Let me begin by saying that I can not wait for Monday to get here! Although this week has gone by at a pretty steady speed, I am beginning to get extremely anxious. I know a while back I said I was torn about wanting to stay in Texas, but as the holiday season approaches, I realize how nice it would be to stay here in Texas and be able to enjoy the holidays with our families. That being said... this Thanksgiving was a weird one for me. Don't get me wrong, it was good and I was so thankful to be with my mom and sister, but it was just a little "off" for me.
This time last year, Kevin had just graduated from boot camp and we had moved to Baltimore. Our first full day in Baltimore was Thanksgiving Day, and it was so memorable! It was our first holiday together as a married couple, and it was such a disaster with the move that we had to hunt for our pots and pans, silverware, and plates...but that was what made it so great. It was just the two of us, in our pajamas, in the freezing cold, eating around boxes. Being together was what made it perfect. This year on the other hand, was the complete opposite. We were separated by 1700 miles and the trip I thought I was going to be able to take the day after had to be postponed, so it wont be another 3 weeks before I get to see him.
Besides missing my husband terribly. I feel like my immediate family is just in a very "weird" place. Lauren, my younger sister has started dating her ex boyfriend Austin again. He left this past August to attend Texas State in San Marcos. He doesn't come home to visit often, but obviously he was home for Thanksgiving. This week started off great. Lauren and I would go and run every morning and she would go to work with me in the afternoon. It was the first time in a long time that we had spent some really quality time together in a long time! Austin came into town Wednesday and everything changed. She has begged, pouted, and been depressed every minute she has been home with us until she gets her way and is able to go hang out with Austin. I understand that she wants that "family" atmosphere, but at the same time she needs to realize that me and my mom are her family! This is what she has to work with for the rest of her life. I guess more than anything my feelings were really hurt... I got ditched for a boy (who has treated her like crap in the past).
Then on the other hand you have my mom. First of all, when Lauren gets upset about seeing Austin my mom loses it, and then eventually gives in. But then Lauren gets to leave, and I am the one here that gets to listen to my mom repeat 15 times that she is just so pissed. But her moods quickly shifts once her cell phone rings. You see... Kelli and I sort of set my mom up! Well...its more like Mr. Vallejo (Kelli's mom's new husband) set them up, but we can take the credit for it. It has gotten to where they talk on the phone for hours every night! And although all I want is for my mom to be happy...it is just WEIRD! I mean she is either on the phone with him, or talking to me about him, or making us clean the house because he is coming to pick her up for a date tomorrow! Like I said, I am so thankful she is happy and enjoys talking to him and I truly do hope that things work out between them, but it gets overwhelming.
I have come to realize that I am a person who does not like change very much. I mean moving and rearranging furniture type of change is fun and exciting, but my day to day life needs to stay consistant, and at this point it is not. I feel so out of place... all I want at this point is to move out. Not that I am miserable and hate it here, but because I feel like I'm left in everyone else's dust. As my Lauren and my mom's lives are moving and pushing forward, and I stuck here in my "dungeon" (that's what I've decided to call my "room", which is really the office with a twin bed shoved in a corner). So sorry my Thanksgiving Day post wasn't upbeat and very thankful, I think I have just been consumed by the weirdness of what I am going through at this point in my life!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Well, for those of you who use my blog as the main source of information from me you will be disappointed to find out that I did not find out our picks yesterday. :( There had been some miscommunication with Kevin's class and the instructors, so we will not be finding out our picks (or better phrased, options) until NEXT Monday! December 30th will be the day though...and with how fast this week is already flying by, hopefully I wont die from anxiousness. We have both tried sitting down and talking about where we would like to go, and we both are stuck. Obviously Texas would be nice, but there is still that tiny little piece of me that wants to pull away and go somewhere new and exciting. Plus we don't know if Texas will even be an option, so my next choices consisted of Florida and California (someplace WARM!). To my dismay, Kevin told me Florida is pretty much out of the question since there are so many people in his class who will be picking that as their first choice. The whole "picking" process is very weird and random to me, but basically the whole class is on a point scale. The longer you have been in the Coast Guard, and if you have had at least 6 months of sea time you get more points. Kevin has more than several people because he has already been in a year, but the people who have been at sea will dominate and pretty much get whatever they pick (which seems to be FLORIDA!) And I really am torn as far as California goes just because it is so expensive to live there! So, we are basically back at step 1, where we are still asking each other where would we like to go. It is probably silly and a waste of time to even think about this, because we don't know what will even be available for us to choose from, but its still fun. Kevin has yet to throw out any ideas or suggestions, so I have no clue where he would like to end up, but I think his heart belongs to Texas, and that is where he wants to stay.
