Oh Tiger, even the dogs have figured you out.

This is what I came home to last night. It looks as though my dog does not approve of Tiger's recent behavior either...

A glimpse into...

the mind of a det wife. This is about the best sight of any week for someone like myself:

Does anyone know why?

Frustration with a capital F!

I feel like I'm stuck in the dead of winter right now. I sort of feel like a lot of people are feeling the same way. The holidays are over, summer is nowhere in sight. The days that drag on are all the same. Now if I look outside, I'll realize it's 85 degrees and sunny. That's a Guam winter for ya. But when every day is 85 degrees and sunny, a sense of boredom sinks in. When that strikes, I start to crave change. Change is a word that I have had to learn and get used to. I may not always like it but it's inevitable when it comes to Navy life. Similar to the fear of public speaking, most people dread change just as much as I do. Yet, when we get over that bridge, we often appreciate the refreshing feeling that comes with all that "newness". I feel like Guam lacks change. Even more than a small town in the middle of Iowa. Besides the weather, the lifestyle doesn't change too much. In fact Guam really feels like it's running about 15 years behind the rest of the country. Old cars, homes falling apart, lack of technology (typewriter anyone?), large stray animal population, and slow, really slow speed limits (to accommodate those really old cars!). We've been forced to tailor our lifestyle to accommodate these factors. While frustrating, I do appreciate the way it has slowed me down a bit. Colin and I had the first 7 months of our marriage together and without busy and conflicting job schedules and endless activities, we were able to spend more time together than I would guess most newlywed couples do. What a blessing!

I still dread change, don't get me wrong but I'm learning how to deal with it when it's handed thrown at me. It's nice to have that flexibility, especially when you get what I call Guam Fever, a case of boredom all unto its own. I lose control (something all folks in the military must learn) of what's going on and being the "fixer" that I am, I want to change it all. I suppose as long as the 'change' is in my hands, it's all fine and dandy. Unfortunately I cannot fix everything or everyone, only myself. You'd find it to be quite a hoot watching first time Guam residents spend their first few weeks on the island. I was one of them and whew! I must have caused Colin to almost rethink his vows as I drove him berserk with my complaints. Here are the top 5:

5. Me: MUST we really drive 30 mph on a four lane road?
Colin: Welcome to Guam honey.


4. Me: Is that mold coming out of our apartment's A/C vent?
Colin: Welcome to Guam honey.


3. Me: Why is there a carabao (water buffalo) standing in a parking spot?
Colin: Welcome to Guam honey.


2. Me: Why do the locals have to buy 13 packages of meat at the grocery store?
Colin: Welcome to Guam honey.


1. Me: I just found 47 flies, 7 geckos, and 4 cockroaches in our house!
Colin: Cool!!

Now that it's been a year, I've come to realize Guam is quite content with itself and the best I can do is be myself and surprisingly, I have actually come to appreciate the beauty of this place.  I still get frustrated, very frustrated but I just try to think of our relatives sitting in 87 feet of snow on the East Coast right now. Yes, I like Guam!

To show my appreciation for this tiny island, I have some pictures below. My good friend Wes borrowed Colin's car after they shipped theirs back to the States. As a thank you he offered to take some photos of Cheddar and I to send to Colin. Can't wait to get the pics (ordered online of course, must wait 7 days to receive them) so I can get started on a scrapbook!

Much love,
Caitlyn

Random shot when a B-52 was on approach!

ZUUUUMBA!

So I do have to say ever since I've been on Guam I have found exercise to be a challenge. Back in the States, I could run every day, hike, bike whatever. Amazing how I managed to complain then! Now I live in a hot humid jungle with an equatorial sun gleaming overhead all day. Not that I'm complaining. After all, it is February and I went to the beach yesterday. HOWEVER, when it comes to physical activity, you have to get creative! Generally I run before 7am, before the heat settles in. The humidity wears you down rather quickly. SO given the challenging climate I finally decided to fight NOT going to the gym. I worked in one for five years and once I latched onto running, I never wanted to go back! However, my friend Jolene dragged me to this class, "Zumba" last fall. I was terribly intimidated yet intrigued by this aerobics style class. HOLY COW. It was hilarious, disgustingly difficult, intimidating yet fantastic and super fun. Ashli the instructor hails from the Bronx and can bust out a move worthy of a look from JLo. She packs a good 50 gals into her classes four nights a week. For 60 minutes we're dancing until the floor is soaked in sweat. Anything from salsa, samba, merengue to good old modern dance club moves. Not only is she a hit with the twentysomethings but the older ladies too. My favorite is a group of fortysomething Filipino ladies who try their darndest to bust out moves. Sure they can't hit a beat but they have so much fun it makes me smile and laugh. In fact I'd say the most fun part of Zumba is laughing at myself. I went FOUR TIMES this week, including the 90 minute class on Monday. And you know what the best part is? My jeans finally felt a little loose today...WAHOOEE!