Making every Day an Adventure

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:00:00.002-04:00

Mom, we miss you so very much
On every Mother’s Day;
And not just then, but every minute,
Since you went away.

You were the center of our lives
Before your soul passed on;
It’s just so hard for us to believe
That you are really gone.

But we celebrate the life you lived
And all the things you gave us;
Our wonderful memories, Mom, of you
Are the things that will comfort and save us.

Please think of us, as we think of you
With hearts so full of love;
We’re looking up at you, sweet Mom,
As you look at us from above.
By Joanna Fuchs

I love you, Momma. Thinking about you and missing you, today... and always

Adjusting

2010-04-12T22:15:00.002-04:00

Life is "right" again in our little world, and we are adjusting to BW being home and all that that entails. It has been great to "get to know" each other as well as readjusting to our schedules and to life with both of us in the same place. ha! Work has been good for me, a little get away sometimes, now that I am back to only working my three nights each week, instead of all the overtime shifts I had been picking up (although, my bank account is a little saddened by this change! ha!!). And the weekends have been amazing... we have had so much fun just staying busy and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful weather together either laying by our fabulous pool (remember the lazy river?? =)) or going to the beach during the day and cooking oysters with friends in the evenings. This week our vacation starts on Thursday after we finish working and I can't wait!!! Thursday night will be a fun night at the baseball game, Friday we might go to the golf tournament on Hilton Head and then Saturday we leave for a WEEK LONG CRUISE!! Then, when we get back from the cruise we fly to Ohio to visit with both of our families for a short time. Whew... then I go right back to work.

Life is good today! =)

All is Right

2010-03-23T23:02:00.005-04:00

After 8 long months...

A phone call that said it would "not be today"....

Another long 24 hours...

Another wonderful girls' night with the best girls...

Welcoming a dear, sweet friend's new baby girl with her...

Anxiously waiting on the flight line....

All is right again in my little world!

Another weekend down, a few more to go!

2010-03-01T23:30:00.002-05:00

Been staying busy. Work all week (most weeks four nights, which makes a long week), then play on the weekends. The weather was warm for one weekend, even made it to the beach with Layla and the girls one Sunday. Only worked three nights last week, which was a great break -- although I am not so sure my checking account will be as happy come pay day! Oh well, the rest and night of fun was worth it. Had a great four-day weekend this past weekend and spent time with lots of different friends.... dinner and a movie, night out, baby shower and lots of fun with the girls, watching the Hockey game and wishing the USA would have won... all in all, a great weekend. Even if it wasn't as warm as last weekend, the sun was still out so that counts!! And its another weekend down...

Going to be a busy week with work and a conference in Savannah. Hope it is interesting and there will be good stuff to learn and apply to work. To-do list starting to get long, but the weekends are staying busy so that is great. And, the sun is out and the temperature is starting to rise which is very exciting!!!

Monday Madness

2010-02-16T00:03:00.002-05:00

There has been plenty going on I could write about... I just haven't taken the time. Oops. Oh well. This will be my "catch-up-with-no-real-organization" version of life the past few weeks. Speaking of few weeks, I can count the number of Saturdays left on one hand!! Yay =) He is on his way home, a slow journey around the world, but on his way none-the-less.
I've done lots of working, an extra shift a week really adds up. Started working out three times a week (remember I can count on one hand how many more weekends?? haha). And then lots of catch-up sleeping on the weekends. I may or may not have slept for 22hrs a couple Fridays ago... maybe.
Have started going to oyster roasts. Yum. Saw snow in South Carolina this weekend, not a fan of that but at least it was gone the next morning. Spent lots of time with some fabulous girls and their adorable kiddos. Would never have made it through this deployment without these wonderful ladies I have come to love and cherish! And I look forward to our weekends yet to come. Got my truck back after the accident New Year's Eve, that's fabulous. Finally took my Christmas lights down... maybe in February =) Got a new phone this weekend, its way too smart for me but I am learning!
Mainly, working and counting down days =) Will try to be better about keeping up... no promises though, I do kinda enjoy those 22hr sleep days!! haha

Always in My Heart, I miss you Momma!

2010-01-23T02:30:00.003-05:00

To my dearest family,

some things I'd like to say...

but first of all, to let you know,

that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven.

Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness;

here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy

just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I'm with you

every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you

when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me

and He said, "I welcome you."

"It's good to have you back again;

you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family,

they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly;

you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do,

to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things,

that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list,

was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night,

the day's chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....

in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,

and all those loving years

because you are only human,

they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry;

it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers,

unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you

all that God has planned.

But if I were to tell you,

you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,

though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now,

than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you

and many hills to climb;

but together we can do it

by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy

and I'd like it for you too...

that as you give unto the world,

the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody

who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God at night......

"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....

that my life has been worthwhile,

knowing as I passed along the way,

I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody

who is sad and feeling low,

just lend a hand to pick him up,

as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street,

and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps

only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....

from that body to be free,

remember you're not going.....

you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)

http://www.ruthann1.com/

In My Thoughts

2010-01-22T05:04:00.005-05:00

I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

Go rest high on that mountain
(Mom), your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing
Go rest high on that mountain
(Mom), your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son
All my love, Momma

Merry Christmas from Heaven

2009-12-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue to climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year

-- John W. Mooney Jr.

I love you, Momma... Merry Christmas

It's not a life for the faint of heart

2009-10-29T05:33:00.001-04:00

Whew... the past few weeks have been... well, less than enjoyable really. I mean, things have been ok, mostly good even, but boy I am just over some things. It's been rough.

Three months down with BW being gone... wow! I am glad that three months are over, but I am ready to be done. Can't we call it good and just bring my boys home? I am over the lack of and frustrating conversation. I am thankful for email... but, I miss a phone call. I miss personal interaction. I miss having him here. But, three months down... that's about one-third done! I can do this. And, with those three months down the friendships that have been built between "us girls" are so important to me and I am so thankful for them! I don't know what I would do without my girls... be a crazy person (even more than I am now!) I am sure! They are fabulous and I look forward to our time together each week as if it has been years since I have seen them. There is guaranteed laughter, relaxation, understanding and great times to be had whenever we are together.

The past few weeks have been hard with missing other people who at one time or another were very important to my life and now, for one reason or another, are no longer in my life. I hate when those things happen.. whether it be because of a "falling out" or because of a move or because of a death... whatever the reason, I hate having a place in my life that once was filled by someone now be somewhat empty. There were people that I counted on to be with me through things in my life that are now gone, and it makes it harder to go through those things, but at the same time it shows me how wonderful other people in my life are. I am thankful for the friends I have who have stuck by me through so much and are always there when I need anything and who I know I can always count on.

Today sucked. Today was the first "event" that the next three months contain that I would like to forget about... if I could have gone to sleep this weekend and woken up in February that would have been okay with me! Today would have been my momma's birthday. This is the first time in years that I have worked on her birthday. I think this year it helps make the day go by, but it still sucks. I want to spend the day with my mom for her birthday. I want to call her and talk to her and find out what she is doing to celebrate her birthday, neither of us ever worked each other's or our own birthdays. I just want my mom. It's hard when the calls stop. When the friends who would call on this day the past couple years don't. Not because they don't care. Not because they don't miss her. But, life goes on, I understand that. But, today sucks.

Happy birthday, Momma. I miss you and love you... always!

So, from this day I move on... my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, BW's birthday, the day my momma left this earth... all days that are important to me. It's hard to go through them without my mom, and this year without BW. BUT!! I have my fabulous "Bluffton family" to be with along with other friends and family spread all over the country to lift me up and celebrate with me and make the most of these hardest days. And I am looking forward to spending those days with them and celebrating with them. And by the time they are over and it is February, deployment is almost over and there will be plenty to look forward to!

Even though everything about right now or the upcoming months may not bring a smile to my face, there is plenty for me to look forward to!!

I'm going to San Diego in one week!! Who-Hoo!!! I cannot wait to get out there and spend some time with Alicia and have some more amazing A&J time! Not to mention all the other wonderful girls and guys who I am friends with who will be around to help celebrate my birthday (a little early) weekend!! It's going to be fantastic!
MY BIRTHDAY!!! I love my birthday, I can't help it. That is one day I am a princess =) I am very excited for it... and am looking forward to what the next decade of my life will hold. AHH!! I'm turning 30!!!
Dad and Tressa are coming to visit. I am so very excited for them to come to SC and see me. I am sure we will have a great time.
I will be going to Ohio the weekend before Christmas for some family holiday time. And, I am flying so I won't have to drive an entire day and worry about nasty weather. I always look forward to time with sweet Cody and the rest of my family, especially around the holidays.
January is another wonderful trip to San Diego for more birthday celebrations... this time on a cruise!!
Not to mention all the weekends of fun here in Bluffton with my fabulous friends here.

So, I am excited... sure, some days will suck like today, but there is always tomorrow and more fun to look forward to!

Pumpkin Time

2009-10-14T16:52:00.005-04:00

It's fall time!! My favorite time of the year... I love the smells, the colors, the weather, the food... everything! Even though the weather down here may not-so-much resemble the cool fall weather I was used to in other parts of the country, I still love it!
This past weekend my sweet girls came over to my house for some pumpkin carving fun! I absolutely love these girls and look forward to whatever we do each weekend -- we have all already warned the boys that they are going to have to keep liking each other when they get back because we are going to continue our girl social times! Once again, this weekend was just what we all needed... some great girl talks... great food... fun and relaxation! I will tell you, these weekend times together get me through my weeks and I am so thankful to have these girls to go through the ups and downs of this deployment with me.

Kayla and Siena participating in the fun =)

(It sure doesn't hurt that two of the girls have the cutest little girls of their own!!)

Kathryn and Laura hard at work...
It's hard to believe we were carving pumpkins on my back porch
and sweating because it was so hot out there! Gotta love SC

Our finished products...

and I had to get some cuddle time with sweet Siena =)

Love you girls! Am so thankful for our friendships!!!

Look how cute our pumpkins are with their candles lit up!

and I just think my front porch is so adorable with my fall decorations... =)

Hope you are enjoying your fall time too!

Pictures from Far Away...

2009-10-07T16:43:00.003-04:00

I have been telling BW since he left that I want him to send me pictures of whatever... I enjoy seeing what he sees, where he is, what he's doing... just anything! Because it helps me to feel connected to him while he is gone I guess. Well, today he came through =)

This is a picture BW took one night while on the boat during a lightening storm, obviously =)

I think it is one of the coolest pictures ever and love seeing his photography ability.

He is a real perfectionist when it comes to his pictures,

so I love seeing the ones he actually thinks are good!

This, of course, is my absolute favorite picture!!!

It's been a little over 2 months now... the days are going by... its a new season even! Keeping myself as busy as I can and looking forward to whenever it is he will be back home again with me! Lots of things coming up that will be bittersweet, I know, without him here... but, I (we) will make it through those days as well. I could not be more thankful for the wonderful girls that I am surrounded with who keep me busy and laughing. They have become my "family" and I love them dearly.

Fly safe, babe. I love you!

All too Real

2009-09-23T23:20:00.009-04:00

The reality of not having my mom anymore hits me sometimes a lot harder than others. Obviously I am aware every day that my mom is no longer on earth with me. But some days are harder than others, some days (like last week) I say out loud, to myself, "I really want to talk to my mom today" There is no understanding of why so many of us here on earth have to go through the pain and heart-ache of losing a loved one. There are no answers to the many questions our earthly minds can come up with. All we can do is cling to the promise that GOD has a greater plan and that HE is with us through all of our hard times.

Recently, I have been reminded of the scary and painful days my family went through when my mom first was diagnosed with cancer. And, I know that my aunt has been reliving those days as well. A dear friend of mine has recently learned that his mom is now facing lung cancer and will be fighting this fight and his family will be going through the ups and (hopefully not) downs that we did.

It is all too real to me.
The emotions are still fresh.

The questions still come quickly.

The pain is still there.

The fear comes quickly.

But, I know that my momma fought with all that she was. I am thankful for the example that she was during this fight and that we never saw her faith waiver. She knew who was in control of her fight and who was on her side. And I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that she is no longer fighting. She is no longer in pain. She is no longer sick. My momma was HEALED in the early hours of the morning on January 23, 2007. I won't forget the days and months that lead up to that morning. I won't forget the way I felt that morning. I won't forget the days that followed. But, I will always know where my momma is. And I can rejoice that Heaven is a much better place for her!

Tonight I was "catching up" on the blogs I enjoy reading when I learned of a young family that is in the middle of a horrible time. First let me say that after reading this friend's blog I was reminded how much the wonderful friends I have made over the past 5 years have become like family to me. My "family" extends across this country and around the world, between families and friends stationed in other countries to those loved ones who are currently deployed... but, back to tonight. Tonight I was reading a familiar blog when I read of The Sullivans and the tragic circumstances they are facing. I sat here and read their previous posts to "catch up" on all they had already been through. Tears filled my eyes as I finished reading their story and where Brady Sullivan is now and what he is facing. Tonight my heart is hurting for this young family and I am praying for GOD to give them peace like only He can. I may not know this family personally, but I feel that one of "our family" is hurting tonight as he is a jet pilot for the Air Force. Tonight I ask that you remember this young man and his family in your prayers too.

All too real.
The pain.
The loneliness.
The feelings of "where do we go from here"
and "what do we do now"
But, we are not alone!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way and

the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and

the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

September 11... then and now

2009-09-11T22:44:00.006-04:00

September 11, 2001... It was my senior year of nursing school. I woke up that morning and drove to work. As I was on my way I was listening to the radio and heard the DJs begin talking about an "airplane crash" in New York.
As they continued to talk I listened as they watched the second Tower get hit by the hijacked plane...
I listened as they realized that these were attacks and that they were intentional.
Once I arrived at work we called and had someone bring us a TV so we could see what was happening.
As we watched the Pentagon get attacked and then heard of the brave Americans who took down Flight 93 the reality of it all set in.

Who would attack the United States?
We were not at war... why was this happening?

We went home for the day. As I got out of my car my dad asked why I was home and I remember telling him that "America is under attack!" I remember watching the news stations just wanting more and more information and answers.

I remember the tears,
the sadness for all those people who were lost,
the fear of what would happen next.
I remember wanting the fear to go away
and the safety that I once knew to come back.

The next few days were spent watching more "coverage." I do remember the day I was driving to clinicals and I remember seeing one of the first planes that was allowed to fly again in Columbus. As I drove up the freeway and watched it fly through our city buildings, I remember the fear that I was about to witness the same type of attack in my own home and what it was like for those who watched it in New York. I still remember watching that plane...
I remember thinking mostly of the impact this situation had on the firefighters in New York.
(at this time in my life, there were no military attachments for me) I remember thinking about

MY HERO
the firefighters
my dad

I remember dad saying that he wanted to go help with the search and rescue and how proud of him I was for what he does. Daddy's Girls heroes are always (and will always be) their daddy's. I remember not wanting him to go because I didn't want anything to happen to him, as I had watched the Towers collapse. Dad's department didn't send anyone, but he was on the list to go.

I remember thinking... What now??

September 11, 2009...
As I started writing the date last night at work it started to hit me.

I have always remembered the day
and thought about those who were lost
and thought about where I was that day...

Today it was harder.
Today I also remember that my guy is gone
and fighting for our freedom
Today I miss him, but am so proud of him
and so proud to call him My Hero as well

To hear the songs, to see the many tributes from friends and others. To see the reactions as people ask "what's today's date?"... these all brought more emotion today than I expected. The memories and emotions are just as strong, probably stronger, today than they were 8yrs ago.

Who would have thought this is where I would be?
In love with a Navy Jet Pilot.

Knowing that he has made a choice
to give of his time and life to serve and protect our country.
And knowing that I have chosen to support him in every way I can.
Today I not only think about BW
but also about all the friends we have made along this journey.
The ones who are home and the ones who are away.

Today, I am proud to be a part of this crazy Navy life
and am proud to call him mine.

I remember those who were lost
I remember those who were directly affected
I remember those who are fighting today to keep us safe.

Ohio

2009-09-09T10:58:00.007-04:00

As has become my "routine" every year, I went up to Ohio for Labor Day weekend. This is a great weekend for me to plan a trip up there because

1) I usually can manage a long weekend

2) it's Cody's birthday

3) the first OSU Football game of the season!!!

So, this year was the same. I was able to drive up to Ohio on Thursday and stay until Tuesday morning. The drive is long, but this was the best driving I have done making this trip -- it was beautiful and sunny on my way up and even though it rained some as I left OH on Thursday it started clearing around WV and just became sunnier and prettier as I got closer to home. All-in-all not a bad drive! It was nice to have something to check another weekend off the calendar, even though I realized (again) that I even missed BW while I was there because I couldn't call and tell him the funny stories (ie the rednecks shooting a cow out front the first night...* ) or about what we did. But, I did hear from him so am thankful for that! =)

But, back to my visit... I arrived Thursday night which was Cody's 5th birthday! I cannot believe he is 5yrs old... I remember flying to Ohio 5yrs ago from LA to be there for his birth. He is so cute and so smart and just such a great boy! I am so in love with him...

