30 Day Project - Part Two - Day 31

A Picture Of A Tradition You Have

This is going to sound SO SAD & PATHETIC

BUT this is the ONLY thing that I could come up with (I am going to blame it on being a newlywed and never being in the same place for any given holiday).  The ONLY "tradition" that is the most consistent for Brett and I is... that every time Brett gets back from the field (kind of like camping out, but with hard training and eating MRE's for every meal.)  we HAVE to stop and get him a burger from Carl's Jr. on the way home.  He is usually exhausted and it's usually late by the time he gets done and he is ALWAYS starving!  Carl's Jr. is right down the road from his work and it's "FAST" food... so that is where we go to pick him up some dinner.

I REALLY HOPE TO ACQUIRE BETTER "TRADITIONS" THAN THIS OVER TIME LOL!

so sad....

Operation TONE up & LOSE weight!

Me eating my "last meal" @ Harbor Fish and Chips

(don't judge me)

Here is the plan... Or goal, if you will.

I am going to try and lose 25 pounds over the next 7 months.

No tricks, diets, or programs.

Just eating healthy (super healthy) and exercising daily.

I figure there is no better time then now to accomplish this goal.

I'm here alone and will be cooking dinner for one. No matter how busy my day may be, the exercising will only make my day go by faster AND I can buy all the "weird healthy food" that Brett would turn his nose up at.

WHY BLOG ABOUT IT?

GOOD question... This is something I have always had trouble with and would normally be too embarrassed to talk about because I normally fail! So, the idea of blogging about my "journey" makes me believe that I will try harder and have more MOTIVATION.

(I'm not going to want to update that I didn't come close to reaching my goal... that would just be humiliating.)

So with the help and support of you all, I feel very confident in reaching this goal.

No more FAST FOOD or POP!

Some sort of EXERCISE daily!

and HEALTHY food!

I CAN DO THIS.

Another form of motivation comes from Brett... I want him to be SO surprised when he gets home!! The thought of that alone makes me so EXCITED and the number one reason I am doing this is for MYSELF.  I want to be healthier and happier and to make this a permanent lifestyle change!!

So, the first of each month I will take a picture of myself and eventually post them all so you can see the "transformation."  With that, I will also post how much weight was lost in that month and let you know recipes I am eating and exercises I am doing, what is working for me and what is not.

This is EXTREMELY personal for me and I am still a little "afraid" of the idea of making this so public but I have a GOOD feeling it is only going to HELP!

I WILL DO THIS :)

Deployment Visitors 1

My first visitors of the deployment have already come and gone this week!

My Dad and Step-Sister Bronte

After a rough day of traveling in BAD weather and missing their connecting flight in Chicago, they finally arrived 5 hours late and I was as happy to see them as they were to be on California ground!

Their first day here we went to lunch at RUBY'S DINER on the pier. A 50's style burger joint, located at the end of the Oceanside Pier.  We grabbed some burgers and milk shakes and went in to town to do some shopping at some local gift shops.

Still a little jet lagged, we decided to buy some groceries and drinks and head home.  We made some quesadillas and some AWESOME sangria and played games for the rest of the evening.

Wednesday we set off to San Diego.  First to OLD TOWN for some Mexican cuisine and some shopping.  We went to a handmade soap store and I was seriously AMAZED! They had the prettiest/coolest/best smelling soap I have ever seen!! See for yourself...

Prettttty neat huh?

We went to the Candy store and couldn't leave with out getting some taffy and fudge and we also stopped in some of the museums.

Our next stop for the day was Seaport Village (one of my favorite spots).  We walked around the harbor, got some coffee at the bookstore, watched the sunset, and did some MORE shopping!! There was a really neat candle shop where they hand made these beautiful candles and I am STILL kicking myself for not buying one!!

And of course we had to stop at my favorite store URBAN GIRL ACCESSORIES, where we made a few purchases as well!

After a long day of shopping, we were ready to RELAX! We ordered some pizza and lounged for the rest of the evening. 