In other news... I started my PRE half-marathon training. haha. I know what your thinking...pre? Well, the program I found to help me train is a 12 week program that begins the first week in December. I wanted to make sure that I could even handle the 2, 3, and 4 mile runs that are in that first weeks program so I decided this week would be used to push myself and get the habit of running going. Yesterday my sister Lauren and I decided we would run to the Sam Houston Campus, and by the football stadium there are huge sets of stairs that go up the hills, and we would run a few sets of those. Mind you...I ran cross country, played soccer, and I did swimming (all of which ended my sophomore year of high school). I went into this thinking that somehow, by the grace of God, I was still in the same shape I was in when I was 16! I mean, of coarse I would be... even though I have gained 50 pounds since then! So we began, and it really wasn't that difficult (in the beginning!) The night before we had traced the route with my mom's car and it was just a little over 3 miles to run to the campus and back to our house. I must have gotten 3/4 of the way to the campus before I started feeling like I was going to DIE! But Lauren was my version of Jillian from the Biggest Loser and pushed me and made sure I didn't walk. We ran the whole way to the campus (1.5 miles), got some water, caught our breath, and then started the stairs from hell! We did ten sets (10 ups, and 10 downs), which doesn't sound like a lot unless you have seen these stairs! I will have to take a picture to post on here so you can feel my pain. Lauren pushed me the whole way through those as well, constantly saying, "just one more set..." Once we finished those we drank some water, walked through the campus until we got to the main road, and ran back to our house. I could have died after all of that with how worn out I was, but waking up this morning I feel so accomplished! Today our goal is to just run 2 miles. I am basically following the training program for next week, so I know that I can do this. As we were ending our run yesterday and I felt like I could collapse on the ground, I kept thinking, "there is no way I am going to be able to do a half marathon" but then again I never would have thought I could run 3 miles again. It was a breaking point for me. I want to accomplish this, I want to do it for myself, and I will! It is going to take a lot of courage, determination, sweat, tears, pain, and support but I will get through this! I am on my way to a new and improved ME and I can't wait!
In other news... I started my PRE half-marathon training. haha. I know what your thinking...pre? Well, the program I found to help me train is a 12 week program that begins the first week in December. I wanted to make sure that I could even handle the 2, 3, and 4 mile runs that are in that first weeks program so I decided this week would be used to push myself and get the habit of running going. Yesterday my sister Lauren and I decided we would run to the Sam Houston Campus, and by the football stadium there are huge sets of stairs that go up the hills, and we would run a few sets of those. Mind you...I ran cross country, played soccer, and I did swimming (all of which ended my sophomore year of high school). I went into this thinking that somehow, by the grace of God, I was still in the same shape I was in when I was 16! I mean, of coarse I would be... even though I have gained 50 pounds since then! So we began, and it really wasn't that difficult (in the beginning!) The night before we had traced the route with my mom's car and it was just a little over 3 miles to run to the campus and back to our house. I must have gotten 3/4 of the way to the campus before I started feeling like I was going to DIE! But Lauren was my version of Jillian from the Biggest Loser and pushed me and made sure I didn't walk. We ran the whole way to the campus (1.5 miles), got some water, caught our breath, and then started the stairs from hell! We did ten sets (10 ups, and 10 downs), which doesn't sound like a lot unless you have seen these stairs! I will have to take a picture to post on here so you can feel my pain. Lauren pushed me the whole way through those as well, constantly saying, "just one more set..." Once we finished those we drank some water, walked through the campus until we got to the main road, and ran back to our house. I could have died after all of that with how worn out I was, but waking up this morning I feel so accomplished! Today our goal is to just run 2 miles. I am basically following the training program for next week, so I know that I can do this. As we were ending our run yesterday and I felt like I could collapse on the ground, I kept thinking, "there is no way I am going to be able to do a half marathon" but then again I never would have thought I could run 3 miles again. It was a breaking point for me. I want to accomplish this, I want to do it for myself, and I will! It is going to take a lot of courage, determination, sweat, tears, pain, and support but I will get through this! I am on my way to a new and improved ME and I can't wait!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Goals
Okay... I realize that it isn't even December yet, but I have been working on my list of "New Year Resolutions" if you want to call it that. I like to consider it facing harsh reality, staying strong, and giving myself GOALS. Since it is hard to imagine what my life will be like in 5 years (since Kevin could possibly be out of the military at that point!) I have decided to come up with a list of things I would like to accomplish within the next year. So by November 18, 2010 I would HOPE that I am able to check off every item on my "to-do list". Here is my list, and it is not in any sort of order based on importance, because the overall goal is to just achieve them all!
