32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 18

This is a hard one for me. I don't know what our future is going to bring us at this moment. When I got married to Alex almost 4 years ago, I was scared because we just moved to WI and was going to be farther away from my friends and family. Now almost 4 years later and we are again in another state on the opposite side of the country. Alex is on his first deployment that he has been on since we have been together and I am completely on my own right now. I have made a few really good friends, but you know what. During these next 5 months, I am going to find out who my true friends are and I am going to start weening out the bad friends that are no longer there for me. Being away from my comfort zone for the last 3 years now have made me realize that your true friends will be there for you no matter where you are state wise or life wise. Alex and I don't have any kids and aren't really sure we are ever going to be able to have ones of our own, of which we are okay with that. Most of my friends at this time, don't have kids and they can relate that Elvis and Lelani are our kids. It is common with married couples that are older and one of them is in the Military. I am putting together our calendar for this year and I am going to allot a month for each of our kids because I think Alex would like that a lot.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 17

This is a shot of our normal Sunday afternoon at the park with our kids. We always got weird looks from people at the park because the first thing they would think is that is a different looking dog. Then they would look again or one of them would Meow and they would realize they were cats and not dogs. I swear the first time we took them over there Elvis was pouting and wouldn't go any where. Lelani wanted to walk the whole entire park if I let her, but I was afraid she was going to get too tired so I brought her back to where Alex and Elvis were. At one point, we dropped our end of the leashes on the grass to see what they would do and they followed us around the park for a little bit. They are definitely our kids right now and they are making this time apart from their dad so much easier on me right now.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 16

Having this blog allows me to post a lot of my pictures that a lot of you don't always get to see. This I took not too long ago in IL and it isn't even with my better of the two cameras that I currently have. This is a Barn Owl that has an injured Wing due to a plane strike. He will never be able to be released back in the wild due to the human imprint that he obtained when he was being rehabilitated, but you know what. Now that the Stillman Nature Center has him, children will be able to see a Bird that people in the Midwest don't normally get to see.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 15

The best way to show my favorite color I would have to say would be in a picture. I love the color green and always have. It represents a lot of different things like, money and Nature. The one I like the most would be Nature. I have the love for taking pictures of Nature and whenever I think Nature I always think of the color green.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 14

This one came really easy to me. I didn't have to even think about it. My mom and dad I admire so much in my life. They have been through so much in the 38 years that they have been married, that I don't know how they do it ever day. My brother was killed back in 1986 and at that time my dad was laid off. Shortly after that my grandma on my mom's side had a massive stroke of which my mom took on her Conservator for her mom because she could no longer take care of herself and someone had to speak for her. I am still amazed that they are together after all of these years. They have raised two beautiful strong independent girls since then. I know the next couple of months are going to be hard for them, but I can honestly say my dad deserves it. My dad is going to be retiring this year in February after working close to 40 years for the Film Industry. I must say dad, "You deserve this time off. You have worked really hard to support us over the years, it is your time to be lazy." I love you guys a lot and can't thank you enough for all the love and support that you have shown us over the years.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 13

Besides my addiction to Webkinz, I would say that I am also addicted to Facebook, Scrapbooking, and photography. I am lucky to have a very loving hubby that would rather let me buy my Webkinz monthly, do my Photography, and also do my Scrapbooking to keep me busy. All of these will keep me busy for the next 5 months along with schooling since I am going to be starting that up again pretty soon now.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 12

This is very old picture of my sister and I. I can't remember the date that this was taken, but I believe it had to be back in the 80's. Another thing that a lot of people don't know about me unless you have known for me years, is that I used to take dancing lessons. I would go at least 4 to 5 times a week. I miss it, but I haven't been so lucky to find a place that I really like. The places I have seen lately have been the type that people are looking into taking it more for a job and I just want to do it as a hobby and a good sense of exercise. Cyndy, I am sorry if this is embarrassing you because you are in it. I couldn't think of anything else that I have a picture of that is old at this time.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 11

Only people that have known me for the last 7 years and/or have come to my house know this about me. Yes I am avid collector of Webkinz. If you don't know what they are, then just go to www.webkinz.com and it will give you a tour to show you what they are. Some people collect purses, shoes, fairies, Angels, cars etc., but I collect these. Out of the whole entire collection I am only missing 3 at this moment. I hope that in the future I can get those, but they aren't a priority right now.
I also do collect Stuffed Hippos. This collection started with Alex back in 2008. We don't really share the story behind why we collect them and share them with only particular friends . Alex suprised me yesterday with this little girl. Her name is Tammy and she is actually a repeat of one that we already had, but he said he saw her when he was at the exchange while away from me and couldn't resist her. I thought it so cute because I would have never thought he get a pink hippo and have it on the ship with him. Yes people out there he does have a heart even though he doesn't always show it. I know it is going to be awhile before I get to see her, but knowing he has one to keep in company is really touching. Love you Alex.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 10

This is my family back in 2002. From left to right, we have my best friend Mary, Cyndy's best friend Gayle, my mom Caryn, my dad Larry, myself and my sister Cyndy. This picture was taken at the party that we had for the 30th Wedding Anniversary. We had a very small party because my parents aren't really big party people and this was perfect. The people that meant the most to us were there and that is all that matters. Our family has now grown a little bit more. Gayle is married to Bobby now have two boys by the name of Brandon and Bradley. They are in the picture to the right. Cyndy is now married to Bryan and I am almost married to Alex. We have a big family to begin with and it seems to be growing on a daily basis. Knowing that I have such a big and extended family makes me realize how lucky I am to have them in my life. Even though most of them are on the West Coast, I know that I can call them if I ever needed to. I appreciate their support and I can never thank them enough for that. Alex and I both love them all. You guys are my life right now.

