Today, I crave PINEAPPLES...
Yesterday I craved Subway Sandwiches...
The day before I craved the Peppermint Candy Canes I purchased from Payless...
Most days I crave Mashed Potatoes or Shrimp.
My Baby is amazing and growing bigger and stronger everyday.
I try to figure out day after day, what Baby will look like...
I have random dreams that Baby has squinty eyes like me, with Jared's smile.
Is Baby a Boy or a Girl?
One night I dreamt our Baby was a little girl...
Another night I dreamt our Baby was the cutest little boy...
I guess that means we're having more than one child in our lifetime together.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
12 more days to enjoy my TWENTIES
In just 12 days, I will no longer be able to enjoy my TWENTIES. On January 18th, I will turn from 29 to a whopping 30 YEARS OLD. This blows my mind, to say the least. It feels somewhat monumental. And, as much as I've been so fortunate to live quite a spectacular, mind-blowing, extraordinary 30 years, I still don't feel quite ready to make this major shift just yet. I feel as if I owe it to myself and the many, many people who have loved me through it all...a simple and heartfelt reflection.
It's simple really. I loved the past 30 years of my life...give or take a few pretty difficult moments. I can honestly say, that everything I've encountered and experienced, good and bad, have far exceeded my wildest expectations and dreams. I would've never, for example imagined I'd one day become Miss Guam, or one day sing for Simon, Paula and Randy of American Idol, or that one day I'd even turn on the TV to see myself interviewing an Air Force pilot. Wow.
Not to mention, the countless inspirations, role models I've met...it just isn't supposed to happen to a measly, dorky little girl from Guam. Darlene Zschech, Jaci Velasquez, Israel Houghton, Pastor Joel Osteen, Paula Deen, Matthew Fox, Miss Universe 2007, Elliott Yamin, Kymani Marley...I mean, really...that's just not in any way supposed to happen...right?! And, at the end of the day I know in my heart just who I have to thank for that.
It's been 30 years of amazing experiences and dreams come true, coupled with some incredible heartache and tumultuous situations. If it were up to me, I think there are a few things I'd do over or take back, but for the most part I am thankful for the good AND the bad. It has made me a better person with a much thicker skin. While my sensitivity is still very much intact, I can confidently say, there is little that surprises me or rocks me to the core. And, when something does succeed in rattling me somewhat, I've got the assurance that, from experience, I know I can survive it, I know I will be ok.
And, so with that...I look back on the past 30 years fondly and grateful for every single day I was blessed to live and enjoy the great things I've been given in life. And, while it hasn't all be easy, I understand that tough times are sometimes necessary to keep us on track, humble and reminded of just how REAL living life always is. And, at the end of the day...I know and will never forget the reason why...and who I'm living it all for.
Cheers to 12 MORE DAYS TO ENJOY MY TWENTIES! :)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
GEORGIA, On My Mind
Now it's more than just a song to me...it's a reality. GEORGIA, is on my mind today, tomorrow and for the next month as I spend my summer here in the land where Crab Cakes and Hot Pralines are plenty.
I'm having a great time...to say the least. I'm having a blast! It's been amazing to be in a new place and environment, far from the normalcies of home...Georgia has it's own unique flavor and style, and I'm enjoying discovering it's quirks, it's treasures and it's Southern simplicities that are just altogether charming!
Take for instance, my first day here...and my desire to go visit Paula Deen's infamous Savannah rest
aurant, "The Lady and Sons"...imagine when my surprise when after scarffing down an insanely delicious Crab Cake lunch, I walked downstairs to the gift shop to see that Paula Deen was standing right there...signing autographs, taking pictures and talking to guests. I of course wasted no time and stood in line with my camera, Sharpie and excitement in hand. She was lovely. Just a joy to watch. Exactly like she is on TV...that energy, that zest, that genuine fervor...she was sparkly, even without all her makeup and glizty Southern belleness...she was simply charming...and beautiful! I mean, I dreamed I'd get the chance to meet her, but I never thought it would actually come true. Wow!And that was just day one...and I still have a month of fun, food and memories to accumulate here in this amazing Southern world. And, I'll take it...one day at a time...Georgia is definitely on my mind.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Why my parents named me "JOY"
They were going to name me "Melody"...I'm so glad they didn't. No offense to the "Melody's" of this world, I just wouldn't want to walk around in life with that as my name.