On our last day we went out to LOVE BOAT SUSHI (because you can't come to California and NOT get sushi!), took a tour of the base, and then went to the SUNSET MARKET!!!

At the Sunset Market we each picked out our own dinner and my friend Christina treated us all to a Choco Kabob... and as you can tell by our smiles, the were GOOD!

Bronte and I got some cute bracelets....

Hers says, "Live Out Loud" and mine says, "Love Is Patient."

We walked around some more, shopping, eating, and enjoying all the different music until we were ready to go home.

For such a short visit, I had such a GREAT time.  The company was GREATLY appreciated and really helped me take my mind off the previous weekend.  The weather was a little chilly for Southern California but the sun was shining and it was DEFNITELY better then the snow in Michigan.  I was so bummed that the time went by so fast but that is usually how it works... "Time flies when you are having fun."

A BIG THANKS to my Dad for all that he did for me in those 3 days :) I love you!

Deployment Day or Days...

So yesterday was our Deployment day...

Waking up that morning, I could not allow myself to open my eyes... I did not want to come face to face with the reality of what the day would bring.

BUT I had no choice.

The majority of that morning was spent making "goodbye" phone calls to our friends and family back home and many quite moments cuddling on the couch (which is one thing I am going to miss the most!).  Then came the time for Brett to leave the house (since I was meeting him there later) and it hit me... this would be the last time (for these next 7 months) that he would be in OUR HOME.

My nose started stinging and tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged him goodbye and he drove off.

I took a deep breath and went inside to get ready. Over the next two hours I was fine, the hardest moments during this time were spent trying to figure out what to wear and how to style my hair...

Once I was ready I went next door and road into Brett's work with my friend Christina and her son Cooper.  The half hour drive was spent talking and laughing despite the nervous feeling in my stomach.

I was doing ok!

When we arrived, there were people EVERYWHERE... Marines, their wives, children, friends, family.  Some of them smiling others crying and this was just the begining!

Majority of this day was spent waiting...

Waiting for trucks to load up their gear, waiting for the buses to arrive, waiting for goodbye. As the time came closer my heart raced faster and the lump in my throat got bigger.  And when Brett said, "It's about that time," I wrapped  my arms around him and squeezed (at this point the thought of letting go seemed to be impossible!).  With one last kiss and an "I love you" yelled as he got onto the bus my heart sank!!

As the other Marines said their goodbyes and filed on to the bus I could only wave at Brett and mouth words to him... (you know, when you point at your eye... then your heart... and then back at whoever you're "talking" to.) I was just happy that he had the perfect seat to where I could still see him!

The last Marine loaded the bus and they drove off one by one... Everyone that was left behind stood there waving and blowing kisses as their loved ones drove off for a 7 month deployment. 

Now, you can only IMAGINE the emotions going through these people at this particular time.  Children bawling because they don't quite understand why their father is leaving and wives and girlfriends standing there ALONE crying not sure how they are about to deal with the lonely drive home.  That in itself... is heartbreaking to witness.

My emotion at this moment was relief.  I made it through ALL of this without shedding a single tear (and for those of you who know me, you know that seems to be just about IMPOSSIBLE) I was SO PROUD of myself and I knew that Brett was proud of me too. Thanks to my AMAZING friends (aka support team) I got through what I thought was going to be one of the hardest days of my life.  I was RELIEVED that the hardest part was over and that the countdown had finally begun.

Or so I thought....

After eating dinner with Christina and Cooper and plans for a night of some wine (for me) and some Sex & The City reruns, I was feeling as GOOD as I could be feeling on a day like that.  THEN, pulling into the driveway my phone rings and it was Brett.

I answer the phone and his first words are, "You're not going to believe this but" (that's never a good sign!) he went on to tell me that he was coming back home because their flight was not scheduled until TOMORROW.

*GULP*

Now, at this moment I don't know what to think or what to say...

