that he would let my brothers and me take off his military boots and his socks as well. They were our way of helping dad and welcoming him home.

- Our first Microwave! One day, my mom bought a microwave. Dad came home and said, "Hey, what's that TV doing on the counter?"

Okinawa
- Oh, lovely Okinawa. How I miss it. I remember we were at the markets and buying things and I wanted to get something. Well, my dad told me that if I wanted it, I had to ask how much it was... in Japanese. Need-less-to-say, I picked up a bit of Japanese from my dad's example.

- A & W. A&W was the special place to go when we lived in Okinawa. I remember the winding road going downhill to this land of ice cream and root beer and breaking ever so gently as it arrived on our left. Then, there were the gentle comment of "don't tell mom".

- Stone stilt house. We lived off base in a very large stone stilt house with all our living on one level with stairs that led to the top of the roof. That was the Christmas that was always the best. The simplest, the poorest, the true meaning of Christmas. It really doesn't have to do with something specific that my dad did, but the fact that we were all together, very poor, but the happiest I think our family ever was.

Phillipines
- When we were in the Phillipines, I remember seeing my dad outside with a young boy. Come to find out, the little boy pick-pocketed and my dad caught him. I think my dad gave him some money, but taught him that steeling was wrong.

Kaua'i
- Lots of great memories here. One of my favorites, which may seem a bit twisted, was actually one that my dad ran outside with a gun. Here's the story: we were living with my Tutu Lady for a little bit, in Kilauea, and it was night. There was kalo on the stove for a late night snack we were going to have. My dad told us to get down and close the lights. He told us to be quiet.... "BANG", a shot rang out. I've never seen my father go to his room, unlock his steel case, assemble his gun, load it and go out the door as fast as I witnessed that night. You see, the neighbor shot my grandmother's cat. Of course I ran outside with my father crying after him not to shoot anyone! (Now you know where I get it from, eh?) Anyway, I thought that was a great memory. Always ready to protect and defend the family.

- Work. My dad was privileged to work at various areas that allowed me to go to work with him often. When he worked at the food bank, I loved working with him. Not to mention, the food was great during lunch. Then there was the construction job that he had at the Princeville Hotel... During the summer I got to go to work with him, again, and loved swimming in the pool for hours. THEN, for lunch, I was able to eat all the butterfly shrimp I wanted. DIVINE!

Character:
More than anything, I think the character of a person says more than the amount of money one has in a bank account, or the number of metals placed on his chest. My father is a man of sacrifice and honor. He does his best to provide and bring honor to his family and usually sacrifices much to do so. If he can help, he does.

My brothers and I are truly blessed to have a great dad, father, oba-chan, papa-san, papa monkey and all of the above.

Happy Father's Day, dad.

Chicago 2008 Reunited

Chicago 2008 Female Counselors & Grover On Thursday, 11 June 2009, Kristen, Nicole and I got together for one last hooorah before Nicole left for her mission. I must admit that it was great to get together again. We also headed down to see Grover.

Here's the picture of us. Don't we look grand? Ha ha ha!










Here's a nicer picture:

Birthday with Friends...

Here are some fun pictures from my birthday gathering that friends did for me... yeah for nice friends...

Katie had some friends put something they remembered me by. It was fun. Here's how it was played. Each person played "Memory" and when they got a match, they got to answer a question that was already picked out and answered by myself. Katie was our facilitator. Anyway... Have fun reading it.

RE: Questions‏

1. If Pili had to choose from the following options to go on a 1st date, what would she choose?

a. Dinner at a nice restaurant and a long walk on the beach

b. Tandem Skydiving

c. Dancing w/ friends and driving the long way to go home

d. Paintball

2. read a good book or listen to gossip?

3. What was Pili's most embarrassing moment?

I'm going to leave this one off...

4. What is my full name? Hope Pilialoha Baclayon

5. What is Pili's favorite flower? Plumeria

6. T.J. Max or Dillards?

7. Would Pili rather live in:

a. Canada

b. Australia

c. Germany

d. Japan

8. Would Pili rather hold hands or kiss?

9. big knife or little knife?

10. bare feet or slippers

11. cupcake with frosting or brownie?

