| Tat much? |
Well, I finally did it! I got my tattoo. I have been talking about this tattoo for at least 3 years now. Had I known it was going to be so painless I would've done it so much sooner. That's okay though it wasn't all that bad. There were only a couple times I thought I was getting poked hard. Of course that was during Makena's name. Go figure right? So I saw "Honest John" at Slave To The Needle. He was wonderful. A quiet guy, but very patient w/ me in figuring out what I wanted to have done, so I was pretty pleased with that. Bridget was such a support system to have there. I was pretty sweaty from being nervous but it really didn't hurt at all. I sat and read a magazine for part of my 2 hour appointment. I barely bled at all, in fact until today you couldn't even tell that the tattoo was new. It is starting to flake off (the dead skin cells) and showing the brightly colored design underneath. This isn't the best representation of it as the colors aren't all that bright. But - you can see in the middle of the hibiscus flower how they are going to be brighter. I already know what I want to do next :) The actual size of the tattoo is about 6" from one side to the other.
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| Saturday- July 22nd 2006 |
It's gonna be ANOTHER hot one here in Seattle. Yesterday my bedroom got so- hot I almost slept on the main floor. Thankfully it cooled down enough to sleep in my own bed. - Right now it's overcast, but we're expecting mid-90's today. Ahhh- how I *WISH* we could be on our boat.
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| Busy week... wrapping up. |
Well, it's been a busy week. Makena has been in private swim lessons since she needs the one on one attention of learning to swim . I plan on putting her in classes after we're done with these lessons. Plus in the past she's been scared of water so it's good for her to have her coach with her the whole time so she is constantly doing something while she is in the water.
Aside from that, we met up a bunch of friends from my mom's group and we hung out and the kids played at the park while us moms stood around and chatted. It was great to get out, though it warmed up really quickly and we headed home around 1pm.
I am putting the final touches on our renewal plans (often referred to as 'The Wedding' - since it's easier to say than vow renewal). We booked our location and photographer. Now all I have to do is locate the right florist for my flowers & P.J.'s Maile Lei and someone for my hair and that will be it! I picked up my shoes this evening while my mom and I went to the mall. I found the cutest pair of white beaded flip flops that will be perfect under my dress! Ha Ha- It'll be great as no one will see them except when we're sitting on the beach having our Plate Lunch at the best hawaiian roadside lunch location! That's it for now- Have a BUSY weekend planned.
xo- Mary |
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| Walking down the isle... wedding chaos*, Phuket & Swimming Mermaid |
Well, as many of you know- wedding planning is chaos! Planning this renewal has actually been fun. I always work best under pressure- so knowing that we're doing this whole trip in such a short period of time from now, has me under the gun. I love it! Bought my dress, picked out my flowers - just have to find the florist. PJ thinks he can dig his clothes from storage (where our whole house is packed up). Since it is a Hawaii beach wedding he's wearing Khaki's and a white shirt. I'm so excited- just working on the final details, details - details!! Nice that my friend Elizabeth was married in Hawaii just a few months ago, so she's done most of the footwork for me so it makes it easier to decide where to go, what to do etc... I'm even going to borrow a beautiful necklace that she designed and made for her sister in law's wedding, Elizabeth wore it for her wedding and I might wear it for mine! Pretty cool.
Talked to PJ via email today. Phuket was... not as fun as he'd hoped. Lots of young Marines getting in trouble rendering him helpless when it came to 'babysitting' them as he is Sr. He's ready for some real 'R&R' that he should've had when he was there visiting. Oh well-
Makena starts SWIMMING lessons tonight *YAY*. SHe's been watching Sid & Emma swim so she's equally excited to get wet. Since she's so scared of the water I thought private lessons would be good for her. I'll update tonight after we return.
xo- Mary |
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| Happy Birthday Jenny! |
**Jenny** Happy 29th Birthday.... AGAIN! :)
31 years ago my friend Jenny's mom bore a child that grew to be loving, caring, funny, forgiving and wonderful! I'm thankful for all the memories we have had- I hope all your wishes come true. Here's to another year of 29.
xo- Mary
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| So much to do... so little time! |
I can't believe how long P.J. has been gone! It amazes me how different this deployment has been (Thank God!) from the last one. It is wonderful being around family and friends during the past 7 months.
