Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Is it still Tuesday?

Today felt like one of the longest days ever. I'm sure I have said this before, but today I really mean it. I subbed in a first grade class today and I had forgotten what it is like to have a "rough" class. My classes have been so good the past several years. Today this class reminded me of the first class I ever had. I'm hoping that I can reign the kiddos in when I have this group again for the long term sub job...6 weeks! They aren't really bad, they are just so talkative and wiggly. Which is very hard for me. In 3rd and 4th grade, that is normally under control and I just reinforce that. Now I have to teach that. Other than that, I think I will be okay. I'm excited to be in this school. It is very small, one class per grade. The staff has been very nice and I even know a couple of people.

I just talked to Andy and he's checking the blog too. He lets me know that I haven't updated it. He's 8 hours ahead of me and works when I'm working. It's nice that we can be in communication. Technology is great!

I have kindergarten tomorrow for half day and then this first grade in the afternoon and again on Thursday. I'll make it through. Gotta be strong!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

One day at a time

Last night I couldn't sleep. I miss Andy so much that it makes it hard to sleep. As the days pass, I'm sure it will get easier. I was happy that last night I couldn't fall asleep because Andy emailed me a little after midnight. We were able to get on Skype and see each other. It made me so happy to see him and I was also able to go right to sleep after we got off the computer. I feel very fortunate that we are able to communicate so easily when so many don't get that option. I'm hoping I hear from him tonight, even if it is just through email.

As for today, I felt pretty down and could have easily stayed in bed all day. My friend, Christine, celebrated her birthday today since it's tomorrow and has to work. I did partake in the activities...which consisted of breakfast, playing cranium and catch phrase. It was nice hanging out with them and it made the day go by fast. It's just too bad she has to work on her birthday.

Tomorrow is Monday and a day off for me (1 of 5 days I have off). I have a lot of errands to take care of tomorrow (changing my name) and need to get up early. Then I have to work the rest of the week. Work, work, and more work. I'm so happy about that. I'm subbing in kindergarten and first grade this week, so I'll let you know how it works out. I teach the older kiddos, not the the little ones. Yikes! Wish me luck!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

I'm back!

I know it has been so long since I have been on here and updated and I'm so sorry for that. Andy and I were busy in Cali for his softball tournament. Well, it didn't go as well as we hoped but we had a blast while we were there.





Andy is now deployed and I am back home with my parents. I'm super sad we are apart. He is safe where he is though and we talked today. He sounds very tired. I think he'll be happy when his routine starts there.


As for me, I got home Thursday night and had a sub job Friday. The 3 months that I'm home, I'll be subbing everyday the kids are in school except for 5 days. I feel very good about that and I hope the days go by fast. Our relationship has always been long distance, but this time things are different and my world doesn't feel whole since he isn't next to me.



Below are some pictures of our trip. I hope you enjoy them.


We went to a Dodgers game. Here is Leigh Ann and myself.
We also attended a Padres game. Both games were against the Phillies.
Andy got silver in the go-carts race.
Me looking silly in the morning before a game.
A cartoon character drawing of us that we got done at Magic Mountain.
Just us
The book keeper, the photographer, and the cheerleaders.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Happy Monday

Technically it is Monday on the main land but only 9: 27 PM here. But just the same, happy Monday to you all as you start your week. I haven't been very good about the blog for several days. We tend to get busy and I slack on keeping it updated.

As usual it was another busy weekend with softball, and hanging out with new and older newer friends. This weekend would have been a wonderful opportunity for us to take pictures so you could see the people that we spend our time with. That being said, we didn't take one picture. The nutty thing is, I always have my camera with me.

The time has come for us to leave to San Diego and then we'll be apart for 4 months. As much as I'd like to say that we are packed and ready to go, we are not. We have a hamper full of laundry to still do and packing of suitcases. And while some of you might be thinking "nothing like waiting till the last minute" (partly true), I want to remind you that one must wait till the last minute to do laundry when you (me) have to take everything back home.

We are very excited about California. This will be Andy's first time there and I'm excited to see what he thinks. Some of you may know this and I may have mentioned this previously, but my family is there and I'm eager to see them.

There are a few other things just to mention. I am going to be doing some construction on here so I probably won't be updating it very often. I will keep everyone updated on Andy's team at regionals. My friend Shauna told me that you can only put a certain amount of MB on the blog. She told me another way to do it so I want to take the pictures and use the new way. That way I can continue to add pictures. Have a wonderful week and I can't wait to see my family and friends back in KS. I'll be home soon. Bye for now.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

It's Andy's fault and his friends agree

Yesterday was a good day. I spoke to Nina (my twin), Marcie, my mom, Toyia, and Shauna on the phone. It was nice to chat with so many people.