#1.) GRADUATE! So obviously this one is pretty self explanatory. And with graduation, comes my Aggie Ring. I stated school at A&M in 2004... and although I would LOVE to be able to take classes this upcoming spring and be done my May 2010, there are just a few milestones I have to figure out before this can happen. But, like I said... I WILL be done with school within a year. I have all of my credits (excluding statistics), but my GPA is too low. I just need to get really focused, and put forth every bit of effort I have left to make the A's that I need and to be done FOREVER! I have put too much time and money into this to not finish. My mom has been a huge help with this as well. She never finished college, and now at 49 years old she will be graduating from Sam Houston State University on December 19, 2009! (about a month before she will turn 50) I have seen how hard it is for her to work full time, have kids, and try to go back to school. I want to make sure that I have my degree and education taken care of before life gets any more hectic.
#1.) GRADUATE! So obviously this one is pretty self explanatory. And with graduation, comes my Aggie Ring. I stated school at A&M in 2004... and although I would LOVE to be able to take classes this upcoming spring and be done my May 2010, there are just a few milestones I have to figure out before this can happen. But, like I said... I WILL be done with school within a year. I have all of my credits (excluding statistics), but my GPA is too low. I just need to get really focused, and put forth every bit of effort I have left to make the A's that I need and to be done FOREVER! I have put too much time and money into this to not finish. My mom has been a huge help with this as well. She never finished college, and now at 49 years old she will be graduating from Sam Houston State University on December 19, 2009! (about a month before she will turn 50) I have seen how hard it is for her to work full time, have kids, and try to go back to school. I want to make sure that I have my degree and education taken care of before life gets any more hectic.
#2.) To find a job that I love (and pays decent). It is always difficult to find a new job, and with the way the economy is right now, it seems nearly impossible. I am just hoping and praying that I will be able to find the perfect job once we find out where we are moving. I don't want to work once I do have the opportunity to have a baby, but in the mean time, I want to be able to make enough that we can live comfortably and start building a good "nest egg" for ourselves.
#3.) Get to my ideal weight! I have been working on weight loss probably since I graduated high school, but didn't take it seriously and actually start seeing results until 6 months ago. To this day, I have lost 30 pounds, and although that is a great amount of weight, my BMI still considers me overweight. My goal is to get to a healthy weight and BMI, which will mean losing between another 10-30 pounds. My goal weight has always been 130, for as long as I can remember. Now I see that its not so much about what the scale says, but how I feel. I have taken this step for myself, because I was tired of not feeling good about me. I would like to lose another 20 pounds, but it is going to take a lot of hard work and determination, which leads me into my next goal...
#4.) To train and compete in a half marathon on February 27, 2010 in Fort Worth, TX. This is probably the most short term goal that I have throughout this list, in the fact that I want to accomplish this within 3 months. This weekend will be the last weekend before Kevin graduates from A-School. It would be such a huge reward for me, to know that I put forth enough effort, energy, and will power to finish a run that is 13.1 miles long! This is what I need to help kick start the rest of my weight loss journey, and to get me in the best shape of my life! Because the goal I have after this will require taking very good care of my body!
#5.) You guessed it... my truly deep passion, to become pregnant again. Of coarse Kevin and I would love to see each other at Christmas, and be able to get pregnant right then, and have a chance at another baby. But the reality of that happening is not very comforting. I feel like the earliest we would even be able to start trying again would be in March once he is done with school. My whole attitude towards this, this time around, is that I am not going to stress and try to force this to happen when I want it to. I learned from the miscarriage that God is in control and has a plan, so when it is the right time, it will happen (but I'm hoping it will be within the next year!) And I'm not saying I want to have a baby to hold in my arms within the next year, I just want to become pregnant and stay pregnant sometime within this next year. (I used that same kind of pregnancy test, and it was the most thrilling, heart racing feeling to see those tiny little words)
#6.) to get a new car!! Well, more than likely it will be used...but new to us! Both of our cars are 10 years old (almost 11!) and have well over 150,00 miles. Mine actually is closer to 209,000 miles at this point! I'm not exactly sure what kind of car I want, but I have been torn between the Ford Edge and the Expedition for a long time! I figure whatever car we do get, we will have for another 7 years or so, so I want to make sure that I get something that my family can grow into. I of coarse would love to get another Toyota 4-Runner or Sequoia, but those are just a little out of our price range at this point.
