The sunshine has seemed to escape Sunny San Diego today.....it is looking like NW weather out there....even rained today, with a low of 57. Still warm compared to most parts, but chilly for those of us that has gotten used to the warm weather.

We had the initial consult with the Physical Therapist today, and came home with a good report and a 3-day-a-week physical therapy schedule, which I will begin after Christmas. Tomorrow we see the doctor, get the stitches out, and hopefully I'll be able to say good-bye to the immobilizer brace that I've been in for the last two weeks.

Britt made it back from Jacksonville, with the house move-in ready. He had a great time visiting his mom in SC and catching up with good friends. We have all the ingredients for a wonderful and blessed year to come and are really looking forward to what comes our way.

Delicious creations by Britt. 

.....and a delicious creation by me.....what a great team!

I am truly blessed!  Britt came home with these, while he was out doing errands.  He has done such a great job taking care of me, thank you baby!

Looking forward to Christmas, with all of our Christmas shopping done and presents wrapped.  Now, the presents are just staring
at us, begging to be opened.  Recovery is going well, and we ventured out a few times within the last couple of days.  It was
nice to get out and about for a bit after beeing couch bound
for awhile.  We didn't do anything big, just made a trip to Costco, where I rode around on the electric cart (kind of funny......I didn't even knock any of the displays over) and took in a movie.  Even though I'm crippled a bit, Britt and I are really enjoying our time together.

Britt is in Jacksonville, FL until Sunday, getting the house ready for a friend of ours to move in for a bit.  We had planned to make the trip together, before surgery, but we had to change plans due to surgery being moved up.  He's done a great job and has accomplished a lot in just a short time.  We were very thankful to find no issues with the house, after it being vacant for some time.  It will be very nice to have someone living there for awhile.

Here are a few quick snaps of us....

Surgery Went Well

Went in for ACL re-construction on my left knee on Monday,
and things went really well.  I've been layed up since then,
and have had an excellent care taker.  Britt is doing a
wonderful job taking care of me, and I'm so happy to have him here.

I've really been wanting to put up Christmas decorations, but I know that it would be such a hassle, trying to put them all away while I'm on crutches, and without Britt here.  So, the night before going into surgery, we set up the Nativity Scene that was given to me by Grandma Schneider, and was made by Aunt Linda.  Now at least we can say we've decorated.  Someday, I'll have Britt build me a Manger. 

Britt is finally here!!!!

The past 4 days have been nothing but wonderful. Britt
arrived safely on Thursday, and we are enjoying each
and every minute we have together. Each morning I wake
up and count my blessings, as I'm the luckiest woman to have
him in my life. We fit together so well; that it feels like we haven't even been apart at all......it is wonderful.

Friday, we ran errands, did some grocery shopping and spent some time at Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial, which is made up of six concentric walls that hold granite plaques that are engraved to tell the story of a veteran's military service. It is set in a beautiful location, allowing breathtaking 360 degree views of San Diego.

Today, we spent the day in the house, getting things ready for tomorrow's surgery. Britt made a wonderful dinner tonight, with his mashed potatoes, that are to-die-for, and we had dinner by candle light.

Fresh out of the oven.....homeade apple pie.  Britt (and I) really enjoyed this welcome home treat.  I just washed the pie dish tonight.....it didn't last long....:)

 

I love this picture of us! 

The view of La Jolla cove from Mt. Soledad. 

Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial

President Reagan's plaque at the memorial.

Out to dinner, being cheesy....but still cute....

Britt working up his magic in the kitchen....one of the many places where his talents shine.

Can I please eat now?

All natural......

What a dork.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't take anything or anyone for granted. End each day with
no regrets; give a hug for no reason; say I love you, just because or share a smile with a stranger. Take the time to count your blessings today, and every day.......Happy Thanksgiving!

What a great day in San Diego.  Can you believe that it was 78 degrees here today?  I couldn't get over it.  I even drove home from Thanksgiving dinner with the top down, it was great!  That is one thing that San Diego has going for it.....GREAT weather.  I headed into work today, to prepare and serve dinner to the single Sailors of the Battalion with fellow Chiefs.  Food was great, and the kids had a great time.

Britt enjoyed his Thanksgiving yesterday (remember, he's in Japan) onboard the ship with his crew.  The CS's (Culinary Specialists) he has onboard are really pretty good.  You don't always get that lucky.....

Britt is back from his fall/winter (I say winter, Britt says fall) cruise, and his next stop is here in San Diego......on Thursday!!! YEAH!  We were finally able to get my knee surgery scheduled as well, 10 Dec, so we were able to plan our quick trip to Jacksonville FL, to prep the house for a friend of ours to move in.  So, it's going to be a busy, but great time (even if I'm laid up from surgery) here for the next few weeks.....and we're looking forward to every minute of it.

Just a few pics of Britt's fall/winter curise, w/ a few snaps of me in there as well.

One of the Thanksgiving desserts made for Britt and the Chief's

USS COWPENS (CG 63)

Flight deck of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

Annual Japanese Exercise

Had to update my Bio with a new photo.....

And me out of uniform.  Sent this photo to Britt this morning.  Wanted to make sure he knew who would be picking him up at the airport on Thrusday.... :)

Hong Kong Port Visit

Britt pulled into Hong Kong this week and was able to get in
some much needed down time.  He took in the sights with some of the Chief's onboard, and had a great time.  It was a great port visit, allowing us to be able to chat via MSN chat for a couple hours on the days that he didn't have duty.  It was wonderful being able to see him and talk for awhile.  Now he is back out to sea, and looking forward to the end of the deployment.

