Not been a good couple of months.....

A lot has happened since the last post. Unfortunately its not been good, well only one good thing. I love my new job and it seems to be going well so far.
David came home, we saw each other and nothing since. Unfortunately he wasn't the man I thought he was. Didn't have the common courtesy to say goodbye. That is what really hurts about everything. I haven't wanted to say it out loud because I didn't want to believe that I have been tossed aside yet again. So I am slowly but surely trying to get over things but its hard especially during this time of year, its an awful time of year to be by yourself.
The next bomb to fall was that my grandmother passed away last Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). We knew she wasn't doing well but on Thursday she was stable. Hardest of all was making the trek up to Indiana. I know it hit my mom hard especially having to deal with two of her five sisters and the fact that the burial was on her birthday. But we are all taking it one day at a time.
I am hoping that we will be able to have a nice Christmas up in PA this year. I was really hoping to spend it at home with just the five of us but we are headed up to PA to spend it with my Aunt Cathy and her family.
I only have one week left of school and I am looking forward to a much needed break. I just need to get through next semester and then I will be done with my Associates degree. I am thinking about taking a semester or two off so that I can save up some money and not have to take out any student loans to finish up my bachelor's degree.
I hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving and that your Christmas is all that you dream of.

A fantastic month

So its been one crazy month. I received a Sustained Superior Performance (SSP) Award at work-this was a complete shock, I have never received one. I was called up to the big bosses office and had a meeting with my supervisor, assistant mgr, mgr and VP. I thought for sure I was in trouble. Then I had an interview for a supervisor position in my section (one of the two left). Well I found out last Thursday that I got the job...sshh, I am not supposed to say anything yet, but I cannot help myself, its killing me.
Then I found out last Sunday, while in VA Beach on travel for work, that David will be coming home this weekend (well at least as of right now-I have yet to get an email saying otherwise). We have been waiting for this day for the past seven months and I am so anxious/nervous. I have never been on this side of a deployment before. Sure we went through deployments for my dad but its completely different when it is someone you are dating (or at least it is to me). A million things are running through my head right now, just trying to stay focused and calm-a lot easier said then done, especially with him moving throughout the world right now. He cannot say much about when and where he will be leaving from but I have a pretty good idea based on how he got there. It should take about 2.5-3 days for him to get home, based on the travel times and time difference (he is about 7hrs ahead Eastern Standard Time).
I am desperately trying to plead with work to let me have a day or two off next week so I can spend some time with him. If not at least I have 3days off (Thursday-Saturday), actually next weekend I will have a 4 day weekend because I start my new shift on 11/1. I actually have a Monday-Friday: 6:30am-3pm shift. I am not going to know what to do with myself.
I will post some pictures of the homecoming.
Have a great week!!


PS My sister and I took some pictures about 2wks ago with an old High school friend. I will post some of those as well. She is great, if anyone needs a photographer I would highly recommend her, pretty reasonably priced as well.

Cookbook

I volunteer with Soldiers' Angels, they are putting together a cookbook. It costs $10 and 100% of the proceeds go towards the organization. They are asking if we all can sell one book, I have already had 4-5 people say they would like one. It is still in the works and they are shooting for a Pre-Thanksgiving sale. www.soldiersangels.com
(They gave us a different sight but I think I may have copied it down wrong).

VA Beach from 7/2010

This was made out of Legos, it is a display in the museum gift shop.

Tuefel Hunden=Devil Dogs

The entrance to the USMC Museum

These are just a few of the pictures taken while at the USMC Museum. I have loaded all of them on to my facebook if you care to see the others (I took over 100 pictures while there)

Last weekend..

So my dad and I headed down to Quantico to go to the MCX (Marine Corps Exchange) and to the USMC Museum. I wanted to get a camelback for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer that I am doing next May and I was shocked at the prices that they were charging out in town. Oh how I miss the exchange. I got a camelback that was originally $150+ for about half and there is no sales tax, super excited. I wanted to get it now so when my long training walks come up I can get used to it.
After we were done shopping we headed over the museum. I love that museum. I took over 150+ pictures and am still trying to figure out my camera, once I do I will load some up here and on facebook too. It was all done so nicely, def got a lump in my throat as I was walking through it. One of my favorite parts was getting to "land on Iwo Jima" They have a "ride" that will take you through what the Marines went through and saw. Its actual footage from the ships.
You can also go eat at Tun Tavern (where the Marine Corps was founded) or go through the mess hall. If you ever get a chance take it. I could spend many more hours there.