Have Been Out of Commission

The last 6 days have been a little crazy for me. I am now on my 7th day without Alex being home and boy has it been a little lonely here. I must say having Elvis and Lelani has really given me a reason for me to get up everyday. I think that if they weren't around to wake me up I wouldn't get out of bed sometimes. My really good friend Julie told me that this time away from Alex was going to be really good for us. I didn't want to believe her at first, but you know what she was right. I haven't actually had a phone conversation with him since he left a week ago yesterday, but knowing that he is thinking about me every day by looking at the pictures that I put onto his hard drive before he left makes me realize that I am always on his mind. Right before he left I asked him if he wanted to take any of our stuffed animals with him and he told me no because they needed to be here for me to help me get through the time we are going to be apart. He sent me the picture above yesterday of a little girl by the name of Tammy. This is the stuffed hippo that he found at the exchange and couldn't resist to take her on the ship with him. I think it is absolutely adorable and I can't be jealous because at least he has a little girl to watch over when we are apart. I am pretty sure she will make sure that he is doing what he is supposed to be doing. I am one very lucky woman to have him in my life and I couldn't ask for anything more.

Photo Blog Challenge Day 9-Holiday

This has to be one of my most favorite Holidays that I have spent with Alex. I have never had some one spend so much on me in the first few months of relationship and boy does he still spoil me to this day. This was taken Valentine's Day 2007 and we were at the Space Needle in Seattle WA. We didn't do it on the day itself and that was because he was on duty that day and we really didn't want to celebrate on the actual day when everyone else does. I love this picture and wish I could do it 100 times more with him especially now since we are apart for the next 4 months. Having this blog challenge and the other challenge that I am doing is going to help me get through this hard time that I am going through right now. Maybe this will encourage me to continue it through the rest of the time we are apart. Just an idea...

Personal Challenge Day 5 and 6

I was thinking about the last two days in which I have been so busy trying to spend time with my hubby before he left for 16 weeks to be on his ship. During this time I was helping him try to memorize the Our Father and the Hail Mary. I think because I was helping him to do this, I feel that using those two prayers would be appropriate to use for these two days for my reflection. The picture that is to the left was taken right before he got on the plane to leave me, so he can meet up with his ship. I think this was the hardest thing that I have had to in my marriage and I have had to some really hard things the last 4 years. I still wouldn't have it any other way and I keep on telling myself that it is only 16 weeks before I will see him again. I know that time will fly like nothing once he gets checked onto the ship. I love him until the bitter end of my life and can't wait until we spend the rest of our lives together without another deployment.

Our Father or the Lord's Prayer

Our father, who aren't in Heaven, hallowed be they name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses.
As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the lord is with thee.
Blessed are though amongst women and blessed be the whole womb Jesus.

Hail Mary, Mother of God, pray for our sinners now
and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Photo Blog Challenge Day 8: The Past

I can't believe that this picture was taken 5 years ago this coming September. I love this picture of us because this just shows that even though we were so young when we first dated back in 1993, you never know what will happen. I don't regret ever meeting you honey on your Grad Night. The one thing that I do regret was not keeping in touch with you for the 13 years we were apart.

Photo Blog Challenge Day 7-The Place You Feel Most Like You

I have a few places that I feel at home these days. I have always loved the ocean because I have always felt right at home with the animals in the ocean. This is a picture that I took back in 2006 when Alex and I got back together. We were in Monterrey, CA for my birthday and we had such a wonderful time. I sometimes wish we were able to stay there because it was magical. The other place that I feel the most like me would be at any Zoo. This is the entrance sign to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. I was lucky to go to a total of 3 Zoos when we were in the Midwest Area. I went to this particular Zoo with my good friend Sam and her two children. I miss Sam terribly now that have moved to VA and wish that we could hang out as much as we did before you started your job. Miss you girl and can't wait to see you again.

Personal Challenge Day 3 and 4

JOSH 1:3 I will deliver to you every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, as I have said to Moses.


JOSH 1:6 Take courage, and be strong: for thou shalt divide by lot to this people the land, for which I swore to their fathers, that I would deliver it to them.

The second verse means a lot to me right now. I am going to be on my own for the next 16 weeks since my hubby is going out for sea time for that period of time. I think it is very appropriate for this time in my life.

Photo Blog Challenge Day 6: Article of clothing. (Does not have to be worn, or even yours! :))

Any one that knows me well, I am a Die hard Steelers fan, but for my honey I were this jersey on a regular basis for Alex. At the time we got married, we had a period in time that I didn't have any money coming in to cover my bills because I was on unemployment and we had just moved to WI. If you know anything about how that goes after moving somewhere, then you understand that there is usually about a month that nothing is coming until they get everything verified. As I am seeing that happen now, times are a little tight for us. Thank you to my good friend and my adopted sister Ashleigh, I had this picture taken back in November for Alex. I got Alex this jersey right after they got my back pay taken care of from our move from WI to WA. It is a Troy Aikman jersey which is his favorite NFL player. I know it isn't a recent one, but heck he is a Icon for the players today. The little guy that I am holding in this picture is the character I got when we were moving during that same move. Shortly after I bought this jersey for him, I got my Ben Rothlesberger Jersey and boy was I in heaven. Okay Ashleigh, I am not going by the plan of this challenge by adding another one, but I have to add this one just because I feel guilty with wearing his Jersey. Now I don't feel so bad. I have to admit for the first time in my life I am really close to where my favorite NFL team plays on a regular basis. Hopefully by the time we leave here in 2013 I will be watching the game at Heinz field with my terrible towel and all. I can't wait because Alex has promised me at least one game. I will keep my fingers crossed and even if I have to go by myself I will do that. I am not chicken to go to a game by myself. Heck there has to be another Steelers Fan that is a Navy wife out there in this area right.

