Wow, it's been awhile......

First of all, let me just say that Britt and I had a FABULOUS time during my visit to see him in Japan. It was so nice for both of us to not have to work, and be able to just enjoy each other and our time together. We were and continue to be truly blessed. We made sure to take time for ourselves and to not pack each minute with activities, and it really worked out well. I put together a slide show of a lot of the pictures that we took during the three weeks that I was there. Britt really has an eye for a picture, I can't take credit for that, it's all him. The slide show is a bit long, but I think you'll really enjoy it. The Japanese landscapes are just breath taking, and the people are more than friendly. I couldn't believe how clean everything was, even though you won't find a garbage can anywhere. The amount of respect that the Japanese have for their people, culture and environment is truly noteworthy. I've never experienced a place of such trust and non-violence. Britt and I would continually see groups of children that couldn't have been more than 7 or 8 years old, out on the town by themselves, crossing the busy streets and navigating their way through the train stations. OH, and don't expect to have any personal space riding the train during rush hour. They load the train by literally turning their back to the open train door, and push their way onto the train. When the train doors close, just hope that you're not the one against the doors, because you will leave a DNA sample on the door, from being pressed up against it. Britt is stationed in Yokosuka, but we stayed in Yokohama, and commuted everywhere by train, bus and foot. Our hotel room had an amazing view that we enjoyed each morning. We would look out the window and say, "let's go see what is over there today." I think that the day trip that we took to Mt. Fuji and the Hakone Region was one of our favorites. The views were breathtaking. One of the last days of our trip, we visited a garden just outside of Yokohama that was recommended by the hotel, and it was amazing. We could've spent all day there. Britt and I are both back to the daily grind, and are getting ready for the next adventure the Navy has for us; our move to VA. The apartment is all packed up, and our things are on a truck headed to Norfolk as we speak. I'm in a hotel on base for the next few weeks, turning things over and getting last minute items completed. Mom flies in on the 16th, and we hit the road for another cross country adventure (her and I seem to do this a lot). We are still waiting for Britt's orders to Norfolk, but we have faith that it is all going to work out for us and we can put these webcams to rest for a bit. Enjoy the photos, and I hope everyone has a happy, healthy and fun Fourth of July weekend.

Customize a free picture slideshow

ONLY 17 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!

......and I'll be on a plane to Yokosuka! YEAH!!!!!! So, today I go shopping! Isn't that what we all do, we never have anything to wear in our closet, so there is ALWAYS a reason to go shopping.

We got word this week that the ship is going into dry dock for some repairs, which means, no underway period for Britt while I'm there! Great news! Now we will be able to enjoy all of our time together, without interruption. I can't wait!

Went home last weekend for a quick visit with the Mom, Dad, Wes and Bailey. It was so fun to see Bailey and spend some time with her. I can't believe what a "little woman" she is growing into. It was so nice to see Wesley too and be able to visit with him. Had a wonderful time!

I don't know where she gets it......

Bailey and I shopping with Grandma.  Doing what us girls do best!

I love this picture of us!

Enjoying our visit!

Preparing for that which I BELIEVE

The boxes are finally out of the kitchen, after a week of tripping over them....uuuggghhh!  And, the cleaning out of things I don't need, and things I haven't used continued this week.  I don't know why, but it seems like I do this every time I transfer.....probably because I do!  I don't know how I accumulate so much stuff every 2 - 3 years, well actually I do......it's because I don't purge things when I find that new thing that I can't live without.  I need to change that!

Made a trip to the Thrift store today with two huge garbage bags full of clothes.  Now, I just need to refrain from trying to fill in the empty space in the closet, and enjoy it.  When Britt transfers to Norfolk (yes, we are still waiting on his orders.....he'll negotiate with his detailer here if a few short months.....I HAVE FAITH that we will be together, geographically, here really, really soon!) he'll fill that space with the rest of his wardrobe.  See, I'm making the appropriate preparations for that which I have faith in....thank you Lord, for your continued answer to prayer.