And while my day was relaxing, full of conversation and TV, Andy had a stressful day at work and came home a little grumpy. So after dinner we went to Ed's house to sit in his hot tub. But when we got there and walked over to the pool area, a note on the door reminded him that the pool was closed for repairs till the 17th. We really enjoy relaxing there because it's quiet and there is a view of the mountains. Andy suggested that we go to Coldstone. Ed, Juan (Ed's roommate), and myself agreed that would be yummy. Yes, I know that it was #1 on my list but how could I pass it up? We did however walk to Coldstone which was about a 10 min walk. So at least there was a little exercise with my ice cream. While we were on our walk, I was saying that it is hard to not eat McDonald's and stuff because Andy eats it and it smells good. They were saying that I should be able to resist the temptation. On the way back from Coldstone, Ed and Juan were complaining about eating Coldstone. They have to watch their weight I suppose. Then Juan says, "I agree with you now. It is Andy's fault." Haha, Andy asked them if they wanted to exercise in the morning. Juan said something about not falling for the peer pressure anymore. I loved it. They now understand what I have to contend with. We'll hang out with them again on Friday, along with some others for Ed's birthday dinner. I think we're going to Macaroni Grill. Pasta!

The restaurant is at the Ala Moana Mall (I think that's how you spell it). That is the greatest mall ever. Before we eat, we're going to go early so I can find some jeans that fit me. Keep your fingers crossed.

Andy has softball practice tonight and tomorrow. He even went to hitting practice during his lunch break yesterday. It's serious now.

I guess that is it for now. It's a pretty boring week. Oh, but I am half way packed. Bye for now.

Monday, August 4, 2008

The first step is to admit you have a problem

Okay, so I don't mean to keep obsessing over the fact that my jeans don't fit. After talking it over with Andy, I realized the last time I wore my jeans were the night we got married. That was only 3 weeks ago! Andy said it was the mountain that we climbed that ruined me from exercise. And while I like that Andy has blamed the mountain instead of our (yes, our because Andy contributes to my madness~what a loving husband) bad habits. So I thought if I wrote some of the bad things I have done that have caused the major problem in my world (I think if this is my "major" problem, I'm doing pretty good. There are a lot of people out in our world that have things way worse) maybe it would help me getting on to road to being healthier.

Just a side note: I am very knowledgeable in the area of how to be healthy and fit. I'm not someone that doesn't know how to be healthy. And I think that just makes it worse. Why can't I just have the will power to make myself follow a healthy lifestyle? I partly know the answer to this.

1: I've always had a positive self-image of myself.
2: I don't like to exercise. In the past when I've been successful at it, it's because there was a social aspect that I enjoyed. We just happened to be exercising while socializing
3: Growing up I never had to worry about being a little thicker. I was skinny.

So, here I go: My name is Daisie and I'm a junk food junkie. Here is a list of my bad habits.

  1. eating coldstone ice cream
  2. eating candy (especially chocolate)
  3. no going to the gym
  4. loafing around the house and not being active
  5. playing the playstation and DS
  6. watching all the reality TV
  7. chips and dip
  8. oatmeal cream pies
  9. Welch's strawberry soda
  10. eating fried foods at restaurants
  11. eating pasta with white sauce
  12. eating fried foods with the pasta that has white sauce
  13. sunflower seeds (all the salt can't be good for me)
  14. vitamin water XXX flavor (I know it's water but it probably has a ton of calories)
  15. Alcoholic drinks (even though I might only have one, it's just empty calories)
  16. popcorn and butter at the movies with peanut M&M's and a really big soda (sprite)
  17. Chocolate shakes and fries from McDonald's

Okay, I think that might be it. At least I hope so. I have to tell you as I was making the list, in my head I was thinking "Gosh Daisie, no wonder your jeans don't fit. Look how you eat!". And I'm sure there were a lot of you thinking the same exact thing. I'm hoping this will help. That being said, we still have our trip to San Diego and what do you think the chances are that I'll eat healthy there? I'm going to try very hard. Maybe eat more salads when I go out to dinner and eat more fruit. You're going to love this. Today I went to the store to get some things and I got strawberries and grapes. BUT, I also go the chocolate dip for the strawberries. Dang it! I just can't get it completely right.

And the week begins

Last week was very busy for us and just like we said it would be, yesterday was a laid back day. Andy played his PS3 and I played my DS, we took a nap, and rented a movie. We don't have much time here before I head back home and Andy gets deployed. Andy has already started getting ready and the reality is setting in. I think I'll start getting my things together too.