Photo Blog Challenge Day 5

My job some one would think that it is the hardest job you can have in the Military. I am a Navy Wife of three years now. I know these pictures are not with him in his uniform, but you know what. My husband's rank comes off the moment he walks into the house. Yes he has been for 17 years and about to start his final sea duty, but you know what. Our lives our relying on this job to be keeping our head above water. Yes we do live around whatever the Navy wants us to do, but it isn't our lives 100% of the time. The picture to the left is at our former MC promotion party back in WI. The picture to the right is us just being us for our Xmas gift to each other. You can't ask for anything more right. Life is too short and we have to have fun no matter what life is going to bring us these days.

Personal Challenge Day 2

I don't think I am going to reflect on this verse for today. I agree with it, but I am just going to leave it as is.

1PET 1:4 Unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that can not fade, reserved in heaven for you.

Photo Day Blog Challenge Day 4: Inanimate Object That Hold Sentimental Value For You.

This days challenge was a little hard for me. I was looking around my place and found this little statue that I got back in 2007 for Alex. At first, Alex didn't know what to think about this statue because since we don't have kids. Now that he is getting ready to go back out to sea it means a little more to him now. I am hoping that there will be a day when he comes home from a time underway, he will be greeted by his son on the pier along with me. All we can do is hope and pray that the right time comes along for us to start a family.
This other object might look a little weird for some people. When you go to weddings you normally see a Unity Candle at the ceremony. When we were planning our wedding I wanted to do something different. I have seen the candle ceremony and I thought that is so traditional and kind of boring. I see the reasoning behind it, but I thought there would be another way we are symbolizing us becoming one that we don't have to use candles. I heard about the Unity Sand ceremony and that is what we did. This is our Unity Sand Vase. Unfortunately we didn't get it done at our wedding because we didn't have it out for some reason. We ended up doing it in our place in WI when we got back which I thought was a really nice way to symbolize our new Chapter in our lives in WI. I wasn't able to keep it the way we had it there because of the obvious reasons, but I was able to save the sand. We now have it on our mantle here in VA. I look up at it everyday and just remember why I am happy to be married.

A New Challenge For Me

I have been thinking about with it being a New Year today what I can do for a New Year's Resolution. I have already committed to two new challenges that are really good ones for me to do, but for some reason something has been eating me inside. I don't think a lot of people realize that I was born and raised Catholic and that is because for the last 3 years my religion has really gone to back burner in my life. My feelings towards a tradition of being a Catholic have changed and I know a few things that I might say in the next few sentences might offend people, but you know what. I don't care at this point.

I do believe there is a spiritual being out there, don't get me wrong. The thing is I don't feel that I have to go to an actual church to believe in God. I believe that God is with me at all times. I also, feel that as long as I am comfortable in what I am doing and not feeling guilty in any way possible that it is okay with me. This what my New Years Resolution is going to be this year. I am hoping that it will help me get back into my faith a little bit more. I have had a hard time trying to get Alex to go to church with me these days with the move that we just did and him getting ready to go out to sea at any time.

I am not going to try to force him to go church with me or promise to go to church once a week because I don't think that is going to work any more for me. I am going to try something small. When we were unpacking our stuff I was looking at our Wedding Pictures and also our book collection. I noticed that 1 our Wedding took place at the church I grew up at and 2 I have a Bible that I haven't opened up in almost 10 years, but I still have it on my book shelf. I am going to try to at least read one verse a day. I am also going to reflect on it a little bit and might tell you how I feel about this passage. I would love to say for the next year, but realistically I know that isn't going to happen.

In doing this I am hoping it will convince me to start going to church on a regular basis. Any one that reads the bible will notice that the first verse that I read today is the first one in the Bible. It comes from GEN 1:1 In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. This is a hard one for me to always believe in, but growing up the way I did, I do believe in some of it. I also, do believe in Evolution and all the science behind it, so I am torn on this subject. Don't worry I am going to pick them in order. I am going to read the first one that comes to interest.

So, I am now doing at least 2 blog entries for the next 30 days. I am hoping that these two challenges will help me use this blog a little bit more often than I have the last 3 years. I am also hoping that this will give me a reason to get involved in things when my husband is out to sea. I want to make this blog an interesting blog for any one that is actually following it. Wish me luck and let's see how far this goes.

Photo Blog Challenge Day 3: A View You See Daily.

This is a hard one for me, but I think I have one to share with you. I have multiple things that I have a view of everyday, but this has to be my favorite besides my husband. The short haired one is my female cat Lelani and there are days I don't think I am going to get through the day especially with all that I will be going in through in the next couple of weeks, but you know what I love this girl of mine. The other one is my male cat Elvis. He pretty much picked my husband the day we got these two 3 years ago before Xmas. One of them if not both of them are staring us down in the morning to wake us up so they can get fed. If we don't set the alarm for us to get up, they are usually the ones telling us to get up because it is past 7am.
This picture is the most important one in my opinion. Honestly if this wasn't true for the next 3 years I would not have the means to have the mean to make ends meet. I am truly lucky to have the man that I have in my life right now. I can't ask for anything else and I am really looking forward to starting another year in my marriage with him. We have had some rough times in our marriage especially within the last 1 1/2 years, but you know what. I wouldn't have it any other way. Love you baby and I am so very proud to be your wife.

