Oh, oh-oh I got a love that keeps me waiting

Oh, oh-oh I got a love that keeps me waiting

I'm a lonely boy

I'm a lonely boy

Oh, oh-oh I got a love that keeps me waiting

ASHLEY, COMMANDING OFFICER.

...how true is that song? Well besides the fact that I'm not a boy.

Anyway, I've had a very good weekend. Very good indeed. Saturday, I went to Florence to see my brother and step-brother. It was a pretty good visit. For anyone that knows my brother, me, or the dynamic of my brother and me...they know that when I say, "It was a pretty good visit" it pretty much is the equivalent of Moses parting the red sea. Don't laugh. Many know this to be true. We went to Mellow Mushroom. As always, it was particularly nommy. Then, we went to the mall. There, the craziest thing ever happened. Apparently a "juggalo" thought he was going to engage my brother in an altercation. I quickly intervened on told the little kid I was going to call the police. He backed off. But, REALLY?! What is it with kids these days? Personally I don't see the intrigue of dressing up like a clown and threatening to kick anyone's ass who doesn't agree with your way of thinking. Whatever. Keep juggling.

Then, they let me take their pictures. They turned out pretty great! The great thing about BFE Florence, SC is that it's basically just vast fields of cotton, produce and flowering plants. For instance, this is my brother...behind him is a cotton field. Awesome.

Here's some more:

I feel like I've been getting a lot better with using my natural lighting lately. I've been paying more attention to where shadows lie, the way people scrunch their eyes/face up in the sunlight. I even had someone ask me what program I edit with, and I'm proud to say that I don't have one. I use whatever came standard with my computer to sharpen and convert to black and white when necessary. For some reason or other, it put a smile on my face.

With that said, my brother actually thanked me, yes thanked me for a good visit and asked me to come back. Color me surprised. If we have more visits like that, I'll be happy to go back.

Saturday night I went out with girls, had some drinks, watched the gamecocks lose [:(] and then went out for more drinks in Columbia. That was fun. It was great to unwind and take my mind off things for awhile. Not to mention, Christal got the high score in Mrs. Pacman, the original arcade game. She's beast, pure beast. Anyway, despite the epic douche bags that hang around tipsy women, it was a really great night. We have to do it again sometime. I seriously can't overestimate the importance of having friends during a deployment. Not just casual friends, but actual honest to God friends who want to see you have fun.

Sunday, I was in a haze for most of the day. However, I did get the opportunity to take some 9 month shots of Colin. He's growing up so fast. I just love his little chubby face.

Oyeah, totally found out that I do indeed have Christmas off. I can't express my feeling of pure ecstaticness (not a word). I get to share in Colin's first Christmas. It's going to be sad without Tomato though, but I'm going to see his family so I'll have a part of him with me.

Today, I've been doing nothing. Best. Day. Ever.

TOMATO, THE HUBS.

...continues to be in Afghanistan. I feel like this deployment is never ending.

We are supposed to be closing on THE house next week. That's crazy, it seems like just yesterday we were looking at it. Everything has happened so fast. I really hope that everything goes off without a hitch. I just need things to go as planned. For once.

We have a homecoming date. No, I can't share. But don't worry...it's not that soon. I hate this feeling of being close, but being so far away. I just have to hang on to the thought that there's more behind me, than ahead of me.

Don't take for granted the partner at your side. As much as you disagree or whatever...once they're gone, you'll realize that you're lost without them.

ZERO, THE DRAGON.

...is just Zero. I can't wait for him to see Tomato again. He's gonna freak!

BONUS TIME!

It's me.

I know, you're so thrilled!

The Dictionary of Ashley

vom (v.): vomit. Eww, gross.

Example:

Me: "I hate that color, it makes me wanna vom."

Song of the Day:

Lonely Boy by The Black Keys