12. What song best describes Pili?

a. This is a Story of a Girl - Nine Days (This is a story of a girl, who cried a river and drowned the whole world)

b. Better Together - Jack Johnson (There's no combination of words I can write on the back of a post-card.)

c. No One - Alicia Keys

d. Who Wouldn't Want to be Me - Keith Urban

13. What is one thing that Pili has done that's surprised you? (up to personal interpretation)

14. Favorite holiday?

a. Independence Day

b. Christmas

c. Thanksgiving

d. Valentine's Day

15. Toes in:

a. Sand

b. Mud (I really like to feel mud between my toes, but not all the time.) =)

c. Grass

d. shoes

16. ?????

17. Who would Pili rather see live?

a. Madonna

b. India.Arie

c. No Doubt

d. Shakira

18. Lightning or Thunder?

19. Pixie tails or side ponytail?

20. Mechanical Bull or Whitewater rafting?

Would you rather....
1. always take a cold shower or sleep an hour less than you need to be fully rested?

sleep an hour less

2. always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again?

depends on what it is. I usually talk crap, but when it really comes down to it, I sometimes don't speak my mind. (Unless I'm with close friends, who actually value my opinion or let me look like an idiot speaking my mind anyway.)

3. be able to stop time or fly? FLY - How cool would that be to get a bird-eyes view of everything.

4. be stranded on an island alone or with someone you hate? ALONE! (Not unless I wouldn't have any meat and the fish were extinct, then I guess I could kill the other person and use it for food! I'm totally kidding.)

5. make $100,000 per year digging holes with a shovel or $30,000 per year doing your favorite hobby? $30,000 doing my favorite hobby

6. know it all or have it all?

Know it all

7. not be able to use your phone or your email?

Not be able to use my phone. At least I could have copies of the e-mails to refer back to when I get lonely.

8. only be able to whisper or only be able to shout? Only be able to whisper
9. live the life of a cat or a dog? dog
10. have the ability to fly or to become invisible? INVISIBLE

Old Landlords Suck

Just got a bill... a substantial bill for stupidity and suckiness (is that even a word or how to spell it?)...

Money-sucking people are ridiculous and should be shot in the foot!

I'd be most obliged to do it myself!

Idiots... and pains in the behinds!!!!
BLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's been a while...

Well, it's been a while since I've written... obviously.

Life has been great... some days better than others, and then some days not so much as others.

Mid-terms were two weeks ago. So far I have all A's in my classes and 1 A-. (Blah.) I'm trying to shoot for a 4.0 again this semester. I'm hoping to pull my GPA up as high as I can to get into the nursing program for the Spring semester 2010. If that doesn't pan out, then I'm going to China from the end of April until September. (We'll see how things pan out.)

Let's see... what fun things have I been up to since May 23? Well... lots! I just haven't had time to post it all on here. I've had my 28th B-day... yes friends that's a 2 and an 8... honestly, so far, I really love being 28! I think it will be the best year yet!

Okay... well, I'm off to work. I'll post more when I have the time.

A New Kind of Addiction

Well, this past week, I got to white water rafting for work. I must say, that I'm totally hooked! I am definitely looking forward to the next time I get to go. If anyone wants to, let me know when and where, I'm pretty sure I'll be there! I don't have a lot of pictures from the trip, but when I get them downloaded, I'll put them on here.

Here's to new adventures and new addictions!

ROTC, Ropes Course & Addiction

Well, let's just start with the addiction since I know everyone is wondering... "what the heck is she talking about?". Sugar. My friends... it's sugar. Yes, I, Ms. Pilialoha Baclayon, have a freakin' sugar addiction. Not just any old sugar but "Bit-O-Honey" candy kind of sugar. BLAH!!!! With any addiction, too much of a substance or a particular "something" is not good. Thus, I have identified my problem and will be working on sugar detoxing these next two weeks. Meaning?

Hi, my name is Pili. And I'm a Bit-O-Honey addict.

