2014: Changes!

Apparently, I still suck at keeping up with my blog, but I'm here now.. so that should count for something right? ;)

Well since I last blogged (about Thanksgiving)  much has changed:

1. In December 2013 we MOVED!

2. January 2014: Went to Vegas for a girls trip (kind of)

3. End of January: My sister-cuz Mino got married :)

4. February: Fehi finished up training with UP, started his de-rail period.

5. March: We gave birth to our baby boy Heivaha.

6. April: Fehi finished up "de-rail" period and is now officially part of UP.

7. Registered Moe & Saia for school!!!

Here a few things that have happened, and I hope to address all these in the next few hours.. or days. ;)

I try.

New Job.. Maybe?

It's been quite the road these past few weeks.  To kind of give you a quick background, the past few months Fehi has been interested in Union Pacific Railroad.  He applied everywhere, Wyoming, Portland, Las Vegas, Provo, SLC, etc.  After months of applying and not hearing anything back, he finally got an invite to attend 3 different hiring sessions at 3 different locations, one of which was Salt Lake City.  We were pretty excited about that because all we hear is good things about the Railroad, and well my husband has a goal to retire early so he can spend the rest of his time with his family.  So he accepted a hiring session in Salt Lake City.  He did great at the session.  The next day they called and extended the job offer to him.  So the first step was done.  He then had to do the New Hire Registration, call and set up appointments to do a Physical Abilities Test and Get a Medical Examination.  He passed both and was given his info for training.  Second step = done.

Monday was his first day of training.  Luckily for us, training is done at SLCC 2 minutes down the road from where we live.  It's from 8 to 5 Monday through Friday, but it's just so much information that he comes home and studies until he sleeps.  Though he's made it this far with the Railroad, he has to pass all his training.  So this is just one more step he has to do.  What we thought would be only 4 weeks of training, is now looking to be 6 months of training (so they say).  He trains 4 weeks in a class, he has to take a test and has to pass the first time with 85% or higher, if he doesn't, he gets only one retake but has to get 90% or higher.  If he doesn't pass then that's the end of the road.  After those 4 weeks, it's then out in the field for 4 more weeks, then back again into the classroom for Conductor training, etc.  I have faith he will pass.  It's definitely a challenge for him, but I know this is something he wants and something we need as a family.  Though he's dead tired each day, he pushes himself to study everything and learn it all.  I guess the way it works is before UP would hire someone specifically to be the crewman, the conductor, the engineer, etc.  But instead they will train them to be all the above.  It saves the company money, but it's demanding on the workers.  I've heard the pay will make up for it, but I guess we'll see when that happens.

It's gonna be a rough few weeks, but I pray and hope my husband can get through it all, and pass these tests with flying colors.  I've never seen him want something so bad, and being the hard worker and great person he is, he deserves it. Wish us best of luck!

Inspirational Blog: Mama Laughlin

While surfing pinterest (yet again) the other night, I came across this blog and I am totally hooked.  I usually always find blogs of those who have lost weight, and I always do walk away with more motivation and inspiration from them.  However this blog was different, in a good way.  I feel like I identify with this lady in more ways than one.  For starters, our weightloss journey and goals are pretty much the same.  She started her weight-loss journey at 198 pounds after giving birth to her son, and she is currently at 138 pounds! She's my hero... literally lol.  Every time I read her blog posts, I'm reminded of my goals and when I have little doubts, I remind myself that there is someone who was like me, and she's at 138 pounds now! So suck it up and work! lol.  I also remember reading (I think on a different blog) about what kept this person motivated to lose all the weight, and be healthier... What was her motivation?? Her answer to this was she had determination. That's what kept her motivated, because without it there was no motivation.  And that's what I'm realizing... I'm more determined than anything to achieve my goals... and when I realize how much determination I actually have that's what keeps me motivated, and that's what's going to keep me motivated for months, years to come. Anyhow that's my thoughts on it... be determined, and it'll keep you motivated!

EMZ Crew; Weightloss Journey Updates

I love my EMZ Family! They give me so much motivation and keep me going in my efforts to live a healthier life, and keep shedding those pounds and inches.  This morning we met at the Sorenson Center to kick off the First Annual Utah Pacific Islander Health Week.  I woke up at around 330am to drop the hubbs off for work, and then I came home woke the two older kids up and got everyone ready to head out to EMZ.  My kids are such troopers, and I am so glad they love going with me to Zumba, even though they don't have a choice. lol.   You could tell everyone was excited for today, however, I guess I missed the memo about Big Buddha being there from FOX 13 News.. I mean if I knew I would've tried to look just a little bit skinnier... err.. better lol.  jk! It was really fun though I wish I would've gotten my full hours worth of workout, minus the interruptions.. but like I said, it was fun so I didn't mind.

