I Love my Navy Sailor! Happy Memorial Day to the Amazing Men and Women who have served and are serving our great country!

I almost forgot that it was Monday as I made my way back to my computer after some serious packing and some work at the gym. As for the blog this week, it looks like I am going to take it all the way back to May 15th, 2009. It was Kasey's birthday!! I was getting a little sad, the time with my Mom visiting was almost over, but there was quite a bit of fun still to be had. Friday (the 15th) was Kasey's birthday. How exciting?! I can't believe that she is 27! She is about to start a great new adventure, too, just like me. I had normal work on Friday and lunch with my Mom. We tried on wedding dresses again and I definitely found the ONE! I am so excited. A bit later, we headed out to dinner at a yummy Italian place called Digi's. I had some ziti, it was delish.


I think that Kasey might have been embarrassed to be seen with us! ...I have to admit, it does get rowdy sometimes.


Proud parents. Precious.


I love this girl! Happy Birthday Kasey!


Always the ice cream cake :-)

We had to get to bed a little early after the birthday celebration because Saturday was the Komen Race for the Cure New York. Kasey, my Mom, and I were all racing and raised a combined total of $775! That is pretty good, I think! I have to give an extra shout out THANK YOU to all the great friends and family that donated to us! We had a great time at the Race and were extra inspired by all of you that donated! Thank you so much for that. Two of my Mom's sisters (Kasey and my Aunts) had breast cancer and pushed and fought through as long as they could before we lost them both. They were amazing ladies and made a big difference in this entire world. Aunt Annie is still affecting the world of Breast Cancer Awareness, as a research grant was given in her name just last May!




Since I reached my fundraising goal, I got these new cool kicks!!


My Mom got some really cool new shoes, too!


This is Kasey's crafty creation that she made for the Race. It was completely incredible! We were stopped a couple times with people telling her that it was really nice!


The wind was out of control!


Racers ready!! We were totally in the zone.


We were in the walking group. I don't think I have built up my running to three and a half miles yet! Soon...


Tina joined us at the race. Tina started the team for her Mom who passed from Breast Cancer last year.


This one is just for James. He loves a few unnecessary leg exercises (Kat Williams).


Poor little Tink Tink (Kat Williams) Hehe.


This is a great story. As we are walking along, we were looking at the little signs that people were wearing saying who they were racing in celebration of. Now, there were thousands of people at the race and we were walking behind this lady. If you could see her celebration sign, you would see that it says: Ann Heins: on it- my Aunt Annie!! Isn't that ridiculous! Of all the people at the Race we were right next to a group of people that knew both Aunt Annie and Aunt Mary Lou! It was awesome!


I love this shot!


Right as we were crossing the finish line, the sun came out for just about a minute or less. It looks like Aunt Annie and Aunt Mary Lou were with us all along!

After the race we spent the day running around and eating (as usual). We had to pack up all of Mom's stuff and see if we could fit it back in her suitcase. We went to Church on Saturday night, so that we could sleep in on Sunday. When I got up on Sunday morning, the apartment was clean and my laundry was done! Now, that is a good nights sleep!! My Mom is the best. After Sunday family dinner, I had to bring my Mom to the airport, which was so sad! The lady at the desk was really sweet, she said that she would let me go through the gate with Mom if I wanted to. I was surprised, but didn't have my ID card, too bad. I was already bumming though. The rest of my week was really normal with some extra exhaustion after all the fun of the week. I had to gear myself up to go on yet another fun weekend to CT. It really wasn't too difficult to get the spirit up, especially since another one of the couples that James and I are friends with got engaged! How exciting!?! On Friday (May 22, 2009) afternoon, I headed out to Claire and Brad's to meet up for a night out planned by Claire (she is the best event planner ever!! Thanks Claire). I got into town a little later that expected, but I did pretty good on time. We headed out to this great little bar/restaurant. I kept noting that it completely didn't feel like we were in the Groton region. It was perfect weather and just a fun setting! Of course, good friends always top off the goodness!!