Thursday night we had pizza (Tressa has learned the way to my heart =) and always shows up with Donatos... she's the best!!) and then dad had a little birthday cake for Cody, which he loved! Then Friday dad had planned a fun day of celebrating... he, Tressa, Cody and I went to Galaxy Golf were Cody was able to run around and play in the tunnels, play games and win tickets, we all played putt-putt and of course he opened presents!! What fun I had buying presents... kid's got it made with Aunt Jessie living out of town so I may or may not completely spoil him when I do come back to Ohio =) and boy do I love to do it!!

We played 18 holes of putt-putt, now let me just say I never enjoyed that game when my brother used to choose to do it every single year for his birthday... and I am still no good at it! But, I had a blast spending time with Cody and dad and Tressa. We all hit holes-in-one on one hole or another, mine was probably the most difficult hole on the course!! =) And Cody just had so much fun. It was a great day!! I am so glad I was able to spend that time with him (and them).

Saturday was GAME TIME!!! I absolutely-with-all-I-am L.O.V.E. college football, and especially Ohio State Football!! It just makes me so happy =) So I am super excited for college football season to be here. I especially love the fun and excitement of being on campus with my friends tailgating and then being in the stadium watching the game!! I love my OSU friends (Lori!!) and really appreciate getting to take part in all the fun of football Saturdays with her/them!

This game was especially exciting for me since Ohio State was playing Navy and BW is an USNA grad... but it sucked, too, since he couldn't be there with me. I will admit I was slightly torn... for a second... on who to cheer for, but never fear! I wore my RED and cheered with the best -- loudest! -- of them!! =) Although, it was much more exciting for me to watch the fly-over at this game than it ever has been before, and it was fun to know "what kind of airplane that was" whenever that question was brought up =) I answered proudly, "THAT was a F-18!"... quickly followed by "my guy flies those!" hehe

After a not-so-great game by my dear Buckeyes,

the scoreboard still tells the story! =)

OSU 31 Navy 27

Layla was very tired after all of her cheering as well! But she loves her new OSU collar!

GO BUCKEYES!!!

Those were the highlights of my trip. I enjoyed being back up in Ohio for a bit and had a great time with my friends and family. I hate missing football season more than anything and that was renewed this weekend with all the fun I had being at the game and around my 351,785 Buckeye Friends! =) But, I will watch and cheer from home the rest of the season (even have a Buckeye Football Club at my housing community to watch and cheer with!)!

My trip ended, however, on a disappointing note... I was planning a "detour" of sorts on my way home to visit with someone who used to be very close to me who is celebrating an exciting time in her life. However, at the last minute, that visit was cancelled (not by me) and that made me incredibly sad. I've seen life change and have seen the effects of life's changes effect friendships in many different ways... this is one I always thought would be there and would be close, but it has been made very evident lately that that will not be the case here. I am incredibly sad and hurt by this, but will move on... I learned from my momma to love my friends usually until it hurts, and will never regret doing that -- in this situation or any other. I am beyond thankful for the new friends I have to go through this deployment with as well as the ones that have been around for awhile and are still fabulous! It is always hard and sad to see a friend, especially one that was so close, turn away.

BW is doing well... somewhere far away. Email has become a very important part of my day and I never knew how exciting a 20 minute phone call could be or the impact it could have on my day, but I am so thankful for it! Be safe, my love! I miss you!

*The first night I was at dad's was beyond entertaining... dad went to bed, I put Cody to bed and was just sitting down to read when I heard a helicopter outside (it's about 11pm), I look out and realize it is a police helicopter and is shining its light around outside... this is fun, I think, looking for someone right outside... no sooner does that thought cross my mind do I hear GUNSHOTS! Huh, getting more interesting by the minute!! Dad comes downstairs just as I start up to get him, says he saw a Sheriff pull up out front with lights on and we hear more gun shots... so out we go to find out what on earth is going on. After about 30+ minutes dad comes back in with the story... the redneck neighbors shot a cow!!! Apparently about 3 months ago 18 cows got loose from one of the close-by farms. With-in the first couple days 17 were caught but they just couldn't get the last one, apparently. So, the farmer said recently that if anyone found it they could shoot it. Well, of course that gets the local rednecks all excited and they have been out hunting this cow/steer ever since!!! Apparently Thursday night a Columbus police officer was on his way to work and saw the cow at the creek by dad's house, called his station who sent out the helicopter which then got the attention of the redneck neighbors and they came out and shot the steer in the field across the street from dad's house! I can't even make this stuff up... Dad said the crazy redneck was out there posing for pictures with his wife-beater on, barely covering his beer-belly and his foot up on the steer... had I known what was going on I would have taken a picture myself! Only in Ohio, I tell you!

One Down!

2009-08-30T23:08:00.006-04:00

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you;

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

(Deuteronomy 31:8)

One month down!! Who-hoo... but wow, the drama and problems that can come about in just a month. I feel like every time I think I am doing okay, then WAM! I am hit with some out of control drama that I didn't even see coming. From dealing with people just trying to cause trouble, to dealing with unknown issues with people who are supposed to be good friends to the fuel pump going out on my car... it has been a long month!

But, with each "issue" there have been other reminders of things and friends to be thankful for. BW has done *fairly* well with communicating; writing emails is not something he enjoys, but he is putting forth an effort and for that I am thankful. Plus, there were a couple days he spent off the boat and I have never been so happy to hear my phone ring at 3am!! =) It's amazing the joy and sadness all at once a single phone call can bring, but wow am I thankful for it!

Each weekend I have been getting together with my new "Bluffton family" which consists of the wives' of some of the guys in the squadron who all live within 5-10min of me. They are amazing girls and I am so so so thankful to have them and so happy about the friendships that are growing between all of us.

This past weekend Alicia came back out to visit, which is always a great time. I love spending girl time with her and just enjoying whatever we are doing. We had a great time enjoying stadium food at the Sandgnats game, relaxed and did nothing on a rainy day, spent the next day at the pool and then hosted a little dinner party for the Bluffton girls... the weekend went too fast, but we will have more time together soon.

As I am excited to have one month down I have started to look forward to the month of September... what a fun time it will be! I will spend about a week in Ohio starting Thursday and cannot wait to go to the opening Ohio State football game! Celebrating Cody's birthday, there is no way he is 5yrs old already... and just spending time with my friends and family. Then I will come back and work a couple days. Have a fun night with the wives' club planned for the next Saturday -- along with college football every Saturday now too!!! Have signed up for more overtime the next week, so will possibly work 5 nights... some girl time on the weekend. A few more days of work, then off to Texas for a friend's wedding weekend which I am so excited about! A couple more days of work and then it will be October... another month down!!! I might be able to do this... =)

I have been reminded that with each drama situation that I have faced, I am not alone. Not only do I have friends and family who support me and are here for me, but God will never leave me and will always be a source of joy... as long as I turn to Him and lean on Him.

Keep the Days Moving

2009-08-16T23:56:00.007-04:00

I don't think I have ever been so excited for summer to be over. Not that I want summer to end, but as it does that means the days are going by and I am that much closer to BW coming home! Plus, things that we have enjoyed doing together just are not as much fun to do alone. I love some "me time" but... I think I have met my quota for awhile! Plus, once summer ends that means it is FOOTBALL SEASON!!! Actually I have been able to stay pretty busy the past couple weeks since he left... work is booming which is great for me picking up plenty of overtime and working extra not only brings in extra $$ (retail therapy, anyone??) but it also makes the days go by much faster... eat, work, sleep, repeat. The weekends are then filled with time with Layla and the girls.

I spent a weekend on the beach in Jacksonville with Amanda.

Always enjoy my time with Beth.

Have had dinner with the other "Bluffton" girls, and am so thankful to have all of them!

And Layla and I are both enjoying our new bike lead which allows us to take bike rides together... good exercise for me (when I get to pedal) and great exercise for her as she runs her little heart out!

The days are going by... I wouldn't complain if they went a little faster, but I am enjoying the time that I have. I know he is doing things he has been trained to do and has been looking forward to actually putting into practice. And, I am so proud of him. But, as the days go by I am counting down to when he will be back home with me so we can start having fun together again!

I love you and miss you Skeeter.

Actually Underway

2009-08-04T03:51:00.009-04:00

So, yes BW left last week... but not really. The squadron went out to San Diego and had just a little more training to do before actually pulling out. So, the boat pulled back into SD this week (Wed) and the guys were all off the boat until Friday morning... when it actually pulled out and is now on its way

somewhere to do something important.

As thankful as I am for those last few days to talk to him and have him back... it meant the good-bye's all over again.

I hate good-bye's. Period. Always have. I can remember hiding behind the couch as a little girl when my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents whoever had come to visit would be leaving so I would not have to tell them bye. I remember crying every time they left. I cried (almost) every time I left one of my travel assignments. I cried every time I left BW during our visits while we lived apart.

So, to have to say good-bye again sucked.

And this time... I know it was for real.

This time he isn't out for a week or a month and then coming home....

this time the countdown REALLY does start!

So now I am back to work... back to spending time with the girls... back to thinking of him and knowing how proud I am and being reminded daily of how much I love him.

And, now I get to look forward to this!

A New Day... Another Week

2009-07-28T01:54:00.007-04:00

It has been a week since BW left. It sucked... but I am doing okay. I am back into a routine with work and making sure my weekends and days off stay busy. Had lots of fun this past weekend in Jacksonville on the beach and just relaxing and catching up on some much need rest. Working this week and looking forward to this weekend when I will be spending time with lots of the girls from the wives' club. Should be lots of fun... usually is =)

Still thinking of him and missing him.

Lots.

But, am doing okay...

And loving the anticipation for when he will

COME HOME

that is already building up.

Lots! =)

I love you, Skeeter.
I am so proud of you.

Fly Safe

2009-07-23T04:12:00.002-04:00

Brian left yesterday.

Kinda

The squadron is in San Diego

The Carrier will pull out tomorrow

They will do some last minute qualifications

Back in San Diego for a couple days

Then

They will be underway.

The countdown starts.

I miss you, babe.

But I am so proud of you.

I know time will fly...

I am ready for it to get going though =(

All my love <3

It's the Little Things...

2009-07-16T06:35:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it catches me off guard

How much I miss my mom.

I mean, its not like I don't think about her

Daily

And still wish she was with me...

But sometimes it just hits me

When I want to call and tell her

The littlest, silliest things.

Like this morning...

So, I will just remember

And know that she would have laughed along with me

And wish (again) that

I could make that one call that

I just can't.

I Love you, Momma

Final Countdown

2009-07-14T04:42:00.003-04:00

With the big D-day looming ahead of us... BW and I have continued to keep all non-working days/hours packed full of fun activities and great times together. Which leads to why it has been so long since I have posted anything (that and I just got my computer back this past weekend so I need to work on getting some photos uploaded).
I will try to give a quick run-down of our latest adventures in Bluffton since we came home from our vacation...

we both worked 3 days/nights the week after we got back... I guess it was nice to "ease" back into the regular schedule (for BW anyway)
Farewell party for one of the guys' in the squadron at our community center. It was super fun to be together again with our squadron "family" and especially for me to see all the girls again! With the boys home we all go our separate ways and as much as I love having him home, I do miss the girl time we have when they are gone. We will miss the couple who is moving on, but wish them lots of luck and happiness! We had a blast that night at their party.
Fourth of July... celebrated at another couple's community center with the squadron "Bluffton" friends as well as other friends. Boys and fireworks... wow, probably a bad combo! But, we had a great time, and no one was burnt!
Lots of time spent in the sun either at our lazy river.. ahh, my favorite place!!! Or at Hilton Head Beach. Sushi dinner, pretty much a weekend tradition! We both had 5 days off over the holiday weekend so it was fun to spend it together.
Again, back to work for the week
Friday night we had dinner (sushi, of course) and went out in Hilton Head with a couple of the guys from the squadron
Saturday test drove a couple cars -- BW is actually looking at maybe laying the Tahoe to rest... man I wish he would!! That evening we went to the local seafood store and bought some shrimp and craw fish to take home for dinner. WOW! I have a new favorite!!! This was my first experience with craw fish (BW had had them in New Orleans one time before) and I L.O.V.E. them!!! Plus, it is always so much fun to have the guys come over and cook up some seafood and sit out on the patio and enjoy the weather and food. We went that night and saw the 80s cover band that the boys' are in love with, always a good time.
Sunday was a nice relaxing day... some time at the lazy river, an afternoon nap for me =) a bike ride with BW, Layla and I (which, just FYI means I pedaled my little heart out and BW just sat on his bike holding Layla's leash as she runs). Dinner with BW and the roommate... overall a great day!
and now it is back to work again

We have been able to re-organize some things at the house to help with putting away more of my things. And we are now looking forward to another weekend (maybe even to include... more craw fish and sushi =) yum!) at the end of this long work week to spend together.. I know there are probably 150,387 things that will need to be done to "get ready" but I am looking forward to just being together. Everything else will fall into place.... which means, I will take care of it later =)

Our emotions are both running a little crazy... stress not only from the big day looming over us, but we both have stress from work things as well. We are adjusting... and doing the best that, I think, can be expected. I will try to get some pictures uploaded... we will see if I can find that kind of time =) Have a great week!

Home Again

2009-07-01T22:01:00.007-04:00

Wow! What a great time we had on vacation. 10 whole days of time for BW and I to spend together was amazing... more than any other time in our relationship... although by the end it was nice to have other friends around for each of us to talk to =) So, a quick run-down of our time...

Carnival Cruise

Jacksonville, FL to The Bahamas (Nassau and Freeport)

We had a blast on the cruise! We had both been on cruises before with friends, obviously mine just a few weeks ago =) So it was nice to go with just the two of us. The sun was shining and it was warm every day, except for a short afternoon shower in Nassau it was all sun! We spent lots of time by the pool, made a couple new friends who were at our dinner table (aka the kids' table), wandered around The Bahamas visiting The Atlantis, snorkeling, shopping in the straw markets, seeing the beaches and crystal clear water... wow, it was fabulous. And the time off to just be together and relax without distractions like places to go, people to see and CELL PHONES was just what we needed. I cannot wait to go on another cruise =) ... and with him!

Phoenix, Arizona

Visiting his family

The day after we came home from the cruise we flew out bright and early* to Phoenix/Scottsdale to visit with BW's family and friends. We spent a few shorts days (only 2 nights) in AZ so it was quick. Tuesday we spent visiting with his mom and that evening she made a wonderful dinner of steaks (for BW), salmon, king crab legs and tater tots (also for BW). YUM!! That night we spent the evening with a friend from TX who now lives there and one of BW's childhood friends, lots of fun. Wednesday we went over to hang out with BW's dad and spent some time enjoying the heat at the pool. That evening we all went up to Desert Mountain and looked at million-dollar houses, I picked out one or two =) Then we had dinner at Apache, also very yummy. Another night spent with the guys from the night before, this time it was "Wii Wednesday" at the bar so we played some Wii games for awhile... not BW's favorite thing =) Thursday morning we were able to go see his sister's new house and visit with her before heading to the airport to fly to San Diego! Quick trip, yes, but it was nice for him to get to visit with his family before deployment.

*I don't do mornings... and a 730a flight means getting up at 515a... not a fan*

San Diego, California

Rob & Siouxsie's Wedding

We spent the weekend back in beautiful San Diego, CA with lots of friends we had not seen in over a year or more. The weather was gorgeous when we arrived and it was like "coming home" (I know I have said that before, but it still was!) and we were both so happy to be back. We checked into our hotel, made a few phone calls to start rallying the troops and then headed to our favorite sushi restaurant in PB and had dinner. Amazing. After dinner we met up with a couple of my girls and then all headed downtown to meet up with the friends in town for the wedding. What a crazy fun night... It is always so much fun to see old friends, and I love seeing BW with his old friends and having so much fun. Friday we spent some time at the pool, ate some In-N-Out, a CA must! And then went to see the soon-to-be newlyweds' new house and just relax a little with them. Friday evening we met up with Doug & Michelle who had just arrived in town and the four of us enjoyed a beautiful southern California sunset from the ocean-view seating at George's in La Jolla. The food was fabulous and the time together always enjoyable. That night we met up again with friends in PB for a little while before heading home. Saturday we all hung out at the pool again for the day before the wedding, which was very nice on the first hole of the golf course. The reception was fun with all the gang together again and we hung out late into the night. Sunday it was up and out to get to the airport for our full day of travel back home, including a 3-hr layover in Houston... as much as we love Texas I think we both could have done without that. Oh well, it was nice to have that time alone together again before heading back to real life.