I was happy that I got to spend another night with my husband BUT the pain of knowing that with that night would come another goodbye... stung a little.

So I go back and pick him up from the same spot where I just saw him ride off in a bus that wouldn't be bringing him back until September... just to do it all over again today.

And today was a different story...

I did not have my awesome support team with me this time. It was just Brett and I alone, in what felt like an empty parking lot with 15 minutes until I was going to have to say goodbye again. After 15 minutes of countless hugs, kisses, and "I love yous," my tears began to fall...

THIS WAS NOT HOW IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE!!

I was SO proud of myself yesterday and today I found myself growing more and more disappointed with each tear the fell off of my cheek and on to Brett's shoulder.

After he wiped my tears away we agreed on one last hug and for him to walk away and I drive away with no looking back... and that is what we did. A hug and a kiss that I will hold on to until I get my next one in 7 months.

This is our life...

Full of surprises, twists, and turns, thanks to the great organization of the Marine Corps... :)

BUT

Now the countdown begins and what we have to look forward too makes me smile and will keep me holding on until he comes home. <3

Pre-Deployment

So... Here we are, a few days away from the dreaded deployment that Brett has been training for (and I have been preparing for) for over a year now.

I know I have been here before and I should know what to expect but I am afraid that this time is going to be a completely different experience...

Last deployment I was busy with school, an hour and a half away from home, and living with three girl friends. This time I am thousands of miles away from home and will be living in a house alone.

Last deployment I had no idea what it was like to spend more then a week at a time with Brett and now I have been living with him for over a year and a half, so I know what I will be missing.

Last deployment I was never worried about Brett going in Country and well, this time... not so much.

BUT, I know that either way it WILL be something that I can handle and I WILL get through it.

Deployments SUCK... and they suck bad.

You have to spend 6 months + away from your husband... that pretty much sums it up right there don't you think??  You can not talk to him when you want to or even when you NEED to, you sleep alone, you wake up alone, he isn't there to share good days with you and he isn't there when you need a shoulder to cry on. He isn't there when your vehicle breaks down or when you just need a FRICKEN hug!

BUT if you focus on these things... I can PROMISE you that those 7 months will be the LONGEST, most DEPRESSING days of your life.

Instead I am trying to focus on the good things...

The many visitors of friends and family and a trip to Florida for my brother's 21st birthday. I plan on doing a lot of reading, watching a list of TV series, GETTING A JOB, and hanging out with my fellow Marine wives whose husbands are also going to be gone (and some that are still here).  I plan on making some kick-ass care packages, working out everyday, eating HEALTHY (which is WAY easier to do when Brett is gone), and also working on my tan.  With all of this to keep me busy... I won't have much time to think about the bad stuff.

Now... I would be a big fat LIAR if I said I won't have days where I want to lock myself in my room and have a good cry... which I WILL.  But I will let it all out and then move FORWARD.  (Every day is a new day)

Being a Marine wife, your life seems to be one big countdown...

You are either counting the days until they have to leave you again or counting down the days until they get to come home.  For some, this type of life would be considered impossible but for me (in some sick way) this is the life I love and the life my husband loves (on good days).  Honestly... I feel like I could do this forever and let me explain why:

Spending SO MUCH time away from one another makes our relationship SO MUCH stronger!!  The ability to be able to miss someone or something gives the word appreciation a WHOLE new meaning!! In the emails or letters exchanged during a deployment you are able to express more to each other then you do on any normal day.  You find yourself wanting nothing more but to tell one another EVERY SINGLE feeling you've ever had and it feels SO GOOD to share it and to hear it!

Then, when the day comes for your HOMECOMING....

I'm telling you right now, it is a feeling you will NEVER forget.  That first HUG and that first KISS feels just like that... like your first hug and your first kiss. You know what I am talking about... the butterflies, the goosebumps, the sweaty palms, the whole SHABANG!  It is probably one of the HAPPIEST days you will ever have, right up there with your wedding day!  I wish EVERYONE could have this experience just ONE TIME!