Photo Blog Challenge Day 2-Something I am proud of

I am so proud of many different things this year that it is really hard for me to pick just one. I think the first one would have to be myself. I know that might sound a little selfish, but you know what. I have overcome a lot of things this year and I am really proud of myself for doing that. The first thing that I overcame would have to be that I am happier than I ever have been in my life and in my marriage. I might not always act like it, but you know what. I am really fortunate to have the marriage that I do have. Alex supports me 100% is so many ways that I really can't explain it in words. The picture to the right was taken right before Christmas of just the 2 of us. Since we moved to VA right before the Holidays we really didn't do much for the Holiday this year. We pretty much just spent the day with each other and had dinner at home. This was a gift to each other and there is nothing more than I really want from him right now. Being in VA is going to be the last chapter of his Naval career and I am very proud of what he has accomplished in the last 17 years. I know I don't always show it in my actions, but I am really proud of him and I can't ask for anything more from him at this time.
The picture to the left was taken on Xmas Day. I am so lucky to have these two cats in my life. They came into our live 3 years ago about a week before Xmas and boy are we lucky to have them. They keep us nice and warm when we need to warm up on the couch. The other thing that they do that surprises us is that they will start acting up when we are arguing so we concentrate on what is making them upset and make us forget what we were arguing about. What more can we ask of our kids. We love them a lot and I can't wait to share more pictures of them with you and along with the stories that we have with them. I want to take this time to wish each and every one a safe and Happy New Year. I will be making my next post in 2011. I can't believe I am actually saying that and I am in a different state this year than I as in last year. That's the life of a Navy wife, but honestly I don't think I would have it any other way.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 1

I know I should have done this yesterday, but I wasn't able to get it done yesterday. Hopefully his won't be a continuation for the next 32 days. This picture was taken about a month ago by my good friend Ashleigh. She took some other pictures of me that I can't post on here for obvious reasons, but this is tasteful enough for me to post.

A Couple of New Challenges

The first challenge that I am going to take part of I have to thank Ashleigh again for it. Girl I don't know what I would do with you sometimes. I have had a really rough time with this move to VA and now that I have this challenge to do it will make things go so much easier for me. So here is the first challenge, for 32 days you need to post a picture that has to do with the topic for the day. I really liked the 30 Day Blog Challenge that I did before and I am glad you put one together Ashleigh for me.

Here are the topics:

Day 1: You! (Starts easy enough, right? ;))
Day 2: Something you are proud of.
Day 3: A view you see daily.
Day 4: Inanimate object that hold sentimental value for you.
Day 5: Your job.
Day 6: Article of clothing. (Does not have to be worn, or even yours! :))
Day 7: The place you feel the most like you.
Day 8: The past.
Day 9: Holiday photo. (ANY holiday)
Day 10: Family!
Day 11: Something that tells something about you most people don't know.
Day 12: Something old.
Day 13: Your addiction.
Day 14: Someone you admire.
Day 15: Your favorite color.
Day 16: Something beautiful.
Day 17: Passing the time.
Day 18: Your future.
Day 19: Your most treasured belonging.
Day 20: Sports.
Day 21: Friends.
Day 22: Your style.
Day 23: Food.
Day 24: Something you are passionate about.
Day 25: Technology.
Day 26: Something that you dislike.
Day 27: Your weakness.
Day 28: Your significant other.
Day 29: Something new.
Day 30: Something you miss.
Day 31: A fear.
Day 32: A dream.

The second challenge that I am going to take part in is not on a blog type situation. I have a friend back home in CA that RSVP'd to a 100 day 30 minute work out challenge. It doesn't matter what kind of physical exercise you do each day as long as you do it. I think that every day I do the picture I am going to do my workout and tell you what I do. This challenge doesn't start until the 1st of Jan but hey I am going to do it. If you want to join Ashleigh and I on the first one then all means. Any one that wants to join me on the other challenge, then just look it up on my events page or let me know you want an invitation and I will invite you to take part.

I am hoping that both of these will keep me involved in something the next few days so I am not going nuts like I have been for the last 3 weeks. Alex is still here with me, but I don't know how much longer it is going to be that he is going to be here. I need to start doing something now, so I can keep my mind off of things.

30 DBC Day 30

I can't believe that I am actually on Day 30 of this challenge. I never thought I would finish it. I looked back and realized that I started this challenge on 10/24. I know I missed a couple of days, but some how I was able to catch up and finish it exactly 1 month later. I don't know what picture I should put on this entry. I have had so many neat experiences in my life the last 3 years and some rough ones I don't wish on my worse enemy.

The one above is the one that was 4 years ago when the night we saw each other for the 1st time in 13 years. The night I found him on MySpace I never thought that I would fall in love with some one from my past all over again. We didn't expect us to be together again after all the time that had past, but sometimes people just have to grow up and learn from their experiences before they find the one they want to spend the rest of your life with. I have had so many friends tell me that our story is amazing, but I don't really think so. My feelings of people not finding the right person at the right time pretty much means you need to stop looking and you will find him. Yes it took me a lot of crappy relationships to learn this, but once you do you have an amazing opportunity to be happy. You. just have to be patient.