Now we are both back to work, finishing our work week with me at work tonight actually, and will both be off all weekend. We have lots going on this weekend (not that that is unusual I guess) with a Farewell for one of the fun couples in the squadron =( Thursday night and then a huge 4th of July / Going Away Bash on Saturday. BW and I are both off work Thurs through Mon so that should be nice and hopefully we will be able to get some things done around the house as well that need to be done within the next few short weeks...

Happy 4th of July!

By the way... my computer is still lost in the land of FedEx (not my favorite company right now, but that is another story... ahem) so I am unable to upload all the wonderful pictures I have from these 10 days and share some favorites with you. My hope is to at least get them uploaded to BW's computer this weekend and then share them from there until my computer finds its way back home to me...

BON VOYAGE!!

2009-06-18T16:00:00.006-04:00

Wow... my "to-do" list never got shorter this week! A few things...

pack up remaining things at apartment
take remaining things to Goodwill -- how do I end up with sooo much stuff!?
wives' club projects
wives' club emails regarding projects
laundry
try to unpack and feel settled at home
run errands
pedicure -- very important, you know!
work!
take layla to aunt Amanda's
dinner
sleep...
PACK for VACATION!!!
talk to landlord

Not all of them got done. Some did. Not everything is on the list. Not crossing everything off my to-do list causes me great stress. But... it doesn't matter now!!

It's time for VACATION!!! WHO-HOO!!! =)

As you are reading this, our Carnival Cruise ship is pulling out of Jacksonville, FL for a fabulous four nights. Sailing into port in Nassau Bahamas as well as Freeport Bahamas! I am so excited. Bring on the fun in the sun!! (the weather this time looks much better than my last cruise!)

10 days off work. 10 days with Brian. Another cruise... a couple days in Arizona... a weekend in San Diego with dearly missed friends... aahhh. I wish it would never end...

Our Weekend

2009-06-16T02:51:00.003-04:00

With BW home for our final countdown of weekends *sniff sniff* we are having lots of fun whenever we can! This weekend had potential for being not-so-fun and I was super stressed about it (as evidenced by the nasty canker sores in my mouth! ouch!!)... However, things turned out perfectly and we had a blast!
Friday I napped for a couple hours before the calls started coming in from the girls wanting to join me at our lazy river.. so I got up and headed out.. turns out no one else came over until BW got home from work and he and one of the guys came out, but I still had a nice day. I napped on my chair for a bit but quickly realized it was WAAY too hot for that, so I found a raft and started floating... and napping =) Woke up at one point to realize I had floated out of the lazy river into the main pool and some poor boy was pushing me back into the lazy river so I could keep floating in circles!! haha thanks, little buddy! =)
Friday night BW, myself and two of the other guys headed down to Savannah for sushi and went to The Wing to see a band I was super excited about. We had lots and lots of fun!!
Saturday we slept in... love those days! And then it was out for lunch and a couple things and back to the lazy river! Where else would one want to spend a gorgeous weekend?? I need to post some pictures of the river so you can understand why it is so amazing... Then Saturday evening one of the couples in the squadron had a cookout and we all went to their house to hang out for awhile before heading out to see a different band play in Bluffton that night. At the cookout I got to snuggle with Miss Siena our newest addition to the squadron =) She is about 3wks old and is adorable!!! It is always fun to snuggle with normal babies after seeing the ones I work with everyday.
Sunday... I think you can guess what we did =) Lunch and then lazy river for a few hours. We did have to spend Sunday evening at my apartment finishing up the packing and sorting for Goodwill. WOW, I accumulate a lot of stuff... and stuff I don't need! (but, I have learned that BW is the biggest pack rat of them all! The kid still has clothes he wore in high school and has not worn since then!!! Then again... he kinda reminds me of Vic... hmmm...) So we did lots of packing and moving.
Today I was able to sleep in some before having some wives' club things to finish up and a couple other things to do. It was great to text him at 11a and have him ask why I was up so early =) After a nap I went to the apartment again to load up my car with the Goodwill stuff before work so that all that is left to do is clean and take out the last bit of trash! Yay =) It is great to be done with all that because....

THURSDAY STARTS OUR 10 DAY VACATION!!!

I am so excited!! We will be....

Going on a 4-night cruise... Yes, I did just get back from one but I am going again! =)

(and canNOT wait!!)

Going to Arizona for a couple of days to visit his family...

Going to San Diego for a friend's wedding!

Wow... all in 10 Days! But it will be lots of fun and I am so looking forward to the time together.

Stand-by for fun pictures... **side note, my computer is broke =( so uploading pictures is difficult... but I will try to get the ones from this weekend up before VACATION!**

Summer Fun

2009-06-11T22:29:00.007-04:00

I just realized it has been a really long time since I have posted anything... guess that means there is nothing super exciting going on... or that I have just been too busy to actually sit down and write anything =) probably a combination of both!
With BW and his squadron finishing up the last stage of work-ups (that goodness they are over!!!) the wives' club has been busy trying to get lots of "surprises" in the works for them while they are gone. I am so happy to be included in this wonderful group of girls and really am thankful for the support I have found in them (and will have during deployment) and the friendships that have been built. I look forward to the time we will be spending together while the boys are gone. As happy as we all are to have them home right now... I miss my girls and our dinners and times spent together!
BW came home last weekend -- who-hoo! -- and so we are now in our last few weeks together before the actual deployment. It's bittersweet... enjoying the time we have but knowing what it is leading up to, but then knowing that the sooner deployment starts the sooner he will be home again =) and learning to deal with the stress of many people pulling us in many directions as well as all the emotions we are both dealing with... whew! I spent the week before he got home packing up and getting things together to move up to the house in Bluffton where I will be staying while he is deployed. I wanted to have the majority of this done before he got home, and amazingly enough I did! (Even with working all week and picking up overtime shifts!) I was able to sell all my furniture from my apt on craigslist easily for the same amount I had spent on it, so basically was able to use it for 6 months for free! And BW and I are now working on getting things re-organized at the house so that I have room for my stuff while he is gone and his stuff that he is not taking will be put away. It's a daunting task, but we are getting there =)
I am so happy to have him home, and it has been great to get to see him every evening this week for dinner before I left for work... but I have to keep in mind not to get used to this, but I am still thankful for it! We have planned a great vacation for our time off during these weeks -- a cruise, some time in Arizona with his friends and family and then a weekend in San Diego for a friend's wedding! -- and I am looking forward to it. Standby for great pictures from that time.
Wow... I am exhausted all over again just reading through this post... what else is there to say? Basically I am just thrilled to have my honey home with me for now and am cherishing every moment I get to spend with him during this time!

I have also gained a renewed respect for my mom lately and the amazing relationship she and I were able to have (not to leave out the wonderful relationship my dad and I have built lately as well!)... I have been reminded that it is amazing when parents can reach a point where they realize their children have become adults and both parties are able to respect each other as adults. I appreciate my parents and they way they have always supported me and taught me how to have relationships and friendships with other people who are important in my life. Being reminded of this has made me miss my mom lately... some things I would love to talk to her about and vent with her about... I can only imagine her laughing and agreeing with me, I am Debbie's daughter, ya know!

Hope you are all enjoying your summer so far as well!

Girls, girls, girls

2009-06-01T11:06:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately while I was on the cruise my camera battery died... I was sure I had packed my battery charger, but when I looked for it I could not find it anywhere*! So I relied on the girls to take pictures for me -- something that was very hard for me to do as I love taking pictures! So far I have not been able to get my hands on the pictures the girls took to share them, but one of the lady's at our dinner table was nice enough to email me this picture of Amanda, Candice and I at our last dinner on the cruise. We had lots of fun dressing up for dinner and I, of course, loved being able to have whatever my little heart desired off the menu! One of my favorite parts of the cruise =)

*turns out my battery charger was in my suitcase... right where I had put it... in the inside secret pocket that I never use! Great thinking, Jess, great thinking!

Thought I would also share a lovely picture of the ladies from the wives' club for BW's squadron, also known as the "WinderChicks." We had a little function this weekend and then had dinner to celebrate one wife joining us and another leaving. We have a great group of ladies and I am very thankful to be included in it (seeing as how I am not a wife... but that is a whole other post!).

Obviously I am not looking forward to BW deploying soon. However, I am thankful beyond words for the excellent group of girl friends that I have made and will have as support through this next step in our relationship. The friendship that I have built with Amanda and the girls at work is amazing and I am thankful over and over for it. She has been here for me in in ways that she definitely has not had to so early in a friendship, but boy am I thankful she has been! And I cannot begin to express what a blessing it is to be a part of a group of women like the WinderChicks and feel the connection that we have. Sure, you put that many women from all different backgrounds and beliefs together you are bound to have some drama... but for the most part we all get along and are very supportive of one another. I have built a very close friendship with Beth (sitting to my left in the picture) already and am so thankful for that as well. Yes this group of women, like I said, come from different backgrounds and do different things, but we are all going through the same thing with work-ups and the upcoming deployment. Some have been through deployment before (some many times) and a couple of us are on our first... but the support that is in this group lets me know we will all make it through.

All of this being said, I am still of course very thankful for the friends I have made who are spread across the country and cherish each of those friendships as well. Alicia is irreplaceable, and the understanding that we have with each other is unbelievable. The girls in Ohio (Lori, Dena, Jen) are fabulous and I always look forward to the times we are able to spend together. The friends I have in NC (Alix, Lisa, UNC girls, Erin) are wonderful and I hope to spend time visiting with them these upcoming months. And, of course my girls in San Diego are forever in my heart and I miss them dearly. The Navy friends I have met along this journey (Cara!) are unbelievable and I love you; you have taught me so much while watching you go through this journey too.

I am blessed.

Back to Real Life

2009-05-26T06:39:00.002-04:00

I have returned from my rocky and rainy cruise to Nassau Bahamas. Overall the cruise experience (since this was my first time) was a blast, but the weather did suck. However, we made the most of it, made new friends and ate plenty =) That is probably my favorite part... I can order and eat anything I want? And its all free? And I can have 3 (or more) soft-serve ice cream cones each day if I want?? Amazing. I cannot wait to go on another cruise, stand-by for those plans though.
As for now I am back to work (actually finishing my first night back now). Of course Memorial Day would be the first sunny day we have had in weeks and I did not get to celebrate with friends and cook-outs, but had to come to work, and not get paid holiday pay but that is a whole different story! I did enjoy a couple of hours of sun at the pool this afternoon so I am thankful for that.
This week is exciting because my fun friend Lisa (aka KitKat) from NC is coming to town and I can hardly contain my excitement!! Lisa and I met while I worked at UNC this last time, but unfortunately our friendship started closer to the end of my time there and not the beginning =(
But at least we have remained close since my leaving and geographically I think we can manage many more fun reunions and we are looking forward to this one tons!
After Lisa leaves I work a few more days again and then BW comes home (again) for the last time before his actual deployment. I am so excited to be done with work-ups. For those of you who don't have to experience them you are lucky, they are the worst part I am certain. For those of you who have been through them, I am sure you can understand!

I do hope that y'all had a wonderful holiday weekend and a great Memorial Day. I did spend a lot of time thinking about the day and those loved ones of mine who the day is meant for. I remember with a heavy heart those lost just this past week in an accident off BW's boat during a training exercise in preparation for their deployment. I remember a dear friend, Eric, who gave his life for my freedom. And I remember so many others who I love who have served and given up so much for my freedom as well. THANK YOU is not enough... for those who serve or for those who are at home supporting and missing them, but it is the best I have.

And the rest of the Pictures!!

2009-05-16T00:06:00.008-04:00

Our weekend in Va Beach was a blast!!

We were able to stay with Cara and Patrick and had so much fun!

Cara is a dear friend of mine. And Krista was able to hang out too!

One of my best guy friends Dave was in town for a class

(my main reason for going!)

So it was great to spend some quality time with him as well.

Me and my favorite boys!

The best thing about the Navy is all the amazing friends I (we) have made along this journey.
And so many of them live in VA Beach...

It was a big reunion with so many of our friends!

Layla got to visit her friend Shiner too!

They love each other!

After our weekend in VA beach we were back to work and then the weekend before BW and the boys left again we had everyone over for Oysters.

This is the view of our back porch on oyster nights...

we really have so much fun and will miss these nights when we leave here!

Amanda and I with our pile of destruction!

Friday Favorites

2009-05-15T23:34:00.011-04:00

Finally I have uploaded all the pictures from all the fun that has been going on. I am going to try and pick my favorites (but there really are sooo many to choose from!) to share.

These pictures are from the DAR Cemetery in Savannah.

It was a beautiful day and I had some time to kill so I walked around the park.

This headstone (as well as many of the others) dates back to 1824!!

If you remember back, I spent a day on the boat and beach with Amanda and her family...

Loving our day on the beach; hanging out with Amanda and her sister.

Later we all went to Forsyth Park to see the Sidewalk Chart Art...

So many of the displays were soo amazing!

These were just a few of my favorites.

If you are at Forsyth Park you have to take a picture by the Fountain

Amanda, me, Candice and Mallory

Upcoming Plans

2009-05-15T06:19:00.002-04:00

So BW is gone (again) and that means I fill my time with lots of fun things... not to say we don't fill our time with lots of fun things, but it is important to my sanity sometimes that I plan for the weekends that we don't get to spend together. Last weekend he was here and we had a great time just lounging at the lazy river with friends, having everyone over for an oyster roast (you know we love that!) and going out for a "date-night" -- very rare for BW and I to go out alone, so those nights are really special to me. Then Sunday was a rough day for me with not having my mom on Mother's Day and of course Sunday would be the day he was leaving! And even though we have been through this gone-for-a-month thing a couple of times now with work-ups (not to mention all the times while we were living apart) this time seemed harder... for both of us. Turns out the plane was broke and he didn't leave til Monday morning, so we got to spend Sunday night just relaxing and watching TV and it was fabulous!!!
So, as I have in the past, I worked OT this week and am so happy to be *almost* finished with my fourth night! And am looking forward to this weekend, and the following ones! This weekend is the airshow on base and I am going on Sunday with a couple of the wives'. It should be fun, hopefully the weather is good though... clouds + airshows don't really work out so well. Other than that this weekend will consist of a doggy play-date Friday night for Layla and Lily (who belongs to one of the wives'), which means "play date" for me and Katherine too =) Saturday will hopefully be a day at the lazy river and then we have a Wives' Club meeting that night.
Now let's take a quick look at the weekends ahead... One week from today I will be on a boat!!! A cruise boat that is!! My friend Amanda and Candice and I booked this mini-vaca about a month ago and have been sooo excited about it since. I have never been on a cruise and so am super pumped and just cannot wait! Next week will be a super long week at work just counting the hours until we leave Thursday morning.
The weekend after my cruise one of my favorite friends from NC, Lisa, is coming to visit. I have not seen her since I left NC and just cannot tell you how excited about this I am. She may very well be one of the most fun people I have met... we have a a blast every time we are together and our friendship only just started shortly before I left NC so it is over-due time for us to be together!!
And then, the weekend after Lisa comes BW comes home!!! This is the last time he is gone until he really leaves and so our time during June will be filled to the brim!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead and I promise to work on pictures, not only of everything I have not posted pictures of lately but of all the fun to come!!

Prayer Requests

2009-05-12T22:52:00.005-04:00

There are always things to be prayed for, but it seems that sometimes the list of "serious" things just goes on and on. This week I kinda feel that way... so thought I would share a couple things and if you think about it, you can lift these requests up to God with me.

my brother and his wife Jen
my cousin Chuck who just returned from deployment and his wife
BW as he (and his squadron) finish their last work-up DET before deployment
my dear friend Alicia
my friend Alix and her pregnancy

A family that needs prayer especially is this blog family as they mourn the loss of their baby. They have been on the ultimate NICU journey and faced so many difficult days while continuing to keep their focus on God and his will.

It is when reading these other blogs that I am reminded that our Faith is the only thing that carries us through these difficult times. I will never forget the amazing display of faith that my aunt and my momma showed as they were facing their hard days. Nor will I forget the peace that we felt as we walked through those times of loss with them. The pain of those sad days is still real to me, as I assume it will always be, but I am grateful when I am reminded of the peace that came with our faith in God. I do not know how anyone makes it through these times without that faith and that peace and the loving arms of God to fall into. But, I am so thankful that I have it. So as my family faces challenges now that we are all lifting up in prayer I know that God is with us and will take care of all of us as we go through these circumstances as well.

