Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.  Praying for all those who have to sacrifice these holidays with working. From service men and women, to doctors and nurses, to police and firemen.  Thank you for standing the watch.

Holiday Thoughts

This post was on my FB page yesterday.  

"The holidays can be a rough time of the year for folks. Whether they have an illness, lost their job, are suffering from something you don't even know about or could understand-this quote says it all. I have seen so much suffering this month amongst my friends. I pray that everyone overcomes their struggles and has someone to lean on."

I have family members and friends who have lost jobs.  Friends who have been diagnosed with untreatable cancer.  Friends who just need someone there for them.

We all have our demons.  We all have our issues.  They may not seem "big" to other people that are suffering, but they may be big to the person it is affecting.  Maybe that lost job is the first rejection they have ever had.  Maybe they can't provide for their family.  Perhaps that illness was just the breaking point of that person.  Who knows.  It is really easy to judge.  It is tough to understand.  Forgive.  Accept.  

This holiday season, reach out to those suffering.  Reach out to everyone.  You never know what battles people are facing each day-and they might just NOT tell you about it or advertise on FB, etc.  Be kind.  Always. 

Good Cheer, Family, and Friends

I can't believe Thanksgiving just passed, and here we are, last day of November!

This week was busy seeing family, eating...but not overdoing it!  I made two incredible pies for Thanksgiving..I love pumpkin and apple pies.  Something about them just scream comfort food!  My recipes are on my pinterest page if you are interested.  I have made the apple pie before.  I will never use another recipe.  This one is just too good!

Preggo Mego.  I can't wait to have this baby girl!

I spent Black Friday downtown with my girls at Berghoff and the Christkindlemarket in Daley Plaza.  If you live in Chicago, are visiting Chicago, etc-YOU MUST go to the market.  I got a little hot coco and some non alcoholic spiced wine.  So good!

BFFs for life:)  

Now I am just trying to finalize holiday shopping, gift wrapping/mailing, decorating, and getting our cards out.  All while trying to bake this baby.  She is 33 weeks, and I swear every day she gets more and more cramped.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Grateful

Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong?

That has been my week.  I could dwell on it, be pissed off, angry, and just downright mad at the world.

I am surprisingly not being bitchy about it, or being one of those fb people you hate "blah blah blah, bad day, blah, I hate the world, blah."

I realized, that I have to be, and am grateful for everything that has gone well.  For all that I have in my life.  I am one lucky girl.  I have a unbelievable husband.  Awesome friends.  Cute puppies.  A loyal family.  A roof over my head. 

The list could go on..but I might bore you.  Whenever you have a terrible day, week, etc.  Just take a second.  Relax.  Breathe-and think about all the good.  Trust me, it works.

# 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. 

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!

Christmas Recap!

The holidays were a bit of a breeze for me.  I didn't exactly get a lot of time off, because I am saving my days off for "terminal" leave.

In just a few words, it was good friends, good family, good food, and good booze.  Let's face it.  No one wants to read a whole lotta blah, blah, husband got me this, yadda yadda.  You want to see pictures.  Yes.  Pictures!

Puppies!

Tiramisu

Moonshine.

Ladies lunch.  And Moonshine.

Best thing ever.  $5 Starbucks gift cards to the CPD.  From: A grateful citizen

Waiting to give Olaf to my niece.  We renamed him.  Enzo. And he loves Irish pubs!

First Christmas as husband and wife.  Love him!

2015: This is going to be a great year!!

Well folks, we are all doing it.  Stepping on the scales, scrubbing the house, spending time with the family...whatever it may be that we do after the clock strikes midnight on NYE.

This New Years, I spent the day with a good friend, and we hung out with her family.  It was just what I needed.  A change of pace from a club, or a bar..or even duty.

Mindie and Me.  Illini for Life!

I am looking forward to this year.  There will be a lot of change.  A promotion, a big move, leaving Active Duty for the Reserves, a honeymoon, a home remodel..and hopefully, expanding our family of two...:)

I get so discouraged from the "2014 sucked" posts.  Yes.  It was a rough year for many of my family, friends, and even myself.  My friend Ang said it best "2014 was a year that consistently reminded me to cherish every moment, hold each hug a little bit longer, love with every ounce of my being, and never, never take anything for granted."  Amen sister.  That sums up 2014 for us all. 

Kate Spade planner, and some water.  Planning 2015, 1 day at a time!

I Got Married!!

Yes folks, it is true.  The count down is off the blog, and I am a married woman.  I'll share 1 picture with you, as I have to go through loads of laundry, and get caught up on sleep from partying!

Love this man!

Wedding Wednesday

So ladies and gents..I had my wedding shower a few weeks ago.  It was a whirlwind trip to Chicago, and I almost don't remember anything from the day. 

As my wedding planner stated, "The reason you hire a photographer and videographer is because the day is such a blur.  You get to relive that day with those great memories." 

