Hello California!

Yes, yes, yes! Finally, after almost two long years of missing home, missing family, missing friends, missing beautiful weather- we are finally getting stationed in California! :D I don't think anybody realizes how many emotions I have running through me. Thomas and I have talked about the day we leave Virginia to be stationed in San Diego since before we even made Virginia home! We thought it would have come much sooner but it didn't. We just kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting. But the wait is over, and it's here, it's.finally.here.

Though we had been anticipating the move to California for a while now, it still came as a surprise. Being that Thomas LAT moved (changed jobs) we were told we would have to wait until he graduated his MOS school (new job school) in late June for us to get orders. And even then we had no idea whether they would put us at a base in California or not. There was even some small talk of us possibly being sent to Okinawa... in Japan..... "Excuse me?" 

Needless to say that didn't happen (thank you Jesus!), and we got orders to Camp Miramar in San Diego (we though we would get sent to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, but that's ok!) earlier than expected.. and quick orders for that matter. Typically, you're given orders about 6 months in advance, more or less. That wasn't our case. Our orders were given to us with just a little over 2 months in advance leaving us with little time to plan. As if that weren't stressful enough, we have to leave immediately after Thomas returns from school... Leave it to the Marine Corps to find a way to mess with you...

Regardless of all this, Thomas and I are beyond ecstatic to finally be where we belong and start a new chapter in our lives- though, it's also a bit scary and nerve wrecking. The move in itself is fearful.. Figuring out what method you're going to use to move, packing everything and moving across country, figuring out who, what where, when, why, how. And on top of that, we have gotten so comfortable here in Virginia. Not enjoyed it per-say, but you know, we just got comfortable, use to it.

Now, it's time to go elsewhere, live in a new place, start new jobs, learn new lessons, experience new things. It's intimidating, but all at the same time exciting. We've both grown, matured and learned so much during our time here in Virginia and can definitely say it's an experience to take with us, but our time here is done.

 I'm glad to get away from these terrible allergies I suddenly developed while being here and the "much worse than L.A traffic" I got stuck in everyday after work. But I know I'll miss the snow in the winter time that makes the season feel that much sweeter. And those beautiful Cherry Blossoms that bloom all over the city during spring time. I'll miss having American history just a few miles away in DC. And I'll miss seeing Lamba play with her best friend- the only dog in existence she has ever truly loved to be around. Now looking back at it all, I guess it wasn't all half bad. Thanks for the memories Virginia, it was sweet- but this lady and gent are ready to go home! :D