Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge Day 9

As I said on Facebook, I was going to put Lelani on here for today's photo. I think that if it weren't for her and Elvis I wouldn't have been able to get through the first couple of weeks of this deployment with Alex. They are here for me no matter what I say to them, about them, the way I dress and so forth. I love them to death and I know Alex can't wait to see both of them.

Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge Day 8

This was from our wedding and I didn't know this happened until the day after when I was checking my email at the hotel because I couldn't sleep any longer. Alex was mortified, but you can it was all fun and games that day. We miss our friends back home and abroad. but wouldn't have it any other way guys. We look forward to a lot more laughs like this one.

Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge Day 7

My most treasured item. I know I have posted this before, but you know it is very touching. I have a homecoming in a few months that is going to mean more to me than I ever though it would. Alex and I have grown so much the last 2 months that ours is going to be one that we will never forget.

Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge Day 6

I am not saying I want to trade places with Alex in this picture. What I would want to do in with this photo is be any person that is there so I can be closer to Alex that I have been since he left back in January. I am glad he is having fun, but on the flip side to it all I wish I was there with him to enjoy all the sights he is seeing. I am seeing some really neat things while he is gone, but it isn't the same without him here. I can't wait to see him and share everything I have seen and done with him since he has been gone. I know there is going to be an adjustment period for us, but that is to be expected. I love him and I picked him almost 4 years ago to spend the rest of my life with him, so I really don't have a choice of the matter.

Personal Challenge Day 55-63

GEN 3:2 And the woman answered him, saying: Of the fruit of the trees that are in paradise we do eat:

GEN 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of paradise, God hath commanded us that we should not eat; and that we should not touch it, lest perhaps we die.

GEN 3:4 And the serpent said to the woman: No, you shall not die the death.

GEN 3:5 For God doth know that in what day soever you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened: and you shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil.

GEN 3:6 And the woman saw that the tree was good to eat, and fair to the eyes, and delightful to behold: and she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave to her husband who did eat.

GEN 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened: and when they perceived themselves to be naked, they sewed together fig leaves, and made themselves aprons.

GEN 3:8 And when they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in paradise at the afternoon air, Adam and his wife hid themselves from the face of the Lord God, amidst the trees of paradise.

GEN 3:9 And the Lord God called Adam, and said to him: Where art thou?

GEN 3:10 And he said: I heard thy voice in paradise; and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.

GEN 3:11 And he said to him: And who hath told thee that thou wast naked, but that thou hast eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat?

Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge Day 4 and 5

Day 5: This is a picture of my horrible addiction. I guess Alex really doesn't have much to complain about because unlike other addictions I here people have they at the most only cost him $25 a piece. I used to work for the company that made these and thought they were way too cute. I still do collect them even though I haven't worked for the company for 4 years now. What can I say it is an addiction.

Day 6: This is my favorite memory of us two. I have probably posted this more than once, but you know what it is awesome to repeat. This is the day that we actually saw each other for the first time in 13 years. Having this time away from Alex right now has made me realize how much I really do love him and how lucky I am to have found him on My Space. I know it is really hard to believe that is how we reconnected, but you know what. I wouldn't have it any other way to be honest with you. We are as strong right now as we were this night back in 2006. The homecoming that I am going to be getting when he comes back will be just as magical as that night and he knows what I am referring to and that is all that matters in my eyes.

Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge Day 3

This is the Cast of 24 Season 8 which ended last season. Boy do I miss this show because it was the first show that Alex and I really started watching together. We were so addicted that if one of us weren't home to watch it, then we had this standing rule. We had to wait until both of us could watch it together. I am watching the 2nd Season now does that tell you that I am having major withdrawals already. I know this isn't the only thing that I am having withdrawal of right now, but you know what I am going to be doing so much now to keep myself busy these next almost 3 months are going to go by so fast.

Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge Day 2

My best friend and partner in crime Mary. I miss this lady and if it weren't for her I wouldn't be where I am today. God works in mysterious ways and she has been a blessing in disguise. I am now paying it forward with all the knowledge that she has given me. Love you girl and boy do I miss you.

Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge Day 1

This is the most recent picture of me that is decent of me. I am supposed to list 10 facts about me, so here they are:

1. I am a Navy wife.
2. I am a new founded strong independent woman who speaks her mind.
3. I have a Veterinarian Assistant Certificate.
4. I am a amateur photographer.
5. I love to read in a nature setting.
6. I love to scrapbook now and can't wait to start my new scrapbook.
7. I am counting the days down of when my hubby comes home.
8. I am a Southern CA native and don't want to move back there.
9. I want to find a home out in the country to raise children.
10. I am trying my hardest to be a very positive person in my life and with great friends in my life I should be able to handle that without any problems.

Now A 60 Day Photo Challenge

I know I have already done one of these, but I thought I would do another one because I am at a better place in my life right now. Having come to terms with Alex being gone for over 50 days now I am a lot happier in my life. I am now looking forward to his homecoming in a couple of months. In last 50 days, I have met some really good friends and some really shitty ones, but you know I have learned not to trust people as quickly as I used to. I have a lot to offer my new friends and when Alex comes back from deployment I think he is going to be surprised of how independent I have become.

Ok, so I don't know why I thought this would be fun but lets do it!! I love looking at peoples pictures and finding out about them! Here is what you do.. Make an album named "30 Days" then copy and paste the 30 picture things you have to do in the comment section of the album. Each day post a picture of what it is asking you to do for that day and put the caption of what it is in the caption part. You can see mine as an example. Lets have fun!!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Day 04 - A picture of your night.

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.

Day 25 - A picture of your day.

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.

Day 31 - A picture of a tradition you have.

Day 32 - A picture of a crazy night.

Day 33 - A picture of the house you grew up in.

Day 34 - A picture of your currently most played CD.

Day 35 - A picture of your favorite place to eat.

Day 36 - A picture of your ‘other half'.

Day 37 - A picture of the people you spend most of your time with.

Day 38 - A picture of the best part of your day.

Day 39 - A picture of your favorite movie.

Day 40 - A picture of your favorite Disney character.

Day 41 - A picture of your pet.

Day 42 - A picture of your dream house.

Day 43 - A picture of something you can’t function without.

Day 44 - A picture of someone you’re told you look like.

Day 45 - A picture of your room.

Day 46 - A picture of where you wish you were right now.

Day 47 - A picture of your favorite place to shop.

Day 48 - A picture of your favorite actress/actor.

Day 49 - A picture of where you live.

Day 50 - A picture of your most frequented place.

Day 51 - A picture of your dream car.

Day 52 - A picture of your favorite sport.

Day 53 - A picture of someone you think is hot.

Day 54 - A picture of the one thing you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.

Day 55 - A picture of the last movie you saw in theaters.

Day 56 - A picture of something that makes you happy.

Day 57 - A picture of your favorite holiday.

Day 58 - A picture of your favorite animal.

Day 59 - A picture of a random item that you own.

Day 60 - A picture of something you’re excited about.

Please post if you plan to play along!

Updated on 3/11/2011: I just got the last 30 days to make this a 60 day challenge instead of a 30 day one. How exciting because this will be close to when Alex comes home.

Please post if you plan to play along!

Personal Challenge Day 43-54

GEN 2:15 And the Lord God took man, and put him into the paradise for pleasure, to dress it, and keep it.

GEN 2:16 And he commanded him, saying: Of every tree of paradise thou shalt eat:

GEN 2:17 But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat. for in what day soever thou shalt eat of it, thou shalt die the death.

GEN 2:18 And the Lord God said: It is not good for man to be alone: let us make him a help like unto himself.

GEN 2:19 And the Lord God having formed out of the ground all the beasts of the earth, and all the fowls of the air, brought them to Adam to see what he would call them: for whatsoever Adam called any living creature the same is its name.

GEN 2:20 And Adam called all the beasts by their names, and all the fowls of the air, and all the cattle of the field: but for Adam there was not found a helper like himself.

GEN 2:21 Then the Lord God cast a deep sleep upon Adam: and when he was fast asleep, he took one of his ribs, and filled up flesh for it.

GEN 2:22 And the Lord God built the rib which he took from Adam into a woman: and brought her to Adam.

GEN 2:23 And Adam said: This now is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man.

GEN 2:24 Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be two in one flesh.