P.J. is enroute home and will arrive *NEXT MONTH* stateside once again. YAY!! We'll have him home for the next 3 years :o) we are VERY lucky for that. -
And for now... I must get busy. We're just putting the final touches on our long awaited vacation- just the two of us. Since we have lived so far from family, we have often spent our vacation and time off traveling to visit. This time, we're heading off to Hawaii for ourselves and I couldn't possibly be more excited! We are also celebrating our anniversary. Although it's 6 months earlier than our 10 year anniversary of being married we are going to celebrate when we're in the tropics. Due to our unknown relocation sometime after January it's unlikely that we'll be able to celebrate in any extreme at that time. So - we'll take advantage now.
Many of you know that P.J. and I eloped when we were 19 years old (ahhh- such babies!) after knowing each other for just a month and a half! We opted to have a private wedding with only us and a Pastor. I never really dreamt of my 'wedding day' or how it would be. I always did think that P.J. and I would have friends and family there, but now I'm glad things happened the way they did. Because after all this time, we are going to renew our vows, together, alone... in the same manner that we first were married. And now, I think it's romantic (ahhh- shucks!).
That said, I am busy planning this wedding like I never thought I would. I never thought I'd be caught up in all the planning. Even though there isn't that much planning to be done. I have an idea of what I am going to wear, I'll make my own jewelry, I know what color flowers I want and pretty much how I want to have my hair, I know what I would like P.J. to wear. I just have to ask him if he wants to wear a jacket or just a white dress shirt w/ Khaki colored pants. The rest is pretty much taken care of. We have a beautiful location picked out.
As for our plans in Hawaii, we're staying in a ccean front room w/ a beautiful lanai right on the beach, overlooking the ocean. We've rented a convertible to drive around and have lots of activities planned.
We're going to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center for dinner and a show, Shark Dive (referred by my good friend Elizabeth), U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Renew our Vows, lay on the beach, swim at the pool & beach, go snorkeling or scuba diving and hike up to some of the waterfalls.
I'm so excited that we're going to have this opportunity. It will be hard for PJ, because he's flying from San Diego to Seattle to meet up with me just 12 hours before we fly to Hawaii - and he's not going to see Makena as he hasn't seen her for 7 months. It will be better for her though not to see him and have him leave so quickly. She'll get to see him when we return. We've promised to bring her home a surprise!
Well, that is plenty updating for now. I have lots to do!
xo - Mary |
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| Describe a personal challenge you encountered and how you dealt with it? |
My husband has been an active-duty Marine for 11 years. In 2004 he deployed to a highly combative location in Iraq where he was faced with day-to-day live and die situations. I decided that when he deployed I would stay in California, over 1100 miles away from our nearest family member. Never did I fully understand the danger that he was going into, but I felt it was necessary to stay put - keep my job and stabilize our homefront among the instability of our situation. A nearly month long stand-off with insurgents in An Najaf and a full-blown battle in Fallujah left my close friend's husband, and several of my husband's friends and Marine Corps. brothers killed in action. Each of these deaths, nearly back to back during the stand of in An Najaf touched me closely. While I wanted to turn and run from the chaos that encircled my life, I felt the obligation to my child, my job and the younger wives around me that I must push on with my chin up and my head held high.
When your body is filled with flight instead of fight, I have found that it takes all the fight in you to muster up the courage to stay it through. It is through those months on end, weeks at a time where I feared my world was going to turn upside down. Little did I know, it was... and I survived. |
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| On being 'anonymous' |
Technology is so advanced in today's society. Anonymous isn't really as anonymous as you think it is, especially with the right internet knowledge. You're always being watched.