My mom always dreamed that her kids would love music and have a gift for it. Jas plays the drums, Jen sings and plays guitar, my brother plays bass, I sing and play piano...I guess you could say God heard and answered my mom's prayers.
So, where did "JOY" come from? This is actually a very personal reason, but the first time I heard it I was amazed and nearly washed the floor with tears. So, here goes...
I was talking to my Dad one day...in our laundry room of all places...and I had been having a difficult time getting through something and my Dad just looked up and said, "Where's my Joy? I want my Joy-Joy to come back." He instantly directed the conversation into telling me why him and my mom named me Joy.
My mom and dad actually were seperated when my sister Jas was 3 years old...it was a tough time...they were in their early twenties. My mom and Jas started going to Guam Bible Church and my Dad would go to Bayview Baptist...and thanks to Divine Intervention...my mom and dad didn't end their marriage...instead they began the process of working things out. So, my dad started coming to Guam Bible Church too...and it was there that healing began for our family.
And, then my mom got pregnant with me. And, this is where "Joy" comes into play. My dad said, "We named you Joy because you were the "Joy" that brought our family back together again." Then my dad said, "I just want my Joy-girl back."
And, yeah...that's why my parents named me "JOY"...I love you mom and dad.
My mom always dreamed that her kids would love music and have a gift for it. Jas plays the drums, Jen sings and plays guitar, my brother plays bass, I sing and play piano...I guess you could say God heard and answered my mom's prayers.
So, where did "JOY" come from? This is actually a very personal reason, but the first time I heard it I was amazed and nearly washed the floor with tears. So, here goes...
I was talking to my Dad one day...in our laundry room of all places...and I had been having a difficult time getting through something and my Dad just looked up and said, "Where's my Joy? I want my Joy-Joy to come back." He instantly directed the conversation into telling me why him and my mom named me Joy.
My mom and dad actually were seperated when my sister Jas was 3 years old...it was a tough time...they were in their early twenties. My mom and Jas started going to Guam Bible Church and my Dad would go to Bayview Baptist...and thanks to Divine Intervention...my mom and dad didn't end their marriage...instead they began the process of working things out. So, my dad started coming to Guam Bible Church too...and it was there that healing began for our family.
And, then my mom got pregnant with me. And, this is where "Joy" comes into play. My dad said, "We named you Joy because you were the "Joy" that brought our family back together again." Then my dad said, "I just want my Joy-girl back."
And, yeah...that's why my parents named me "JOY"...I love you mom and dad.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
2 MONTHS
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Living in Hawaii has had its ups and downs.
Some days I miss Guam, I miss home, I miss family.
Other days I love every bit of my new life out here.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Leaving Guam behind is still a difficult thing for me to grasp.
I feel guilty being happy out here, loving Hawaii too.
But, I know that no place in the world will ever have my heart the way Guam does.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Time has crept by, I've already grown so much more.
As time passes, the more I realize just how much I've needed this.
Out here I can just be me, Joy James, without worrying about anything or anyone.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Hawaii has been so good to me.
Everyday I've done something new, something adventurous, something memorable.
I never realized just how much more life I've had to live.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Guam is the place I will always call home.
But, for now I know I'm supposed to be right here where I am.
When God closes a door He opens a window...and, I'm feeling the BREEZE!
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Moving and leaving all the comfort behind has made me proud of myself.
I'm not going to say it's been easy because it definitely hasn't.
I'm going to say it has been rewarding and strengthening.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
I have a car, a house, a job back home.
Here in Hawaii I'm still driving around a borrowed mini-van, sleeping at friend's places and looking for a job.
But, I get to sing and live my biggest dream of all.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Guam and Hawaii are both in my heart.
Each has it's own special qualities, each has good and bad.
But, for now it's Hawaii that is making me smile, making my heart beat again, helping me remember what "joy" is supposed to feel like.
Living in Hawaii has had its ups and downs.
Some days I miss Guam, I miss home, I miss family.
Other days I love every bit of my new life out here.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Leaving Guam behind is still a difficult thing for me to grasp.
I feel guilty being happy out here, loving Hawaii too.
