mom.

happy mother's day to the best mom out there!

so lucky to have you to teach me and S what it means to be a strong and loving woman. i look up to you more than anyone else. you have taught us to never settle for less than our dreams and to never be afraid to take life on head first. your strength and passion are inspiring and give me something to strive for everyday. i don't know how you always did it, but you always made us your priority. we are so lucky to have you for our mom.

love you tons.

two.

It has been exactly two years since I graduated from Auburn. How is that possible that this much time has already passed? I thought I would have it all figured out and be all grown up by now...ha how funny that is. What a turn of events and adventure it has been since then. I have been to five new countries, moved to one of them, and taken on the craziest job I could ever have imagined. After all the pain and heartache, it has been a good two years.... bring it on for the next two.

strength.

"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength."

                          Oprah Winfrey

well said, lady. 

free.

FINALLY free from inspection times...for now. I have rejoined the part of society that sees the sun when it is up and does slightly more than just sleep at their home. As much as I enjoy my endless hours on good ship 85, I definitely enjoy the time away.

To make the lack of a seven day work week EVEN better, J came back to the land of the rising sun! :) 

We had the best time walking in the rain for hours on end, squeezing onto crowded trains, and getting lost...way lost when I was navigating. Needless to say he his better at punctuality, planning, and navigating.... I am really only around to get us lost and people watch on the trains...and pick out places to stop and shop. The shopping part I am very good at. The only downside is that my feet are way too big for Japanese shoes.

J and I discovered shrines and castles, shops, food stands, light houses, big cliffs, and even Octoberfest in Japan in April. What a Japanese adventure we had!

beauty.

this has got to be the most beautiful thing i have ever seen. the picture does it no justice.

I have never seen such a beautiful and peaceful place. Everything was perfect and just incredible to witness.