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| Tat much? |
This weekend has been uneventful (thankfully) - I have an appointment tonight at Slave To The Needle. It is a tattoo shop in Seattle. I've been wanting to get a new tattoo for a couple years now and I'm feeling 'ready' to get it done. I have an idea of what I want to have done but haven't had it designed yet - so I'm meeting with one of their wonderful artists. A few other moms from my moms group are thinking about getting tattoos so it would be really fun if we all were able to get them done together. We'll see. I'm ready to go as soon as it is designed as I want it - not sure if everyone else is as 'gung-ho' as I am. I'd like it to be healed before PJ and I meet up when he comes home. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Aside from that - I am just doing homework all day long. I have lots to do before it's 'officially' due late tomorrow night. More reading of 'The Invisible Man'.....
xo- Mary |
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| Scrap-a-holic |
Okay, yes I'm a dork. I love to scrapbook though it's been soooo- long since I have done it. My friend Elizabeth (who is an amazing card designer as well as jewelry designer) was talking about her crop meetings and such and the bug bit me! I haven't taken my scrapbook stuff out and seriously done anything for MONTHS. Well- I got my scrap crap out and haven't put it away for days now (4 to be exact). Which doesn't help since I like to do crafts on the floor facing the TV.
We shared some ideas and such- here are some of my scrapbook layouts. Some are more favored than others (in my opinion) and you can see when I started scrapping compared to how I've 'grown into it' a little more. I have so many photos I'm trying to keep up. Nothing is in any particular order because if I did that I'd never get done b/c I would need to put things in order. I do have things in envelopes (some of it) catagorized. I decided this week just to start grabbing things and scrapping rather than doing what I 'feel' like doing. More to do while I'm still feeling creative.
xo - Mary 
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| They Walk Among Us |
I was hanging out with a friend when we saw a woman with a nose ring attached to an earring by a chain. My friend said, "Wouldn't the chain rip out every time she turned her head?" I explained that a person's nose and ear remain the
same distance apart no matter which way the head is turned...
They Walk Among Us!
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I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area. So I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up.
She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me, "has your plane arrived yet?".
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They Walk Among Us! |
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| ***Independence Day Photos*** |
Makena was very unsure of all fireworks and sparklers at first. I accidentally erased the photo of her refusing to come near them. It was pretty cute. We worked with her and she finally held on to them and was okay w/ them as in this photo w/ my mom. You can see by the look on her face that she still isn't quite sure about it. My mom is sporting earrings made by Makena.
Now we're enjoying the sparklers!! 
We found a perfect parking spot, of course we still had to walk quite a ways since the streets were all closed off around Gasworks Park. I was shocked at how many people were there and how it was such a big deal. I don't know why I was so amazed afterall the fireworks at Lake Union are supposed to be one of the biggest in the Seattle area. Makena was a trooper when it came to walking to the park and then standing in line while everyone 'herded' into the park to find a good spot.
Mom, Makena and myself waiting for the fireworks to start.
Once they did start the Army Reserves flew in on a Chinook helicopter dragging beneath it a huge American Flag as they slowly flew by Gasworks park and around Lake Union for all to see. It was spot lighted by a bright light that followed the flag all the way around the area. It paired with Ray Charles on the loud speakers was probably my favorite part of the show. I was a bit disappointed at the song selection for the fireworks. We listened to Queen and some other music that didn't seem very patriotic to me compared to the music selection that we heard last year and the year before at Camp Pendleton. It seems to me that the music should be like 'American Soldier' and Lee Greenwood "Proud to be an American"... but nope- not in liberal Seattle. :(
Patriotic Makena on my dad's shoulders.  Grandpa's Girl! Watching the fireworks over Lake Union
Makena and my dad in front of the large blow up Statue of Liberty head.
It's a hard knock life!! My dad was smart in bringing our lawn chairs and umbrellas (just in case) on this dolly for our long trek to the park. Makena got to hitch a ride back to the car. |
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| June 2006 in review |
Well as time begins to speed by there is a lot to think about from the month of June 2006
What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month? Wow... the list is long. - Coach Carter (Netflix'd)- didn't realize I'd seen it in the theatres. Loved it but didn't watch it again. Story of Us (Netflix) - BORRRING. Tarzan, Poohs Huffalump, (Makena loved both), Cars (Cute story- saw in Chelan), Failure to Launch (Loved it!) and I'm sure there are others that I missed. For TV - I'm hooked on Windfall (Thursdays) and also on Flip That House and reality TV (MTV).
