He has Risen...Over the Nation's Capital!

Happy Easter! Today marks the first Easter holiday away from family and friends...just with my Gio this year. I have to say though, it has already been am amazing day. D.C. is truly a wonderful city. I am convinced of this more and more all the time. We attended a sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial this morning. We woke up SUPER early and got to the mall area before the sun rose. Thousands showed up to hear a sermon and sing hymns. It was really nice.

Took at nap and went to some new friend's house for Easter brunch. It was a really nice visit, and nice to have people to share our holiday with. The group was from our church here- all young military families showed up today. I feel a bit more supported and understood by this group. It is really nice to be surrounded by people who experience what you are experiencing.We were all away from our families on this holiday, many for the first time, but somehow it felt ok, because we had each other. Even though we are really mostly strangers, it felt comforting and safe. 


A woman from our church was there today with her three young kids alone. I found out that her husband was deployed to Afghanistan- today! On Easter! This was a reality check. I WILL go through this at one point- possible several points, if Giovanni decides to make a career out of the military. I will be left all alone again, but next time possibly with children, far away from family and friends. Most likely I will be experiencing countless  holidays and celebrations on my own. That is simply the bottom line. I need to learn to enjoy these moments while they are happening. I think I just may be beginning to understand.

How Much Should I Tell You?

I am struggling with forming my posts! I do not know how much background information to share before getting into the "meat" of what is happening in my life now. This struggle has actually been quite "enlightening" to me. I realize that every time I tell a story or express an opinion, even in conversation, I back-track and "set up" what I am about to say. I guess I feel that I have to justify these things. SO...I have decided that there will be no lengthy or formal introductions about who I am and "how" I became a Marine wife. I will start from TODAY. I am reminded of a quote from Carlos Santana:

“Most people are prisoners, thinking only about the future or living in the past. They are not in the present, and the present is where everything begins.”

What Does the Future Hold?

As I sit here at my local coffee shop, I am surprised at the comfort and ease I feel in this place. I cannot believe that I have been married for almost six months now and living in the D.C. area for almost a year! Leaving NYC to this "suburb" was not an easy transition for me. I was terrified about how I was going to spend my free time. I had been living alone in the big city, doing whatever I pleased. I spent my days literally running around. I left my fourth floor upper east side walk-up each morning at 6 am and did not return until 9pm. I walked two miles to the school I taught at each morning and evening. I roamed the city streets, shopped around, lingered at coffee shops and museums, did hot yoga and kickboxing classes. Now I sit here and wonder how the heck I had the energy.

Now here I am married, comfortable, and at ease. It is amazing how calm and collected I feel. It is amazing that I can honestly say I am in love with Arlington Va. This was the best way to start our marriage. We have only each other here, and we experience everything fresh and new together. I will miss this place when the time comes yet again to move on.

We just signed our lease again for another year. This makes me happy. But then there is the question: Where will we be next? Japan? San Diego? North Carolina? I am beginning to feel uneasy about this moving thing. It took me almost a year to get used to this transition...took a lot out of me. Is this what my future holds? Terrible transitions followed by a year of comfort?

Recipe for a Marine Wife:

1 1/2 cups patience 

1 cup courage 

3/4 cup tolerance 

dash of adventure 

1 pound ability 

With the above ingredients:
Add 2 tablespoons elbow grease. Let stand alone for six months. Marinate frequently with salty tears. Pour off excess fat. Sprinkle ever so lightly with money. Knead dough until payday. Season with international spices. Bake 20 years until done. Serve with pride.