Happy New Year!

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference." 

This past year was another year of traveling, and I traveled down some interesting roads (literally and figuratively!) in 2011.

Overall, it was a good year--filled with hope and anticipation. And I achieved some important goals. It feels great to review my bucket list, check off items, and add new ones to the list.

2012--I am ready for you! This is going to be a wonderful year, and I'm excited to start my next adventure!

Cheers!

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!

Because freedom isn't free . . .

This is the flag flying by the San Pedro River
 in Arizona (near Ft. Huachuca)

Happy Veterans Day--and THANK YOU to all who have served and all who still serve! Remember, freedom isn't free.

Today was sunny, but chilly (and windy!). I went for my run by the water this morning, and most runners (including me) wore long sleeves, ear covering, etc. One brave woman was running in a sports bra and short running shorts--brrrrrrr! It was 47 degrees this morning (42 with wind chill factor).

These are the views I see when I run:

This view of the Tampa skyline makes me miss Seattle.
There is no better place than Seattle in the Summer . . .

This is a nice run--made me think of my runs along the
Columbia River on the Washington side. 

Life is good--cheers!

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!