What books/magazines did I read?
I'm a sucker for celebrity trash gossip - so I know I picked up a couple weekly reads, usually $1.99 In Touch/US and I'm sure I read a People Mag in there somewhere. I was so caught up w/ my celebrity trash that I was bored at my hair appointment. Reading but on pause - A Table In The Presence by Lt. Carey H Cash. This has been a good book in my opinion, but a little religiously deep for me. I have put it down mid-way for a little while. It is about finding God in the start of Iraqi Freedom. I wasn't sure at first that I'd like it but heard some powerful words about it. So far it's been great. Also reading Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. I was telling Elizabeth that this is a hard book for me to read as it about bigotry. There are some strong words and stereotypes that don't sit well for this sensitive girl. I'm only about 160 pages into it.
Special Days this month that we celebrated -
First and foremost - MAKENA'S BIRTHDAY!!! Loads and loads of fun! There are photos posted. I still have many more to put up. Also, Father's Day - another holiday we spent w/out PJ, but we are closer to his return than before. Also a sent a Happy Birthday shout out to my friend Rachel in Spokane. It's been a long- time. Hoping we can head out to visit her in the next couple weeks.
Unusual purchases or otherwise?
Nope not really- just that I bought out Gymboree! LOL. Nahh- but I did break down and buy Makena a bikini that she has been begging me for. I think she's too young but told her she could wear it at home only around family. If she was going to the pool or to the river she had to wear her one piece. She is a different child in the bikini- she seems so grown up. :(
Sold off some beads that have been sitting around in my stash. Tons of stuff I bought that I don't want/need and am clearing out . It's been nice to get rid of some of it. Beaders are vultures when it comes to goodies :).
Anything noteworthy?
Yes - Makena, just days before turning 5 learned how to ride a 2-wheeler! This was a great surprise! I have better photos I intend on posting of her new success!
What's planned for July?
*We started off this month with PJ's birthday on the 1st, unfortunately we didn't get to celebrate it with him b/c he's floating around somewhere in the water. :(
*We already spent a few days out on the boat. (of course more pictures to post) and that in itself will require a long posting as well. We had TONS of fun~ I'm sure we'll spend more time out on the boat this month.
*We might head down to Salem to take Makena to The Enchanted Forest park.
*My birthday is also this month (Yikes!)- we'll celebrate with some family friends at a Luau on the 22nd. Both PJ and I are 29 this year. I'm glad we'll be together (I hope) to celebrate our 30th birthdays.
*Independence Day is a big one for us. We're excited to celebrate it this year here in Seattle. |
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| Happy Independence Day!! |
Today is a very special day to us and to those who have fought for our freedom. We are thankful on this day, to all who have sacrificed for us, so that we could enjoy freedom here in the United States. Happy Birthday to our wonderful nation, and thanks to those who are overseas and have served this wonderful country. We are very blessed to live here and have the luxuries that we do as others have laid their lives out for us so that we could have the freedoms that we do. Today we are thankful and grateful. Be safe! Today may be the 4th of July, but that is only a date - remember today is a day of Independence... enjoy! 
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| Be part of the solution! |
| I just LOVE Freecycle! If you haven't used it/seen it/heard of it - check it out and find a Freecycle location in your area. We have got rid of several things here including couches and other misc. items. My brother was about to take an old couch to the dump... and BAM - we posted it to Freecycle and several people replied wanting it. I've passed on clothes that were Makena's that we no longer wanted/needed or things that people have posted as 'WANTED' that we had sitting around. Everything is FREE on Freecycle and people have been very nice from the transactions that we've had. It keeps old stuff out of landfills and the best part about it... is it is FREE! Check it out - http://www.freecycle.org Find or start a group in your area. Be part of the solution!! |
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posted by 2Kais at 
