Welcome to the Neighborhood

So, it was my first day at my apartment.  I didn't even have my stuff delivered yet, but I had gone to the store to get some things.  I parked on the street (although I do have a garage and parking spot, but it was easier to unload my car and carry all my goods in).  I was in my apartment for no more than two hours, and when I went to get in my car I had this letter on my windshield. 

 And to clarify, I was parked on the other side of the street (yes, in front of Mike's house)...but also in front of my apartment - where curb side/street parking is allowed.  When I returned home, I observed (who I assume to be Mike's wife based on now living in the neighborhood for a week) a lady park and go into Mike's house with three kids - right in the spot where I was parked.  So it wasn't about anything other than him and his family being lazy and rude.

I can't wait until I have Montana license plates so I can tell Mike that I pay taxes which pay for this city street - and that he's breaking the law by parking two of his five vehicles in front of the sidewalk entry/ramp to the street.  I may not actually say that, but I will not have a problem speaking with Mike when I do see him.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Elizabeth...

On a positive note, EVERYONE ELSE I've met or interacted with here has been very nice and friendly.  This poorly written, rude, and disrespectful windshield note is more humorous to me than anything else.  I thought everyone else would get a good kick out of my "welcome to your new home" letter too : )

Halfway there

My travels have continued to take me far (but not really as far as you'd expect with the amount of time its been...) but far enough to see a lot of fun things and really important people - some that I haven't seen in over 4 years WHICH IS WAY TOO LONG!!!!

 I made it home in time for the branding!!  I had to miss last year so it was a highlight of my travels to be back for the big day!  Dad and I went for a ride in the bucket of a tractor to get a nice aerial view of it all.  It was awesome...even with they forgot us up there for a little longer than expected : )

 Lots of drive time makes a girl go super stir crazy.  Lots of music - but now that I was back in home country - there was also a lot of wind, which made driving with the windows down a little difficult.  Don't worry, I made it happen - with plenty of random detours along the way!

 Mom and I made a turn and burn trip to Montana to check out my housing situation.  The land is beautiful.  I think calling this home will be pretty easy.  The plains, the mountains, the ranches...beautiful.

 Back to my parents for some family and friend time before I actually move and start working.  There is never a bad time or place for a creative photo op - even though mom doesn't always seem too eager to take a picture, she enjoys looking at em and laughing about it later.  I appreciate her efforts and putting up with my craziness.  Sometimes my arms just aren't long enough to document my travels myself...sad face

 Well...May and we had a blizzard.  A BLIZZARD.  Do you hear me...I left the SOUTHeast to come home for a MAY BLIZZARD.  AAAAHHHH.  It was beautiful and peaceful.  And a good reason to stay put with my parents and just enjoy each other's company.

 And...what is better than testing out a paddle board than during a SPRING blizzard on a huge lake.  My toes were really cold and I was a little worried about falling in...but I didn't.  My paddle board worked great and I can't wait to take it out for a longer cruise.

I got plenty of shoveling practice for my move back to the midwest - no matter how many times I thought I dodged it by living in the South for a couple years, nearly every time I came back home I had some snow just for me...

 My parents do this a lot, so they had it pretty well handled - but they said they were happy for my help.  We got about 18 inches in a day and a half...whew, crazy!  Thankfully it's May, so once we cleared the drive - we knew the rest of it wouldn't last long.

Most of you may think this is a joke...but now you'll understand where I get some of my incredible height from ;)  Mom and I had a lovely visit with grandma.  I don't get to see her enough so it was great to see her and we posed for a pic out in the beautiful sunshine as the snow melts away behind us.






Move travels to come...I'll try to continue to be better at updating.  Love you all!

Mid-Life Transitions

As I approach what I feel to be a pending mid-life crisis - I'm also facing some major life transitioning - so what better way to do it than self documented selfies of my travels???  Here are some for the first half of my travels...

Peace Out 307 BSB - I'm signing out and driving away!  I can't say no more UA's, no more MRT, no more EO trainings...because I'm sure I'll still have all of those ridiculous things at my final destination - but at least not for a few months - so celebrate freedom WOOT WOOT

 Made it to Florida - it's a whole new world down there.  I don't think I've drive down there ever again - but I'm glad I did.  Booms came to see me and explore the mountains last year, so it was my turn to drive south to explore the beach and Florida art/street fairs.  BEAUTIFUL weather, but they did try to advertise "Farm Fresh Corn on the Cob."  Even Booms knows that "knee high by the fourth of July" means there isn't corn ready by early April...Frozen corn is not Farm Fresh - come on Florida!

