Stop and Smell the Roses, just another day in Hawaii

If you can see the map, we hiked most of the left side. You can also see where we were when the picture was taken. About half way there!

My friend Ski down at the Beginning of the trail in Makiki Valley

Still in Makiki Valley on part of the improved trail

Just a picture of me, trying to show elevation gain.

A view of Pearl City and what not on the way up

A great view of Diamond Head and Waikiki

The trees are alive and hungry!!!

I am not a flower expert, but they are beautiful. I actually took the pictures for Chimge, so I could send her some some flowers.

Pali Reservoir. People were fishing for cat fish. One of our few fresh water lakes.

Nope, don't know the name.

You though your roots were crazy

My roots?

More roots

Stop and smell the flowers, life is just too fast

Manoa Valley

Everyone's favorite, Plumeria

Ski and I at the end of the trail.

The hike was great. I was able to do it. My recovery continues and I could not be happier about. If you are ever in Hawaii and I am still here, your welcome to join us on a hike.

The 100th Battalion has "Completed" another Tour "Welcome Home"

The Official "Welcome Home" ceremony for Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Delta Company of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry. MG Robert Lee (Hawaii's TAG) and Linda Lingle the Governor of Hawaii both spoke and welcomed home the soldiers. The Soldiers were then released to their families.

LTC Peeters the Battalion Commander of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry

SSG Rosales being welcomed by family

As you can see, Hawaii has a unique way of welcoming home it soldiers. SFC Walden (Right) with a soldier I don't know. A lot of flower leis were showed on these men for a job well done.

Cpt Haz Anguay, Delta Company Commander wit his two sons. Another happy reunion!

I have posted these pictures in order to share with you something most will never see. The joy and pride that comes with serving our nation and completing yet another tour. Nothing can compare with returning to your loved ones and remembering why we serve. For our families and our friends.

"Welcome Home 100th Battalion"

Officer Trainie (OT) Young

Here is Officer Trainee Young. This picture is about two weeks old. She looks very good in ABU's.
Chimge called yesterday with great news..... She scored 95% on her Physical Fitness Test. She actually ran 11:31 on her One and a half mile run. Trust me, that is good. In fact, her score was 100%. She also improved on her push ups and crunches. So she is doing great! Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL (OTS)

These pictures were taken at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama on 28 July 2009. The sign says it all "OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL". No I am not changing branches, Chimge has enlisted in the United States Air Force, so that she can attend OTS, graduate and receive a Commission as a 2nd LT in the United States Air Force.
We actually got there early and got these pictures, because once she showed up, the training would begin and it will not end, until she is a 2nd Lt in the United States Air Force, some time around October 27, 2009.

So we toured the base, so she could relax and think about the task ahead. As you can see her, it is a replica of the Wright Brothers Plane. With out their quest for flight she might be joining the Army.

From there she stood before a larger than life statue of an American Aviator who gave his life in defense of the United States of America in the struggle against communism in South East Asia.

Then it was time for a loving husband to say goodbye and watch his wife begin a new career in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. She dropped her bag and began the reporting process.

The upper class men immediately stated teaching her attention to detail. She had to straighten her clothes, tuck in her shirt and begin the transformation form loving wife to Airman to Commissioned Officer.

This was the last picture I got before I had to move on and entrust my loving wife to her upper class leaders. She departed bravely, fully understanding the course she had chosen and the one I will support her through. After all she has supported me through three combat tours.

I know many will not fully understand why she joined, but many do not know why the few serve for the many. It is a calling and not all are called. As a husband, I got butterflies seeing my wife march away for three long months of training in Alabama. As a Commissioned Officer, I know that the United States Air Force just got a fine women and an excellent addition to their ranks. I could not be more proud to know my wife has chosen to serve the United States of America and I hope all who know of her very humble beginnings can truly see how incredible of a choice she has made. I ask all of you to keep her, her classmates and all those who serve this great nation in your prayers.

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.