R&R

***I found this as well, and thought I'd attempt to add some pictures, but the blog isn't allowing me to add photos. ugh! So, you all will have to deal with the only picture I have of that for not... kalo cereal. ****


Well, I went home to Hawai'i for R&R. AND, I also made a lovely stop to see my buddy Keaton and her family (of whom I am ETERNALLY grateful that they let me stay in their home), and also spent time with family in Lewisville. I must admit, it was nice to see some of my friends at church as well. So thankful for them.

Hawai'i was wonderful. It was so nice to be able to sit back and relax. AND, relax I did. I gained 7 pounds! ha ha ha!

I decided to just put a few pictures on here from my trip. I am soooo thankful that I got to stay with my brother Keoki, Foeata and family, and to my awesome brother-in-law who will soon graduate as a chef, and made homemade crab cakes! They were amazing!

Happy Day of Gratitude for Mothers!

Here is another draft that I had in my folder... this was from 2012. I was living with my brother Keoki and his family on O'ahu. (They supported me after I came back from overseas and also while I was going to Massage Therapy School.)


I heard my brother say that today was not only "Mother's Day", but a "day of gratitude for mommy". (speaking of my sister-in-law, Foeata.)

I think he nailed it right on the head that Mother's Day should definitely be a day of gratitude. Not that we have to commercialize every holiday, but simple little thoughts that are meaningful. 

ROTC & Madison Happenings 2009

LOL! I was going through the "draft" folder of my blog and noticed I had an old picture of me in my Army greens. ("Class A's") Oh the days of ROTC! Also... I remember this bruised picture. This was during one of our ROTC lab days on Thursdays that we were playing paint ball against each other doing military tactics and movements. Man alive... this was the back of my arm, and it hurt so bad. I do have to say - it was a sweet bruise.

Play Day

Yesterday was a little play day for the students at International Institute of Massage Therapy. "Why", you might ask? "Because I said so"! ha ha ha ... just kidding.


Because I'm still substituting just reading over the material wasn't cutting it for the majority of the students. So, thinking quickly on my feet, I busted out the dry erase markers! As we went over the posterior distal leg muscles (a.k.a. the lower muscles on the back-side of the leg) I had them draw the outline of the muscles - the origin and insertion of the muscles on my legs and tell me what actions I needed to engage my foot/legs into in order to have the proper palpation and function of the muscles we were working on.


It was hilarious. Some of the students looked at me like I was freakin' crazy, and the others were having fun with it. There's one student who is so smart, that simple things have to be done in a fun way in order to make it "click" for him. When he was drawing on my legs, he was visually and physically able to get it. He was having fun now that Kinesiology was making sense for him. I guess if I have to donate my body to the learning of massage therapy, might as well have fun doing it, eh?!?

Happy Monday and Substituting

Indeed my friends, it was an overall happy Monday.


I have been blessed with the chance to substitute the massage classes today through Wednesday. Not only will they keep me busy with teaching, but it also keeps me busy with learning as well. Because this is a different curriculum than when I was in school, it's neat to have to learn new things, and RE-learn some other things. Definitely keeps me on my toes.


I was able to reconnect with some friends that I took the ThetaHealing DNA 1 & 2 instructor's course with, and even got to say hello to two of the Lott boys and Andy. (All of whom work at the store.)


There are surely some other things that happened today that I don't really care to put on here, but just know - today was a good day.


Feeling a little bummed that a dear friend of mine will be out of reach for a while, but I know he'll be reading the blog every once in a while.


My apologies for a non-descriptive day. I'm sure tomorrow will have more adventures on it.


Much love and light to all.


XOXOXOXO

Soccer Game

Well, I originally had a whole other blog entry already done and prepared about how I was able to go to Sandy, Utah and watch the RSL vs. Seattle Sounders FC MLS teams play. To be quite honest, I don't think I want to rehash the whole thing again. ugh... sorry peeps. (By the way, I laughed my butt off when I found out who SL was playing against!)

 

Long story short, Friday night Ryan Hales called and asked if I had plans for the next day. Even though I did, I still told him "no" and asked what I could do for him and Britt. He stated that they had an extra ticket to go to Utah, to the Rio Tinto Soccer Stadium, and if I wanted to go, I could meet them at their home at 0700 the next morning. I said yes and the next day we were on our way.