Andy has a softball game tonight and two practices in preparation for San Diego. The time has come so fast. We leave next week! That being said, I think this week will be preparation in leaving and I have no motivation. Being here is so laid back. Everyone on this side of the island is a little slow moving and just enjoying the moments. The women don't really wear make-up or do their hair (I fit right in). Throw on your swim suit and a sun dress or shorts and you're good. For one, it's hot and the make-up just melts off but it just doesn't seem to be that important. I have enjoyed this part of living here. Not to mention the perfect weather. Back home it has been over 100 degrees. I'm not prepared for that.

Lastly, I think that I've got allergies. My eyes have been itching like crazy. I can't even wear my contacts all the time because I keep having to scratch them. I don't want to lose my contacts when I'm scratching my eyeballs out of my eye sockets. I guess we'll see how my eyes do when I get back home.

Below are pictures that I hadn't put on the blog yet. I promise not to wait so long to do the blogs anymore. The last one was way too long. But if Andy would help out and write the blog sometimes, it would really help. He reads this so maybe he'll start writing them once in a while. Bye for now.

If you click on the picture, it'll get larger. There is a path of steps that you can use to climb this mountain. It's called The Stairway to Heaven. Andy wants to do this really bad. Of course, I don't think it's a good idea. Everyday there is someone climbing it.
Here we are at the restaurant we ate at on Friday night.
A pretty bird that was at Andy's softball game. We fed it crackers and came right up to us.
My new book bag that I got. The white is good so when I come back here and ride the bicycle, the white will be reflective.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

This is the longest blog ever. I'm sorry!

I'm sorry it has been so long since I've blogged. It has been a very busy week. Lets jump right in.

Last Tuesday (the last time I blogged), Andy was supposed to work nights. Lucky him though, his boss called and told him he didn't have to go in. (DAY OFF #1). We decided to have a picnic on our floor and watch a movie. With popcorn, candy, soda, cheesy tots from burger king, pillows and a blanket, we watched TALK TO ME. I had never heard of it but it was a pretty good movie and a true story. It's about a black radio dj and about his life and how he made a difference. It was a very relaxing evening at home.

On Wednesday Andy had to go in at 2 in the afternoon till about 8:30 and then go back from 11:30 PM till 8 the next morning. I have to admit that it is difficult for me to sleep when Andy isn't here. My mom usually gets an early morning phone call from me. Before Andy went to work we went over to Honolulu to Wal-Mart and the base. It was so crowded at the Navy Exchange because a ship named The Kittyhawk was docked. All of the people on the ship get off and get new CD's, movies, underclothes, and other random goodies. We went because they were having a sale on a pots and pans set and book bags. We thought it would be good to get the pots and pans so it was one less thing we had to get when we moved out of here. The book bag is another story. If you don't know, I'm a bag lady. I love bags of all sorts and shapes. Since we are going to San Diego and I'll be flying a lot ( I have two layovers on my flight to San Diego), I decided I needed a book bag instead of just shoulder bags. It really is just an excuse, but I think a very valid one. I'm sure my mother would disagree. Andy did point out that I have a lot of bags here and haven't used yet (I have a lot at my mom's house as well), but I pointed out to him that he has a lot of movies that he rarely watches and my bags are like that. You don't need them but you like that they are there when you want them.

Since Andy worked Wednesday night he had Thursday off (DAY OFF #2). He slept a lot of the day and I just went about my busy day (sarcasm). I painted my toes and did the laundry. I'll tell you this, a lot of people would love to be in my position right now. But it's lonely when Andy isn't around and I feel pretty useless. I get sad because I'm away from my family and friends, but when I get home I'll be sad that I'm away from Andy.

Later that night we had a FRG meeting we had to attend. That is a Family Readiness Group meeting. They had never had one before this one. Andy belongs to a different kind of command. They will never be all together at one time because they rotate in and out of places all the time. They think that having this support group will be good for the new families that join the command. I did learn that I can't send mail because they are gone for short periods of time, so no mail. I think as time passes they will be a little more organized but they weren't this time. The one really important thing was when the Commanding Officer said "you have Friday off" (DAY OFF #3).

Friday morning started with a bang! Actually, it started at 3:40 am with a phone call from A principal at a school back home. She asked if she had woken me up. I said it was only 3:40 in the morning, she heard I was back in KS already. She asked if I wanted her to call me later, but when a principal is calling, you want to hear what she has to say. She offered me two long term sub positions. I'd work for 12 weeks solid! When I went back I thought I would sub, but I was worried about not working enough. This is the best situation I could ask for. I would start mid September and go through till mid December. I'm so excited. One is in first grade and the other is in special ed classroom. I thought it was great that she thought of me and it has taken so much of the worry away.

