9 Weekends: National Cemetery of the Pacific

Let me start by saying that this weekend has been awesome from start to finish!

Friday my husband and I spent the morning together getting some drivers license stuff taken care of for him (which has an entirely different and hilarious story with it!), had a small going away get together for Kris' friend and I got to see my favorite local Hawaiian singer live! (Not to mention there was a HUGE brawl in front of me and my friend Sarah while waiting to get into the show!)

Saturday my husband finished his tattoo, which resulted in a girls day with my daughter. We went thrift store shopping and then saw The Pirates 3D together. Then Sarah's husband's birthday party! What a blast!

Now for the featured presentation, SUNDAY! As always, we go to church and had a wonderful service. Kris was had duty so another girls day! Alright by me. :)

We head to the National Cemetery of the Pacific, or as it's also called "Punchbowl Cemetery". It got this nickname because of the punchbowl shaped volcanic crater. Apparently it was formed 75,000-100,000 years ago! I learned that this crater was known as Puowaina, which means "Hill of Sacrifice". Very fitting indeed. over 33,000 service men & women are buried here at the National Memorial Cemetery. These service members are from four wars.

When you are driving up the hill from the Pali Hwy, it looks like a run down neighborhood. If it weren't for the many signs pointing me in the right direction, I would have thought I was getting lost! The further up, the fewer homes. Then it begins to get pretty. And once reaching the final leg to the gates, it's just beautiful! The views. OH MY!

You get through the white columns and gate only to see the long "corridor" of grass which features this massive memorial at the very end.

I was there at the PERFECT time. No tour buses, just a few scattered cars throughout the cemetery.

Now, I have to explain something. There are eight white "rooms" that line the stairs on each side. On these marble walls are names. Just from floor to top. Names. Heroes. Lives. I didn't realize it from the bottom. But as you get closer, you begin to see the engravings.

Side note: Elizabeth was just in love with them. We have been to the USS Arizona memorial a couple times now and I've had to explain what the names meant to her. In simple terms. While at the USS Arizona, she actually walked up to the names, place kisses on many of them. When we arrived here, she asked me if these people were the same as the ones "under the water". It's a blessing to see her remember things like that.

So, we keep walking up the stairs slowly. As we approach the top of the memorial, is started to slightly sprinkle, giving the atmosphere a very solemn one.

In these "rooms" (for lack of a better term) there is a single tree. Which people have places leis on them. Just a simple thanks. A simple reminder.

Once at the top, you're greeted by the towering statue. Just beautiful!

I was pleasantly surprised to see there was an inside to the memorial. I was under the impression that it was a giant wall. But inside the memorial is a simple, but perfect church area. with several pews. If you remember, I mentioned that it began to sprinkle the closer we got to the top. Once I got inside and sat down, it began to pour! Now, this isn't uncommon in Hawaii, for it to randomly do a hurricane style rain for a couple minutes than stop. But it did add to the feel. 

Overall, the experience was just a beautifully peaceful and humbling one. I have been to many memorials, including DC's memorials. But you can never "get used to it". Each time, I'm reminded of why I'm so grateful and blessed. I don't know each of the names, nor will I ever remember the names. But I wont ever forget the sacrifices made. 

10 Weekends: Valley of the Temples

Today Kristopher had duty (this is a 24 hour shift, for those unfamiliar) and those who really know me know that I embrace the short times apart from him to do something he normally doesn't "like". Today was in my hands and I had 24 hours to seize it! I tossed around a few ideas. North Shore to surf again, Bellows beach, hike, shopping..etc etc. But them I remembered seeing something about Valley of The Temples and decided to go that route. It's cheap. close and seemed like a beautiful location. I was correct in all of those assumptions, especially the beautiful part.

We pull up to what looks like a large cemetery (in essence that is exactly what it is) and get to the visitors booth, the young man points towards the hill and says, keep going to get to the large temple. So, onward!

After following each bend we spot the large temple. It was just beautiful!

As we were walking up we kept hearing a *Dong* from a bell. It had just turned 2pm so I figured it was because of that, but realized they allowed anyone to go up and ring this giant bell.

Bug had a good time ringing it!

