Remembering 9/11

I'm back from work, and most days I just want to sit and watch something mindless after hours and hours of news. But today, it's different. Today, I am hooked on the news coverage of Osama bin Laden's death. I'm not sure what makes this story different than others. It is still hard to believe nearly 10 years have passed since that horrific 11th day in September. Or maybe it's because I know so many men and women who have been fighting the war on terror abroad. And, over the last couple of months it seems like there has been an increase in US deaths in Afghanistan, that some positive news just feels good. More than anything though, seeing the video from around the world is empowering. Just as the nation did after the attacks in 2001, the country is coming together again to celebrate this victory.

I wish Drew and the other soldiers could see the sea of people cheering outside the White House and Ground Zero, as well as the fans at the Phillie's game who stop cheering for their team, and began cheering for the USA. I can only hope that all of this positive energy and support for our troops continues, because as Drew told me in an e-mail, we must still keep fighting. There are still plenty of bad guys out there.

Royally Obsessed

I'll be honest, I am looking forward to the royal wedding tomorrow. (I wouldn't call myself royally obsessed... that title is saved for the guy in the link below.) Maybe it's because I am planning my own wedding. Maybe because Kate reminds me of one of my sorority members. Or maybe it's because the couple is young and seems in love. Whatever, the reason, I will be watching the wedding. Oh and, it helps that I also work at 4am and it's my job to watch the news at that hour. You better believe that our crew is planning a party for too. I am baking some royal cookies as I type this blog (pictures to come). Although, I must say, even if there wasn't a wedding, we would still be grilling out and celebrating the weekend and the end to this non-stop rain!

Back to the wedding... I am looking forward to seeing what Kate wears, how she does her hair, etc. etc. I do, however, think that coverage/hoopla has been pretty ridiculous. It is unbelievable what companies will come up with to sell, what people will do... This guy takes the cake!

Happy Easter

I hope everyone has a wonderful and dry day with their families!

It's Hard to Believe...

... that the Reds are 5-0 and that Drew and I have had Lexi for a year now. Not to mention, how much she has grown over the last year. Yes, this is Lexi on Opening day last year - she's a Reds fan too. My younger brother took the picture on his phone. He watched her that day so Drew and I could attend the game. This year, Drew obviously couldn't make it, but that didn't stop him and some other soldiers from joining in on the fun, with ice-cream in their Reds hats.

The Reds are on a roll this year after their big Opening Day comeback. I like to believe it was the power of my pants, but I suppose it could be the team's talent. We had a lot of fun again this year. It was a bit chilly, but luckily it didn't rain. A big group of us met at one of the restaurant bars downtown before heading to the game. Even Traveling Drew joined in on the fun.

Milestone

Before this Sunday wraps up I want to share some more good news. Drew tells me that today marks the half way point of his deployment! Obviously, anything can change in the next 6 months, but at this point September 20th is the finish line!

Sweet Saturday

Look at the sweet surprise I found on the front porch this morning!Yes, two dozen roses from Drew. I didn't even hear the doorbell ring. i just happened to be running out the door to get to the gym for a class and found the box of roses. Needless to say, I didn't make it to that class, but I did eventually get to a spinning one. And, I have these beautiful flowers to smell and look at all week long.

If you are wondering what the special delivery is for... Drew and I had our first date two years ago today. It's hard to believe. To be honest, it seems like way more than 2 years have passed since that first "hey, let's get dinner." But, I am SO GRATEFUL he asked me to get dinner that night. I can't imagine being anywhere, but here, at this point in my life. I have Drew to thank, my family, and all of my friends and his family to thank for all the fun and excitement that has made these last two years, seem like much more, because of all the great memories that make them up. It's amazing how much fun lies ahead in these next two years!

Tick Tock

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a month since Drew came home for his R & R. Yet, when I think about time, it seems as though the days are dragging along. A friend brought it to my attention that I haven't posted in a while and I think it's because it's hard to think that it will be another six months until Drew comes home again. And, I know that before I can post anything, I have to mention his visit. On the up side, he is half way done - there is a light at the end of the tunnel... it's just a very LOOOONNG tunnel.It was great to have him home for the two weeks. I was able to get some days off work and extend our weekends together. We took some time to do wedding things, visit with friends and friends of friends who have been sending him letters. We even took some time to look at some open houses. No, we aren't planning to move now, but decided to get an idea of what's out there and what we both like/don't like. Not to mention, Drew LOVES looking at homes that are for sale.I think it was really good for Drew to get home and take a break from working continuously. That mixed with getting his masters just makes for some really long days away. Plus, it's not getting any warmer over there. Spring and summer are right around the corner which means the temperature is rising... and will continue to rise to about 120 degrees.He got plenty of love from Lexi while he was home and I know she will miss him while he is gone, but will be even more happy when he returns... for good!