Had fun dressing up as Big Ben for Halloween, last Friday at work.  What was even better was when one of my Sailors dressed up as me.  It was hillarious!  She did a great job too.

Only a couple more weeks now and Britt will be here in sunny San Diego.  I miss you baby!

What a handsome man!

Hong Kong 31 Oct 09

Shopping the streets of Hong Kong.

I still can't believe that Britt hung in for all this walking around and shopping.  All the people still amaze me.

......and more shopping

Me as Big Ben....Britt was pretty happy to see me decked out as a Steeler.

Calling the big play in the conference room.

Steeler Sisters.  TK as Hines Ward, Me as Ben Roethlisberger and Denise as Troy Polamalu.

YN2 Garza dressed up as Chief Schneider

Chief Schneider and Ben doing a little PT with the Battalion

Happy Halloween!

It has been a long couple of weeks, with Britt underway,
but only a couple more to go! Britt is in Hong Kong for a few
days before they pull back out. It's been a crazy underway period for him. He is filling in for the Boatswain's Mate Senior Chief, as the Deck LCPO, and he has led them through some extreme challenges. They are fortunate to have Britt onboard.....really benefitting from his leadership and experience right now. Though I worry about him even more, I know that he is where he needs to be. They pulled into Okinawa last week to untangle a line and then pulled right back out. The weather was really bad, and before they could secure their anchors for sea after leaving port, they had 45kts of wind over the bow and waves breaking up to the bridge. At one point, Britt said, the bridge lost sight of them on the foc'sle and they had to make their way back to the forward breaks to get out of the way. Only a few more weeks, and he'll be here safe, in San Diego. I love you and miss you baby!

I spent last weekend at Wilderness Lakes, camping with a TK and Denise. We had a great time. A weekend full of laughs, good food and relaxation with a couple of good friends. Thank you ladies! Then we went shopping for Halloween costumes for dress-up at work Friday Morning. We went as Steelers players. Britt was so proud! It was a lot of fun.

Now, Britt and I are enjoying our time together while he is in port.

Britt and his Division.  (Britt is 5th from the left)

Me as Big Ben

Getting ready for the big game.

getting ready to brief game plays in the conference room

TK as Hines Ward, me as Ben Roethlisberger and Denise as Troy Polamalu

Steeler sisters.

Another great week for us. Britt and I continue to email every chance we get. While Britt is underway, we were using

Facebook chat to talk with each other, which was wonderful.

But that came to a halt this week, as it now a blocked site (not able to access the site from a government computer). We knew it would happen sooner or later...... So, now we are back to just email while he is underway. I was really getting used to the "instant" chat. I have to remember though, how fortunate we are to be able communicate as we can. I look forward to every email I get from him.

I was able to catch up with a High School friend over a great lunch this week. Work is busy, as usual, with half of my crew deployed to the field. Britt is keeping very busy and enjoying being underway at the same time. We are sure blessed because we are both able to do what we love, being "The Chief," and remain dedicated to our Sailors and most importantly, each other. We wouldn't be able to do it without the unquestionable support that we have for each other. It is times like this when we really realize it. At the same time, we are counting the days to when we get to see each other.

Battle Group Photoex.  This photo was published on Navy Newstand. 

"091013-N-2757S-078 YELLOW SEA (Oct. 13, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) transits behind the Republic of Korea guided-missile destroyer SeJong the Great (DDG KDX 991), along with the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), the Republic of Korea destroyer Kang Jan Chan (DDH 979) and the guided-missile cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Shiloh (CG 67) during a bilateral exercise. George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the Yellow Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeffrey Stewart/Released)"

Catching up with Stephanie over lunch at the Pizza Port in Carlsbad.

Went up to the field on Tuesday for some work and to check in on my troops.  I did all I could to stay away from those porta-johns.  My worst fear is that it will tip over while I'm in it, each time I have to use them.

The troops and I that are NOT in the field, taken this week.

Sailing The High Seas

Well, Britt is now sailing the high seas. They got underway a
few days early due to the typhoon that was headed towards Japan. Of course, as always, I was a complete mess, having to say good-bye to him. I couldn't imagine being stationed there with him, and having to stay to ride out the storm while he gets underway.....I would not be happy. All is well, and they are into their routine. There were some pretty rough seas the first few days out, as Britt (the salty dog that he is) actually got sea sick....not normal for him. He's keeping very busy, which I'm thankful for, because it helps the time go by quicker for him. We email as often as we can. He got is leave dates approved, so we were able to book a flight for him to come here to San Diego in December. Now we just need to get my knee surgery scheduled during the time he is here, so that he can take care of me.....isn't he a lucky guy....:) I promise baby, I won't be a pain..... All kidding aside, we are both really looking forward to the time together.

Britt surprised me with this beautiful bouquet of pink roses. These are now my favorite flower. I've always loved roses, but I just love the color of these. I am so lucky, Britt has such great taste, and timing! I was so surprised when I saw them waiting for me at my door when I got home from work, the day after Britt had gotten underway. Before I even read the card, I was crying. He always knows how to make me feel completely loved.

Enjoying each other

Another great week, enjoying our time together before

the next underway, which is coming soon.  We're not looking

forward to not being able to see each other everyday, as we can now, but we still have email, which we are very thankful for.  No matter what, we always seem to find a way to make the best out of the underway periods.  When Britt gets back, he is on his way here, which we are both very excited about. 

My new favorite thing:  Online Scrapbooking.  This is great!  Played around with it some this weekend.