After ringing the bell, we continued on to the main temple. Once we got to one of the doors/openings we had to remove our shoes. I stepped in and didn't realize what was in front of me until looking straight up. This large Buddha was sitting in front of my eyes. What a awesome sight! The room smelled of incense and it was filled with peacefulness. I just loved it!

The picture does it no justice!

We walked around, listened to live jazz music and soaked in the good feelings.

After Valley of The Temples, we headed to the beach and had lunch. Shortly after lunch, we lied on the beach and just watched the clouds and listened to the waves. It was pure bliss! 

I can't wait to plan next weekends adventure!

  

My First Year of Marriage

So today was the day! One year down. And like all marriages, I learned a lot. Now, before I share just a few things I feel like I need to add a disclaimer for all those people who might read this and say "well MY marriage is like this" or "Marriage shouldn't be like that". This is what I, personally, have learned from MY marriage. All marriages are different, so no jumping down my throat. Deal? Deal!


Well, lets begin!


Marriage is not what you expected it to be. 
I pride myself on being realistic yet optimistic. But this is definitely one that mommy & daddy hit on the head (go figure, right?). So all those newly engaged couples that are scoffing at their parents for stating the truth of marriage and it's difficulties, you may want to reevaluate. I moved in with my husband for the first time ever nearly 9 months after being married and boy was it a big ole slap in the yapper. I remember my dad telling me "Sarah, it's going to be hard for that tough Marine to not treat Baby Girl (aka Ellie Bug) like one of his guys" and I just brushed it off. Now a few months later and I have realized there is truth to that. Kristopher does an amazing job filling in his daddy role now that he's home, but it's still a journey. Like with any parent. Sometimes he forgets that she's a 3 year old girl not an 18 year old lance coolie. Don't know what I mean? Marry a Marine (lol).  I've already had 3 years of practice, I keep forgetting he doesn't.


Learn to pick your battles, pick your allies and pick your battles..did I already say that?
This one I learned before getting married but marriage kicked it in high gear and really taught me that some things just aren't worth fighting over. So whenever I come into our bedroom see cammies lying on the floor when there is a perfectly fine laundry basket available I just smile and be grateful that dirty cammies are even there. My husband is home, safe & sound. Now the pick your allies, this is important. What do I mean by that? Well I mean whenever you DO decide that something is worth arguing (because picking battles doesn't mean to be a door mat) be sure to choose your words (aka allies) wisely. One bad word or incorrect tone just might send things spiraling down. My biggest problem was being a smart ass. My husband HATES that. So I have learned that the small "satisfaction" of being a smart ass during an argument was not worth drawing out or worsening the dilemma. So I stick to my grounds and just be a grown up about it.


Ladies, this one is for you. Learn to shut your mouth.
Harsh, right? Sorry but it's the only way I can explain it. I have had a particular hard time with this but I have learned that sometimes (usually) less is more. So when I ask "what's wrong? how was work? Whatcha thinking? Why aren't you answering me? Are you ignoring me? Umm...how was work?" etc. etc. it is going to get me nowhere fast. I used to be in my husband's bubble right when he got home because I was craving adult interaction from being home with a 3 year old all day. It didn't help. Now? I give a kiss, ask how work was and take whatever response he gives me. With this lesson, I have also learned that he will eventually come to me and tell me what's on his mind. Best lesson.


All of those "I will never dos" you said before marriage just might change after marriage.
My husband and I always said "I will never go to bed angry" and well...you know where this is going. Sometimes it's unavoidable. Now that "I will never do" has changed to an "I will always". Instead of saying "I will never go to bed angry" it has become "I will always go to bed with you, no matter what". Every single night (minus field and duty nights) my husband and I go to bed together. It never fails. I absolutely love this. Sometimes I'm not tired, but he is and we still go upstairs together. And vice versa. Angry? It doesn't matter, we share our bed as husband and wife and wouldn't have it any other way. This is something I can always count on and it makes me feel so incredibly loved. Secretly, I know he loves it too. ;)


I am my mom. My mom is super woman.
I am becoming my mom. Looking at how I grew up and how my mom was just makes me think of super woman. I will always look up to her. Never shed a tear in front of us, was ALWAYS there, made sure our home was clean (damn clean!) and so much more. My mom is super woman. I am proud to say that I have learned that I am more and more like her every day. For that, I am blessed.