Since Andy had Friday off, by the way, did you notice he only worked 2 days? Sorry...since Andy had Friday off, we had breakfast with our roommate, Mario, at this place called Cinnamon's. It was a fancy little place (quite pricey as well) in the town that we live in. Apparently our town has a few places like that but they are always packed and obviously hard to get into. We went to breakfast at about 10 in the morning on Friday and there was a lot of people there. Don't people got jobs? LOL.

Right after breakfast we went to the beach again. It was such a beautiful day not to be outside. This is where my Friday started to go down hill. We went back to Pyramid Rock beach, the one that we went to earlier in the week and Andy got knocked down. Well, when we got there, the life guard told us to stay left of his post because the tides were really rough. Oh my, were they ever! First, we get in there and the waves are strong for sure. Andy says in a very easy going tone "your nipple is hanging out". Now I think that is very important information if you are not wanting that to happen. I immediately freaked out of course. We fixed that by tightening up my top. It just got worse from that point. The waves knocked me out two times! The first time it knocked me down and the second time (thank goodness I was holding Andy's hand) it took me under and water went up my nose and out of my mouth. GROSS! There were times in between though that the waves just pushed me around and lets not talk about how I had to hold my bottoms because the waves wanted to take them too! Needless to say, out trip to the beach was short lived because Andy doesn't care to be at the beach and I was worn out from the waves.

Later that evening we went to dinner at a restaurant in Honolulu that, I can't spell, with Ed and some of Andy's friends that I have meet. When we were getting ready to go, I decided that I would wear jeans. I haven't worn them in a while and I thought I'd change it up a little bit. I wear dresses and "work out" clothes. It is sooo laid back here. So, I TRY and put them on. I guess I've gained some weight while I've been out here because my jeans don't fit! That's what happens when you're happy, and you have picnics with nothing but junk food! Anyway, Ed's friend had us waiting a long time for her and I was quite annoyed. Dinner was at 6:30 and she didn't show up till almost 7:30. She lives a few blocks from the restaurant and she couldn't be on time? We all live on the other side of the island and we were on time. And what was worse is her friends didn't show up till 8. We had drinks and appetizers while waiting and chatted away. Some of them were going to go shark fishing the next night. I want to do that...it sounds so cool. You go from 10 to 2 at night. Anyway, we didn't stay out very late because Andy had a triple header the next morning. Yes, no weekend would be complete without softball! We don't think we'll be going back to that restaurant any time soon though. It was expensive and if we are going to spend that kind of money, were going to my favorite restaurant on the island. An Italian restaurant called Assgios.

Honestly, the food isn't that costly, but the drinks are outrageous. I've decided that I'm not going to have an alcoholic drink at restaurants anymore here because I only have one and they don't do anything for me. I don't need to drink to get loosened up and talk. Eight to ten bucks for one drink is crazy!

Okay...now on to yesterday (Saturday). It was another long day. Like I mentioned earlier, Andy played a triple header. It was against the Air Force team that is going to regionals as well, but in another state. It was over by 1:00. Not to bad. It is also nice because I can hang out with my friend Leigh Ann. They won 2 of the 3 games. The second game they lost 22 to 8. Andy hit well but didn't catch well. He was playing it safe instead of just playing the game.

Afterwards, Andy and I went to several places looking for Tetris DS. No such luck, but at Best Buy I did find a crossword game that also had word search on it. Andy got a new game for his PS3 as well. My mom got me the DS for Christmas. And I still love it. I take it with me everywhere because you just never know when you're going to have to wait around. I also play it when Andy plays his many hours of Call of Duty 4. We didn't have time to really check out our new games though because we had a BBQ to go to.

When I was here last summer, Andy introduced them to me. Ray and Verne...they are so nice. They cooked some yummy stuff too. There was a dessert that was sooo good. I only had two bites though. Since my jeans don't fit! Andy and I ate just ate a little bit and shared the food because we were meeting up with Leigh Ann, her husband and some others at Dave and Busters. Well, at the BBQ we played Battle of the Sexes. It was soooo hard. We didn't get to finish the game because we had to leave, but it was fun while we were there.

So yes...the day continues into the evening with us going to Dave and Busters. We always have a good time playing the games. We give the tickets we win to kids that are around. It was a good night. The rule was no softball talk. Andy's coach was there and Leigh Ann's brother's family. He is on the team too. We laughed quite a bit and played for a while. Then to top off the day, we went to watch The Mummy 3 movie. It was just okay. It didn't have anything on Batman!

So I finally get to today. We are going to do nothing but sit at home and not spend money! LOL..really, after all of that I'm tired and want to do nothing. I hope everything is well with everyone. Talk with you soon.