Now that we've established my weakness... ROTC. Yesterday we had lab for ROTC and well... I rocked! It was a lot of fun. I learned quite a bit about myself and also about those in my squad. First, I must say that I am out of shape... AGAIN! You know, having an injury really stinks! You never know just how far backwards you've gone until you try to do something that was easy for you almost 2 months ago. (Sad day.) For example, we formed up and headed up a hill to the ropes course area where we were to conduct our lab. We walked pretty fast to get there, and for the most part, I kept up with my squad leader. (I was third in line.) When we had to "double-time", I started huffing and puffing, and feeling like I was going to blow MYSELF over. (pun intended.) Needless-to-say, I don't think my squad leader was really impressed. So... I now have a goal to start running/jogging hills to increase my endurance and lung capacity. It should be good.

The ropes course was fantastic. I wish I had pictures to post on here, but ONCE AGAIN, I'm a dork and forgot to take my camera with me. However, we did a lot of team building exercises, and also did an individual event... the Giant Swing. May I just say that I absolutely LOVE the Giant Swing. Granted, my heart started pounding and all senses started to go numb as I ascended and was pulled by my teammates, however, when I let go it was the best feeling in the world. I loved that I could fly and just "be free". If that's what bungee jumping or sky diving feels like, I'M HOOKED! That event was all about me overcoming my fear of 1. trusting others, 2. trusting myself & 3. trusting that when I let go it's about using my senses to overcome those fears and push past them. Exhilarating!

We had three other events, however, the other one worth mentioning would have to be "The Wall". We had to get everyone over the wall within 3 minutes and no talking was allowed. It was a great event. At the end, when our facilitator would ask the group if we feel like we contributed to the group to step forward, stay in our same spot if we felt we did "okay", or step back if we didn't feel like we did anything at all or didn't like the event. We all stepped forward. Each person had to share why he/she felt like they contributed. When it came to me, I kind of have a complex to the affect that I don't like to draw attention in the "I did this..." sort of way. But, I did state that when I saw my squad leader hurting, I stepped in and took his spot to hoist the rest of our team up. It truly was a great time.

Okay. Now, do you remember me talking about combatives last semester? Well! My dear friends... my squad leader is Onken... the person I took combatives from. He is starting to implement and teach another person about the program. I get to join him and a few of the other people to pilot test it. He said that it was going to be different that just the regular combatives that he's taught, but that it'll be more intense than the last.

Honestly, I'm totally excited! Tomorrow will be another great day!

P.S. Sunday I leave for my Moab trip with work. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. =) YEAH FOR ME! I get to go on another adventure! (About bloody time, eh!?!)

"B"

I got a "B" on my take-home test. Who does that!?! Blah... oh well. I just need to work harder to make sure I do my best on the assignments, projects, and outside "extras".

"A" or bust!...

A Mother's Day Tribute to Doreen Pilialoha Baclayon

I have been blessed with great motherly influences in my life. But none with compensate for my birth mother, Doreen Pilialoha Baclayon.

May I briefly share a memorable experience that has touched my life these many years.

I was a Senior at Kamehameha Schools on O'ahu, Hawai'i. At this specific time in my life, I really wanted to be home with my family on Kaua'i, and not go to school on another island. I was dealing with mid-terms, the death of one of my dear friends and teacher from the Cook Islands, was in couseling because of Maine Tutai's death and just in a bad space.

I headed to Hale Ola, our infermary on campus, and was laying down on one of the beds in the back. I was there just a few minutes when the thought came to mind, "I wish my mom was here." No sooner had I thought those words, my mom walks through the door to where I was. "Mommy? Is that really you?" I was crying. My mom said she had a feeling that she needed to come to see me, so she hopped on the next flight to see me.

Even though my teen years were spent at a boarding school, away from my family, that moment will forever help me understand the principle of "Listening to the Spirit", and to act on our impressions. They call it "Mother's Inuition", I call it "Divine Intervention". The Lord couldn't be there to help me through that tough time, but He knew my Mother could.

Thanks mom for nearly 28 great years.

Much love,
Pili girl~

Service

I realized I've not put many pictures on here as of late. Hm... I'll have to remedy that. Anyway, here's a few pictures of some friends who did service last week for FHE.

Chris cutting grass with scissors. Yes, you read that right, with scissors!









Beth Walker cuttin' it up with scissors as well!












Bro. Bair trimming the trees:












Sharon and another young man moving the trimmin's to the burn pile:









A cute robin's egg we found: