Reflections of 2012

When I enlisted in the Air Force (a long time ago), I was sure I was a lifer.  Twenty short years to serve my country, travel, get an education, retire and receive a pension for the rest of my life? Umm, yes please.  Those plans took a turn when I became a wife and a mother, which later turned into single mother.  Did I sit on my pity pot?  Sometimes.  But I reached a point where I decided to flush that shit (excuse my language) along with the plans I thought were best for me.

All I can do is reflect in awe of all the ways God has changed remixed my life.  No longer active duty, I jumped on the Air Force Reserve wagon, where my enlistment went from self fulfillment to a true passion and pride to serve.  I began to focus on the important things like family and education.  The highlight of 2012?  Kahlil and I both graduating (yayyyyy!) I have all the respect in the world for those who go to school on top of working while raising kids.  Looking back I can hardly believe I pulled it off, but then again my friends and family wouldn't let me fail.

Looking dapper in his preschool cap & gown.

Military one minute, mental health the next.  Both completely out of character for a girl who once dreamed of being an interior designer!  Someday, I hope to combine my experiences and treat individuals suffering from PTSD.  (Captured by Lani Pagmanua) 

Yay, we did it! (Captured by Lani Pagmanua)

Hope your 2012 was filled with an abundance of happiness and remixing, as was ours.

 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Happy New Year, everyone.

K Bye!

It's not Christmas yet!

Haha!

Ok.  Being that it's the first of December, I guess it's not so crazy to already have a decorated tree and all your shopping done.  But for a couple of reasons I haven't allowed myself to get all Christmasy yet.

I'm still relishing the reality of my son, Kahlil, turning five this Halloween.  He is the youngest (and smallest) kid in his kindergarten class, but he sure does have a huge personality as well as an old soul.  While I've always had a lot to be thankful for, he gives Thanksgiving a whole new meaning for me.  

 

(Air Museum, Travis AFB)   I've been racking my brains studying for a recent promotion test, which I passed (thank you, Baby Jesus)!  Life in the military continues to challenge me, coinciding with my new civilian career working with adults with disabilities.  I'm convinced that nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort and difficulty.  Through it all I can honestly say I love both of my jobs.   

Following a nine day business trip next week, I plan to unleash the Christmas fury, but for now chillin' at the loft with my 5 and 32 year old babies, eating Mexican food, listening to New Edition's Christmas All Over the World is Christmasy enough for me.  (Notice the Fall decs still up.  Maybe I should at least put away the scarecrow and pumpkin in our entry way haha!)

Happy first day of December!

K bye!

A High Thanksgiving

Started my favorite holiday right by running a 5k in the Nitro Turkey Run  in beautiful Point Pinole with great friends.  In support of the Foodbank for Contra Costa and Solano County, this family friendly run is fun for all ages, and when I say all ages, I mean I was pushing myself trying to keep up with small children and folks twice my age :)

The kiddies before the Little Turkeys Race, and me with my motivation -- Maria, Farrah, and Z.  Image from Farrah Kawakami

The race was absolutely breath taking... and the views were nice too ;)  I haven't been very good at keeping up with my running, so I'm counting this run as the beginning of a chain of 'em until I reach my ultimate goal.  Distance running is a lot different than the standards I have to meet for the military.  While it's a lot more enjoyable in my eyes, it also takes a different kind of training and mentality. 

First stretch by the ocean.  Felt like I was in a running photography club with Zoey Deschanel.

Saying goodbye to my Nike Dual Fusion ST's after this run, at least ones with this kind of terrain. Although they are good for people with low arches and excessive pronation, I'd say they're much better for running on a smooth track.  I still love them (with their cute neon pink, green, and gray color scheme) but will reserve them for work shoes and/or running around the block.

This was right after conquering a massive hill.  I told myself if this turkey guy WITH a stroller could do it, I BETTER do it.

They say runners get a certain "high" also known as the second wind; a feeling of euphoria experienced when endorphins are released during physical activity.  I love it!  It always seems to kick in right after the moment I just want to give up.. as long as I keep going that is.  It helped to get me to a place where I could meditate and pray for all that I am thankful for.  I was that weirdo that was smiling and tearing up during the third hill. 

During the last half, especially after running up the hills, I just wanted to walk!  But I stuck with this gentleman and made it to the end at a steady pace.  I wonder if he knew? 

Speaking of high....... LOL!

Mom's beautiful vase

True story!  I walked in my parents' house, unfinished ceviche in my hand, asking for a couple lemons from their tree.  Mom shows me this... ahem... vase and says, "Isn't it pretty?"  I was SPEECHLESS.  All I could do was look at my dad, like was this really happening???  All he could do was shake his head.  Was my mom using angry sarcasm after finding it in my brother's room???  But wait, he doesn't smoke... does he??? OMG!!!!  She continues,  "I found it!!  Right outside the grocery store!"  Grandma chimes in, "Yah!! Eet's so prrrittty, it's antik!  People pay lots ob mahney por dat!"  O  M  G.  Long story short, it's still in my mom's kitchen waiting for the right kind of bud flower.  

Cousin Lyle got the party going!

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!  Never a dull moment, that's for sure.  Thanksgiving started being my favorite holiday when I came back to California after my first term in the military.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that my family had started a new tradition.  During the blessing of the meal, we each say something we are thankful for.  I can hardly get through it without getting watery eyed, especially this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

K Bye!