Happy Anniversary!

 My parents have been married for 33 years today.

Thanks Mom and Dad for showing me what a healthy, happy relationship can be. I can't wait to be with you through the next 33 years :)

Love you!

100 Day Challenge - Day 86

Day 86 - A picture of someone who helps you with school.

 Past tense. Since I'm not in school anymore.

100 Day Challenge - Day 68

Day 68 - A picture of you outside.

 Outside after Navy beat Notre Dame.

100 Day Challenge - Day 62

Day 62 - A picture of you on a ride.

 Tower of Terror. Summer 2003. 

Yes, my mother is screaming a curse word.

100 Day Challenge - Day 57

Day 57 - A picture of you in your backyard.

 This is technically the front yard. But good enough...

100 Day Challenge - Day 55

Day 55 - A picture of you with a date.

 With my dad @ an awards banquet :)

100 Day Challenge - Day 28

Day 28 - A picture of your favorite place in the world.

 There's no place like home.

100 Day Challenge - Day 25

Day 25 - A picture of you from last year.

 Dad and I @ a National's Game. Summer '10.

100 Day Challenge - Day 4

Day 04 - A picture of yourself and a family member.

My favorites :)

Thankful Thursday: Happy Veteran's Day

I'm grateful for and proud of the two most important men in my life.

My Dad

My Boyfriend

Thanks to my Dad and Kenny, and all the other men and women who serve or served their country so bravely and selflessly.

We dress up nice...

My dad asked me to be his date to the Lone Sailor Awards Banquet. It's sponsored by the Navy Memorial and the award was given to 3 people: Eddie LeBaron, Lanier Phillips and Bill Cosby (yes THE Bill Cosby). Lanier Phillips was the first black sonar technician in the Navy, he also walked with Dr. Martin Luther King in the rally. Eddie LeBaron was a Marine who won the purple heart and then went on to play with the Redskins and then the Cowboys. And of course, we all know who Bill Cosby is. I'm not going to lie, I had NO idea that Bill Cosby was in the Navy. But he was a physical therapist for 4 years before he retired.


The food was excellent (not really the case @ most banquets), and the program went pretty well as far as being on time. The speeches of the other 2 guys were okay - especially for being as old as they were - but Cosby's was by far the best. He lived up to his reputation and his entire speech was like a comedy routine.

Bill Cosby, making his speech

The event just reiterated to me that I'm SO proud and thankful for everything that everyone who serves or served in the military has done for my country. And it makes me extra proud when I can experience these things with my dad, who's accomplishments have made me proud all my life.

My dad and Me

Happy Dad's Day!!

In honor of my dad's birthday (June 12) and Father's Day (June 20), I'm going to do a Top 10 post on my dad.

Top 10 Reasons I Love My Dad!

10. He's given me the confidence to be an independent thinker. Whenever I would get fired up about a subject, he'd play the devil's advocate with "well WHY do you think they think that way?" and "What reasons do they have for their actions?" I've been able to step back from situations and see both sides.

9. He's passed on his love of sports. He's OBSESSED with sports. I'm his only child, the fact that I was a girl wasn't going to stop him from teaching me all things sports. I appreciate the fact that I at least understand all games and can sit down and watch about anything.

8. He never stops trying to embarrass me. Ever since I hit pre-pubescence my dad has been trying to come up with ways to embarrass me. Throwing tampons in the middle of a crowded parking lots (filled with cute boys, no less!), singing loudly and dancing in front of all my friends...he always tries. But he only embarrasses himself, and makes me laugh in the process :)

7. He takes really good care of my Mom. What's that song? What Lola wants, Lola gets...replace that with Wendy. He's shown me that treating a woman right makes you more of a man...

6. He tries to act tough, but his bark is bigger than his bite . Lots of people say they're intimated by him, but just watch him around babies. He turns into mush.

5. He gives good advice. I might not have taken it in the past, but he's usually right. (Don't tell him I said that)

4. He spoils me. I'm not a spoiled brat. But he'll help me out with things, buy me things, make me amaretto sours when he knows I've had a rough day...

3. His insistence that I become an independent person/adult. Sometimes I would look @ him doing things as him being mean, but looking back on it, it's made me the person I am today. I can figure out how to build things/take things apart/move things/cook things without anyone's help.(even though I like to be re-assured and supported!)

2. He makes me laugh, whether unintentionally or intentionally. Whenever I'm sad, I can turn to my dad for a good pick-me-up.

1. He loves me, no matter what. No matter how many times I've screwed up, he's been there to support me.

Happy Birthday and Father's Day to my Daddy!! Love you :)

Thankful Thursday: Anniversary Edition

First date? Fall 1969

Married? June 10, 1978

My parents.

Example of love, compassion and patience.

Love you guys! Happy 32 year anniversary!

Thankful Thursday: Memorial Day Edition

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching. Not only is it the signal of the beginning of summer, it's a time to remember those who have served their country as well as those who have died for their country. I come from a military family, where I've seen first hand the sacrifice of those who protect us and our freedom. I just wanted to take some time to reflect and remember those who are braver than myself. Thanks to everyone who serves our country!!

A big thanks to my dad who was in the Navy for 26 years. He served in Desert Storm as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom. He spent 6 months out of the year for the first 8 years of my life on deployment. I know he's won lots of medals (I've seen them on his uniform), couldn't tell you what they're for...but big things I bet. Thanks daddy for taking the time away from your family and friends to make this world a better place! :)

Another big thanks to my boyfriend, Kenny. He's been in the Navy since summer 2006, if you include him being in OCS in the equation. He was just recently on deployment from May 2009 to December 2009. He's doing very well and I'm very proud of him.

The biggest thanks goes to my 2 favorite Navy men. Thanks for everything guys!