The one above is on our Wedding Day back in 2007. We had amazing day that day and I still can't believe that we are happily married kicking and screaming all the way now for 3 years. We have been through so much honey, but I wouldn't have it any other way honestly. He has been my life all the way and I can't imagine my life without him. I know a lot of people are amazed that we are actually older than we look, but this was when I was 30 and my hubby was 32. I am a true believer that you honestly need to know how to live with your spouse before you get married. I came from a very traditional Catholic family that didn't like the fact that I lived with my fiance before we got married, but you know what. That was the best thing we could have done to make our marriage last. It hasn't been easy which is to be expected, but we have a system now and we can easily work together as a team and not against each other.


You are probably wondering what my last picture is going to be. I can't figure which one I want to use, but I am probably going to figure it out pretty soon now. My last picture was taken about 2 months ago at our second Navy Ball in total and our last one here in the Great Lakes area. I don't know if we are going to make it to another one at our next station, but who knows. We haven't taken many pictures together since this one that are decent, but I did just think of another one. We went to Adam and Sarah's Halloween party this year and boy did we have a lot of fun. We have made some awesome friends while we were here and hope that we can continue our friendship with each and every one of them. I mentioned something awhile back in regards to something that I have learned in my life. That would be that you will always meet and make new friends, but the thing that you have to remember is that no matter where you go in your path of life your true ones will be there for you no matter what.

30 DBC Day 29

I think 3 wishes that I have are:

1 Making my husband proud of me no matter what my faults and failures are like.

2 Being the strong Independent woman my hubby wants me to be and show him that I don't need him by my side 24/7 to make it in life.

3 Keeping my promise of supporting my husband the next 3 years for the remainder of his Navy career. I know these next years are going to be rough on both of us, but I know we can do it.

30 DBC Day 28

There are quite a few things that stress me out. One of them is this move we are about to do. I think that is my main one. Hopefully we will get everything situated over the weekend for our new place and that will be one less thing. Another one would be my debt. I have made a big dent on my bills, but since I am not working at the moment I haven't been able to do a lot better with it. I am hoping now that I have an awesome camera thanks to my hubby that maybe I can take some more pictures and use it as a side business. I will only be here another couple of weeks in Great Lakes area, but if you are interested in getting a family session or couple session in for cheap just give me a holler. I did a session almost a month ago and seeing the pictures of Ashleigh and Justin make me want to do one for my hubby and I. I just have to get some one that already knows my camera to do it for me. Ashleigh are you interested?

30 DBC Day 27

These are my two cats. Elvis is the one on the right and Lelani is the one on the left. I have stated in my last post that they were my son and daughter of which they are because we don't have any 2 legged kids at this moment. The year that my husband and I got married we moved to WI. I was having a rough couple of weeks and my hubby asked me what would make our place a home. The first thing that came to my mind was a cat and he told me okay as long as it liked him. Two days later, we adopted these two and brought them home. They have been the best thing for us and boy am I so glad I said a cat instead of something stupid. We also have 7 Goldfish, 7 Mollie fish and 9 catfish. We are moving soon, and I know it is going to be a very interesting move since we have them all to move with us.

30 DBC Day 26

I know it isn't the traditional family that you probably were expecting, but this is my family. That is my husband holding my daughter Lelani and myself holding my son Elvis. We are a small family but we have a lot of love between us all.

30 DBC Day 25

My iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs are as follows:

1 Back in Black
2 Ain't In Checota
3 Says It First
4 Speech Slur
5 Sounds So Good
6 All For You
7 Bomba
8 Better Than Me
9 Stole
10 Some Hearts

You know that if it weren't for my hubby 4 years ago, I wouldn't even have an iPod let alone know how to use one.

30 DBC Day 24

I think the most important thing that I have learned lately would be that everything happens for a reason in your life even if you don't have any control over it. A very good friend of mine Mary keeps on reminding that God will never bring you something you aren't able to handle. I have also learned that your true friends will be there for you no matter how far you are away from them. I have made some really good friends and some really crappy ones in my life and I know they are just a handful of them still around, but you know what, those are the ones I want in my life.

30 DBC Day 23

I think my favorite vacation will be the first one that I take with my best friend and husband after he retires from the Navy. Our lives have been on a Roller Coaster ride for the last 3 years and I know the next 3 are going to just add to it. I have grown up so much since we moved here to Kenosha, WI that know I am different person and I honestly hope that I will continue to grow at our next duty station. We love Wisconsin and love the people we have met here and will never forget them even if they forget us.

30 DBC Day 22

My hubby and I aren't much of city folks. We both grew up in towns close to each other and would prefer to not live there if we didn't have to. I thought about this really hard and the moment I mentioned something to him he reminded me of Huntington Beach, CA. We never lived there, but that was where I was with him 4 years ago and it hit me that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

30 DBC Day 21

I haven't felt like the way I felt like I do in this picture in a very long time. My friend approached me about taking some boudoir pictures of her and a friend of hers awhile back which turned out absolutely gorgeous. I have always been told that I am a photogenic person, but lately I haven't always felt that way about myself. I have some more that are my favorites also, but this one just stood out to me from that night. I am hoping to pick up the hobby of taking more pictures in the near future and starting my portfolio up so I can maybe do it as an income in the future to help offset some bills of ours but until I get my photos out there it will never happen. Any one interested in doing some drop me a line. I will even do couple shots if you would like. I had an awesome opportunity to do my friend Ashleigh and Justin the same night she did this one for me. I could so feel the love they had for each other that night which shows in the pictures.