 

Utah was pretty. I was definitely wearing too much clothes. I felt hot and felt like I was going to pass out. I mean, come on, I had jeans and a light loose flower shirt on and I was melting! So, I rolled up my jeans making big cuffs in them so they would be capris. I'm glad I was at least wearing slippers! Geez.

 

While I was down there I felt I needed to get a hold of another battle buddy of mine who I knew was going to be in Utah. (He lives in Arizona with his two girls. We went to BCT and AIT together and kept in touch through both of our deployments.) Anyway, I sent him a picture of the soccer stadium. He was excited I was in Utah and wanted to say HI, but I didn't have the time and he was still working.

 

I didn't quite understand why I felt I needed to let him know I was in town, but he told me that he was heading back out overseas in October. No gear up - just packing up and heading out. As I thought about why I should want to say hello, it dawned on me that he needs closure. I don't think I'll have the time to come down and see him off before he heads out to Ranger school in September, but I do think I owe it to him to see that I've moved forward and to understand the reasons why I couldn't stay in a friendship where I kept being pulled in emotionally only when he needed me and then pushed away when crap was going on in his life. It hurt, but I was done. It took a while to move passed him, but I'm glad I did. I would have missed out on a lot if I hadn't. I'm not a toy and couldn't deal with the ups and downs, being tossed like a yo-yo. Sad thing is, shame on me for letting him do that and thinking that he'll be different with me. He's a good man, but not for me.

 

Anyway - that wasn't in the original posting, but I guess for some reason, that information needed to be on here.


Before we got to our seats I saw there were a bunch of latino eateries. Man alive - the food smelled soooooooo good. I had horchata (which wasn't mixed right), a churro (which was stale) and a palette (which was divine!!!!!!!).

 

The rest of the travel home was pretty much spent with me dozing in and out with the lulling of the car engine. I'm really glad I was able to go and have fun with Ry and Bean. I've missed hanging out with my friends (even though most of them are already married with children). OH! And they are expecting their first baby. They are 7 weeks along. I'm really excited for them. They will make great parents.

 

Okay my darling friends - it was an enjoyable time to be with you all on here. I hope you enjoyed my randomness of blogging about my life that has nothing really to do with the soccer game. LOL

 

Love and light!

My Dearest Mr. Pili~

In my "Love Journal" I used to write to my future Mr. Someone and address him as if I was sitting there in front of him, holding his hands in mine, or me holding his face while calling him various "pet names". (Never quite understood "pet names", but I've found that I have succumbed to the art of the lovey nicknames. Ugh - ha ha ha ha ha) So, as to keep the tradition alive for my future Mr. Pili... here's what I want in a soul mate, a life mate, a life partner, my lifelong friend, my forever, my complimentary half (LOL), my everything.... my love.


My Dearest Mr. Pili ~


Hello my love. It'll be a beautiful day under snow, sunshine, hail or rain, when I get to be with you. I'm pretty sure you'd just want me to get to the point of what I want in someone, (the characteristics, the description, is he tall, short, dark skinned, white skinned, rich, etc...) and although I do have a long list of characteristics for you and for me - it's really pretty simple. But I'm sure I can make it complicated for you.


You see, I have this huge capacity to love, and have all this love inside of me, that I want to be able to whole heartedly give it to you, and have it reciprocated. I'd love for you to be goal oriented and driven, has things of the heart, goals, and future that are the same or similar (heading in the same direction) as me, and yet has hobbies and things that you like to do for YOU as well. I would love to know how I can support you in your goals and dreams, and how I can be there for you... whether as a silent support, a listening ear, a hand to wipe your tears, or arms to hold and love you through your days.


I don't want to just "live" with or without you. I want to grow with you. I want to build a life with you and your/our family. I want to be that old couple that still goes out on dates, walks hand in hand, and makes others blush. Because when were 90, and in wheelchairs, we'll be strolling down the lane with our great grandbabies pushing us while our fingers are interlinked and giggling while listening to them wish that when they are our age, they hope to have a love just like ours. And year after year, we find all the many reasons to fall in love with each other over and over again, and more and more each time.


I want to wake up every morning and go to sleep every night knowing that the person who is there next to me loves and trusts me enough to be "present" for me. Most importantly you will allow me to do the same for you.


