Happy Friendsgiving!

I've had a rough week.

I ended up messing up one of my academic goals and I had to play a vigorous game of catch-up for the past four days.  That game has only intensified as I try to do better in my training school.

The best thing that did come out of this week was that I met some awesome people, people that I may not have interacted with as much as I would have otherwise.

Messing up on an exam, although making me feel awful, was a sobering event.

I've re-routed how I choose to study and have spent hours at the schoolhouse studying everyday as long as it's open.  It also forced me to keep an open mind in choosing new goals and that's just life.

My friends, my awesome crew partner, my caring roommate, my husband and then my family back home were all cheering me on this week.  It was so greatly appreciated.

 Therefore when I woke up today, I knew something epic was about to happen.

F r i e n d s g i v i n g

A time for me to attempt to make my first Thanksgiving dinner all on my own.

My roommate and I headed to the commissary to stock up on groceries for the week and to get materials to make a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal.

I made a turkey, my roomie made mashed potatoes and rolls, 

and I also made stuffing, gravy and green bean casserole.

A couple of our friends came over and enjoyed a yummy meal and good times.

We swapped memories of our families and experiences being new lieutenants.

As this week starts, I have been reflecting on what I am thankful for-including my blessed life.

Last night, I was perusing Facebook and came across the idea of looking up an old acquaintance.

She got married a few years before I did and her husband was in the Army.

I noticed that a few things were off, mainly the very lacking presence of her husband.

They had this incredible marriage that was just so adorable.

He was KIA a couple years ago during a deployment.

That same year Ryan was on his first deployment.

I saw pictures of her crying as she received his body at Dover AFB and I couldn't help but cry.

When Ryan was deployed, I thought about what that might be like for me.

In my head, I had this scenario of having to report to the Colonel of our detachment and having him sit down in front of strangers as they told me that my husband had his youth stolen from him.

I spent over seven months having trouble sleeping and praying for as much contact as possible with my husband.  When Ryan came home in May of this year (a couple days after I graduated from UW) it was the best feeling I have ever had.  Having the Patriot Guard riders escort the white buses in and hearing the roar was incredible.  I ran around the bus and jumped into my husband's arms.

I am so thankful for that moment and all our future possibilities and opportunities.

The depth of sacrifice from our veterans and their families will forever floor me.

I am so thankful for my husband and the love that we have.

Spending four years in college and working my booty off to get good grades was well worth it.

I graduated from an amazing university and earned my commission as an Air Force officer.

It may have not been easy, but it most certainly was worth it.

My life has been filled with amazing experiences and people who have forever changed my life.

I am the first college graduate from my mother's side and the first military officer, as well as first female military officer.

I am thankful for the opportunity of higher education.

I have done a lot this year.  Graduated, moved from Madison back to my hometown and then to California.  This ever-changing, fast-paced life has been awesome.  I lived in two different cities in California and have had two different houses here.  I have been able to explore so many different cities and even head to L.A. to see the Cirque du Soleil show, Iris.  I've seen the beautiful Pacific Ocean and California mountains.  I've gone wine-tasting for the very first time.  Right out of college I have a job and a home and food on the table, I am incredibly fortunate.

I am thankful for the roof over my head, the beautiful views right in my own backyard, the opportunity to have a steady job and the food on our table.

...and this year I will get a New Year's Kiss. 

I am incredibly blessed.

Have a wonderful week and may you appreciate all that you have.

xoxo,