My Friend Cara

2009-05-06T23:44:00.001-04:00

Please take a minute to click on this link and read about my friend Cara, and be sure to watch the video!!
http://caradurnin.blogspot.com/2009/02/great-strides-2009-video.html

My very good friend Cara Durnin is taking strides to make "CF" stand for "Cure Found!" Visit Cara's GREAT STRIDES Home Page at http://www.cff.org/great_strides/CaraDurnin!

Cara is one of the sweetest and most genuine people I know. I met Cara in Kingsville while Brian was finishing flight school with her (now) husband Patrick. Immediately I Loved her!! She was amazing. I was so excited to find out that Cara and Patrick would be moving to San Diego with us for the next step in training, and even more stoked to learn that Brian was going to be living with them which meant we would all have lots of time to spend together and get to know one another. Cara and I had so much fun in San Diego with our days either enjoying the sun or watching America's Next Top Model... ate lots of good food.. and even did some (or lots) or shopping. Our time in San Diego would not have been the same without the Durnin's. Now Cara and Patrick live in Va Beach and graciously open their home to us whenever we go up to visit, and still we have some of the best times ever with them!
Cara is living with CF and is one of the biggest fighters for a cure I have ever met. I am inspired all the time by her. You can read her story at either link above, but the blog is the one with the inspiring video as well.
Please help Cara (and all the other CFer's) fight this disease and find a cure!

Happy Nurse's Day

2009-05-06T22:11:00.004-04:00

Today is Nurse's Day, so to all of my nurse friends "Happy Nurse's Day" =) No one really knows about Nurse's day unless 1) you are a nurse or 2) you have a nurse in your life and even then sometimes you don't know. But, for the most part hospitals (and travel companies) try to say thanks for what we do during this week (Nurse's Week) and today especially. Here in Savannah, the hospital provided us with a free breakfast this morning! Filling up on eggs and bacon and yummy breakfast-goodness before bed is one of my favorite things!! When mom was alive, she would always send me a card for Nurse's Day as she was probably my biggest fan.

Funny thing about Nurse's Day though is that it has started me thinking about what I do and why I do it... I guess recently I have been thinking about this. Many of my new friends in Savannah are "young" nurses and its funny how when you first start out as a nurse you think you can save the world! And, many young nurses in the NICU think that every baby is the cutest thing ever (they are not) and that we can save them all and give them happy and healthy lives (we cannot always do this) and that working in the NICU is perfect for people who love babies and just want to sit and hold them and love on them (not what happens in the NICU, that is the Newborn Nursery). And I guess because of my years in the field and the way the thought process changes I feel that my love of my job is questioned by some of those "younger" nurses, which then makes me question it. But, I know that I love what I do. I know that there are days (nights) when I have ethical issues with what I do and there are times that I become very frustrated with what I do... but each night when I work and am able to care for a sick infant and maybe catch something that would cause greater harm and find a solution for it... or I can position one of the little ones so they can sleep comfortably... and I can help a parent feel close to their infant and learn about their infant and when I am able to share some of the knowledge I have gained from not only my years of experience but also all the places I have worked with the younger girls... and the feeling of knowing that I actively participated, if not was the only participator in saving a life... I realize that I do Love what I do and there is nothing else I could see myself doing and feeling so satisfied with.

Lately with the various other blogs that I have found myself reading, I feel that I have learned a great deal about how to better care for the parents of these little ones that I care for. It has been a great learning experience for me to learn the parent's view of what we do, what their understanding of why we do it is and then to take the knowledge and turn it into a better way to explain everything to the parents.

So, I am proud to say I am A Nurse. I am a NICU Nurse. And I am a really good nurse! =) But, most importantly, I am a Nurse who Loves what I do!

Still Alive

2009-04-30T22:09:00.002-04:00

Apparently I have taken a hiatus from blogging.. but not for any reason in particular, I even took pictures on an outing the other day strictly for the purpose of blogging (have not yet uploaded said pictures, but what can you expect, really?)

Anyway, what has been going on in my life.... well, let's see... most importantly the weather here in the SC - GA area is amazing! I have decided I am in love with this place! Although, I think I have said that before about south Texas as well as San Diego and probably even Los Angeles... none-the-less, I am in love with Savannah and SC.

This past Saturday I was able to "intrude" on a family day with my friend Amanda and go on her family's boat out to an island and spend some time. Then we all went downtown Savannah to see the Sidewalk Chalk Art, which was really cool*

*and again I took pictures to upload, but see the note above*

Saturday night Brian came home (again) so that was exciting. We had a great time just relaxing and being together again. With the weather being amazing we were able to spend all day Sunday at the pool / lazy river. It was a fabulous day!!! That night one of the couples in the squadron had everyone over for a cookout and we spent a few hours sitting around a fire just chatting and laughing. It was really fun to have all the boys home again for the weekend and to have everyone together for a little while. We have such a great group of people in the squadron here and I am very thankful for all of them!! Brian had Monday off work and so did I so we were able to spend all day Monday together too, which we were thankful for. We went to lunch with a couple guys and then he and I went to the beach for awhile and that night our lunch group went for sushi dinner -- YUM YUM!!! =)
We are back to work for the week but are planning on heading up to Va Beach tomorrow as soon as I get off work to play with some of our friends for this whole weekend. I am so very excited!!! We will be staying with Cara and her freshly returned husband, seeing BW's best buddy Joe, and of course spending lots of time with our good friend Dave. I am soo excited... did I say that yet? Can't wait!!

PS I am pretty sure I had the SWINE FLU two weeks ago and am very happy to report I am still alive so please don't let the media scare you into staying in your homes!!!

Enjoy your Weekend!!!!

oh, and standby for all of those pictures I need to upload... as well as plenty to come from this weekend!!!

My Easter in Ohio

2009-04-18T16:45:00.008-04:00

Even though the drive lasted for 11.5hrs, and I was exhausted, and it was raining, and it was cold and rainy in Ohio while I was there and it was 80 back home in SC/GA... it was a really nice weekend and I am very happy I was able to go home and visit. (oh, and I came home really sick...)

I got into town Friday night and dad and Tressa were waiting for me at the house with Donatos pizza... no better way to be welcomed home! Yum Yum!! Saturday I slept in and boy did I need that after working so much and the long drive. Then I went up to Lori's house for some special time with her and her adorable daughter Olivia. We colored Easter eggs, which is super fun with 2yr olds!! =)

Olivia had lots of fun and did really well coloring eggs...

until she dumped the coloring and was all done! =)

Easter Sunday we all -- me, dad, Tressa, Shawn and Cody -- went to church together and then out to brunch at Cracker Barrel. That evening Dad had been invited to a wedding reception/celebration for some Arabic friends of his.... so off we went. I had no idea what to expect from the reception/celebration but knew that it would be the clashing of two cultures when I sat down at this table...

You can't get the whole experience from this picture, but I think you get the idea...

All-in-all though, the reception was a very neat experience. Tressa and I really enjoyed the beautiful dresses all the women were wearing.

The rest of my trip was spent enjoying my time with my sweet nephew, Cody Lane!

Is he not the sweetest thing you have ever seen??!!

We had lots of fun playing games and building with legos and him chasing Layla... it was a blast and I miss that sweet boy so much. One thing I hate about my faulous life of moving and living in fantastic places is that this sweet boy is so far away. But, we definitely make up for it when I come home to visit and have loads of fun!

Monday night we all went to dinner again before I left the next morning. It was great to get to spend time together with Dad and Tressa and my brother along with, of course, Cody.

Little boys are so much fun =)

always getting beat up at least a little...

It's great to see dad happy!

cleansing his palate after dinner with a lemon... so silly!

I am very thankful for my family and even more-so that they are within driving distance. I love where I live and what I do, and am very happy with my life, but I do miss spending time with my loved ones and it was great to be there over Easter.

Welcome Home!!

2009-04-18T00:48:00.006-04:00

I am very excited this weekend for my dear friends -- especially Cara and her dear P and Michelle and Doug and Tiffany and her husband -- who are welcoming home their hubby's and loved ones in Virginia Beach. These HERO'S have been deployed and are now coming home to their anxiously waiting loved ones and I am soo happy for them, not to mention proud of them and thankful for them!
This weekend also makes me think of the upcoming day when it will be me welcoming home BW from his time being deployed. The reality of the deployment is increasing daily and I am already making lots of plans for those months to fill my time! I am so proud of him and what he does and as I have said before, I have long since decided that he (we) is worth the wait...

WELCOME HOME HERO'S!

THANK YOU.

Heading Home

2009-04-09T23:00:00.002-04:00

Tonight, I am going to bed and cannot tell you the last time I was sooo excited to go to bed!!! Tomorrow Layla and I will be driving to Ohio for the weekend... doesn't a 10hr car drive sound like fun??? with crazy Layla??? Of course it does... or maybe I am just delusional from being so tired.
I am, however, looking forward to the weekend visit with the family.

Hope you have a wonderful Easter celebrating HIS life!!

It's been so long...

2009-04-07T23:40:00.002-04:00

Apparently my life as been void of anything worth sharing... I just realized it has been since shortly after St Patrick's Day that I posted anything. What in the world have I been doing with myself??? I just don't know...

BW was home for a SHORT time, but it was great to have him back. We really didn't do much as we were both working all week while he was here. We spent some time together on the weekend and now he is gone again for awhile.

Work has been busy... which must be all that I have been doing!! Looking at my calendar I have realized that I am working 7 out of the past 8 nights... wow, that does not sound like a very good idea at all... but, I do know I am enjoying those paychecks =)

I have been able to spend some time relaxing in the sun... one lovely afternoon was spent in a hammock in the backyard and another Saturday afternoon was spent on the beach. Love living where the sun shines and it is warm more often than cold! And have spent some fun time with new friends down here.

I have also recently been reminded of my love for... eBay. (kinda makes those extra shifts pretty important!) But, I have bought some fabulous things recently, to reward myself for working so hard of course! And am very happy about my purchases and more importantly am super excited to say that my purchases were made for 50% of their retail prices!!!

This weekend I will be heading up to Ohio to see the family for Easter weekend. I am looking forward to visiting and being with them.. just not looking forward to the drive or that nasty Ohio weather!

So, it seems I have been busy... I am sure your lives are much more fulfilled now, knowing what I have been up to! =) Hope you have a wonderful weekend celebrating Easter!

Other Blogs

2009-03-27T04:40:00.005-04:00

Since starting to blog I have found interest in reading other blogs. I will read my friends' blogs and then randomly click on links on their blogs to other blogs and so on and so on. I have read some amazing stories of strength and courage and faith from these bloggers. I obviously gravitate to the blogs in which people are facing the hardships of having babies in the NICU and recently in the PICU. It has brought a whole new perspective for me for not only what I do and how I care for these babies, but how I care for their parents as well. It is amazing for me to learn about the parent's views and thoughts while their baby's are going through these difficult times.
I learned a whole new perspective myself when I went through my mom's illness and can vividly remember the emotions that changed hourly, if not more often sometimes! And will never forget the day I wanted to punch a nurse, had to walk downstairs and call BW, cry and stare at the fish tank for over an hour before I was ready to be back on the floor where mom was. It's not that I didn't realize these parents face some of the same feelings I did, its just that sometimes I become so focused on caring for the infant that I tend to neglect the care and support that I should give the parents as well.
Anyway, the main point of this blog was to request your prayers for a special little guy and especially his momma who are going through some really difficult times. Another benefit of randomly reading these blogs, being able to lift those in need in prayer as I know so many did for my family while we were going through our hard times. Something I can never be thankful enough for.
So, pray for Stellan and his momma and their entire family today. God, may Your peace pour over them all today. Wrap them in Your loving arms and hold them tight.

St Patty's Day and a Spring Weekend

2009-03-22T22:50:00.009-04:00

This being my first year in Savannah for St Patrick's Day I was very excited. After going to see the green fountain...

I was very excited for the fun the city had to offer. Unfortunately St Patrick's Day fell in the middle of the week, which meant I worked Monday night... So Tuesday morning I left worked, went home and put on my green and headed downtown for the parade and beginning of the festivities!! Yes, you can now call me Rock star =)

I did not understand how excited this city really does get for the parade, however driving along the parade route Tuesday morning at 8am and seeing the bleachers set up, along with the tents and the PEOPLE who were out waiting for the parade I started to become impressed and even more excited. (side-note... the parade started at 10:15am!) Met up with Amanda and we had breakfast and headed down to the site our (her) friends had set up.

It was great, the weather was gorgeous and the parade was lots of fun. Who knew people made banners and walked in a parade just because their family had Irish background, hilarious! The parade lasted almost 4hrs I think!!

Wow, my ADD kicked in for sure but I still had a great time and am glad to say "I have been to the parade!" We spent the rest of the day walking around City Market and enjoying the live music and chaos with the other million people who were apparently not working either. It was a great day and lots of fun! Can't wait to do it again next year... maybe with a little more sleep the night before, but I still made it into the night!

Amanda, me and Candice

Worked Wednesday and Thursday (and let me just say I enjoyed my week of only working 3 nights since I have picked up an OT shift every week the past 4!) and then BW came home (again) on Friday so we have spent the weekend together enjoying the beautiful weather. Saturday we went to Hilton Head Island for the wing fest which was loads of fun... although, any festival celebrating food is something I am guaranteed to enjoy =) Sunday BW and I took the bikes and headed back out to the Island to spend some more time enjoying the weather. We went on a nice bike ride around Jarvis Creek Park.

The park was beautiful; we saw birds (that aunt Lil would be able to identify, I just know them as "birds"), an alligator, and some turtles all out enjoying the day as well.

We then headed over to the Tiki Hut on the beach and spent some time

...just relaxing together.

Then we came back home and took Layla on a bike ride...

girl needs to burn some energy!

And BW went fishing =)

**might I just say it is a good thing we were not relying on his skills for dinner!**

What a wonderful week and weekend! I just love being down here and am so happy and thankful for the way everything worked out for me to have this job and be living here.

Hope you have a great week!

Pictures

2009-03-14T20:40:00.003-04:00

So here (as promised) are some of my favorite pictures from Alicia's visit...

So happy to be together again!

The fountain in Forsythe Park with green water for St Patrick's Day!

Alicia, Amanda and I

My best girl and my new girl, having a blast!

Fantastic Weekend

2009-03-11T06:24:00.003-04:00

Wow, what a great weekend!! The weather was amazing here in South GA... high 70s and 80s everyday with sunny, blue skies! And of course my bestest girl was in town so that makes it all better. Alicia and I had an amazing time together. It was so good to have her here and just get to spend time together, especially since it has been since last July that we have seen each!!! (we definitely have to make this a more "regular" thing... as regular as living on seperate coasts can be anyway)
So our weekend was fun-packed... Friday night I picked her up and we headed straight downtown Savannah to meet up with some friends of mine. We had a blast that night, it was A & J full force =) and, let me just tell you that is trouble!! But super fun. Saturday we spent walking around all of Savannah... it was "first Saturday" on the River which meant local vendors had tents set up selling all of their goodies -- on a side note I am very excited to find out this is every month on the first Saturday, something to look forward to. We went to Forsythe Park and saw the fountain that has GREEN water for St Patrick's Day! And basically spent 5hours just walking around and enjoying the beautiful weather and beautiful city. Saturday night we enjoyed some sushi, my favorite... and I was asked by the JAPANESE waitress if I was Japanese or Asian... really??! No, not so much, but I will eat as if I am! yum yum... then spent some more time downtown that night. However, Sunday I was sicker than I can remember ever being... I think the ranch dressing I added to my pizza late-night Saturday was very very bad and so unfortunately my dearest friend had to take care of me, but boy was it a blessing to have her here during that! I did need her. **On a side-note, received a WONDERFUL phone call from a fabulous boy on Sunday too =) That helped brighten my day as well!!!** Monday Alicia and I needed to enjoy the weather some more, and I was feeling better, so we headed out to Hilton Head Island and sat on the beach for a few hours. Very entertained by the spring breakers who had probably never touched a volleyball, but thought they had great sand volleyball skill.. not so much kids, but thanks for the laughs!! And then my dear friend had to leave today =(
But, that means I am back to work -- and for a "regular" week of three nights this week! And that means that BW comes home (at least for a day or two) this weekend! WHO-HOO!! I am just a little excited... =)

PS pictures of the fun from A & J time to come... standby!

Count down to A&J Time

2009-03-04T19:48:00.002-05:00

It's Wednesday... that means half my work week is over (which is a big deal since I have been working OT each week and working 4 nights instead of 3!) and more importantly it means Alicia will be here on FRIDAY!!! I cannot wait... it has been since she came to visit this past summer that we have spent time together and that is a really long time to not see each other... we are both in desperate need of this A & J weekend and I know it will be a blast!
I could not be more thankful for a friend in my life... someone I met and immediately felt a connection with. Alicia and I spend some amount of time on the phone if not daily then every other day, and if we get busy and don't talk for two days... wow! You would think it had been three months! I absolutely love this girl and am so thankful for her and cannot wait to spend the weekend with her.

