I know you’re shocked, but I’ve dubbed the road to year five The Year of More Changes.

I can’t imagine why.

This year was so different than I ever would have imagined. I never thought we would have been back in America. I honestly thought we’d be in Kuwait for a couple more years. Ha- and here we are, almost in America for a whole year!

This year was such a whirlwind, full of many changes.

From resigning, to two weeks later being back in America, and two weeks after that finding our house- to almost losing it to other buyers- to getting it again and then finally moving out of the in-law’s house and into our own place- and an awesome 20 day cruise somewhere in the fray!

It was full of learning a new job, housing guests, and getting used to the American life. Oh- and buying two pups which have quickly turned into horses.

And who could forget expensive gas, no maid, and taxes!?

It’s been quite a year of changes, and yet again we’ve adjusted and plowed through- although this year was sort of a tough one. I guess life can’t always be easy, right? If only!

This year has been full of lots of things, both good and bad. I miss my family a lot. This has been the first time in my life in which I’ve lived away from them. I also miss living in a foreign country. I really enjoyed living overseas. However, I must say life in the slow lane definitely has its perks. I forgot how many things I missed.

It’s been full of adjustments and getting used to different things, and it has continued to grow us. This is our life, and this is the life we have made for ourselves- together as a team. We have become a team- albiet a team that doesn’t get along very well when needing to do home improvement projects- but nonetheless a team. It’s almost like I can’t remember my life before Will. It’s always just been us, and I’m thankful for just “us.”

I have no idea what the road to year six will be dubbed. I hope it’s the year of Winning Five Million Dollars, or the year of Inventing Something and Retiring or even another year of Fun.

I have no idea what this year will bring our way- but I’m thankful to God for the things He’s brought us through thus far. I look forward to the road to year six with Will, and I hope you stick around to share the trip with me.

Tonight will consist of making dinner and hanging out on the couch together at home- so thrilling I know. The secret truth is that we’re major home bodies and I’m very excited about our “big” Friday night anniversary plans. Tomorrow we’re going to Zios for a late lunch (um yum!!) and then we’re going to hear Dave Ramsey (google him) speak! I’m excited about our date night. Like I said- we’re not very exciting, even when it’s our fifth anniversary.

Happy Five Year Anniversary, Will. It’s been a really interesting run full of lots of twists, and I’m so glad we’re in it together.

<3

I have to double up on today since I was a slacker on Monday and didn’t start the week out right.

The road to year three was sprinkled with adjustments, but by that point we were pretty much pros at handling the scorching Kuwait heat, the annoyances of the job, and any new changes that came our way.

I like to call our road to Year Three The Year of Honesty because I think it was at this point that Will and I got really close and began to really grow into each other and our life. The dust had finally settled long enough for us to get used to something and adjusting to life the way it was. I feel like being overseas made us really rely on each other. We shared and we confided. It was a year in which we really began to search within ourselves about our future together, our plans in Kuwait, and everything in between.

The road to year 3 we spent a long vacation in America during the fall, going to all the big OU football games. We also made a trip to Miami in 2007 to watch the Colts win a Super Bowl! It was a lot of fun. Oh- and who could forget our trip to Dubai in May of 2006!? That was such a great trip-and I almost forgot!

So I’m going to share something really goofy and personal with you guys-

every year of marriage (except for the first :( ) Will and I have made a short little video capturing what’s going on in our life. Check out our third anniversary video:

I’m such a goof. I like doing this though. It’s not too long- and just captures a glimpse of something I will always want to look back on as we go farther down this journery of marriage.

The road to Year Four I’ve entitled The Year of Not Much. Nothing really too big seemed to happen. We just sort of coasted. We worked, we vacationed (at home again woo hoo!), we tried to enjoy the weekends (when I’d actually get one). Not too much happened. We made a trip to Jordan, which was amazing, and we went home for Christmas.

While we didn’t know it at the time, I think the Lord was preparing us for the road to Year Five. We just didn’t know it. Sort of funny to watch this video knowing what we know now, right!? And yes- we will most definitely be taping from a different “venue” this year. ha ha

Tomorrow’s the big day! 

Without a doubt, the road to our second year of marriage was what I called The Year of Changes. In April of 2005 my mom and sister followed my dad over to Kuwait, and in May of the same year we did the same!

It was a whirlwind of a move (and you can read all about it in my spring/summer 2005 archives!).