A rough couple of weeks.....

So its been a rough couple of weeks (3-4, I lost count). It started with a work trip at the end of July early August. I got an email from David before I left and then I hadn't been able to catch him since. At first it was okay, I re-assured myself that everything was okay and he is just busy (he is working ya know and all of his soldiers are not in the same area-which makes me nervous on another level, thinking about him having to climb into a helo or even worse getting into a humvee and travel to where ever they are. Ugh gives me the chills just thinking about it). And listening to the news was not the best thing for me to do either.
Now my mind was going a million miles a minute and I even went as far as to think that I had done something-which is crazy and my friend Rachel yelled at me for. I still sent my emails and letters out to him.
So scan forward to this past weekend, I get a lovely email from my sweetie apologizing for not emailing sooner (I did tell him there was no reason to be sorry). The internet has not been reliable lately and since that is the easiest and cheapest way to communicate it makes it hard. We did get to chat for over an hour yesterday afternoon (he was just getting back from "chow"). It really is amazing what a simple email and conversation will do for one's mood. It was worth the lack of sleep. And from what he was saying yesterday it sounds like they may be coming home earlier than expected. At first it was some time in October and then he told me it got pushed back 2-4wks, which would have put them back sometime around Thanksgiving-hopefully, the 'rents have invited him to dinner-an Army soldier in a Marine house...could be interesting, I don't think there will be any left overs, my mom is talking about inviting the Marines from the 8th & I barracks over again. Those boys can put away some food.
I also started school last week. So far so good, of course there really hasn't been any tests yet.
And next weekend I am heading up to Boston to see my friend Candace and her boyfriend Matt. She moved up there to go to grad school at Boston College. I have never been to Boston so I am really looking forward to it.

I hope everyone has a nice Labor Day weekend!! Stay safe :)

Yikes

So I got my training plan for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I am a little nervous, it is quite daunting. 24 weeks, 7 days a week. Now that I have had a couple of days to digest everything I think it will work out okay. There are 3 days a week where I will be doing cross training (yoga, swimming, cycling, etc) to break up the walking and then one day to recoup (just a 15 min walk). I think as long as I stick to the plan I will do just great. I should be in really good shape once this is done (at least I am hoping that is the case). I am currently researching different diets. I know I am going to need to increase my protein and cut back on sweets. But I need to figure out what to do about the carbs-I would think I would need some. I always hear about runners doing a spaghetti dinner before their races (we used to do this before swim meets as well). Anyone have any suggestions? Any help would be much appreciated.
Here is the link to show what I am going to be doing for the next 6mos or so. (I have decided to start within the next week or so to try and get a head start on things, I need all the training I can get).
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/DocServer/AvonTrain_39mi_24wk.pdf?docID=5909

Executive Decision......

So I have been trying to get into better shape, that was my goal for this year. I joined a gym (it helps that it is minutes from my house). And have been thinking about signing up for a 5k. Well my friend Kelly (we were neighbors w/her parents and she taught me how to drive-poor thing) asked me if I wanted to do the Avon Walk (40miles for breast cancer) next May up in Boston. After a couple of days of thinking..can I really do this? Do I want to do this? I have decided to bite the bullet and go for it. I am really excited yet extremely nervous at the same time. I mean the first day is literally a marathon (26.3 miles). Right now I am walking between 3-3.5 miles an hr, I figure if I can work up to at least 4miles an hr I could finish day 1 in about 7hrs-assuming I can keep the pace up. We will be doing 5ks and 10ks periodically throughout the next 7mos. I am hoping I will be able to do the Marine Corps 10k which is on 10/31 this year (I don't think I will be ready to do the Army 10 miler this year but I am shooting for next year and who knows maybe I will walk to the Marine Corps Marathon next year :)).
So not only will I be working nights, going to school on Mondays and Thursday, waiting anxiously for David to come home (hopefully in November) I will be adding training for a 40mile walk. I think I need to go get my head examined what do you think :)

Please light a candle, say a prayer, etc for me. I am determined to do this. This will be happening 5/14-5/15/2011....right around the same time I will be finishing up my Associates Degree (will probably miss my graduation ceremony-but I am okay with it, I will have another once I am done with my bachelor's degree). I am thinking I will need to reward myself once this is done. Any ideas? I am leaning towards a cruise or beach vacation (IE:Caribbean or Hawaii) :).