Smiling

2009-03-03T05:16:00.002-05:00

As I was sitting at work tonight, trying to enjoy my book before starting to feed my little ones again I could not keep myself from checking and re-checking (and, yes, re-checking) my email just to see if BW had written to me yet today... but to my dissapointment he just hadn't. It was getting late, and I figured he must have gone to bed early, he thinks he might be coming down with a cold.. so I hoped he would get plenty of rest... well, then my phone rang!! * I could not have jumped out of my seat and ran to the hallway any faster or with a wider smile on my face!!! Let me just tell you, those 15 minutes were so what I needed and wanted and I could not be more thankful for them. After two weeks and some "down time" on my part lately, it was amazing to get to just chat and hear each him and just "be together" for that bit of time.
I have not stopped smiling since the phone rang... and probably won't for awhile =)
Emails are great, but phone calls are so much better... and, we are over halfway until he comes home (at least for a little while)! Hooray!

*Yes, I am allowed to have my cell phone on in the unit here as long as it is on low and we take the conversations out of the unit. I am soo happy about it!

Doing Just Fine

2009-02-26T03:31:00.003-05:00

Well its been a week since I talked to BW, over that since I saw him... and I am doing fine (for the most part). Not that I didn't think I would be "ok" I knew I would. It's not like our entire relationship hasn't been long distance up until recently and we have spent many months not seeing each other. It is just different this time because we can't talk every day, but we do have email (and he is doing much better with writing emails) and I am very thankful for that.

It just seems that recently so many girls at work are dealing with the "hardships" of not seeing their husbands/boyfriends for "sooo long" and I am over it. Is that bad? I don't really think so. I just don't really need to hear someone else go on and on about how they "haven't seen him for 5 whole days!" Or the one girl who thought she would be coming in tonight with a swollen face and red eyes from crying all day since he just left today and has been walking around all night trying to get people to ask how she is doing... I just can't handle that, whether or not my man is gone, don't bring it to work. Life does go on, girls!
I am actually looking forward to a great month... work is super busy which is fantastic for me, I am getting at least one night of overtime each week -- could have more, but four nights is enough for me!! My weekends are all full of fun stuff... a fun wives' club meeting last weekend, a party with the girls from work this Friday, Alix coming into town Friday and Saturday; Alicia coming to town next weekend (and we cannot wait for some serious A & J time!!) and then the boys are back the next weekend!

All-in-all everything is great, I guess I just needed a little "venting therapy" for my own well-being and after reading another military wive's blog along the same lines of what I am feeling just wanted to get my thoughts out. Don't get me wrong, I miss my boy... lots some days! But, he is worth this wait, as well as all the others and I am just looking forward to the fun we will be back to having when he is back in town!

The Beach

2009-02-19T16:37:00.003-05:00

Last weekend when we went out to the beach BW bought me a bike, which was great... I rode it that day and one other and then it broke =( Not really broke, but it broke. So we were able to take it back on Monday when he was off and have the guy fix it. Of course while we waited for the bike to get fixed we went out to the beach to sit...

It was amazing. I love love love living so close to the beach and being able to just see the water and be in the sun. It was kinda chilly on Monday, but it was just great to have that hour to just sit and be with BW and enjoy each other, the weather and of course the beach.

So it Begins

2009-02-17T20:56:00.002-05:00

BW left this morning, along with all of his squadron, to head out to The Boat for a month of flying. And so this begins the long times of him being gone before his actual deployment. We had a great weekend before he left, it was important for both of us and we both enjoyed it. Friday afternoon he took me to base to play around in the flight simulator and see how well I could "fly"... I am not so good, but I didn't crash,that's a bonus! =) Friday night we spent in Charleston SC walking around and enjoying the weather. Saturday unfortunately the weather was nasty and rainy so we were unable to sight-see anymore, so we just headed back home and went out to dinner for V's Day (by the way he bought me beautiful roses!!). Sunday I was able to go into base and watch him fly, the guys were practicing for the boat landings so I went out to "the shack" and watched them fly around. It was fun to see him do his thing! Then Sunday evening all the guys and their wives came over for an oyster roast / crab boil. We had a blast, BW and I absolutely love to eat oysters and crabs and we enjoy having everyone over to the house as well. It was really nice to be together with everyone before they all left. Yesterday we just spent the day together getting him all packed up and ready to go, it was nice to just "be" together.
I am working tonight which is great because it is overtime! This girl needs some extra $$$ anytime I can get it! And the next few weeks are going to be pretty busy which will help the time without BW pass. This weekend I work and have a meeting and then am getting together with the girls from work. Next weekend Alix is coming to town. The week after Alicia is here (WHO-HOO!!!) And then the weekend after BW comes home... so, it should go pretty quick. Hopefully communications from the boat will be in working order and so we will be able to email and maybe even say "hi" once in awhile.
Hope your Valentine's Day was great and you have a wonderful week. I will upload some pictures of BW and I in front of the plane with his name on it (exciting) and of us on the beach on Monday. Gotta love South Carolina weather!!

A Day at the Beach

2009-02-09T15:21:00.004-05:00

After the cold weather last week the warm up this weekend was wonderful! It was in the high 60s and 70s all weekend... so we went to the beach! BW and I spent just a little bit of time down on the beach on Saturday and then Sunday we took Layla and went back for a few hours. It was wonderful!!

Is that not the cutest picture? =) I think so... Layla loved being out with us and playing on the beach, and she did great! (the remote dog trainer was the best money I ever spent!!!) And BW and I had a blast as well.

BW bought me a bike so we took a nice bike ride down the beach... wow, can't tell ya the last time I rode a bike, let alone on the beach!! But, it was fun and I am super excited to take more bike rides with him while he is here.

Now it is back to the work week and looking forward to next weekend, which incidentally will be our last weekend together before he leaves and starts the serious work-up phases. I am sure it will be a great weekend and I am looking forward to it.

Have a great week!

BBRRRRR!!!

2009-02-05T22:59:00.002-05:00

I just want to remind everyone that I am a WARM WEATHER GIRL. Now, with that said I will update you on the weather here in Savannah the past few days... cold, cold, COLDER! I have had to take my fleece to work in case I get cold during the night (not uncommon) and then my huge down coat for walking to the car -- this morning wearing my OSU fleece hat (thanks dad!) and my gloves, with my sunglasses of course! =) The girls threatened to not take me to breakfast with them if I didn't take off the ski gear, but this girl does NOT do cold!

So, this evening I watched the news before work and learned that the all time record low was 19 set back in 1966 and... yes, tonight we should be so lucky to beat that low! WHAT?!?!?! That is not a record I want to be a part of. However, tomorrow it is supposed to be in the high 50s and through the weekend it is supposed to be sunny and in the 70s and continue that way through next week. HOORAY!!! Just livin' for the weekend =)

All unpacked and settled... FINALLY!

2009-02-03T12:48:00.005-05:00

So, I am totally one of those people who likes to be completely unpacked and "settled" basically the day I move in someplace! HA. Well, things being what they have been, basically BW and I spending the weekends doing "fun" things... the final unpacking, hanging of pictures and such was put off. But, it has been way too bright in my room during the working week and so I said we HAD to spend this past Saturday covering the windows in the bedroom and putting the pictures up on the walls. So, now I am settled! A month is not too long I guess... here are some pictures of the place all put together =)

The living room. Layla seems to be more comfortable in our new home as well.

This is my cute little dining room, but it is just an "extra" room for me instead. It does have a desk in the corner which is really nice. And the closet holds all my scrubs =)

My kitchen is TINY but, it is perfect for me. And I love how bright it is with the yellow walls and all of my "things" =)

My bathroom is tiny as well, and outdated, but it works. And there is a huge linen closet on the left that is fantastic!

My bedroom is actually really big, and I love it. The double closests are both rather small, but with two of them it works out fine. And, the three windows are great... if you don't sleep during the day and need it dark!! But, black fleece under the miniblinds does wonders! And now I am excited for how dark it will be during the day.... plus there are plenty of windows with LOTS of sunlight in the living room!

Two Years... my memories

2009-01-23T13:02:00.009-05:00

I can't believe it was two years ago today that you went home to our Heavenly Father for eternity. I remember so clearly the weeks leading up to today -- well, honestly to yesterday -- and can vividly remember everything that went on for me yesterday and today, two years ago. I had been up to Ohio to see you after you had had a really rough time on the 12th of this month, so I came up and will never forget that night I walked into the hospital room for the first time. We opened the door and the room was full of people from church and full of God's spirit. I remember the group of people parting as I walked through the door so I could see you and walk over to dad. I remember Curt Fannin praying for you before they all left that evening. I remember being so thankful for those people who were supporting my family (and me) during this time. I remember being at the hospital with you that week and the times that we were able to chat shortly and remind each other of our love. I am so thankful for those times! I remember having to leave to go back to work in Texas... so hard. Then I remember January 22, 2007... I had worked the night before, and as was habit called in the morning to see how your night went. It was a rough one, but you were resting at that point. During the day I know the doctor(s) and your nurse called me a couple of times to update me on what was going on and how things were changing. I called when I was up and on my way to work to check again and dad told me that things were not good, but at that point there was no way for me to get out of Corpus until the next morning... dad told me just to go to work. So, I got my Jamba Juice ( you know how much I love those!! ) and went into work. I am so thankful for how amazing the people I worked with in Corpus Christi were and how understanding they were, they could not understand why I was even at work that night! but, I am my daddy's girl and what else could I do? I remember talking to Jen early on that night when they left, she told me things were ok. Shawn had held Cody up in front of your bed when they were leaving and you opened your eyes and said "bye buddy, I love you" I remember going to lunch and dad calling and I knew, before I answered, what he was going to say to me. I remember the call. BW called right after daddy did, and when I told him he of course left to meet me at my house. I left work, that was never a question, I think they told me to leave... they were so supportive. I remember going home... I remember calling Pam and talking to daddy a couple more times. I flew out at 6am, BW had his PRT that morning so it worked out well for him to drop me off at the airport before going to work. I remember seeing Jen at the airport and all the talks and decisions of that day and the couple that followed. I remember you. I miss you, momma, more than I can ever express. I love you. And I remember how much you loved me. So much has happened in the past two years that I have wanted so badly to share with you, and at times have had to remind myself that I can't, in the conventional way anyway. You would have loved knowing that I finally moved to San Diego, where I always wanted to go! and, you would have loved coming out to visit!!! The girls I met out there, you would have truly appreciated the friendships I built and how amazing they have been to me. I needed you during the time that BW and I were not together, and wanted to share with you the excitement and happiness that came when we decided to get back together. Alix got engaged and married... boy did I need you during that for so many different reasons. And, I needed you more than ever this last month with taking a staff job and finding a place to live... wow! I moved to Savannah, you would love it here! And, I really am happy with my new job. I wish I could tell you so much about it, so much that you would be so proud of me for, and only you would really understand why it is all so important and be proud of me.

But, we are ok. As much as we all miss you, God has provided us all with supportive people in our lives to help us through these difficult days and to just be there and support and love us. I know you would be thankful for that as well.

I miss you, momma, and I love you. I hope you are celebrating your Homecoming today.

Our Weekend in Beaufort

2009-01-22T20:25:00.010-05:00

With last weekend being a long weekend for BW we tried to spend it exploring and doing new things in the area. It was nice, not stressful but fun-filled and of course wonderful to just be spending time together with BW.

Friday night we just had dinner together at a local seafood place and then watched some TV. BW had had such a long week with work and so it was just a restful evening. Saturday we decided to attend an Oyster Roast at a park in Beaufort.

We love some oysters, and all-you-can-eat oysters... well you know we are there!!!

Saturday night we went to Savannah to see our favorite 80s cover band play at the Wild Wing there. It was only BW and one of the guys from his sqaudron and I, but we had an absolute blast!

After the concert we went to a local pizza place to get a late-night snack...

Sunday we spent the day "exploring" the area, one of BW and my favorite things to do when we lived in California. Even though out there we had so many places to see and things to do, we are trying to find what we can here too, and being outside is a little easier with the weather in So Cal, but we are making the best of it... So, we bundled up and headed to Hunting Island to see what we could find, and we took Layla! We walked around on the marsh walk, found a couple little trails to follow, went up the lighthouse and walked along the beach. All-in-all it a great fun day.

From the top of the lighthouse

Taking a break after walking on the beach with Layla

Shrimp boats along the drive back

Even if we didn't travel far or go someplace great and exciting, it was a great weekend and I am cherishing every moment we get to spend together more than ever before. I look forward to the free weekends that we will have over the next few months and the fun things that we will do during those times!

Hope you had a great weekend too!

Photo Tag

2009-01-16T13:56:00.006-05:00

My dear friend Cara has tagged me with a photo tag request. However, since I am BW's house I had to bend the rules just slightly to use a photo that actually meant something to me! Luckily it worked out pretty well

One of my favorites of BW and I. This was 2007 in San Diego (wow! I can't believe it was so long ago when we were there!!!). Our dear friend Bucky had come down to San Diego from WA to visit and we were all out in PB. Obviously it was a college football Saturday as you can tell by my loyal support for my OSU Buckeyes =) We had a great night... I do cherish all the friends we have made along this journey that my life became part of when I started dating BW. There have been so many wonderful people met and friendships built. I wish we could plan a "reunion" and get everyone together again!

So here are the rules:

Go to your 4th folder where you store your photos. Select your 4th picture (no exceptions)! Post the picture with an explanation and link it back to your tagger. Tag someone else (or 4 other people) to do the same!!

Since my list of blogger friends is not so long, I am just going to Tag Teresa. I have known Teresa for more years than I want to count out because it really doesn't seem like it should be that many! But we worked together in Columbus in the NICU... what fun memories I have of nights spent working with her! Miss you girlie!!

Busy Busy

2009-01-08T22:48:00.002-05:00

I have not taken the time to write for awhile, and thought I would quickly leave a note about what has been going on.....

The Christmas holiday went well. I was able to head to Ohio for the weekend before and enjoy time with the family. We had lots of fun -- despite my hating the bitterly cold weather and being all too ready to head south again! Then I worked the acutal holiday here at my new job. And even though it was not my first year working the holiday(s) it was much harder this time than ever before. I thought I was okay... until I was on my way into work Christmas night and realized that everyone I knew and cared about was somewhere else, with other loved ones and I was alone. And it was not that I was even going to work with people I had close friendships with like previous holidays, it was a new job with new people. But, the night went well. BW came home that Sunday and we were able to spend some time together and had our Christmas on New Year's Eve morning. New Year's Eve we spent at the home of one of the guy's he flies with and his wife along with many others from the squadron. It was so much fun. The guys are great, and more importantly the wives' are all fantastic too! (friends for very important upcoming months...)

The weekend after New Year's was spent moving, moving and moving. Everything is in the new place, and is slowly being unpacked and put away. It is sooo good to feel "at home" and not have to live out of that same suitcase I have been for the past month!!! How exciting it was to unpack all the clothes I was so tired of in NC but now am so happy to see again =) Layla is not sure about the new place and has had some barking/panic attacks the past two nights I have been working... she needs to get over that real quick!

BW has started some intense flight training and so is now very stressed and busy. Hopefully he will become more comfortable with what he is doing, I know he will do great but he is still a little unsure... We were able to celebrate his birthday with a sushi dinner at one of our favorite places in Bluffton. It was oh! so good.... we love our sushi!!!

This weekend is a party for a couple of the guys who are leaving the squadron and I am already looking forward to the food... is that bad?? Eating is one of my favorite things, ya know! Hoping for a great weekend... BW and I are both making the most of the time we have together since it is limited.

I will try and get some pictures from all of this non-sense that has been going on posted on here... I do have some really cute ones of my nephew, the cutest little boy ever!!! =)

The Place is Mine (at least for 6 months...)

2008-12-27T14:18:00.002-05:00

I signed the lease for the apartment I found last night!!! eekk.... Haven't done that in over 5yrs, small panic attacks but I am sure it will be fine. I am really excited to get moved in and actually feel somewhat settled and not living out of a suitcase! However, I am working the next 4 nights and so moving won't be until next weekend... but, at least I have the keys and so as soon as I (we) get the time it can be done.

Now, I just need some furniture.... minor details! =) More pictures will come when I get it all set up, which hopefully will be within the week!

Just missing Mom

2008-12-18T16:05:00.010-05:00

From Nov 3 until into February the fact that mom is gone is much harder than the other months of the year -- not to say I don't have my hard days during those months too! It just seems Nov, Dec, Jan are the three toughest... her birthday, my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, the day she went home to be with Jesus... all days that remind me how much I miss her. Not to mention lately with the new job and looking for (and finding!) the new place, all things I would have been talking to her about everyday... As I prepare to head up to Ohio for Christmas with my family I am very excited, but it is bittersweet because I miss this
As I was just reading through one of my friend's blog I was sent to a different friend of her's blog (it's a crazy connection, but its worth it) on which she had a post a little while back in memory of someone with a poem that really touched me and made me think of mom.