We began our stay living with my parents in an apartment. It was tough, but when I look back on it I’m thankful for it.

Will had a job, but I had yet to get one. My sister and I spent that whole summer of 2005 literally locked inside the apartment day after day with nothing to do- but when I look back on it I’m thankful for that too.

We even took our first trip together, spending about a week in Qatar (um- once again, you can read about all that in the archives).

We went back home for Christmas that year and made a pit stop at the Mall of America and even caught a Packers game. It was lots of fun.

Will and I had a lot of adjustments to get used to- a new job, living with my family, eventually a new apartment, selling our condo back home, a new country, new customs- it was all so new!

But we managed- and came out stronger for it.

The road to year two was full of so many transitions and changes, all which I’m so thankful for. It was so fun moving to Kuwait and experiencing everything for the very first time. In fact- I’m starting to miss it just typing about it!

The road to year two was full of lots of fun- but most of all- lots of gigantic changes. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come!

Hi guys!

So it’s been a few days since we’ve last talked. I’m sorry about that.

I’m back and better than ever!

This week is mine and Will’s “anniversary week!”

I’ve never really given Will and I an official “week,” however this Friday (ha ha, yes, Friday the 13th) will mark our fifth year in marriage. While it doesn’t seem like an eternity compared to those married for 25, 30, or 55 years- it still seems like somewhat of a milestone!

With that said, I thought everyday this week (ahem- I’m already one day behind. oops!) I’d post something about each year of our marriage! So- let’s get started.

For some goofy reason I’ve labeled each year of our time together. Year one was what I called: The Year of Fun.

We had such a great time our first year of marriage, it was the best.

Here are just a few things I’d like to share.

Will and I stayed in the Poconos on our Honeymoon- Caesar’s Palace Resort to be exact! It was the greatest honeymoon and we had so much fun.

Our first year of marriage Will somehow managed to save our money and surprise me with our very own beautiful Christmas tree! I got home from class one Friday afternoon and when I opened the door Christmas music was playing and our beautiful tree was all lit up. It was the best surprise.

Our first married Easter Will remembered how when I was little my parents would make this whole big ordeal out of finding our Easter basket- complete with candy trails and everything. He was so so sweet and thoughtful and it was the nicest surprise.

We got OU season tickets that summer and went all the home games sitting in our overy own seats.

Will surprised me and took me to the Quartz Mountain Resort the first summer we were married. It was such a sweet surprise.

I was laid up with my foot surgery for our first anniversary, so that was a bummer (you can read about it in my March 2005 archives if you get bored). We still managed to have fun.

Year one was so great. When I look back on it I’m always full of such joy and love.

The road to year two will be tomorrow. I suppose I’ll double up on one of the days since I slacked off and didn’t post yesterday!

<3

Okay.

This is my blog. Mine. All mine! Iinsert evil laugh right ______<- here.

This is my blog and it's something very important to me. Something that keeps me sane and a place I run to during all times of my life. This blog as been my life's journey and is a giant part of my life.

When I started this thing- way back in 2005 on the nest I had no idea anyone would ever read it- let alone that I would have “blog friends” I talk to on a regular basis, some of which I have met. I had no idea that this “blog” would do so much for me and become part of my identity. No idea at all.

With that said, I feel like I need to share something with you.

I’m beginning to feel like I can’t be myself on here anymore. When I started this blog- 1. I never thought anyone would read it (as previously stated!) and 2. It was not created for people I know to read it.

I know that sounds silly, but it’s very true. The thought of people that I actually know and see and talk to knowing about the time I plugged up my in-law’s toliet or the time I left my lunch in the fridge for half a year or…

well- you guys read my blog- you know the list goes on and on…

that stuff isn’t made for people I know! It’s made for you guys! The people I like!

Ha ha- kidding.

sort of…

Anyway-

now that I’ve moved back I feel incredibly censored by myself.

I feel like I can’t share my heart like I want to and I hate that.

I hope you hate that too.

I think about all the people I think I know that read my blog and it makes me feel all bummed- because

as I said before-

this blog isn’t for them!

Okay wait-

it is.

I guess.

There are several people that I know in real life that I know read my blog (Hi guys! You know who you are...), and I’m so fine with that. It doesn’t bother me at all. I appreciate that we can keep in touch in this medium, and am most appreciative of them outing themselves.

It’s the people I know that read my blog and I don’t know about it that bothers me. The possibilities are endless.