So there you have it... and stay tuned within the next year to find out when I am able to "check" something off of my list!!
#5.) You guessed it... my truly deep passion, to become pregnant again. Of coarse Kevin and I would love to see each other at Christmas, and be able to get pregnant right then, and have a chance at another baby. But the reality of that happening is not very comforting. I feel like the earliest we would even be able to start trying again would be in March once he is done with school. My whole attitude towards this, this time around, is that I am not going to stress and try to force this to happen when I want it to. I learned from the miscarriage that God is in control and has a plan, so when it is the right time, it will happen (but I'm hoping it will be within the next year!) And I'm not saying I want to have a baby to hold in my arms within the next year, I just want to become pregnant and stay pregnant sometime within this next year. (I used that same kind of pregnancy test, and it was the most thrilling, heart racing feeling to see those tiny little words)
#6.) to get a new car!! Well, more than likely it will be used...but new to us! Both of our cars are 10 years old (almost 11!) and have well over 150,00 miles. Mine actually is closer to 209,000 miles at this point! I'm not exactly sure what kind of car I want, but I have been torn between the Ford Edge and the Expedition for a long time! I figure whatever car we do get, we will have for another 7 years or so, so I want to make sure that I get something that my family can grow into. I of coarse would love to get another Toyota 4-Runner or Sequoia, but those are just a little out of our price range at this point.
So there you have it... and stay tuned within the next year to find out when I am able to "check" something off of my list!!
Ohh... and only 4 more full days until we get the list of "picks" for our next station! I can't wait!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Slowly But Surely
Well, I should know by now that life never turns out the way you want or anticipate it to. We have been waiting on several refund checks to come in the mail... one from gold's gym, one from Ft. Meade (where we used to live), and we are waiting on Kevin's housing allowance to show back up in his pay checks. We had been anticipating all of these checks to come in this past Friday...and guess what, they still aren't here! Because of this very inconvenient "waiting game" we had not booked my plane ticket to see Kevin yet. As the days keep passing, the price of my ticket keeps rising, and it has reached the point where it would be outrageous for me to spend that much on a ticket, when Kevin will be coming home for Christmas about 3 weeks from my planned trip. At first I was devastated... nothing ever seems to work out in my favor. All through my life my mom has told me that "the hard times just make your tougher"...well I think I'm a pretty tough girl and why is it that the "hard times" seem to just keep coming back to slap me in the face? Wouldn't they like to go visit someone else and toughen them up for a little while? I mean, all I want is a breath at this point. But, being the "strong" person that I am, I am once again forced to find the positive out of all of this (which I am still working on...) but at least I have come to grips and realize that the trip I was looking forward to will just have to be postponed. I will still get to see my husband soon, but instead of next weekend, it will be in a month (which I can hopefully handle).
On the brighter side... in exactly a week from today Kevin will be giving his "picks". Basically they will be told what their options are for their next station. There are 18 people in his class, so there are 18 "picks". They have already been told that only 4 or 5 of the stations are not land based (meaning they would be on a cutter a.k.a BIG boat). This is great news for us, since we want Kevin on land, and close to home. So that knocks it down to about 14 picks that Kevin will be looking at. He will get the list of stations (well, I guess he will be working at a sector now, but it's all the same to me!) next Monday, we will get to talk about, and then around Wednesday they will turn in their "dream sheet" of where he would prefer to go, and the following Monday he should be told where his next billet (basically where we will go next) will be! So, what does all this mean to someone who doesn't really understand what I'm trying to explain... we will know where we are moving in TWO weeks! I could not be more excited! This will give me tons of time to research where we are moving, find good neighborhoods, have plenty of time to find a rental home, and start looking for jobs! When Kevin graduated boot camp I had two WEEKS to figure all of that out... which didn't really work out in our favor, so having three months is about the most exciting news I could get at this point.
So there is my positive to look to when I get upset about not getting to go on my trip to California... I may be at home, but I will be able to start "planning" (thats right...I am able to PLAN and be a military wife...this sure is a first!) Once again I'm trying not to get my hopes up or anticipate too much, but really...I feel a break from these "hard times" coming and hopefully it is going to be sooner rather than later. Even though I still have until March for Kevin to come home for good, it feels like the end is in sight. Not meaning that the time for him to come home is any closer, but the fact that I can feel and see that we will be able to go into this new move and new place much more prepared.