But, I know that no place in the world will ever have my heart the way Guam does.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Time has crept by, I've already grown so much more.
As time passes, the more I realize just how much I've needed this.
Out here I can just be me, Joy James, without worrying about anything or anyone.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Hawaii has been so good to me.
Everyday I've done something new, something adventurous, something memorable.
I never realized just how much more life I've had to live.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Guam is the place I will always call home.
But, for now I know I'm supposed to be right here where I am.
When God closes a door He opens a window...and, I'm feeling the BREEZE!
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Moving and leaving all the comfort behind has made me proud of myself.
I'm not going to say it's been easy because it definitely hasn't.
I'm going to say it has been rewarding and strengthening.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
I have a car, a house, a job back home.
Here in Hawaii I'm still driving around a borrowed mini-van, sleeping at friend's places and looking for a job.
But, I get to sing and live my biggest dream of all.
It's been 2 MONTHS.
Guam and Hawaii are both in my heart.
Each has it's own special qualities, each has good and bad.
But, for now it's Hawaii that is making me smile, making my heart beat again, helping me remember what "joy" is supposed to feel like.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
25 RANDOM THINGS About Me
1. I don't like SCRAMBLED EGGS, they make me gag, but I'll eat Egg Fu-Yong at most Chinese restaurants.
2. I hate SHAVING MY LEGS, so whoever I marry will just have to deal with it. I mean, honestly, it's so annoying and time consuming and plus, my legs are really long...so I only shave when I'm gonna wear a dress, skirt, shorts or go to the beach.
3. I love MICHAEL PHELPS! Yes, even after his latest flub. He is, in my opinion, an incredible example of how POSSIBLE the IMPOSSIBLE can be. I mean, he's seriously human yet with commitment, hard work, perseverence and dreams he accomplished something completely SUPERHUMAN. It makes me feel like even I can do something extraordinary if I wanted. Simply amazing.
4. I fully intend on winning a GRAMMY one day. And, I haven't quite figured out just how I'm going to do that, but I'm going to prepare my acceptance speech anyway. I think I'm gonna be one of those who gets booted off the stage cause I go so long with the THANK YOUS...haha!
5. I have lately developed a distaste for MARRIAGE and sharing my life with someone. Weird because all my life I was the girl who DREAMED of that perfect one. Now, I am so aware of how there is NO "perfect" one...and I wonder if it is really worth it to give your heart to someone who just might disregard it, hurt it and toss it.
6. I spend more money at Blockbuster buying DVD'S than I do at Macy's buying clothes. It's almost unhealthy, really.
7. I am seriously terrified of GECKOS. When I was a little girl, a gecko fell on my head and I didn't realize it until I ran my hands through my head and felt this squishy, squirmy thing. AAAAAHhhh! I screamed, freaked out and have been terrified of them ever since.
8. I can pick up ROACHES with my bare hands. Unlike geckos, they don't scare me at all.
9. My feelings can get hurt really easily, but sometimes I could care less about what someone says about me. It's really hard to tell when I may be affected or not. My poor family and friends never know if I'll be stoic or totally shattered.
10. I wish I played VOLLEYBALL in High School. I think I might've been pretty good at it.
11. I'm MOODY. Not grouchy, just very moody...and I've come to know my moods well. For the most part I'm pretty easy-going, but when I know what I want or don't want I'm UNWAVERING and extremely opposed to anything that threatens me to feel otherwise.
12. I have a FLABBY-STOMACH...from all the chips and snacks I enjoyed growing up. It's flat, but flabby.
13. I am quickly losing interest in writing this BLOG. Suddenly, it's harder than I thought to come up with 25 random, yet somewhat interesting facts about me. Oh well, now that I admitted my growing disinterest, my pride won't let me not complete the task at hand.
14. I only like to sing with WIRELESS MICROPHONES. It gives me another level of confidence...and, I have no idea why. But, most times I'd choose a crappy wireless or a quality wire microphone.
15. I have a weak BLADDER from having to hold my pee for hours during my 14 months of being Miss Guam Tourism 2003. During events or meetings, I always held my pee just to be polite or keep from breaking the flow of the always hectic schedule. I am now paying the price...and have to pee frequently during the days.