I love my husband.
While Kris was deployed and while we were bf/gf I loved him. And in a way, this movie type love. We had such romantic times. I re-read letters and look back on gifts and just swoon each time. But during our first year of marriage, I have really learned to love him on a whole new level. This is the man I will be with for the rest of my life. There is something so profound about that. The rest. of. my. life. Woah. He is this secretly romantic man. I will never forget our first kiss, it just wraps him up in one story. He sat me down and told me to close my eyes. I did. He said to think of all the times he pissed me off, and all of the situations he might do to piss me off. After asking "you thinking of it?" he kissed me. I asked him why he did that and his response? Because every time I am mad at him I will always think of our first kiss. And after all this time, it still works. I sure love my husband.


Well, now that I'm all warm and fuzzy inside I should end this. Just a perfect note to finish off my anniversary. I look forward to learning more about myself and marriage with all the years to come. And well, if all else fails I will learn how great it was to get a pre-nup. ;) Just kidding.

Yes, he was grabbing some boobie.

Laughter is my best friend.

My oh my. I live a funny life. My child and husband are pretty much hilarious. They do the most outrageous things at times and it makes me one happy woman. I never laugh more with anyone else than I do with these two people. I thought I would share a few of my funny moments with my life and I will add to this as our life goes. What a wonderful thing to be able to look back and reminisce on.

Kristopher L Privitar. My hunk of a husband.

*Kris returned from the field*
Me: Anything excited happen?
KP: Well I fell asleep so the Lt said that he would give any Marine a 3 day weekend if he would wake me up with a bull horn.
Me: So did anyone do it?
KP: Nope. They were all too scared to wake me up.
Me: How many Marines were there?
KP: 20 something
Me: *laughing* So 20 something grown ass men are afraid of you but I'm not. 


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Farting is a normal happening in our household Mainly by my husband...mostly by him.

I've been caught telling Kris that he smells like balls. We're in our bedroom when Ellie walks in immediately after Kris had let one loose (if you catch my "drift) and she stops dead in her tracks, contorts the funniest face and says "DAD! Ewww... You smell like BALLS!"

Moral of the story? I need to watch what I say. Because an innocent word such as "Balls" can be turned! ;)

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My little Ellie Bug and I making faces

Ahhh!!! This was a day or two before Kris' return from Afghanistan.

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Silly girl helping dad with gear. PEACE!

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The DAY my husband returned from Afghanistan we went to go pick up his gear. While driving out of the parking lot, two Marines (who are in Kris' plt, also just returned) were walking in front of our car slowly carrying heavy packs on their backs.

KP: HEY! Get the F*&% out of the way!

(I was expecting them to give him a dirty look and continue walking slowly)

Marines (In near perfect unison): "Aye SSGT!" followed by running across the parking lot.

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Me: Kris, your guys probably hate you because you're a d-bag to them.

KP: Nope, they don't.

Me: Yeah right, every time we run into them they stare at you in fear like daddy just got home and he might be drunk.

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More to come soon!

The Beginning...again!

Well, after putting in some effort and time into my old blog, I received an e-mail that it was deleted because it was SPAM. I tried fighting it and getting my blog back and welp, here I am so it's safe to say it was a failed attempt.


Anywho, onward!


New blog, and I am going to try my hardest to keep up with it. Pinky promise! (*Gasp*, I know pretty serious right?).


Lots of things going to be happening in my life. 1 year anniversary, PCS, non-profit work and just my regular day to day life. For now? I'm soaking in the Island life.


Speaking of which, I wanted to share a couple of things that I have learned to love since moving to Hawaii. The first being, SEAFOOD! Yumm. I used to be the I-Like-Tune-From-A-Can type of gal. And the occasional shrimp. But since moving here I've promised myself to step out of my safety bubble and try something new everywhere we move. So after trying Ahi Poke I was sold! And spicy ahi poke?! Wrap it up and slap a bow on it and I'm happy. Along with sushi. Yum. New best friend. :)


Another thing? Enjoying my environment because it can always be worst. My point? You wont hear me say "Gah! I really hate this near perfect weather." or "I hate the rain. even though it rarely comes". I live in Hawaii for goodness sakes! Loving it, soaking it in!


I'm enjoying life, one sunny day at a time.

Well, I'm off for now! What to come? More pointless blogs. Lucky you, right? ;) Try not to brag too much to your friends.