Is it really the last day of July?

I can not believe that my birthday "month" has come & gone. It does seems as if the time is starting to fly by. I am not complaining at all.

Mike has been busy as usual. I am still not 100% sure what he's doing, but I am 100% sure that he is enjoying it and really believes in the mission. Which makes it much easier to handle being away from what is "normal" to him. Of course it is still hotter than hell everyday but I guess he's gettin acclamated because it doesn't seem to bother him as much or at least he doesn't seem to mention it as much.

Sorry I didn't post yesterday but after working most of the weekend, I had a huge honey do's list. It really is bad when you have your own "honey do" list!!!! I was able to accomplish most of what was on the list except for maybe one thing. So I felt pretty good.

I even had the chance to sit and watch a movie. It seems I hardly ever have the TV on anymore. I use to watch the news all the time and now I never know whats going on. Which I guess could be a good thing, sometimes when you watch the news it is always so depressing....someone is always getting killed or something of the sort.

These are pictues of Mike's neices. I had so much fun with them when I was in Omaha. They are the smartest and cutest little girls. I was really surprised that the oldest one, Allison, actually remembered who I was. I was the girl who had the black boots, black hair and "purple eyes". I thought that was funny. I'm not sure why she thought I had purple eyes but she did. I had only met her once before Mike left so I didn't really expect her to remember me, but she did. Allison is the one on the left, Christina is the one on the right. They are the cutest kids. Like I said they are both very smart for their ages.

I would also like to share with you a very important day for me. Tomorrow I have decided to give up smoking! So as of tomorrow, I am a NON-SMOKER!!!! YEA for me. I know there are those of you out there saying, doesn't she have enough on her plate? It is a very hard thing to do. I know, I've tried many times, but it is something I really want to do and I figured when I quit, I will never have to pick another one up. So wish me luck!! I will keep you up with my progress. I have also decided to put away the money I usually spend and after a month, I will buy something I've been wanting for awhile. Not sure what that is yet, but I'm sure I'll be able to figure it out!

Carol sent this email out today and I loved it so I thought I would post it here...

If I could catch a rainbow

I would do it just for you

and share with you its beauty

On the days you're feeling blue.

If I could build a mountain

You could call your very own;

A place to find serenity,

A place to be alone.

If I could take your troubles

I would toss them in the sea,

But all these things I'm finding

are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain

Or catch a rainbow fair,

But let me be what I know best,

A friend who's always there.

This is a Hug Certificate!!

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE hugs! Hugs are such a small part of life but they will always make you feel warm inside. Thanks Carol, how did you know I needed a hug, today?

Not much else is happening. Good night Mike, I love you!

Volunteer Work!

Well today wasn't exactly what I thought it was. I thought the 5K run was for the Special Olympics but it was actually a fund rasier for St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children. None-the-less it was still a lot of fun. Some of the children who live at the home were there to cheer the runners on.

How can you not fall in love with this kid? He is absolutely adorable and so full of life. His name is Derrick. I had a blast with him. So all-in-all it was still very rewarding.

I did talk to Mike before I left this morning so as usual he made my day! I love waking up with him. He always makes me laugh & cry!!!! But the crying is a good thing....it is always a happy cry. I have never been with anyone who can lift my spirits like he can. Thanks Mike!

Well I have lots to do before I go to work tonight. Oh yea, right after I posted last night, I had a very nice surprise. My girlfriend from Guam is in town....she didn't tell anyone she was coming into town so it was a GREAT surprise. I can't wait to see you Lisa!!!! I have missed you a lot!

Now I really need to get going and get "my chores" done!

I love you Mike!!!!

Two down, one to go!!

As the title of this post says, I have worked two nights at the Sports Plex and one more to go this week. Tonight was VERY slow...which after last night made the night drag!!!

I'm not sure if I was wound up after working at such a fast pace for 3 1/2 hours last night or what, butr I could NOT get to sleep. I tossed and turned most of the night. So today when I got home from work at 1100 I talked to Mike for about 30 minutes on line and then I took a 2 hour nap and slept like a rock. Mike was very tired too. The whole time I was chatting with him he was yawning. He has been very busy at work so I'm sure combined with the long hours and the heat it has to catch up with you eventually.

