Christmas tree time!

We went tree hunting this weekend and now my house smells of Christmas! We didn't go to a tree farm but to the Naval Radio Station Jim Creek and for $15 we got to wander and pick out our own special tree. Eric loved being up there, if we stay in Washington I tihnk we'll move up to Arlington or further. The tree is bigger than we thought but its still pretty. The cats have been sleeping under it on our blue tree skirt and Sasha loves sniffing the branches. I'm just excited to have a tree and pretty lights and my ornaments on different branches.

Surprise Activity

The other day I surprised Eric with a Christmas craft. We decorated sugar cookies!

Hump Day

Friday, December 4, 2009 was our halfway point of Eric's enlistment. So he brought me home flowers (with much coaxing) He only has 2 1/2 years left and trust me, we're counting down!

Ode to my cats

Oh we wouldn't torture them if we didn't love them!

It finally came in the mail

Back in September I took the ASCP Phlebotomy licensing exam, learned that I passed within 2 weeks, but just now got the certificate in the mail. I wanted to show you a copy of it, will get it framed and hung up soon. I think its cool that I can now sign my name, Jennifer C. Long, ASCP (PBT) cm... its a mouthful!

On November 5, 2009 Eric turned 25. We did a simple celebration. Had roast for dinner and I made him a cake. He had a handful of presents between my mom and I, while we are still waiting for the box from his mom. The Sasha kitty sat in his the lap while he was opening gifts.

Happy Birthday Eric. I love you!

Halloween Crafts

This year for halloween we didn't do much. Eric got home on October 30th from Rhode Island and we had a peaceful day on Saturday. Even though Eric was gone, I still made scarecrow chair covers. I think they're pretty cute! Also made halloween cupcakes for Eric when he did come home!

Circus!

I went to the circus yesterday with my friend Chelsey. Mom says I've been to one before, but since I don't remember it doesn't count, so this was my first time! The lighting was dark with lots of special effects, so of course the pictures didn't really turn out. We had the trapeeze (sp?) act and clowns and tigers and elephants and horses and zebras and dogs doing tricks. They shot 2 girls out of a cannon, well fake looklike a cannon but still, shot them thru the air. Lots of gymnast like jumps and twirls. They even made a song and dance to "don't try this at home."

It was a fun activity and for the price ($15) you couldn't beat it! They also had a little meet and greet before where we were able to be up closer with the elephants and clowns. It was good.

Also went and saw Julie and Julia last Sunday. Went to the Evergreen State Fair the Sunday before that. Been keeping busy while Eric's gone.

Eric is going to Va?

So Eric's mother and youngest sister, Allycia will be in Va the first week of Oct. It came up in conversation about the possibility of Eric visiting them while he is in RI. Unfortunately the cheapest flights were $340, and for a weekend trip, we couldn't justify it. But his mom really wanted to see him, as did Eric want to see them. And with Eric's schedule next year, who knows when he'll get a chance to see them? So mother in law and I made a deal, we split the cost, and Eric gets to go to Va.
Just bought Eric's ticket, I hope he enjoys his mini trip with his mom and sister.

the Emptiness without Eric

Eric's been gone for over a week, been keeping busy with work and studying for my phlebotomy licensing exam.
Went to the Evergreen State Fair with some friends from work. Got to see animals from all the 4H clubs, pigs, chickens, goats, cows, horses, all the good stinky ones. I even tried to convince ERic that I could have one of the slaughter pigs.
Bought a raffle ticket for a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, its doubtful I will win, but hey, its nice to dream. The drawing is Oct 11 at the mall down the street. I might just go to find out who wins. Also got a set of 800 thread count sheets for $20. We'll see if they last, they are really soft though.
The cats have been extra cuddly, Maggie only when she's hungry, but I won't turn it down!
Bought school books today, had only 1 book available used, so I spent $500. I'm not too thrilled.
Goodnight

Caleb got Married!

Eric and I went to Caleb and Kristi's Wedding this weekend (August 15th) It was a nice wedding and we were able to see a good amount of our family members. Also got to meet our new sister in law, Kristi and her little boy, Tyler (I guess nephew now?) My parents, Rachel, her two kids, Amandine and Thierry, and Gaelan drove down from Michigan. Ian and Chris flew down. Alex, Darci, and their 5 kids, Peter, Paul, Solenne, Sarah, and Samuel also drove down from Oklahoma. Our cousin Amanda also drove over from the other side of Texas. I think Caleb appreciated everyone making the effort to come. Eric got last minute leave and was finally able to meet the family (we've been married 17 months) I think everyone somewhat approved. Eric played Wii boxing and tennis and bowling with Chris, Gaelan, Amandine, mom and maybe even other people. Rachel said that he is dad. Caleb even made several comments about me looking "hot". Said that he had never seen me look as good as I did.

