Happy September!!

Where has 2009 gone?!  Seems like just yesterday we FINALLY made it to Jersey and now it's almost Autumn (and Jersey doesn't play, our highs have already dropped into the 70's!) and Donald will be leaving in just 2 short months.

We are continuing to LOVE Jersey life!  We have been so blessed with new and awesome friends, a location with endless entertainment options, and an amazing church (yes, I'm still going after the 'incident', see previous blog).  NYC is only a short train ride away, and we have been several times.  If I could move to Manhattan, I would!  Donald thinks I'm nuts, but comes along (if only to make sure I don't find my way into Tiffany's and actually buy something!).  If you've never had the pleasure of enjoying Serendipity 3, please, come visit and I will take you.  I'm pretty sure God himself makes the frozzen hot chocolate!

I am also happy (and kinda sad...) to announce that I finally have a job!  After 9 months of "trophy wife" status, I am re-entering the wonderful world of nursing!  I am working on a med-surg floor at Virtua Hospital in Berlin New Jersey.  It's only a per diem job, so I can work when I want, then take a couple weeks off to travel, or just lay around the house.  I hope my first day goes better than my first day in Oklahoma (had to stay late, hated it and cried the entire way home and for a while after until Donald could settle me down). 

Donald is deploying the end of October/early November, just in time for the holidays.  I am glad, however, that he will be taking a dear friend of ours, Adam Glover's squadron's place and he will be home for his beautiful twin's first Christmas!  Donald will be gone until March (missing all the big holidays, including our anniversary & my birthday...ick).

That's about all for now.  I'm sure I'll have a story after I start back to work...I always do!!

Today I officially became a Military wife....

I know the title sounds a little odd, being as I've been married to a man in the military for a year and half now. But as everyone who goes through, or was with someone who went through, pilot training knows, that it is simply not the real Air Force. Sure, they had long hours and sometimes cross countries, but they were always back for all the ''important'' stuff.

Donald left Thursday for his 2nd mission since becoming a USAF pilot. His first was short and sweet, gone only a couple of days. And when he returned, he brought back stories of German go carts that would not be legal in the good ole US of A, and German wine (for those of you not lucky enough to have experienced this, it is amazing. When Jesus turned water to wine, it was German Riesling...). Nothing happened while he was gone. Nothing was going on. Nothing was missed. He flew to Germany, France and England and returned. I was ok with this. Sure I don't like sleeping by myself, but who doesn't after getting use to that warm side of the bed!

When Donald left this Thursday, he was to fly to Germany, then ''down range'' (for non-military folks, that means into the war zone), then back. Knowing what I do about the C-17, I was not nervous about this flight. I'm ok when I talk to him and he's safe in Germany. Talking to him is brief, and only when he can get an internet connection in the hotel (thank you skype). At some point yesterday or the day before, we miss each other, right before he (was suppose to) goes down range. I panick (and I know all you other military wives have done this as well, if not, just say so to make me feel normal...). For a brief second, all I can think is, what if he doesn't come back. That moment passes. I know I'm being crazy. And I am not going to think like this everytime he leaves to do his job. So I am ok. Turns out he's still in Germany anyways. All is good.

Donald & I have been wanting to visit churches here in Jersey, but havn't gotten out yet due to settling in and traveling. So I get online last night, and I use google. It's sad, but I picked the church with the most informative website (I know they say don't judge a book by it's cover....). And this morning I get up and I get myself all ready to go to a new church, all by myself. Normally I have no problems doing anything by myself. I am a very independent person. I get in the parking lot, I say a little prayer, and get out of the car. No turning back now. Upon entering the church, a very nice lady greets me, asking if I'm new because she has never seen me, so I explain, "Yes, we just moved here. My husband would be with me, but he's in Germany". We talk a moment more and I find my seat. I'm doing good. Really good. I feel great. I love being in church. Good stuff. I make it though the opening prayer, and the welcome, and the upcoming events. Then we stand to sing.

As most who know me, know, I am not a cryer. I just don't cry that much. I have to be really really really happy. Or really really really sad to cry. Well, as I open my mouth for the first words of the hymm, the tear gates also decide to open. HOLY COW! Of course I also forgot to put tissues in my purse (as I did not anticipate this) and I decided against the waterproof mascara. I'm trying to stop and wipe away all the tears but they won't stop!! After the song and a few church motions, it's time for the ''meet and greet''. I was suddenly surrounded by all these little old women. They were so nice and welcoming, it was just what I needed.

I am glad to say I made it though the rest of the church service in one peice. And I will be going back. Turns out judging a ''book by it's cover'' worked out yet again for me. And I most definantly can't wait to go back with Donald in tow.

Anyways, after all this, what I am trying to say, is that for the first time in the year and half I've been ''married to the military'', today I honestly think I became a true military spouse. The grand amount of respect I have for all the previous spouses who did this before me just got even bigger.

Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today....

I want to be part of it - New York New York!!!