Not much to say tonight but I did want to post something. I have to get up early tomorrow to volunteer with the Special Olympics. I am so excited about that. It should be a lot of fun. It is acutally for a event sponsored by St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children. I am really looking forward to it.

I will try to post tomorrow after I get home from the Sports Plex.

Have a GREAT day tomorrow, Mike. I love you!!!!

Working for a living....

WOW...what a night at the Sports Plex...we were very busy....we usually get at least one break but tonight we weren't able to get one. It was $1.00 hotdog night....it is so much fun though!!

I actually spoke to Mike 3 times today! He sounds so good. Then I was able to chat with him when I got home from work (my day job). He didn't have power most of the day to his CHU so it was hotter than hell. They were replacing a generator. At first the internet cafe had no power as well and for whatever reason, even when they have power, the AC isn't working so no matter where he was....it was VERY hot! What was really bad was he was unable to take a shower because of no power. With it being that hot, it is the only way to cool down. When he was online this afternoon, the power was FINALLY turned back on so his CHU was cooling down, but it was still to hot to try to go to sleep. I really hope he was able to take a shower and get a good nights rest.

I am going to hit the bed...tomorrow is another busy day....work in the morning and then work at the Sports Plex again!

Will try to post again tomorrow...

I love you Mike!!!!

Almost forgot!

We have officially reached the 2 month mark. We only have 10 more months to go!!!!

YEAH! I hope the next 10 go as quickly as the first 2 have!

Okay so now it let me post the picture of Mike's humvee! Isn't it cute?

As I said it is better than walking especially in the sand storms that seem to come quite often on the base. What I find interesting is, he is on one side of the base and it seems his side gets really bad sand storms and he can go to the other side and they don't get hardly any at all. So I am glad he was able to get "something" even if it does look like a "redneck humvee!!!"

Also, I have added Mike's cousin Todd and his wife Nicole's website as a link to the right. Check it out! Thanks Todd & Nicole!!!!

I love you Mike!!!! I am so proud of you! Keep up the great attitude!

Home from Omaha!!

I can't believe I'm home already. I had the best time with Mike's family. My trip out was uneventful and was relaxing. I didn't arrive until about 1130 or so. Friday I ended up sleeping most of the day. Carol, Mike's mom works from their home so it was nice because she worked and I slept. I even ended up taking a nap in the afternoon. I guess I needed this break more than I knew. Mike was right again! We went bowling with his brother Friday night and then we went to a local hangout "LB's" for a few drinks. We had a very nice time. Saturday we hung out at the house and Jeremy (Mike's brother & sister-in-law), Jeanette and the girls came over for the afternoon, again it was a very nice time. I ended up going to bed early, again! For whatever reason I was tired the first two days there. It didn't help either that I got an ear infection!!!! Ouch! But luckily Carol had some ear drops! Sunday was Jeremy's birthday so we went over to their house for a cook-out, cake and ice cream. We played a couple of board games, what fun! I miss doing stuff like that with family, friends or whoever. Monday, Carol was working again and I sat on the deck most of the day and read a book. I did have Beautiful weather the entire time I was out there. Monday night, Carol had a golfing event to attend so I went with her and then we had a 1 hour massage!!!! It was another birthday present! I have gotten so spoiled with all these massages! I love them. They are wonderful. I also received flowers, a coffee mug, a stuffed bear and a Happy Birthday balloon from Mike.

I was so surprised! Even though he is Iraq, he definitely made this birthday a VERY special one. Thanks Mike, I appreciate EVERY thing you did to make it a birthday I won't EVER forget!!