 On to Alabama - hung out with family and a few friends.  Alabama surprised me with green beauty of trees and landscape...but everything else was about as I expected.  Call me rude, but those southern accents still make me giggle like a little school girl too!

TENNESSEE and the Great Smoky Mountains take my breath every time.  Mom and I tried to explore on my move to the East, but crazy thick fog set in and we couldn't see much.  This time, I bet my dear friend, Ben.  There was fog but not as dense.  However, as we were hiking on the Appalachian Trail - we got caught in a crazy hard rain.  Oh well, cut it short and went into Knoxville - turns out, it's a cool town - and another street/art fair to check out.  If you find yourself in Knoxville: try Tomato Head, great local restaurant!  I had a local brew: Tiny Bomb (purely for the fun name and associating it with my size) that was yummy and their vegetarian quesadilla (sp?) was unique but amazing!

 Too much driving...so OVER it...but so far yet to go...

 DETOUR: John Wayne's Birthplace, how could I not?  Both of my grandfather's would be proud of this...even though those signs were deceiving.  Turns out it was 60+ miles out of the way.  Heck, after 3000 miles, does 60 really even matter??  Probably not...

This is the horizon of the Midwest I've been craving to see or longing after.  Aaaahhhh, breath in the clean air and smell the freshly plowed fields.

Favorite place on Earth: BADLANDS.  No picture can ever do it justice, but it's the best you can get without actually standing there and taking it all in...






And: On the road again....pray for safe travels and mitigation of any stage in life crisis :)

A year later...

Time sure flies when you're having...fun...?

The past year has been full of a lot of everything - and yes, fun was included in that - along with stress and work and busyness.  It's hard to believe that I've been in NC for a year and a half - and now I'm just days away from moving once again.  Hopefully it'll be my last move in quite a while.  I've done a lot of traveling while here - trying to make the most of being on the East Coast.  I don't plan to ever move back here, so I want to enjoy it while I can.  It's included going to the mountains and the beach...

Most importantly, Crabtree is a big thing around here - haven't really figured out why but I had to go see as much as I could before I don't leave here anymore.  I've had some great adventures with great friends and here are the findings:

We have a whole lake and a trail system!!!

Crabtree Valley Mall - the traffic was terrible and mom snagged a pic while at the red light

A whole separate trail system that follows Crabtree Creek!

Crabtree Falls - beautiful!

Adios, North Carolina - thanks for the good pics, the good friends and the good experiences!

Catch Up

It has been a whirlwind the last couple months filled with training, hectic/busy/stressful work, surgery and swimming.  I'm happy to report that all is going well now, thankfully, and here is a quick re-cap of some highlights:

My development has lots of little ponds that has attracted many waterfowl - many geese and ducks have called it home to raise their little ones.  It has been so fun watching them grow!  One day I took my fancy camera to get some close -ups, others I just snapped with my phone from the car.

A few weeks ago I had a tonsillectomy - which the medical world says is a pretty serious/significant surgery for anyone over 18 and the recovery worsens the older you get.  I often forget that I'm nearly 30 - age doesn't really matter to me and I still have clothes from over 10 years ago...so if my clothes hold up that well, why wouldn't my body.  Well, praise the Lord, my surgery went well but, EESH, the recovery was BRUTAL.  I can't begin to describe the pain.  I HAD great plans to take my medication, be drugged and happy and lay out by the pool...that DID NOT happen!  I took my meds, but they only brushed the pain, leaving me in no shape to go lay out in the sun comfortable.  I do not know what I would have done without my mom.  She graciously flew down here to take care of her little girl - and that she did.  Poor thing, wasted her Mother's Day caring for me, when it should have been the other way around.  I did surprise her with a delivery though - and much to my surprise, she had never even gotten Edible Arrangements before - so it was a fun experience for her.  She felt bad because mom wanted to share, but eating anything other than jello and Mr. Freezie's was not anywhere on my list of things to do.  As the days passed and it was time to bring mother dearest to the airport, I was starting to feel better, so we took a relaxing lap around the paddle boat pond, so she did get to do something fun here in NC...just not near as much what I'd like to show her of the area, but something nonetheless.