Here's a few pictures from this morning:

Me & Big Buddah, just a little sweaty here, had to run and get a pic before he left! 

One of the male instructors- Liu, and my EMZ Workout Partner Penina!

The Trio! Met these two through EMZ, and they keep me pushing and motivated!

Penina, Ame (one of the instructiors, she does Hot Hula!), Me, and Mele

Me & Penina

Group Picture with Big Buddha!

Some of the AMAZING instructors that continually give their time and talents
to help us all live healthier lives! 

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Now for some weight-loss updates! Last post I talked about my weight-loss journey... Here are some numbers from my journey so far:

Post-Partum Weight: 213 Pounds

Starting Weight: 206 Pounds

Current Weight: 196 Pounds

First Goal Weight: 185 Pounds

Second Goal Weight: 175 Pounds

Third Goal Weight: 165 Pounds

... Then we'll see what happens from there...

Now to be clear my post-partum weight is how much I weighed literally right after giving birth to baby Hinckley.  My starting weight is where I was at when I actually really started on this journey that I'm on.  So yes I'm super ecstatic to be under 200 pounds.  The last time I remember being under 200 pounds was last year before we went to Hawaii to celebrate Kesaia's first birthday... So it's been almost 20 months since I've been in the 100's. Frikk.. finally!!! lol. I'm 11 pounds away from achieving my first goal of being at 185. Now the reason why I set my goals like this is because I want them to be realistic, achievable, small goals that'll keep me determined and motivated.  I also took my measurements last week and have lost a total of 10 inches. So that's awesome! I continually find inspiration from wherever I look, and I can kind of feel myself becoming a little obsessed with being my fittest self, but that's not a bad thing.  Hopefully I can keep shedding those pounds and inches, and maybe in a few more months I'll be down to my first goal. 

I seen this on Pinterest and thought it was HILARIOUS!
This is so me, except my babies were about 6/7 Pounds. 

The Hubby and I with our youngest baby boy.
My husband continues to inspire and motivate me too.
And doesn't he look Hott! ;)

Post-Baby Weightloss Journey

So it's been about a month since I've taken my wantings to lose weight seriously.  I've started to go to Zumba (EMZ) on my days off (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) and it was suggested by a friend of mine to do the Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred, so I've also added that to my exercise regime.  In that month I've only lost about 6 pounds, however I know I've lost more inches because I'm finally able to fit into my size 12 jeans that I haven't worn in over a year and a half, so that's encouraging. lol.

So let's rewind back to the beginning, when I was pregnant with Hinckley, at my last appointment (before giving birth to him) I think I was like 228.  My pre-pregnancy weight was 210 lbs, and when I gave birth to him and weighed in I was 213 lbs.  So of course I was ecstatic that I was already 3 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight.  Between giving birth to him and the 3 months to follow I lost about 7 pounds, and before I started exercising I was at 206 lbs.  So currently I'm at 200 lbs.  1 more bloody pound then I'll FINALLY be under 200 lbs, and I haven't been under 200 in about a year and a half now.  (Sorry I know that's a lot of numbers to process lol)

Losing weight is definitely more of  mental game for me than anything else.  I always have to remind myself that the number on the scale isn't as important as the inches I may lose.  I guess I thought that I would lose a lot more weight a lot faster, like I did after having Kesaia, but my exercise regime now is much different then how it was back then.  Back then I was walking 5 miles a day, and really limited my foods to sandwiches, and veggies.  So from what I read I'm sure I was losing fat and muscle at that time.  Now I'm really try to eat balanced meals, and I have a certain calorie range (because I'm still breastfeeding too), and as far as exercise, I'm doing strength and cardio and I know that by doing so I'm building more muscle, so that's a good thing.  

