Our Trip Down Under: Part 1

For Troy's pre-deployment leave, we went to Australia. This was the trip we have been planning as the pinnacle of our time in Okinawa. It isn't necessarily cheaper to go from over here, or a shorter flight. But it was the right timing in life, so we jumped on the opportunity. 

My love for Australia roots from kangaroos. I have always been enamored with those bouncy bundles of joy and the thought of seeing one in real life was mind blowing. Troy is obsessed with Australian accents and being adventurous and outdoorsy, so it was the right place for us to visit. After spending two weeks there, we were very sad to leave. It felt like Australia was right for us. I have been begging to move there since we left. :)

Our first stop was Sydney, Australia. Home of the iconic Opera House (which was actually a little underwhelming). It is such a fun, laid back, and fit place. It might seem weird to call a place "fit", but everyone is so active and outdoorsy. Sydney is a stellar mixture of water, green space, and bustling city life. Enjoy some pics from this part of our trip. 

Excited to be in Australia!

The Harbour Bridge. We climbed to the top! 

Cruisin' on the Harbour. 

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman have an apartment in this building!

Giant cruise ship... we thought Papaw Don would like this photo. 

The famous Sydney Opera House.

The perfect representation of Sydney: Green space, water, and the skyline.

Gorgeous views on the edge of the harbour. 

The Opera House up close. 

Ahhh.... Australian awesomeness!

Love Notes

My mom and I are the same in many ways... But one of them is our love of thoughtful gestures. Sweet notes, unexpected hugs, a good head rub. None of these cost anything, but they mean that someone is thinking about you. My mom instilled this in my brother, Drew. He has one lucky soon-to-be wifey. Speaking of, I am coming home to visit for his wedding in July. :)

I think I've taught Troy my love of these gestures. Before he left, I came home to find notes all the way up the stairs about how much he'd miss me. After he left, I began finding notes all around the house in common and uncommon places. My favorite one, so far, had to be the one below. I found it In my nightstand and laughed for at least 10 minutes while thinking about his sweet pick-up lines. I couldn't help sharing, so I hope he doesn't mind. :)

A quick update: Troy made it to Afghanistan and is getting down to work. I will ask him to send some pics to post on the blog next time we talk. I also have his address if anyone wants to mail him a note or box of goodies. Just let me know!

Airport Doors

I wrote this the day Troy left... for those of you who want to know: I am incredibly okay! I miss him, of course, but the dogs and I are doing just fine holding down the fort in Okinawa. :)

So today was the definition of "D-Day" for the Walton family. Yep, he left for the most serious deployment of his career. Troy has left many times, been gone on exercises and training for more months of the year than he has been home, but this is his first combat deployment. As things get underway, I will be sure to provide more updates. For now, you can know that he is on his way to Afghanistan.

A big part of my job as a FRO is preparing families for deployment, getting them through it, and making the homecomings memorable and unforgettable. I love being that person that spouses and family members can turn to, who can provide the answers with a reassuring smile. Now it is my turn, and I felt like I was totally prepared. I have handled the transition really well, staying strong for Troy and our families. I felt really weird seeing our friends get emotional, having people ask me daily if I am ok and being surprised when I respond positively. Today, one thing ended that strong streak.......

It began with seeing Troy say goodbye to our dogs. I know that sounds silly to those of you who aren't dog people, or who have kids and think I'm crazy, but they are our children. They share our triumphs, cuddle us when we are sad, and know all our bad habits (often cleaning up floor crumbs). He gave them all hugs and kisses, promised to see them soon, and asked them to be good.

Shortly, we were off to the airport. As we drew nearer, the reality set in.