GEN 2:25 And they were both naked: to wit, Adam and his wife: and were not ashamed.

GEN 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any of the beasts of the earth which the Lord God made. And he said to the woman: Why hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise?

Some Good Things To Come

Again this past week has been pretty exciting for me. First of all, Alex and I going stronger than ever. We every once in awhile have a fight, but that is to be expected, so I have no problem with that. Second of all, I have found some great friends that mean the world to me and I can't thank them enough for all they have done for me the last week. Third, Alex has noticed that I have been losing some weight. I haven't been really making an effort to do so, but you know what he noticed that I have which is all that matters. The picture to the right was taken on Valentine's Day, but again I have some awesome friends that made it worth it because we were together to support each other which is all that matters. The best thing is that as long as we are ourselves we have nothing to prove to each other. We can be ourselves and that is the way it should be. I just love them for that reason alone. I have gotten into trouble in the past by saying how I feel and I regret that now, but you know what. Why should I if I am just being myself right? I honestly don't know what I would have done without them because the people I thought I could count on that isn't the case and I wish I knew the real side of them before I even got my heart into a friendship with them. Again, it is the stupid shit that people think is important to them and can't look around that. The picture to the left is of my newest friend Cate and her horse Naya (sp?) I had an opportunity to spend sometime with her last week and her baby. Yes I know you really can't call him a baby, but you know he is a big baby and you can see the love between the two of them. Cate rescued him from a horrible situation and from what I heard in the short amount of time that she has been working with him you can tell how much trust he has for her. That is all that matters in a relationship between a horse and its owner. The second picture to the right is of Maegan and Cate's doggy Baiden. That was taken on Valentine's Day and boy did we have some yummy food. Cate invited all the girls that either had their Valentine's either underway and/or on deployment. Well again, it was just the 3 of us that we were under that category and we had lots of fun. Again both of these ladies let me be myself around them and they don't mind if I open my mouth before I actually think before I say something. Heck if it weren't for both of them I wouldn't be trying all the yummy food that I have been having lately. In fact, for Valentine's Day I probably would have been at home eating chicken nuggets and french fries if it weren't for the open arms that I got from this group of ladies. There are quite a few more that are part of the group, but all the times we have gotten together lately, they weren't always there. I am hoping to get pictures of them tomorrow night at another gathering I am going to.
This past Saturday I went to another crop with Leland and Becca. Mommy Betty had to work this past weekend, but that is okay because she was there in spirit. I then took Maegan to a Daytona 500 Race Party that Leland was having the following day. We both had fun and it was good to get everyone out of the house for a little bit. I am watching Joy's dogs again this weekend for her and Tory. I have 3 days at work next week and then I am off to NY for the weekend to visit my sister and her hubby Bryan. I haven't seen them since they got married, so it should be a lot of fun. I can't wait. Well I should end this and I will enter another entry sometime before my trip.

Personal Challenge Day 33-42

GEN 2:5 And every plant of the field before it spring up in the earth, and every herb of the ground before it grew: for the Lord God had not rained upon the earth; and there was not a man to till the earth.

GEN 2:6 But a spring rose out the earth, watering all the surface of the earth.

GEN 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the slime of the earth: and breathed into his face the breath of life, and man became a living soul.

GEN 2:8 And the Lord God had planted a paradise of pleasure from the beginning: wherein he placed man whom he had formed.

GEN 2:9 And the Lord God brought forth of the ground all manner of trees, fair to behold, and pleasant to eat of: the tree of life also in the midst of paradise: and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

GEN 2:10 And a river went out the place of pleasure to water paradise, which from thence is divided into four heads.

GEN 2:11 The name of the one is Phison: that is it which compasseth all the land of Hevilath, where gold groweth.

GEN 2:12 And the gold of that land is very good: there is found bdellium, and the onyx stone.

GEN 2:13 And the name of the second river is Gehon: the same is it that compasseth all the land of Ethiopia

GEN 2:14 And the name of the third river is Tigris: the same passeth along by the Assyrians. And the fourth river is Euphrates.