16. I'm really glad this BLOG is almost done with. I'm now forcing myself to keep writing for the sake of finishing something I started. I've gone too far into it to just delete and move on.
17. I only like to run with ASICS SHOES. And, I'm a very tempermental runner. I have to have a certain playlist, certain shoes, can't have drank too much coffee before the run and I get irritated when people try to push me to run more than I know I can or want to.
18. As of today I weigh 131 POUNDS and I wish I were 123 pounds. Oh well, at least I am no longer the 156 pounds I was a year ago. Heartache has a way of shaving off the pounds.
19. I have read the BIBLE front to back more times than I can count. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5,6 and my favorite book is Psalms and James. My favorite Bible people are David, Joseph, Esther and of course, Jesus.
20. If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring 5 items...I would bring 1) a Bible, 2) a life-time supply of Tampons 3) Spaghettios 4) a can opener and 5) a machete.
21. I actually wanted CLAY AIKEN to win the 2nd Season of American Idol. I mean, don't get me wrong...I totally love Ruben, but I just thought Clay's voice was unbelievable! Some of those notes he hit...whoa! Visit this site if you don't believe me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC9SKjdoTXg (wait for the closing note...stunning!)
22. ACAI BOWLS...mmm, no need say more.
23. I have never SMOKED anything before...cigarettes or the other things that can be smoked.
24. I want to become rich enough one day and pay off all my parents bills so they can retire and enjoy life without debt...and Jas and Jen and Brother too.
25. I hope that the day I die, I'll have left a legacy that shows a life of touching peoples lives wherever and however I could...and that I as much as I could...I brought JOY TO THE WORLD.
2. I hate SHAVING MY LEGS, so whoever I marry will just have to deal with it. I mean, honestly, it's so annoying and time consuming and plus, my legs are really long...so I only shave when I'm gonna wear a dress, skirt, shorts or go to the beach.
3. I love MICHAEL PHELPS! Yes, even after his latest flub. He is, in my opinion, an incredible example of how POSSIBLE the IMPOSSIBLE can be. I mean, he's seriously human yet with commitment, hard work, perseverence and dreams he accomplished something completely SUPERHUMAN. It makes me feel like even I can do something extraordinary if I wanted. Simply amazing.
4. I fully intend on winning a GRAMMY one day. And, I haven't quite figured out just how I'm going to do that, but I'm going to prepare my acceptance speech anyway. I think I'm gonna be one of those who gets booted off the stage cause I go so long with the THANK YOUS...haha!
5. I have lately developed a distaste for MARRIAGE and sharing my life with someone. Weird because all my life I was the girl who DREAMED of that perfect one. Now, I am so aware of how there is NO "perfect" one...and I wonder if it is really worth it to give your heart to someone who just might disregard it, hurt it and toss it.
6. I spend more money at Blockbuster buying DVD'S than I do at Macy's buying clothes. It's almost unhealthy, really.
7. I am seriously terrified of GECKOS. When I was a little girl, a gecko fell on my head and I didn't realize it until I ran my hands through my head and felt this squishy, squirmy thing. AAAAAHhhh! I screamed, freaked out and have been terrified of them ever since.
8. I can pick up ROACHES with my bare hands. Unlike geckos, they don't scare me at all.
9. My feelings can get hurt really easily, but sometimes I could care less about what someone says about me. It's really hard to tell when I may be affected or not. My poor family and friends never know if I'll be stoic or totally shattered.
10. I wish I played VOLLEYBALL in High School. I think I might've been pretty good at it.
11. I'm MOODY. Not grouchy, just very moody...and I've come to know my moods well. For the most part I'm pretty easy-going, but when I know what I want or don't want I'm UNWAVERING and extremely opposed to anything that threatens me to feel otherwise.
12. I have a FLABBY-STOMACH...from all the chips and snacks I enjoyed growing up. It's flat, but flabby.
13. I am quickly losing interest in writing this BLOG. Suddenly, it's harder than I thought to come up with 25 random, yet somewhat interesting facts about me. Oh well, now that I admitted my growing disinterest, my pride won't let me not complete the task at hand.
14. I only like to sing with WIRELESS MICROPHONES. It gives me another level of confidence...and, I have no idea why. But, most times I'd choose a crappy wireless or a quality wire microphone.
