Mom & Titi Ely's Visit

As you may already know, I was extremely fortunate to have my mom and her sister from Puerto Rico, Titi Ely, come out and visit me for 3 weeks. I had to get express permission from my father to borrow them, of course : ) But they made it out here in one piece and had an activity packed visit. And when I wasn't working or doing schoolwork, I went along for the ride on their adventures around the island. They flew over to the Big Island to check out the volcanoes at night, went to a luau, explored the Polynesian Cultural Center, strolled Waikiki, and even jumped on a bus tour to see some of the sights. Of course, I think their favorite part was the shopping, but let's keep that between us. Here are some pictures from their visit:

I wish they could have stayed longer, but their husbands were running out of food and clean laundry, so I had to send them home. And back I went to making my own coffee every morning...I am sure my father is snickering right now!

It's Finally Over!

After months of preparation and a week of non-stop scenarios, in-your-face inspectors, and constant alarms, our base operational readiness inspection (ORI) is finally over! Sorry, I know it probably sounds like I am speaking gibberish again. This is an inspection that - as the name implies - tests our readiness as a base in all kinds of war-time scenarios. It is a pretty big deal; this is the type of thing that can make - or break - the careers of a LOT of people. So pray that we all passed!Otherwise, I will be supremely irritated that I spent 7 days straight, working 12-hour night shifts, dressed like this for up to two hours at a time:

Welcome to MOPP 4. This is how we have to gear up in the event of a chemical/biological attack. Just in case you didn't know, it is HOT inside of these things. And if you have even the slightest hint of claustrophobia, you'd probably go stark raving mad and rip the whole outfit off, gas mask and all.

Not to mention the fact that you sweat like a pig in that get-up. Ew. You don't want to know what some of us looked like at the end of our shifts. Believe me when I say that I took great joy in coming home each morning and showering for a LONG time before going to sleep. And now that freedom is mine again (sort of, LOL) it is time for me to catch up on all the schoolwork I missed while trapped in that suit!

The good news is the kids and I have not been alone, although Isaiah is still deployed. At the beginning of the month, my mom and Titi Ely (her sister from Puerto Rico) flew out here to keep me company, help with the kids while I was working, and to have some fun on the island! It has truly been a blessing having them here - I actually feel kind of spoiled, because only my mom could pamper me like this. I am so used to being the person who does everything in the house - the meals, the cleaning, the chauffeuring and refereeing of kids - that it is sheer luxury to wake up and have someone hand me a cup of Bustelo and say that everyone is accounted for!

I have to get back to a paper I am supposed to be writing at the moment, but I still have a lot to share and some great pics to post. So hopefully I will have some more updates in the next week for you to check out!