Day to day life....

So it's been a while since I've updated. Dizzle was home for most of April which was really nice! I started a new job in April, which has been exhausting and great at the same time. I'm working at an orthopedic doctor's office, and it's been rewarding so far :) I was getting pretty stressed though with getting a new job so quickly, and wedding planning. Having a wedding in a short amount of time is more stressful than I thought, but people have been very supportive. In March I went to Boston to visit my Dad for his birthday, which was a lot of fun and Dave's ship had happened to be there at the same time which was amazing because he got to spend the day with my family, and then I started work that Monday! In April, we had some friends from home come visit us for a weekend which was really nice! Dizzle and I took them to Oceanfront, dinner, and Dizzle even gave us a full-on tour of the ship. I made some big breakfasts both mornings, and I'm sure our friends were getting sick of eating strawberries, I was pretty much stuffing them down their throats, but I had a large carton to share!!

For right now though, life is just work, and I'm waiting for Dizzle to get back from his underway. I'm thankful for the friends I'm starting to make down here though :) I've gone to some Poker nights, dinners, and the zoo with some friends. It's tough moving to a place and making new friends, especially when you are out of college, and not exactly living on base (there isn't really any on-base housing here). But I'm grateful to them for opening their doors to me :)

Other than that though, I'm assembling a glass desk and chair that Dizzle has been wanting for a WHILE now. Let's hope I can put this thing together....

Dizzle and I in Boston :)

A Day at the Beach!

This weekend was great! I helped a friend move around some things in her new house, hung out, and then Sunday Dizzle and I went to the beach! It was beautiful out (73 degrees baby!) and we hadn't really walked the boardwalk yet at Oceanfront, so that's what we decided to do :) We walked the whole length of the beach and then walked back passing all the stores on the boardwalk. A lot of people were out, biking, skating, walking, it felt so nice to be out. Dizzle and I also stopped at a small cafe/pub for some lunch and had some clams (so good!) and some wraps for lunch. The only bad thing about this walk...my shoes... my feet were all blistered (gross I know) by the time I got to the car. Why you ask? Well...I decided to wear some cute flats that weren't exactly the best walking shoes apparently, but to be honest, I had no idea they wouldn't be. But it doesn't matter, we had a great day and got to spend some time outdoors :)

I was joking with Dizzle about this picture asking if he was posing for a J. Crew catalog, lol :P

I'm so happy we were able to get such a good picture of us. I was going to just have Dizzle hold the camera out at arm's length when a man came over and said "Hey, I'll take your picture!" So much nicer than the guy I asked in Newport to take our picture and just flat out said "No!" Dizzle and I still laugh about that though.

mmm mmm good!

Military Monday Blog Hop!

It's here once again!

Nature

So a few days ago I was leaving the apartment to run errands when I ran into some mallard ducks. They were near the bottom of the stairwell and they both kind of just stood there, I found this an opportune time to run back up and grab my camera. I followed around the pair (the brown one being female and the one with the green head being male) and, being the dork that I am, yelled out "The water is over THERE!" Haha (hey, I was alone at the time, no one could hear me...I think...).

Later that day, Dizzle came home and we decided to go for a jog/walk around this small lake near us. This is where we saw about 10-12 pairs of the same ducks hanging around. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me for that, but we both did find it kind of neat to see so many ducks in one area. We also saw rabbits on a bunch of lawns that we passed by. It's a wonderful sign that spring is upon us! Apparently, after looking online, anywhere between March and April the female ducks lay their eggs, and the male then leaves, after they had been paired off since October or November. This is the reason I love going for walks and why I love hiking, you just never know what you might see :)

"Umm...Joan, I'm pretty sure it's THIS way!"

Fun at the Virginia Air and Space Center

On Saturday the hubby and I decided to go to the Virginia Air and Space Center. It's located in Hampton and we had a lot of fun spending time together. We saw Hubble 3D at the IMAX, it was neat to see what the new camera is catching on the Hubble, but a lot of the movie was about the repair of it. We walked around all the exhibits, which included different aircraft, as well as some NASA equipment. There was also a traveling exhibit which was called human grossology, and well...it was strange, I'll leave it at that. After going through all the exhibits we went to a little cafe nearby called Java Junkies, which had the BEST crushed ice coffee/milkshake that we've ever had. It was very good, highly recommend it.