Three weeks after surgery, I am all recovered and feeling great.  Tonsil-less, those are no longer a bother, and now I just need to work on getting my endurance back up to where I had it.  I did finish my swimming challenge Thursday - went and swam laps today and they gave me this.  Been there, done that, got the shirt!

Coolest Nephews Ever!

Sweet, little N, can you see him?  He's hiding...
and maybe telling us what he thinks about
this whole Camo thing...

So I guess this is my big reveal of my 2nd nephew.  I have yet to meet him - but I'm already obsessed.  Grandpa (my father) has loved corrupting them with L's LOVE for camo...it's "papa's shirt." : )  I also love spoiling them, and the newest thing was these adorable babiator sunglasses - how could I NOT get them for the boys???  L is a very active 2 year old and doesn't sit still for very long, so I give my mom props for catching these quick pics before he was gone and onto the next thing:

Proud Grandpa and L is so excited he can barely

control himself!

He thinks he's pretty stinking awesome.
And he's right.

Pretty much the coolest (less than) 3 month
old I've ever seen.

A Little Lost

Nothing else seems to fully ignite the spark of loneliness like the death of a loved one.  Yes, there are scattered moments throughout one's week, month or year where loneliness may present; you know, those times where "it'd just be nice" to have someone to share an experience or to just BE with.  Those moments to me, thankfully, are typically rare and fleeting.  but then life happens.  Every moment we live we are one moment closer to death.  that may sound morbid, but it's true and we all know it.  And as depressing as it may be, I've accepted that with an open mind, heart and outstretched arms ----- for myself.  I am ready for the day my time in this world is up; where I can re-unite with my Savior, Redeemer and Father.  I am excited for the moment to come, when I will spend eternity with Jesus Christ and I can forever show Him my appreciation for being my sacrifice.
So why is it that I'm so torn and so NOT excited for my loved ones.  When really challenged, the faithful spirit inside of me is - but even then it's battling with my physical being that is sorrow stricken with loss, grief, doubt and abandonment.  I can be in a room with one person, or with multitudes of people and feel completely alone.  While I care and love the people I'm with - especially the brothers and sisters in Christ that I have been blessed with, my heart aches.  These people will never KNOW me how THEY knew me.  They can never LOVE me how THEY loved me.  Every person in our lives knows, loves, supports, understands and accepts us in THEIR unique way and because of that I'm left haunted with a depth of loneliness that aches to my core.
I am so very lucky to have experienced the love, embrace, friendship and pride of people gone before me.  I am eternally grateful for that.  What hurts is THAT love, embrace, friendship and pride will never be experienced again.  It's a memory that no one can replace.
I can take a sigh of relief knowing that these loved ones will no longer experience pain, sadness, cold, or sickness.  I hope and pray that I really will be united with them again in Heaven. I want them to see the love I still have for them and the passion that burns in my soul.  I want to make them proud of the person I am, and am yet to become.  I yearn for the knowledge and validation that I am who they prayed I would become as a young woman.
Relationships are a tough thing.  Always, no matter the way, they always end prematurely. We're never ready for it and we're always left with a void that is irreplaceable.
I know that God is with me and because of that I'm never alone.  That does give me peace - - but it doesn't mean that I don't long for one more talk, hug, or "I love you" from a loved one passed on.
I am so grateful for the time I had with my maternal grandparents, my paternal grandfather, my uncle and many dear friends.  I look back and appreciate the individual closeness I was able to share with each.  I just wish I could accept, understand and move on from the giant hole that each one leaves.  I do rejoice for the ones who had accepted the Lord.  Yet, I also worry and pray for those whom I'm uncertain of.  Only God knows.  He also knows the pain I'm feeling.  We aren't promised days without pain, hurt or tears.  We are promised a salvation from that.  So, I'm not mad at God.  I just wait for the day that these earthly holes can be filled.  We aren't meant to be alone.  Losing someone can scare us from getting close to others.  It does for me.  But I find joy that even with holes in my heart and ongoing love for others - there is always room for more of both.  I am able to fully recognize the eternal blessing I've been given of family, friends and mentors with those I've had, those I still have and those that are yet to come.