The happy couple... I mean...


So sweet, Meghan and Robert! They are getting married! Hooray!


Claire and Me.


Great friends!


I am pretty sure that is what a salad should look like!




The live band was so much fun!


My delicious cake! And the whole meal was a graduation treat from Claire!! You snuck that one right by me! Thanks friend! You are the best!

On Saturday, May 23, 2009 (James and I have been together 41 months!), Claire and I slept in which was super wonderful! We hung out with Charlee and watched a movie and then went out on the town. We headed to the Base to get a couple things, since that is going to probably be my last visit to the base! Afterwards, we tried to find some Chester's Puffcorn for Claire, but no luck! Bummer. I wanted to share the delights. We went to find some lunch next and ended up in one of the places that James and I used to go to all the time. It is hooked to a hotel, so most locals are not inspired to eat there. James and I used to stay in the hotel, so we knew it was a good place. Claire enjoyed it! Hooray! She loved the clam chowder so much that she ordered some to go. Our waitress actually gave it to us for free because she said that she didn't really give us the customer service that she wanted to because the restaurant was so busy. How sweet is that?!? She didn't have to do that at all, but we thought it was just the nicest!


Connecticut people, try it! You will be surprised!


I love my Claire!

Claire and I were having such a good time hanging out, chatting, and eating, that we almost didn't make it back to her house on time for the game night that we planned! Ha! Thankfully, everyone was running a little late, so we made it just in time to sit for a minute and get ready for friend game night.


Meghan and Bert brought some delicious strawberry shortcake!! It was awesome!


Bert was having the best time of his life! hehe.


Meghan was recovering from smacking Robert in the face by mistake! Ha! I think it was a mistake, but who knows!?! JK.


We had a great time!


This must have been a hard question.


Charlee wanted to play, too!


My oyster was super sweet! I only had a minute to make it!


Friends.


That seems like a yummy idea.

After a fun night of games with friends, Claire and I stayed up WAY too late talking. I guess all the sleeping in prepared us to chit-chat all night. I have no complaints! I always forget just how much I love that girl until we get to hang out some more! I miss my CT friends! I miss my Sailor, too. Why does everyone have to be so far away? On Sunday, May 24, 2009, when Claire and I eventually got up, I got a text from Marissa letting me know that the email on the boat opened and I FINALLY heard from James! I miss that sweet boy and it had been weeks since I heard from him because of whatever mission they were on. Hooray. I love him, it was so nice to hear from him! We ate some lunch at Friendly's and then I, sadly, had to hit the road.


Does Charlee look sad to you?

I had completely the best weekend! It is a bit hard to be without James in CT, but having wonderful friends makes everything seem a little easier. Sometimes just having people around that really understand makes life seem a little brighter. I miss James with every fiber of my being. I love him more every minute and it is hard to understand what it is like to be away from that person that is your world unless you, in fact, have to be away from that person. Thanks for being there! Know that I am always here for you, too!

Today is Monday (May 25, 2009). Do you believe that I am sitting here completely surrounded by boxes! This is really happening. I am really going to be moving, in a few more months, to California!! It suddenly feels real. I am heading to an entire new chapter... possibly an entire new book. I am ready!


My first pile of boxes!!!!

I am ready to get another week closer to homecoming. I am ready to get this show on the road. I wish each of you a wonderful week filled with all things happy!

To my Sweet Sailor, Happy Memorial Day. I know that our current situation is not ideal, but what you are doing is honorable and important. I am so very proud of you and I love you more every time that I think of you (which is a lot). Thank you for being you and doing what you are doing. Be safe, please, and hurry back home to me!

always,
Jamie

Chester's Puffcorn is delicious!! Get some at WalMart!!

