Warning: Mushy Post!

So, the time is slowly but surely passing by, and soon Joe will be going on his 6 month deployment. :( I think about it every waking second, literally. I can't believe how quickly time has gone by. We have been through a deployment like this before, but it doesn't make it any easier. I remember back in July, my best friend's husband left, and I was thinking "Man, I still have a lot of time before it's Joe's turn." And now, it is here. Almost anyway.

People tell me that its all part of the military lifestyle. Well, this is true I guess. But again- it doesn't make it any easier. There are always dangers to think about, and so I hope and pray everyday that he stays safe, as do all the soldiers. Ya know, Joe and are got married at the tender age of 20, and we will be celebrating our one year anniversary next week, on 25 October. I never realized how much my life would change when we got married. How I stopped thinking about only myself, and starting thinking about "us." How I think in terms of "we" and not "me". It has been a wonderful experience and a wonderful journey, and I am excited to see what the future will bring.

I don't know how people can live their lives and never get married. To me, love is such a huge part of my life, its the best feeling there is! To be in love. And I hope that everyone falls in love one day, and can see for themselves. (This is sounding kinda cheesy, I know!) I guess I am just feeling like a hopeless romantic today. ;)

Anyway, I took a week of leave next week so Joe and we can spend some quality time together before he goes. (He has the week off too) I want to take plenty of pics so that when he is gone I have them to look at. I hope the time goes by fast. I think it will though. I am glad that he will be back in time for the summer, b/c we always have a blast over the summer going to beach and stuff. However, he will be gone for the holidays, which makes me sad. He'll miss Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, his b-day, my b-day, Valentine's Day, and Easter! (Just a quick list off the top of my head ;) ) lol But I am going to see my parents for a week in December for Christmas, and hopefully my mom and/or sister will come down to see my sometime in the spring. And hopefully time will go by fast!

Anyway! Everyone have a great day, talk to ya later.

The Attorney

I received an e-mail today that really touched my heart. Some of you may have seen this before, but I felt compelled to share it here on my blog. Hope you all like it. :)

My Attorney:

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking an whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him. The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this sinner belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, "This sinner belongs in hell, and is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise." When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court. "Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations.. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this sinner deserves to be punished." Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine." My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said,"There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all." The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words resounded from His lips... "This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed." As my Lord embraced me and led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, "PAID IN FULL."

Thank you Christopher Columbus for the long weekend

Well, as you know we had a nice long weekend that just passed. Oh how wonderful it was to have 3 days off in a row. Sadly I am back at work but my weekend was great!

On Friday night I went shopping, since Joe didn't get out of work until late. I didn't buy anything though, so that was kind of disappointing. I slept in on Saturday, woke up to find it raining and crappy outside. It would have at least been better if it had been cooler, but the weather was still hot and humid. Very humid actually. Did nothing for my hair! Well, Joe and I went to the mall and planned on seeing a movie, but were sad to discover that nothing good was playing in the theaters. We left.

After a few phone calls, we then decided to go out that night with a bunch of friends. One of Joe's friend's is a little bit "country" and so we were all getting together to go to this country bar/club. GOOD TIMES PEOPLE! We went over to this guy's house at around 8:30 pm, and had a few drinks there. A few people met us there too. At around 9:30 or 10 pm, we drove to another guy's house (all of these people are on Joe's ship, so yes, we knew them! lol) where we picked up some more friends and all left for this club together. We got to the club at like 11 pm. I wasn't really sure what to expect but it was so much fun! There were all different types of people there! Not just country folk! Well, we stayed there till they closed, got home and went to bed at close to 4 am. Pics to come later, hopefully! (Joe was a tad bit intoxicated, to say the least, lol.)

Sunday and Monday were pretty much lazy days. Joe went fishing with his friend on Sunday, even though the rainy weather continued. It was barely drizzling though, so he could still fish. Thank goodness the weather cooled off though. The temps dropped down so the rain was much more tolerable. I hate humid, rainy weather. Me and Joe went to this Chinese buffet for dinner with one if his friends and one of my friends. It was fun. I love Chinese food! Yesterday me and my best friend A went to Starbucks in the morning then Target. I didn't even wake up until 11 am! We cooked a big dinner of pasta, rolls, and salad for Joe and his friend. All 4 of us enjoyed a nice dinner at my place. Afterwards we just sat around talking and drinking wine. A good end to a good weekend. :)

So today I woke up and faced the reality of coming back into work OVERLOADED with crap to do. One of the docs I work with is running behind today as she usually is, and so instead of leaving at my usual 4:30 pm I don't think I'll be leaving before 5:30. :( Stinky poop I know. Oh well. All part of the job, or so they tell me.

Did you do anything fun this weekend?

OVERWHELMED! (And sick of it!)

