"May you live in interesting times"

My car - ready for the road trip home.
Not as loaded down this time!

I'm definitely living in interesting times! This phrase is intended to be a curse meaning "may you experience upheaval and trouble in your life." [credit] 


While I wouldn't say there is trouble or upheaval in my life, changes occur every moment. It isn't always easy, but it always works out for the best. I was expecting to head to San Diego to turn in my government computer and say goodbye to the 315th, but the my last battle assembly with them was cancelled due to the expected government shutdown. Instead, I packed and headed back to Washington. It was nice--I gain a lot of perspective during these long road trips, and I stopped in the Sacramento area and visited some friends on my way home.

Now, I'm packing and preparing for another road trip--to South Carolina. At first, although I'm definitely excited to visit friends along the way, I was wishing I had more time to rest before another road trip. Remember, I've been ill and am still recovering. But rest, for me, brings boredom.

So I'm getting excited about this new adventure. Rachel suggested awhile ago that I blog about my "adventures." I haven't written much about these road trips. This time, I'm going to take pictures along the way, and spend some time each day writing about the things I see and people I meet. It really is an adventure!

My life is good--I wouldn't trade places with anyone!


So don't be deceived . . . the true curse is "may you lead a boring and purposeless life."

I can always find the rainbow!

Welcome 2011--a new chapter!

Most people begin a new year with a list of resolutions. I set goals that align with my personal strategic plan, and I reflect on the previous year. Looking back over 2010, I'm pleased with my accomplishments. It wasn't an easy year though--I can't count the number of times I said "you did WHAT?!" or something similar.  However, I can positively say that the number of times I said "I love you" was exponentially higher. Life has its ups and downs and requires forgiveness and understanding. And for the forgiveness, understanding, and love I've received--thank you.

So far, 2011 is looking good. I'm beginning the year at MI BOLC at Ft. Huachuca. It's hard to believe that I began this journey three years ago . . . I'm amazed at how quickly time flies.

With this new chapter in my life, I'm struggling with blog topics. So far, this blog has been . . . boring. I'm working on it, but there are many topics about which I cannot write. That's just the way it is. For the next four months, I plan to write about what it is like to be a woman and a Soldier . . . It's a little different for me because I'm beginning this journey at a later stage in life than most. There are advantages and disadvantages to this, and I'll do my best to share them.

So, from Ft. Huachuca, AZ . . . Happy New Year! Let's make it a great year!

Cheers!

Be inspired--create a world without cancer

Left: Five squirrels enjoying breakfast as I drove by after my run

The Saturday Morning Run

I run with Team in Training every Saturday, and I've met some incredible people! This Saturday, I ran with a doctor and a program manager for health care continuing education. Most of the people I've met so far are involved in health care in some way, and many people are involved because someone they care about has fought a blood cancer. Their stories are incredible, encouraging.

Fund raising is harder than I thought it would be. I don't know if it's due to the current economy or if people are donating elsewhere. But I'm committed. This is too important, and researchers are making progress. Amazing progress. Researchers will soon be testing a vaccine for breast cancer, and the FDA recently approved a prostate cancer vaccine.

I've been posting messages on Facebook, but I've gotten a very small response. At work, I have a See's candy display in the break room, and I'll be hosting a Pampered Chef fund raiser shortly. If you have any fund raising ideas, I'm all ears! This is too important. And if you can donate, please do. It will help fund a cure, and it provides a tax benefit for you! Most importantly, think of the lives you will help to save . . .

After the run

After my run (six miles--woohoooo!), I cleaned up and went wine tasting. The weather was gorgeous, the views were incredible, and the wine was tasty! I think I like living in wine country! I was able to visit two wineries, but there are so many more to visit! If you are in my area, give me a call, and let's go wine tasting!

Writing

Now that I"m blogging again, I'm feeling the need to submit to a blog carnival. So far, I haven't written anything worthy of Grand Rounds--Where else can I submit? Has anyone submitted to Carnival of the Vanities lately? I'd prefer to submit to a theme oriented blog carnival--any ideas? I need to write!

On blogging . . .

I've decided to start blogging again, but I haven't started blogging yet. What, you aren't happy with that? Check back . . . soon. I'll have something to say--you know I will.