A Season of Hope

Christmas at the Farm - 2010

I love Christmas--it's my favorite time of year! But I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by! This time last year I had just finished a contract in California, drove to Arizona, then flew to Washington for Christmas. After the new year, I spent 2011 primarily in school, and in uniform. I learned a lot this year--from both good and bad examples. And I made some great friends and great memories. The downside of 2011 was that I spent most of the year far away from the people I love.

2011 had its challenges--having pneumonia at the end of 2010 affected me physically most of the year, and it was tough being away from the people I love the most. But I grew--as a person, as a woman, and as an officer. I reconnected with old friends, I experienced new foods and climates (104 degrees in 100% humidity!), and I Skyped--alot! I'm so thankful for Skype, Facebook, email, cell phones . . . the list goes on. It isn't the same as being in the same room and certainly can't replace a hug, but it makes the world a much smaller place. I travel so much, yet I never feel alone--I am thankful for that.

I'm looking forward to 2012--I know it's going to be a wonderful year, full of happy surprises!


Merry Christmas everyone--have a safe and happy new year!

Lessons Learned

Somewhere at the bottom, under the water and 
the mud, lies a significant piece of my past. 
Moving forward is a good thing!

It's been a few years since I've spent time in Tampa--I spent a few months here back in 2007, but I haven't been back since. Things have changed since then . . .

Some of the restaurants I used to frequent are closed now, and construction projects have changed the landscape a bit. Of course, in 2007 it was all about the relationship I was in--I was deeply in love. This time, it's all about me and continuing my adventures in this crazy, wonderful life. It's good to be back.

I'm a different person now, and I'm viewing Tampa through new eyes. One thing I've discovered upon my return is that I'm learning lessons from people and circumstances that . . . surprise me. I must say that I'm happily surprised!

I'm thankful for all of my experiences, and I'm happy to be back in Tampa! Life is good!

Facebook: is this a place for children?

Bottom line up front: I don't think children belong on Facebook.

Yes, Facebook is a fun place to connect, but even adults have been victimized via Facebook. Older kids, even college kids, have been bullied on Facebook. Some people think that kids can be on Facebook if properly monitored, but I disagree. Facebook has privacy issues, and kids just don't have the maturity and experience to deal with some of the issues that may be "faced" on Facebook. Facebook isn't just about playing games and posting pictures for your friends and family . . .  There are people who look for potential victims on Facebook--they look for children, women, etc. 

I am very careful with my own Facebook account--I wouldn't dream of allowing an elementary aged child to be on Facebook. Parents, grandparents, guardians . . . please think twice before allowing an elementary or middle school aged child to have an account on Facebook. Be a responsible adult and draw the line. I did.

Lost and found: a note from Tyler

Some things are just too sweet . . .  Tyler wrote this note to me in the Spring of 2007, and it remained on my refrigerator door for . . . years. I've since packed it safely away with other mementos, but my blog is my new "refrigerator door."

~ Tyler, 2007

Life is good, and I am very blessed. I'd rather be me than anyone else! Thank you, Tyler, for continuing to brighten my days--I love you!

Decisions, decisions . . .

Chesepeake Bay

I'm planning to move to Tampa in September . . . but I visited Washington, DC for Independence weekend, and now I'm wondering if moving to Tampa is the best decision for me. I still think it is, but I keep getting calls from recruiters. Today, I had a recruiter call about a job in Bellevue, WA  . . . tempting! However, I told the recruiter that I'm not interested (this time--I definitely left the door open!); I want to make the best decision . . .  for my family and for me.

Longworth House Office Building

I interned in DC many years ago (wonderful experience! I worked in Longworth House Office Building), and I love the city . . . but there's something about Tampa (good memories?) . . . and the job is a very good fit.

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South Carolina

I'm still loving Ft. Jackson. I wouldn't choose to live long term in Columbia, but I'm enjoying my time here. Our class has really bonded, and our instructors are wonderful. I can't think of anything negative to say, although I'm not excited about sharing space with the snakes next week (land nav)!

Last (but not least!)

Happy birthday to my best friend, Lance! Be safe, and be blessed!

Life is good--I am so blessed!

Cheers!

Relaxing at home

Sunshine in Washington!

I'm enjoying my last month at home . . . Today was wonderful, sunny, and . . . ok, it wasn't warm, but it was nice! The great thing about the weather being cool is . . . I can still have a fire!

Today was productive for me--lots of phone calls, emails, etc . . . but things are falling nicely into place. I'll feel better when the package is wrapped with a nice little bow on top though!

I'm looking forward to this weekend--Easter with my kids! I'm hoping for a sunny weekend so I can take them hiking on Saturday. Even if it rains, it will be a great weekend!

Ready . . . Set . . .

I am sooooo ready . . . I really am! Once I have a plan, I'm ready to go! In my mind, that is . . .

Truthfully, I have so much to do to get ready to leave for South Carolina . . . Yet in my mind, I'm already there. But half of the things I'll need are here with me in Washington, and the other half is in Arizona. Somehow, I need to get it all in my little car and get it to Ft. Jackson! But hey, I've done it before . . .

I'm excited--I've already started mapping my route and contacting friends to visit along the way. I love learning new things, visiting new places, and meeting new people. The only part I won't love is being away from my family . . .

I'm so glad my family is supportive of my adventures--I have the best family and friends. They understand what drives these adventures--that there is purpose and meaning to them. They understand that much of what I do . . . is ultimately for them.

Attack of the allergens!