I am so PROUD of my husband and EVERYTHING that he does.  I will SUPPORT him with every single decision that he makes. As I am proud of myself for being that kind of wife when sometimes it's hard to do so.

So... That is that.  This is what my life is going to be all about for the next several months.  I know with the support from my friends and family at home and my friends here I will be... JUST FINE.

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

(or in our case saying "see you later.")

30 Day Project - Day 30

A Picture Of Someone You Miss

I miss a lot of people on a daily basis but all I have to do is pick up my phone and I get to hear their voice...
I can not do that with my Uncle Roy. 
My mom remarried a few years after she and my dad got divorced and that is when I got a new family... a "Step Family."
My Uncle Roy was just like one of my "real" Uncles.  He ALWAYS made me laugh (he could make ANYONE laugh), he treated my brother and I just like we had always been a part of his family.  He was a friend to ALL and an enemy to NO ONE and I know he is missed by A LOT of people today.
When he suddenly passed away due to a work related accident, I saw sadness in so many people. This was my first true experience with death and the hardest one to this day.  It has been over 10 years now and I still think about him and all of the memories that we shared.  I wish he could have been at my wedding and I wish Brett would have had the opportunity to meet him.... as I wish he could have been there for all of his immediate family's life blessings also.  He was a one of a kind man and Heaven is a better place with him there.  One day... I will be able to laugh with him again but until then I will continue to miss him and cherish the memories I have.

30 Day Project - Day 29

A Picture That Can Always Make You Smile

My dad and I at my wedding.

This picture makes me smile because it shows how happy we BOTH were on this day.

I saw a side of my dad on my wedding day that I had never seen before...

He was the reason that I started crying (HAPPY tears!) and couldn't stop that day.  He peeked his head in the room that I was waiting in before the wedding got started and I saw TEARS in his eyes! Tears that I had NEVER seen come from my father.  Immediately I lost control and those same tears started to fall from my eyes as well.

Growing up, kids always want their parents to be proud of them and the day of my wedding, I could feel how proud my dad was of me. And not just for that moment but for every moment that had lead up to that day.  So, that's what I think about when I see this picture... and it ALWAYS makes me smile.



30 Day Project - Day 28

A Picture Of Something You Are Afraid Of

I do not know when or why my fear of TORNADOES came about (and no it wasn't from watching the Wizard of OZ or Twister) but they TERRIFY me. 

I have never seen a REAL life tornado or never even had a close call with one... just a lot of "watches" and "warnings."  Maybe it is the thought of all the damage it could cause or the fact that there is nothing you can really do to AVOID them.... whatever the reason, I HATE them.

I remember when the warning signal flashed on the TV, I thought I was going to DIE!! If I was home alone... my life was OVER right then and there.  If there wasn't a basement at the location I was at I would be SO MAD at myself for ever leaving home! (quite pathetic and extreme, I know)

Moving to California has been great because I haven't experienced ONE tornado warning,

BUT then I experienced my first earthquake... and if I experience many more MY biggest fear may change.

30 Day Project - Day 27

A Picture Of Yourself And A Family Member

This is my brother Mitch. 
He is my only sibling that doesn't have a "step" in front of brother.  We were born 2 years apart and when he was born I was SO HAPPY to be a big sister! When he was about 2 and I was 4, I was his little "protector."  Anytime he would get yelled at or in trouble I would get mad and cry at whoever was mad at him! I hated seeing him sad.

THEN we got a little older and we LOVED to make each other mad!! We were always picking on one another and fighting... Everyone used to say, "Gabrielle, you are going to be sorry one day when he is bigger than you." Ahhhh, they were right!!

We had a little falling out in High School, where we didn't speak much or see each other often.  But like all phases that passed too and we now have a great brother/sister relationship.  We talk more now then we have in a long time and I get to spend a lot of time with him when I go home.  In a couple of weeks we will be going to Florida with our family to celebrate his 21st birthday and I am SO excited.

