Good Riddance!

To 2008! It was a very interesting year for us, let's recap :

January

• My mom retired from teaching! Her and Dad not vacation constantly!
• Michael informed me he would be leaving for a year on this deployment.

February

• We spent V-Day apart, as Michael was away for two weeks of training.

March

• We celebrated David (my cousing) and Devin's wedding
• I took Michael to visit Atlantic City for the first time (We lost too much money!)

April

• We visited the Inner Harbor on our Spring Break
• Jack (my brother) and Sarah got married!
• Michael left for another week or so of training.
• We got to attend the Military Ball! I love dressing up, plus he looks good in Uniform!

May

• Justin (Mike's brother) graduated from High School!

June

• Michael left for three weeks of training and missed my birthday (again!)
• We celebrated good friends Courtney and Gabe's wedding
• Michael and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary! 3

July

• Michael, Jack, Sarah and I vacationed in Disney! The best place on Earth!

August

• We started back to school, football and field hockey, with the deployment inching closer!

September

• Michael stopped teaching and went full time to prepare at the unit.
• We had his going away party. I think he had a good time, and Lord knows we had enough food!

October

• The dreaded month! Michael began his 12 month deployment to Iraq.
• I survived the first month!
• Michael finished his Master's!
  

November

• I got to see Michael for five wonderful days on leave. It was amazing!
• We celebrated Turkey Day on opposite sides of the Earth :(

December

• Michael arrived at his final destination on his tour.
• We celebrated Christmas on opposite sides of the Earth :(
• I finished my Master's!

We have had a very busy, and emotional year. Although I can't wait to get out of 2008, I have to say it has made our relationship stronger, and I have learned that I am capable of many things! I unclogged a toilet by myself today! I am proud of myself and my husband, and look forward to all the wonderful things to come in 2009!

Merry Christmas

Even from around the world, my amazing husband has made my Christmas a good one. I was excited to get to my in-laws house this morning because I knew a present from Michael, which he ordered from Helzberg Diamonds, was waiting! Of course, my wonderful brother-in-law had put the box inside three other boxes, and did an amazing job of taping. After much swearing, laughing and keying, I successfully opened the boxes! Michael got me a white gold claddagh ring. It is an Irish tradition that stands for friendship, love and loyalty. I have had other ones, but they have broken and gotten lost. I have said many times I wanted a nice one, and Michael remembered! He also got me a gift certificate so I can go shopping at the beach!

I was able to talk to him a few times today, and he wasn't in the best of moods, which is understandable, but after talking to his family he seemed better. I love Christmas, but I couldn't wait to get this one over with. Another day down.

Thank you Michael for making my Christmas the best it could be without you. I love you and I hope you enjoyed your presents.

Just Another Day

It has been a really good vacation so far! Saturday was spent celebrating a friends birthday, Monday I got Michael's car fixed ($500 later....thank you Honda), and Tuesday I met a good friend for drinks at the local Mexican restaurant. Now comes one part of the break I am dreading - Christmas Eve and Christmas. If you know me, then you know this is my absolute favorite holiday. I decorate a month in advance, love wrapping presents and love waking up on Christmas morning - I swear I am a 5 year old sometimes.

This year I have felt different for obvious reasons. Tonight in church, Michael won't be next to me, I won't get to open our presents together tomorrow morning, or go to our families houses together to celebrate. I haven't felt in the spirit at all this year, partly because I didn't want to do it without Mike. It's not fair that he cant' be here - I feel so bad for him mostly. At least I can still do the traditions, even if he isn't here. Poor Michael has to work tomorrow.

In the end, it's just another day, and we will be one day closer.

Letter from Iraq

This is from part of Michael's letter from Iraq:

Kelly,
Well, this may be the first Christmas card I have ever sent and I hope it is my last because I don't plan on being away for another Christmas. Well when this is all over and done we will be stronger. Have a great Christmas and remember I love you....

Love, Michael

The card went on to say this :

Many years from now, we may not remember whether it snowed...or how big or straight the tree was, or even what presents we gave each other (or that I was in Iraq) but forever, we'll remember the love. Merry Christmas.


Michael, I love you 6,000 miles away.

In Charge

As Christmas draws closers, I am sure it is hard for Michael to be away. Of course I wouldn't know because he would never tell me, but I guess I can imagine. The unit that they are replacing is leaving shortly and I know Mike is excited to finally be in charge and on his own in the office. He seems to be adjusting well and likes his job. I am happy they are leaving because it just means we are one step closer to Michael coming home. I guess the next step would be his 15 day leave at some point. That is still a long ways away, so until then I can at least mark off this milestone!

Back at home, we only have one day of school left before our long break begins! Thank goodness. I have reached my final straw with my rowdy students and will be very thankful for Happy Hour tomorrow after work. I also will be going back to work at the restaurant next week. I love making that extra money!

Weird December!

There is definitely something wrong with our world when I am outside in shorts, running, in December! Today it was gorgeous! I would say at least 60 out, and decided to go for a run. It was so warm, I decided to brave it and wear shorts. Halfway through my two miles, I was cursing myself for not wearing short sleeves! Completely insane! Rocky and Titan also enjoyed it, as I spend almost a half hour outside throwing the ball to them. Currently Rocky is passed out on the couch next to me! Finally! It's like having little kids around all night. I am a single parent almost!

Michael called me yesterday, and told me I should watch the news. Of course, my heart skipped a beat, but then I realized if something had happened he wouldn't WANT me to watch the news. After beating around the 'bush,' and Michael yelling that it wasn't a secure line so he couldn't tell me anything, I figured out that the President himself was planning a visit. He was already in the country, and from what I found out later, had shoes thrown at him! I am sure there is a YouTube video somewhere if you missed it! Anyway, after the incident, Michael was able to meet the President! His comment to me was, "Yeah, I only had to go halfway around the world." Ironic when his house is so close to our actual home!

Snail Mail

I am an old fashioned type of girl, and think that although e-mail is nice (and fast), nothing is better than a card or letter in the mail. For someone to go out of there way to look for a card that says the perfect thing, and then write something sentimental, it is just so meaningful. I have received two of these from Michael in the last two weeks. I wasn't expecting either, which makes it so much more special. The one today was a Christmas card that just melted my heart. I know that we are going to get through this, and we are going to be so strong because of it. Don't get me wrong, it still is the hardest thing we have ever gone through, but Michael is truly the my best friend, and there is no one else I would rather wait for.

I myself have tried to send him snail mail. I figured packages are nice, but just a regular letter is nice too. I went in to Hallmark the other day, and I could not find a single 'Love' card or 'Miss you.' I even asked the lady and she couldn't find them. How ridiculous is that? I guess I will try again tomorrow!