30 DBC Day 20

I have quite a few nicknames. The ones that stands out the most would have to Babs and that was because that was the nickname that my husband had for me when we were for 1st together back in 1993. When we reconnected I knew I had the right guy because when he asked me if I was Babs and I asked him if he was Buster and we both said yes, we couldn't believe our ears. Since we have been married, I have now come up with Mama, Baby Girl and My Love. Since I was a kid I have always had Boo, Beaker and Becky. My full first name is Rebecca but every one calls me Becky and that is because they always called me by Rebecca when I was in trouble.

30 DBC Day 19

I think what I miss the most would have to be the days that my hubby and I would snuggle up on our couch with our two cats laying near us or on us in the case of Elvis. The last year we haven't had that much of a chance to do that and that is because we aren't always alone in our place. This is Elvis with my hubby watching T.V. one day and I just love this picture because he is sitting like he is chilling with his dad. The other picture is me with my daughter Lelani. She isn't one to lay on our laps like Elvis does on a regular basis, but when she does I cherish the moment. She is one big kitty, but I love her no matter what.

30 DBC Day 18

There are a couple of things that I regret the most would have to be that I am not the strong Independent Woman my family and loved ones want me to be. I have let so many people down in the last 3 years that I have been married including myself. I am hoping that the next 3 years I can correct those mistakes and move forward in the future. I have so much to learn in my life, my marriage and being around other people no matter what they might think of me. I have grown up a lot since marrying my husband 3 years ago and I still have a lot more to do. The other thing is now especially since I have found out that I have High Blood Pressure is to take better care of myself health wise. I am making my New Year's Resolution a little over 2 months before I really need to. I really want to make myself a better person health wise and hopefully can prove to myself and my hubby that I want to be the hot sexy woman I know I am deep down inside.

30 DBC Day 17

Something I am looking forward to would have to be the day that I can bring my hubby home from the ship or the Navy for the last time. I know people ask me why that when he is home right now, but you have to remember there have been a few cases that Military Wives don't get to bring their husbands home when they have been away. I have been to many Military Funerals and can feel the pain of the spouse and family members since I have been there before. I hope that day never comes for my NOW VERY EXTENDED FAMILY no matter what branch you might be part of. We are always going to be family no matter where any of us might be right now. I love you guys all and respect each and every one of you for all that you have done for our country no matter what your job in the Military might be.

30 DBC Day 16

I have a little bit of time this morning and I think I am going to try to catch up on some of the Day Challenges that I need to do, so here I go.

I think my dream house would have to be somewhere here in the current county that I live in. Believe it or not, my hubby and I were both raised in the San Fernando Valley of Southern CA, but we both don't want to live there after he retires from the Navy in 3 years. I don't want a very big house but something that gives me a nice amount of space and not be on top of everything. I don't really have a style in mind yet, but something out in the county would be nice with a good amount of property so every time I look out my kitchen window I don't see my neighbor in their living room. Also, I would love to make sure that my cats can have a safe place to be able to hang out in the sun and nibble on some grass if they choose to. I sometimes think they have cabin fever just as much as I do during the winter months out here. I know I would love to also have the garage that my hubby really wants. No ladies not a garage that is full of clutter but a garage that has every kind of Auto Mechanic item someone needs since that is what his dream job is after he gets out of the Navy. I also would want to have enough property for our future kids to be able to learn how to garden and maybe take care of some farm animals. Not asking for much right.

30 DBC Day 15

I am not one to really read the Bible on a regular basis even though I was born and raised as a Catholic. I can't find the passage right now, but I know there is one that always sticks out in my brain. "Treat others as you would want to be treated." In fact, I don't even know if it is a Bible Verse. In the past 3 years, my hubby and I have gone through some things that we question our faith because we wonder if God wants what is best for us, then why does he throw us for a loop sometimes with our situations. I do admit to believing that everything happens for a reason, but sometimes he can throw us out on a limb. I am growing in this part of my life and hope to continue to do so when we get to our next Duty Station.

30 DBC Day 14

I know I am so behind on this challenge but I do want to complete this challenge even if it takes me to the end of the year to do it. With all that is going on I think the picture to the left is my favorite. You are probably wondering where the heck this was taken, but all I can say is that I love it. This was taken the night my hubby and I met for the 1st time back in 1993. I loved him so much then and I love him even more today. I love you honey and the more times I see this picture the more I am so lucky to be your wife.

30 DBC Day 12 & 13

I believe that you can be the best person you choose to be. I do believe there is a God, but you don't physically have to be in a church to believe there is one. God is always with you even if you aren't any where near a church building. I know people that know that I was raised born a strict Catholic would think wow that is a change. A lot has happened to me over the years and I have come to believe that you don't have to go to church on a regular basis to believe. You can worship in your own way and not have to have someone trying to tell you what to do and not to do based on something that is a very old belief. I believe that as long as you are true to yourself and be the best person that you can be is all that matters.

My goals are very simple. My first one would be to finish my Associate's Degree to make myself happier in life. My second one would be to become debt free which I am just about done doing because I got one of my last bills today for a debt I had for 3 years now. My final and most important one would be to make my husband happy with me for being myself. As try to make him proud of me but sometimes it is difficult especially if he isn't always reciprocating what I am doing for him. That is a work in progress though and that is all that matters.

30 DBC Day 11

Favorite TV Shows are so many and I am going to try to list them all. Some of them are still on the air and some of them aren't.