I am so proud of the person he has become and how great everything is going for him in his life now.  I am so HAPPY that he is my brother and that we will be able to go through the rest of life's ups and downs TOGETHER!!



30 Day Project - Day 26

A Picture Of Something That Means A lot To You

This is a box full of "keepsake" items that I have collected over the years...

Awards, notes, letters, cards from every occasion, ticket stubs, deployment letters, postcards, etc. etc.

All of these items have a memory that goes along with it and they all mean a lot to me.  Some days I enjoy going through this box and reading some of the letters and cards or sharing some of the memories with others.  I plan to add to this box (or a bigger box) for a very long time and hope that one day when I have children they will enjoy looking at or reading some of the different things that are in here. 

30 Day Project - Day 25

A Picture Of Your Day

Yesterday Brett and I went to the Oceanside Sunset Market for the FIRST time since we've lived here...

Why we waited so long... I have no idea! It was so much fun!

The Sunset Market is kind of like a street fair...  They have tents with fresh produce from local farmers, gourmet food (such as hummus, salsa, artisan bread, and cakes), jewelry, artwork, clothing, and street food from all over the world (Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian, Thai, and African to name a few).

They also have live music and a "kidzone" for the children.

Last night when we went, we ate dinner there... Brett got a tri tip sandwich from a BBQ pit tent and I got a gyro from the Mediterranean tent both were cheap and tasty! For desert Brett got a funnel cake and I some chocolate covered strawberries on a stick... you can imagine how good they tasted.

The live music started out with a local rock band and ended with another local band of teenage boys playing Ozzy, Journey, and ACDC and they were good!

And if all else fails... the people watching was pretty entertaining!!

I can't believe I had never gone to the market before!! It is about 8 minutes away from our house and takes place EVERY Thursday night!

If you're ever in the area... I highly suggest a visit to Oceanside Sunset Market!

Visit The Sunset Market Website... Click here!

(my pictures on my phone were terrible... so I had to borrow some from the Internet.)



30 Day Project - Day 24

A Picture Of Something You Wish You Could Change

Each of these ribbons represent some type of awareness (and this picture doesn't even begin to cover them all) whether it's a type of Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, Premature Birth, or Diabetes each one is equally important.

I wish I could change, cure, or get rid of the illness/disease/complications/reasons behind each of these ribbons...  I know this is not something I could realistically do but I REALLY wish someone would!

I have seen and heard so many heartbreaking stories about how these illnesses/disease/complications/reasons have affected so many peoples lives.  How it not only changes the lives of those who are fighting the battle but the lives of their family and close friends as well.  It breaks my heart that anyone has to go through something so scary and life changing.  These people are SO STRONG and AMAZING and those who stand behind them and support them are equally as amazing.  Those that I know personally are the type of people that you would hardly ever hear complain about what they are going through and are more optimistic then most people who are completely healthy. I could only HOPE that if I were to ever represent one of these ribbons that I would have HALF the strength and positivity that these people do.

My beautiful friend,
Aimee

Purple Ribbon - Cystic Fibrosis
"Aimee is one of the toughest cookies I know.  I can honestly say that she has NEVER complained to me about ANYTHING that has to do with CF.  She is always thinking about others and is a FIGHTER, not only for herself but for all of her Cysters and Fibros!" - ME :)
Here are some websites for or about CF that Aimee has sent my way and she explains why...

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
"This website raises money for research for new treatments to better the lives of those with CF. They are the main (and pretty much only) foundation to help raise funds for research for CF. Without them I probably would not be alive. CF research is not government funded (which sucks) so that means it's all on us to raise money for this important research to better the lives of those with CF, help add tomorrows to their live and hopefully one day find a cure."
Breathe 4 Tomorrow
"They raise money to help CF families financially. Paying for all those meds, doc visits, etc. can be a huge financial burden, especially to those without insurance. They also help out CF families who while paying for all those treatments can't afford to keep their house, car, etc."
Blooming Rose Foundation
"This foundation offers help and support to those families of patients right after a diagnosis with CF."