Summer Fun!!

I had a fabulous day up in Baltimore today. Best of all I got to spend it with a great friend, Bobbi. We met in Biology class in college about 8 or 9 yrs ago, it does not feel like its been that long. And I got to meet baby Camden who has to be one of the happiest babies I have ever met. He's got the biggest blue eyes and is always smiling/laughing (sadly I didn't get a picture but next time for sure).
We headed up to the National Aquarium, which I am still not sure was worth the money it cost to go in but I am glad I went. We got to see the Dolphin show, which was well worth it. Made me decide that the next time I have the chance to swim with the dolphins I am going to do it. I have always wanted to but never had anyone that would go with me. I did get some pics but I cannot find my cord to hook up my camera to the computer so as soon as i find that I will upload some.

On another note...I have registered for my classes for the fall semester. I should be done with my associates by next May (come hell or high water I am going to finish by then). I only have 4 classes left (only 2 after this semester). Keep your fingers crossed that the tuition does not go up anymore.

Not much going on....

There isn't much going on right now. Just busy with work and getting ready to head back to school in a couple of weeks. I did just get back from a tent sale (car sale) down in VA Beach. It was very nice to get away for a few days even if I was working 13.5hr days. I did get to head to the beach on Friday evening, it was the perfect summer evening.
Tomorrow I am heading up to Baltimore, MD with a good friend Bobbi. We are headed to the Baltimore Aquarium and to Little Italy. I also get to see baby Camden for the first time, super excited. I should have some pics to post this weekend.
David is doing well, he is still busy (and will probably stay that way for a while)-he prefers to be busy, it makes his days go by faster. His deployment got pushed back a couple of weeks. Of course I am sad but unfortunately it is out of our control, that is the military for you. In the back of my mind I was expecting it to be delayed, so it wasn't a complete shock. I am glad they let them know now rather than a month or so out.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!!

This is what I get....

So on Friday evening I was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner like the good daugther I am (mind you I had also cooked the dinner). As I was opening the fridge to put something away a jar fell out and onto my foot. Stupid me tried to move out of the way in doing so it landed on the last two toes and on the top of my left foot. I have a nice bruise, sort of purplish/blue and it is still slightly swollen. If the swelling doesn't come down by tomorrow I think I am going to have to make a trip to the Urgent Care or ER to get an xray. I am hoping that it comes down, my toes look like little sausages..oh so attractive. I really don't want a cast or anything..have you ever been to VA in July/August it is so humid and makes me feel disgusting. I couldn't imagine adding a cast to the situation.
Got some new this morning from David..his deployment has been pushed back for at least another 2wks. I'm sad but I know this is out of his/our control. So no sense in getting upset, right? He is hating the food, he said they have the same menu every single week. So I am trying to come up with ideas that I can send him just in case he gets to a breaking point. I do try and send little snacks when I send out a package, I sent some hard candy and trail mix this last time (he asked for some toothpaste and I didn't want to just send the toothpaste). But have sent granola bars (Nature Valley), nuts and beef jerky. Any other suggestions? I was thinking of some ramen noodles or the tuna fish packets (the ones that come with the mayo, relish and crackers)-at least that has some protein.

I hope everyone has a great week!!

WOW!!

WOW...last time I checked I did not live in CA (and never have). This morning the metro DC area had a 3.6 earthquake. I now know why the dogs were freaking out around 5am. I on the other hand completely slept through it.

On another note I had a great day yesterday. I got to talk to David yesterday morning. We hadn't gotten to talk more than a couple min here and there because he has been working non stop for the past couple of weeks. I know its been hard for him but we are almost to the 4month mark and only 3more to go. I really hope they go by fast. Also with the temps getting up into the 140s which reaks havoc with his job (he is an electrician for the Army).
And then I had a girls night out with some great friends, we went to the Melting Pot and had a complete blast. We were there for 3hrs, unfortunately we didn't have a picture taken. The plan was to go play mini golf after dinner but because it took so long the course was closed by the time we got out of the restaurant. Oh well there is always next month.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Happy July 4th :)

Wanting to wish everyone a very happy and safe July 4th!! This is probably one of my favorite holidays. What more can you want, bbq, family/friends, games and fireworks. Unfortunately this year I have to work but I am not going to let that ruin the holiday. We are having a potluck and going to head to the roof of the garage and watch the fireworks in Vienna.
Please take a moment to remember all of those brave men and women who have made this holiday possible.
I also would like to wish my mom and dad an awesome anniversary. 29 years ago tomorrow they were married (a good idea on my mom's part now my dad cannot say that he forgot about their anniversary :)).