God saw you getting tired,

And a cure was not to be.

So he put his arms around you,

And whispered “Come to me”.

With tearful eyes we watched you,

And saw you pass away.

Although we loved you dearly,

We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

Hard working hands to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us,

He only takes the best.

I know mom is celebrating everyday, and will be celebrating Christmas especially, in a more wonderful way than I could ever imagine. And, it is so reassuring to know that she is in perfect health in heaven now and will never suffer again! For that I am thankful. But, I miss her and wish she was still here with me. I know He has a plan that is out of my understanding and I just have to trust Him. He loves my momma more than I do and has healed her in His own way.

I love you, Momma!

Merry Christmas

A New Place to Live

2008-12-15T13:48:00.004-05:00

With the job offer from two weeks ago I have spent lots of time since then trying to find someplace to live in Savannah. Finding my own place to live is something that I have not had to do in over 4 years so, needless to say, this has been even more stressful. I have been looking all over downtown Savannah trying to find that perfect place. Well, yesterday I think I found it!! I went and looked at an apartment in a building where I had looked at a different place, but this one was upstairs and I loved it! The landlord seems great, the rent is just what I was hoping for, the area is fantastic and its only 5 minutes to work! With starting work tonight and then going to Ohio for Christmas, the holidays, blah blah blah it won't be until after Christmas that I can get together with him and sign a lease, etc but he is fine with that and is being totally understanding!

I am very excited!!!

I Have a JOB!!!

2008-12-02T21:02:00.005-05:00

So, after completing my assignment at UNC last week it has been stressful to say the least not knowing what I was going to be doing next and where I would be working. As a travel nurse, the past 4yrs I have been able to work basically where ever I wanted, but this time there were NO jobs where I wanted to be -- near BW.
This week I have been staying at B's house while he is away flying and obviously the point of this week was to nail down a job.
So, I went to bed Sunday night just praying that God would open the doors I needed and close the ones that were not for me, assuming that would mean I would get a job that was open in Wilmington NC. Monday I received a call from my recruiter to inform me that the job I was counting on had been filled by a different traveler... which meant that here I am without a job and the only travel NICU positions are in Nebraska, Texas and California. None of which are really beneficial for me at this time. I had been hearing commercials on the radio recently while down here for a Career Fair at the hospital in Savannah GA that I really really wanted to work at. Monday, after getting the news from my recruiter I spent some time playing on the internet and looking at the hospital's website. I called the HR department to ask some questions and was directed to a voicemail telling me the HR department was closed due to the Career Fair... so, I decided that I should go to the Career Fair... and off I went -- mind you, not dressed professionally or prepared at all.
Long story short, I go to the Fair and interview with the NICU managers and meet the CEO of the Children's Hospital and he offers me a job!!! WHAT??!!?!? That doesn't happen!!! To say I was overwhelmed upon leaving the hospital yesterday would be putting it lightly! Today I spoke with the HR representative and they are putting things on overdrive so that everything can get done for me to start work on MONDAY! If these are not doors being opened and closed for me, then I don't know what else to look for.
So, I will be going in tomorrow morning to complete paperwork, employee health information and receive my ID badge for my new STAFF job at Memorial University Medical Center. This is a HUGE step for me... not being a traveler anymore, but being "permanent"... eek! Now, I just have to find a place to live... but, I know that if this is where God wants me, then HE will take care of that minor detail as well.
I am very excited -- and so is BW -- to be right where I (we) wanted to be. This will be great and I can't wait to see what happens!!! Thank you for all the prayers and support throughout this journey and I will keep you posted on how the new job goes!!

All Packed Up

2008-11-30T13:55:00.004-05:00

Well, I finished my contract at UNC Thursday night and BW and I spent all day Friday and Saturday packing everything in my apartment, loading it into the cars and driving back to his house. Funny how as a travel nurse I have always been able to fit everything into my car, even when I drove a Jeep Liberty... now (4yrs later) my things fit into my 4Runner and his Tahoe. Apparently I have grown, I cannot figure out what is new! But, I blame BW =) Everything fit in my car until I we started moving "together" to the same areas, so it has be his fault!! Haha But, honestly I am soooo thankful to have had him helping me the past couple of days. It would have been awful to have had to try and get everything done on my own and it relieves so much stress for me when he is around.
So, now that my contract at UNC is over I should have new job news to share... however I don't. This is the first time, not counting when the hospital in TX cancelled all travelers during our contracts, that I have completed a contract and not had something new lined up and ready to go. It's really kinda scary... I have never known the frustration and stress of actually looking for a job and not finding what I want! I have been really blessed. But, I think that with the economy scare the way it is now many hospitals have started cutting back on travelers, which leaves me in a bind! Not to mention that I was trying to line something up the week of Thanksgiving, managers don't work holidays!!! So, I am hopeful that this week (not being a holiday) managers will be back in the office and will be able to take a look at my profile and hopefully I will have a job lined up early in the week. Thank God for BW and the fact that I can be staying at his house right now and not worrying about where I am living until I find a job!
I will keep you posted on what happens this week... I have a couple things "in the works" for jobs and am very optimistic about one, very hopeful about another and not expecting much from the third, but anything could happen! Please keep this situation in your prayers. Thanks so much!!!

Giving Thanks

2008-11-27T17:22:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving has become so different since I was a kid, and I miss those days! Always knowing that I would have the time off (since I am working this year) and knowing that I would be together with my family and all those who are important to me. This year, its just me and Layla... and of course I will be enjoying Thanksgiving "dinner" at work tonight with my fellow co-workers... it doesn't seem like a holiday at all. I miss my mom and all that she brought to Thanksgiving and every day of my life. I miss being with my family and celebrating and eating ... there are so many fun memories from those many years spent together (and I look forward to more fun memories in the years to come as well). I miss being with friends and BW.
But, I am thankful for soo many things! I am thankful for the memories I have of my mom and all the fun she brought to life and to Thanksgiving. I am thankful for the love she had for me and for the way she taught me to love and to live life. I am thankful for my family, even if I don't get to be with them as much as I would like. I am thankful for my friends and how amazing they are. There are a few special ones who I cherish deeply and could not make it without. I cannot imagine life without those girls and am so thankful for what they have each brought to my life. I am thankful for BW and for the relationship I am able to have with him and all the great times we have to spend together. Not to mention all the wonderful things he does for me and the ways he supports me and helps me. I am thankful for Layla... even though sometimes I have to really remind myself of that one!!! =) I am thankful for all the blessings in my life.
I hope that you have all had a wonderful holiday and were able to enjoy some great food and great times with family and friends!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Tuesday 10

2008-11-18T12:38:00.012-05:00

To copy my dear friend Cara I am going to use Tuesday to post my 10 favorite pictures from the past couple weeks. From my trip back up to Ohio to see the family, to a weekend with BW and his family and finally my best friend Alix's 30th birthday this past weekend. It has been lots of fun! The next two weeks are my last here in Chapel Hill, but as the past few months have been the next two weeks are jam-packed with fun activities (my birthday!!) and the last few days of work. So, here are my 10 favorite pictures...

1) Cody, dad and I at Quarter Horse Congress my first night in Ohio

We spent the evening walking around the fairgrounds shopping for boots and other horse/western things. It was a lot of fun and just nice to spend time with dad and Cody (and dad's friend Tressa).

2) Me and my two favorite boys! Cody and LaShawn... pure happiness!

I always get to spend lots of time with Cody during my visits back to Ohio, and I love every minute of it. However, it has been a very long time since I was able to spend time with my first little boy love, LaShawn. I was able to spend Sunday afternoon with him during this visit and it was so much fun to be able to play with him and just be together again.

3) Shawn (my brother), Cody (my nephew) and my dad.

Three generations of Leonard boys... it is so fun to see these three together. It is amusing to see how much alike all three of them are and to just watch them interact. I love these boys.

4) Playing with Cody is my favorite thing to do in Ohio

The one thing I look forward to the most during any trip back to Ohio is all the time I am able to spend with my nephew Cody. He is the cutest little guy ever and we have so much fun playing the whole time I am there. It gets harder and harder to leave each time, I miss that boy!!

5) An oyster roast at BW's with his grandmother, dad and aunt

BW's dad, aunt and grandmother came down to visit and see his new house over Veteran's Day weekend. Luckily I was able to go down and visit for a day or two during the weekend. It was great to see them again and spend some time with them.

6) Lunch in Charleston with BW's grandmother, aunt and dad

We spent Sunday in Charleston SC just looking around at all the beautiful old buildings. It was so much fun to be with his family for the weekend and visit with them again.

7) Brian and I with the F-18

During his family's weekend visit we went to base to see the jets that BW flies. It was great to get the "tour" of base with him and have him tell us all about the jets and what he does at work. I love getting to be a part of his life, and am so proud of him and all that his job entails in protecting our country and our freedom.

8) Alix and I celebrating her 30th birthday!

What a big year for Alix! She was married in June and then turned 30 last weekend!! I am so glad that I have been able to be here (close) and be a part of all of these special events in her life.

9) BW and I celebrating Alix's birthday

BW came up for Alix's birthday weekend. It was great to have him here to go out with us and celebrate with us. We had another great weekend and really enjoyed spending time together.

10) All the girls celebrating with Alix

What a great group of girls! We had so much fun going to dinner and then out in Raleigh and celebrating our friendship with Alix as well as her 30th birthday. It was a super fun night and I am so glad that Alix was able to have such a great time!!

Whew! So, there are my favorite 10 pictures from the past few weeks. It has been a busy month, but it has been lots of fun! And I am looking forward to the fun of the next couple weeks!!

Two Weeks Notice

2008-11-17T15:21:00.002-05:00

Today is one week until my birthday =) and two weeks until I am out of a job =(

The good news is that I will be done with my current contract, only meaning done with the manager that apparently has issues with me. And that it will be time to start someplace new... new place, new friends, new things to do. Hopefully it will mean a new place closer to BW. However, at this time I do not have anything lined up which means the stress level in my life right now... yeah, all time high (let's not forget last week's fun car accident). So, I am working with as many recruiters as I can keep track of, or maybe a few more than that, to try and find a job in South Carolina. Please keep this in your prayers. I do have a possible opening that I am considering in Wilmington NC. It's not that much closer, but I guess an hour off the drive is something.

Hopefully this week will not only bring fun birthday things to look forward to =) But also, a birthday wish granted... a job in South Carolina!!

NO PARKING

2008-11-12T01:49:00.004-05:00

So, I have decided that NC drivers are pretty much the worst out there... I will take Cali drivers any day! Tonight on my way to work I was in an accident =( Poor Jessie. Everyone on the freeway was hitting their brakes (for reasons still unknown to me) and so I did as well... however the lady in front of me decided that since others were braking she should completely STOP in the middle of the lane on the freeway, even though those cars in front of her were moving again!!! So, yes, I hit her. So mad. So after the initial shock wave passed (there were more to come within the next hour, don't worry) we started talking and decided to just exchange information because there was no damage to her car -- mine does have a broken front bumper-part =( And during this exchange she told me "I saw you coming" So, are you telling me that you came to a complete stop ON THE FREEWAY for no reason and remained that way, even though those in front of you were moving, because you "saw me coming" and thought this would be a fun activity for me on my way to work???!!! thanks.
So, on to work I went... and the pain started. =( Boo for whiplash. I spent a couple hours in the ER to receive a script for Vicoden (thanks nice ER doc!) and a work excuse for tonight so I am at home enjoying the effects of the Vicoden (again, thanks doc!!) and filling out on-line insurance claims reports just in case she calls her insurance... oh yeah because her other comment to me was "I feel fine now, but you never know how my neck might feel in a day or two..." Oh, so we are going to play that game, are we now? I can tell you that it is going to be sore!! My head hurt within the 30min it took me to finish getting to work. Well, since she declined calling the police or medical professionals I feel she declined her right to try and cause trouble in a few days when she thinks her neck hurts... at least I made it to the ER an hour after the accident (only because my docs and nurses made me go).
AARRRGGGH. I am not happy about tonight =( as if I needed to leave work early and upset that oh-so-nice manager who already has a problem with me (still unknown to me). Fabulous.

VOTE!

2008-11-04T11:31:00.006-05:00

Today is the day to let your voice be heard. Take the time and vote for who our next leader will be. Be grateful for the opportunity we have as Americans to be active in the choice of our leaders. Get out and VOTE.

Today

2008-11-03T11:11:00.008-05:00

Happy Birthday Momma...

I love you.

I miss you.

High Stress Week

2008-11-02T22:08:00.003-05:00

So, this is an election full of firsts -- not only for our country but for me as well. This is really the first election I can say I have actually paid full attention to and cared about... because of how it will directly effect my life via BW's military status. Basically the new president will be his BOSS! So, needless to say, I have had lots of high stress related to everything leading up to this upcoming Tuesday... I am ready for the results and to get started with this new president's leadership. The anxiety that I have felt related to this election has really blown me away... but, what more can I do but VOTE (which I have already sent my absentee ballot in!!) and PRAY... and wait (that's the worst part!)

Now, with this being Nov 2 I am now in the last few weeks (4) of my contract at my current hospital which means I need to be finding a new job! I will not be staying where I am for different reason, the biggest being a 5hr drive to BW, but other important reasons as well... so, I would love to get a job lined up this week... although, so far I have not heard of any openings in the South East at all for travel NICU nurses... come on guys!!! I know you need holiday help!!! You want ME =) so, join me this week in praying for a job... specifially in Savannah =)

Also, just because that is not enough stress for this week, tomorrow (Mon) would be mom's birthday. Obviously not an easy day anymore... love you momma!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T12:25:00.002-04:00

Nothing too exciting planned for tonight... probably dress up (because that is one of BW's favorite things to do) and go out with some friends. I am still enjoying being on a vacation... spent last week in Ohio with the fam and had a blast! Got to spend lots of quality time with my nephew and my other favorite boy as well as with my sister (in-law) and dad. I met dad's new "friend" and she is very nice, I am very happy for him. Went to campus to tailgate for the unfortunate OSU game last weekend, but had fun with my friends anyway.
This week I am still on vacation... for whatever reason I was given this week off work. So, when I got back to NC from Ohio I headed down to SC to spend some time with BW. We are both really excited to have a week to spend together as opposed to the quick weekends we have been used to. The weather is gorgeous down here and I am LOVING it!! I have had the windows in the house open every day to let the fantastic fall breeze in... taking Layla on fun long walks around the lake and just enjoying being here. Although, I have decided that I will never be a good stay-at-home wife! I am WAAAYYY too bored. So, as crazy as it is I am looking forward to going back to work just to feel that I am accomplishing something.
But, speaking of work... its a mess right now and so I am ready for this contract to be OVER. My manager has decided she does not like me and so is treating me unfairly, which sucks. Being that I have never dealt with a situation like this before I am stressed by it, obviously. Especially because I don't know the problem. So, I am ready for the end of Nov just to be done with this situation and contract... although that poses a problem in itself... where will I be working come Dec 1?!?!?! As of now I don't know. I REALLY want to move to SC / GA and work in Savannah so that I will be close to BW and not making 5hr drives anymore. So, please keep that in your prayers... that there will be an opening and it will work out for me to work there!
Hope y'all have a great Halloween, be safe. And I look forward to all the fun pictures that the night will bring =)

I'm Sick

2008-10-17T14:21:00.002-04:00

Boo... allergies combined with weather changes combined with flu-shot combined with too little sleep equals sick Jessie =(
I am currently in a happily self-medicated state and so am doing okay. I really don' t feel as bad as I sound, which is usually the case with me. All of the above factors combined with asthma means that whatever little cold I may get goes straight to my chest. At least its something I am used to and know how to treat... lots of water and rest along with over-the-counter meds.
This is one of those "little times" in life that I miss my mom though. I just want to call and hear her tell me to take care of myself and get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids... all the things I know, but its always nice to have mom tell you. Love you momma...
At least I have a couple days off work, so Layla and I are resting and enjoying some time in SC with BW... the weather is beautiful here!! I love that it can be fall and still be in the high 80s during the day =)

Long Time

2008-10-11T17:46:00.004-04:00

I just realized it has been a long time since I blogged about anything that has been going on... that would be because I have been too busy to sit down and do so!
Last weekend I went down to BW's for a base-sponsored chili cook-off. It was lots of fun... Basically all of the different squadrons on the base set up a tent in the common lawn area of the base housing and decide on a "theme" for their tent/squadron for the night. Of course BW and his boys decided they needed to dress up in 80s outfits, it seems to be their favorite thing to do! However they did not decorate the tent area at all, but we did have some great music playing and there was a car set-up in front of our tent for people to hit with a sledge hammer... apparently those Marines, and a couple of the guys in BW's squadron have lots of built up aggression they took out on that car!! Some of the other squadrons were really creative and that made the night a lot of fun. Each squadron was supposed to have chili for the judges to sample as well, so there was plenty of chili to eat =) It was also great to be at an event with the whole base because we were able to see some old friends who are stationed there but because they are all Marines and BW is Navy we don't see them often, and some I didn't even know where there! So, it was great to see them all. Overall another great weekend spent with my beau =)
As for the week.... I worked ALL week! Our census has been crazy high and so they actually let me work overtime. This is a big deal because usually there is no overtime what-so-ever allowed for travelers, so it will be nice to see that little bit of extra $$ next week in my paycheck.. but man it made for a long week! I am only used to working 3 nights ya know =) That fourth is a big deal!
The next few weekends are going to get busy again, but I am looking forward to it all. Will be back in Ohio for some days in a couple weeks so I am looking forward to that. Hope to catch up with a couple Cali friends the next couple weeks as long as all the timing and such works out. And of course spending time with BW =)

My Day Off...

