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!

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!