TED Talks: Women's History Month

TED Talks.  Have you ever seen these?  There are so many inspirational stories.

This is one that I found that hones the idea of Women's History Month.  She does incredible work!

Did You Know???

That March is Women's History Month?

Being in the Navy, we always have celebrations, and remember the women who paved the way for us today.  I am lucky enough to have been a member of SSLA, and have gone to many symposiums in the past 11 years of my service.  I also met someone who inspired me to stay in the Navy, when I really wanted to get out.  Admiral Lisa Franchetti.  She was at one of these symposiums, and made it seem possible to have a career, and a life.  After I met her, I got my Bella, and even started dating my now, husband.  Between getting Bella and meeting Mike, I decided to continue my contract with the Navy.  It was a tough decision, but easier knowing that people like Admiral Franchetti did it, and she was successful.  It can get discouraging in my line of work, to see people that "do it all".  It is hard.  Many, many days away from home.

I did, however, decide this past summer to leave.  It was a tough decision, too.  The Navy was what I knew.  However, I married my best friend, and I knew I had to go into the Reserves to be with him.

This website has great information on Women's History Month.  Take a look at it, and remember the women who founded the Red Cross, ended suffrage, served in the armed forces, etc.

Who has influenced you?!?

# Epic Fail

So this past weekend, I thought I would do something nice for my husband.  Buffalo burgers and sweet potato fries.  Yes!

Well, it obviously didn't turn out as expected.  The burgers tasted like...meh.  And.  Of course, all I could think was epic fail.  I was a bit upset, but as always, he made me feel like a queen.  Needless to say, I probably won't venture into making buffalo burgers indoors without a grill again...or even ever.
But, I am forever grateful that I have a husband that makes me feel like a queen, no matter what.

#epic fail aftermath.  Lots of dishes. 

Great Cause

I found this site the other day, and couldn't think of a better cause to donate to.  Ok. Ok.  There are about a million charities I would love to donate to.  I am fairly critical of donating money, as I worked with non profit for a while, and have seen first hand how many charities take as overhead, that never get to the intended audience.

If you are a Chicagoan like me, and love your local cops, take a look at this site.

http://www.getbehindthevest.org/

This site helps raise money to offset and replace the bulletproof vests that CPD wear each day.  Do you know that a good vest costs around $1000?  

Just another incredible site, and cause that can help your city.

Helping Your Friends

Sometimes a phone call, a text message-can change and help your friends.  

Did you know that 22 veterans kill themselves each day?  I saw this article, and didn't really think much of it.  Until yesterday.  If you ever have a friend, shipmate, family member, etc, call this number: 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.  

You just might save someone's life.  Yesterday was a tough day for me, but it ended well.   

Fort Lauderdale

Since the North was under a deep freeze and snow storm from hell, I traveled to Fort Lauderdale with my bff before I drove to Chicago.

I was pretty excited to just relax after my last day on the ship.  I literally stepped off the ship and got on the road, and arrived to drinks at our hotel.  We then went to have drinks at the Blue Martini. After some delicious beverages, we had dinner at Seasons 52. I love Seasons 52.  So much.  Especially dessert.

The next day, we relaxed, and then had lunch at the Royal Pig Pub. So amazing.  Worth the trip.  My bff went to a wedding, and I just relaxed at the hotel.

The last day, we went out and about on the beach front.  We had some drinks at McSorleys, and then lunch at Primanti Brothers.  Yes.  A NYC bar and a Pittsburgh deli in Ft. Lauderdale.  I thought the same thing.  But yes.  Yes.

We had dinner at Coconuts our last night, and it was worth the wait.  We drank a glass...er bottle..of prosecco while we waited.  Incredible meal, key lime pie, and company.  Couldn't ask for more!

First Night.  Love the necklace.  Got it at Versona.

Blue Martinia

Royal Pig Pub.  Yummm.

View from our balcony.

Suns Out.  Another Outfit from Versona.

Great artwork next to a tattoo parlor.  No worries, came out of there unscathed. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I had a great weekend out and about in the city I love.

I had a date night Friday with the husband.  Our fav sushi place, and a movie.  Couldn't be better.

Saturday I went downtown with my friends, met up with family, and spent most of the day downtown.  I ended up in my own neighborhood, and just relaxed!

Sunday, I stayed in my neighborhood with family and neighbors and had a great time.  I normally go to the South Side Irish parade, but decided on a change of pace this year..

Makes me so incredibly happy to be home!

Daley Plaza

Obligatory Selfie

What are your St. Patrick's Day Traditions?

Farewell to Jax

I hate goodbyes.  Like.  Hate.

So instead of just looking at a goodbye in the face, I tend to avoid them at all costs.

I had a good few final days in Jax.  You can see them in pictures below..

Date Night at Marker 32.  

Dinner with Friends at the Schnizel Haus

Quite Possibly the Best Sandwich I have ever had.

Last Duty Day.  See that smile!!

Day trip to Savannah, Georgia

My ship took a quick voyage to Savannah this past summer, and I loved it!  You can read about that post here. I went during Presidents Day weekend to visit a friend, his wife, and two kids.  I hadn't seen him since his retirement almost 4 years ago!

We stayed at the East Bay Inn once again.  I just love that place.  It is so cozy, and just screams southern hospitality.  We did a tour of the city, and ate at the Cotton Exchange. What is a trip to Savannah without a stop to the Candy Kitchen?  Best.  Prailines.  Ever.

It was a great quick trip, and just what I needed before I left Jax for good.

Great view on the river..

Candy!!

Cozy Room!

Promotion

So if you remember this post, I was selected to be promoted back in July.  I was slated to put on my new rank in February, and I delayed the actual ceremony for a few days so my husband could come.  It was definitely worth it.  I asked him and my former CO to both put on my collar devices.  It was a quick, simple ceremony, and I was on cloud nine.  We went and had an amazing dinner at Ragtime afterwards.  Shrimp and Grits.  Oh my goodness, it was good!

My Commanding Officer Administering the Oath

Former CO, Me, My Awesome Husband

So happy that there is another LCDR Gill in the family!

Home

So..here I am.  Home.  And it feels so good.  I have been busy since after the first of the year.  All the posts with the highlights will follow.  Stay tuned for some great photos!