And a little plug for Aimee :)
Aimee's Troops!! 
(This site will be updated soon!!)

My cousin's son,
Jeremiah

Green Ribbon - Cerebral Palsy
"Jeremiah is definitely a gift from God, as well as a test for Becky (Jeremiah's Mother) and our family. This was an unexpected miracle that will forever change Becky and Jeremiah’s life. After Jeremiah was diagnosed with spastic Cerebral Palsy when he was 3 months old, Becky has been challenged to the fullest, sleepless nights, losing her job, living on a tight income and many more surgeries and medical equipment that will be needed. But, after seeing Jeremiah’s adorable smile, constantly reassures her of why she needs to stay strong for her baby boy and she would sacrifice her life for him to live the best life he could. " -Sarah Van Zandt (Jeremiah's Aunt)
Here are some links that have been helpful to Jeremiah and his family that were given to me by his mother Becky.
Here's what she has to say about the links:

United Cerebral Palsy
"The cerebral palsy website is a good resource if you have questions and for certain charities."

Early On
"The early on is a program that he is in now that connects him with a school (Lyle Torrant for Jeremiah) and therapy and whatever else he may need."

My friend's children,

Jerome & Gabby

Pink and Light Blue Ribbon - Premature Birth
"Gabby and Jerome have come such a long way from the day they were born. For months they had to fight for their life and are truly two walking miracles. They are such a blessing to be around and always make me smile."  - Christina Canterbury (Friend of the Family)
Here are a couple sites and comments given to me by Jerome and Gabby's Mother:

March of Dimes

"March for Dimes is a great organization. They are the primary source for research for preemies."
March for Babies
Here is a personal site for the March of Dimes walk that helps raise money for these precious little angels!
"I do a walk for them every year to raise money. Last year I was able to raise close to $1000 for it."

A friend of a friend of mine,
Becky

Peach Ribbon - Uterine Cancer
"Becky has had to go through so much since she was diagnosed, but she is my inspiration. She is a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend." - Jackie Billips (Our mutual friend)

 Here are some links that have been some help to Becky during these tough times.  Jackie explains why they have been so great.

American Cancer Society

They are the founders of the following two links.

Miracle House
"The Miracle House is an awesome program. They have 4 single apartments in a beautiful apartment complex, patients share the apartments that have 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and they charge $50 per night. They also supply breakfast Mon-Sat and dinner Tues-Friday free to the patient and the caretaker. (You have to have a caretaker when you stay at the Miracle House)."

Hope Lodge
"Hope Lodge is another apartment complex for patients, this is free to the patients. Becky is on the waiting list but if you know ahead of time your medical schedules you are able to get on the list sooner and have a better chance of getting in there."

Thoughts and prayers always appreciated for these courageous people, their families, and close friends <3

(If anyone would like to add a website or any information please feel free to do so and I will add it to this blog!)

30 Day Project - Day 23

A Picture Of Your Favorite Book

I LOVE reading... Over the past year I have probably read more books then I have in my entire life (I know, you're probably thinking... NERD)

I picked a book that was given to me years ago, from my Aunt when my Uncle suddenly passed away.

"The Five People You Meet In Heaven" is not necessarily my favorite book I have ever read... It is my favorite because of the meaning behind it.  This book was given to me to help me get through the first real tragic loss in my life.  The thoughtfulness and love behind this book makes it a book that I will keep forever... to help remind me that in the end, "everything will be ok."

"Gabrielle, It's my sincerest wish that Uncle Roy will be waiting for you when you get your "wings.""

<3

30 Day Project - Day 22

A Picture Of Something You Wish You Were Better At

ALL my life I have wished that I was BLESSED with a beautiful singing voice!!

UGH... WHYYY can I NOT sing!?!? LOL

Even though I can not carry a tune in a bucket (isn't that how the saying goes??) I LOVE to sing...