Unfortunately I’m getting to the point in which I’m considering going partially private- and I really, really don’t want to do that. That’s not why I started this blog and it was never my intention to feel as though I need to be careful in what I say. I wanted this blog to be raw and honest and “me” and I want it to stay that way.

However, now that I’m back home I feel like it can’t as easily as before.

Do you guys know how many people from Oklahoma are reading my blog these days? A freaking ton!

Okay- so I officially went from 3 readers to 9- but seriously- it feels like a ton!

I think I was most freaked out when someone searched for something specific about my family on my blog. Perhaps it was innocent, perhaps it was by one of those people I mentioned above- people I know that know me and read my blog, however I can’t help but think it’s those people that think they know me and have somehow found out about my blog. Sadly, there are a lot of people like that in my life. People that knew me before I went to Kuwait and have judged me for my decisions and have said some pretty hurtful things.

Sigh.

If I really wanted to I could take hours upon end to figure out who everyone was but I’m not that dedicated in reverse blog stalking (ha ha- I think I just made up a new term). 

I know this is what I get for having a public blog- the unknown of who’s out there. The inability to control who visits and what they do with the information I write.

I don’t want to feel like I have to tip-toe around what I want to say because of other people- like I said- this is my blog.

So I’m going to try my best not to do so, and that’s my commitment to all (ha ha- all...) nine of you who read my blog. We’ll see what the future has in store, and don’t worry you won’t show up to my site and be completely locked out. If I like you- I’ll tell you first (ha ha).

To my fellow Okie readers (the ones I don’t know in real life)- thanks for stopping by. If you ever see me at Teds or an OU game or at The Dollar Tree (see below post) please say hi! <- and please also don’t be a creepo. Thanks. Also, if you feel inclined to say hi in the comments section, please do! It will probably put my mind to rest a smidge.

Smidge.

What IS a smidge?

...

Anyway-

I have no idea why I shared all of this with you guys (the blog stuff- not the smidge stuff)… I guess it’s been weighing on my mind for a while now.

I suppose that’s all, really. I just needed to vent a little and do some sharing. Thanks for listening.

Now go have a good day!

Alright so my friend Jacqueline- you know, the one that watched me try to buy a pizza with a coupon- has inspired me to do an interview with her! She sent me five questions whic I have to fully answer. Oh- and here’s the fun part:

If you would like me to interview you just leave a comment and I will email you the questions! Here are the directions:

1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Let’s get started. Here’s what Jacqueline asked:

1) I seem to remember you wanting to be a weather girl when we were younger.  When and why did that change?

Yes! Yes I did want to be a weather girl! You have an amazing memory! Besides my family I’m pretty sure you’re the only person that remembers that. I used to LOVE (yes- LOVE) watching the weather channel in grade school and even in part of junior high. I so wanted to be a weather girl. I thought it would be the best.job.ever.

I think that changed for me because we had career day in junior high and a real life meterologist came to our school and answered all my our questions. As it turned out- you need a lot of math and science to be able to read a teleprompter and point to a screen.

Huh.

Anyway- that was sort of when I realized that maybe the life of a weather girl wasn’t meant for me. I was never very strong in science and math- but we’ll get to that better.

2) What did you get your degree in?  Do you ever wish you had gotten a degree in something else?  Why or why not?

I got a BA in Communications with emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in political science.

At the time, I really wanted to use my degree to eventually become a campaign manager, or a press secretary- something where I could definitely utilize both skills.

Like a lot of people, what I’m doing now has nothing to do with my degree. I always wondered how people went to school for one thing and did another for a living, but now I know- it just sort of happens. I wish I could do something in the PR field. I think it would be so much fun and I think I’d be good at it, but at this point I’ve started a whole different career path. I’m not saying I don’t like what I do- because I do, but that’s sort of the background on the degree thing.

As for whether I wish I got my degree in something else- yes and no.

I joke with Will all.the.time that I wish I would have become a doctor or pharmacist or vet or something like that because at this point I would be done with school and making a ton of money. However- the truth is I would have hated every minute of it.

I do think my sister’s degree plan is very interesting too.

3) What was the best thing about living in Kuwait?  The worst thing?  Do you miss living there or just miss living near your family?

The best thing about living in Kuwait is definitely the location and the opportunities it affords you. I know a lot of time I lamented about how much I wanted to be home, but at the same time- I really liked living there. I loved being able to travel because we were close to so many interesting places. There are so so so many things I loved about Kuwait, but you only asked for one.