So, I am wondering if you might have noticed that it has been a long time since I wrote a blog. As the school year at SU came to a close, I suddenly got tremendously busy and it was all boring things that didn't even warrant blog writing. I finished up my sign language class (I got a 97 on my final, WOO!) and I finished teaching at SU. I am still working at Jowonio, the school year has a few more weeks in it. As far as the last two weeks go, it was mostly work and school and preparing for everyone to get to Syracuse to party!

I am going to just jump into the real action. Let us start with Thursday, May 7, 2009. I was talking with Melissa and getting all geared up for her arrival for graduation. She was driving all the way up from Charlotte for the big celebration!! She asked when I thought Sianneth and Sairy were coming and I told her that they weren't coming because I never heard from them. Much to my surprise, when I got out of work on Friday, May 8, 2009, I had a text from Sianneth saying "I am on my way to watch you walk across the stage" and a voicemail from Melissa saying "Actually, they are coming!" I was totally excited, but still didn't hear from Sianneth and Sairy who were on a layover for HOURS! I finally heard from them later in the evening and they were nearly stuck in Atl. Thankfully, they got a flight out and arrived in Syr around midnight! We were still at dinner, lol. Of course!

Before Sianneth and Sairy's arrival, my parents and my sister came in for the party! The first thing off the plane was a little bit of relaxation at the apartment. We got home to find a box that came in the mail and I opened it up to find the sweetest most precious "love box" of goodies that came from James! He must have ordered it at some point so that I would get it for graduation! The timing was perfect and it was so special to be able to hear from him like that!! I completely burst into tears when I read the note "I am so proud of you and I wish I was there with you. Love, James" He is a gem! He is taken, sorry to all you jealous ladies, lol! :-)




I love him.

After the emotional excitement, we headed to check into the hotel and then headed out to Zebb's for dinner and fun with everyone who wanted to join. We always go to Zebb's, ha, it is the family tradition of choice, and what a delicious tradition it is!




I look awesome in this picture, lol.


Such cuteness.


Friends.

After a late night of dinner and wings, we headed to bed for a busy day on Saturday. We got up in the morning and I found a fun celebration made by Kasey!




Apparently, I can't take a normal picture.

I enjoyed some of those delicious pink starbusrts (my favorite) and then we headed to get nails done before all the celebrating. I love time with the girls.









When we finished with nails we went over to get some new shoes for graduation. Kasey was taking care of some secret business, so she headed her own way. We got over to Aunt Christa's place to get ready to head to graduation and started the photo shoot process.


My sister looks incredible! I am totally loving that dress!

We had a mega surprise that was my little brother (Kasey's secret business)!! HE CAME! It was a huge surprise. I even complained all week that he wasn't coming... what a surprise!?! It made the weekend! Kasey knew all along, she thought it was hilarious every time I did that complaining that he wasn't coming. I am lame! We headed down to graduation and, I have some great news, James came along...


Fondly known as "James Pillow".

I have the best friends ever because James Pillow made it to the entire graduation! It was so perfect! Every time that I looked into the crowd I spotted them right off the bat! They were holding him up in the air and waving him around! It was so great and hilarious. Afterwards, the fam said that everyone was asking what the deal was and they were telling people about James and where he is and everything. Kasey had him sitting in his own seat and people would walk by and take a second look, HA! I made it through the whole ceremony and graduated! Woohoo!




It's me!


I have the best family on the planet!!


It turns out that I have the best friends, too! They came all the way from Charlotte!!! I love these girls to pieces!!


Roommate of the year! She is the best.


James got a few good shots in :-)


One more for the road.

After graduation, we went to Aunt Christa's house for the graduation party and had a total blast. I didn't take many pictures! What is that about? But we had a great time. Aunt Christa got tons of food and drinks and loads of people came, even from work. We laughed and partied the night away. It was great. We learned about the zillion rules that would be in place in order to get into the graduation on Sunday with the VP, so we decided that we would just watch it on television instead. Sleeping in a little bit was a nice nice thing!

