My Birthday; a reflection.

By midnight this morning my phone had already gone off several times, text messages from friends and family wishing me a happy birthday. I couldn't help but smile as I read them. Call me humble, but for several years I have dreaded my birthday because I don't particularly like being in the spotlight, but this year is just....different. And I don't know why.

A month ago when I realized that my birthday was closing in, I did dread it for a day or two. Turning 21 was okay, I could handle that, but 22? Umm. Can I just stay frozen on 21 forever? Please? In my mind, turning 22 meant that Chris would be leaving me very, very soon.

But something strange happened. The closer my birthday, the more excited I became. And I can honestly say that this year I am happy. As I reflect on my my past 10 years of life I realize that these last 7 years, the years I have spent with Chris, have been the absolute best years of my life.

Today as I got onto the computer, I was amazed to find over 45 people had wished me a happy birthday already today and all before 10am. I even had emails from 2 of my very good friends at Microsoft wish me well today. People wish me a happy birthday every year, but this year I really feel it. I feel the love from every direction.

In a world that seems to be falling apart more and more everyday, my friends and family have reminded me that there are still amazing people on this Earth, and I am blessed to have lived another year among them. I truly feel lucky to know such great people.

Today means that now there are only 2 short weeks until my husband leaves. This scares me, but for the first time I feel ready. I am ready to struggle, cry, feel lonely, and watch him walk away. I can finally wrap my head around it and also for the first time, I know that I will survive. I know that the challenges that will soon come are going to be necessary, and will result in great reward. I will make it through it all, and this new found feeling of confidence calms me.

So thank you for spending this special day with me. I love you all. :)

A shout out from Iraq!

A group called Boots in the Sand  travels around and captures videos of our soldiers currently serving. 

My step-mother Romesha is currently deployed in Iraq and was featured in their latest shout out video!

To see my step moms video, click HERE.

You can also view and "like" the Boots in the Sand  Facebook page
by clicking the hyper link below.

Boots in the Sand

Let me know what you all think! :)

22nd Birthday, 22 Goals

I know my birthday isn't until Saturday (19th), but I came across this in another blog, and I really wanted to try my own list! Here are 22 things that I want to do:

22nd Birthday, 22 goals

Haven’t started

In Progress

Completed

1. Swim underneath a waterfall
2. Go to Italy
3. Take a dance class
4. Swim with dolphins
5. Fly first class
6. Visit at least 1 wonder of the world
7. See the Northern Lights
8. Have a picnic in the park
9. Send an anonymous gift to a friend
10. Become a mother
11. Go on a cruise
12. Leave a pressed flower in a library book
13. Go snorkeling
14. Go to the gym at last 3 days a week for 6 months
15. Attend an Army Ball
16. Get my ears pierced.
17. Learn a third language
18. Renew my vows
19. Buy a motorcycle
20. Learn to snowboard
21. Go to Disney World
22. Learn 10 new recipes (2/10)

So as usual, I'll end with a question:

What would be your top 10 goals if you made a list?

20 things to do before your soldier leaves

With only having 3 weeks left to spend with Christopher before he leaves for basic training, I want to make the most of this time. Regardless if your soldier will soon be leaving for basic training or a deployment, here is a list of some fun and meaningful things to do together to really show how much you care! You don't even need to have any military affiliation to use this list for yourself. Any marriage should include these elements.


Keep in mind, you don't need to wait to do nice things for your spouse until they will soon be leaving for an extended period of time, but we all know how romance can be thrown by the wayside in times of stress mixed with busy schedules. Sometimes the little things just fall through the cracks. The things listed here are ways that you can remind your spouse that you truly appreciate them. The effort you make will not go unnoticed! My list is more from the female perspective but any item on this list would be good for a husband to do for a wife as well.

1. Put a sweet note in his lunchbox.
2. If he drinks coffee, make an effort to wake up before him and bring him coffee when he wakes up.
3. Breakfast in bed. (it's not just for the ladies!)
4. Pick a nice day and go on a picnic!
5. Plan a really nice date together.
6. Be a chef for a night. Cook a complex meal that you know he will love. He will appreciate the effort.
7. Make that dinner a candle lit one. J
8. Take care of a few items on his to-do list.
9. Play his favorite game together.
10. Show interest in his hobbies like fishing, golfing, etc. ask him if you can tag along for once.
11. Give him an extra long massage.
12. Compliment him more than usual.
13. Take an afternoon stroll at the local park and just enjoy being together.
14. Try your best to make him laugh.
15. Grab a really old photo of you both and sit and smile and reminisce.
16. Thank him for working hard, and tell him that you admire him for it.
17. Tell him he is your hero. J
18. If you are in the neighborhood, drive to his job and leave a little gift in his car.
19. Cut something unnecessary out of your busy schedule to just spend that time with him. You could skip a girls night, skip the gym or tanning for 1 day. This will show him that while your routine is important to you, he is more important.
20. Call up his best guy friends and ask them to set up a secret guys-day-out and then let his friends come and kidnap him for a fun day with his buddies. He will really thank you for this!

As usual, I will end this with a question:

What would you add to this list?

or

Which of these things have you done and how did your spouse react?