My flight home was not so uneventful! My flight was supposed to leave Omaha at 400 pm, it left an hour late because of mechanical problems. I was flying through Houston which I arrived an hour late, but I was fortunate I didn't miss my flight, because all flights were late because of weather. Ok that's not so bad, it gave me a chance to grab something to eat, relax without having to rush. Well I ended up leaving two hours later. The plane arrived and we were all set to board well, I guess one member of the crew did not show up and then that plane had mechanical problems, so they got another plane up to the gate, the crew member arrived and then....we're all set to go...NOT so fast, more mechanical problems. At this point I didn't know if I wanted to leave Houston especially on a plane!!!! I finally arrived at Norfolk Airport 2 hours late. Needless to say I was exhausted! It was nice though because as soon as I arrived and turned my phone on, Mike was online and was texting me. So I talked to him all the way home. He is such a sweetheart. It was a GREAT ending to a WONDERFUL vacation! Thanks Carol & Glen for everything! I'm so glad we had the chance to get to know each other better!

Mike is doing GREAT! He sounds wonderful. He sent me a picture of his new ride. We call it his Redneck Humvee. (I don't mean to offend anyone!) It looks like a humvee with a camper on the back. I know it's better than walking but I couldn't help laughing when I saw the picture! Well I was going to post the picture, but once again I am unable to. I don't understand why I have so much trouble some times. I will post it as soon as I'm able, you have got to see this!!! Yes Mike I am laughing at your ride!!! Babe I am so happy you have it, but it is funny!

I want to take the time to thank everyone who has been reading this blog. I am surprised at how many people have been reading it and it seems from all over the country. It even seems I have a "fan" from Guam!!!! Hi Lisa!!!! I miss you girl! And if your from Guam reading this and your not Lisa, I apologize. The only thing I wish is that everyone would sign my guest book and maybe let me know what your interest is in reading. I'm just curious. I will not use any information for anything other than this blog.

I have a very busy week ahead of me. I am working tomorrow night, Friday and Saturday nights and I am starting to volunteer for the Special Olympics. I have been interested in volunteering for a long time and I figured there isn't anytime like the present and yes it will be one more thing to keep me busy for the next year!

I will do my best to post over the next several days.

I love you Mike!

Getting ready....

Hi all, I've been busy getting ready for my trip to Omaha. I really am excited!!

I've talked to Mike quite a bit in the last few days. We're almost two months down...only 10 more to go. It's such a long time and I do miss him more & more everyday. It is getting easier, but I still miss him a lot.

Work has been SUPER busy! We have had so many financial drills it's not funny. The GS person who I was supporting has quit so I'm the lucky one who gets to fill her shoes. I don't mind, but I really do wish they would hire me as a GS. We've talked about it, but that is as far as it's gone. So we'll see.

I do need to go to finish some last minute running around before I start packing. Tomorrow will be a long day. I'm working in the morning and then I have to go to my home office for an employee appreciation luncheon and from there I'm going to the airport. I don't arrive in Omaha until 1100 pm. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep some on the plane. I doubt it, but maybe.

I will post when I can while I'm out there. I know Mike is going to want to know all about what we're doing. I'm not sure who's more excited....Me or him!!! He's so cute and I have never been with a more giving and thoughtful person. I LOVE YOU Mike!!!!

Until the next time.............Good night Mike!

Whew...

It has been HOT here in Virginia Beach! I know Mike has it worse but none-the-less it is nasty. As soon as you walk outside it seems like your soaked. These are the days of summer I'm not so fond of. Here is a picture of Mike in his Humvee. The day he took this picture I believe it was the hottest day yet. 127 degress! I've said this a lot about all the stuff Mike is doing but I have to say it again....I just can't imagine.

He looks so serious in this picture. But doesn't he look GREAT! He looks soooo good in his uniform, do you think I'm biased???? Not me!!! Although I think he looks great in his uniform it still makes me worry because it is a reminder (not that I ever forget!) of where he is and what he's doing. I know he is proud of all he doing so that helps a lot! It makes me even more proud of him.

Mike has been extremely busy. Of course I don't know with what, but I know when we do talk of course I ask him how his day is going and he says busy as hell. At least the days are going by fast for him.

A very good friend of his, Scott, has taped a lot of Mike's favorite TV shows where he was unable to see the last episodes because he was already in training. So he's been able to catch up on some of those. He also has been sending Mike alot of DVDs of different movies.... I know Mike truley appreciates it. Thanks Scott!!

