Discovering South Carolina...list #1.

I've been thinking about all the fun things Phil and I can do together when I get home in just over a month...some are things we can do on leave, and others are just fun places to go to in the future. I'm in love with Charleston, and South Carolina as a whole. I can't imagine living any other place right now. It's beautiful -- I always tell people the reason I love it so much is the fact that I live on the edge of city that still maintaints its small town feel and southern charm. The people are friendly, the scenery is lovely and the food is amazing. Beyond just Charleston, the surrounding cities and neighborhoods have so much to offer...so here are just a few things I'm itching to do:

1. Pavilion Bar and Grill -- one of the charming aspects of Charleston is its historical buildings and locations. One common restaurant alternative is eating on the rooftop of the downtown hotels. One of the places I'd love to try on a warm summer evening is this particular rooftop experience...check it out: http://www.marketpavilion.com/

2. Cupcake -- Though cake isn't Phil's favorite thing, we have found some tasty treats at this little SC chain. Its really charming. They have certain staple flavors, and then other flavors of cupcakes that come out depending on the season. My personal favorite is the Peppermint and Chocolate cupcake. I've seen people buy boxes of these for their weddings, instead of the traditional wedding cake. I love that idea!

In case you'd like to endulge a little yourself, here is their websites: http://www.freshcupcakes.com/

Like I said, charming.

3. Charleston Boat Show: I've never been, but it looks like a fun way to spend the afternoon on the harbor. Maybe one day we'll own a boat. I love the ocean, and I have a lot of memories of getting my own boating license when I was young, and later sailing with my dad on his catamaran in Hawaii and Turkey. Nothing but the wind in your hair and smell of the ocean. This year's Boat Show is in late April. http://www.charlestonspringboatshow.com/

4. Summerville Flowertown Festival: I've read that the Southeast Tourism Society has named the Flowertown Festival in Summerville, SC as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast. Food, art and friendly people in a really nice part of town. This event takes place at the end of March. Last year's website: http://www.flowertownfestival.com/

I could probably think of 10 more things right now...but these are just a few, and I'll add more to this list later. I guess that's the great place about living somewhere new, you can discover so many interesting events, places and people. I look forward to the many adventures ahead as Phil, Gus and I continuing exploring South Carolina!

Making the most of "away"

It's funny, but i've spent most of my life being "away" from something. With all the moves growing up in a military family, we were constantly saying goodbye -- always away from family or friends somewhere. Then I married the man of my dreams -- a Marine. And I learned very quickly that there was still a long road of goodbyes and separations ahead of us. I guess that's just how my life was meant to be. I'd like to think that with the separations and goodbyes, that i've grown stronger, and learned to value life and those in it more than I would have, had I not had these experiences. I've learned to cope through letters and phone calls, (skype!) and through making new friendships ... but most of all trusting that God would fill the empty part of me that comes with being "away" from those Ilove.

I've now found myself very far away from everyone I love...Baghdad. What an amazing experience though. Just like in the past, God has found a way to teach me through my experiences here, to strengthen me by what i've done and seen, and to really show me just how blessed I am to live in a free country, with a loving family and wonderful friends.

To get me through the long days here, especially when I'm feeling homesick, I tend to think of all the little thing i'm looking forward to doing when I'm finally home...things I never want to take for granted:

my siblings...I miss them. I can't wait to love on those six crazy boys and girls:)

Walks with Gus Gus...he mostly "walked" me, and now that he's huge, I know walks will be an adventure. It was the best way to end my work days though. Just me and my bud.

Cooking with Phil...here we're making paella...we love to try new things. Luckily we both come from parents that love to cook as well, so we're never without good food!

The beach...there is a place on Pawley's Island near my grandparent's house. It's my favorite beach. There are so many memories there. I can't wait to go there with family again soon.

Quality time with my wonderful husband. He's been such a support through this deployment. I can't wait for all the life adventures ahead for us. I love him so much.

Time with my Mom and Dad...so looking forward to seeing both of them in just over a month!

Spending some relaxing summer days with Phil's family -- can't wait to see them again, and have them down in Charleston :)