For the first time since elementary school, and for Donald, the first time ever, we went to New York!!! Donald's parents were in town, and we decided to head out and see a Yankees game. So, we got up super early (which, at 6:30 is probably normal for most folks, haha), hit the train in Trenton, NJ, rode for a hour and 45 minutes, and arrived at Madison Square Garden!! I love NJ by the way :)

From there, we took a 30 minute metro ride into the Bronx, and bam! Yankees Stadium!! It was nothing short of amazing. I myself, was not a huge Yankee's fan prior to this outing. But I donned my newly purchased Yankee's shirt (Donald and I are on a mission to see every major league baseball stadium in the US, and purchase a shirt for me, then make it into a quilt when we're done..neat huh?), and decided that it would be great!!!! Upon arriving at the stadium, you are overwhelmed with this place! It's magnificant! Amazing! Incredible!! Words cannot describe how beautiful this stadium is!! Walking in, you can tell no expense was spared, banners of all the Yankee greats hang from the top, and walking around completely is a time line of photos of all the great moments in Yankee history! And the food!! Yummy! Of course we had to eat a Famous Nathan's hot dog, a first for me, and of course, it was wonderful! They even had sushi!! At a baseball game!!!!!

Another tradition, anywhere we go, sporting events no exception, we get a ornament, or a momento that can be used as an ornament. We now have a Yankee helment to proudly display on our christmas tree!

The game was quit impressive as well. Of course Yankees have some of the best baseball players, but the whole atmosphere was quite differant than any other MLB game I've been to (Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers & Phillys). It kept you pumped! You couldn't help but cheer!! The jumbotron (I guess that's what they call it) was so impressive! Crystal clear! The music was fabulous!!

Donald & I are good luck charms (teams should pay us to come sit in their stands)! It was suppose to rain, but just like the Philly's game, the sun came out and it was beautiful! The Yankee's won, beating the Twins 6 to 4 in the 11th inning. A. Rod hit a perfect home run to win the game, and was greated at the plate by all the players. And according to tradition, the player who wins the game with a homerun, gets a shaving cream pie to the face.

We didn't get to spend much time in the city, as we had to get back for the puppies, but I cannot WAIT for our next trip to ''The City'', which I am so glad to say is not, OKC, but NYC :)!! If you've never been, you need to book a ticket and go!! Even if it is just to people watch on the metro, it's well worth it!



These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it - new york, new york

I wanna wake up in a city, that doesn't sleep
And find Im king of the hill - top of the heap

These little town blues, are melting away
Ill make a brand new start of it - in old new york
If I can make it there, Ill make it anywhere
Its up to you - new york, new york

Enjoying Jersey!!!

So, I know it's been a while since I last updated! But we've been a little busy! It has taken us no time to truly fall in LOVE with Jersey! Don't worry, I'm still a TRUE Southern Lady, no doubt, but this state has so much to offer and explore! It does have some of the great qualities of the south, sure they aren't the 'world famous' Southern Hospitality, or sweet tea, but the shore is beautiful, and there are actually TREES here!!!! (If you don't appreciate the trees, move to OK or ND for a while...you will learn that even the small stuff makes a difference!!) Here are a few of the things we've checked out since moving to the Garden State :

A Philly's game :




A couple of trips to the shore!!

At the Barnegat Lighthouse, Long Beach Island (above)

Ok, so it's not letting me put anymore photos up, but look at Facebook and I have all the photos uploaded from all our adventures!

We Made it!!!

So, we finally made it to New Jersey!! And we LOVE it! In the week that we have been here, we have found a house, moved into said house, unpacked all the boxes and put (most) of everything where it is to live for the next 3 or 4 years (because i am NOT moving again before then!!!), and made some friends! Crazy week, don't ya think?!

We were not able to get into on base housing, but according to our friends, that is a good thing. Apparently the folks running the housing are horrible. But it all worked out for the best and we got a wonderfully perfect (well, as perfect as we could get!) house! Sure it has a mustard themed bathroom and a blue bathroom (complete with matching toilets!), but it has 3 TOILETS!! We don't even know how to act!!

Last weekend Dad and Athan came up and brought the Maui, we were very excited to see him!! And he was excited to see us & to check out his new home! We're glad to report, he likes it just as much as we do. The steps are his favorite part :) Dad & Athan's trip was cut short due to the biggest snow storm in 3 years coming Sunday night. New Jersey was bound and determined to break us in quick!! But before they left and the snow hit, we made it to Philly for a real Philly Cheesesteak. Yes, we just drove to Philly for lunch. And it was GREAT! And i LOVE this place!!!

So now begins the job hunt. Good thing there are a good 100 hospitals within 30 minutes of the house....

Ready to go!!!

The day has FINALLY come!!! Well, tomorrow that is....the car is packed (with the exception of suitcase and toiletries), the truck is packed (Donald's and the moving truck), the Realtor is been called, and we are READY!!

