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.