15. I have a weak BLADDER from having to hold my pee for hours during my 14 months of being Miss Guam Tourism 2003. During events or meetings, I always held my pee just to be polite or keep from breaking the flow of the always hectic schedule. I am now paying the price...and have to pee frequently during the days.
16. I'm really glad this BLOG is almost done with. I'm now forcing myself to keep writing for the sake of finishing something I started. I've gone too far into it to just delete and move on.
17. I only like to run with ASICS SHOES. And, I'm a very tempermental runner. I have to have a certain playlist, certain shoes, can't have drank too much coffee before the run and I get irritated when people try to push me to run more than I know I can or want to.
18. As of today I weigh 131 POUNDS and I wish I were 123 pounds. Oh well, at least I am no longer the 156 pounds I was a year ago. Heartache has a way of shaving off the pounds.
19. I have read the BIBLE front to back more times than I can count. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5,6 and my favorite book is Psalms and James. My favorite Bible people are David, Joseph, Esther and of course, Jesus.
20. If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring 5 items...I would bring 1) a Bible, 2) a life-time supply of Tampons 3) Spaghettios 4) a can opener and 5) a machete.
21. I actually wanted CLAY AIKEN to win the 2nd Season of American Idol. I mean, don't get me wrong...I totally love Ruben, but I just thought Clay's voice was unbelievable! Some of those notes he hit...whoa! Visit this site if you don't believe me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC9SKjdoTXg (wait for the closing note...stunning!)
22. ACAI BOWLS...mmm, no need say more.
23. I have never SMOKED anything before...cigarettes or the other things that can be smoked.
24. I want to become rich enough one day and pay off all my parents bills so they can retire and enjoy life without debt...and Jas and Jen and Brother too.
25. I hope that the day I die, I'll have left a legacy that shows a life of touching peoples lives wherever and however I could...and that I as much as I could...I brought JOY TO THE WORLD.
The 10 THINGS I Miss Most About GUAM
Having just recently moved from Guam to the island of Oahu, I have found so much of my heart is stuck and etched in the sands, seas and loves of my paradise island of Guam. So, I thought I'd spend some time documenting just a few of the countless things I love and miss about my island of Guam.
10. 160,000: Referring to the 160,000 people who call Guam home. I miss every single one of them. Yes, even the ones who made sure to blog mean things about me when I decided to vote YES for Prop A :) Yes, I even miss them. It takes every single one of those 160,000 people to make Guam the imperfectly perfect place it is and I wouldn't want it any other way.
9. THE FRIZZIES: By this I am referring to the "HUMIDITY" and the way it causes mine and every other flat-iron using ladies hair to FRIZZ up beyond recognition. Here in Hawaii my hair just falls too nice, too smooth. I mean, I've spent the past 29 years trying to work around the limitations of living in a seriously humid place...and just when I get it down...I move and no longer need those skills. Haha, go figure.
8. SUNNY RAIN: Everyone who lives on Guam knows exactly what I mean by this. Haha. Only in Guam can the SUN be BLAZING hot yet RAIN be gushing from the sunny skies! Haha :) And, I'm sure all our Motorcycle, Moped dudes and dudettes can completely relate to this most frustrating part of life on Guam. Just when you think it's gonna burn your buns off, RAIN RAIN RAIN all the way! Why does the news even include a WEATHER portion? Haha.
7. FIESTAS AND DIET SODA: You know you're Chamorro when...and yes, I really do believe it is a CHAMORRO tradition! One which I miss very much! I mean, where else in the world do people, just for the mere sake of celebration and family, throw all diets to the wind, pile greasy chow on their bending paper plates, and make their way to the drink bar to grab a DIET SODA? Only on our Guam! Oh, our beautiful, DIET SODA loving Guam :)
6. MEMORY LANE: 29 years of life. Are you kidding?! Of course I have MEMORIES...enough to fill a thousand scrapbooks (which, if I had time, I would put together for every special occasion in my life). I miss that every square inch of the island includes some kind of memory, some kind of weird story or time when I meant to create one there, but never got to it. Memories...like the corners of my mind. I'm getting friggin misty :(
5. REALITY CHECKS: Guam is where my REAL WORLD is. All the good, the bad, the very bad, the awesomely stupid. It's all in my face the moment I return to my island soil. No matter where I go and how long I'm gone, Guam never fails to REMIND me of REALITY and keep me in check if ever I start to think I have it all together. Only on Guam do my imperfections find confirmations. Just ask around...I'm sure you'll run into a bunch who can attest to this truth. Or, maybe just take my word for it ;P
4. NAMES: It's like that weird "Cheers" song..."where everyone knows your name"...yeah, I actually do miss that about Guam. I like walking into Shirley's in Hagatna and the server asking me, "Miss Joy, what would you like to drink?" Ok, ok...so not everyone knows my name, and I definitely don't know everyone else's name, but it's just that feel, that vibe, that sometimes moment in Shirleys when someone actually does know my name.