She is right.  I literally had to lean on Mike for the whole day, because it was overwhelming.  I am normally not overwhelmed by groups of people.  But that day I met a lot of Mike's family, and saw a lot of my family.  The amount of people, amazing food, and generosity of family and friends was what really made me overwhelmed.  I guess it was because I was nervous about not talking to people enough, not saying thank you enough..etc.  I am so lucky to have a great future Mother In Law and bridesmaids who made the day incredible.

I don't have any pics of the day other than this one.  I didn't take any myself.

Until next time..

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!  

Birthdays and Ballgames!

So my Chicago trip continues onto Birthdays and Ballgames!  You can read about part 2 here!

I took my guy to Hot Dougs for his birthday.  Lame?  Of course not?!  Who doesn't want some encased meats for their big day.  I had two hot dogs..yes, cheated on my diet.  But then again, I was in Chicago.  The 4 pounds gained was worth it.  I had a pear, wine, and fresh herb pork sausage hot dog with fig peach mayonnaise and jalapeno Havarti cheese.  Soo good.  Sooo sooo good.  We had to go again because this place shuts its doors for good in October.  Mike and I went a few years ago, so we had to go again!



Cheesing.  Waiting in line. 



Yum. 

For dinner I took him to Gather.  The food was incredible.  The service even better.  I had some great halibut..and really want to go back!  We had some time to kill before we met up with some friends for drinks, so I convinced him to go to a bistro for dessert.  We had some profiteroles with some Bordeaux.  So good.  Seriously, the night was a real treat.  After missing his birthday for a few years, it was the least I could do!  We then met some girl friends of mine at a bar.  Great end to a great night! 



Love these girls!

 

 

The next day, we met up with a group of friends from near and far to go to the Cubs game.  Cubs vs the Marlins.  Such a fun time sharing the game with my friends from high school and college.  The college girls flew in from VA to spend the weekend with me.  The high school gals came in from a far as well.  So blessed to have these girls in my life!

 

Go Cubs!



 

Taking a Step...

I have had an interesting week.  A long one at that.  Sick fiancé, sick dog, work has been stressful, etc.

Out of the blue, I received a phone call from the past.  I was worried, because it felt like ex boyfriend day.  I was congratulated by one on my engagement (odd), and then, in the same day, another ex called.  All of this odd because these are relationships from over 10 years ago.  (Now I sound old). But I digress.

Well..ex numero dos called, and I was shocked.  I literally did not know what to say.  He apologized to me.  For all of his shortcomings in our relationship.  We broke up because he hid one thing really well.  He was an alcoholic.  In college, it was tough to see this, and when I realized he had such an issue, I begged him to get help.  I supported him.  I rallied behind him.  But he did not think he had a problem.  All in all, we broke up after I was commissioned as an Officer.  We kept in touch for about 5 years, but I haven't talked to him in 5 years.  When I did reconnect with him, I was trying to be his friend, and continued to try to get him help.  He refused. 

Fast forward to the phone call.  He called to tell me that he appreciated everything I did to push him in the right direction.  The genuine concern I had for him.  He said "I could have killed myself or someone else.  I finally got help 9 months ago when I hit rock bottom.  I haven't drank since".  I was in shock.  I didn't know what to say.  He proceeded to go on.  "I know it is selfish of me to apologize, and even think that you might accept this apology, but I have to do this."

What a lot of people might not know, that this is one of the steps of AA.  I am happy for him.  Truly.  He is on the right path in life.  He has gotten help, and will continue to thrive on the right course. 

Step 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

Was it selfish of him to call.  Maybe considered that way to some folks.  Do I care?  No.  I am just glad he is ok.  The Lord works in mysterious ways..

Chicago Christmas!!

This is the final post..ok, not final, I have a recipe post from the trip!

The 22nd, I went over to my future-in-laws house to bake holiday treats.  I wanted to spend quality time with them while my guy was at work.  I made the best dessert.  Recipe to come!
We talked, drank some wine, and went to dinner.  It was a great day! 

The 23rd, we met with a wedding planner to get some ideas rolling.  Then I met with one of my bffs, and we headed to the South Side for a friend get together.  All of the girls from high school gathered, ate Mexican food, had a blast with the littles!!

The 24th, my friend's momma gave me a ride back up North, and we made many pit stops along the way.  The first one was to our fav bakery, Wolfs!  If you are ever near Evergreen Park, IL or Beverly, you have to stop there!!!  My guy and I made stops that day to his Aunt and Uncles house, and then to my middle brothers house.  We had so much fun visiting with family, eating, and playing with my nieces!

The 25th, we had breakfast, and then went to his parents house.  His mom made such a great Polish feast.  I was so spoiled that day!!

Magners with Meghan!

Middle Brother and I on Christmas Eve!

Me and my guy!

Mistletoe!