What A Week

This past week was so busy for me but very fulfilling. First of all, since I don't have any blog challenges right now I figured I would just do a blog entry once a week. It is not that I don't have anything to write about, but I don't want to be a bother to my followers at this time in my life. Second of all, I have found out even more now who my true friends are in my life. I would have to say my first one would be my best friend and my husband Alex. I have made friends that I have thought were my friends, but you know they have proven me wrong. I am going through a very hard time in my life right now by living in a new place and be separated to everything I have been used to. If I can't rely on those people to be there for me no matter what kind of mood I am in and/or vise versa, than so be it. All I ask is that if I try to contact you, then don't ignore me whatsoever. I know you might be going through some stuff right now, but there was obviously a reason why I called you or messaged you.
This past weekend wasn't just Super Bowl weekend, but it was actually for the first time I took 3 days of my time to do some Scrapbooking for the whole weekend. I got 2 big projects completed that I wanted to complete and I have ideas for the next project that I had planned to start, but didn't get started. The picture that is too the left was taken on Sunday near the end of the event. I bought some software that will help me organize my pictures so I can get my pictures all set up so when I need to Scrapbook them I can without any problems. I have made some really good friends during this past weekend and I can't thank them enough for being there for me. I would like to introduce my new family members, my adopted mommy Betty in the yellow, Becca my new adopted sister in the white and Leland who is kneeling on the floor in her PJ's. I can't thank them enough for helping me have an amazing time over the weekend. I am looking forward to the 19th of this month to do it all over again. In fact, we already have plans to do the November weekend thing and I am going to hopefully have my friend Mary to join us. I am hoping Alex will be home that weekend so we can actually stay down by the beach like every one else did. If he isn't home, then I might have to have my friend Joy take care of the cats for me so, I can get away for the weekend.
Speaking of Joy, the two dogs to the left are Hines (An American Bull Dog) and Beans (Chocolate Lab) are her and Tory's dogs. She had made a comment on a group page that I belong to that she was looking for a dog sitter. Well, I answered it and got to take care of these two over the weekend. Yes, it was a little hectic for me since I had the event at the Oceanfront and taking care of my brats on top of them, but you know what. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. They are such sweet animals and a joy to have taken care of for Tory and Joy so, they could go away for a few days. I enjoyed their company and look forward to taking care of them again for them. It reminds me of the times that I took care of the Dickinson's animals, Ann Noble and a few other ones that I am forgetting their names at the moment. It makes me realize how much I do miss working with animals. Maybe in the near future I can do it again.

Personal Challenge Day 30-32

These are the last 3 reflections that I have read. I am going to now really do these each week so I don't forget to do them. I have so much to look forward to now and I have to keep these up.

EX 2:2 And she conceived, and bore a son; and seeing him a goodly child hid him three months.

EX 2:3 And when she could hide him no longer, she took a basket made of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and pitch: and put the little babe therein, and laid him in the sedges by the river's brink,

EX 2:4 His sister standing afar off, and taking notice what would be done.

Very Proud and Happy

The last couple of days I have been so busy with my new job and realizing how amazing my hubby is to me. He admitted to me a couple of days ago, that even though we have had some rough times especially right before he left that he would do it all over again. That made me feel so much better because it was rocky there for a little bit and to hear him say that first made me feel that the decision I made almost 5 years ago was the right thing. He also told me not to worry about him. He is doing okay and now that we are on the same page we are going to be a heck of a lot better. He sent me this picture of him last week. This of course is from the ship and boy does it make me realize how much I really do love a man in uniform. I know every one says the Whites are amazing, but you know what I am pretty found of the Blues in my opinion. We got married in his Blues and I have seen him mostly in his Blues. I am going to take this time now to really appreciate all that he does for me and my freedoms. I know he doesn't think he does a heck of a lot in regards to those two, but you know what he sure does. I just pray to God that all of them return home safe to their loved ones arms. He told me on the phone today that the one thing he is looking forward to when he gets home in May is the fact that he is coming home to an apartment with family and not just an apartment that has been empty since he left like before.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 32

My dream is very obvious. I hope to be able to have children of my own with my best Alejandro. I hope to one day have our own place that they can play out in the yard safely. I think every one has this kind of dream and I never thought I would say that I really don't want it back home in CA. I think we are going to set our roots somewhere in the Midwest. Living there for 3 years made us really love to the point we want to settle down there. Who knows what the next three years are going to bring us. We have already experienced, so much in the last 5 years now that we don't know what to expect any more.
I honestly can say that I have finished this blog challenge in the amount of days that I actually needed to complete it. Now I have to find another challenge to keep myself busy the next couple of months. Yes I do have that other challenge that I am doing, but I need to keep this one going because I really like doing it. Ummm to be continued....

