Birthday Celebration Ends with a Bang!

What a month!! Celebrating started on January 9 when we had a small get together at home. Cesario knew he would not be here for my birthday again so he threw together a fun evening. I realized when he was planning this that he had not been around for my birthday since 2005 when he threw me a surprise party. He has been away each time after that. So I appreciated having a pre-party and having him here.

My actual birthday was on Thursday January 28. It just so happens that I recently moved jobs and my boss has the same birthday. His wife was so gracious and sent some yummy cupcakes and some amazing white and chocolate brownies. I had no plans for the day but the girls said we had to do something. Jocelyn, Valerie, Meredith and I went to dinner at Primos and had some pizza. We ended our evening off at Starbucks.

The month of celebrating came to an end on Friday when a group of 20 of us went to the Officer's Club. What a fantastic night!! I am still trying to figure out what was the most memorable part. Was it all my friends being there, the group of crazy pilots that kept us quite entertained and the list goes on.

On that note I realize that I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends. You all continue to help me grow as a person, create great memories and are there when I need you. Thanks to all of you!

2 weeks and counting!

Today is 2 weeks exactly that Cesario has been gone. I am constantly amazed at how much time we spend apart. But when duty calls.....duty calls. I really wish I had been able to go visit him but I started my new job on Monday. I just don't feel that it would be the time to go as we are going back to Arizona for 14 days in March.

My new job is the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator/ Victim Advocate for the Army on Okinawa. I think it will eventually be a great program but I have to go through some training before I can officially start assisting our soldiers and Army community.


I am really hoping Cesario makes it home for Valentine's Day. As of right now he is due back on Valentines but it could be a before or after that date as well. We miss so many things as a couple when he is gone.

The girls have done a great job of keeping me busy and are super companions. This new job however has me working on what I think is a crazy schedule. I used to go in at 830 and now have to be to work at 730. What does this mean for me? It means I am like a chicken without my head in the mornings. This week I started getting up at 450am to be at the gym between 500 and 510. I don't do well working out after work and I really want to continue my exercise regime. I am on week 4 right now and have been doing pretty darn good. Except for this week which sucked! I am usually at the gym about an hour, come home walk the girls, get them and myself fed and then get ready to be to work at 730. With Cesario gone, it has been a bit of a struggle. But I seem to be doing ok. I know things will run a little smoother in the morning once he is home and we can work as a team.

The Kindness of Strangers

Let me start by saying we have these really cool 2 inch long pelican flashlights. They are super convinient when we walk the dogs when it is dark. For such a small flashlight they give off great light.

About a week and a half ago I had taken the girls out for they morning walk. We had not got as far as half a block when I realized the flashlight was no longer in my hand. We retraced our steps and nothing. I finished up their walk brought them home and went back out to attempt my search but again found nothing. Cesario got home and I told him what happened and I was so bummed. Keep in mind we had two and we still have one left but the OCD part of me was like we have to have two. I went to my trusty resource, EBAY!! I searched the light and found the one that was the most inexpensive and purchased it. The transaction went fine and received my package a few days ago. I opened it to find not only one but two flashlights and a note inside. I had received my receipt of payment and was asked if we were military. Our package had already gone out when I replied to the email.

It is truly amazing the generosity of strangers. I know some will say it was just a flashlight but to me it was the nicest gesture considering I loved the flashlight. Thank you Mike and Denise!!!

Crazy weather

The weather here in Okinawa has been so unpredictable. One day it is beautiful and sunny the next day it won't stop raining. I was at my wits end because the girls feel they still need walks when it is raining. I have attempted to get them potty on the patio but no such luck. The raincoats they have work ok but it was time to find something a little better. I went to my favorite, inexpensive dog spot, EBAY! I found these great full body rain coats and I was super psyched when I picked up the mail as there they were. They are little harder to put on than the ones they had but definitely worth it. I am hoping they will do a better job of keeping them covered and dry.

New Years Day

The Kelly's invited us over for dinner and cards. On the way there we decided to stop off and take some pictures on the sea wall. The sun looked so beautiful on the water and I could not resist.

Christine and Alex fixed a pork loin and bunch of sides. Christine had the most amazing chocolate chip pie!! Apparently it is extremely easy to make and it was so good with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pretty much everyone sat around playing poker and four of girls played Taboo. Raquel was on my team and we were so behind. Some how we managed to come back and win.

Thanks to the Kelly's and all of our friends for the great memories in 2009 and we look forward to 2010.