Just in case you didn't notice I've added more links at the top right of the page. Mike is a die hard Chicago Bears and University of Michigan fan, so I thought he could check out all of his favorite web sites with just a click of his mouse!!!! Kinda like one stop shopping! Of course we know this is his favorite site!!!!

I also want to point out the JCCS 1 link. This is who Mike is attached too. Look under the Bravo Zulo title. A very nice letter was sent to the CNO in reference to what our Navy Sailors are doing.

Well I'm off to do some stuff...my nights before I leave to go to Omaha are packed with all kinds of things to do. I need to get started.

Good night Mike....I love you!

Finally!

Finally, (I am able to post pictures) here is the picture Brady sent me from his phone. It you read the previous post you know this means "I love you" and he & I have always done it. So yes I was touched when I received it from him from his phone to mine.

Here is the other picture I've been waiting to post as well. It is of Brady and his girl Jessica. I love her, she is the sweetest girl. Brady and her are so cute together.

I don't have time right now to post more. I need to get over to the storage unit and look for some papers for Mike and I want to get over there before it starts to storm again and before it reaches 100 degrees with 95% humidity....

I will post more later this evening....I love you Mike, Brady & Jess!!

Please see...

Blogger is having MAJOR issues....please see new post from Thursday, 13 July....

Hopefully they get their "stuff" together soon!!!

Blogger is having issues.........

I have been trying to post now for two days!!! I lost power on Wednesday night and then the website was shut down for maintenance last night. I am at work right now and I don't have a lot of time but I did want to let everyone know I am still alive and will try to post again today...hopefully I can



I love you Mike!

Just wasn't meant to be....

I wrote this post Thursday morning. I didn't post it because as your reading you will see I wanted to post some pictures but I have been unable to. I'm going to go ahead and post it without the pictures anyway....some of it you have already read but....

Hi all, I know I promised a post last night, but I had just sat down to the computer was checking email, got an email off and boom....no power...at first I was like....uh-ho I did pay my bill??!!...yes I paid my bill...just lost power....that was at 830 or so....I sat here for awhile in the dark and finally went to bed at 900. I have no idea what time it came back on but thank God it did.

A lot has been going on but yet not really. Been busy at work, as usual. Monday night I was running around getting a care package together for Mike and Tuesday night I was out getting the "final" things I wanted to get. I "finally" got it in the mail yesterday. It is such a good feeling getting a box out to him. He always says he doesn't need anything but I just listen and as we're talking I start a list. He has some surprises in this one I hope he enjoys them.

I've received some emails from Mike's family introducing themselves to me. It really is nice to meet them, even tho it's through email. Thank you all for thinking of me. I can't wait to meet each & everyone of you! I am flying out to visit his parents and his brothers family next week, so just a heads up I probably won't be posting everyday but then again you never know. I am so excited about the visit. I really have gained new friends and a new family. They are wonderful people. It always make a "new" relationship easier if the family accepts you. I can't wait for Mike to get back so he can meet my family as well. He has met my older sister, Sheri, but she is the only one.

I would like to share a picture my son Brady sent me on my phone the other day. Things like this are always so much more special when they come out of the blue. Like the flowers sent...yes I'm still gloating....I love surprises and again especially if they are for "just because"...

For those of you that don't know (I was surprised, Mike didn't know) this means "I LOVE YOU". I guess you can imagine how I felt when I got it. This is something Brady & I have always done as he was leaving the house going back to college. I would be in the driveway and he would be driving away and we would be giving the signal... Yes Mike I got teary eyed!!!! LOL

Brady is doing very well in California. He is loving and living life to it's fullest. I continue to be amazed and proud of him. There are a lot of times I'm talking to him and I still can't believe he is MY son. Yes I'm bragging!!!! I am just so lucky he is the kind of person he is. Mike's son met him a couple of weeks ago and he fell in love with Brady. It was cute. Brady had a visitor in California last week. His girl Jessica. She is adorable. I love her. I have always thought they make a really cute couple. They both have the same zest for life. She is actually leaving in October, with a girlfriend of hers, for two months to backpack across Europe! Kids today amaze me. When I was there age, well first of all, I was pregnant, but I never dreamt I could do anything of the sort. And of course for those of us who are older understand they need to do these things now....or they would regret it later in life if they didn't...well I was going to post a pic of Brady & Jess but of course I am unable to. For whatever reason. Hopefully later.

