nice.

I swear it's not me; it's this job that makes me rude.... really I'm a nice person... or I was before THIS place.

back.

and i am back after a reeeeaaaalllly long few months.... 

I have learned a lot. And learned even more to work for what you want. It never amazes me how everyday underway is the same and yet everyday is different. This is probably what causes me to both love and hate this place so much. There are moments of complete reward and satisfaction that quickly are followed by moments of pure frustration and defeat. Maybe that is the point... to never really be comfortable. Otherwise, why would I keep working so hard?

But with the frustration comes some pretty neat experiences as well. This summer I have seen new parts of Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong... it's not everyday you get to see the sunset over part of China. I have also met people from all over, got a Korean BF (sorry J!), ran into Auburn folks in the middle of the Pacific, and made new friends as well. The world seems smaller and smaller, and the Navy certainly does as well. This job may not be forever, but it has been quite an experience and I have seen some fantastic places.

Hopefully the next time I am in these great places, it will be with my fave traveling companion.

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.