Every place has memories of us

Our last night strolling in Waikiki for a while. So, we went and saw a movie or two and had a nice dinner with friends: Davaa and Scott at Cheesecake Factory.

As we walked back to our car, I realized, we have been to every touristy and not so touristy place on this island and every place brings back fond memories of us. I will miss Hawaii but I am very sure one day we will be back - even if it is just to visit. :-) Till then... aloha!

A Milestone

Hooray for me! What a day of milestones.

I took my oath today and my husband had the honors to administer it.

So, I will be flying out for my school on Sunday and I will be going to my home - "sweet home Alabama" for the next three months.
Then, we went to Schofield track to run. I was able to do 6 laps in 13 minutes. Well, I could make a lot of excuses as to how I would have, could have ran much faster if only: it wasn't as hot, as bright, if only there weren't as many soldiers standing around, and I wish I had walked a lap on the track to get the feel of that cushiony surface and get used to it; and of course, I wasn't running on the very inside track - so I perhaps did longer than mile and a half.

But, NO - I am not going to. I did it in 13 minutes regardless and that time was more than just good enough for me. YES!!!

When I make it through my training, will let you know where we end up - till then, I am having one adventure after another and ready for anything that comes my way.

Running in the rain

I have been running early in the morning this week. Just want to get used to getting up at 4:40-ish and out running by 5:00. Today, however, the nice smell of rain in the air fooled me as it alreay happened. So, 50 meters or so into my run, I felt sprinkling. Then, another 100 more, I was drenched in the pour. Still made it all the way to the end of the road and more fairly easily. I am proud of myself (I am sure I am allowed to be, right?). I am happy for myself.

Everyone used to tell me how in good shape I was - well, shape isn't saying much since I got the "skinny genes" as my husband tells me. I wasn't always fit though. I felt fat inside and felt I was dragging extra weight that I didn't need and felt weak and tired. No more of feeling tired and being tired of being tired. I am doing something about it.

There is a saying in Mongolia that goes something like: you got over your sleepiness by waking up. So, I am working on getting over my tiredness by working out and being active. I feel not too worried about my fitness anymore. I do plan on staying fit and not feel sluggish for the rest of myself. Please remind me of this post if you see me one day and I look out of shape.

I didn't like it much when I started running. But, now I enjoy it. Not as much as some people I am sure - but I feel refreshed as I let my mind wander and just listen to my heartbeat and heavy breathing. So, good for me and go for it if you want to grab that running shoes and feel the wind in your hair.

Till we see each other again

Last night, Zola, Sansar and I went out for some girl fun. We got manicures and pedicures and had too much food and laughter.

Sansar giggled through her first pedicure. Sure she will be back to the nail salon again to enjoy more of it with different colors. She got firey red nails on both hands and feet. Wants the french tips now. I got me french tips and plumerias on my big toes. Zola got velvet red - calls herself rocker chic. :-)

Then, we went to Korean restaurant (can't remember the name) - it was close to downtown Walmart and Sam's.

Got no pictures either. Oh well - Sansar took bunch - so I will have some later I am sure.

Well, we will have to put our night outs on hold for a while - but we will see each other again and will enjoy more fun!

Till then, ladies, thank you for last night.

We will miss you!

Today was our last day to spend with our family visitors. Maria went to the movies with daddy - Harry Potter's new one, the premier showing. So, the rest of us went to the pool at Hale Koa one last time.

Right outside the hotel. Isn't this beautiful?

After check out, we went to Ewa and then to Yokohama Bay. But, we stopped by at Ft. Shafter to see the Pal Circle and the water fountain.

This is the fountain where the nurses hide behind in a movie "Pearl Harbor." Just so I spoil it for you, in December 1941, the fountain wasn't there. Sorry. It still is beautiful though.

At Yokohama Bay:

Gage and Maria are being fishermen.

Then, off to much needed food at Outback Stakehouse.

Dalton's got bunny ears. . .

and white mustache. . .

and oops, ketchup on his hands.

Maria - at our place - in front of the wall for her.

Then, Maria and Gage tried on some of Keith's uniforms: first the ACU and then Class A:
Then, we took our family to the airport. It was fun and we both felt like tourists while it lasted. But, now back to reality.

Hope you all enjoyed our impatient tourguide's straight to the point tour and explanations with marathon speed walks and what not that are not offered anywhere else in the world. :-)

Welcome to Hawaii - part 4

On Monday, first order of business was to visit Hanauma Bay. It was a beautiful day and we made it in before the lot closed and actually found parking stalls easily. Hooray!!!

After the ticket, and movie - it was time to play in the water and see some fishies. :-)

As we waited for movie to start:

Then, off to Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific - mainly for Ronnie. The kids and ladies played at the viewing deck.

If you are happy and you know it. . . :

Of course, it was the parents' turn to see the view from Tantalus:

"It has been a long day and I am just tired":

Tuesday - we went to Koolina to play on the beach some more; but smart me - brought the camera and left the battery behind in the charger - so after a detour, we made it to Kolekole Pass Rock at Schofield.

Let's start hiking people.

Everybody is slowly making their way up the hill - who says you can't exercise some even if you are on vacation:

Up at the landing - where the photo ops are prevalent and scenery is breathtaking:

Dalton was occupied with his stick, posing for photo wasn't a priority.

Best friends forever; after all they have known each other since they were three.

At the sacrificial rock:

Then, it was used as a seating - the discussion of moving it to Alabama was even brought up.

Then back down to the beginning:

"Yeah! We made it!"

Once we got back to Waikiki, the men folks took the kids to the pool and women folks went out for dinner and some fun! Thank you, gentlemen!

Only one more day left in Hawaii for them - will make the best of it - and have some more fun!