I LOVE YOU Brady!!!! I LOVE YOU Jess!!!! I LOVE YOU Mike!!!!

I'm still alive....

Hi all, Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I tried to last night, but the website was down for maintenance and was not going to be back up until 1000 PT, so needless to say, I was in bed sleeping.

I am at work right now and I don't have a lot of time to post but I wanted everyone to know why I haven't. So I will be posting another one this evening.

Thanks so much to everyone who visits, sends email's and those of you who have signed the guest book. This site is turning into exactly what I had hoped, a link for those of us who have Salilor's deployed to Iraq to keep in touch and to meet new friends. So Thank you. Keep the emails and comments coming. I love hearing from each & everyone of you!

Roses are Pink!!!

Well another weekend has come and gone. I received a wonderful surprise from Mike on Saturday. He sent me a dozen roses! He wanted them to be yellow, if you have read earlier post you know that yellow roses are my favorite rose, but we're assuming the florist didn't have yellow so it was in their disclaimer they could replace a flower to get the delivery out on time.

As you can see the ones I did receive are absoultly beautiful. I have never seen this color pink before so I was very happy either way. And the best thing is, I was actually chatting with Mike when the doorbell rang, at first I wasn't going to answer it, but I told Mike someone was at the door and he was like well you better answer it. Nobody ever knocks on my door unless it's a salesperson, so I was like no, they will go away. Well Mike knew what it was so he pushed me to answer the door, and I am very glad he did. He is such a thoughtful person and I love him so much!

The Journey & Def Leopard concert was absoultely wonderful. The only thing missing was Mike! But he was there in spirit and in my heart! I enjoyed spending time with my sister and her fiance' (sp?). After the concert we went to our local hang out to have some snacks and drink, so we could visit a little bit. It was a great evening!

I was finally able to wash my car yesterday. My poor babe was so dirty. I know she was like "mommy you ever gonna give me a bath again", yes when it's comes to my car I am a sick-o!! LOL! I think that was one of the first things Mike fell in love with, a women who hates a dirty car and someone who is just as anal as he is, when it comes to cars!!! I love ya Mike!

Well off to work I go, Hope your having a wonderful day Mike! I love you!

Another "Journey"

I just finished mowing the grass....last I heard that was a "boyfiends" job!! Hear that Mike? Just kidding, actually I enjoy mowing, I just don't enjoy it when its 95% humidity. It is good exercise though.

I worked again last night and once again I had a blast! I worked with some different people and they were a lot of fun. Kinda had the same attitude I do, there is "always" work to be done. One of the girls asked me if I worked like this in my "Normal" job. Of course. I was rasied with the attitude that the only way your going to get what you want and get anywhere in this world is to work hard. Do it right the first time and it will not have to be done again. I have always lived by that. Here's an example....(kinda funny), I have 3 sisters and every Saturday was the day we cleaned the house and we each had our own chores. "ALL" the chores had to be done before any of us could go play with our friends. Well I always got stuck doing the bathrooms, because "I did such a good job", I always hated doing the bathrooms but mom always said I should be proud because I "always did a good job"....So I guess you could say I had the shittest job!!! It certainly wasn't my sisters!!!! But I never did do a bad job, because I knew if I did I would have to do it again, because I had already proved I could do it right....Sorry just a little childhood memory.

I guess by now you think that is why I named the title of this post as "Another Journey". Not really, although everyone's life is nothing but a journey....The reason is tonight is the night I'm going to see Def Leopard & Journey in concert. I am sooooo excited!!!! As you all know by now, I love Journey....I hope so bad they play "Faithfully" and if they do, Mike you know in my heart & soul I will definitely be singing it to you and thinking of you. Remember always, "I am forever yours, FATITHFULLY!!!!"

Well I need to go finish laundry and take a shower, I have a few more chores to do....

I love you Mike, I miss you and I can't wait to chat with you again!!!!

Visit from the Vice CNO!

