I'm a student!.......Again!

I am happy to announce that I have officially enrolled in my first MBA class through Columbia College! In case you are wondering where the heck Columbia College is, it's a small university in Missouri -but they are really great about working with the military and have tons of online classes to help men and women in the armed forces get their degrees. So, anyway, I am super pumped to be going back to school! ( I may even have to make a trip to Office Max for school supplies- I wonder if they still sell Lisa Frank folders?...)
Anyway, one more piece of good news to add to all of this..half of my tuition will be paid by the government. There is currently money being offered for military spouses to go back and get their degrees. So, if you are the spouse of someone currently serving our country in the military I encourage you to check the program out..Here's the website...

https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx
Anyway, that's all I have for now..=)

Happy Driftwood Day!

Today my friend Christi and I decided to attend the 4th annual Driftwood Day here in Oak Harbor. I really had no idea what a "Driftwood Day" was but decided it obviously had something to do with driftwood and that perhaps it was some sort of arts and crafts festival. I was all set to buy everyone Christmas gifts made out of driftwood - you know things like driftwood toothpicks, driftwood calendars etc- However, as we approached Windjammer Park we were surprised to see that it was not in fact, a arts and crafts festival, but actually a contest to see who could build the coolest buildings out of driftwood found on the beach. The entries were pretty neat and I have to give props to everyone who took time out of their day to participate in this event. Anyway, if you are interested in attending next year here's some info I found from a website about the event:

All are invited to the 4th Annual Driftwood Day on September 19th.

No implements or material may be brought with you, only what is found at the beach that day can be used. No kill level, no age level...just have fun! Trophies will be awarded. Bring a lunch, rain or shine...it's Whidbey Island.
http://www.americantowns.com/wa/oakharbor/events/driftwood-day

So , anyway that about sums it up. I think I'm gonna build something next year. I mean, after all according to this website, there are no kill levels. Which is good..my kill levels have always gotten me into trouble.

Happy Driftwood Day everyone!

A Step Back...

So, recently I heard a rumor that two more restaurant chains have closed on the Island- Mitzels and the Quiznos. Needless, to say I feel kind of like Oak Harbor is actually taking steps backward when it comes to civilization. I guess I can't really complain that much mainly because I never frequented these places , but I write this blog on principle. I mean, this town has over 20,000 people in it and we are at least 50 minutes away from the nearest "city". You'd think we could enjoy a few luxuries out here! All I can say is they better be building an IHOP where the Mitzels use to be....

10 Things I Am Grateful For......

Recently, I have noticed how much in life I have taken for granted. I think I spend way too much time complaining and not enough time being thankful for all that I have! So..here's just a few things that I am very thankful for in my life....

1) The Lord- each day He truly amazes me and blesses me. I am so grateful for His grace and love.....

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting!"

2) My sweet husband- what a gift from God...=)

3) New Friends!

4) The Navy...I know, I know this one is probably surprising to many...but despite all my complaining the Navy has given us job security in an economy where many people are losing their jobs and I am VERY thankful for that!

5) Being an American- I know this is probably pretty cliche but I am proud of our country and I do believe that we are a nation of great people..

6) Things that make me laugh....I am so grateful for people, T.V. shows, really anything that makes me chuckle..

7) Pumpkin, our crazy cat. He's actually more dog than cat. He has been a great companion for me especially when Doug's gone. I think the Lord knew we needed him....

8) Adventure- God has given me so many opportunities to travel, see new people, and new places..I am so grateful for all of these experiences!

9) Challenges- God has really pushed both Doug and I in new directions these past couple of years...Though some of these challenges have been painful, I have learned so much and grown a ton! I am thankful that God loves me enough to not let me be comfortable!

10) Life! God has given us life and there is so much to do both here in this world and the next..I look forward to it all =)

Anyway, like I said..these are just a few of the things in my life I have to be thankful for! I am truly very blessed....

2 Years Ago.....

I was getting married to my amazing, sweet, best friend..I feel so blessed and thankful for the past couple of years and look forward to all that the Lord has in store for us in the years to come!

Our Anniversary Weekend...(and Vampires)

This weekend Doug and I got to take a little time out to celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary. We opted to stay overnight near the town of Port Angeles, WA in a cute little bed and breakfast..and it was amazing! The B&B was so cute and it was surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking the ocean...

Here's the front of the B&B...

The gardens in the back of the B&B..you can't really see it in this picture but either side of this lawn was filled with tons of flowers and straight back is a cliff that overlooks the Sound...so Cool!

Doug and I also got to spend some time in the town of Port Angeles..Now for all of you "Twilight" fans out there you may recognize this town as the setting for some of the books......Needless, to say Port Angeles has completely tried to cash in on this vampire thing with Twilight gift shops etc. Even the Italian restaurant "Bella Italiano" where some of the characters eat in the book is impossible to get a reservation at...

The most amazing part of the trip though was we got to hike in the Olympic National Forest. So cool...I think everyone should do it whether or not they live in the Pacific Northwest.....

The mountains look like they are part of the Swiss Alps or something. I really felt like I was in the Sound of Music and several times I caught myself twirling and singing...All I needed was 7 children and some nuns....

Overall, it was a great trip complete with vampires and beautiful scenery...It was a great way to celebrate our anniversary!

O' Canada

As many of you probably know, Doug and I live about an hour from the U.S./Canadian border. It's so weird living this far north and even weirder to be living near the Canadian border because most of my life I've lived near the U.S./Mexico border. Anyway, I have had several opportunities to visit Canada as well as interact with Canadians who travel to the U.S. (surprisingly there are a lot that like to visit Seattle ) and here are some general observations I have made about the country of Canada and it's people thus far:

1) Canadians love to come across the border and shop in the U.S. because of our low low prices...They usually frequent Costco's...you can always tell them apart because they are usually wearing socks with sandals....

2) British love to visit Canada and do cross country trips across Canada during the summer. I have run into many British people and when they find out we are Americans they LOVE to talk to us...However, when we ask them when they plan to visit the U.S. things get eerily quiet.....

3) Canadians feel they have just as much say in U.S. matters as Americans do...I know I watch CBC news...It's almost as if they feel like they are an extension of us...

4) I have never seen maple syrup used in so many ways or in so many products as I have in Canada...Maple lip gloss anyone?

5) Yes, they do love hockey that much.....

These are just a few of my observations on Canada- as much as I make fun of them, I do have to say that the country is beautiful and the people are very friendly...In fact, Doug and I had an awesome time on a recent weekend trip to Victoria.. Hopefully, these pictures from me and Doug' recent weekend trip to Victoria will encourage you to visit and see this country for yourself!

Butchart Gardens in Victoria.....It was so beautiful I highly recommend going if you visit B.C.

More of the gardens....



Doug and I having a proper high noon English tea at Butchart gardens..it was so fun and the food and tea were absolutely amazing!

Outside Parliament...so pretty....


A picture of downtown Victoria from our hotel room....

O' Canada...... you make life interesting....=)