Kissing

Who knows what I was trying to do with the photo? And even more so, why I chose the figurine. Haha... I guess I was feeling sappy. Looked down at this figurine and remembered this came from Amsterdam. This underway, "Neptune Warrior" was the first time I ever spoke to Chris. Haha, I told him he was cute. Yup, I do believe those were the first words I ever said to him. For some reason, I am really missing him today. Probably, because I woke up and immediately started watching Just Married and then just recently I was watching the news and they mentioned 3 ship homecomings and there is going to be another tomorrow. *sigh* I can't wait for his...

My new bed

This is my new bed since Chris is gone. It is a very comfortable one at that... for some reason I just can't sleep in the big honkin' one in my room. So I have learned to improvise. Plus, the bed table is a lot bigger than the one in the bedroom. I can fit more necessities on there such as: my new recipe books, Entertainment Weekly, my new friend Spook (the pumpkin in the center) and plenty of space to put as many glasses of water that I want! Oh, did I mention that I have a big 47" flat screen too. Why would I ever want to use the bedroom again?? :D (When Chris is gone that is...)

These boots were made for walking

The Countdown begins...

290 weeks down, 22 to go
(Ahem, the is 5 months!!!! AHHHHH!!!)
Goodbye boots
Goodbye Navy
Hello Corporate Job
Hello College too...

I can't believe it will have been 6 years. It is even more amazing how much I have accomplished (personally, spiritually, financially). I have traveled all over the world and met so many people. Hell, I have been introduced to so many amazing lifestyles. The experience has been fulfilling and has made me so proud. Wow. Just wow.

The road has been unbelievably bumpy and at times appearing to be never ending. Somehow, it is hard to look on the bad and I am so thankful for those lacking memories.

Some places I have been: Florida (Pensacola, Jacksonville), Illinois (my first winter), Maryland, Massachusetts (my first mission), Virginia Qatar, Iraq, Scotland, Amsterdam, Italy, Spain, Palma, Greece, Turkey, Crete, Montenegro, Croatia, Mauritania

Some things I have learned: Don't worry about your peers just be honest with yourself. Stand up for your values. Don't let a man stomp all over you; you are just as good as he is (sometimes better). Friends will come and go but it is your family (doesn't have to be blood) that will stick by you forever. KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT! Remain in contact with your shipmates because you never know when you are going to need them. Motivation. Dedication. Pride (in oneself and country).

What these boots mean: When I first put these boots on (well, not these that would just be gross) I was a lost individual, seeking guidance, a purpose. Now, when I take them off for the last time I am going to be a grown woman, a wife, someone who knows there is more to this world than myself. I may have not chosen Active Duty as a career but this part of me will never leave me. I will forever be a Sailor.

My sweet son...

Rocko
Down and dirty at the baseball field.
He played for hours.
Rested.
Was up and ready to go in another hour.
Now, I am tired.