Holiday Cheer

I was fortunate enough to have the weekend off from a busy time at work.  I got home Wednesday, and just relaxed at home with my pup.

Thursday, I spent my Thanksgiving with Bella, as most of my friends are out at sea.  Not what I had in mind, but due to my work, I just couldn't get back to Chicago.  Just makes me realize how grateful I am for my family, friends, etc. 

Friday, I got my nails done, and some shopping accomplished.  I am not a "black Friday" shopper by any means.  We don't give gifts in my family, unless they are for the kiddos.  I have finished shopping for the littles, and I am very happy.  I love my nieces and nephews more than anything.  Spoiling them twice a year is my favorite thing to do! 

Saturday, I got Bella  a spa day, and my friends came over for dinner/sleep over.  My dear friend just got back from deployment, so I figured a home cooked meal and catch up time was just what we needed.  It is amazing that despite the fact that we haven't seen each other since May 2012, we caught up without skipping a beat. 

Sunday, we went out for Brunch, and it was amazing!  We went to Mimi's Café, and it was so great.  I can't wait to take Mike to get some delicious food next time he is in town.  After brunch, I went to see "White Christmas" with another dear friend.  I had never seen the movie, but it got me in the Christmas mood.  I really want to see it again, and soon!

Tablescape.  Love my new holiday décor.  I don't have much, but it is a start!

This week...

I am trying to take one day at a time. I just need a glass of wine, a cozy blanket, and my pup.  It will be a busy week, and  I need to start with my recipes again.  Soon..I promise.  These work days have left little to the imagination in terms of cooking.  But with fall in full swing (70 degrees in Florida!), I have plenty of inspiration around me.

I can't wait for the holidays.  A chance to break from work.  See family and friends.  Enjoy the little things.  Laugh a little. 

Inspiration

Take a minute and watch this video.  This young lady should have won the Nobel Peace Prize.  Purely Amazing. 

Chicken Soup, Puppy Love, and Trashy Tv..

Those are the three things getting me through this week!  I had nose surgery this past week to help me with a breathing problem.  I never knew it could be so rough recovering!  This is my 6th surgery, and it has been a rough one.  I just hope, when all the healing is said and done, I can breathe better, sleep better, etc. 

Thank goodness for me my boyfriend was able to visit and take care of me the first few days.  Now I have to figure out how to walk my dog without my neighbors thinking I got in some crazy fight!

I am sure I will blog more, bake more, and finish all the projects around the house I have been meaning to do.  It is amazing how you have to get "sick" to get caught up on life!

Gratitude

It is the little things to be grateful for nowadays. 

After a stressful month out at sea, I feel like I am getting into my groove again.  Working out, reading books, getting caught up with work. 

I am definitely grateful for a lot of things this month.  New friends, strengthened friendships, mail, emails, the occasional phone call, a good night's sleep, coffee (lots of coffee), planning for friends' weddings, babies, other life events, and..the most recent of these "good news" things..having a friend whose dad just went into remission!

So many things to be grateful for.  It is so easy to get caught up with the ins and out from day to day life, that sometimes we do forget about the little things. 

What are you grateful for this week?

Mail Call and Care Packages!

The best part of deployment by far has to be receiving mail and/or a care package.  I have been so blessed this deployment with love of friends and family who have sent me an incredible amount of mail.

Sometimes people ask what to send?  It can be a bit different between sending packages to troops on the ground, versus Sailors at sea.  We only receive mail about 1 time a week, or it could be as long as 6 weeks.  That was the worst part of the holidays.  We didn't get any mail until January.  None in December, total morale killer.  Although we did have a port visit, where we went out, bought a tree, decorated, etc.  It made Christmas so much better since we were so far away from home!!

When we did receive packages in January, we were Christmas central.  Candy canes and hot cocoa everywhere.  It was amazing.

Some of the best things I have received are:

• Hygiene products (Toothbrushes/toothpaste/floss/lotion/shampoo/conditioner/etc)
• Healthy snacks (Fiber One bars, Nature Valley Protein Bars, KIND bars, dried fruits, trail mixes,etc)
• Books (I always read them and pass them around on board, or even send them to other friends on deployment)
• Magazines.  We don't have TV here, so catching up via magazines is the way to go
• Fav non healthy snacks (Frango anything, Garretts popcorn, chewing gum)
• Drink mix (coffee, tea, low cal drink mixes like Crystal light singles, etc)
• Anything that reminds you of home (ND tee shirts, Chicago tees, CPD tee, etc)
• Pictures. I love getting pics of family and friends in the mail so I can add to my photo albums
• Supplements/Vitamins.  The food isn't always the freshest/healthiest, so daily vitamins are key!

I am sure I will add more to this list soon.  I just received my birthday package from the bf.  Card, snacks, and 2 Alex and Ani bracelets.  Couldn't be happier.  It is the little things that get you through the days.  Especially when every day seems like Groundhog Day.  

Off to work..until next time!