25

     Wow and Whoa! It's been way to long since that last post. So many things happening but still no excuse. You may remember that last year I did a summary of all the things that being 23 brought me so thus I thought why not do the same for 24. I think 24 has been even more crazy and jammed pack but I'll let you be the judge of that.
     In the beginning months of 24 Danny was on deployment. Instead Bently & I celebrated a bit on my day. It was during that next month that we made the long, long drive to Ohio for a 6 week stay. This way I saw family for the holidays and there weren't a whole lot of other time commitments. We made sure to stop in Las Vegas, Nevada and Vail, Colorado for gas. The 7-11 in Vegas was sketch whereas the small shop in Vail was nestled in a town that looked like it was taken straight from Bavaria. We stayed the night in Utah as temperatures dropped. Along our drive we barely made it through the mountain pass of Colorado before serious snow and snow chains would be required. Our friends housed us in Boulder, CO and then it was off to Lincoln, NE. The last day was the longest drive compacting 15 hours into 13 but alas we made it to OH! Of course the family was happy to see us and loved Bently. He loved the yard and the 2 feet of snow we got. I'm very grateful I got to spend so much time with my family because in so many ways it was an immense luxury. Six weeks later we made the trek back west, this time accompanied by my dad and instead we took the Southern route.
     Honestly after we got back it was very much so a blur. I made sure over deployment to cram my schedule full with FRG, SOS, and every week meet at least 1 friend for coffee or a hike. Needless to say it ate away the time. By the time I arrived back in sunny SoCal it was less than 100 days till he came back and planning for FRG and myself became in full swing. The only big thing otherwise was I gave up ALL meat for Lent. Those of you who know me or know of my love for bacon, burgers and steak can imagine how this went. I never caved but it confirmed that I never want to be a vegetarian and no a soy patty is not the same as meat. Anyways homecoming day arrives! I'm dolled to the 9 as I woke up prior to 4am. It was great to see the ship come in but it takes forever for them to be able to get off so really it was great when you can physically see them as you exchange goofy waves. It was fantastic and I love that we had some stellar photos from it. It was also incredibly sweet and aww worthy moment when Bently saw Danny again. He never forgot him and had a complete spazz out moment with barks and wiggles.

    The very next day we made our way North for our big adventure. We got to see so many things along the way and made so many memories. I'd love to go back to that beautiful B&B in Albion just North of Anderson Valley where we found some winery inspiration. Shortly after our return we did a Walk For Animals which encouraged us to get a 2nd dog. The very next day we welcomed a new addition to our family, Fredrik! He's been loving his new life and hamming it up. We saw the Broadway musical American Idiot that was handcrafted by Green Day. As a fan I was not an ounce disappointed and had to resist singing along.We celebrated 2 wonderful years of marriage at the Melting Pot of course! It was this June that I began school. Not a completely new path but an addition for future opportunities. While there I met Jeanie Braa, Robert Cromeans, Margret Cromeans, Clinton Norris, and DJ Muldoon who transformed my hair into exactly what I wanted. It was also in June we were a part of a beautiful wedding in Cleveland to witness the love of Mike and Justin.  Danny and I saw Bruno Mars in concert which was absolutely incredible! By far an amazing show and barely spent any time sitting as we danced around for the show along with the 2 encores. It was later in August that we went swimming with sharks! Leopard sharks, so they're harmless but they are still huge, (5-8 ft long). Not only did we snorkel with them but we touch these wild sharks as well! We've introduced Fredrik to the world of hiking which he loves and I think Bently loves having a buddy.
       In September we took a fantastic trip to Death Valley where we were able to see some marvelous sites and record breaking locations. Danny got to sand board and mark that off his bucket list. I got 2 new tattoos, the feather and the infinity-mobius strip. Danny joined my side and got his first tattoo too! We made our way the Julian Apple Festival and the Whaley House. Both of which I considered musts while in SoCal along with the Zoo and petting a penguin at Sea World.  It was announced that we are going to Japan! We made our way back in Ohio to see family before our big move which was filled with love and fun. I think the last big thing during the year of 24 would be the book signing by The Oatmeal. Technically it was on my birthday so I guess it could in 24 or 25 but either way it was great. He's just as snarky as you would expect.
     This year has been amazing and filled with so many incredible, once in a  life time experiences and so many travels. I am so grateful for all that has happened and for those who I got to share it with. I know there are only more good things to come. Thank you for everything and hello to mid-20's.