Hello, my friends!

Man, it has been WAY too long and I can't believe how much I've neglected you.  You deserved better.  we've spent many hours and miles together in the past - so it's about time we reconnect...

I don't know if I've actually even been rollerblading since before my deployment.  When I lived in Olivia Farms back in Kansas I know I did at least a few times - but that's been well over a year ago - how sad!  Back in Lennox, I couldn't even guess how many miles I've put on these wheels - the best investment I ever made.  Thank you, once again, Scheels!  They hold up well and get my butt in gear (literally).  It was so sunny and nice today and I couldn't stand not being out and about.  However, my shins have been in a lot of pain, so I didn't want to put more strain on them by running.  I had no idea how rollerblading would feel on them, and there was only one way to find out!

It was amazing!  1) I didn't fall 2) Perfect way to explore the development and neighborhoods while working out and 3) A good downhill coast will build up just enough wind to cool you off

There are a lot of roads and streets I haven't been on in my development so I thought this would be a good way to investigate.  Of course all the dead ends that I discovered were also at the bottom of a hill...which meant a strenuous uphill roll - but hey, I wanted a workout too...so I guess it was just what I asked for (just not at the moment).  Also, they didn't hurt my shins while out rolling around.  I feel the pain now - but I did before rollerblading, so this may be my #1 way to keep up my lower body fitness, especially while running isn't an option.  It's always good to reconnect, particularly with a healthy past.  Here's to being healthy in the sun - cheers!

Eenie Meenie Minie Mo

You know it's a good day when the toughest decision of the day is what suit to wear.  And no, I don't mean a dress suit.  Thank goodness I don't have to wear that...my camo is just fine.  Yes, I mean swim suit.  I used to live in these and putting them on almost feels like a second skin.  I just love the smell of the chlorine that the fabric holds - it takes me back.
One of the biggest perks I've found here at Ft. Bragg is the pool hours.  It was nearly impossible to get to the pool even semi-regularly when I was at Ft. Riley.  The hours here are much more manageable - including weekends and holidays, it's amazing! 
Before leaving for Ft. Polk, I officially became a certified lifeguard (AGAIN).  I'm not really sure why, but I always regretted letting my certification lapse, so I took advantage of the opportunity.  Now I should get out of the Army and go be a full-time, lifer lifeguard on the beaches of San Diego.  Oh man, tan and sun-bleach blonde year round... : )
Since returning from JRTC, I've been working out a schedule of when I can regularly get my swim on.  Something that's helping spark the motivation (to drive to post on weekends - ugh, or to get up at 0430 - double ugh) is there is a fun swim challenge post is putting on.  You have to swim the distance of the North Carolina section of the Appalachian Trail by June 2nd.  That's 3,438 laps, or 95.5 miles!  That's right, I'm putting it on here so I'm declaring to the world that I'm doing it.  The challenge started in January and then I couldn't get to post with the recent snow "storms" so I'm a little behind the curve, however, with the amount of laps I got in since getting home, I need to do 30 laps a day (just under a mile) to complete it by the June deadline.  Part of me is worried about it, but if I swim a minimum of a mile at a time, I'll have some laps to spare for when I'm not able to make it to the pool.
Even when I'm so tired and don't want to go, it's been great.  One of the awesome bonuses of the pool here is right in the hallway by the door is a sauna.  I haven't really indulged myself in the use of saunas before - but man oh man it's glorious.  Here are the benefits I've found to use the sauna after swimming:
1. Because I'm already wet from swimming, no one can see how sweaty I got when I walk back to the locker room
2. It allows some time for my goggle rings/bruises to somewhat disappear
3. It's a faux nap.  I love the heat and warmth.  It's a great way to catch my breath, rest and relax.  I could fall asleep in there (although I won't) but I like to think of it as a nap before going to work in the morning or having to take on the half hour drive back home.
4. And it's always nice to talk to a nice looking man that may be getting his sweat on too ; )

Well, I have this challenge to complete so that's motivating, but I'm also announcing it the world - so now I HAVE to be held accountable!  I already swam today, but I'm gonna pack soon for tomorrow morning.  Gotta get my swim on!