Pulling up to the drop off point was the worst. I knew he was leaving soon, and it was the hardest thing I have ever done letting him go and telling him to be safe. I have never wanted more to say a million words, while at the same time being unable to speak them. We hugged for quite a while and I felt selfish... Selfish for crying when I know he is off to do his job, defend our country, and love it the whole time. I can't say it any better than my friend, Jill, did. And here is what she said:
"I can't possibly understand. I imagine it is probably like taking a piece of your own heart, wrapping it in someone else's body, and sending it into a dangerous situation. All the while knowing that you have no control over it. Knowing that you'll never be the same if someone else makes a decision that negatively affects that piece of your heart." Jill isn't a military wife, philosopher, or even a mind-reader. She's just that good of a listener. :)

When I waved at Troy as he entered the airport, I felt like my heart was packed in his carry-on. It was the oddest combination of heartbreak, pride, and overwhelming sadness I have ever felt. It also made me feel so very loved. I remember everything in that moment, his freshly shaven face, warm chest, that final kiss and hug. And I will hold onto that feeling for however long it takes to get him back.

The thing that really turned my day around on the drive back North, was the outpouring of love. Love from my friends, work colleagues, and family. I am so thankful for my support system, a good balance of military spouses, family members, long time friends, and just plain awesome people.

My Oki She-husband, Sara, gave me the most tangible gifts. Let's just say a bag filled with wine, chocolate, and Gilmore Girls is getting me through the first few weeks. Can't ask for more than that!

Thank you to everyone who thought of us, prayed for us, and sent us love. It is truly meaningful.

Rollin' in the Mud....

We joined our crazy friends, Valerie and Eric, for the first ever Okinawa Mud Run this weekend. You may remember these crazy athlete friends from my first Triathlon from about a year ago. Eric is deploying with Troy and Valerie works on the same base as me now. She listens to me complain during lunch while we work out. I'm so lucky to have a good friend to get through the deployment beside! Okay, enough of that mushy stuff....

Mud runs have gotten popular in the States, so the Single Marine Program over here put one together and created a 10K course of muddy obstacles. The Battalion I work for helped build the course, so it was even more fun knowing that the Marines I serve had a part in making the course. We went through many mud pits, jumped over a few walls, and got really dirty! Did I mention we had some sweet matching outfits? Enjoy some pics. :)

NAM- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Troy was surprised to receive the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal last week for all his hard work and dedication at 3/12. Here are some details on the medal, followed by some pictures taken by my wonderful friend, Valerie, since I couldn't be there.

When Awarded For Professional Achievement: The act or service must clearly exceed that which is normally required or expected, considering the individual's grade or rate, training, and experience; and it must be an important contribution of benefit to the United States and the naval service.

When Awarded For Leadership Achievement: The act or service must be noteworthy; it must be sufficiently sustained to demonstrate a high state of development (if for a specific achievement, it must be of such merit as to earn singular recognition); and, it must reflect most creditably on the efforts of the individual towards the accomplishment of the unit mission.

Whale Watching!

Today, I went whale watching with three of my Oki girlfriends. It was so fun and an awesome experience! 

Many of you know about our support of Ric O' Barry's quest to save sea life. In general, we don't support wild animals in captivity and have soft hearts for any creature, big or small. So, don't try to take us to a zoo or aquarium anytime soon unless you want a lecture. ;)

Being able to see whales up close and personal, without an aquarium or any harm to sea life, is pretty amazing! Enjoy some photos from the trip, and be sure to check out The Cove to learn about how you can help protect our precious ocean life. 

Our first view of a whale! He came straight up to say hello!

The ladies heading out to sea!

The mist is from a whale blowing out air. 

This guy came up and waved "Hello" with his tail!

We quickly discovered that the light blue dots underwater was a result of the whales breathing out. If you kept an eye on it, you could see where they would come up next. 

This was one BIG momma, who had a baby with her as well. 

She got really close to the boat! Probably 15 feet away. 

You can see the baby whale just on the other side of Momma. 

You can really see how big she is here!

What a super amazing experience! I wish Troy could have seen them too, but I guess we will have to settle for a trip to Alaska one day to see the whales there! :)

Funsies

This week held Troy's last softball practice. He is bummed to miss the rest of the season (and probably has a prediction chart for how long it takes me to get Kicked out of a game without him there to calm me down). The girls wanted to get pics with him and they love sliding with Troy so that is how they celebrated his last practice.

I was having a rough morning, one of those where everything goes wrong. What could make it better? Bring your dog to work day. I tossed Coral in the car and off we went to the office. The Marines loved having a furry friend around and she certainly brightened my day!