Enjoy...have a hot dog for me :)

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!

So Monday is David's birthday, I baked some cookies, got some other snacks (he was complaining about the food), gum, drink packets and a couple of magazines and mailed them off to him. I hope the cookies are okay by the time he gets the package. His real birthday present will be here when he gets home. I am taking golf lessons and will be taking him to play golf at a local golf course, which is supposedly very nice.
Three months down and only about 3.5-4mos left. I feel bad that he is over in the "sandbox" right now, he said its only about 125 degrees right now but in another month or so it will get up to 140. But I guess its better to be there now instead of during the Holidays.

Its been a very busy month...after my birthday I left for Pensacola, FL. Well what was only supposed to be a week turned into a three week adventure. I was asked to stay for two weeks and to help train 5 of the 7 new loan officers that we hired (2 were on vacation). It was quite an experience. I am glad that I was able to do it though. Then last Saturday was my 10yr high school reunion. Its hard to believe that I have been out of high school for 10yrs already. Where does the time go?

I want to wish all of the fathers out there a very Happy Father's Day...especially my daddy and David.

Birthdays!!

Well its that time of year again I am another year older (well I will be in a couple of hours). I was not expecting anything from David as he said he had limited access to cards. I woke up to a very nice e-card this afternoon, my first birthday card :) In a way he will be here with me helping me celebrate. Unfortunately he will be gone for his birthday as well, I am still trying to put together some things to send off to him. Still not sure what I am going to send, but peanut butter cookies will def be included.
This weekend will mark 2mos of the deployment, only 5more to go-its been hard, I have been trying to keep as busy as possible. I have been going to the gym and have been feeling great. Next week will be hard, I am heading down to FL for a much needed break but I will still be able to talk to him if he has time (email and yahoo messenger).
Happy Birthday to my little buddy Dallin!! I hope you have a great day, miss you guys :)

Military Appreciation Week!!!!

Its Military Appreciation Week!! I have the utmost respect for our brave men and women who serve in our military. They make such a sacrifice so we that we can live in this fine country.
I have a hard time seeing so many people disrespecting these fine men and women, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom.
My mom found this cute poem while volunteering at the USMC Museum and have always liked it:
" We stole the eagle from the Air Force; the anchor from the Navy; the rope from the Army and on the seventh day when God rested we overran His perimeter and have been running the show ever since. USMC."

You have got to love the Marines!! Oorraahh

Please keep David and his soldiers in your thoughts and prayers...the flu is going around right now and they are all pretty miserable. Working around the clock does not help either.

Could not be better!!!!

I have been so lucky these past few weeks. I have been able to "talk" to David (Army man) almost every day. Yahoo messenger and email have been the best. I do not worry nearly as much as I thought I would. I am anxious for him to be home but I know he is doing his job and he loves it (the job not the deployment).
I do not know how it happened but he got the care package I mailed last Thursday already-he actually got it on Monday. I have no idea how that happened but am greatful.

On his way up North

David emailed me this morning to let me know today is the big day. They are headed up North to where he will be for the next 6-7mos. I am excited because we will be able to chat on a regular basis via yahoo messenger and skype. And I am just waiting to get his address so I can send some "snail mail" his way.

He made it to Germany safe and sound...now he is on his way down into Kuwait. Should be there for a couple of days and then make they will make their way down "in country". I don't know what that means exactly.
Just got the email....he was afraid he was going to be stuck in the middle. Well he got to fly first class-I guess thats a little better :)
So happy he had a chance to email me, I know he is going to be busy but its nice to know he took the time to do so.
I'm trying not to start the count down for him coming home but its hard.