JAG
NCIS
NCIS LA
24
Emrergency
CSI
CSI Miami
CSI NY
Criminal Minds
Black Gold
Operation Repo
Little People Big World
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
House
Southern Fried Steak
American Pickers
Mythbusters
Dog the Bounty Hunter

I think I got most of them.

30 DBC Day 10

I think the most thing that I am afraid of would have to be that I am not going to be the strong Navy Wife I have to be. I have a hard set of shoes on with the title of being a Navy Wife and I sometime feel I am not strong enough to do so. Every one keeps on telling me that it is a learning process and you will have your good days and bad. Boy have I already had a little bit of both of those in the 3 years that we have been married. The best thing is that I have a great group of friends that can help me get involved with programs and activities for the wives when the husband are on deployment.

30 DBC Day 9

am a couple days behind, so I am going to catch up a little bit today.

A picture of my friends is really easy these days. I have made some really good friends in the last 3 years that I have been in WI and I have made some really shitty ones. The ones that means the most to me are my true friends. The couple to the left are Mary and Lee and they live in CA. They have been there for me through thick and thin, no matter what I do or they do they are there for me. I have my friend Kristy who was there for me when my hubby was underway in WA and haven't met any really good friends yet. I can't find a decent picture of her right now but she knows who she is. When it comes to WI, I would say Nancy Goforth, Cheryl Schneberger, and many more from my former work Hillcrest are pretty special to me also. My friends here in Kenosha that will be with Alex and I forever has to be Sarah and Adam, Frank and Laura and we can't forget Joshua. You are all amazing people that will never be forgotten about in our lives no matter if we don't come back here to live. There are few more in this picture to the right that I am forgetting about but you get the picture. You also can't forget John and Christy Castle, Deb and Ed O'Donnell, and Asheigh Jansen from our Navy Family. There are so many more that I am forgetting to mention at this time, but they all know who they are and how much we do love them and cherish their friendships.

30 DBC Day 8

I think my most favorite place that I have traveled is really hard to pick. We have gone to some really pretty places together and unfortunately none of them have been over seas or to an island like Hawaii, but that is okay. We have been to 28 states together since we got together back 2006. We are going to be going through some more in the next couple of months when we move to VA, so who knows what will come are way. If I would have to pick at this moment would have to be when he took me to a place called Lake Geneva here in Wisconsin. I didn't get pics because we did it last minute and I didn't bring my camera. I will have to do that the next time we do though.

30 DBC Day 7

My favorite movies. There are so many to list. I think the first two I should list would have to be Hocus Pocus and Sleepless in Seattle. Those were one of the first 2 dates I had with my hubby. The other ones are Jurassic Park I, II, III, Transformers Movies, Terminator Movies, Freedom Writers, World Trade Center, Harry Potter Movies, Twilight Series and many many more.

30 DBC Day 6

A picture of what makes me happy would have to be my husband and my kids. My two cats Lelani (short haired) and Elvis (long haired) were my first Xmas present from Alex as husband and wife. They both know when we are down about something and are always by our side whenever we are home. In fact, Lelani likes to block me from being on the computer by laying on my keyboard. She also tends to hit my wi-fi key and disconnect me from the Internet. The funny thing that Elvis likes to do is when Alex sits on the couch he curls up on his lap and falls asleep for hours like that. There has been sometimes that they have both fallen asleep on the couch looking really cute. By the way, this picture of us was taken at the park across the street one Sunday. Yes they do like it outside and when we get a chance we do take them outside. Lelani likes the snow which I think is just too funny since she is a cat.

30 DBC Day 4 & 5

Since I skipped yesterday by accident I am going to go ahead and do 2 days worth today.

Day 4: My parents

I have to admit I probably have the two best parents any one could ask for. They are Caryn and Lawrence Murray. My mom was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of CA and my father was born and raised in Detroit Michigan and came to CA right after he got of the US Army after the Vietnam War. The reason why I feel my parents are the best ones is because if it weren't for something my father told us to do 17 years ago Alex and I would probably gotten married to young and made the biggest mistake in our lives. We had to grow up and I thank them for that every day. My parents have both taught me to reach for the sky when it comes to things that we want in our lives. They have both been through so much in life as a married couple and as individuals and I admire them for that. My sister and are very lucky to have these two people in our lives which then brings me to my siblings which is today's subject.

My siblings are Cynthia Murray-Davis and David Lawrence Murray+. My sister lives in New York with her husband Bryan Davis who she met when she was on tour overseas quite a bit of time ago. The year that my hubby Alex and I got engaged was the year that every one expected them to get engaged. Boy where they in for a surprise. My sister got engaged the day after Alex and I did. We knew that he was going to propose, but everyone else didn't and for me to keep a surprise is amazing. I also, we have a brother by the name of David. Unfortunately David was killed in a car accident back in 1986. The time that we had with him will never be forgotten. Alex and I are true believers in that things happen for a reason and I truly believe that he had a part of us reconnecting after 13 years of being separated and being able to spark that relationship like nothing has ever changed in the years apart.