In reference to the title of this blog, Mike and other "Saildier's" had dinner with the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Admiral Robert R. Willard, second highest in the Navy command. He was at Mike's FOB to get information on how the Navy is being treated and what our Navy guys are doing. Mike was very impressed with him and said he was very down to earth. He seemed very sincere and concerned about our guys. The VCNO also said he was very proud of the sailiors and that the Navy "owed them"!


He also presented each of the sailors a coin. In the military coins are something to pass on to individuals to remember certain events or commands. Mike has a Chiefs coin that was given to him when he made Chief. He carries it with him at all times. I can remember times when we out the door in the car going somewhere & he realized he forgot to put the coin in his pocket and we've turned around so he can get it. He even bought me a Chiefs coin before he left so I could make "big boy decisions"! Inside joke. Of course now I don't go anywhere without mine either. It is in my wallet at ALL times.

Not much else is going on. I've been very busy at work. It's kind of been weird because at times I don't know if I'm coming or going and then it seems like's it dead. I wish there was a happy medium.

My girlfriend and I were going to start walking tonight but it's raining AGAIN! I have never seen so much rain in a long time. It really makes it hard to mow the yard and keep a car clean. Right now my car is completely trashed and I hate it. Another thing Mike and I have in common...we both are anal about our cars. When we think they are disgusting everyone else thinks they are clean. Oh well, the way I look at it, if your going to spend that kind of money on something you may as well take care of it.

Well I'm off to relax and heading to bed soon. I'm working tomorrow night and I believe it's another double. And then Saturday my sister and her boyfriend will be here. Before Mike left he bought me a concert ticket to see Def Leopard and Journey!!!! I can't believe it's Saturday night. I didn't think it would ever get here and now it's here. I guess time is starting to fly....

Good night Mike, I love you!!

Bad Girl, AGAIN...

I have to apologize, again. I have had so much going on, I just haven't had time to write. I've had some personal issues to deal with and I won't go into detail but let's just say I would rather have a root canal. LOL

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th. Mine was good. Didn't do much but I did take Mike's car for a drive. I LOVE that car! I have a nice car and I've always loved it, but since I've known Mike, I have always loved his car! And then I got to drive it....Wow! I also took some pictures of his babe for him.

During my son's graduation party, I hate to think it would happen at a function like this, but my camera was stolen. Of course I was really upset. My birthday is July 25th, so Mike bought me a new camera for my birthday. I've been taking a lot of pictures trying to figure the thing out.

Most of you might remember the story about the American Flag Mike bought me before he left. And how it was very important to me to have the colors flying before Memorial Day. Well I wanted to take a picture of MY flag then to post but as I said my camera was stolen 2 weeks before. Well as you can guess, yes I've taken a pic of the flag and thought it was appropriate to post a pic of MY flag for July 4th.

Isn't it beautiful? I love seeing it every time I pull into my driveway.

This is another pic I took just playing around yesterday with the camera. This thing has so many different settings, I don't think I'll ever be able to figure them out! When I took the pictures of Mike's car, I went to a park and they had a beautiful rose garden so I walked through and was just playing. I've always had an interest in photography, I've just never pursued it, other then for fun....

I thought this was really pretty. I was disappointed they didn't have any yellow roses, they had every other color of roses, but no yellow and yellow roses are my favorite color rose.

I've been chatting with Mike quite a bit. He is now at FOB Spicher, which for now is his "final" destination. I say it like that because the battalion he is with will be going home sometime in August. So he doesn't know where he's going to have to go, if anywhere, or which battalion he will be with. So we shall see, but at least for the next 2 months he has more of a permanate place to stay and he has a space to store his stuff and a REAL bed. He did send me some pictures but I guess I am only able to post 2 pic per post, so I will download some of his room in my next post.

I would like to say congratulation to Mike's cousin, Sarah, she was married this past weekend and from what I understand it was a beautiful wedding and everyone had a wonderful time at the reception. I know Mike was disappointed he was unable to attend, but he was able to get a phone call into the bride. From the sounds of it, she was extremely happy he was able to call to say congratulations.

I do need to go get ready for work. I can't believe the weekend is over already. It was like a whirlwind.

Until the next time...Mike I love you!