Reflecting on this past year

As the year comes to a close, you find yourself reflecting on the past year. I am so thankful for such a wonderful family. They have gotten us through so much this past year. I am not going to dwell on the negative but just know that 2010 has so much to offer us right now. We are so looking forward to seeing our families again. Being able to attending family gatherings such as my nephew's up coming wedding. The boys being able to spend time with their cousins (both sides). I am gratful that Mark is home to stay, no more deployments on Coast Guard cutters. Our family is together again...forever. So as you all think back on this past year...be thankful for each other and your families. I sure am!

The Things We Are Looking Forward Too!!

Well since Mark is retiring we all have been thinking of all the things we are excited about when we move back down to the lower 48. Of course family is #1 on our list. To be able to spend the holidays with family will be beyond wonderful. We are definately looking forward to that the most. Then as we have been shopping ( I use that term loosely considering we are in Kodiak Alaska) the thought of going to more than just Wal-Mart has really got us excited. Internet shopping is ok, but actually going to the mall will be fun. I know I am absoultly going to HATE the traffic in the Seattle area, but I am sure as with most of our moves...I will adjust!

Restaurants are high on our "we can't wait for" list. More choices other than Henry's, Subway, Angelios, Mc D's (which we refuse to go too!). The thought of going to Olive Garden r Quizno's is just too much sometimes. 

Patrick is excited about actually going to a High School with a soccer program. I did tell him that the cheerleaders in the lower 48 are skinnier too! I know that is mean but remember we are in Alaska and you need to pack on some extra padding to stay warm up here! 

Going for a drive...actually going further than just 45 miles roundtrip! Speaking of roundtrip, it won't cost us our first born to actually take a plane trip. Here in Alaska it will cost us approximately $4000 to leave this rock! Not acceptable by any stretch!

While decorating for Christmas it was a mad dash to make sure we got our Christmas lights before Thanksgiving to ensure we actually get the lights. To go to Home Depot or Lowes to check out what they are carrying, or go to Rite Aide because they have inexpensive lights will be awesome!

Oil changes to came to mind the other day...Jiffy Lube!!! They really need one up here. A mechanic that actually has parts and can actually fix your vehicle within a few days in comparision to a few months!

Grocery shopping is a big one. It is so much cheaper in the lower 48 than here. When you go to the store and they are completly out of milk and bread and you have to wait for the barge to bring it in can be difficult at times. A person told me that once the stores get their turkeys in, grab two instead of one because there will be no guarantee that there will be any at Christmas. It is a must to have an extra feezer to store all of the things you need to buy when you see them or they will be gone!

We are heading for Anchorage this next week. It will be a day trip and we will be in a mad rush to get some Christmas gifts for the boys on our one trip we will be taking thanks to a medical follow-up appointment. Next year will be so much easier.

So the title of my blog is "The Things We Are Looking Forward Too" or should it be "The Little Things We Miss The Most". You decide!

Finally!!!!!

As the days continue to count down to Mark's retirement, we need to get over specific hurdles. Today we cleared one. I am thankful for a set of orders that came through. Mark no longer is attached to the MUNRO. When we first got orders to that ship, we were very excited about it. Considering all that has happened in the past year...we are very excited that he is finally off of it. Our count down to leaving Kodiak is 194 days, not that anyone is counting. Our next hurdle is TAPS class in January, which will give us a look into what we are to excpect for retirement. As I have told many people who have rallied in our corner, we are taking it one day at a time. The future is looking brighter everyday. As far as my anger, well it is still simmering, but now that Mark is no longer attached to that boat...I am sure it will fade even more. As long is he isn't around those people anymore, it makes us both happier. So that is the newest update. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is preparing for a wonderful Christmas season. By the way, if you have comments on any of my posts, feel free to post in the comment section. I don't believe you need a blog account, but you do need to sign up for a google ID. Happy Holidays!