Oh- but can I please say one more?

please?

The safety. I felt incredibly safe in Kuwait. I could have left my doors unlocked every night and would have not worried. I know you guys might think it’s crazy, but it’s true.

The worst thing?

By FAR the heat.

The heat was the absolute worst thing hands down and no question about it.

There were other negatives, but that’s definitely the worst!

Your last question about whether I really miss living in Kuwait or just being near my family is something I go back and forth on. In fact- it’s a question Will has asked me before!

I really do miss living there. I had a lot of hell (mostly because of my job… actually all because of my job), but a lot of fun too. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it near as much had my family not been there too. In fact- we never would have gone had it not been for them! So- I waiver a lot…

4) What is your favorite thing about Will?  What does he do that really bugs you?

My favorite thing about Will is that he truly is my knight and shining armor. He is my protector and defender.

I’m very passive aggressive and I’m also a nonconfrontational peacemaker. What a bad mix, right!? For that reason a lot of times I let people take over and because I want to be nice and not be confrontational- I let them (and then am annoyed later because of the whole passive aggression in me!)

Anyway- Will has given me a voice. A lot of times he sticks up for me and defends me. He takes care of business (like he makes the “angry” phone calls when something is charged wrong, when our cable is out, etc) a lot of times. However, he has defintiely “made” me start sticking up for myself too. He has given me courage and I really love that about him. It’s been uncomfortable for me- but a really good thing. So- that’s my favorite thing about Will. His ability to take the lead. He takes really good care of me.

Somewhat on the same token- one thing that bugs me about Will is that he’s “always right.” Because he does have such a strong personality and tends to be more hard side love, he thinks that his ideas and viewpoints are the best. When we argue it’s very annoying.

5) What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learned in life thus far?

Wow! This is a really hard one. If you were to ask me this once a month it would probably be different every time depending on what was going on in my life. I mean, there are so many spiritual lessons I’ve learned throughout life. So many hard “life lessons” I’ve learned…

Too many to narrow it down to one.

I’ll simply say one of the best I’ve learned is “Life’s Too Short.”

I tend to be caught up so much in the here and now and I allow silly things to bother me, and Will always reminds me that Life’s Too Short.

He’s right.

It’s the small things in life that matter- playing with my dogs back in America, watching TV with Will right next to me, taking trips others thought we shouldn’t- all of these things make up who I am. There are so many of the things in my life I wouldn’t have done but did because I’ve begun to realize that life is too short and I should live it to the fullest while I’m here. “Our life is but a breath.” I think the Bible says that exact phrase. It truly is but a breath- and so I want to make sure to inhale extra big while I’m here.

So there I go! This was fun, Jacqueline!

If you want to do the same let me know and we’ll play.

Have a good weekend.

Being in Kuwait shielded us from a lot of the political mire back in America. A lot of times it was nice. I can’t tell you how sick I became of the election coverage this past fall. It was nice being removed from the situation and not being inundated by media all the time.

Not only that, but there were many decisions that were made that didn’t really affect us very much since we were overseas.

Being back this year- our first full year back in America- will be quite different. Every decision made truly will have a direct impact on mine and Will’s life. It will influence a lot of our decisions and impact our future plans. It will be different, that’s for sure- but it will also be “normal.” Welcome to reality guys, right?!

Anyhow, what I guess I want to say is-

I spent the last 3 years of my life supporting a force of people I respect and am so thankful for- our American soliders. Regardless on my stance of whether or not we should be in Iraq, my stance will always be firm in the support of our soldiers. While I was a mere 30 minutes from what you may call a “war zone,” I still was not as smothered in the political war zone taking place in my home country- which seems odd. Now it’s back to reality and decisions that affect me at home and not only that- but decisions that affect my “other home.” This will most definitely be a year of change in many facets of life.

Who knows what the future has in store for us, but I pray it is full of good things and blessings we certainly don’t deserve. It will definitely be interesting to watch it all unfold. A new chapter begins in our history today, during a time of worry and stress and fear and the unknown. Some may say we’re living in a scary time, and I partially agree.

The best part of all- and the most important thing to remember,however, is that regardless of the future,

or who is in office,

or what happens tomorrow,

or what happens next week

or where we rest our head tonight,

or where we go to work tomorrow-

God is in control. He knows what is best, he knows the future, and He holds us in His hand.