And for everyone who knows me, you know how badly I have wanted to move back to Texas after living nearly a year in Maryland. Well, this may shock you... but I don't know if I want that anymore. That is another reason why I am so excited to just see what are options are when it comes to moving, because this may be the last "adventure" we get to take. Kevin isn't sure if he will want to re-enlist when his contract is up (in another 5 years!) so where we get stationed next will be where we stay for the next 4-5 years. As tough as it was to be so far away from family and friends, it was also one of the best times of my life. It showed me how much my husband means to me, and helped us to build a bond that I think few people are able to expereince. There is a whole different relationship between you and your husband when all you have is eachother. And although there were nights I cried because I hated being so far away, in the end my husband is who I pick. It is time for us to be able to live a somewhat normal life once he graduates, and at this point he could take me all the way to Guam and I wouldn't care, because I would be with him. So, be waiting... this time next week I will be able to fill you in on if Texas will even be an option to us or not!
On the brighter side... in exactly a week from today Kevin will be giving his "picks". Basically they will be told what their options are for their next station. There are 18 people in his class, so there are 18 "picks". They have already been told that only 4 or 5 of the stations are not land based (meaning they would be on a cutter a.k.a BIG boat). This is great news for us, since we want Kevin on land, and close to home. So that knocks it down to about 14 picks that Kevin will be looking at. He will get the list of stations (well, I guess he will be working at a sector now, but it's all the same to me!) next Monday, we will get to talk about, and then around Wednesday they will turn in their "dream sheet" of where he would prefer to go, and the following Monday he should be told where his next billet (basically where we will go next) will be! So, what does all this mean to someone who doesn't really understand what I'm trying to explain... we will know where we are moving in TWO weeks! I could not be more excited! This will give me tons of time to research where we are moving, find good neighborhoods, have plenty of time to find a rental home, and start looking for jobs! When Kevin graduated boot camp I had two WEEKS to figure all of that out... which didn't really work out in our favor, so having three months is about the most exciting news I could get at this point.
So there is my positive to look to when I get upset about not getting to go on my trip to California... I may be at home, but I will be able to start "planning" (thats right...I am able to PLAN and be a military wife...this sure is a first!) Once again I'm trying not to get my hopes up or anticipate too much, but really...I feel a break from these "hard times" coming and hopefully it is going to be sooner rather than later. Even though I still have until March for Kevin to come home for good, it feels like the end is in sight. Not meaning that the time for him to come home is any closer, but the fact that I can feel and see that we will be able to go into this new move and new place much more prepared.
And for everyone who knows me, you know how badly I have wanted to move back to Texas after living nearly a year in Maryland. Well, this may shock you... but I don't know if I want that anymore. That is another reason why I am so excited to just see what are options are when it comes to moving, because this may be the last "adventure" we get to take. Kevin isn't sure if he will want to re-enlist when his contract is up (in another 5 years!) so where we get stationed next will be where we stay for the next 4-5 years. As tough as it was to be so far away from family and friends, it was also one of the best times of my life. It showed me how much my husband means to me, and helped us to build a bond that I think few people are able to expereince. There is a whole different relationship between you and your husband when all you have is eachother. And although there were nights I cried because I hated being so far away, in the end my husband is who I pick. It is time for us to be able to live a somewhat normal life once he graduates, and at this point he could take me all the way to Guam and I wouldn't care, because I would be with him. So, be waiting... this time next week I will be able to fill you in on if Texas will even be an option to us or not!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
Here is an article from the newspaper in Petaluma, California. Kevin, along with the rest of the men and women at the Coast Guard Training Center participated in this parade. Kevin said the most touching thing about the whole experience was actually after the parade when they went to have lunch. He said a group of kids came up to their table and told them all "thank you" and that several people in their group actually got choked up. I miss Kevin everyday, but I think today has been the hardest. The military is a part of who I am now, and it broke my heart that I was not able to be there to support MY hero. (I hope to have pictures of the Coast Group by tomorrow, and if so I will post them as soon as I can!)
By YOVANNA BIEBERICH,ARGUS-COURIER STAFF
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.
Petaluma celebrated America’s military men and women in grand style today at what turned out to be the largest North Bay Veterans Day Parade to date.
A total of 120 entries participated in the parade, which featured marching bands, military jeeps, classic cars, horses, walking groups dressed in uniform and flyovers by vintage war planes and a military helicopter.