2008-09-30T14:50:00.005-04:00

After going all weekend I look forward to the one day I have off before going back to my three nights of work. I enjoy the relaxing that I can do during that one day, and on Sunday night as well. However, this week did not work out that way!!! Went out for a favorite sushi dinner on Sunday evening with my best friend Alix and we had a great time, tried new rolls and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Until it was time to pay the bill... We go halvsies on it and both hand our cards to our server (who I know by the way) and shortly there after my card is returned without a receipt but with a funny look from our server, so I say "thanks" but unfortunately his response is "No bueno" My card didn't work?! Try it again, I say; already did 3 times he tells me, no bueno. Utter confusion comes over me and I quickly call my bank to find out what is going on... during the next 30 minutes I am informed that my account is SEVERELY overdrawn and there are charges pending that I did NOT make!! I call the freud department and am informed that my card number -- because I still have the actual card! -- has been used for freudulent activity and I am a victim of identity theft. Also, turns out my bank is not open 24/7 for customer service calls so I have to wait until Monday morning to deal with all this!
Monday, my day off, was spent on the phone with the bank (who was completely unhelpful), with the company my card had been attempted to be used at and the local police department filling charges. Whew! And to add insult to injury, it was a beautiful day outside, sun shining and 80 degrees here in NC, I should have been at the pool!!! (I did eventually make it to the pool for a few much needed relaxing hours!) What a frustrating day!!!
Today, things are looking up though... the charges against my account have been removed, so my account seems to be back to normal and sometime this week I should receive my new card and will be able to then get back to my "normal" life!
I really hope whoever caused this un-needed stress in my life does get caught and is sent to jail.

Another Weekend of Fun

2008-09-28T17:46:00.008-04:00

As the past many have been, this was another weekend packed full of fun! But, unlike the past many, this one was spent in North Carolina!!! Meaning, I did not have to pack a suitcase and travel... but BW did. Such is life while we still live 5hrs apart... Oh well, it was a great weekend!

Friday night BW came up and met up with myself, Alix and our friend Mike and the 4 of us headed to the OAR concert. It was super fun, a concert that BW and I have been wanting to go to forever so it was great to get to see this band. The weather was questionable, but turned out fantastic... no rain and it was surprisingly warm all night! Ali, BW and I bought matching t-shirts, because we needed more concert t-shirts!! But, of course the three of us needed the same one! =) We all enjoyed the concert and sang along to the couple songs we knew. After the show Alix, BW and I headed back to her house to join Drew and the 4 of us stayed up playing games and getting silly. It was a super fun night... =)

Saturday BW and I headed to Winston-Salem NC for a football game... I had bought tickets for us to go to the Navy v Wake Forest football game. Our seats were AMAZING! We sat behind the Navy team, on the 30-yard line in the 3rd row! Yes, I am that good =) And the game was great!!!! Navy came out strong and had a 17-0 lead at the half. Second half was a little shaky, Wake was playing hard, but Navy held them and won 24-17. We had a blast and the weather held out for us again. It rained hard before the game, everything was wet, and it was really cloudy during the game... we had some spinkles but the rain held off until our drive home and the temperature was perfect! We had so much fun!!!

GO NAVY!

Saturday night we met up with one of my friends from work and went out in Chapel Hill. It was a great ending to a wonderful day. We all had a lot of fun hanging out.

Sunday has been great... we slept in and just relaxed together watching a movie on TV, playing with Layla and playing in the pool a little enjoying the gorgeous NC weather. I couldn't imagine spending the day any other way... its Sunday evening now and BW has left for the 5hr drive back home and I am left to do my own thing. I hate to see the weekends end, and more-so hate to see him leave =( But, we will work our work weeks and maybe get to see each other again next weekend for more fun memories =) I am so thankful for the past many weekends and all the fun we have been able to spend together!

Another Busy Weekend

2008-09-23T11:50:00.004-04:00

As the past few have been, the past weekend was packed full of things to do. We drove up to VA Beach to set up a booth for BW's squadron at the 50th NAS Oceana Airshow. Luckily we were able to stay with my good friend Cara which also means that Layla was able to come along and spend some fun time playing with Shiner, which she absolutely loved!!

Friday night BW and I met up with some of his friends he/we have not seen in a really long time and hung out for a few hours. It was a lot of fun and always great to see those guys again.

Then, the rest of the weekend was spent in the VFA 86 tent selling t-shirts, DVDs, patches... to all the airshow fans. It was fun to see so many people impressed by what BW does. I mean, I have always been very proud of him and what he does for our country, but to actually see so many others wanting to support his squadron and purchase their stuff surprised me. So, we spent 11+ hours on Saturday and another 8+ hours on Sunday in the tent listening to the Jets fly around and make lots of noise. BW and I both ducked and scanned the skies everytime they flew over trying to catch another glimpse... and then smile at each other because we knew we were both enjoying the fun!

As you can imagine the weekend was exhausting! But, we had a good time together.. be it frustrating at times since we both know the best way to do things =) And we were able to raise a good amount of money for his squadron so our time at the airshow was a success!

Now it's back to work for 3 more nights and then we will see what the upcoming weekend will hold...

Go, Go, Go... Finally time to rest!

2008-09-15T17:14:00.007-04:00

I don't even know where to start, the past few weeks have been the busiest I have had in a very long time... but they have been so much fun too! =) So, let's see... where to start.

After the StrikeFighter Ball we came back and I went back to work for my three days and then I went down to South Carolina to spend Labor Day with BW. We spent lots of time working on getting things taken care of at his house and getting it all put together... Well, I spent a lot of time watching college football and enjoying the pool while the house was getting taken care of =) Then we spent some time on the beach playing in the ocean... so much fun! Then went down to Savannah to have oysters at our favorite place. Overall the weekend was a blast.

Again, I came home and worked my next three nights and unpacked my suitcase and repacked it for the next weekend. The next trip was to Ohio to spend some time with my family and friends. Spent Saturday at The Horseshoe rooting on my team O-H-I-O! And the rest of the weekend was spent playing wtih my sweet nephew and spending time with some family I don't see often enough. It was really nice and relaxing and I miss that sweet boy so much already...

Flew back to NC and went to work that night and the next two... unpacked, repacked and headed back to the airport!! This time I flew up to Rhode Island for a wedding for one of the boys BW went to the Academy with. Very exciting since I had never been to RI and the wedding was in Newport which I have heard all good things about. However, exhausted is not even the right word to explain how I felt when I arrived. But, off we went to the Rehearsal Dinner on a dinner crusie ship and then out in Newport for the night. It was super fun. Saturday was beautiful for the wedding and the reception was a lot of fun as well. Now, the trip home on Sunday.... well, the drive from Rhode Island to North Carolina with a stop in VA Beach is a RREEAALLY long one!!!! But, BW and one of the other guys drove the whole trip to VA Beach (12hrs) so I was just relaxing and napping in the backseat... with the luggage and wedding gifts! Not so much room, but what can ya do. So, the final hours of the drive, VA Beach to NC, I drove just a little and we arrived home around 230am! What a long day!!

Today, I have enjoyed some time at the pool with one of my friends I haven't seen in a long time here and lots of time just relaxing on the couch! Something I haven't done since.... I don't even know when! I have some errands to run and some laundry to do and house cleaning to do... and I am trying to psych myself up for those things, but right now Layla and I are enjoying just doing nothing! It has been exhausting for her too... she has been making new friends with Ang and this weekend went to "camp" and had lots of fun. But, I think she is happy to have mom back home and not working.

O-H-I-O!!

2008-08-30T13:00:00.003-04:00

It's my FAVORITE time of the year... College Football Season!! Who-hoo =) Started the season out by watching the game between NC State and SC on Thursday night, not that I cared about either team, but its college football so it was fun!! Today, the first Saturday of the season and I have been looking forward to watching my Ohio State Buckeyes play all week! Spending the day watching the game, only would be better if I was in Columbus for it! But, maybe I will make a game this season... until then, LET'S GO BUCKS!!!

Weekend full of fun!

2008-08-27T17:23:00.012-04:00

To say our weekend was fun would be an understatement! We had the best time ever and it is soo great that we were able to spend it with friends that we have not spent time with in a long time. Especially those guys who are preparing to leave for deployment in a few weeks.

We started the weekend at our friends Cara and Patrick's for the "All the Holidays the Boys will miss while on Deployment Party" Wow! So much fun... who doesn't enjoy dressing up and wearing silly costumes??

BW and I were not very creative, so we just wore our halloween costumes. He loves that crazy 80s wig and wears it any chance he gets!

Cara (the leprechaun), Michelle (every holiday), Me (halloween costume) and Krista (Mardi Gras)

The next morning the Durnin's house (which is super cute, by the way!) was wrecked and it appeared a costume store exploded in the backyard!! We decided that that means the party was a success =)

Saturday night was the Strikefighter Ball at a hotel on the water in Norfolk. It was a big reunion for all of our friends who are in the "Jet community" now. I loved walking around and seeing people I have not seen in so long. Crazy times ensued and we had the best time ever!

Love that guy in uniform!!

My beautiful girls!

Our fabulous foursome! We miss you guys!!

So, the weekend was a success and I could not have asked for anything more. We had so much fun with each other as well as with all of our friends.

Back to work now and this week has brought some exciting news, but that will have to wait until things are known for sure... But I am definitely on edge waiting to hear for sure on it and am really excted about the possibilities. Hope your weekend was as great as mine!

It's the Weekend!!!

2008-08-22T13:14:00.004-04:00

I am soo happy it is Friday... not only is the work week over and I now have 3 days off, but it means it is time for some serious fun, and I get to see BW again! This weekend is the Strikefighter Ball up in Norfolk VA with all the Navy Jet Pilots... Navy Balls are so much fun I cannot wait!! BW and I are heading up tonight because our friends Cara and Patrick are planng a fun party for the boys in his sqaudron before they deploy -- all the holidays they are going to miss costume party -- and I can't wait to see them and everyone else! Then tomorrow night is the Ball and BW tells me it is going to be huge, so I am assuming there will be friends there we haven't seen in a long time and I am very excited to get to see them as well as the ones we have seen recently. This will be a super fun-filled busy weekend and it is going to be a blast!!!! I am so excited...

Plus, I heard yesterday that my extension was approved so I no longer have to worry about my job situation and turning up unemployed and homeless =) I am at ease about staying at UNC and that makes me very happy and stress-free.

Stand by for pictures from our crazy fun weekend!

Another 13 wks...

2008-08-20T22:14:00.003-04:00

So my search for a job in South Carolina or Georgia has resulted in nothing. Apparently travel NICU nurses are not being used in that area, or there are just no openings at this time. So, needless to say this has brought GREAT stress to my life... however, as of last night I spoke with my manager at UNC and have requested to stay at UNC for another contract. Even though I was hoping to be closer to BW, at least I am someplace where I am comfortable, have friends, like the hospital / staff and know the drive to BW's is only 4.5 -5 hours... do-able for the weekends. SO, that's the decision... remaining in NC until the end of November; granted nothing is set in stone as of yet, but its about 98% for sure.. as a bonus found out today from my recruiter that I will be getting a small raise in staying so that is always nice!! I am happy to have the decision taken care of, a little disappointed that I will not be at my ideal location, closer to BW, however I am not really upset about the decision to stay. Like I said, I do enjoy wear I am and am happy with the unit I am working in. So, thanks to those of you for the support and prayers during this time!!! And, those of you who have been around, thanks for putting up with the stressed-out Jessie =) during this time!!

1,000 Words

2008-08-13T18:04:00.003-04:00

Absolutely my new favorite picture...

Employment Worries...

2008-08-06T08:17:00.002-04:00

Well, it's "that time" again... well, actually it's a little past the time. My contract at UNC is ending in 3 weeks!!! I am ready to move on and work someplace new, make some more new friends and experience a new place. However, there seem to be no NICU openings in the South East at this time. I have decided on where I want to go, which is the biggest decision, I am just now waiting for something to open up in the area. I am currently hoping to have my next move be either Savannah GA or Charleston SC, or someplace in those areas... closer to Bluffton / Beaufort SC.
As I have done many other times when I want to be someplace specific, I have applied with a new travel company which means a new recruiter who is "in charge" of my life, so to speak. He is the one who finds a job opening for me, and if there are no openings then he is the one who works with the hospitals in the area(s) I am interested in to try and encourage them to consider me. Even though I start working with a new recruiter, I always work with the same recruiter I have been with for the past 4yrs as well as other recruiters I have talked with and worked with previously. So, while trying someone new I still have the rapport built with MY recruiter and am able to trust what she can do for me and know that she knows me and will place me someplace I will enjoy... Well, last week my recruiter (the one I have been with for 4yrs) called and left me a message to tell me she "had some news" so of course I called her back right away, thinking maybe the "news" was a job opening in one of my choice places... Turns out, her "news" was that the next day was her LAST DAY!!! Talk about stress... Now, the recruiter I have worked with for so long and who knows me and I have faith in to take care of me is gone, before I have my next assignment! And, the rapport I was starting to build with the new guy was shook the same day when he thought he could place me in any OB unit in the hospital, not necessarily the NICU -- NO! I only work NICU!! So, it has been a stressful week when I think about my employment situation at this time. However, if there is one thing I have learned it is that the jobs come open and fill quickly in the travel nursing field, and I still have 3 weeks so that is plenty of time... at least that is what I keep trying to remind myself. Plus, I know that GOD will take care of me and will open the doors that are right for me and all I can do is trust in HIM. HE has never let me down yet. So, if you think of it, keep me and my next assignment in your thoughts and prayers. I will definitely keep you updated on what happens!

Oh yeah, my recruiter from the past 4yrs did set me up with another recruiter at the company who she says is really great and one of her best friends so I am sure I will enjoy working with her. But, it's just a little uneasy to be working with all new people and not someone I have a relationship built with. I am sure either of the two recruiters I am working with will be able to find me something great and take care of me.

Year and a half later

2008-07-23T14:31:00.002-04:00

It's been a year and a half today that I lost my mom. It still baffles me to think that I don't have my mom around anymore for the mother-daughter things a girl needs and wants. Honestly, I still have to conciously think and remind myself that I can't just call my mom and talk to her or tell her about my day or weekend or just hear her say my name and that she loves me. Will that ever change? Really, I would have to say I hope not because that would mean that I was used to her being gone and I Never want to get used to her not being here. My mom was amazing and it makes me sad to think that some of the most important people in my life never had the chance to meet her, or those who did didn't really have the chance to spend much time getting to know her. She never met my dog either... sometimes its the little things in life...
Guess I just miss her more when I realize how long its been since I was able to hear her voice and have a conversation with her and have her tell me she loves me. It does blow my mind that it has been a year and a half... wow. Think of you daily, momma, and I miss you and I love you.

Relay for Life Update

2008-07-09T00:04:00.004-04:00

I received an email last night to inform me that I exceeded my fundraising goal for the Relay for Life walk I participated in a while back!! I had set my goal at $500... THANK YOU ALL for your support in this! You are amazing. More than the monetary donations, I also want to thank you for your support in me as I participated in this event. It is something I will definitely do again and look forward to participating in again.

Thanks Again!!!!

PS you can still donate if you didn't and would like to =) visit my personal page

Time for a Slow-down

2008-07-08T23:26:00.012-04:00

It has been a month since my last post, not that I haven't attempted to write in the meantime (there are 4 drafts from these past few weeks unfinsihed!) but I feel I have been running in 32 different directions and haven't found the time to write. The past month has been amazing though, I will say. Even better than I may have expected. Where to begin....

