I could hold you in my arms

I could hold you forever

ASHLEY, COMMANDING OFFICER.

...has been doing quite well in the "staying busy" front. With orientation at LMC, reading and traveling I've almost put two months of this deployment behind me.

My shift at LMC has been changed. I'm not sure how I feel about it quite yet. I was going to be working the 3pm to 3am shift 3 days a week. However it is the desire of my heart to return to straight days, meaning 7am to 7pm 3 days a week, but this is not to be my reality yet. Yes, I have been switched but to 9am to 7pm four days week. Not so bad, I guess. I get 40 hours a week which means anything over that is strictly "overtime." Good for paying off bills. I am sad that I don't get my sweet 3 shift a week deal. But, until I can get my desired shift, this will be just fine.

Friday night, after working a 12 hour shift, I drove to the metropolis that is Moncks Corner, SC and partied it up country style on the lake with my in-laws. It was fun, and I'm glad I went. I'm blessed to have the in-laws I have. I find that a lot of people I talk to have strained and uncomfortable relationships with their in-laws, but I don't really. I mean there have been strained moments, but nothing catastrophic. I'm actually very fond of all of them for all sorts of reasons.

Anyway, I enjoyed being on the lake. I had my first jet ski experience, which I came away from seemingly unscathed after an EPIC wipeout. That is, until I woke up this morning feeling like I had been involved in a major car accident. Also, Brooke had special adult kool-aid beverages which made my heart happy. We had "boat kabobs" and Tomato called and got to speak to everyone while we docked waiting for fireworks to start.

After I woke up this morning I went and saw Tomato's grandparents where his Mimi entertained me with jovial tales of her days as a nurse. Which to my enjoyment, are awesome. Papa, of course, indulged me with how much he respects me...and as we all know, when dealing with Papa, respect is better than love. Haha. I really have a soft spot for those two.

I didn't see Tomato's mom, but hopefully I can spend some time with her before Brooke, Chrissy and I's trip to New York.

Today finds me sitting on my couch reading Harry Potter, listening to music and wishing that my husband was here. The insanity of the past two months is finally starting to settle and I'm realizing how meaningless everything feels without him with me.

TOMATO, THE HUBS.

...got his 4th of July care package on Friday! That makes me happy that he got it on time, however, I did not take pictures of this one. I suck. I know it.

I even got a call from Ms. Linda while I was on the way to Moncks Corner. It turns out Tomato bought me a pair of diamond earrings. He's so sweet. So so sweet.

He's good though, a little tired maybe...but good.

ZERO, THE DRAGON.

...missed out on the lake. Sad. Day. That dog loves swimming. He did, however, get to snuggle with his Mimi and Poppop two nights in a row! I'm sure he hammed that up to the max. He's pretty much become one of the bulldogs and even eats when they do now.

30 DAY PHOTO CHALLENGE

Day 26

(something that means a lot to you)

My brother, Kevin. He means more to me than he can possibly know. I want nothing but the best for his life and know that he is capable of immensely more than he is aware of.

Song of the Day

Hold You In My Arms by Ray LaMontagne