“It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever seen,” said parade organizer Steve Kemmerle. “People were coming up to me afterwards and saying, ‘This was the best parade we’ve ever seen.’”
The North Bay Veterans Day Parade is the largest parade of its kind in Northern California. It is now in it’s 20th year.
“There was great enthusiasm at the parade today,” said Karen Kemmerle, Steve’s wife. “As I went down the line at the parade staging area, there were just so many happy people. I think this was probably the best parade yet.”
One of the highlights this year was a T-34 Russian Tank and a Russian M-85 artillery piece, which the National Guard carried on a low-bed truck. Petaluma-based CamelBak sponsored the appearance of a Huey helicopter, which flew over the parade, along with Yak vintage planes and a P-51 Mustang.
“There were a lot of military jeeps and of course the Russian tank drew a lot of interest,” said Karen. “The horses were also a big hit.”
Another highlight was the Marin Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, which carried four Pearl Harbor survivors in green-fringed surreys.
“My matched grey horses generally get applause in parades, but Petaluma’s applause to the Pearl Harbor survivors went way beyond any expectation I could have had,” said Gary Sello of the Marin Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. “We followed the Posse color guard and four people with flags and a banner announcing who was in the surrey. The crowd stood, saluted, applauded, removed hats, shouted ‘thank you’ and showed such deep levels of appreciation that at times, I counted on my team to go where they should as my eyes were too moist to have focused vision.”
Grand Marshal for the parade was Army Lt. Col. Steve Countouriotis, a Petaluma resident who served multiple tours of duty flying Blackhawk helicopters in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The parade was followed by a Veterans Day ceremony in Walnut Park featuring a speech by grand marshal Countouriotis, music and guest speakers.
Petaluma celebrates its veterans
By YOVANNA BIEBERICH,ARGUS-COURIER STAFF
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.
Petaluma celebrated America’s military men and women in grand style today at what turned out to be the largest North Bay Veterans Day Parade to date.
A total of 120 entries participated in the parade, which featured marching bands, military jeeps, classic cars, horses, walking groups dressed in uniform and flyovers by vintage war planes and a military helicopter.
“It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever seen,” said parade organizer Steve Kemmerle. “People were coming up to me afterwards and saying, ‘This was the best parade we’ve ever seen.’”
The North Bay Veterans Day Parade is the largest parade of its kind in Northern California. It is now in it’s 20th year.
“There was great enthusiasm at the parade today,” said Karen Kemmerle, Steve’s wife. “As I went down the line at the parade staging area, there were just so many happy people. I think this was probably the best parade yet.”
One of the highlights this year was a T-34 Russian Tank and a Russian M-85 artillery piece, which the National Guard carried on a low-bed truck. Petaluma-based CamelBak sponsored the appearance of a Huey helicopter, which flew over the parade, along with Yak vintage planes and a P-51 Mustang.
“There were a lot of military jeeps and of course the Russian tank drew a lot of interest,” said Karen. “The horses were also a big hit.”
Another highlight was the Marin Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, which carried four Pearl Harbor survivors in green-fringed surreys.
“My matched grey horses generally get applause in parades, but Petaluma’s applause to the Pearl Harbor survivors went way beyond any expectation I could have had,” said Gary Sello of the Marin Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. “We followed the Posse color guard and four people with flags and a banner announcing who was in the surrey. The crowd stood, saluted, applauded, removed hats, shouted ‘thank you’ and showed such deep levels of appreciation that at times, I counted on my team to go where they should as my eyes were too moist to have focused vision.”
Grand Marshal for the parade was Army Lt. Col. Steve Countouriotis, a Petaluma resident who served multiple tours of duty flying Blackhawk helicopters in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The parade was followed by a Veterans Day ceremony in Walnut Park featuring a speech by grand marshal Countouriotis, music and guest speakers.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Anticipation
Week 4...who seriously counts down time by weeks these days? Oh yea...I do! Kevin's A-School is 18 weeks long, so we are down to 12 weeks left! What a difference this has been from when he left for boot camp. If A-school were as long as boot camp, he would be half way, but instead he is less than a quarter of the way through! But on the upside... at week 6 I get to go see my beloved hubby. For those of you who didn't know, Kevin is currently attending a training program in Petaluma, California and if everything stays on track he will "graduate" on March 5, 2010 (Paige, your baby better come early!). Although the plans are still in the works, it is our goal that I get to fly to visit him November 27-December 1. I am so anxious at this point! It absolutely kills me to go this long without getting to see, touch, hug, or kiss my husband of 15 months! I wake up every morning hoping that this has all just been a dream and I will open my eyes to see his peaceful face sleeping (well, more like wake up to his jack hammer snoring!) Although this is probably one of the toughest things to go through, I do know that in the end it just shows me that I can not live without him. I feel like our marriage and our relationship is sealed completely, and nothing can tarnish it. He is who "fills me up" inside, because with him gone I feel completely empty. He is my world, my soul mate, my best friend.