3. COMFORTABLE: My bed, my car, my house, my life...it is COMFORTABLE. Nothing too out of synch, nothing too funky, I pretty much control what comes in and what goes out. I miss that COMFORTABLE feeling I get each day when I wake up and walk to my kitchen to make my cup of Starbucks coffee. I miss the COMFORT of knowing exactly where I'm going...I'm not the biggest fan of GOOGLE MAPS and missing my exit on the freeway. Guam = COMFORTABLE...which is actually the reason I moved. Time I get UNCOMFORTABLE.
2. HOMIES: The simple things like knowing where the clean towels are, or just where to find a screwdriver if ever I need to assemble a bookshelf. I miss my DVD's and being able to scrimmage through my insane collection of cinematic adventures, before putting it in the projector and flopping on my sofa to fall asleep to my movie of choice for the night. I just miss my HOME...doing the dishes, straightening the shoes in the foyer, putting Trevor's toys back into its designated corner in the living room. Home is where my heart is.
1. JAMFAM: These 9 people I miss most of all! Dad, Mom, Jen, Brother, Jas, Steffy, Skyy, Madison and of course Trevor! I've spent my entire life waking up and being blessed with sharing a morning conversation over coffee with them. I miss just seeing their faces and even the moments I couldn't stand another moment with them. Fights, squabbles, fun times...I MISS IT ALL! Dad, I miss your random calls to my phone and how you ask, "how's my girl doing?"...I miss you Dad. Mom, I miss hearing your voice at 9PM as you ask me, Jen and Vince, "does anyone want coffee?"...yes, I even miss our arguements. Jen, I miss your morning requests and random phone calls to as you say, "borrow a shirt or dress, please?"...I love how you always apologize for asking, and then ask all over again. Brother, I just miss you...you're such a dork and I miss your kisses on the cheek whenever you head out to work or just hanging with your friends. Jas, I doubt there is enough room to write all the things I miss about you, but let coffee, running, unloading your car when you return from the commissary, etc...be included in all the things I miss about you...you're my hero, always have been, always will be. Steffy, you're the only guy in the world who has ever made Jas as happy as she is...and I love you and miss you for that...plus, you're pretty awesome too! Skyy and Madison...I just miss hanging with you...and watching our stupid scary movies that make us not want to sleep at night. Hahahaha. And Trevor...my favorite part of each day...I miss everything about you...yes, even your stinky poo, when you punch me in the face and scream if I try to kiss you...I miss it all...I miss you all...I miss my Guam.
10. 160,000: Referring to the 160,000 people who call Guam home. I miss every single one of them. Yes, even the ones who made sure to blog mean things about me when I decided to vote YES for Prop A :) Yes, I even miss them. It takes every single one of those 160,000 people to make Guam the imperfectly perfect place it is and I wouldn't want it any other way.
9. THE FRIZZIES: By this I am referring to the "HUMIDITY" and the way it causes mine and every other flat-iron using ladies hair to FRIZZ up beyond recognition. Here in Hawaii my hair just falls too nice, too smooth. I mean, I've spent the past 29 years trying to work around the limitations of living in a seriously humid place...and just when I get it down...I move and no longer need those skills. Haha, go figure.
8. SUNNY RAIN: Everyone who lives on Guam knows exactly what I mean by this. Haha. Only in Guam can the SUN be BLAZING hot yet RAIN be gushing from the sunny skies! Haha :) And, I'm sure all our Motorcycle, Moped dudes and dudettes can completely relate to this most frustrating part of life on Guam. Just when you think it's gonna burn your buns off, RAIN RAIN RAIN all the way! Why does the news even include a WEATHER portion? Haha.