Well, I am back and a little frustrated today. Although maybe frustrated isn't the right word. I think overwhelmed is more appropriate. Joe has been going to this training school which is in North Carolina (its actually right on the border of North Carolina and Virginia, so he drives there). He and the guys spend like every other night there, to save gas really. They car-pool too. So yesterday after I got off work and went to the gym, I had expected to hear from him to find out if he was sleeping there or coming home. Well, just like Joe, I didn't hear from him until 9:21 pm!!!!! Ugh! I constantly tell him to PLEASE call early on so I know where he is! (Scroll down to a few posts ago, titled "Missing Husband") Anyway, he FINALLY calls and tells me he is almost home. Well, I was heading off to bed. He gets home and turns all the lights on, is being all loud and just straight ticking me off! I kicked him out of our room and told him to be loud in the living room! lol

So the reason I went to sleep (well, tried to!) early is b/c I had to wake up earlier today b/c I have duty. So I am working my normal job today until 3 pm, then I have duty from 3-11 pm. These days are always sooooo long. By the time I get home and showered, I am usually getting into bed past midnight. Then tomorrow I have to be at work early because we are having a uniform inspection at 6:45 am! OH LORD PLEASE GIVE ME STRENGTH! a I am one of those people who neeeeeeddddsss a lot of sleep! But on a better note- we have Monday off, which I just found out yesterday! Man I am clueless. Thank God for Christopher Columbus, and Columbus Day! So I've just been a bit overwhelmed lately with getting my uniforms all finished and ready to go. My supervisor is on leave at work and so I am in charge (Lord help us all! lol)
I will be glad when the weekend comes!

And I have more good news actually. My tooth is feeling MUCH better! This morning was the first time in 2 WEEKS that I have not woke up with a toothache!!! It was sore since that procedure a few days ago, so the past few mornings it has been sore when I first woke up. But not today! YEEEAAAAHHHH!!!!! My dentist called me yesterday to see how I was doing and I told him I am forever grateful! lol The rest of the root canal is scheduled for 19 October.

Well, I suppose I can go get some work done. Bye!

Catching up

Oh how you all must HATE ME! I am so neglectful of my blog, its not even funny. Well, a lot has happened in the last week or so, so let me fill you in.

Last weekend Joe and I went on an outing to the ROLLER RINK! All I can say is HOW MUCH FUN! I used to looooove roller skating when I was younger, and even moved up to roller BLADING, so I thought it would be a blast to try again some 8 or 9 years later! It has seriously been that long since I dared to skate. Well, lets just say it didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped, lol. After years of roller blading, I thought skates would be no problem- they were. I got them on and tried to skate around, feeling very unsteady (and uneasy I might add). I wobbled around like a penguin for a while until I got the feel of them. And this was on the carpet! lol Then I decided I needed to try out the floor. Pushing little kids aside to get to the wall to hang on, I made my way out. I was nervous, scared, and thrilled all at the same time! It was a blast once I got the hang of it again. But let me just say for the record that roller skating is NOT like riding a bike- it DOESN'T just come back to you!

Ok, moving on. I came back to work (from my surgery) on Monday, September 19th. Upon my arrival I received a call from the Dental clinic saying I had an appointment. I went down there only to find out that I needed fillings!!!!! Well, if you know me well enough then you will know that I am SCARED TO DEATH of Dental, and never go unless they won't let me go on leave. But I obliged, went there and had the fillings. Well, all week (this is 2 weeks ago) my tooth is THROBBING, I mean horrible. I am taking Motrin like its going out of style, and hardly getting any relief. Well, last week I went back, complaining about this tooth because it literally started waking me up at night and causing me to be up for hours. Sleep is precious people, I can't afford to loose any. They do some tests and say I probably need a root canal, but they can't figure out which tooth! GOOD GOD HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW!?!?!???? Well, over this weekend I stopped taking anything for pain, so I could figure out myself which tooth was hurting. It was hard because to me, it just felt like the whole side of my mouth was throbbing. Well, I found out which one. It hurts to hot and cold, and otherwise just throbs. I can't take it waking me up anymore. So I went to Dental this morning, they saw that I needed the root canal, and fixed it. Well, they took out the nerve this morning, and I made an appointment to go back and get the whole thing done. But in the meantime, at least it won't hurt. ;)

Ok, no more about Dental! This weekend the weather was GORGEOUS! Cool and in the 70's. (Thats cool for here b/c its been soooo hot and humid!) We turned off the A/C and opened the windows and I loved it! There is nothing better than a breath of fresh air! Joe and I went to see that movie "Into the Blue"...I thought it was ok. On Saturday we went to the Navy Exchange to buy some new uniforms. Joe is leaving on his 6 month cruise in a month, so we need to stock up on things for him. I am so sad that he is leaving soon. :( I just hope it goes by fast. It makes me sad to think that we won't be able to spend Christmas and the holidays together. :( He should come back the beginning of May. Our anniversary is October 25th, so at least he will be here for that. It will be our big ONE YEAR anniversary too! LOL :) Anyway, on Sunday we CLEANED the whole apartment! It felt good. It was definitely time for "Fall Cleaning". I also baked an apple pie which gave our place the best aroma imaginable. :) We watched some movies and of course watched "Desperate Housewives" last night. That show is so crazy.

Well, thats all for now. I better go do some work since I've been gone in Dental all day. :) Hope everyone's Monday is good!

~Julie