We've started talking about what we want to do while I am there visiting and I feel like there just wont be enough time to do it all! I know that for sure I want to go to Napa Valley, along with visiting San Francisco and getting to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. He is also very close to the red wood forests so being the Parks and Recreation major that I am, I am DYING to go there! We really wont have but Saturday and Sunday to do much, since Monday he will have class until about 3 in the afternoon and I will fly out on Sunday, but the thing that I am most excited about seeing (and doing...) is Kevin (hey! we are still "newly weds").
A few pictures of the things I can't wait to see!
We've started talking about what we want to do while I am there visiting and I feel like there just wont be enough time to do it all! I know that for sure I want to go to Napa Valley, along with visiting San Francisco and getting to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. He is also very close to the red wood forests so being the Parks and Recreation major that I am, I am DYING to go there! We really wont have but Saturday and Sunday to do much, since Monday he will have class until about 3 in the afternoon and I will fly out on Sunday, but the thing that I am most excited about seeing (and doing...) is Kevin (hey! we are still "newly weds").
A few pictures of the things I can't wait to see!
Friday, November 6, 2009
What a Tragedy
As many of you know, yesterday there was a horrible attack on Fort Hood, Texas. As the details of the attack keep being released, I am filled with more anger and most of all fear. I can remember vividly the day the twin towers were hit and everything that progressed on 9/11. This day, which they are calling a "terrorist" attack as well, hits a lot closer to home for me. I just moved off an an army post in Maryland less than a month ago, and I can say from personal expereince that I never felt safer than when I was on the army post. Most of the soldiers on Fort Hood have been to Iraq an average of 4 times!! I can't imagine having my husband deploy, come back safe, and then be killed at "home". I can't fathom what these families are having to go through, and my thoughts and prayers are with all of them.
Being a part of the military "family" really opens your eyes to several things. First of all, when was the last time that you took a long, deep look at our flag...watching it sway in the wind, and think about what is actually stands for. Do the words to our national anthem give you goosebumps? I can't seem to get through any sporting event without tearing up because of these "minor" things. So many people don't even appreciate the simple beauty of this, and I used to be one of them! Having the opportunity to watch my husband do colors and bring the flag down at the end of the day has been one of the patriotic moments in my life. Secondly, I think it makes you realize how often we take life for granted. These soldiers who deploy, leave their loved ones back at home wondering if they will ever return. How many people can actually say that they would have the courage to do that?! I know I don't...and that is what makes me so proud of my husband. Although the odds of him getting deployed are slim to none, I know that there may come a time when his life will be put in danger, and he has volunteered for it.
God Bless America and our soldiers!
Being a part of the military "family" really opens your eyes to several things. First of all, when was the last time that you took a long, deep look at our flag...watching it sway in the wind, and think about what is actually stands for. Do the words to our national anthem give you goosebumps? I can't seem to get through any sporting event without tearing up because of these "minor" things. So many people don't even appreciate the simple beauty of this, and I used to be one of them! Having the opportunity to watch my husband do colors and bring the flag down at the end of the day has been one of the patriotic moments in my life. Secondly, I think it makes you realize how often we take life for granted. These soldiers who deploy, leave their loved ones back at home wondering if they will ever return. How many people can actually say that they would have the courage to do that?! I know I don't...and that is what makes me so proud of my husband. Although the odds of him getting deployed are slim to none, I know that there may come a time when his life will be put in danger, and he has volunteered for it.
God Bless America and our soldiers!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Running on Fumes
Well, as you all know I have officially been back in Texas for 3 weeks and 3 days! Since I have been back every weekend has had some sort of fun filled activity for me to attend, but I have yet to have any time with my mom and sister (who were the main reason I decided to come back to Texas).
