This morning, as I entered my grandfather's room, I heard rustling going on. I moved around the side of the bed and there on the side-turned laptop, I saw my Auntie Candy doing her homework on Skype!
Obviously my parents didn't wake me up to pull the night shift on my grandfather. Instead, my Auntie watched him all night so the rest of us here could get some sleep! Thank goodness for technology, eh?!?! Why we hadn't thought of this sooner is beyond me.
Thus far this mornng, Papa opened his eyes once, farted, and has been having leg twitches. His body has been cooling down and his urine has been a very deep red. All things considered, I hope he passes today.
Will keep all of you family and friends updated as it progress or digresses.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Telephone Calls from Loved Ones
Well, it's day two since being in Nevada.
Last night I feel asleep on the couch- trying to nurse my pulled ligament in my foot. Being that I feel asleep early I also pulled night duty for my grandfather. During the night I could hear him moaning with some pain. I gave him his meds every 1 and 3 hours as directed. He slept well throughout the night. Even now, he lays in a supine position, eyes have darkened, cheeks sunken.
One of the blessings, I guess, of dying slowly, is that it allows other people to call in and say their thank you's and goodbye's. I was able to hear from a few of my mother's cousins, and my grandfather's cousins. It was great. During one of the calls, one of the hospice nurses got teary eyed. He hadn't heard so many people express their love and appreciation to someone like our family has been doing. Basically - Welcome to our family.
It's been sweet and rewarding to be here.
Today I spoke with my uncle and we were talking about grieving. Apparently people have been getting upset with him because he hasn't shown some sort of "grief". However, people need to understand that not everyone grieves the same. Some will wail with tears, others will cry silently, and others will mourn at a later time. Point is - we'll all grieve in our own way.
I feel - I'll grieve when I get back to Rexburg next week. And, that's okay.
Last night I feel asleep on the couch- trying to nurse my pulled ligament in my foot. Being that I feel asleep early I also pulled night duty for my grandfather. During the night I could hear him moaning with some pain. I gave him his meds every 1 and 3 hours as directed. He slept well throughout the night. Even now, he lays in a supine position, eyes have darkened, cheeks sunken.
One of the blessings, I guess, of dying slowly, is that it allows other people to call in and say their thank you's and goodbye's. I was able to hear from a few of my mother's cousins, and my grandfather's cousins. It was great. During one of the calls, one of the hospice nurses got teary eyed. He hadn't heard so many people express their love and appreciation to someone like our family has been doing. Basically - Welcome to our family.
It's been sweet and rewarding to be here.
Today I spoke with my uncle and we were talking about grieving. Apparently people have been getting upset with him because he hasn't shown some sort of "grief". However, people need to understand that not everyone grieves the same. Some will wail with tears, others will cry silently, and others will mourn at a later time. Point is - we'll all grieve in our own way.
I feel - I'll grieve when I get back to Rexburg next week. And, that's okay.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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~
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~
Friday, January 15, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
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!
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!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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~
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~
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