UPDATE!

As most of you know, Doug & I are newlyweds that have been living thousands of miles apart. Not fun at all! I will be moving to Hawaii to be with my husband THIS WEEK! This past month has been very stressful for both of us. Not only because we've been apart, but because all of the things we've had to take care of...

Getting our place in Hawaii was our first challenge. When the Marine Corps is paying for your housing, they must look over the agreement before they give you any allowance. Doug has taken care of all of that & we can move into our place now! It is a small place, perfect for the two of us. Our home is right behind a beautiful canal that leads right to Kailua beach! Our landlord has several kayaks that we can use to go down the canal... it's only a 15 minute trip to the beach. I can't wait to start picking out things for our place together. We've already been shopping for a couch, tables, dinnerware etc.

The most complicated part of this entire move has been getting my car shipped! We had to get his orders, letters of permission, and other documentation. We are still waiting on one more letter then I can take it to the Dallas shipping company. I'm praying that I can do this by Wednesday so I can be with my husband on Thanksgiving.

Another complication was getting my dog, P.nut, to Hawaii. Nutty would have to be quarantined for at least 5 days. If I didn't have every single medical document they needed or for some reason they couldn't scan his microchip, he would have to stay in a cage for 120 days! Nutty gets very depressed when he is alone, so I decided it was best to leave him on the mainland with my family. My mom & brother met me in Arkansas over the weekend to get him. Thank you guys so much! Although I knew it was the best thing for my dog, it was very sad & depressing. I finally smiled & told my mom that I was leaving my "small bald head to be with my big bald head" =). I kissed my Chihuahua's head and cried most of the way back to Texas. I'm embarrassed to say that it was a 7 hour drive! Anyone that has met P.Nut knows that we are very attached! I never go anywhere without him. But... it was something that had to be done to be with my husband.

Yesterday, I quit my job... I have been working there for over 2 years. It wasn't too difficult because I have wanted to get out of the oil & gas industry for awhile now. The pay was excellent... it helped me live on my own & pay for school... so I'm thankful for having that job, but I wasn't really happy sitting behind a desk every day. I'm simply not meant for a desk job! When I went to Hawaii for our wedding, I also had a job interview. I am now the gym manager, tumbling & cheerleading coach on base. I'm so excited to be doing what I love again! Doug is really happy about me coaching... I think mostly because he can play on the equipment LOL!

Before the wedding, I completed my massage therapy internship. But the hour requirements in Hawaii almost double the requirements in Texas. I may come back to the mainland at some point to get licensed and that will allow me to work on cruises. It's really not a priority right now... Doug & I just want to be together!

The day I married Doug, I realized that my entire life was about to change. Some things have to be put on hold or even left behind. Regardless of the changes and sacrifices, I'm so excited about this move! I can finally be a real wife! I will let you all know how the move goes & we will keep you updated after we are finally together as husband and wife!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Hall