May God bless our president, our country, and its people.

More to come.

<3

The neighborhood kids love Will.

Love.

Seriously love.

BFF Love.

My husband.

Every time we’re outside and they’re playing they are all over him.

I find in very annoying.

In fact, guess where Will is right now?

Watching the neighborhood kids show off their new scooters and roller blades and rip sticks.

“Can Will come watch us ride our scooters?”

Yeah. My husband is apparently the most popular adult in our whole neighborhood.

I guess now we’ll need to add Capri Suns and Goldfish to our grocery list when planning our get-togethers??

We bought a chair yesterday and I’ve never felt more married.

I mean, I felt incredibly married moving back and buying a house- but something about the mutual decision to commit to a piece of furniture- such as a chair- makes me feel especially conscious of my marriedness.

We bought a desk a couple of weeks ago. We had picked it out while my mom and sister were visiting and just went back to buy it. It should be delivered this week, so last night we decided to commit to buying a chair for the desk.

We went to the furniture store and were swarmed by starving salesmen, licking our shoes and undressing us with their eyes.

By the way-

why don’t they feed these people!? They’re like bloodhounds being let loose in a meat market! I get so annoyed furniture shopping. I’m pretty certain it’s worse than car shopping.

Anyway- sorry for the tangent.

We bought a chair.

I didn’t really want to buy the chair. I instead wanted to buy custom frames for a few tapestries I want to hang, but sometimes things aren’t worth the fight and I figure I ought to “save up” and compromise on things that don’t matter as much. I mean, compromising on the chair confirms I’ll make the final call on the coffee table, table and chairs set, etc.

Who am I kidding?

You and I both know I’ll be making the final call on all that stuff regardless.

Anyway- the chair.

You’d think it’d be easy to assemble a chair.

It wasn’t.

We spent an hour and twenty minutes screwing the chair together, unscrewing the chair. Correcting the placement. Why is it lop-sided? Why do I have extra parts?

Fun times.

Don’t you guys remember when you first got married and the most difficult and frustrating thing was how to get that freaking blouse button ripped open already?

Now it’s all about chairs and desks and houses and crazy salesmen. When in the world did I grow up? When did I decided to take on this house and this “chair” and half a dozen dogs? It’s so strange to me. I guess I still think of myself as, well, myself! Does that make sense? Probably now! I guess I still think of myself as that young college girl without a care and in some ways I am-

and then I find myself obsessively cleaning the sink and freaking out if people are wearing shoes on my carpet and then I realize- yeah, maybe not so much!

I guess 25 has been a strange year thus far. I guess it’s like a mini milestone!

As we FINALLY assembled the chair (already!), I breathed a sigh of relief. Glad I’m aware of the fact that life is a little more about “chairs” these days (whatever chairs may represent...), but also aware of the fact that I still need to hang onto the Brittny I was before the chairs too. She’s a lot more fun (and I think Will likes her more too- she doesn’t care so much about shoes on the floor.

...

I’m lying. Yes she does. I guess there are some things you can’t change).

<3

Although Will and I came home for a part of October in 2006, this is the first fall I’ve experienced since 2004.

2004!

How sad.

When I think about it, I’m pretty sure fall is my favorite season. I love spring, but the pessimist in me is reminded of the heat to come. Being home this fall has made me realize how much I missed the cold, colorful days of fall.

The days of pumpkins on porches and the smell of spice in the air. The days of Christmas decorations being brought out at Target and nights of “brrrr-y” football games all bundled up.

It reminds me of 2002 when I first this random guy with these amazingly striking blue-green eyes.

I’m sure I’ve told you all a time or two how I met this guy, but indulge me as this is my first fall back in the states.

The summer of 2002 I broke up with my boyfriend of 2 1/2 years. “The one.” He was the guy I had secretly been in love with since I was in grade school, only he never ever paid attention to me- until my junior year of high school. Anyway, we were together for quite a while (in “teen years” of course- now I know how short 2 1/2 years really is!) but I felt God telling me to break things off, so I did.

Ha-

so I did.

I say that as if it was so easy. “Brittny- break up Mr. So and So.”

“Okay God! Consider it done!”

I’m afraid it didn’t work out that way, but for the purpose of this post, let’s pretend it did.

So I spent a lot of that summer and fall growing close to God and spending lots of time with my family. It was a really good summer for me, and I’m glad I had it.