Loved Kristi's dress, it looked really nice, had a small train that could be pinned up for dancing. Her colors were pink and royal blue. They had about 75 people come to the wedding and reception, even dad's best friend JJ and his wife were able to come down. Dad hasn't seen them in over 15 years! Their wedding cake had their faces on it! They froze that part for their one year anniversarry. They had dancing during the reception and her family really likes to dance!

She is going to try to find a job and hopefully go back to school in January. She wants to be a teacher, but I never asked what type? Elementary or Secondary? or what specific course of study? mmhmm I need an email address to email her...

I am very excited for the 3 of them (Tyler got married too) and wish them only the best in the coming years!

Ren Faire

Today we went to a Renaissance Festival in Buckely, Wa. I cannot be compared to Michigans as it will fail in all respects, but it was a fun outting nonetheless. This fair was presented in about 2 acres and we covered it in about 3 hours. It had the traditional jousts and musicians and the Queen of Scotland and the craft booths. Eric and I did dress up. I even got a turkey leg that I had been craving. (Eric liked his too)

A simple update

It's been a slow month for us but still eventful.
I got more hours at work, now working 545-1230 Mon-Fri, so Eric and I can go in to work together and then I ride the bus home. Also found out that work will pay for my bus pass, did all the paperwork, and should get it starting in August.
Eric has started to take flying lessons. He is working towards his sport pilot's license which is flying a 2 person unpressurized cabin plane that only holds about 400 lbs. He has about 4 hours in, needs 20 to get this license. He is excited and enjoying every bit of it!
We're going to the Rennaissance Festival this weekend, Eric's been making a costume and everything (there will be pictures!) I think he's building this up too much, but I will let him go and see for himself. Each festival is different so maybe they have different stuff here than back in Michigan.
Been in the 90's all last week, had to buy more fans to keep the apt and the cats cool. Most stores are sold out of fans. Again with the abnormal weather, like this winter we had snowstorms and each store ran out of snow chains and shovels because they're not used to a mad rush on those items.
Eric's ship is in Seattle this week (go figure) and he has Wed night, Thurs, Sat, and Sun off. So I will be going back and forth a bit this week.
Also got green dishes the other day. It's nice to have a dish set. lol
Life is going normal otherwise.

Yay for School

I have finished my phlebotomy training course. I can now get a job at a hospital and am a legal vampire! I've applied to several jobs, had one interview so far, but hoping for the best. Thought you'd like to see my certificate because it makes me happy and a picture of the class!

Eric went on another underway this week. His ship went to Portland, Or for Fleet Week and the Rose Festival. His ship along with 3 Canadian Ships and 3 Us Coast Guard ships were there for presence and were giving tours. I had some free time since I finished school this week and drove down to spend Saturday with Eric. We were able to watch the parade, listen to the different marching bands, see some classic cars, clowns, and even laugh at girls on horses would couldn't ride! We were able to take a tour of the HMCS Algonquin, a Canadian Destroyer. A ship is a ship, they have a few different things and designs and layouts but its still a ship. After the parade we wandered downtown until we got bored. Then we went driving and found a park and went on a hike for 1 1/2 hours. We both had fun and enjoyed ourselves and it helped to break up this underway. He'll be home in a couple days and between work and schol the days will fly by!

We have a new addition! And no, its not a little person

Last Saturday we went to the animal shelter to look around. We walked out with a 10 week old, grey and white baby girl kitty. At first Maggie was not thrilled at all, but given a week, they are playing together, able to eat at the same time, be in the same room, even sleep on the bed at the same time! Eric named the kitten Sasha. Maggie acts like a mom at times to Sasha, chasing her out of places she shouldn't, and of course, showing her who's boss. We've made sure to give Maggie her normal attention so that we don't have a bad case of jealousy on our hands. Sasha wants to go outside on the porch but we won't let her. We set it up with netting to let Maggie out there, but Sasha is too small. Plus we're trying to give Maggie her one free place. She sits at the door and smacks at Sasha when she does try to go out. Eric is loving having a baby around, all of that energy little things have. She loves the hair ties and shoes laces and basically anything else that is hanging down. I just can't wait to get her declawed next month!

Everyone has a blog so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon

Eric and I have been in Everett for 6 months now. His work schedule has been busy and hectic and every now and then we'll get an extra day off out of the blue. He has had several underways which left me home alone with my kitty, Maggie.

I am on the clinical phase of school, will be at Bremerton Naval Hospital for my externship of drawing blood. Yes, I am becoming a vampire!

We're hoping to be able to come home to visit Michigan sometime this summer. Mainly its to show off Eric to everyone and their brother!

Went to the Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners game last night. Eric I had a blast! We try to do one fun activity each month. Next month we have an Irish Jig to go to at the college. Last month we went go kart racing. Otherwise we see movies and hang out playing Guitar Hero and go mountain biking and do other little things. We're hoping that with my schedule that I will be able to go on the Shoup's Dependents Cruise next month too.

We have lots of goals and plans for this next year and we'll see what happens and how it all works out.