Travels

One of the places I made sure we traveled through on my way to Ft. Bragg was the Smoky Mountains.  It was the perfect time of the year with beautiful fall colors, if I had come through one more week, it wouldn't have been near the same - still be beautiful, but different.  Thankfully, two hours from here I can start to get into the mountains and I definitely plan to check them out in my time here.  With all the snow (while I'm sure it would have been pretty) I decided to stick close to home this weekend.  Originally, I wanted to explore and go hiking, but the snow, ice and rain made everything a wet and mushy mess.  I'll wait a couple more weeks when things have dried out and maybe there'll be some green buds on the trees.  I was blessed and honored to have my mother make the drive with me.  We had a lot of fun and laughs.  The only downside was we just missed seeing some real live bears in the mountains.  Two things I need to see while I'm a North Carolinan (?) is an alligator and a bear, both in their natural habitat :) I'll keep trying...
The pictures don't do the sights justice, but it's the best I can do.

Every view was so stunning and beautiful.  It's crazy that God is so stinking talented and creative.  No man could ever come up with all this.  It was a great opportunity to test out my fancy camera with some nature shots.

I never stop trying to move mountains, thanks mom and dad for telling me I can do anything I put my mind to : )

Pretending to be "REAL" Army

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I was away at training for the month of January.  For the most part...the training was pretty miserable.  They tried to make it as "real" as an actual deployment as possible, but on acid...we had a lot of mass casualty (notional) situations and every night (at 11, 2 and 4) we had the joy of  having incoming (notional) - but because it was training, we had to go report of accountability each time.  1. We were in Louisiana (never had that on my bucket list) 2. It SNOWED in Louisiana 3. We got little sleep because of the "notional" exercises and incoming and 4. I have never heard NOTIONAL used so much in my life and I'd be content if I never heard it again!  However, once the training ended, we were able to leave the mock deployment setting and explore some parts of Ft. Polk - which led us to a delicious "gut truck" that made and sold classic, southern BBQ - OH MAN - after a month of field chow and MRE's...it was glorious.  It would have been good anyway, but mm mm good! 
I am still getting settled here in North Carolina and hadn't really met anyone in my unit, so as much as JRTC sucked, it was a nice opportunity to meet my unit and other key leaders I'll be working with frequently.  Sadly, I did stay kind of busy on the behavioral health front - not a lot of patients, but a few patients that were pretty intense.  I'm glad I was there to help, but it's never great to have to do my job either - at least with these situations and circumstances.  Also, being a medical provider, I frequently claim that I'm not "real" Army, and I stand by that.  But at least now I can say that I've been to a legit field exercise.  It's nice to be able to see the real soldiers doing what they do and getting to finally train and practice in their actual job.

Being such a newbie - this was the first time I've ever used NVG's' (night vision goggles).  First, I had to be taught how to use them...good thing I have no shame and freely ask for help : )
The right is a picture a friend took of me through her NVG's and above is a picture of a fraction of the 1,000+ parachutes/paratroopers that jumped into JRTC.  It was a pretty awesome sight...for the first pass...then we waited for another 2 hours...

Me on a "convoy" to another base/FOB

SNOW in LA...the locals kept telling us it was the first time in about 10 years. 
SO HAPPY we could be part of it...NOT

Really, Soldiers, Really?  You honestly need directions on how to brush your teeth...which include putting your toothbrush away?  Man...no wonder I have patients ;)

First time flying in a Chinook, which was pretty awesome!

Because of additional snow and ice, the day long bus ride home actually turned into a 3+ day bus ride back to Ft. Bragg.  We found a haven in a Naval Air Station in Mississippi.  You'd never guess that this dining facility would be for Seamen and Marines with all these soldiers in there.

Then, after we found out that we'd be staying the night at the Naval station because of the continued terrible road conditions and weather, we were put into some office building, given cots and told to find a spot.  We had about 14 people/cots in this small office.  It smelled funkier than funky with all those bodies and stinky boots - thank goodness for Monkey Butt and baby powder!  Lots of laughs and snoring though!

On the (official) last stretch of our bus ride, but still about 8 hours to go, we had to make our own fun, including floating heads and gummi bears and music and books.  I never thought I'd be so happy to be at Ft. Bragg!