I'm back!!

Happy March!

I am sorry that it has been so long since I have been able to update this blog! I kept meaning to sit down and update it all but it seems like every time I did something came up. I do apologize though! Since my last update a few things have changed:

1. The Saints won their first super bowl! Justin was rooting for them, so I was too…naturally. I was excited to see them get their first big win. Some friends had a Super Bowl party at their house which I gladly attended (picture below). Justin was not able to watch the game because it was so late with the time but was up for a flight before the game ended so we was able to catch the end of the game. I think the time difference worked in his favor for that.

2. I am officially a quarter of a century old! I celebrated my birthday on Feb 13with a great group of friends! We went to sushi/hibachi and then they planned a party. It was a really fun night and I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends here.3. Valentine’s Day came! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day this year! Funny story- the geniuses in maintenance on the carrier decided that they should paint the phone room the night before Valentine’s Day. Not only did they spray paint the phone room, but the phones as well. This means that no one was able to call out on Valentine’s Day! Must have been some single guys behind that one.

4. Justin is no longer a 'stache man! Most of the guys shaved their creepy moustaches this week and I must say that all of the wives are pretty happy about it! Here is a picture of Justin flying with his awesome 'stache! I would like to say that I am proud…but that would just be gross! Haha! I still think he looks good though! I asked him to send me a picture of him and his moustache where he doesn't look creepy and he said that it was not possible!

In response to some of the comments posted from last time:

1. OEF stands for Operation Enduring Freedom. It is the best way of saying where he is without actually saying his location. For the protection of all of the sailors they have asked us not to post anything about where the carrier is.

2. Justin has received care packages from multiple people. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to send things to him, it is nice for him to get little presents in the mail!

The Mr.

Justin is doing really well! He is getting tons of flights in and is getting even more comfortable with carrier landings, especially at night. They have had the pilots flying with the same Wizzos (back seat Naval Flight Officers) on every flight so they can get really comfortable. His main missions are to provide close air support to those that are in combat on the ground. This means that he is flying in-country and waiting to hear if their help is needed somewhere. He has actually been called in to provide assistance a few times. His missions are usually around 6-8 hours so they have to refuel a few times while flying.

This is a picture that another Jolly Roger took of their plane refueling from a tanker. Justin said that it can get tricky sometimes when they have bad weather because the basket is only a few feet wide. When he is not providing close air support he is also doing some recon work and things like that. He said that he was prepared for deployment before leaving but has learned so much since they have been there. It is pretty amazing to think that he has been preparing for this for so many years. I am incredibly proud of him and am definitely looking forward to him coming home! I know they all are too! They were supposed to have a port call in February but due to the surge it was cancelled. I feel really bad for the guys, they have not been on land in almost 2.5 months! They are looking forward to their first port call in the next few weeks. The senior officers on the boat are trying to put some precautions in place to keep the 5,000 people on the boat from getting in trouble when they finally get there (although not everyone gets off the boat at once). They must know how much the guys were looking forward to a beer because everyone on the boat that was 21+ got a beer last week to make up for the missed port. It sounds funny but it was definitely the highlight of the week for the guys! Small victories! The port call is supposed to be 3 days and each officer will be allowed one overnight liberty during that time. The first night they are confined to what they call the “Sandbox”. It sounds like it is a big area that is roped off right when they get off the carrier in port. They have bars and music and things like that. They will not be allowed to leave that area that night and have to return to the boat at night to sleep. The officers have to stand watch one of the next two nights and then get overnight liberty on the other night. I know the guys are looking forward to a much deserved break! I am sure I will have some good stories after that weekend!

The Mrs.

I am doing really well too! Work has been keeping me very busy but I am enjoying it. The people at my office are great and really trust me with all of their marketing which is neat. I have redesigned the logo for my company and am working on the website as well. It is a pretty big project and I will be working on it for the next 4-6 months but I am excited to unveil it all as soon as it is complete. I have also been producing some marketing materials that we have been sending out. They are letting me develop all of the campaigns and I have been revamping their current processes and procedures so hopefully it will all pay off! When I am not working I have been hanging out with lots of people here in Virginia. A big bulk of my time has been committed to working on a project for the guys. It is a surprise to them but we have been working on a half-way video for them, The Real Housewives of VFA-103. It is hilarious and really fun to work on! We have been compiling a bunch of short skits that are all really sarcastic! The wives are amazing and everyone keeps coming up with new and really funny ideas! My favorite skit that I have been in was the “initiation” of the new wives. We have convinced the guys that there is an initiation/hazing when a new wife comes into the squadron. Cari and I were the new wives and we got some great video of the CO’s and XO’s wives tarring (chocolate syrup) and feathering (stuffing) us while making us drink! Other skits include a poker game where we bet all of their prized possessions, the birth of the monkey twins (Susan’s husband is a little hairy) and a funny towel skit with an "April Showers" theme. Above are some pictures from one night of filming!

I was also lucky enough to have my mom and grandma come to visit me at end of February.

We had four great days of shopping, dining and drinking a some wine! I am so lucky to have family and friends that come to visit. It means more to me that anyone can imagine and really helps break up these six months. We had a great girl’s weekend and I think I laughed more in the weekend that I ever had! Special thanks to you two wonderful ladies, I love you both so much. I can't express in words how much it meant to me and how great the weekend was!!

Well, that is an update on what has been going on here in Virginia and with Justin on the carrier. I promise that I will start to update this every week again!

Thanks again for all of the thoughts and please continue to pray for all of the men and women who are risking their lives to keep us safe.

Blessings,

Danielle