Its going to be a hard week :(

I've had the best weekend in a very long time. I got to spend time with someone who I truly care about. He has been a great new addition to my life even if its only been just two months. Unfortunately he is leaving for Iraq on Tuesday for 7mos and I'm not going to be able to see him until he comes home in October. So a piece of my heart is leaving (I am truly surprised that I say that right now).
Hey he saw me play minature golf and bowl and still wanted to spend time with again :) And he wouldn't let me buy my socks so we could go bowling (that wasn't a planned part of the evening).
So as I am starting to tear yet again today I ask that you keep him and his soldiers (yes he is Army and I a Marine Brat) in your thoughts and prayers. I happy he is leaving in the sense that the sooner he leaves the sooner he comes home and we can be together again. Plus there is skype, webcam and care packages. I'm just waiting for his address so I can send the first one off. I was hoping to get something mailed out before he even left so it wouldn't be too long.

Home safe and sound :)

I had a great weekend in Tucson, AZ. I got to see my aunt and my friend Natalie and her boys. Dallin & Sam are the cutest little boys. I loved being able to spend time with them. And was sad to say good bye. I only hope it won't be so long in between visits.
I was able to go see the San Xavier del Bac Mission. It was so beautiful, I was able to get some pics and will upload them soon. My aunt and I went and saw a movie-Leap Year, I would highly recommend it. The best part it was only $3.25 for the movie ticket :)
Hope everyone had a good weekend!!
On a side not Zubair & Saiba are scheduled to be induced this Friday...42wks preggers, I'm sure Friday cannot come soon enough. Can't wait for baby girl Chaudhry to come. I love kids :)

I'm leaving on a jet plane......

YEAH....I'm leaving this morning, I hate leaving my babies (two doggies) but I know my dad will take good care of them. And they love him.
I'm leaving in about 5hrs and am excited...I love to fly. I'm trying to consolidate my suitecase into a smaller one. I soon realized after I packed it all up that I am only going to be there for 3 full days (Friday-Monday).
I'm excited to get away from the cold for a little bit, anything is better than 38degrees in the middle of the afternoon!!
I'm hoping to take lots of pics while I am there. I love being able to explore new places.
Have a great weekend!!!!

Mini Vacay!!

My trip to FL got cancelled (the big bosses decided it wasn't needed and wouldn't approve the travel). I still have a feeling I'll be headed down there by June.
I'm headed out to Tucson, AZ to visit my aunt and to hopefully see my friend Natalie and the boys :) I've been reading up on Tucson and am excited to explore a little bit. This will be the first time I've ever been to AZ. 5 days to go :) I don't even mind that I have to be at the airport around 5:30am on Friday morning :)
Pics will be posted once I get back!!

FRUSTRATED!!!!

What my morning was like today: get off of work, go to the grocery store on my way home (need a few things for dinner tonight), go to class, offer to pick up some breakfast for the fam, come home and then get called inconsiderate. Really????? I'm inconsiderate. This makes me sad. And almost mad enough to stop cooking dinner and all the other little goodies that the family keeps requesting or any of the other things I do and enjoy doing . I need a break!!

Sticky Buns

So while I was supposed to be doing my Calculus homework (still not sure why I am taking this class) I was "watching" the food network...I know I know bad idea. Well Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa, made sticky buns, needless to say I stopped by the grocery store on my way home from class to pick up the ingredients. They are in the oven and make the house smell fantastic. I'm hoping they taste as good as they smell. I'll post the recipe if they turn out well (super easy). :)
Just the thought of them make my night better...plus the family will have breakfast for the morning :)

A free trip :)

So I have been working crazy hours at work, we've been on mandatory overtime for at least 2.5mos. Its been a long couple of months and I have been looking to go somewhere for a long weekend at the very least. However work has done it for me. I have been selected one of two people to go down to Pensacola, FL to help train the three new loan officers. I am excited, this means I get to go sunny FL and see old friends while working. Another major plus.....I don't have to pay for any of it :) I'll be heading down either the week of Feb 14th or Feb 22nd. It depends on what my partner in crime wants to do (its looking like Feb 14th-right now). It seems like all of my friends down there are pregnant or have had babies w/in the last couple of years. So I get to go see them, spoil them and then hand them back off to their parents. That has to be the best part :)

Greetings

Hello all
So a couple of my friends have a blog and have liked being able to keep in touch with them. So I thought I would give this a shot-we'll see how it goes.
Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Have a great day!!