I hope you can see me as a prize, someone worth wanting, loving, cherishing; because I see myself that way, and I see you as someone worth wanting, loving, cherishing, and working for to make you laugh and smile. I want you to be who you are and express the things that you need in all areas of your life, because I can't support you or love you the way you need to be supported and loved if I don't know.


Talk with me, spend time with me, tell me your dreams and fears.... let me love you through it.


I know I've stated a lot, but what it really comes down to is this; I want someone who will let me love him, support him, grow with him, and laugh with him... But above all, you'll be willing to do all these things for me.


I look forward to having you in my life.... one day.


So, until then.... my dearest Mr. Pili, whomever you are:


I Love You.

Bearing of the Soul

Tonight I was able to talk with a very dear, loving, and wonderful person. Someone who I have come to know, learn about, learn from, and above love and be loved. This entry may not be understood or mean a lot to others, but for me, it dives deeper into my heart than I've ever let people in before. This is me, being totally vulnerable about something that is so dear to my heart... my future Mr. Pili. (Whomever he may be.) ;-)


First and foremost, I know that you all have come to understand that I tend to be a bit random at times. It seems the older I become the more my focus, attitude, priorities shift and change. I've noticed it even through my recent blogging.


Steven R. Covey once stated something to the effect of: Journal. Write. Because, you will see that what you write/journal about, is what means the most to you and where your thoughts/priorities have been/are. (Don't judge... I was totally paraphrasing in a Pili kind of way.)


Secondly, here's a random quote that I've had in my healing notebook:


"I have no significant competitors but myself." - Dan Kennedy


Now - on to the heart.


For years my idea of  "love" was to get married young, have lots of babies, serve my husband, go to church, and take care of the family. Now, I don't want to say that's entirely off... but my views on some things have definitely changed.


You know... I think I'm going to write my "Bearing of the Soul" in letter form to my future someone.


READ THE NEXT ENTRY!


XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

New Blog Title

I know some of you may be wondering what's up with the new blog title, and all I have to say.... it's about time.


I chose "The Evolution of Ms. Pili", because that's who I am and what I've been doing. Evolving, changing, becoming better.... becoming me. For the rest of my life, I want to continue getting better. Learning and growing. I hope I will have someone that would want to grow and evolve with me as well.


There are times in our lives, when we don't always like to see the bad, the ugly, the truth, of who and what we are, and why we do some of the things we do. This past year I've worked on stripping away the labels and expectations of others and myself, and took a vulnerable look at what me. I won't lie, I didn't like a lot of things that I was seeing. It seems that I had a look good/victim/blame other people for what was happening to me, kind of attitude instead of taking responsibilities for the things I was/have been attracting in my life. And other times, I only heard the things that I wanted to hear, and not what the real truth behind some people's words.


I think that is why I am a bit more cautious with things. Especially things of the heart. I mentally know what is right and what "should" happen, but who am I to attempt "WHAT IS" or other's "CHOICES" for their lives when they have nothing to do with me. Well, because 1) I love people and don't like for others to be hurt. I would rather suffer than to be a cause of someone else's suffering. (Stupid belief system!) 2) Being loved by another is scary... I'm usually always waiting for the other person to get bored and leave, or for the fight or flight syndrome to kick in for me. What a horrible way to live! 3) Not that loving someone or being loved is a bad or hard thing... but sometimes, being loved without expectations can be overwhelming. I almost don't know what to do with it most of the time. Ugh... oh well.


Aaaaaaannnnnnnnnnddddddddd, I think I totally just went off on a random tangent. LOL


I hope you all enjoyed that. Okay - it's late, and I've got to get to sleep. Enjoy the new blog title and all my little entries. XOXOXO

A Day Full of Happenings

I decided to start tackling my receipt piles that have been forming in various areas... my car, my receipt box, my purse, my "To File" pile, my "taxes" pile.... etc. It's pretty ridiculous. I can honestly tell you that sometimes having your own business is a bit more time consuming than most think. Not to mention you have to be self driven and motivated. I'm not saying that I'm not, just some days are a bit harder to stay motivated in things than other days.  Ugh...


