Memorial Day

Today is a day to give thanks to the men and women who have gone before us.

I remembered Memorial Day as a kid.  I was usually at a Knights of Columbus annual convention with my parents, whether it was Chicago or Saint Louis.  A weekend full of mass, INDY 500, swimming pools, and BBQ.

Today, as an adult, I remember my shipmates who have gone before me.

LCDR Chris Williams
ENS Jeremy Drag
CSCS Lee Allen
MM2 Hercules

I served proudly with these 4 men.  These 4, among many others, is why I do what I do every day.  Why I hold my Sailors to a high standard, why I work on weekends and holidays.

So today, if someone asks what Memorial Day really means, think of these 4, and other great men like LT Michael Murphy, 1st LT Travis Manion, and LT Brendan Looney.  Every time I ever complain at work, I think back of the sacrifices these officers made.  My grievances then seem so minute compared to the bigger picture.

God Bless my friends deployed today, so that I can be safe tonight.

85

The number of hours I worked this week.  No lie.  First week at work.  Worked my booty off, but worth every minute.  Got to meet new people, learn new things, and learn my job.  I feel at home.

Hoping this week is a bit easier, because I am mentally and physically exhausted.  I sprained my ankle on day two.  Silly silly me.  At least I could walk on it.  I just need to slow down a little and not act like the Roadrunner!

Today has been my only day off.  Relaxing and waiting out the tropical storm heading our way.  Deployment is around the corner.  It will be a long one, but I am hoping I can still stay close to my family and friends!

The Sunshine State

It is official.  I live in Florida.  I started my drive at 6am Saturday morning.  I love to drive, mostly if it is by myself.  I get to control the pace, the music, etc.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good road trip, if time is not an issue.

I got to Jax around 4pm, which was pretty amazing time. I got to hang with my new roomies, and they made me dinner.  So delicious.  I got up early this am, shopped for necessities, and got a pedicure.  Much needed pedicure.  I also bought groceries so I can make a nice Sunday dinner.  Caesar salad, baked ziti, and garlic knots.  Yum!

I start my new job tomorrow.  Wish me luck!!

Took this at the Florida Welcome Center.  Free OJ too!

The Navy

The US Navy has some great Facebook pages.  The one titled, US Navy, has photos of the week, every week.  Some amazing pictures of what Sailors do, day in and day out.  Feel free to follow US Navy, and be proud of what your Navy does throughout the world!

Here is just one of the photos.  Reminds me of when I watched Taking Chance.

US Navy file photo.  RIP LT Mosko.

On the Road Again...

What a whirlwind week.  Finally done with school.  Been in non stop training since August of 2011.  Looking forward to great things ahead! 

I will post more about my travels when I get to my final destination.  Looking forward to sun, beaches, and a new adventure!

Mothers day..

Mom,
 I will never forget how proud you were of me during those long days of my first deployment. I wish I could have spoiled you rotten today. It has been a long time, but trust me, we will never forget how lucky we were to have you as our mom.

Please watch over us and keep me going during this next deployment. I'll try to keep making you proud.
Love,
Megan

Mothers day is a day that I always dread.  I always hear my friends talk about this, that and the other with their moms, or complain about their moms.  I sit there mum about the topic, because I am a bit jealous that they get to take their mom to that pedicure appointment, have lunch, you name it.  My only advice to anyone is cherish every moment you can with your mother.  I know I did.  I miss her greatly, but I know she is happy.  She has awesome kids who just keep on succeeding at what they do.  Cutest grandkids on the face of the planet.  I know I am not the only one who feels this way on Mother's day..or even Father's day.  For me it is a day of remembrance and honoring her.  This year I relaxed at the beach bar I took her to in Virginia when she came to see me on my ship.  We toasted her memory, and watched the waves crash ashore. 

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Virginia is for...

Lovers so they say.  Back in the good old commonwealth.  Glad to be here after a rough couple of days!  I got food poisoning the day of my graduation.  Walked the stage white as a ghost, and disappeared for a while so I could recover.  Drove to Virginia from Rhode Island in the middle of the night so I wouldn't get stuck in traffic.  Crazy right?  I made it in less than 12 hours, stopping a lot because of the food poisoning.  I prayed it was a hangover.  No such luck.  I finally feel better this morning, 3 days later.  I can't wait to get my hands on some good seafood, and see some friends. 

I am staying with some dear friends, so this way I am definitely making the most of my stay.  This is going to be a great visit.  School, friends, beaches, some drinks, and some of my favorite haunts. 

Farewell to the Ocean State

It is that time to say goodbye to Rhode Island.  Time has surely flown by since my post in October.

It has been fun.  I have seen the sights, eaten great seafood, made great friendships.

I was able to host friends visiting, make brunch for friends, have District 9 (aka barracks) dinners, walk Bella on the ocean, sing karaoke at Celtica, savor food and drink at White Horse Tavern, enjoy burgers at Pour Judgement, the typical pumpkin beer at Coddingtons, amazing seafood at Scales and Shells, the list goes on.

I hope to visit again, and perhaps buy a timeshare here.  I loved living in Newport.  I wish I had visited more of the New England area while here, but school kept me rather busy.

Onto my next adventure, the next state.

Sweet Home Chicago

I was able to sneak away this weekend for a quick getaway to Chicago.

• Dinner @ our fav sushi restaurant
• 1st Birthday for a dear friend's son
• Drinks downtown with great friends
• Lunch with the family

Didn't do much really, but cherished every moment.

Love this guy.  

Puppy Love

I went to my family's house this past weekend.  Here are some pictures of the dogs.

Dingo!

Gorgeous yard.  I am not used to seeing cows in the morning, and stars at night.

Bella!

Ellie Mae and Spanky

Ellie Mae.  Photogenic pup.  

5 States in 4 Weeks!

Fist state: Missouri.  Great visit.  Pictures and recap will be posted soon.
Second State: Illinois.
Third State: Leaving Rhody for good.  Will be bittersweet.
Fourth State: Virginia.  Another bittersweet stop.  Looking forward to catching up and learning at school.
Fifth and final State: Florida.  I can't wait to get there.  It means I start the next chapter of my life.

So..if I don't post a lot on here this next month..it is because I am flying and driving a few thousand miles.  Looking forward to the adventure!!