Personal Challenge for Days 7 through Day 29

Boy have I failed on this challenge this month. I have had a really hard time trying to get used to Alex being away from me. I know this doesn't make up for me missing each and every day, but you know I did read these passages throughout this time that I haven't been posting this blog, but that is okay. I am at least making an attempt at trying to get closer back into my faith.

They are as follows:

EX 1:1 These are the names of the children of Israel, that went into Egypt with Jacob: they went in, every man with his household:

EX 1:2 Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Juda,

EX 1:3 Issachar, Zabulon, and Benjamin,

EX 1:4 Dan, and Nephtali, Gad and Aser.

EX 1:5 And all the souls that came out of Jacob's thigh, were seventy: but Joseph was in Egypt.

EX 1:6 After he was dead, and all his brethren, and all that generation,

EX 1:7 The children of Israel increased, and sprung up into multitudes, and growing exceedingly strong they filled the land.

EX 1:8 In the mean time there arose a new king over Egypt, that knew not Joseph:

EX 1:9 And he said to his people: Behold the people of the children of Israel are numerous and stronger than we.

EX 1:10 Come, let us wisely oppress them, lest they multiply: and if any war shall rise against us, join with our enemies, and having overcome us, depart out of the land.

EX 1:11 Therefore he set over them masters of the works, to afflict them with burdens, and they built for Pharaoh cities of tabernacles, Phithom and Ramesses.

EX 1:12 But the more they oppressed them, the more they were multiplied, and increased:

EX 1:13 And the Egyptians hated the children of Israel, and afflicted them and mocked them:

EX 1:14 And they made their life bitter with hard works in clay, and brick, and with all manner of service, wherewith they were overcharged in the works of the earth.

EX 1:15 And the king of Egypt spoke to the midwives of the Hebrews: of whom one was called Sephora, the other Phua,

EX 1:16 Commanding them: When you shall do the office of midwives to the Hebrew women, and the time of delivery is come: if it be a man child, kill it: if a woman, keep it alive.

EX 1:17 But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded, but saved the men children.

EX 1:18 And the king called for them and said: What is that you meant to do, that you would save the men children ?

EX 1:19 They answered: The Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women: for they themselves are skillful in the office of a midwife; and they are delivered before we come to them.

EX 1:20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied and grew exceedingly strong.

EX 1:21 And because the midwives feared God, he built them houses.

EX 1:22 Pharaoh therefore charged all his people, saying: Whatsoever shall be born of the male sex, ye shall cast into the river: whatsoever of the female, ye shall save alive.

EX 2:1 After this there went a man of the house of Levi; and took a wife of his own kindred.

I know it is all baby steps and once I get into the swing of things I will be able to add me going back to church on a regular basis. The start of Lent is right around the corner and that is the beginning of another season in the Catholic Church, so maybe that would be a good way to start. March 9th is Ash Wednesday. Well here is to hoping that I can continue this quest through the rest of my time away from Alex. I have a lot planned between now and when he comes home in May. I just hope I can follow through with them all. Keep fingers crossed everyone.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 31

I think I a lot of fears. The one that sticks out the most would have to be going to jail. I have never been put in jail and do not ever plan on ever going. The next one would have to be dieing. I know everyone dies at one point in their lives, but I would just hate to leave all my friends and loved ones behind. The ones I am referring to the most would be Alex and my cats. I also, have to include my special extended family. I have always had a problem with death and that has started since my brother passed away back in 1986. The one that is most scaring me right now is failing my hubby and best friend when we are apart from each other right now. Things were a little shaky before he left and the first couple of weeks they still were, but you know what. I got the best email I could have ever gotten from him on Tuesday which just cleared up a lot of things for me and I know I can now do the rest of this deployment without being too worried about me back home. Now if we can only get his pay corrected in a timely manner.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 30