This past weekend was a LONG one! I can't remember the last time I felt so sleep deprived. I drove into College Station and worked Thursday and Friday, and at 6 when the EXIT closed our reunion began! As the old kids and staff began to stream through the doors I was overwhelmed with memories and emotions. We all sat outside and visited (I didn't participate in the game of knock out since I am a HORRIBLE basketball player) until a little after 7. We all piled into our cars and headed out to Boss Kelly's ranch, where we sat around a bonfire (which I helped build...and was almost attacked by a snake in the process), had some GOOD food and drinks, and played around a little. I mostly sat and visited with people I hadn't talked to in a while (or ever for that matter). We finally called it quits close to 3 am and headed back to Kelli's house where we had a semi-slumber party (you know me and my slumber parties!!)
We woke up at 8:30 the next morning and we were all off to a pretty rough start. We eventually got some breakfast, showered, and changed into our costumes. Eli, Kelli, and myself dressed up as penguins for the A&M game, and everytime I looked at Eli I couldn't help but bust out laughing! We went to his house to tailgate before the game, and then walked on down to Kyle Field. The tailgate and game were probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. It has been so long since I have been to a game and since one of the EXIT staffers (Taylor) plays for A&M we made him signs and snuck them in! It was such a great feeling being back at Kyle Field. It was also military appreciation day so everything made me tear up a little since it really hit home, having a husband in the military.
After the game Paige had to head home, and Kelli and I went back to her house to get cleaned up and have a costume change...the next set being NERDS! We went to Shelly's house where she had halloween decorations up everywhere...including her garage! There were two beer pong tables set up, with black lights along the floor and the fog machine going. And I must say... me and Taylor (also known as the "Eli Rejects" kicked some butt at beer pong!) It was an overall fun night, I loved getting to see everyone's costumes. I headed home early to talk to Kevin for a little while before I went to bed since I was so exhausted!
I still feel like I am trying to catch up on my sleep, but I am getting there. This weekend I look foward to having a very slow and calm weekend with my mom and Lauren (even though Lauren is NEVER home). I have a feeling it will consist of lots of movies, some wine, and a few tears. Sunday Lauren has a soccer game in Conroe, and I'm so excited Paige is coming to watch with us. She is the varsity coach for Cy-Falls and has scheduled a scrimage against the Huntsville team for sometime in January, so she is going to be "checking out" some of our players...HA!
Now I just have to get through the next 3 days...
This past weekend was a LONG one! I can't remember the last time I felt so sleep deprived. I drove into College Station and worked Thursday and Friday, and at 6 when the EXIT closed our reunion began! As the old kids and staff began to stream through the doors I was overwhelmed with memories and emotions. We all sat outside and visited (I didn't participate in the game of knock out since I am a HORRIBLE basketball player) until a little after 7. We all piled into our cars and headed out to Boss Kelly's ranch, where we sat around a bonfire (which I helped build...and was almost attacked by a snake in the process), had some GOOD food and drinks, and played around a little. I mostly sat and visited with people I hadn't talked to in a while (or ever for that matter). We finally called it quits close to 3 am and headed back to Kelli's house where we had a semi-slumber party (you know me and my slumber parties!!)
We woke up at 8:30 the next morning and we were all off to a pretty rough start. We eventually got some breakfast, showered, and changed into our costumes. Eli, Kelli, and myself dressed up as penguins for the A&M game, and everytime I looked at Eli I couldn't help but bust out laughing! We went to his house to tailgate before the game, and then walked on down to Kyle Field. The tailgate and game were probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. It has been so long since I have been to a game and since one of the EXIT staffers (Taylor) plays for A&M we made him signs and snuck them in! It was such a great feeling being back at Kyle Field. It was also military appreciation day so everything made me tear up a little since it really hit home, having a husband in the military.
After the game Paige had to head home, and Kelli and I went back to her house to get cleaned up and have a costume change...the next set being NERDS! We went to Shelly's house where she had halloween decorations up everywhere...including her garage! There were two beer pong tables set up, with black lights along the floor and the fog machine going. And I must say... me and Taylor (also known as the "Eli Rejects" kicked some butt at beer pong!) It was an overall fun night, I loved getting to see everyone's costumes. I headed home early to talk to Kevin for a little while before I went to bed since I was so exhausted!
I still feel like I am trying to catch up on my sleep, but I am getting there. This weekend I look foward to having a very slow and calm weekend with my mom and Lauren (even though Lauren is NEVER home). I have a feeling it will consist of lots of movies, some wine, and a few tears. Sunday Lauren has a soccer game in Conroe, and I'm so excited Paige is coming to watch with us. She is the varsity coach for Cy-Falls and has scheduled a scrimage against the Huntsville team for sometime in January, so she is going to be "checking out" some of our players...HA!
Now I just have to get through the next 3 days...
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