For some reason...I was confused today. I was forgetting about something today and I couldn't figure out what it is. Something that changed my life forever and was very IMPORTANT. Something I never thought I could conquer and something my parents, the rest of my family and even my friends were proud of me doing.
I graduated Navy Bootcamp 8 years ago today. Wow!! 8 years ago today I was at my Bootcamp Graduation. 8 years ago today, my Mom was in tears, my father and brother were ecstatic and I was in my dress white uniform. =) Wow!! Is my only reaction to that. Everyday I pinch myself, to realize how much in the 8 years I've changed. I never expected to stay in after my first enlistment. Actually, I never thought to even make it through Bootcamp. LOL My personality 8 years ago was TOTALLY different from today. Today, I'm a hardcore Sailor, who loves doing the "Old Navy" way. =) I'm on shore duty, but I still think of it as "SEA". If your not in regs, if your backtalking, or even just being lazy and not doing your job...ha...forewarning, I'm your worst nightmare. Just ask my previous co-workers. I'm not meant to be your bestfriend...I'm meant to be your co-worker. A co-worker who doesn't like when Sailors forget their in the Navy. I have junior Sailors now that are my command and I'm wondering why they didn't go to sea first. They ask all kinds of questions about being on ship. What it's like, what you do and what it's like to leave your family behind? I've actually had the privilege of never missing any of my daughter's milestones. I was there when she first talked, walked and got into things she wasn't supposed to. =) I did though spend the first two years in the Navy always underway. In 2003, I spent 10 weeks in the states. I had no family and responsibility at the time though. I enjoyed being underway. I got to travel to so many different countries and explore so many cultures. I even became close friends with Sicilians and Greeks. I would love to go back to Crete, Slovenia, Sicily and Gibraltar and one day I will go back there and next time I will be a "Civilian". =) My daughter will even get to enjoy it.
I come from a Navy family. Both my Grandfathers served in the Navy, and my Great Uncle served 30 years in the Navy. All 3 of them were World War II Vets. I look up to them. My Great Uncle to this day, is very proud of me. My Grandfather's last wish before he passed away was to see me in my Dress Blue Uniform and I made it come true for him. It was hard for me to see him the way he was at the time, but I would do it all over again for him. I loved him very much and miss him dearly everyday.
Now...here's the question that everyone has asked me. Why won't I stay in, if people are proud of me for going into the Navy?
Because it's time to focus on my family and focus more on my goals I've wanted to achieve in the pass years. I've achieved alot, don't get me wrong, but I'm always striving for more. My biggest goal now for myself is to get my Master's Degree. I loved school when I was growing up and I miss it. I can't wait to go back fulltime. In fact I'll be starting back to school really soon. I'm meeting with Navy College as soon as I have a free day off and I'm going to see which schools are out there and which one is best for me to get my Associate's and Bachelor's before I get out in 22 1/2 months. Yes, I'm counting. LOL Actually, it's shorter than that, since I'll be trying for the early out because I'll be attending school full-time once I get out of the Navy.
The best part of this is my husband is even striving for his degree. He'll be starting school most likely next month using the new MGIB. I think he's beyond nervous to start school again, but he has a wife who LOVES school and wants him to succeed. I'll be there for him every step of the way, helping him with anything he needs help with. = ) I'm so proud of him right now. I'll have to explain in an entire blog on him, on how proud I am of him. I love him more everyday.
So here's the one question that everyone asks me...do I regret joining the Navy...No I don't. It was the BEST decision I ever made and I would do it all over again. I graduated high school, May of 2001 and went into the Navy July of 2001.
So what have I achieved in the last 8 years...let's see...I've made rank really quickly that even my Great Uncle is still amazed. I've been to several commands, met a lot of people, traveled to different countries, went to several schools that have helped me, worked with both sides of my job (finally... =) ....), have an amazing and loving husband, have a beautiful 4 year old daughter who is the love of my life, 4 handsome stepsons, a beautiful house and two vehicles that I LOVE and much more...Let me not forget my LOVE for Photography and CRAFTS.
What's in the store for the next 8 years? Let's see...maybe making Alexia a Big Sister next year...(Hubby and I have finally decided it's time and she wants a little sister...not a little brother) Don't ask me why she doesn't want a little brother, she finds them annoying and we really don't why. Maybe there's boys at her school who drive her crazy. LOL I don't why she would wished to have a little sister...maybe to have Daddy worry even more. =) He already has his shotgun ready. LOL This is from Daddy..."Alexia is not allowed to date until she's 40 and she's not ever getting married and having kids." LOL He is serious too.
(Oh...and here's a hint to everyone, if my next child is a girl...I will not be trying for a 3rd...LOL I don't want Hubby being stressed. He already worries enough. If I have a boy next, then I'll try for a 3rd baby).
Other things in the next 8 years...I'll have all my Degrees, have a more successful Photography Business (hubby wants to have a studio), travel to even more countries, live in Florida, and much more, I can't even think of right now. Oh...and not let me forget, make 6 figures, which why hubby is all for me getting out of the Navy. LOL He knows how much I can make out in the civilian sector.
If you don't know my work background...I'm a COMPUTER GEEK and proud of it. Now, though I'm working on the Tech Control side and seeing how our Communication is actually set up in the Navy.
I enjoy my WORK Field. I love Technology because it's always changing. You will always need an IT because computers will alway be here, taking over.
I could go on and on about how the Navy has changed me and why I'm glad someone reminded me what today was. Thanks Mom! LOL My Mother will never forget days that made her cry. She knocked off my dress white cover 8 years ago today, trying to get a hold of me in the crowd of people trying to get their families. Let's just say I couldn't breathe. LOL She was VERY Proud of me and still is...and she's even more ecstatic to see me get out in two years.
She did not like that I was in Bootcamp when 9/11 happened. She wished she could go back in time and not sign for me to get in..but really it didn't matter, I would've joined at 18 no matter what. She knew it was my choice and that is why she signed.
Now for the rest of my time in the Navy...what will I accomplish now. You'll just have to wait and see. Believe me I already have my goals set and everytime I set goals, I conquer them. I can't wait!!!
I'm looking foward to what LIFE has in store for me NEXT!! =)
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