There are a lot of things that I miss. One of them being my hubby of course. The other one having the friends and loved ones that have become part of family back at home in LA and also in WI. There are so many to name and to put pictures of that I don't think it would be fair to post any pictures in this blog because I would forget someone. I know I don't have to mention names because they all know who they are.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 29

I know an average person wouldn't understand why I put these two pictures on here or being something new to us. Alex and I don't have kids at this time and a very special extended family. Alex has Tammy with him on the ship which is to the right and I have Michael and Mackenzie on the left. Yes we do collect stuffed animals and make them part of our family. Don't ask questions and if you need to know then you obviously don't know us very well. Three years ago this July, we lost twins and when I told Alex that they didn't survive boy were we devastated. I have spoken to other couples that have been through the same thing we have and they have the same reaction we do. If it gives us comfort, then so be it. Also, if you haven't experienced losing a child, then don't judge me for having stuffed animals to give me comfort. Every one handles things differently and this is how we handle it. Heck a very good friend of the family gave my sister and I a teddy bear when my brother passed away. I was never separated from that bear growing up and you know what. Thanks to me making a trip to LA in September for a funeral, I was able to bring it to be part of my family. It now lives here with me and my very special extended family.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 28

My hubby is an amazing man. Yes I complain about him quite often, but you know what I wouldn't do what I do without him on my side these days. You know what he isn't by my side right now. He is by my side in spirit, but not physically. Being a Navy Wife, we are separated at times and this is one time that we are indeed apart. This was taken back in 2006 the year we got back together and it has to be one of my favorite of him. Just being himself and I like that the most about him. I sometimes think he over does it, but you know what, I love him any ways.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 27

I have many weaknesses and I have shown my main two ones in a previous blog entry already. One of them being Webkinz and the other one being Facebook. I hate to admit this in a blog but right now the only real friends that I have are the few that I keep in touch with on a regular basis on Facebook. It is really that it has come down to that, but when you are a Military Spouse in a whole near area of the country that you don't know many people it is really hard to get in the mood to meet people. This also gives me a really good way to keep in touch with my hubby. We now have a really cool way to communicate with each other now, but it is always nice to be able to do have this page. Webkinz on the other hand started even before I got together with Alex. I started collecting them when I worked for the company that makes them. My collection grew from 4 to now when I have over 400 of them and I am only missing 3 in the whole entire collection. Alex wants me to have a little something special every month and this is definitely something that I enjoy collecting. I also now have the bite for Scrapbooking. In fact, I am going to my first all weekend event next weekend not that far from my place and hopefully I will get a lot accomplished.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 26

This is was the easiest picture that I have to blog about in this challenge. It is not that I dislike being with him. It is that I dislike not being with him right now. This picture was taken a little less than a year ago when we were in WI. It was at the Russel Military Museum when my parents were in town visiting. I am hoping that this time apart for us will help us actually grow together as a couple. People keep on telling me that deployments don't always do that, but you know what. The two of us have been through so much in the last 3 years that I think that if we can get through them, we can get through whatever God brings us now. I love him and you know what, I always have even during the 13 years that we were apart. I am just a little lonely now and wish he was hear to comfort me and give me the little pep talks he used to always give me.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 25

Technology has been amazing to me lately. My cell phone went down for a couple of hours yesterday and boy do you not realize what how naked you feel without your cell phone. At the time this all happened of course I was relying on my GPS on my phone to get me to and from a Play date that I was attending in Hampton. Luckily the few times that I have been over there I do remember how to get back home because my phone was out of commission. The other two technologies I have been using a lot lately of course have been my laptop to keep up with my schoolwork along with keeping in touch with my friends and family back home. Right now this is the only way that I can keep in touch with Alex. Since he is out to sea at the moment and our phones aren't smart phones email and facebook are the only way of communication. It sucks, but it will have to be that way until we can figure out another way of communicating with each other. I am hoping the my new iPod will become my new friend shortly. With a new month starting in about week I have a new goal to fulfill. I have a new job starting next week which will keep me busy, but will also keep my mind off of Alex being gone. I am also going to start a new diet routine. I know Alex has been trying to get me to do it himself, but you know what I am not happy with myself physically, mentally, and spiritually any more. I am hoping that with the time that we are apart that can change. The only thing that would be stopping me is if something comes my way that we didn't plan for at this time. Time will just tell if that will be the case though.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 24

Just recently I have become very passionate about photography. I have always been told that I have an eye for it, but I never believed it until now. I have gone on 3 Interviews in the last month and they were all for a Photography job. I know I don't always seem really happy to be on my own at the moment, but you know what. Having the camera that you see in this picture and 2 batteries for it, I could get lost in my own little world. Now that we live on the East Coast, there is so much for me to experience. I sometimes feel that having a camera to be able capture some of the moments that I have is wonderful.