Sunday, May 10, 2009, was Mother's Day! It was a perfect day, too. It was so nice to have my mom here (with all three of her kids) and to be able to celebrate her with all the rest of the celebrations that were going on. We had a nice lunch at Zebb's (yes, again) and then we had to bring my brother to the airport. We spent most of the day dawdling around and eating (what else?!?). Before heading out, I started my mission of getting my bridesmaids. There will be six total and I started with Jolyn, Melissa, and Kasey. I was able to ask them on Sunday morning after I told them how incredible they are and how they each have changed my life and made me a better person! I love them! It was nice to start asking people. There will be more to come on that front :-)


She deserves the sun and the moon!


The children in the group.


We are a darn good-looking crew!


More bars in more places... hehe


Gotta love my little brother! I am SO glad he made it!


My early line-up of bridesmaids! Perfect!

Monday, May 11, 2009, was wedding dress shopping day! I have been waiting for months to get into this beautiful Impressions Bridal dress and I finally got to with a group of great friends! It was so much fun trying on ALL the dresses and hearing what everyone thought. It was hard to figure out what I really thought, but I for sure narrowed down the field and I think that I totally found THE dress (I tried them on again with just my mom and knew) and I am so STOKED!!


Mom and Me.


Two bridesmaids and two fashion consultants!


You will have to wait to see wedding dresses (until the wedding), but these are the running mates for the bridesmaids dress. I am leaning left. I am in love with the pockets!

We had a blast (at least I did) and then went for one more meal out before the rest of everyone had to return home.


Sadly, after this picture, my camera died... I wonder why?!

On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, Mom went to work with me. We had so much fun. She got to meet all the kids and play. Dad came by at the end of the day to meet the kids, too. The Dragonfly kids loved both Mom and Dad (The little girls adored Mom!)! Jolyn, Dad, Sianneth, and Sairy all had to head home on Tuesday afternoon. It was so fun to have everyone here and I was sad to see them go. It was sad enough when Melissa and John Paul had to go on Sunday, but then everyone else. I miss having everyone so close! I have a crew here that have made that transion better though. It will be hard to say goodbye after everything that Aunt Christa and Uncle Jim have done for me!

Wednesday, May 17, 2009, was a normal day. I went to work and then had a silly meeting when I could have been hanging out with Mom. After I got out of there, I met up with Mom to go to my big work fundraiser. We had a great time. We tried to win some prizes, but we came up empty. Thankfully, the food was amazing!


They sponsored the event.


Big girl clothes. I heart Mom.


Work friends. They are silly.


I love them.

Thursday, May 14, 2009, we headed out to get new shoes for the Race for the Cure on Saturday. I raised enough money and surpassed my goal!! I have to give a shout out thank you to my AWESOME friends that helped with the cause, including: Claire, Shannon, Katie Rae, Dr. Clark, My Boston Mom, Amanda, Dad, Valerie, Taryn, and Debbie! You guys are truly amazing and I can't thank you enough for your support in this cause (more mush to come in the blog about the race)!


The perfect shirts for shopping!!

For now, I think that is going to end this long long blog! I am sorry that it took so long for me to write. I am sure that no one was on terrible pins and needles, but it is nice to keep people on the in about everything. I am very excited and proud that I finally have my Master's (short of one more meeting) and I am more blessed than anyone to have the family and friends that I do have. This weekend had a few moments of weakness. I miss James so terribly much and I know that he would have had a blast through this whole thing and he would have loved to be here. The weekend of events was truly perfect short of him not being here, so it made it harder. On Sunday night, my Dad and I got into a little chat about how much they love him, too, and I hit my breaking point for a few minutes there. He is truly the man of my dreams and I am ready to celebrate with him!

Thank you to everyone who made it possible for me to get this far... and that is a lot of people! I am certain that if you are reading this you are probably one of those people! I wish everyone the most magical weekend and I look forward to reporting on Kasey's birthday and the Race for the Cure!

Be so safe, Sweet Sailor and hurry home to me!

always,
Jamie