In the car, in the shower, while I am doing the dishes, ALL times when I am ALONE and I know that no one else is listening!!

I ADMIRE those who have that voice that gives you goosebumps as soon as they sing their first note! I would LOVE to have the ability to create those goosebumps instead of being the one who is ALWAYS getting them!!

30 Day Project - Day 21

A Picture Of Something You Wish You Could Forget

First off, let me just say that it was EXTREMELY difficult for me to come up with something for this one. 

This picture was taken pretty close to the time that my parents got divorced... it is the only picture that I had that went along with this blog.

Now, my parents divorce was not something that left me traumatized or caused me to fail in school or to do drugs... I was too young to understand and since the divorce my parents have tried hard to get along. The ONLY reason I picked this (besides having little to pick from) was because I wish I could forget the divorce part and REMEMBER what it was like when we were all a happy little family.

I have zero memories of my parents being together.

As I got a little older I understood everything that happened and why.  I do not wish that they were still together or that they fell in love again, they both are remarried and seemed to have found the RIGHT ones.  Their happiness now is what matters most to me and I am very happy that they were able to find it somewhere else!!



30 Day Project - Day 20

A Picture Of Somewhere You Would Love To Travel

Naples, ITALY

I have a LIST of places that I would love to travel to someday... but first on the list would have to be Italy.

I've seen AMAZING pictures, heard beautiful stories, read interesting books, all of which made me want to plan a vacation ASAP.  After reading the book "Eat, Pray, Love" I was sold.  I wanted to be there in Italy with her during her experience!!

I wouldn't want to do many touristy type things, I would much rather just go for a RELAXING vacation.  A vacation that consisted of eating all the delicious Italian food (a vacation where I would probably gain 10 pounds and never want to go back) and drinking good wine until the wee hours of the morning.  Maybe I would do a little shopping, find a nice peaceful beach and for the most part, sit back and admire the BREATH TAKING scenery!!  

30 Day Project - Day 19

A Picture And A Letter

This was my first day of High School.

Dear Gabrielle (age 14),

Be happy with who you are on the inside and out.  Listen to your parents when they tell you to study harder... you will wish you did come time for graduation.  Don't lie or cheat, you WILL get caught and the guilt will stay with you longer then you think. Wear your damn ankle braces.  Don't sneak out of the house or have parties when your parents are gone, you are not as sly as you think you are and will get grounded.  Divorce happens... for a reason. Your parents will be HAPPY one day! Saying NO, really doesn't make you a loser. Don't let girl drama get to you so much because in a couple years it will all blow over.  Stand up for yourself!! Being a people pleaser will only cause you to hurt people you care about.  Graduation will come FAST and it's not going to be that emotional, Vitamin C song kind of day that you've always imagined.  Focus on all the fun/good times you've had and forget about the bad. 

Again, listen to your parents when they tell you to study harder at JCC... Summer classes SUCK.  Love your brother when a part of you wants to hate him, he is always going to be a part of your life and your relationship will DEFINITELY get better.  Stay away from Captain Morgan... your friends will NEVER let you live that night down!! Be easier on your Dodge Neon, it WILL break down at some inopportune moments. Two jobs at one time will pay off in the end.  Your first blind date will be a GREAT one.

At Central... just STUDY.  Don't take Technology in Education (AWFUL class). Spend a lot of time with your close family and friends.  Enjoy each day as if it were your last and DON'T sweat the small stuff.  Be more proud of your accomplishments and forget about the failures. Oh and SAY YES!

Love Always,

Gabrielle (age 22)

30 Day Project - Day 18

A Picture Of Your Biggest Insecurity

Ever since my Senior year of high school I have obsessed about my weight...

Constantly THINKING about what I can do to be skinnier.

I have tried a numerous amount of different "diets" and "programs;" Herbalife, Slimquick, Special K Diet, 3 Day Diet, 30 Day Shred, eating healthy and exercising (the ONLY one that actually worked by the way)... you name it and I have probably tried it (and gave up on it too).