Pretty much after we left Hampton we got Dizzle a pea coat to wear over his blues and picked up a few other things. All and all, it was a fun day and I'm glad I got him all to myself :)

Dizzle with a space helmet on...yeah!!

Us on the top floor :)

Finally...an OFFICIAL wedding date :)

Hey everyone! Dizzle and I have been pretty busy lately, trying to explore the area, work (and look for work), meeting new people, and organizing. But...I'm sooo excited because we have the reception venue all set for June 17 (Friday night). I'll keep everyone posted, but I'm just trying to set up the church and everything else right now (which shouldn't be an issue since everyone knew our situation). I can't wait to see everyone and just have a blast! :) Now...just have to decide on a theme...

Found online...again...Dizzle wishes... lol :P

Love is Patient

Even with Dizzle gone a lot, I love him unconditionally. I've been reflecting on the past couple months on our marriage, and I have to say that I'm really happy. We haven't been able to do as much (or spend as much time) together as other newlyweds, but the time we do have, we don't take for granted. I've been wanting to share some of my thoughts and feelings on the past couple months, in that when the bible says "love is patient," it's definitely something to reflect on and look closely at. I can look at it a million times over, can go to many weddings that uses Corinthians, but none of it would mean much if we didn't put it into practice. I thought I knew what patience was already, I try to be as patient a person as possible because I feel more at peace when I am. But as time goes on I learn more and more about it (and yes, I still have the occasional road rage every now and then, but hey, we're all human lol).

I know Dizzle feels bad when he has to make me wait, or when he doesn't know when to get picked up (I like to take him to work when I can so that we have more time to talk and be goofy), or when he can't be here for a holiday. But it's not his fault, I know that, he knows that, so I never hold it against him. Because when he is here, he gives me his full attention (minus when we are playing videogames, but I love it all the same, and actually, I still find it a bonding time). We talk about everything that's bothering us, when we're happy, or we can be silent with each other and know that we just like to be in each others presence. There are many things we are still learning about each other, things we like, things we don't like (haha), and both of us have the fault of maybe not feeling like we're entertaining each other enough (which is untrue, but we both are guilty of wanting to making the other person really happy). But one thing's for sure, love is definitely patient. We both wish for certain things now (don't we all) but the journey to getting there is more important and fulfilling.

Right now, I wish to have a great girlfriend(s) down here, a permanent church (which is almost getting there), and a job. All those things, which are all loving things, take time. I'm meeting new girlfriends (who have been great and very welcoming), volunteering, looking for work, and have been attending different churches (which I call "church shopping", but I think I finally found one, hopefully). I know all these things, including marriage, take time. The effort one puts into it, the more reward you'll see in the end. But I have to remember that patience, is what will get me there. Not to say, that I don't have my days where I'm down on myself, or feel lonely. But I know I have friends and family who are patient with me as well. Being away from friends and family is not easy, which I'm sure is the same for them. I miss everyone. But I know, with all the time and effort that I've put in with them over the years, that they will love me still. Spiteful and resentful maybe (lol j/k)!

So as Lent gets closer, I like to reflect on things that can make my life better, maybe not easier, but so far I think I'm off to a good start :) I have a loving husband, a loving family, and loving friends. I know all great things take time, love takes time. But I know that with everything I do, I'll try to love it. For this is what we're taught, and I want to try put into practice all that I learn :)

Military Monday Blog Hop!

Things I've Learned So Far...