This plant is trying to kill me. OK, it may not be THIS plant . . . but some plant out here is trying to kill me--I'm sure of it! If you are planning to spend time at Ft. Huachuca, come prepared with allergy medication!

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Family Visit

Tyler and my parents came for a visit recently during Tyler's winter break. It was great to take a few days away from the Army and focus on family. It was windy while they were here, but I took them to see the San Pedro River, then we wandered around Tombstone and watched a gun fight.

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Leaving Ft. Huachuca

Remember when I had pneumonia? And pushed myself a little farther than necessary while I was ill (Warrior Dash)? Well, I need some time to recover from my previous illness . . . But I've learned my lesson. I will listen to my body moving forward--I realize now that I am not superwoman (shhhhh, don't tell my kids!). Don't worry--I'm OK. But my immune system was compromised, and the elevation and allergens here are taking advantage of the situation!

Darn, I really wanted to be superwoman. At least I'm still Mary Poppins . . .  ; )

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Travel

What am I doing now that I'm leaving Ft. Huachuca? In December, I finished the contract I was working on in California, so I'm looking for another contract. I'm planning a trip to Washington, D.C. in May--I'd love to live there again! I'm also planning trips to Hawaii and London in the near future . . .  Life is good!

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Tyler took this picture of the desert sunset--beautiful!

"Embrace 'the suck'"

"Embrace 'the suck'" is the most often heard phrase so far. I don't want to imply that it has been horrible, but the mornings are very cold before the sun rises. Going to the range last week was fun, except for those cold, early mornings . . .

About those desert sunrises . . . they are absolutely incredible. And I was telling my mom this morning that I will take the cold weather over the rattle snakes any day. Seriously.

"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage." Lao Tzu

Today was great--I had email, skype, and phone conversations with the people I love! They may be far away physically, but they are with me in my heart always. Later, I saw the movie Black Swan with a friend in my class (very creepy movie).

When we return from the field, a few of us are going to go horseback riding in the desert (a two hour trail ride). We've tried to go twice unsuccessfully--this time we have reservations. I can't wait!


Life is good--Cheers!

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!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas at the farm
Tyler, Traci, and Rachel

Making a list, checking it twice . . .

OK, I already had the list--but I did check it twice!

I don't like shopping, but I had a blast today! There's something special about choosing gifts for the people I love . . . The rain poured, and I ran around under an umbrella wondering if I were truly in California! I was thankful for the rain though . . . I think the stores were less crowded because of it!

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays--even though I'm sad when I can't be with all the people I love. This year, I get to spend Christmas with my parents, my brother and his family, and my favorite monsters, Rachel and Tyler!

This week, I'll ship presents to the people I love who are far away . . . and I hope my gifts will bring a smile!

"Can miles truly separate you from friends? If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?"  ~Richard Bach

My sentiments exactly--I'm so there!

Moving again!

Yep, I'm loading up my little car again! The photo to the left was taken the day I left Ft. Benning last November, and my car is almost as loaded again tonight! Tomorrow, I'll be taking the second load to my parent's house in Arizona--about half-way to Ft. Huachuca (which will be my home until early May) and spending Thanksgiving with Dad, Mom, Todd, Renee, and the boys.

I like moving (although I don't like the packing part!), but it's always a little bittersweet. I've formed some great friendships here in California, and I'll miss those friends when I'm gone. And my apartment is looking more like a corporate apartment again and less like my "home."

I'm looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with my family--I just wish my monsters could be with me! Tyler is in Oklahoma, and Rachel is in Washington, but I get to spend Christmas with them (I can't wait to see them!). I'm thankful for Facebook--it helps me stay connected to the people I love when we can't be together.

I have much for which to be thankful . . . I am truly blessed!

Home!

I just spent a week at home, and it was wonderful! It was a working trip, so I spent a lot of time on the computer. But I saw my kids, my parents, and some of my friends . . . it was great! I also got to dig in the dirt a little at home. We had a shrub die, so I replaced it with lavender. I also replaced the rosemary that died (how does rosemary die???). I wanted to plant some tulip bulbs (I love tulips), but maybe I'll get back before it's too late . . . (or maybe I'll have help???). We need to plant two more rose bushes, but that will have to wait until next spring. I pruned and watered . . . I loved it! I may hate cooking, but I love digging in the dirt!

It was a busy week--besides working and digging in the dirt, I also took a PT test (in the rain) up at Ft. Lewis (of course I passed--why would you even ask?). And I had multiple meetings--all good!

Life is so good--I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!

A week in San Diego

My kids are great. They really are! I am so blessed . . .

We spent last week together in San Diego. I worked, and they kept themselves busy!



This past week I was doing double duty--I worked for the Army during the day and BSC in the evenings. It worked (kind of), but I was exhausted at the end of each day, and I didn't get to spend much time with my kids.

And I apologize to those of you who were the recipients of my . . . snippishness (mostly BSC SMEs--is snippishness even a word?).

However, the monsters did a GREAT job of entertaining themselves while I worked! They played in the pool (or bathed in the sun beside it), explored Coronado, and visited the Midway.



And they planned a wonderful birthday for me!
Thank you Rachel and Tyler--I love you!

They bought me flowers . . .

 And joined me for dinner . . .

Twice . . . (OK, more than twice . . .)

And we fed the ducks . . . many times! I wish I could have spent more time with my kids!

It was a productive week though--I completed some important tasks both for the Army and BSC, so it was worth the effort.

We are back in EDH now, so watch out (after all, Rachel is driving!)!