The Final Days

Well, some of you may know that my last living grandfather is now in his final days.

I am currently in Nevada assisting my parents with the care of the grandpa, and also helping them take care of themselves. It's been a long road for them- for all of us.

I flew in to Las Vegas last night, and initially got 4 hours of sleep with an hour sleep here and there since this morning. I'm running errands, talking to family members, assisting the hospice nurses and making arrangements for his passing. As odd as this may sound, I actually was able to administer my first suppository this morning. It's a good thing a part is just a part - because I'm not sure everyone can do what I've been doing these past 14 hours or so.

Work and school have been working with me and have been very understanding in my situation. I got things cleared and booked the next available ticket out here. (One way of course. I'm not putting a time line when to return to work, but I did let them know that I will probably be gone for a week.) Between studying for school, working out, helping my parents, and taking care of my grandfather - I have a feeling I'm going to be very busy.

I don't expect my grandfather to make it past this weekend, but you never know. He's already gone into renal failure, cannot eat/drink, is restless, and seeing people from the other side. I'm not sure who or what he's waiting on, but I hope he goes comfortably and soon.

Please pray for my family members that they will be comforted and can help one another through this.

One love~

Honest Reflections

Tonight was a night of sorts.

I almost had to break up a fight between a father and a son.

In my honest reflections of tonight's events, I've come to the conclusion that mental and verbal abuse is just as bad, if not - has longer lasting affects on someone than physical abuse.

Would I dare to let an event, such as this evening, keep me from getting married? No. But, it makes me take a deeper look into what I want in a companion, how I want to raise my children, and how to effectively communicate.

I don't have all the answers to: Will I ever see my son again? What do I do now? What have I done wrong? Will I loose the rest of my children?

What I do know and have an answer to is this: I can only give my heart to someone that I can feel comfortable and safe with. I know that I will get an attitude once in a while and maybe raise my voice a bit. But I also know that it's not in me to attack mentally, physically, verbally, or emotionally a person and deliberately cut him/her down. I know I'm not always right. I know I'm not perfect. But I have a lot of love to give, and that's what I want to focus on. The Love.

Let us all take an honest reflection of how we're living our life, tweak what needs to be tweaked, tighten a bolt where it needs to be tightened, and learn to laugh at our self.

Yes. For crying out loud, laugh once in a while!

Exerpts from the Love Journal

Yes people, if you forgot, I do have a "love journal". I promise it's not bogged down with mushy stuff or the thoughts of a hopeless romantic. It's something for the future Mr. Pili girl! hee hee. It's so he can get to know me better. (It contains my deepest/darkest secrets!) j/k. Just thoughts that I thought I would share with him if we were together right now.

So, I thought I'd put some of my Pili girl randomness on here because we all know how much I love to be "random"! ha ha ha And if you can't handle my openness, then skip to the next blog. =)

"- I don't like chocolate except on certain times of the month. (True statement)
- Diamonds are overrated. (Don't care for them... if you want me to feel like an 8 cow wife, give me the 8 cows!)
- Don't ever touch the knees... ever! (Reflex- usually ends up with a pulled back fist.)
- Shaving legs is not always an enjoyable task.
- Star gazing is romantic!
- Creator of the pantyhose should be shot!
- Sorry - I don't always like wearing make-up
- My favorite colors: green, blue, brown.
- Roses. Roses are used too openly and to me, don't really mean a lot. (Especially red roses. But, you give me a black rose, and I'm all yours!)
- I like plumerias.
- I like to get in touch with my inner-child, so don't be surprised if I bust out singing "I'm going on a lion hunt..."
- I like to belch out loud.
- Farting: it's a bodily function. (It happens...)
- Holding me is sometimes better than a kiss.
- Turn down the lights and read a book with me.
- Snoring: yes, even females do it... I hope I don't do it often. (It's embarrassing.)
- PMS: I apologize in advance.
- Favorite Drink: water
- I love giving service: One of my favorite times of giving service was the Chicago Urban Studies program at BYU-I."

Well friends and family, that's all you get for now. Maybe I'll post more of my randomness from the Love Journal on here at a later date.

PAZ!

Changing of the guard...

It's a new year with bright/wonderful possibilities. A chance to turn over a new leaf and start things fresh and new! (Not unless you live in Rexburg, then it's plowing through snow and slush - but hey... who's complaining?) =)

2009 held many stepping stones. There was a lot of growth that happened, and a lot of self discovery, and healing.

Although I don't do New Year's Resolutions, I do, however, set goals. Goals that are both meaningful, attainable, and another thing to check off of my life list of goals to accomplish.

Even though it's already the 2nd of January, I don't have my goals set just yet, but I know I need to do that very soon since I'm leaving for BCT in 3 months. This year, I'm going to attempt to make goals on all sides of my box. Meaning: Emotional, physical, financial, Mental/Spiritual. I might post some of the goals on here at a later time if anyone wants to follow up with me on how they are going.

Anyway, New Year's was good. I spent it with many of my dear friends. I do have to say that junk food is no bueno. I had a little junk food this past break, and my body is screaming at me. It just feels yucky. So bring on the fruits and veggies!!!!

Okay, so there's a bunch of randomness for you all.

Peace!

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!)