June 14 was Alix and Drew's wedding. The long-awaited event I moved to the east coast for. The week leading up to the wedding was packed full of last minute activities as I am sure you can imagine, only it must be said that Alix decided to do everything herself for the wedding! Amazing. She made the invitations, RSVP cards, the programs, the centerpieces for the tables and we even made the bouquets ourselves!

She is incredibly creative and I am in awe at what she was able to do; however, have fully decided that I will GLADLY pay someone else do it all of this when My Day ever comes around. Too much stress for me. But, it all went off perfectly and everything turned out amazing... including the outside wedding during the thunderstorm!! But, Alix and I laughed through the thunder and she was able to thoroughly enjoy her day, the only thing I could have asked for as her best friend and maid of honor.

A great part of the wedding weekend for me was that Brian was able to come up and attend and we were able to spend some quality time together during the festivities and once things quieted down. It was great to talk and laugh and just be around him again.

The next weekend I went down to South Carolina to attend a formal function with Brian and his squadron. I was very excited to be invited and looked forward to the entire weekend all week leading up to it. The dinner was in Savannah GA so we were able to spend some time walking around the riverfront and seeing the sights there (and eating raw oysters!!! yum yum yum), what a fun city. We had another great weekend and again, I was very thankful for the time I was able to spend with him. It's amazing what you realize you have missed once it is brought back into your life...

I went back to work and prepared for the visit from my closest girl friend in San Diego, Alicia!! We were SO excited to be together and hanging out again. Even though I had just seen her and spent the entire week wtih her when I visited San Diego it seemed it had been forever and I could not wait to have her here. We had a great visit... days spent in the pool, evenings leading into nights spent out making memories... "San Diego, SuperChargers!!" hahaha I love that girl, and could not ask for a better friend. It was a visit we both needed, time together to talk openly and honestly and reflect on each of our lives and what was going on in them. There is not another friend I have that I know I can say absolutely anything to without judgement and hear the most honest answer without hurt. I thank God for this girl, daily. I have been very blessed.

When Alicia left I was still on vacation =) After working for almost 4 months straight a girl needs a week off! haha Plus it was the week of July 4th which is my favorite summer holiday! From experience I have learned that if I work July 4th I am extremely sad and depressed, even the holiday pay doesn't help, I need to be outside enjoying the sun and the cookouts and the fireworks!!! Brian came up and we headed north to Norfolk VA to spend a couple days with the friends up there, and some who were coming into town just for the weekend. It was worth the drive and a lot of fun! Thursday night we were able to see some old friends, one of his best friends who I have incredible respect for because who he is and what he does. It was great to see the boys together again, and it was fun to see him myself too. Friday was the best day... we spent the entire day on a boat anchored off the beach! We all know there is nothing I love more than being in the sun, and especially on a boat!!! It was fantastic. And, the fireworks that night... phenomenal. On the beach, all the people bring their own fireworks, there is not a professional show per say, and they set them off up and down the beach. Now, these are not just small bottle rockets and things of that nature, these are legit fireworks and the "show" went on for about an hour or more! Not to mention the "natural fireworks" that had started, also known as lightening. Now, we had heard the storm cell was going to pass north of us and we had nothing to worry about, ok... then it started raining. So, we gathered everything up and prepared to start the boat and head home... then we found out that the iPod which had been providing wonderful entertainment all day had also drained every drop of life from our battery. The boat wouldn't start, but the storm sure did! So, the 11 of us were inside the boat waiting out the storm and waiting for help to arrive... for about 4 hours. What an entertaining time to say the least... once the storm subsided and the fears calmed. Regardless, it was a great day and we got home safely and I would do it all again!

So, now my vacation is over. I think my schedule has calmed, at least for the next week or maybe even two! I am back to work... and starting to think of where my next adventure will be. My contract here ends the end of August so it is time to start thinking about the next move. Things at this hospital are not bad by any means, but not great enough to keep me here. I am ready to move on and find someplace new... and of course I must keep in mind that winter is just around the corner so I must move someplace warm! I have time, I will figure it all out.... I always do!

I must say, amidst all of the fun and excitement my life has been the past month not a day has passed that I have not wished I could call and share all of it with my mom. The wedding was especially difficuly, in hindsight, realizing that I will never share that day with my mom like Alix had the blessing of doing with her's. There were some hard times related to an immature and awful person that I really needed my mom around for shortly after the wedding. My mom never knew about Alicia or the amazing friend she has been to me. I haven't had her to talk to the past 5 1/2 months about relationship things a girl needs her mom for. But, I know she is watching over me. I know she loves(d) me. And I know she is proud of who I am, mostly because I am so much like her! haha I love you, momma, and I miss you dearly each day.

Whew!

2008-06-06T00:54:00.011-04:00

Wow! I can't believe how fast this week seems to have gone by. Last Friday night I participated in my first Relay for Life in memory of my Mom and Aunt Chris, who both died of cancer, and in honor of my Grandma Mary, who is a cancer survivor. It was something I was looking forward to, but I had no idea the effect it would have on me. Quick explanation of what the Relay for Life is, for those of you who may not really know (I didn't). It's an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society in which survivors, caregivers and anyone touched by cancer can raise money and come walk during the time. This event was Friday night, it started at 6pm and lasted until 11am Saturday morning. I found out about the event about a month before-hand and decided that it was something I really wanted to be a part of, and I am so glad I did. I was able to raise over $350 for cancer research in the time before the event just by sending out emails (thanks! by the way, and you can still donate if you would like by going to my personal page. ). Typically those involved in the event are part of a team in which they take turns walking throughout the event and are sponsored by a company in the area. Since I got involved late I did not build a team in and/or get corporate sponsorship or join a team of people I didn't know, so I signed up to just be a participant myself. I had spoken with a couple people out here to have them come walk with me, but when Friday rolled around it was only me who was heading to the stadium for the walk. I knew there would be some emotional times during the event, basically I expected it to be during the Luminaria Ceremony which is where names of those lost to cancer as well as cancer survivors are placed on bags and candles are lit in them in memory/honor of their lives. Also during this time there were bags placed in the grandstands spelling out the word "HOPE" As the sun went down we are started lighting the candles so that each bag would be lit when the ceremony started. However, what I did not expect when arriving at the event that evening was the overwhelming emotion that came with just being there or with seeing the survivors walk around the track or maybe it was walking as a caregiver... I cannot say what it was, but it was something unexpected. I missed my mom. I was overwhelmed, I was alone and I really wanted to leave, but I knew that I was there for a great reason and for that I would stay and walk and she would be proud. So, I walked. I set "goals" for myself for how long I would stay and walk and when I left I realized I had been walking around this football field for 8 hours! I know momma would have been proud of me; I wish she could have been there with me.

Saturday was an exciting day! Dad, Shawn, Jen and Cody all came to visit me!! A weekend I have been looking forward to and a weekend I knew would be crazy... never realized how overstimulating it might be though =) Imagine, dad, Shawn, Jen, Cody (my 3yr old nephew), myself and my dog (boxer-ridgeback, 54lb mix!) all in my ONE-bedroom apartment for the weekend!!! Holy Madness to say the least! But, it was so much fun and I am so glad they came down! We played at the pool on Saturday and then just ran around Durham a little that evening.

Then Sunday we took Cody to the Tweetsie Railroad Park in Blowing Rock NC (about 3hr drive from my house) where they were having a special event "A Day Out with Thomas the Train"

He had a blast!! It was a very fun day for all of us -- don't they look excited??

The next day we walked around Chapel Hill and Jen was in UNC Heaven, buying everything she could find in Carolina Blue =) and then they left... it was such a fun weekend, sad in it's own way as well being that everyone was together except mom, but it was great to have them all here!

I have now been back to work and am off this weekend as well. This weekend is going to be my relaxing time. I am looking forward to a laid back weekend at home, it's been a long time since I have had that! As much as I love always having something to do or someone at my house... I am looking forward to it just being me (& Layla of course) and having some time to relax and just do nothing. Next weekend is the wedding.... hopefully Alix will join me this weekend in the relaxing as well! I am very excited for her weekend and am looking forward to it... my girl is getting married!!!

May Memories

2008-05-22T08:49:00.005-04:00

The month of May is filled with many memories for me, some happy some really sad... this year, it has seemed that there have been more sad ones than happy. But, even the sad ones elicit happy memories as well.
May 6th... Nurses Day (go me! haha) but also the day my Grandpa Charlie died unexpectedly 2 years ago. He went to sleep on Friday night and never woke up, no warning, but GOD knew that was the best way for him to have to go. I remember the sadness that my mom dealt with in losing her daddy. I remember going fishing with Grandpa, I remember all of us cousins getting together and causing all sorts of a ruckus just to get him worked up some... I remember him always involved in our lives.
May 18th... my parent's wedding anniversary, it would have been 34 years this year! I could not have asked for two more loving parents who showed me a successful, loving marriage. Don't get me wrong, those two had their issues just like anyone else! But, underneath all of that I always knew how much they loved each other and that they supported each other, and always would. The bond that I saw when my mom was sick was amazing to me, and I will always look up to my parents for the amazing marriage they had and can only hope and pray that one day mine will follow in their image.
May 22nd... today. 9 years ago today I learned what it is like to lose a friend. Nine years ago... it seems so much more recent! Lora Hernandez and Lisa Roberts were killed in a car accident in the early hours of that morning. They had been out with other of our college friends, off to see a movie and were heading to get something to eat. I had been out with all of them the very night before but decided to go home to my parents' that day... I will not forget getting the phone call early that morning "...there's been an accident... Lora is in ICU at Grant..." Up and out of my house to spend the day in the ICU waiting room with college friends and then Lora's mom waiting for her daddy to arrive. Two young lives lost, so many other lives touched by them. Those two girls were amazing girls... beautiful girls, extraordinary personalities and amazing examples of Christ's love, both terribly missed by SO many! http://www.lorabeth.com/

Of course there are other days in May that have other memories... friend's birthdays, friend's deployment dates, fun activities... but those three I mentioned are the ones that stick out the most. They are the ones that never pass without me remembering what they each mean... they don't pass without me missing my Grandpa, my mom or my friends.

Feels Like HOME!!

2008-05-09T08:36:00.006-04:00

My vacation is over... Spring Break has come to an end and now I am back to work. I have only been back for 24 hours and I am already going crazy wanting to be in San Diego with all my friends out there. It's home. That is what I figured out this past week while I was there. Kinda scary for me to admit!! But, the people I spent the past week with mean more to me than I can express and have been with me through some really tough times. The friendships that have been built are the ones that will last a lifetime and the ones that I cannot live without.

It was the most amazing week ever.... so many fun times spent catching up with friends. Getting to know other friends better... and just being together. I didn't want to leave.. big surprise. And I cannot wait to get back out there!

Probably not a big realization that San Diego is "home" to me, but when I was asked by my friends when I was "coming home" I realized, it just seemed right. Who knows... my contract here is through the end of August, 4 more months... but, I would not be surprised if there is a cross-country trip and San Diego address in the future this year!

It's Official!

2008-04-17T18:05:00.005-04:00

I received the official word this afternoon... my extension (and vacations!) has been approved by the manager at UNC. So, I am sticking around until August.

It's good to know this decision is made and so I don't have to worry or think about it... Plus, work is getting busier, which is great because it means I could pick up an extra day or two here and there... extra money is always good! So, hopefully we will stay busy so I can get some overtime soon.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers and encouragement during this time! Appreciate you all greatly =)

Decision Made

2008-04-14T18:59:00.014-04:00

Well, I have decided... I will be staying at UNC for another three-month assignment. I am happy about the decision and am looking forward to the next three months here in NC... the weather is warming up and there are lots of fun activities outside to be involved in.

The next few months are already packed with fun activities... the fist (and most exciting) being my upcoming vacation to San Diego!! Can't wait to get back out there for a week and see all my girls. We are going to have so much fun and I am so very excited.

A few weeks after I am back from San Diego I will be headed to the beach for Alix's Bachelorette Weekend. It will be a very nice and relaxing weekend on the beach with some girls I haven't seen in a long time and should be really fun as well!

The next weekend my nephew and family will be coming down for a visit. I cannot wait to spend time with him and see my sister-in-law. It will be great to have them here. We are going to see Thomas the Train and I Know he will absolutely LOVE every minute of it... earning some Best Aunt Ever Points! haha

Then there are some tentative plans for visits to and from other friends as well, and by all means, let me know if/when you wanna come! I love having company and am soo excited to see some great friends during the summer!

So, overall I am excited about the next few months, and I am happy about the decision to stay where I am and continue working at UNC and to continue building friendships I have started here as well.

My Momma

2008-04-13T08:27:00.006-04:00

Of course I miss my mom everyday, more than I could ever explain to anyone. But, there are some days that the single person in the whole world that I want or need to talk to is my mom; and in those situations it's almost like a slap in the face with the reality of her being gone. It's those mornings after work when the one person I have always called is my mom to tell her about the night, this morning was one of those mornings. Boy, how those mornings suck.

Usually it's after a night that was rough for one reason or another and I have always looked forward to talking to my mom and decompressing from the night before. She was always the one I could call whenever and she would be there to support me and encourage me after those nights. Mom's always know how to make their kids feel better... and now I don't have that.

I realize over and over again how much I miss her and how no one will or ever could replace my mom in my life (or the lives of my family).

So, hug your mom a little tighter today for me. Call her to say hi and you love her. Just appreciate the time you have with her because you can't get it back.

I love you, momma!!

The Sun Came Out!!

2008-04-11T05:52:00.003-04:00

So I just finished one of the "mini-vacations" that working 3 nights a week can offer. I have been off work for 5 days... of course the first 4 it was cold and raining as it has been in North Carolina for the past couple of weeks. Believe me, I am over the rain! We all know how much I love the sun and being outside, so this rain has landed me right on my couch watching episode after episode of CleanHouse--- which, I can't say I mind a day on the couch... but I don't need 3 weeks there! Well, to my amazement the sun has come out!

When Layla and I got up on Wednesday the sun was out so off we went to the dog park so we could both spend some much needed time outside. And it was great. Then, yesterday when we get up again not only is the sun out but it is warm! So, I dig up the swim suit and beach towels, pull out the ipod and head to the pool for some hours spent relaxing in the sun with Alix. It was fantastic! I even put my feet in the water because it was so hot on my chair. However, on my way to work Alix called and it seems our day in the sun produced much more than relaxation for her... she now has the first sunburn of the season. And, as the night has gone on here at work it appears my chest may be getting slightly more red-tinged. But, I can take that as long as it comes with the rest of me being somewhat tan and the sickly-pale color of winter being gone.

So, one more point for North Carolina with the improvement in the weather... still trying to make the decision for my next contract, but as for now I am back to work for 3 nights so life outside of the hospital is put on hold...

Decisions

2008-04-09T14:42:00.009-04:00

As a travel nurse my next move is decided usually half-way through my current assignment. Well, it's time... Many times this decision is easy. Either I love where I am and who is around and I choose to stay. Or, on the other end of the spectrum I am completely unhappy with where I am working and have no desire to stay so I choose someplace new. Currently I am somewhere in the middle... My job at UNC is one I enjoy. The people are nice, the hospital is friendly and the assignment is one I am happy with. The area is not bad, I have met a few fun people that I have enjoyed hanging out with. I am close to some other people that I love to spend time with, even if I only get to periodically. Hopefully the weather will be warming up soon, which is a big part of my travel decisions.
However, I still wonder... Should I try someplace new? Is there something better out there for me right now? Or, do I stay where I am content right now, with people I have enjoyed getting to know. What's three more months....
Plus, I have to think about the wedding in June. I moved out here to be close for these last few months of planning and preparing with Alix. As much as I would love to, I don't think heading back to the west coast is the right decision at this exact moment in my life...
As if I wasn't under enough stress with life itself... I know that God will show me what He has for me and will give me peace with the decision He wants me to make. Doesn't make the in-between time any easier!!

A Start...

2008-04-06T21:16:00.001-04:00

So, I've decided with everything going on in my life maybe I will start writing about it... I'm sure it will be somewhat therapeutic to get some of it out.
Currently living in North Carolina... even though I have been here since Feb I am still adjusting to life outside of San Diego and life without my girls with me everyday. I guess it would be more accurate to say I am adjusting to life period. As the saying goes, "when it rains it pours" and that is how the changes in my life have come lately... but, with the support of a couple few close friends I am getting there and doing okay.
Life in NC is not bad, just different. Work is good, that's a blessing. Meeting some new people, love that! And I guess re-discovering who I am, which I think is essential many times in life.
So, not sure how exciting this blog will be... but it will be a place for me to keep those who are interested updated on my life, and hopefully it will be a pathway for me to discover, again, who the real me is.