This week has been a little bit of a tough one for me mentally, but I'm determined to stay on track.  I keep telling myself that some progress is better than NO progress, and hey I gotta give myself props for basically doing this all on my own, versus the last time me and the hubbs were doing it together.  I know it's better for me to do things slowly but surely, versus trying to lose it all in only a couple months, because that didn't work for me last time.  Here's some progress pics (mostly for me to remember and keep me motivated):

This was taken 9/16/12

9/30/12

10/1/12 First day back to EMZ

Started doing Jillian Micheals 30 day shred 10/8/12

After another workout (30 day shred)

Finally fit into my size 12 jeans, want to get down to a size 10 (at least!)

Working out (yet again!)

Post work out Monday 10/22/12

10/25/12 post-workout 30 day shred (level 2, day 3)

So I'm mucho ecstatic for progress, and I know it's going to take a few more months to get where I would like to be (at least 175 lbs, and at a size 10) but I know once I get there, it'll be a great accomplishment for myself, because I did it in a healthy way and it'll be easy to manage afterwards as well.  Oh, and let's not forget my biggest motivation... My Husband!  He has lost a TON of weight, people ask how, and I tell them it's just from him running at work (he works at Costco- Front End... so he runs back and forth putting back things, grabbing things for members, and doing carts.. and he's a super hardworker so he is always on the go!)  Most of our marriage he's been at about 280/285 lbs, currently he's at 235 lbs! It's amazing, and he's reaped so many benefits from being healthier and smaller.  He definitely has a lot more energy, and he doesn't have as much knee pain so yayy for that!  Here are some pics of him:

These pics were from earlier this summer when I was still pregnant (May/Beginning of June 2012):

Below are some pics from when I gave birth, and a few weeks after. (Ending of June and July)

 And here are pics from last month (my birthday 9/15/12 and baby's blessing 9/30/12)

My husband looks amazing and I've been semi-jealous at how much weight he's lost! But he has definitely motivated me to get in shape (and stay smaller than him lol.. cause I refuse to be bigger lol). 

Upcoming Changes!

Where do I even start?? There are some changes for our family and I like most of them, but I'm definitely dreading some of them that will eventually come. First of all, as you know my little sister has been here from Hawaii for a little over 3 weeks now.  Since she's been here my mom told us that she wanted her to stay here and go to school here for a year, and she wondered if that was ok with us.  I told her Yeah, that we don't mind but she had to talk to my little sister about it.  After asking and confirming with her, I guess it's official and she'll be living with us and going to school here for her 5th grade year.  So now my mom is in the process of making me a legal guardian and now I have to go find out what I need to do to enroll her into school here.  I'm excited, and I hope she is too.  She'll get to experience a lot out here, but I think she'll mostly be excited to see snow for the first time. ;) And now I'm reminded of all the winter clothes I'm going to have to buy her... awesome. lol.

Some other changes in our family is Fehi has put in his 2 weeks to go from full-time to PRN, where he'll only be working 1 or 2 days a week at the treatment center.  I'm SUPER excited about this because that means he'll be home 5/6 nights a week (he's worked graves since before baby moe was born, so that's a lot of nights away from home!) and most of all he'll get to rest and not work so hard.  For the past few months he's worked 2 jobs full-time and though he never complains, I just don't want my husband to tire himself out. So when he told me on Monday morning that he put in his 2 weeks to go to PRN I was happy.  I'm mostly happy for him because the treatment center he works at has had some major changes as well, and it has affected a lot of people there.  My husband has worked there for almost 4 years and a lot of people recognize his hard work, and how well he works with the kids, and they have even rewarded him with gift cards and recognitions for his work, but yet they don't want to give him a higher position.  He's applied for the supervisor position 3 times just this year (and all 3 times he was urged by management to apply) and each time the position is given to someone who everyone knows is less qualified for the job.  There have also been occasions where they've tried to get him to go for a different position by giving him for a far lesser pay (only a 50 cent raise from the $9.90 he makes now.. yeah their pay sucks).  It's really just insulting when they do stuff like that to him, so it was time to just give it a break.