30 DBC Day 3

This is an easy one for me. I can honestly say that my first love would have to be my husband. Yes I had puppy loves when I was younger, but it doesn't not compare to the love I felt for him. The picture to the left is the night that we met at his Grad Night in 1993. The picture on the right was taken at the Navy Ball a little less than a month ago. This was our second Ball together and boy did we have a blast. A little bit of a story about us. We met back in 1993, dated for a while and after that we lost contact with each other because he went into the Navy and I just started High School. Go ahead 13 years to when Myspace became very popular where in 2006 I found him on that website. We have been together for 4 years now and married 3 years this 11/10 which happens to be his birthday. We have had a rough couple of years because we are Navy marriage, but we are doing great. We are going to be moving to VA after we have lived in Kenosha, WI for 3 years. We are going to miss all the friends and family that we have made here. We wish we didn't have to leave, but we have to go where ever the Navy sends us. If all goes well, then in 3 years we will be back here to raise our family and retire. People think we are nuts for wanting to move out here when we grew up in CA all of our childhood years, but there is something about Kenosha we love and it isn't the weather by all means.

30 DBC Day 2

Okay I failed at this challenge already so now I have to catch up. I was really going to be on top of this, but then I got food poisoning the 2nd day so now I am going to continue it today.

The meaning behind my blog name is actually a really story. See back in 2004 I still lived with my parents in CA and had a regular Monday through Friday job that I wasn't really happy, but heck it paid the bills. What more can a single girl ask for right except for a million dollars and a man that loved her for who she was and didn't try to change her in any way.

My mom one day was outside in our front yard and saw a stray mommy cat with her kittens and noticed that she was moving them from the roof our house to another safe location. My mom thought nothing of it because we had strays in the neighborhood and just thought maybe the mommy cat was getting too warm up there with them. The next couple of weeks went by and then one night after it got dark my mom heard a little kitten meowing. At first, I thought she was going nuts and she then told me I am going outside. That is when she found this really small kitten sitting there in the grass crying for his mommy.

My mom brought it into the house and noticed that it's eyes were still closed and it still had the umbilical cord attached. Us being the cat lovers that we are said we can't leave this little guy outside all by himself, so with a little coaxing with my dad we kept this little guy. When we found him his ears were folded over a little bit, but all of the sudden they popped up like a mouse's ears did and that is how he got the nickname of looking like a mouse. We found out through my mom's boss that Meechi means cat it Kechwan and we thought it was perfect.

For the next 2 months I helped bottle feed this cat every night like it was my baby. He would sleep with me and wake me up when he got hungry. Now it is 6 years later and he still wants to be a baby. He is a big 15 pound baby but whenever I go back to visit my parents he is there waiting for me to snuggle every night with me.

30 Day Blog Challenge

I have honestly been avoiding blogging.

Tragic, right?

Well, with the madness in my life lately, I haven't had much I have really wanted to blog about.

And yet, I miss it.

While on Facebook, I noticed my friend Ashleigh has made a few posts on this 30 Day Blog Challenge. It looks like a lot of fun, and a great little distraction. The original blog came from Katie at Katie's Journey which is where I got this following list of blog topics for the next 30 days:

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

So much has been going on with my life lately and with another move that we have coming up in December I thought it would be a good idea to start this up again. Looking forward to sharing my new path in life with you readers.

Just Enough Time

Well the time has come that I will be doing my last entry from this computer and the next time I do another entry will be when I am in WA. Lots has been going on since I wrote in this blog last. My replacement has done a great job in learning my job and I feel comfortable enough to leave the company and not feel guilty. My company gave me a bridal shower last Thursday and I must say that Alejandro and I are truly blessed and very thankful. On top of that I had a small "Anchors Away" party at a house sitting client of mine and we got some really nice stuff at that party also.

I never thought I would ever say this about the company I work for now. I am going to miss everyone that I have been in contact with each the last 5 1/2 years. It is has been a hard week for me and I know the next two days is going to be even harder. After saying goodbye to the people I work with everyday, then it will be time to say goodbye to my parents. I know I will see them in June, but this is the first time I am leaving the nest to so speak.

Well I should get going now. Until next time when I am settled in WA....

Update and Lots Of Work

I thought I would take a chance to update this site on all that has been happening. As you can tell we had a great time at the Space Needle for a late Valentine's Day dinner a couple of weeks ago. I am going there again this weekend, so I can leave some more stuff up there and spend sometime with him I thought. Well he was changed to another section and they have to work this weekend. Which sucks for him because he just worked this past weekend and his chief said tough. The good thing is that he is off Friday and he is going to get sometime off on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon to take me to the airport. March 19th, I didn't get to finish this entry before I left for the weekend, so I thought I would continue it now. I had a nice relaxing weekend. He did get sometime off this weekend for me so that was nice. We bought a bed on friday and boy is it nice to sleep in.

I am now getting ready for the big move and my going away party this coming Sunday that I have known and house sat for a long time is giving it to me. I started packing up my office a little bit ago of all my personal stuff. Well I should get back to work now. I will keep you updated as soon as I can. Until next time...

SO MUCH GOING ON

So much has happened since I updated this website, that I thought I better do it now. April 6th will be my last day working for Ganz. I have been with this company for almost 6 years now and it is going to be hard, but I am glad that I am leaving when I am. They have found a replacement for me which will make the transition a lot easier because she will be able to shadow me until I do leave. Hopefully they will start looking for someone to replace her before I leave so she can start training that person and all. I plan on moving to WA around April 9th only a couple of days after I leave Ganz and that is because starting April 19th Alejandro will be out to sea for 3 weeks.

My office manager just threw me off by telling me that the company wants to give me a Bridal Shower. I am very surprised by that since I won't be getting married right after I leave the company. I am really flattered by this and honored that they are doing this for me. I guess almost working for the company 6 years helps that.

I will try to make it a point to update this more. I need to try to get some more work done before I leave for the day. Until next time...