26 weeks apart is way too long.

Deployment Recap: Week 26

Emotional: Things are good. I’m in the “we are almost done” mindset, so even though I still miss Lyle, I know it won’t be too much longer now that we are apart.

Physical: I recovered from last week’s sunburn and am working on dealing with running in the early heat of the summer weather. Things are good though.

Communication: They went back out to sea, but we should have the opportunity to communicate from here on out. It’s nice to not be stuck in the silence.

Something Fun You did This week: This was probably one of the best weeks of deployment. I accepted a new job!! Starting in July, I will be teaching at a local preschool. I used to work there with one of their students doing ABA therapy and maintained a great relationship with the staff. When I left my job with the ABA company in March, I went in to talk with the Director about opportunities to substitute. She encouraged me to put in an application because they are losing several teachers next year and she thought I could fill a slot. A couple months later (now), she offered me a position!!!! I will have 2 classes of 2-3 year olds next year- 10 kids each, one group will attend MWF and the other Tues/Thurs from 8am-12pm. I am so excited about this opportunity. I also had lots of fun with friends from out of town- Wendy (a mentor from high school) came over from Maui for some appointments and stayed at the house a few nights.  Then on Wednesday,  I met up with a friend from WWU and we all met up with running group friends in town for an impromptu night in Waikiki. Then Brian Knapp (Lyle's Chief selectee sponsor 4 years ago and close family friend now) flew in for a night en route to San Diego and we met up Thursday night. Then on Saturday there was a Navy ship in town and Dan and Shane's friend Katie was here- we all went to dinner Saturday night. It was a wild week of fun and friends and it was amazing.

What are you looking forward to next week: MY BIRTHDAYYYYYYY. Everyone knows it’s my favorite holiday of the entire year and this year is no exception.

What made you happy this week: being surrounded by amazing people and realizing what an amazing life I lead.

What made you sad/mad this week: Trying not to think about what should be happening this week, but instead isn’t. And people that can’t take responsibility for their own mistakes.

What do you miss this week: Lyle’s grilling skills. I can’t wait till he’s home and can fire up the grill again.

Favorite song/show/movie of the moment: I watched Wreck It, Ralph last week and loved it. Super cute movie. 

Pictures from This week:

They love each other. And might be plotting to kill me if I don't keep the water bowl filled at all times. 

Hula Pie from dinner Saturday night at Duke's in Waikiki. This thing was AMAZING, but huge. 4 of us couldn't finish it. 

Dinner group on Saturday night. 

Got my nails done! 

Out with my running buddy Jess! 

Brad and I were friends and co-workers at WWU.  

Twenty Five- A good week!

Deployment Recap: Port calls make everything better

Emotional: Happy, for the most part. The boat pulled into port and with it came the huge sense of relief and a flood of emotions.

Physical: Good, other than a wicked sunburn from the beach on Sunday. I didn’t wear a hat and I got quite pink on the face. Not a good look for me.

Communication: LOTS of it! Daily text messages, phone calls and FaceTime. Well worth waking up at 2am to chat with Lyle.

Something Fun You did This week: Marley came to visit! We had a great few days full of island adventures including snorkeling, hiking, beach time, seeing the sights, eating the food, and having fun.

What are you looking forward to next week: Another week closer to being DONE!

What made you happy this week: Seeing Lyle’s face a lot, being able to talk to him. Life is just so much better when he is a part of it. Having Marley here was a blast! 

What made you sad/mad this week: Realizing how close we should be to finishing this stupid deployment, but due to schedule changes we aren’t there yet.

What do you miss this week: Sleep. But it’s worth giving up.

Favorite song/show/movie of the moment:  Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore. Loving that song.

Pictures from This week:

At the famous Duke Statue in Waikiki

Haunama Bay for snorkeling

Looking South from the Blowhole, Sandy Beach

World Famous Waikiki on a gorgeous day

Classic Hawaiian food. So ono!

Trekking toward the North Shore we stopped at Chinaman's Hat

Muddy hike to Manoa Falls

We made it to the falls! 

Sunset at La Mariana Sailing Club

Fruity drinks are a must! Marley was a good sport. 

I am a crazy cat lady when I'm left alone. 

Twenty plus 4

Deployment Recap: What week is this? 24? Wow.

Emotional: Feeling good. I’m finally feeling like I’m going to survive this deployment in one piece.

Physical: Nothing new to report. Took the week off from CrossFit last week, had some good strong runs. Back to the gym this week. Love feeling strong.

Communication: Email was up and working- YAY! So good to hear from Lyle again. And now they are in port so there are phone calls. Hopefully Lyle can find a hotel with WiFi so we can Skype or FaceTime soon. I can’t wait!

Something Fun You did This week: Just had a good week overall with friends.

What are you looking forward to next week: More phone calls. And my sister Marley is coming to visit for a long weekend! I can’t wait!

What made you happy this week: Hearing from Lyle. Another week closer to being done.

What made you sad/mad this week: Serious boat drama. Some people…

What do you miss this week: I missed going to the Submarine Birthday Ball over the weekend. We went last year and it was a blast. I love dressing up with Lyle.

Favorite song/show/movie of the moment: nothing comes to mind.

Pictures from This week:

We had Hunter the dog as a guest while his owner prepared to move off island. 

I got to spend an afternoon with this awesome kiddo. Made my week. 

Out to dinner for Shane's (in the center) birthday. It was a nice evening. 

Week 23!

Deployment Recap: Week 23

Emotional: Are we really still doing this? I’m emotionally drained. I’m ready to fill full again.

Physical: Great. I went to the Dr last week for a pre-employment physical and their only concern was my low blood pressure. I couldn’t even come up with a single medical complaint. I’m so lucky to be healthy and strong. I had a fabulous set of workouts last week, was active all weekend- hiked on Saturday, huge 10.5 mile run in the extreme heat & humidity Sunday morning.

Communication: Does re-reading old emails count? Still nothing…

Something Fun You did This week: I went hiking to a waterfall Saturday and jumped in & swam. It was a thrill. Watched movies with friends also. Always nice to just relax.

What are you looking forward to next week: Rumors of increased communication. 

And as always, another week closer to being done.

What made you happy this week:  Finding out Marley is going to come visit me soon! I can’t wait!

What made you sad/mad this week: Boat drama. Some people…

What do you miss this week: Movie nights with my husband.

Favorite song/show/movie of the moment: Watched a couple music favorite movies this week- Across The Universe and Empire Records.

Pictures from This week:

jumping into the waterfall

Amazing. Everytime.