Now with him working less hours there, he can pick up more hours at Costco.  Which brings up more changes.  He's officially off his 90-day probation from Costco, and he has moved to part-time.  Fehi loves working at Costco, and can really see himself growing with them.  He's been talking to management about the possibility of moving up, and they all tell him that they really see him moving up fast, to even being a manager.  The head-honcho of the Costco that Fehi works at pulled him aside one day and told him that he's heard nothing but great things about him, and he wants to try to make him full-time by the end of the year.  Which is a really GREAT thing because there are people who have been waiting at least 5 years to go full-time.  One of the managers even mentioned to Fehi about moving to the mid-west because that's where Costco is thriving, and he could possibly be a manager within two years.  Which brings up the change that I'm dreading.  This manager told Fehi that mid-west is where it's at and if he wants to move up fast he should try going there.  So when my hubby approached me about the possibility of moving I just cried (mind you, he told me this just a few days after giving birth to our son).  I would cry and get so upset that I wouldn't even talk to him. lol.  Then after a day or so I was ok, and never talked about it again.  But then he would bring it up again and I would cry and get upset at him again. lol.  But after the 3rd or 4th time of bringing it up, I was finally ready to talk about it.

I know my husband wouldn't want to move for the heck of it, but rather he's thinking about our family and providing well for our family.  I told him that if he decides to move to the mid-west, that it would just be him going.  I don't want to loose my job at Delta, and I really don't want to move anywhere else so he would move and we would stay here.  I know that if this does happen it'll be the hardest thing we'll have to go through because I don't like to be apart from my husband, and I know my husband doesn't want to be apart from our family.  It's all still up in the air, and if it does happen it may not happen for a few more months or so, but I told him that we first and foremost definitely need to pray and fast about this, and then second I need to know where in the mid-west he thinks he'll go, and then from there we'll move on.  I just hate the thought of our family being separated and my kids not get to see their daddy, especially Baby Hinckley not having his dad around for all his "firsts" and vice versa, but since all is not set in stone just yet, I'm not going to stress out too much over it.

These are basically the changes that are in the works right now for our family.  Though some of them are exciting, and the thought of my husband being away from us isn't so exciting, I know that it's all for a greater purpose.  I couldn't ask for a greater husband because I know everything he does is for us, his family.  He's the best husband ever, and I love him to eternity and back!

Changes

Well I've been seriously lacking in my blogging, but here's to trying (again) lol.

I heard this quote while watching TV "Change is hard, change is overwhelming... it's much easier to stay on the road you're on than to have to change..." For me I think this has been the theme this past week.  I've had a lot to contemplate, and a lot of choices to make.

This past week was our second week of school, fyi we missed the first week because we were still in Hawaii lol, and yes it was well worth it hahaha.  This semester we have a Psychology class on wednesday night for 3 hours, a beginning sewing class on thursday night for 3 hours, and a math class on saturday morning for three hours, along with our online english class.  It's always been a stressful thing for us to find a babysitter, because we never had a set one since our first semester at school.  Thankfully we've been able to rely on my sil Maopa, but I always feel bad because she has her own kids, and sometimes other peoples kids to watch, and last thing I want is for her to get sick with all the babysitting (she was really sick when she was young and has had a kidney transplant, and every now and then she gets seizures, their mild, and she doesn't fall to the ground or anything, but I always worry about her health and I don't ever want her to be overwhelmed.)

After contemplating about this for a while, on Thursday night I texted my brother to ask if he would be willing to move out here and help watch our kids while we have school.  This has been something that we've discussed with my mom, and she talked to him about, and he always said he would do it, and so when I asked him he agreed to come out.  I've been trying to make sure he's okay with this decision, because I know this is a huge step for him.  He's so use to his comfort zone, staying at home, working 'iate, and kicking it with his friends.  So my moving him out here, it's gonna be definitely a big change for him. He won't have his same friends (which I think he needs to change anywayz lol) and he'll be meeting new people and what not.  So far he's still coming out, and will get here Friday morning.  I'm especially grateful because then we get extra help, meaning we could even work more hours (to make more money for bills and our savings) and we won't' have to stress out about a sitter anymore.  So I will be forever grateful to my little brother for doing this for us, he doesn't realize how much it means to the both of us.

Along with the theme of changes, a few weeks (months) ago my husband deleted his facebook account.  He realized he went on it too much, and it was more so to look at what other people were doing/saying, he felt like he was just being "fie'ilo" in other peoples business.  Lately I've been feeling the same way, and I've been wasting unnecessary time on there. So I as well, deactivated my account, and I'm happy about the decision.  Those who need to contact me know how, and I rather invest my time (if on the internet) on my blog, so all works out! :)

This year feels like the year of changes, and I hope that through whatever changes may come, we continue to grow through them. On a side note, tomorrow is my first ultrasound... I can't wait to see the little one...  So I guess I'll be back tomorrow with an ultrasound pic! :)