Blessings in disguise..

This past year has been a whirlwind of emotions.  I am in a difficult job, a job which all of my former bosses and mentors refer to as "the best and worst times of their lives".  A job I took on, knowing the challenges.  A job which a new mentor stated last week "I lived each day as if I was going to get fired", because honestly, that is really how you feel.  Sometimes people ask me if I regret signing up for this ride, and there are moments that I do regret.  But overall, no. I don't regret it.  I try to look at the good times.  I try to remember the times that tested my courage, both in terms of bravery and in morals.  Moral courage is one thing that has gotten me through the past 3 years, and it is something that not everyone has.  Luckily, SWO guilt is like Catholic Guilt.  Very similar.  Very, very similar.  Right Sister Margaret? On those tough days, one of my mentors told me to read, and remember President Roosevelt's' Man in the Arena speech.  That speech got me through the tough times.  The times that you sail alone on the sea, feeling like every ally you have has given up on you, and that you can't give up-because you have a department of 50+ Sailors that depend on you.   That speech was bitter sweet this month, because the Chief who ran my department told me after I was selected for O-4 (LCDR), that I was in the arena. 

I am proud to be serving in the role that I am in, as a Department Head on a Destroyer.  It is amazing.  I have met some great people.  From day 1 in the Navy, to today.  Friends that will last a lifetime.  People that you can see after 5+ years, and pick up where you left off.  Folks that you will have crash on your couch, eat pizza, and stay up all night talking with. 

I met my fiancé a short while after I resigned my contract.  We were together for only a year before I moved away.  I have been gone for 3 years.  It will be a total of 4 before I move back under the same roof as him.  That is a sacrifice we made, and got through.  It can be done.  With phone calls.  Emails.  Skype (especially overseas).  Texting.  Post Cards.  Care Packages.  Frequent Flier Miles.  It can be done.  It isn't easy.  It hasn't been easy.  But it is all worth it.  I have a dear friend who did the same thing, and I asked her for advice in the beginning.  She told me to do all of the above, and it worked.  I love having her in my life, because she is an inspiration. Not sure if she reads this blog, but hugs and love to you Sarah!

I can't wait for what the next year has in store for me.  I resigned my commission so I can live with my future husband.  I get married very soon, and I can't wait to be married to my best friend.  Shortly after the wedding, I will move home, and we will be under one roof.  The same roof, and we will make a house, into a home.  It has been difficult, planning all of these big changes with out some very important people present in my life.  I am lucky that despite not having my parents physically here with me, I know that they have played a big part from above.  They taught me basics in life.  How to be good.  How to love.  How to treat others with respect.  Remember that Catholic Guilt mentioned previously.  Yes.  I got that from them.  I worry if I am doing good enough, and I just pray that I am making them proud. 

The past four years have been difficult.  I have had my ups and downs.  I have had my disappointments.  I have had success.  I have had failures.  And I have to look at each one, in the moment, and afterwards, and see how each of those moments have helped shape who I am today, and how I will act today.  Sometimes, I think of all of these things as blessings in disguise!  

Wedding Wednesday: Invitations

Yes...the dreaded moment of when you get the invitations in the mail.  I was excited and nervous when I answered the door for the FEDEX lady. 

So..how I am tackling the invitation process..
1. I got 3 quotes, and looked at different styles.  This way, I wasn't just dead set on something too expensive, or too cheap-just right!
2. I made up mocks of what I liked and got them delivered.  I did different papers, colors, fonts, etc so I could make the final decision.
3. I made the final decision.  I wanted something simple and elegant.  I probably should have taken more time on this, but I like what I ordered!
4. Make a spreadsheet and number each guest.  This way, when you number your RSVP cards and return envelopes, you can keep track of them easier when they start pouring in from all over America:)  Then you can call those you don't receive.  My sister had a few guests who forgot to write their names on the card, thus the numbering system is there to take out the guess work!
5. Hire a calligrapher, or learn yourself.  I used to be extremely proficient at calligraphy as a kid, and bought some new pens and ink to address the invites.  I plan to do a few each night, and not get too overwhelmed! 

All the cards numbered and ready to go!  If you are wondering what the back of the RSVPs say, it asks for any dietary restrictions for our guests so we can accommodate! 

July Goals...Accomplished!

Well.  I blogged a few weeks ago for my goals for July.  Honestly, I am glad I did, otherwise I would have forgotten/not hold myself to it!

• Order wedding invitations  (done!)
• Clean the closet, and organize (done with round 1, def need round 2)
• Donate Clothes (2 bags of clothes to goodwill)
• Put other clothes/purses/etc for sale (waiting for round 2)
• Organize magazines (did 1 stack of mags)

Now to think of some goals for August!!!

Round Here...

Well folks, it has been an exciting couple of weeks.  I have been off work because I haven't been feeling too great lately.  You would think I would blog with all of that free time;)  I mostly slept and got my body back to normal. 

Looking forward to the final stretch here with wedding planning and work.  Just a few months left of both!

See my next wedding post on Wednesday!!!

Woosaahhh

Well folks, I had to take a couple of weeks away from the good old blog.  Had a long couple of weeks at work, and honestly, this was my last concern. 

I had to find time to sleep, eat, etc.  Thank goodness for protein shakes in the morning, otherwise I'd never have time to eat breakfast! 

On the good news front, I found out when I was in my semi-self imposed exodus, that I was selected for promotion!  So exciting.  I honestly didn't expect it, but am very happy!  I am so grateful for my family and friends who have been my biggest supporters in getting to where I am.  This next year has so much in store!  Weddings, promotions, and new jobs!

I am off to drink a ton of coffee, in my own apartment, and catch up on life.  Thank goodness for Saturday mornings!

July Goals

Well.  I have a few goals this month, and I need to air it out there, otherwise I will not get it done.

• Order wedding invitations
• Clean the closet, and organize
• Donate Clothes
• Put other clothes/purses/etc for sale
• Organize magazines

Anyone have a good method of selling old designer clothes?  I have so much in my closet that needs to go!

Fourth Of July

So folks, I had the chance to go to Virginia to visit my oldest brother for the weekend.  It was such a great trip!

Quick Recap:

• Hot Dog Stand.  Yep.  Chicago Dogs in VA.  So good.
• Pool time.  My left foot is burnt.  That is it?!
• BBQ.  Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon.  Yes. 
• I made two recipes: fruit pizzas and texas caviar. 
• Hung out with my Matron of Honor.  We went to Casanel and to the Cajun Experience
• Watched Identity Thief.  Omg.  Funny.
• Listened to a few random comedians: Kathleen Madigan, Bob Marley, and Gabriel Iglesias

Pizza Puffs! 

Pool Side.  Chirish.

Texas Caviar

Patriotic Fruit Pizzas.  Yummm. 

Wine Tasting!