The fall of 2002, a friend and I signed up for a PE class (which was mandatory) and decided to take ballroom dancing.

The class made me throw up in my mouth a little because all these cutesy couples were in it- all lovey and happy.

Puke all over your neighbor please.

Anyway-

As you can imagine, there were far more girls in the class than guys- because, let’s face it- what single guy is willingly going to undergo the pain of learning the cha-cha.

Exactly.

Apparently Will.

Okay, not really.

He took it with a girl friend of his. Friend that was a girl- not girlfriend.

Anyway, we had to line up like cattle while the guys would take turns dancing with all the girls. It was like awkward junior high dances all over again. Sweaty weird palms in your hand. Forced conversations. Yeah- a blast.

Then we learned how to swing dance. I met Will on a cold, fall November night swing dancing to “Return to Sender”

A real Lifetime movie sort of encounter (ha ha).

We talked and talked and talked through so many songs that the instructor had to tell Will to go dance with the other girls in line!

After class I didn’t think much of Will, but apparently he thought of me. During our conversation, we realized we had a few mutual friends through church. After class Will called one of them to get the scoop on me! Not only that but the following day he visited one of my friends at work to ask about me.

Class rolled around that following Thursday and once again we had a nice time chatting and dancing (which-for the record- has been the ONLY time my husband has danced with me. I should totally make him feel guilty for that, shouldn’t I?). Afterwards he asked me to go to the Baptist Student Union with him for their Bible Study. I honestly had no desire to go. I had gotten into a wreck that afternoon, had homework, and had no interest in staying out late.

It was the last thing I wanted to do.

4 hours later I got home all giddy with a big crush.

I have no self control.

We spent that evening at the BSU followed by a trip to Sonic where I ordered water.

Water.

WATER! Who the hell orders water at Sonic? At least force a soda down! What a weirdo. He must have liked me. Water. That should have been his first warning sign.

That night was followed by many more cold fall nights talking at “our spot” on campus. Freezing our butts off but huddled together holding hands and sharing our lives with one another. Every time fall rolls around I smile because I’m filled with so many good memories of freezing, Will giving me his coat, and talking for hours on end out in the cold with the leaves crunching under our feet. I always think of coming to a part of campus that was really steep and having to literally jump into his arms, knowing that I wanted him to be the one to catch me for forever.

Being home this year has seeme to bring that young girl out in my again. It reminds me of those feelings of infatuation and freshness. It reminds me of how fast we began to love each other, and it reminds me of all the good memories we have during the fall, and at our little spot. In fact, that’s where Will proposed to me! This fall has reminded me of sitting in Will’s truck before class, not wanting to leave his side. Going to the Nutcracker the weekend it opened- and Will missing an OU game to go with me

(gasp! Yes- mark it down! When Will was courting me he actually missed a couple OU games to take me on special dates. I think he did it so I wouldn’t know how fanatical he was. It worked. He sucked me in. He totally had me fooled.)

I truly love the fall for so many reasons. Just typing about it makes my heart feel so full and eager to enjoy another day. I can’t believe I allowed myself to miss so many of these beautiful days.

I hope you guys enjoy today as well- and while I’m sure my puke-y gag me love story made you bored and annoyed, I ultimately hope it reminds me of your first few months with your loved one! In fact- since I made you throw up all over your brand new fall boots, it’s only fair that you make me do the same! If you feel like it, share you story too.

So there you have it. I heart fall.

Now-

I must close with a few administrative matters.

Firstly, girls- aren’t you so glad we’re friends? I am. I am all the time. Thank you so much for responding to my post for P this past weekend. I’m pretty sure it meant just as much to me as it did her! You girls are great- and I enjoyed your stories. Jacqueline and Lyna, I love you guys- and miss you! Thank you for your kind words. Lyna I’ll have to look for pictures of the kids in their costumes. I bet they’re cute.

Just so you know, P is already adjusted and has made lots and lots of friends. Foreign ones. Did I mention she’s the only American that goes there? Crazy right? Unique I suppose. Why can’t I be that cool!? Sigh…

Also- my old nestie friend Ann gave me a blog award! It made my weekend so great. Who doesn’t like their friends doing nice things for them right? I must say that I’m a big fan of Ann’s blog and you should definitely check her out if you don’t read. She’s got the best stories ever- Ann- you seriously have a story for so many pertinent parts of life. She’s a sailor’s wife and I have lots of respect for her and her family! Now go and read!