So I thought I would do a small rant because I've been a little frustrated this morning and it helps to write it out. Here are some things I've learned so far about being in a new area and being a navy spouse (lame I know) haha.
1). Get a Power of Attorney. I wish I did before Dizzle left to go underway, I've been okay getting things done for the most part, but I feel that this is really important.
2). Patience is key. I've never really had a problem before with patience, but I've learned that now it's more important than ever (especially being further south now and in a congested area). This is why I go to Yoga or the gym, or write in my blog. Just remember that things will, eventually, get done.
3). Stay organized. After watching hours of Hoarders, and after going through Dizzle's paperwork, I've learned the value of organization. I've always been very organized when it came to the workplace, now I know it's just as important at home.
4). You will be on the phone, for a while. But, for the most part, people are willing to help you out with anything you need, to the best of their ability.
5). Get a bank account in the state your in. If you discover that your bank isn't in your new state, go get one new one (or open a new one) as soon as you can.
6). The Fleet and Family Support centers have free, great programs, use them.
7). Jump into things. I've gone online and met some other women in the area. It's sounds weird, but you have to live life and take a few risks here and there. Do it.
8). Have a good book in hand. I'm finally reading the sequel to Ender's Game (Ender in Exile) which is pretty awesome so far. Random, I know. But always have a good book in hand to turn to when your frustrated or a favorite tv show, or video game.

Other than this...just remember to do the things you love and to stay busy and focused :)

2010 - A Reflection on a Crazy Year

I decided to go back and reflect on this past year. This has definitely been the most exciting, nerve-wracking, and intense year I've ever had. (Note: I apologize that not all the months line up, for whatever reason it can't be fixed).
                                                                    
                                                                  JANUARY
        Dizzle had his going away party for OCS, which was an absolute blast.

 

FEBRUARY

Dizzle and I officially started dating and he left for OCS. The same day he started OCS, my dad called me and told me he was engaged.

MARCH

I can't actually remember much of what happened. Dizzle and I sent a lot of letters back and forth, and I was helping my best friend get ready for her upcoming wedding in May. 

APRIL

I actually bought my first digital camera! Sad, I know. I spent Easter in Boston with my Dad and Sue. My grandparents came as well! :) The weather was starting to get really nice by the end of the month so a friend and I went to Green Lakes and basked in the sun. Kassie (my best friend's little girl) also turned 2!

                                                       My sister and I in Boston.

MAY

Very busy month!! My best friend had her bridal shower, bachelorette party, and she got married!! Dizzle also graduated from OCS!

 

JUNE

Dizzle and I got engaged! Another one of my friend's had her bachelorette party, went to visit Dizzle as he was going through his schooling, visited old friends from college,  and my dad got married! Dizzle and I also had our first experience with Ethiopian food :)

                                                   
                                                                          JULY
  I spent July 4th with Dizzle. We took Kassie to Sylvan Beach, and Dizzle left. I was now on my own, but at least I had great friends and family around.

                                                                     
                                                                        AUGUST
Dizzle and I celebrated our 6 month anniversary from a distance (lame I know lol). My best friend's family got new dachshund puppies, some good friends of mine from college got married and I did some typical summer activities in CNY (like putt-putt).

SEPTEMBER

Went apple picking with Kassie and my best friend, also went to a Thirty-One gifts party and got a new gym bag with my future monogram on it. 

OCTOBER

Was a pretty busy month! Went pumpkin picking, went to Virginia to visit my brother and looked at apartments. We also took Kassie trick-or-treating, and I went to a Halloween party with the besties :)

NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving, of course, and I went to Long Island/NYC to visit some old friends! It was an awesome weekend, I also went to my first Broadway show :) The only bad news I had was that we had to change our wedding date, so we decided to get married earlier, and then have our big wedding later on. 

DECEMBER

Big month! I had my last day of work, where I was thrown a big breakfast party and I knew I was going to miss everyone. But Dizzle came back and we got married!!! We got to spend Christmas and New Year's together, and now we are living in VA. I've gained a wonderful new family, which I visited throughout the year. I couldn't ask to be surrounded by better people. I'm thankful for everyone in my life. I hope this year is just as exciting as 2010!