Little update, the wait list for McGuire housing is 2 YEARS...2 freaking YEARS! Of course last year there was no wait list, and apparently NO other base in the country has a wait list like this, but since it's us and life is very adamant that this move NOT be easy or pleasurable, there has to be a wait. Soooo, we've talked with a realtor, recommended to us by our amazing sponsors, and we've found a few houses that we like and want to look at in person. I am very nervous about living off base, I am a horrible scaredy cat & have gotten quite use to the gate guards and barbed wire fencing around my neighboorhood. Not to mention that 2 of my family members homes have been broken into (my cousin had his car stolen too!) & Jersey is not known for it's ''safety''. I guess our next big purchase (even before the new tv Donald HAS to have) will be a gun...or taser. Not looking forward to this.

And I thought nursing was a ''recession proof job''. Until I tried to find a job as a travel nurse. PA is not hiring travel nurses. The hospitals are hiring LPNs instead of RNs. For anyone who knows anything about nursing, this is UNSAFE and very inconvient for the RNs that are left on the floor. (disclaimer: I am not saying LPNs are unsafe, but working with more LPNs on a floor than RNs, and it does get unsafe, I don't really care what you think, it's true). And to get a NJ RN license, it take 4 months and almost $300. SERIOUSLY? And we wonder why we don't have nurses. Did I mention the people at the NJ Board of nursing are rude idiots. Sooo, looks like I'll be going to Delaware, hour to hour and half away to work. But atleast it pays better than the last 2 nursing jobs I have. If you feel so, please write to your senator (or whoever matters) about nursing rights. Ever been in the hospital or had a loved one in the hospital, and you know what I'm talking about.

Soo, I'm done with ranting, thanks for reading :) Next blog will be from NEW JERSEY!!! Complete with photos and all.

And I must say thanks to the in-laws for the new couch and love seat! Finally something that is NOT a hand me down!!!!! Pictures will be up when it finally comes in and makes it to us!!

Love is...

And no, this post will not include any of those little naked characters from back in the day who say what love is...blah blah.

Instead of enjoying a relaxing Valentines day with the hubby, I helped a dear friend deliver flowers to those in love. I REALLY enjoyed this! Really, she did such a wonderful job on our wedding and has become a friend of the family, and she really needed help during this crazy time for florists. Plus, the hubby was on the other side of the country...quite literally. While taking orders for flowers, then delivering said flowers, it make me smile knowing that love still exists in this world! And a lot of love! Many where oder couples who had been in love for a long long time, but a lot were young boys/men who were just getting to know that special girl. And this makes me smile. (Also, please make sure your street number is in plain view to the road, thank you!).

And while I drove around this great little island, I could not help but think about my wonderful husband and all he does to make sure I feel special. He tried to surprise me with flowers (for the same flower shop I was 'working' at, because I told him if he ordered any it had to come from her) but I saw it on the online bank statement (pitfalls of our online world). He is simply amazing. And while I went with Robin to deliver a flower arrangement for a dinner party, she turned to me and said "You really miss your husband, don't you". While this may not be an extraordinary or insightful statement, she has been the first person to ask me this since he left. Of course I stated yes, but that it is not the first, nor the last, Valentines Day we won't spend together. She then went on to say that she could tell we were the real deal. That you could tell that we love each other and were committed to each other, for life.

As stated before, not an extraordinary statement, but she is the only person I've hear this from, other than my best of friends. My parents have not even said this, to me anyways. And this meant a lot to me. I try to live my life in a way that shows my husband and the world that he is the only one for me and I love him more than anything. It feels good to know that someone can see this.

So I come home to an empty house and two dogs (dog/house sitting for the parents), eat dinner and have a glass of wine. And one of my favorite movies of ALL time, A Walk To Remember (which, if you don't know, is set in a wonderful little town right up the road) is on. So I sit and watch and fall in love all over again with it! If you have not seen this movie, GO NOW to your local rental and get it! Anyways, my favorite Bible verse, and verse read at our wedding comes up :
Love is always patient;13

love is always kind;

love is never envious

or arrogant with pride.

Nor is she conceited,

5 and she is never rude;

she never thinks just of herself

or ever get annoyed.

She never is resentful;

6 is never glad with sin,

but always glad to side with truth,

whene'er the truth should win.[b]

7 She bears up under everything,

believes the best in all,

there is no limit to her hope,

and she will never fall.

8Love never fails

Corinthians 13.

Every time I hear this passage, it reminds me of what love really is and how we should be in our lives. I hope to paint this on our wall when we FINALLY get in our home as a daily reminder of how we should be as a married couple, and as a christian. Just thought I'd share... :)

I think this was the first time I've watched this movie since I started dating Donald, and I know since we got married, but it makes me think what I would do without him. I always joke, I married for love the first time, I'm marrying for money if something were to happen to Donald. But really, what would I do without him (literally beside me or not). He has changed my life in so many ways. I know I could go on...but it would not be fun...So as my valentine to my hubby, I love you more than words could ever say! You are amazing and thank you for everything you do for me, everything you've done for me and all you will do for me. You've changed my world in more ways than I could have imagined!

Sorry for the sappiness....I've been without him for a month...and he's coming home friday :)