Okay, I'm done complaining. While organizing, highlighting, and writing on the receipts, I had Pandora playing in the background. I found myself singing along to an island jam that I fell in love with when I was visiting O'ahu a few years ago. Here's the link:


She Gimmie Love - Collie Buddz


For some of you who have not heard this song, I hope you enjoy the chill vibe you get from it and appreciate the love you receive from your significant other. And for those who are single - I can totally relate to you - it's still a good jam. ENJOY!


Moving right along - this morning started pretty early with my internal alarm clock woke me about 0605, 20 minutes before my phone and watch alarms were to go off. I stayed in bed and listened to repeat messages on my phone and lost track of time. I jumped up, got in the shower, ate breakfast and got picked up by Jasmine to head to the school. There, we prepped for the Health Fair gathering a massage table, massage chair, and packing the event suitcase with items such as paper towels, hand sanitizers, cleaning wipes, sheets, a bunch of promotional brochures etc, and printed coupons with customized event information on it.


At the event, I ran into two of my battles from my unit. The first was 2LT Wilson. He was there representing Gold's Gym, of course he's attempting to get me to sign up.... and I have a tour of the facility next week. LOL.... Actually, I've been wanting to work out at a gym again. I've missed it since being overseas. The second person was SFC Snyder, of whom I deployed with. He wasn't selling anything - he is an employee of the business we were there with. It was really neat to see them both in the "civilian" world.


The Health Fair really was a success. I was there with two other professional massage therapists that I work with and most of the massage therapy students and a recent graduate. It was nice to be with them at such a fun event. We were busy the whole time with tons of different people. I got to trade on and off working on people with Shari - our recent graduate. (I was also able to get on the table where she worked on me for a few minutes and then I had her release my sub-scapula. If you've never had that done - man alive, it hurts like a ... well, you fill in the blanks.) There were a few people who have had issues with different massage therapists in the back, but hopefully I was able to change their mind that massage does not have to be painful.


Speaking of painful, well - not really, but Darby (another recent graduate) was at the facility when we got back from the event. I hugged her neck and we chit-chatted for a little bit, and then she ended up working on my back for about 30 minutes. I got up to the studio, and when she started working on me, I wanted to burst into tears. I had a lot of emotions that were coming up, but just weren't releasing from my body. It was crazy. You see, Darby is definitely a special woman, who I usually go to if I need work done. She's worked on my body, and knows how to help it release - physically and emotionally. When she massages, she massages with unconditional love, it's a beautiful thing. Although the body work was brief, it still made a huge impact on my body. Oh, and did I ever feel it when I went to work out this evening.


After a bunch of time passed by with working on my tax receipts, my "getting ready for Zumba" alarm went off indicating I had 30 minutes to change, get ready, and drive across town for Zumba class. It was a blast tonight. However, there were a few songs I didn't know, and OH MY LANTA, it was stinking hilarious to watch my instructor up there dancing one of the new songs. She was such a ham! I couldn't stop laughing! People thought I was crazy.... I didn't care, I was having fun. Then there are booty rolling moves that I just stood there and stared. I was like "uh uh... no no... not a bloody chance".... but once I got into the groove of the song, I started hamming it up a little too. It really was a fun night, and a fun day overall. (My body is a bit tight and sore - I wish I could have gone to the hot springs tonight to soak.)


This evening I was also able to talk to my parents on the phone and my second brother, Keoki. Yesterday was his birthday, so I called to wish him a belated birthday since I was out on the farm with no reception. Goodness, he was telling me stories that had me busting a gut. I don't think it would be appropriate to share his experiences with everyone here, but if you know my brother, it was funny. I really miss that brother and family. They live on O'ahu. I stayed with them after overseas and while I was going to massage therapy school. From their house, it took two hours one way (door to door) to get to my massage therapy school. I just spent most of the time on the bus studying. Granted, that was only if I wasn't sleeping, or watching a movie on my ipod.


Just a little personal note, I'll share that this past week I've been feeling a little reclusive. Keeping more to myself. Almost going internally. It's almost a strange place to be, but yet, very much needed. *sigh* Tomorrow, since I don't have an clients, I am going to make sure I do something for myself, but insure that it's out of my "normal" comfort zone. Who knows... I might end up at the four letter "M" word. LOL (Anyone catch on to it?)


Anyway, one love to all.


AND for "Gums".... XOXOXOXOXO
Glad I could make you laugh and smile.