7. FIESTAS AND DIET SODA: You know you're Chamorro when...and yes, I really do believe it is a CHAMORRO tradition! One which I miss very much! I mean, where else in the world do people, just for the mere sake of celebration and family, throw all diets to the wind, pile greasy chow on their bending paper plates, and make their way to the drink bar to grab a DIET SODA? Only on our Guam! Oh, our beautiful, DIET SODA loving Guam :)
6. MEMORY LANE: 29 years of life. Are you kidding?! Of course I have MEMORIES...enough to fill a thousand scrapbooks (which, if I had time, I would put together for every special occasion in my life). I miss that every square inch of the island includes some kind of memory, some kind of weird story or time when I meant to create one there, but never got to it. Memories...like the corners of my mind. I'm getting friggin misty :(
5. REALITY CHECKS: Guam is where my REAL WORLD is. All the good, the bad, the very bad, the awesomely stupid. It's all in my face the moment I return to my island soil. No matter where I go and how long I'm gone, Guam never fails to REMIND me of REALITY and keep me in check if ever I start to think I have it all together. Only on Guam do my imperfections find confirmations. Just ask around...I'm sure you'll run into a bunch who can attest to this truth. Or, maybe just take my word for it ;P
4. NAMES: It's like that weird "Cheers" song..."where everyone knows your name"...yeah, I actually do miss that about Guam. I like walking into Shirley's in Hagatna and the server asking me, "Miss Joy, what would you like to drink?" Ok, ok...so not everyone knows my name, and I definitely don't know everyone else's name, but it's just that feel, that vibe, that sometimes moment in Shirleys when someone actually does know my name.
3. COMFORTABLE: My bed, my car, my house, my life...it is COMFORTABLE. Nothing too out of synch, nothing too funky, I pretty much control what comes in and what goes out. I miss that COMFORTABLE feeling I get each day when I wake up and walk to my kitchen to make my cup of Starbucks coffee. I miss the COMFORT of knowing exactly where I'm going...I'm not the biggest fan of GOOGLE MAPS and missing my exit on the freeway. Guam = COMFORTABLE...which is actually the reason I moved. Time I get UNCOMFORTABLE.
2. HOMIES: The simple things like knowing where the clean towels are, or just where to find a screwdriver if ever I need to assemble a bookshelf. I miss my DVD's and being able to scrimmage through my insane collection of cinematic adventures, before putting it in the projector and flopping on my sofa to fall asleep to my movie of choice for the night. I just miss my HOME...doing the dishes, straightening the shoes in the foyer, putting Trevor's toys back into its designated corner in the living room. Home is where my heart is.
1. JAMFAM: These 9 people I miss most of all! Dad, Mom, Jen, Brother, Jas, Steffy, Skyy, Madison and of course Trevor! I've spent my entire life waking up and being blessed with sharing a morning conversation over coffee with them. I miss just seeing their faces and even the moments I couldn't stand another moment with them. Fights, squabbles, fun times...I MISS IT ALL! Dad, I miss your random calls to my phone and how you ask, "how's my girl doing?"...I miss you Dad. Mom, I miss hearing your voice at 9PM as you ask me, Jen and Vince, "does anyone want coffee?"...yes, I even miss our arguements. Jen, I miss your morning requests and random phone calls to as you say, "borrow a shirt or dress, please?"...I love how you always apologize for asking, and then ask all over again. Brother, I just miss you...you're such a dork and I miss your kisses on the cheek whenever you head out to work or just hanging with your friends. Jas, I doubt there is enough room to write all the things I miss about you, but let coffee, running, unloading your car when you return from the commissary, etc...be included in all the things I miss about you...you're my hero, always have been, always will be. Steffy, you're the only guy in the world who has ever made Jas as happy as she is...and I love you and miss you for that...plus, you're pretty awesome too! Skyy and Madison...I just miss hanging with you...and watching our stupid scary movies that make us not want to sleep at night. Hahahaha. And Trevor...my favorite part of each day...I miss everything about you...yes, even your stinky poo, when you punch me in the face and scream if I try to kiss you...I miss it all...I miss you all...I miss my Guam.
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