Running in the Rain...just another day on Guam!

Growing up in SoCal spoiled me so much I viewed the slightest drizzle as a "storm". San Diego news stations will broadcast "Storm Watch 2009"  that results in 1/4 of an inch of rain. Rain is a BIG DEAL for us San Diegans. But Guam? Not so much. Flooded streets are the norm here and to go out for a run and get soaked is actually a luxury, because you keep cool! Running in puddles, hearing your shoes squish as you plod through the streets, wiping water not sweat, off your face, all very normal on this island.

So it's no surprise Cheddar and I got up to attack the streets of Tumon at 5am this morning for the Jingle Bell 5K run! Along with 1,000 of our newest friends we jogged the streets, met new dogs and even made a potty stop (Cheddar, not me). Cheddar decided she was about done at 2.5 miles so I dragged her the rest of the way, when she heard the Christmas music playing at the finish line she picked up her step, that's my girl!

We stuck around with some friends for the usual awards ceremony and raffle. Being on a (VERY) tiny island plane tickets are a commodity around here. So it was no surprise they were giving away a few round trip tickets to Manila and Fiji. Guam really knows how to drag these things out, they always last at least an hour sometimes more. Little prizes usually include umbrellas and foldable chairs, I've yet to go to a race that did not award those. After all you need an umbrella to keep you dry while you sit back and relax during a family fiesta on the beach! The umbrellas would have been helpful when a lovely storm chasing Typhoon Nida moved in and soaked us. We stood in the pouring rain and wind that only graces the presence of Southeast Asia for 25 minutes waiting out the awards and plane ticket raffle. My friend Julie placed 1st in the female open division, as usual. Seriously, that girl is fast! So she accepted her medal as the rain poured off her face. In the end like usual, none of us found out we were traveling to any exotic destinations for free but were relieved to be able to head home to a hot shower. I can say this, this morning was THE FIRST time I used the heater in my car. No joke. I've never used the heater before because this place is hot and humid all the time! But standing in the rain for that long will put a chill on your body so Katie and I enjoyed a warm cozy car the whole drive home, 15 mph through flooded streets and all! I love this place.

Tommy, Cheddar & I waiting to win a prize!

Yeah she didn't like it either.

The crew, braving the storm for a chance to escape the island!

The effects of Typhoon Nida blowing by.

My Man!

I just wanted to show off my handsome husband. I am so thankful for the wonderful guy God put in my life! It's Thanksgiving which means we're about half way through our seven month deployment. With our 1st anniversary coming up (can you believe it??) I get more and more excited about spending the rest of my life with him. I love you babe!

Aiming for the "Hostess with the Mostess" award.

I thought I'd make a quick post, it's been almost a month since I last wrote! I guess that means I've been BUSY! Believe me, that makes things go so much faster! Last week I hosted a Home Show Extravaganza. Think Tupperware on crack. I have five different vendors inside my house at once...with about 50 women...drinking sangria. It was a hoot! Seriously I think the base should have a contest to see how many people they can fit into one bunker---er um, house. I think I would have a shot at winning, seriously!

We had drawings, prizes, demos it was fantastic. I got to meet some new ladies in my neighborhood which is a huge plus and I think everyone had a genuine good time! Cleanup was another story but had to be done because I had another gathering at the house Monday evening. Together with Jolene, Abby, Bea, Juliett and Stephanie we wrapped & ribboned 125 toys for the Children's Christmas Party on Dec 5th. That's not the crazy part. The crazy part is storing 125 wrapped and ribboned toys in my guest room. My house basically resembles Santa's workshop on December 26th. But of course I was up until 12:30am last night cleaning so I can host Bunco tonight! I love Bunco, so much fun and I have some great prizes to give away, yay! It should be a great time!