The Silent Ranks

Lately, I have been thinking about how my life has changed from five years ago. I was only nineteen, in college, having the time of my life. I didn't have a care in the world, except whether I would make it to class on time and what the weekend would hold. And then the unexpected happened. I was introduced to a man, who I now call my husband. In six days, we will be married for one year! 

It's truly amazing to think about the path I've taken to get me where I am today. Not only did I marry the love of my life, but I married into the military as well. Not everyone understands what it's like being a part of the 'silent ranks', but it's unlike anything I have ever experienced. Nine months ago, we found out we would be moving across the world to a little island on military orders. I still remember telling our family and friends we would be leaving for a bit. And it's not "goodbye", but rather "We'll see ya soon". I miss my friends and family more then words can express, but I know they will always be waiting for me wherever this "road called life" aka the military takes us. 

One of my favorite poems:

The Silent Ranks

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens,
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders, salutes I do not give.
But the military world is a place I live.
I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I cannot forget
I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just a tough, I'm the one that's left behind.
My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man.
And the call to serve his country, not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed, to keep this country free.
My husband makes this sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.
I love the man I married, soldiering is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks,
Known as the Military Wife.

Hawaii Bound

the resort we are staying in is in the bottom right corner

we are right on the beach!

                                  

ahh, look at the water! i'm looking forward to sandy beaches

this will be paradise!

I first off just want to say, I have the BEST husband in the entire world! Some may argue, but I truly believe I have found one of a kind! In 1o days, it will be our one year anniversary! I can't believe we have only been married for a year. We have technically been together for four. Well, we have been talking about what we want to do for our anniversary. We originally were just going to rent a cabin on island somewhere at one of the bases. Just a little weekend getaway. Well, naturally, they are all full until like the middle of October. So that plan was out. When hubby got home from work yesterday, he informed me that he and a co-worker had schemed up all day what do to for our anniversary since there really wasn't much to do on the island that we haven't already done. So, he has decided to take me to HAWAII! 

We are not going until Decemeber, so he can put in leave and we can save up some extra cash. It is a few months after our anniversary, but hey, it's HAWAII! We are staying at the Hale Koa in Honolulu on Waikiki Beach! The Hale Koa is a military resort so it's cheaper and only open for military members and their families. The first photo above is the resort and the beach! I am so excited! It's a little less than 3 months away, so I will be hitting the gym extra hard! I've already lost 26 lbs, so I'm shooting for 30 more lbs! I have to be swimsuit ready!! It's definitely good motivation! I'm just looking forward to a romantic, relaxing getaway with the love of my life! I'd say I'm a pretty lucky girl!

Never Alone

Lately I've been missing home. Missing my family and of course my friends! I talk to my family often, but I feel like my friends and I have kind of grown apart. And I know that it's no ones fault. We're all on different paths in our lives, but somehow we still manage to stay best friends. I wish these three years would go a little bit faster. I guess we're down to 2.5 years now. Woo! I feel like I'm missing so much at home. Friends are graduating college, getting married, and having babies! I've missed a best friends graduation and a best friends wedding, and will probably miss the birth of her second child. We are hoping to come home in February for about a month. It's going to be challenging getting to see everyone we want to during those times! I guess it's two weeks in Farmersville and two weeks in Rittman. 


Driving in the car on my way to the gym today, I had a mixed cd in that I made a few months ago. One of the songs that came on was "Never Alone" - Lady A ft. Jim Brickman. It became "our song". And by "our", I mean my best friends and I's song. It describes perfectly how each of us feel. I think it symbolizes our friendship to the T. "May your tears come from laughing, you find friends worth having. With every year passing, they mean more than gold". I know in my heart, that no matter where life takes each and every one of us, we will always be best friends. They mean the world to me and I can truly say I don't know who I would be without them.  

Never Alone - Lady Antebellum feat. Jim Brickman

May the angels protect you

Trouble neglect you

And heaven accept you when it's time to go home

May you always have plenty

Your glass never empty

Know in your belly

You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing

You find friends worth having

With every year passing

They mean more than gold

May you win but stay humble

Smile more than grumble

And know when you stumble

You're never alone

Never alone

Never alone

I'll be in every beat of your heart

When you face the unknown

Wherever you fly

This isn't goodbye

My love will follow you stay with you

Baby you're never alone

Well, I have to be honest

As much as I want it

I'm not gonna promise the cold winds won't blow

So when hard times have found you

And your fear surround you

Wrap my love around you

You're never alone

Never alone

Never alone

I'll be in every beat of your heart

When you face the unknown

Wherever you fly

This isn't goodbye

My love will follow you stay with you

Baby you're never alone

May the angels protect you

Trouble neglect you

And heaven accept you when it's time to go home

And when hard times have found you

And your fear surround you

Wrap my love around you

You're never alone

Never alone

Never alone

I'll be in every beat of your heart

When you face the unknown

Wherever you fly

This isn't goodbye

My love will follow you stay with you

Baby you're never alone

My love will follow you stay with you

Baby you're never alone

23 lbs & Counting

Since April 26th (the day we moved into our house) to current, I have lost a total of 23 lbs. It fluctuates daily, but I seem to be keeping most of it off! Which is really exciting for me. I've wanted to lose weight for such a long time, but living in the states, there were so many temptations. Being on this little island, you can only eat so much fast food. Especially since the only fast food restaurants on base are starting to turn disgusting. Lately, I've surpassed the fast food and have been either cooking dinner or eating at more healthier places aka not fast food. If you look at the Japanese, they are always so tiny. So they must be doing something right. 


So Chelsee and I went to the gym today. I did the elliptical for 15 mins & did 1.5 miles. Then we did the row machine (which is a bia) for 5 mins. That is definitely long enough for that machine. Then we did the sit down bike for 10 mins. I did 3.5 miles on that! Wooooo! Then went to weights and worked out back. My shiz is going to hurt tomorrow for sure! But I will just get over that since we are going 5 days a week! I am determined to get back my bikini body! And I'm glad I have a gym partner that actually makes me go to the gym and knows what she is doing! :)


That is all for now, I will have more updates on the weight loss / working out. Wish me luck, because I'm ready to get my ass kicked!


<3 Jen