I forgot about this one time right after I got my new camera, my hubby and I went to a puppy parade and got to witness something truly amazing. There was a family there with there little boy Jackson who was celebrating his first Halloween and he was dressed up a little bear. You want to talk about an adorable little guy and his parents gave me permission to use him in my portfolio to show people my work. I probably will never see them again and/or hear from them again, but they will always be a memory that I will hold dear to my heart. I wish him and his family nothing but the best in life and if there is a reason I am pretty sure we will meet up again in the near future.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 23

My love for food has obviously gotten me into trouble a lot lately. I tend to use it as a crutch when I am having a bad day especially chocolate. Thinking about this blog entry I couldn't really think about any pictures that I have that I could put in this entry. This was taken almost 4 years ago at the Bridal Shower that the company I used to work for in LA gave me. I honestly didn't think that they would have given me a shower, but I guess after working for the company for almost 6 years I did make a difference. I have to admit I do miss some of the connections that I had at the company, but I don't miss the stress during my two favorite times of the year when we were the most busy. Those would be Fall and Spring time. Any one that works in the giftware world understands why those are busy for us.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 22

I really don't have a style for say. You will mostly likely find me wearing either Yoga pants with a t-shirt or Jeans and a t-shirt. I know being a Military wife I should look a little better than I do sometimes, but you know what. I honestly don't care what some people might think about me right now. My hubby left 2 weeks ago for 5 months if I am lucky. I really don't have any one to impress. I am hoping to change my attitude by the time my hubby comes home in May so he can see I have made a difference in myself. I know Alex will be proud of me if I actually do this while he is gone. I just feel with all the love and support that Jacie and my friends will give me the next couple of months will help me reach my goal. Heck Alex might even surprise me and take me on a shopping spree because of it. Cross your fingers ladies.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 21

I have come to realize who my true friends are recently. It has come to my attention that I tend to rely on them way too much lately. I can truly say that all my true friends are Mary, Jacie and Julie. I have known Jacie who is to the left with her hubby Steve and I just met them the day Alex left to meet up with his ship. I most say especially the days that I feel like not doing anything on certain days like I am having today I wouldn't know what to do. It is ironic enough that I am the Veteran Navy Wife but she has been there for me more than I have been there for her. I can honestly say, I have made a really good friend through her and she has instantly become a sister to me. Mary I have known for years and she has been there for me through my darkest hours. I have shown pictures of her already and I really don't have any recent ones of her. My other friend Julie unfortunately I don't have a picture of her to share with you all. She is a person that can so relate to what I am going through since her hubby is retired Navy. I am figuring right now that Alex and I are going through something that all married couples go through at the beginning of a deployment and boy does it suck. I just figure as long as I can get through it and not let it break my marriage I will be good.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 20

This picture describes one of my most favorite sports that I can ever think of which would be Baseball. I never did play it except for the times that I would try to play it with my brother in our front yard before he passed away. This was taken at the last Home Dodger Game back in 2006 that I went to with my two good friends Mary and Yvette. This was also the last game that I went to at Dodger Stadium before Alex and I got married. I wish I was able to go back and go to another game, but it hasn't been the right time to do that. I do miss watching the game because because being their to physically is nothing like watching it on TV. Hopefully I will be able to go to a game some time soon.

32 Day Photo Blog Challenge Day 19

This is my most treasure object. I know this is weird, but it is my engagement ring. This is just a symbol of our marriage, but you know what, I can't imagine myself not wearing it ever. I take it off to due cleaning and when I am in the shower, but even there it feels weird. I love him dearly and can't wait to see him again and put his hand in mine like we did the day we got married.

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...