Below is a great picture of Britt, modeling the new Navy Working Uniform.....such a stud!

Such a motivational Sailor! Doesn't he look great!

Happy Saturday!

It was a beautiful and productive week!  Not much to report from Britt and I, however, with each day we are closer to being able to see each other again.  We have been planning a much needed trip for awhile now, and it is finally within sight.  I will travel to Japan next month to spend some much needed time with Britt, and we are both so excited!  I think we have both started the count down.  47 days and counting.....I can't wait!

After I get back from Japan, I'll only have about a month here in San Diego, and then, I'll make the trip across country again, as I transfer from San Diego to Norfolk VA.  Mom will be making the drive across country with me, and I'm really looking forward to it.  It will make for some great times, and great memories.  The last cross country trip we made, we had loads of laughs that we still talk about today.  Remember our time in New Orleans, Mom?  :)  LOL.  Can't wait!

I took the plung last week, and finally had bangs cut back into my hair style.  I'd been contimplating it for ahwile, and I'm so glad I finally did it.  Today, I started the moving preps and cleaned out the storage room.  Who knew that such a small room could hold so much junk!  It's amazing what we think we need to hold on to over the years.  For some reason, I have aquired the trait of thinking that I need to hold on to every singe box that I aquire.  Now, I have a kitchen full of empty boxes that I need to break down and take down three flights of stairs to the trash.  That's another thing, I vow (with some influence from Britt) that the next place that we live in, will be on the ground floor.  I'm done with having to climb three or four flights of stairs each day.  What have I been thinking all these years? 

Hope everyone has a great week ahead of them.  I know I'm looking forward to the next few weeks passing quickly.

What was I going to do with all of these boxes?

The new do, and I'm loving it!

After much anticipation, Bailey was finally able to open the Easter package from Britt and I.  She's holding up two of her favorites here.  I remember getting Pez in each of my Easter baskets as well.  It is so fun seeing the joy on her face, what a precious little angel!

 

 

Sunset Cliffs

A beautiful day to be outside today!  I headed to Sunset Cliffs for a great walk/hike.  I'm really going to miss this San Diego weather!  Enjoy the pics.....

JUST A QUICK UPDATE

Wow, I can't believe that we are almost into April. Where did the month of March go? We've been busy with work, as usual. Britt is busy with SRA (Selective Repair Availability) and deck preservation. The weather hasn't been cooperating for him though, so the preservation continues. For me, nothing specific that has been keeping me busy at work, just the usual busyness that comes with 580 sailors.

I had a great time with Mom and Dad while they were on their winter vacation. We spent President's Day weekend together shopping in Mexico, lounging at the beach, and taking in the sights.

I’m very excited to be heading to Japan at the end of May for some much needed time with Britt. We can hardly wait and are counting down the days.

Shopping in Al Gadones Mexico

Dad blending in with the locals, waiting for us to finish shopping.

Great pic of Mom and Dad as we waited to be seated for dinner before we hit the slots.

BIG MONEY, BIG MONEY!  This is the most I've won on a single slot machine......and Dad talked me into the quarter machine insted of the nickles that I normally play.  Mom schooled me a little bit too, and it's a good thing I listened.....must be growing wise in my years.  :)  Later that night, I got big for my britches, and won another $220 on a dollar machine.....

Views of San Diego from Mt. Soledad in the background

View of downtown San Diego from the Hornblower bay cruise.  It was such a beautiful day.

Had breakfast and Hash House A Go Go.  The best place in San Diego for breakfast.  Look at that pancake, it's as big as a garbage can lid.....

Physical therapy continues two times a week, and gets more intense each day.  I'm doing my own physical therapy at the gym on the other three days.  I'm determined to get this knee strong and back to 100%.  It's slow progress, but good progress. 