My problem has always been STICKING with something.  I will start off great and then get bored with it and then find EXCUSES to fall off the wagon.  It's kinda PATHETIC and most certainly no body's fault but my own.

Now, before you all tell me "I'm crazy" or that "I'm not fat"...

I do not think I am OBESE or UGLY. I would just like to be more fit and healthier.  This is just the one thing that I am honestly always trying to change and am never emotionally satisfied with.

Over these next 7 months I plan to change that.

(more to come in a later blog!!)

30 Day Project - Day 17

A Picture Of Something That Has Made A Huge Impact On Your Life Recently

There are two major events that have impacted my life recently and one of them was marrying Brett.

This being a HUGE step in any one's life, has impacted MY life for the obvious reasons...

I am now a housewife (I know that's a dreaded word for many of you, but I really do enjoy it).  I have learned how to cook (and am pretty good at it, I must say), I have learned how to clean things I never even attempted to clean growing up, I have learned a whole new aspect on having patience (and am still working on improving that one), and I have learned what it feels like to be married... to my best friend.

Also being married to a Marine has taught me to be EXTREMELY independent when I need to be and has given me a whole new outlook on life. 

The second event that has happened recently that has really impacted my life was moving to California.

Again, for obvious reasons this has really changed my life.  I have moved across the COUNTRY from the people and places that I have called HOME for the last 21 years of my life.  This has caused me to lose friends and question other relationships but also has opened the doors to many new friendships that I am EXTREMELY grateful for.  This move has also made me have to put my college education on hold for longer then I was expecting/hoping, which is probably the ONLY "bad" thing about moving to California.  Don't get me wrong... I am VERY grateful for everything I have out here (especially being able to be with Brett after spending a good amount of our relationship apart).  These are just changes that I have had to adjust to and adapt to and I feel like I have done a good job doing so!!

Everything happens for a reason... and despite the MANY changes in my life recently, the good DEFINITELY out weigh the bad and I could not be happier then I am today.

30 Day Project - Day 16

A Picture Of Someone Who Inspires You

My Grandma and Grandpa Gifford

My grandparents have EVERYTHING that I could ever dream of having...

A marriage that has just passed it's 50 year mark and is still as STRONG as ever.  They have three amazing kids that they would do ANYTHING for as well as their grandchildren.  I admire their love for one another and for everyone around them.  I have never heard ANYONE say one bad thing about them and I know I never will.  They bend over backwards for everyone and are always willing to help out anyone that is in need. 

They worked hard their entire life and were able to build their dream home and have everything they've ever needed.  They have done SO MUCH for me ever since the day I was born and continue to do so!! They never cease to amaze me with their generosity and caring ways. 

When it comes time for Brett and I to start a family I want to have the loving family that my grandparents have and when it comes time for Brett and I to have grand kids (a LONG LONG ways away) I want to be the Grandparents that they have been and continue to be to me.  I want the love that lasts 50+ years and the ability to provide for my family for every one of those 50+ years.  I want their health and their youthfulness, their outgoing ways and a family and group of friends that care as much about me as they all do about them.

They are my heroes, they inspire me to always be the BEST me.

I LOVE THEM!!

30 Day Project - Day 15

A Picture Of Something You Want To Do Before You Die

 I want to travel... THE WORLD.

There are SO MANY places I would LOVE to see before I die!!  I am really interested in other cultures... what they wear, what they eat, their beliefs, and traditions.  I recently read the book "Eat Pray Love" and I envied the authors experiences as she traveled to all of those exotic places!!

One of the "perks" with Brett being in the military has been his opportunity to travel.  He has been to parts of the world I had never even gave thought about wanting to see and after hearing his stories and seeing pictures, I would now LOVE to go visit!

I watch the travel channel often and drool over all the BEAUTIFUL places!! I hope to one day get the chance to experience in person what I have seen on T.V. and in pictures, what I have read about it books, and what I have heard about from some friends and family that have been lucky enough to travel outside of the U.S.