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