Britt is extremely busy with a crazy training cycle which has lead to some pretty long days for him.  The good thing is that he's not underway, and we still get to see each other each evening/morning. 

Mom and Dad have started their winter vacation, and are headed south.  They hit some pretty bad weather their first day out, but got through it with no problems.  I'll meet them later this week in AZ, and will head to the board for a day of shopping.  Looking forward to spending the weekend with them, while they camp out on the beach here in San Diego. 

3 Feb 10.  A smile that warms the heart.

A Relaxing Weekend

Not much new to report from us.  We both had relaxing weekends at home with no duty to interfere with our time together.  We are REALLY looking forward to this time next year, when we can finally be together, and not have to spend time together utilizing computer technology.  Don't get me wrong, we're very thankful for it, but we are ready to be able to close the webcam's for a bit and just enjoy each other in "real life." haha. 

After a few months of being in port, Britt is underway again.  I'm thankful though, that it's only for a short time this time.  Normally, that is not the case.   I'm in physical therapy three times a week now for the knee, and am making good progress.  Had a good report from the doctor on my follow-up this week, and he is very impressed with my progress.  Just need to continue to take it easy and not over-do it.....which is very hard for me to do.

Mom and Dad are putting their winter vacation together, and are planning to be on the beach in San Diego with the motorhome during President's Day weekend.  It will really nice to see them and be able to spend some time with them.  I just wish Britt could be here as well.  We all really had a good time during their visit last year.

Below are a few snaps Britt sent from the boat and a picture of me, that I sent to Britt.  Each were taken today.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy New Year!  2010 is going to be a powerful year, I can feel it!  Britt and I had a really good New Year, considering our distance.  Britt had duty, and sounded the ship's horn at the stroke of midnight, along with all the other ships that were inport, then watched fireworks from the bridge.  The next day (he is 17 hours ahead of us), we brought the New Year in here, and celebrated my Birthday together via the cam.   Britt blessed me once again with an AMAZING bouquet of dark pink roses, my absolute favorite.  I opened the door, when they were delivered, and I couldn't even see the delivery guy holding them.....that is how big the bouquet is!  It was great talking and catching up with family yesterday as well.  I don't think we ever realize how fast time gets away from us.

Bailey (my niece) is staying with Mom and Dad for the week, and they are just having a blast with her.  Watching her and talking with her, reminds me so much of the me when I was her age.....following Dad around, and watching everything he did.  She really brings out the memories as she creates her own.

Wishing you all a blessed, joyful and healthy 2010.

New Year's Eve fireworks seen from the bridge of USS COWPENS

Happy Birthday to me...

CHEERS!

Bailey having a tea party with Grandpa on Christmas day.

.....and Dad and I having a tea party when I was Bailey's age.

Bailey helping Grandma make cookies. 

Sledding after Grandpa plowed a snow hill for her.

 

Britt Returns to Japan

I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas.  Christmas morning is such a magical time, I love it.  Britt and I took in each and every moment, waking up to presents just begging to be opened, great coffee, a wonderful breakfast and enjoying our final day together before he headed back to Japan.  The best present I received this year, was the precious time with Britt and his ever giving heart.  He did a great job with the presents too.... ;)

We spent Christmas Eve with Mom and Dad via webcam exchanging gifts.  That was a lot of fun and was almost as good as being there in person.  Great laughs, a few tears and a great time.

Britt is safely back in Japan, and onboard the ship today, back to the daily grind of shipboard life.  It's been a couple of long days for me, trying to get used to the empty and quiet apartment, and not having him here.  We never get used to being apart, but we deal with it as best as we can, and appreciate each and every way that we are able to connect.  I'm thankful that Britt has work to keep him busy, and to help pass the time.  I will start physical therapy tomorrow, so that will get me out of the apartment, and keep me busy.

Wed, the 23rd, we had an early Christmas Dinner at the Bellagio Restaurante. Great wine and delicious Italian cuisine.

I love this picture

aaawwww....

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.