 Of course this isn't everything that has happened this past year. But I've realized that I can be extremely independent, that I have a man that loves me greatly, and that I also have friends and family behind me. I think that's all I could ever ask for. :)

   

Meet the Newest Member of the Family...Dwight

So I went out and got a crowntail betta fish today. His name is Dwight after a character in our favorite tv show (The Office). I know what you're thinking...who cares...it's a fish. Listen though, Dizzle and I are thinking about getting a big fish tank in the future, and this is a start. Seeing as we can't have a puppy in our place...a fish it is. He's pretty cool though, pretty active for a betta fish. I guess the woman at the store said he's still very young, and he'll be getting bigger. I got the starter kit that came with food, rocks, plant, tank and water conditioner.

I'm not sure where to put him yet, but he is definitely a bright and cheery addition to the apartment :)

Future Wedding Date...

So I know everyone is wondering when the big wedding ceremony is going to happen. Well...Dizzle and I are trying to figure that out. His schedule is pretty tight right now, so we are hoping for late summer/early fall. After having to rearrange things once already, I'm not too worried. It is important for us to have this ceremony though because we want to be in front of family and friends when we say our vows again in front of God. We believe God was present for our small one too, but we really just want to have a church wedding, and have everyone after be there with us to celebrate :) I'm sorry that we've had to change it so many times, but...you all still love us, right? Haha. Well I hope so anyways...or you're not invited. :P

(Found this online...Dizzle wishes...)

Homecoming Pictures!

I know not everyone got to see homecoming pictures, but here are just a few...

 These are all the people waiting anxiously in the tent for the ship. We were all trying to stay warm!

 Here is the ship pulling into the pier, if you look closely you can tell that they have their Santa hats on!
Getting closer...

I was just happy to be in his arms again!
Of course his parents said he shouldn't be hard to spot, just look for the shortest officer...
(Haha, sorry babe, we can both be short together the rest of our lives now).

Welcome to Virginia!

So it's been a little crazy since Christmas, Dizzle got back from being at sea after a long while and we had been on the go ever since. We got married, relaxed (very little), caught up with each other, rented a truck, and drove to our new home in Virginia (where we are now stationed). I figured I'd start a blog, a good way to get my thoughts out and let people know how we're doing. Our wedding was quick, in front of a Chinese pagoda in downtown Norfolk, it was right on the water, but I thought it was rather beautiful...freezing, but beautiful. Our marriage commissioner was a little old lady who reminded us of the lady in Poltergeist with her little voice, and the way she presented herself. Dizzle and I had a good laugh about it though. We drove home after the ceremony and then all the Christmas fun started. We saw pretty much everyone, and after a nice 10 days or so, got ready to head to VA. Packing, which I absolutely hate, was as awful as I thought it would be, but luckily we got everything packed, and my brother and his girlfriend drove down Dizzle's car while we rode in the rental. The ride was easy, seeing as we are dorks and listened to stand-up comedy the whole way (I LOVE Jim Gaffigan). Dizzle was also concentrating very hard driving the truck, which kind of made me laugh. When we got here, it was in the 60's, much nicer than the 20 degree weather . We got everything unpacked and we had a couple days together. I pretty much have been putting the apartment together since then. Dizzle got the HUGE tv he wanted, which my brother also watched the whole week. But other than that, we've been enjoying our time together as a little family, had some friends up (which will be my next post) and have created our little home.

I'm a little sad because Dizzle goes out again very shortly for a few weeks, it always seems like whenever we have time together, something else always has to slip in. I can't complain though, I knew what I was getting into. I do thank God everyday though that Dizzle and I were best friends for 6 years first before we got married. It does make things little easier (even though we both wish we had gotten together sooner), and we always laugh at everything. Either that or we debate about a subject, the joy of an elephant and a donkey living together under one roof. Right now for me, my goals are to find a job (homemaker doesn't really cut it for me, I already miss working...what's wrong with me), look for a church, get into Yoga again, and find some good books to read. At this exact moment though, I'm addicted to Netflix. We also didn't have internet for two weeks (or television) so it's been great doing those things at the same time. My days have been very busy with errands though, but I really want to watch a movie before I go out to do them...I think I'll do that right now.