Thursday, July 21, 2011

Happy Liberation Day, Guam!

It's a Thursday and I'm off. Today Guam celebrates "Liberation" Day. Many moons ago (67 years), the American forces liberated Guam from the Japanese forces on July 21st. Every year, we celebrate it.

When my grandma was alive, she used to tell us stories about life during the war. Some of her stories are recounted in a book, "An Island in Agony" by Tony Palomo. She told of nearly being raped and killed, of hiding in someone's house, of sadness, of asking the American soldiers for much needed supplies because no one else had the courage or the gumption to do so. Both of my grandparents and their families were some of the fortunate ones who weren't beaten and sent to camps. For that I am grateful or we would not be here today.

So, while others are out at the carnival or standing by the parade route watching the floats go by, I sit at home and remember the memories of my grandparents and all they did to stay alive.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

bad bad blogger

Has it really been a MONTH since I blogged?!?!?! I've been a busy bee since I got back from North Carolina and Rhode Island. Shortly after I came home, Auntie Margaret moved lock, stock and barrel back home. Surely a godsend for me. I haven't had to worry about dinner, laundry and cleaning the house since she's been home. And, since she doesn't like going out, I have peace of mind that someone is home with my mom when I go out.

In the midst of it all, my high school class celebrated its 20th year reunion. Surely I'm not old enough for that?!?!?
The four of us try to get together often...well, as often as all our schedules will allow. AnnaLiza (the one standing next to me) told us she wasn't going to be there. We were so surprised when she walked in and so many people knew she was coming, but kept it a secret. One of those people was my cousin Maria. Awesome surprise! Kristin (the one in yellow) tried to back out, but I had the foresight months ago to make her promise to go. Last, but not least, there's Lois. We reconnected eight years ago when her daughter was in my first grade class.
A few classmates...my cousin Maria is third from the left.


A group photo. I think there were about 30 of us there that night. It was fun! Something I wasn't expecting!

There's something about being busy that zaps the mojo out of me. But, I have managed to scrap three layouts the last three weekends. I used pictures from my trip East. I have a few pictures from Independence Day, but haven't scrapped them. Doesn't help that I was sick that day so there weren't a lot.

Supplies: Studio Calico June "Paper Moon" kit and add ons; circle background from Cricut Designer's Calendar; journal lines stamp from an old Studio Calico kit; Jenni Bowlin ink.
This is my friend Meagan. We met in college in Seattle. I try to see her when I'm in her neck of the woods...which isn't often. Lucky for me, Plymouth, MA was only an hour drive to Providence, RI! We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

Supplies: Studio Calico June "Paper Moon" kit and add ons; WRMK Sew Easy; DMC floss; Jenni Bowlin ink.
I hit the fitness center in the hotel in Providence once during my stay. Ugh. The mirror is SO unforgiving, but it was also the push I needed to get back into healthier living. Guess that's why my alarm is set for 4:45 am!

Supplies: Studio Calico July "Mind the Gap" kit and add-ons and Ampersand stamp from an old kit; American Crafts white zing; versamark ink; jenni bowlin ink.
I took these pictures of the view outside my window in Providence. Such a difference between night and day.

Gotta get going here. 4:45am comes fast! My boss leaves tomorrow morning so I'm in charge. Sigh..... At least it's a four-day week. We get Thursday off for a local holiday.