Reflections of 2012

When I enlisted in the Air Force (a long time ago), I was sure I was a lifer.  Twenty short years to serve my country, travel, get an education, retire and receive a pension for the rest of my life? Umm, yes please.  Those plans took a turn when I became a wife and a mother, which later turned into single mother.  Did I sit on my pity pot?  Sometimes.  But I reached a point where I decided to flush that shit (excuse my language) along with the plans I thought were best for me.

All I can do is reflect in awe of all the ways God has changed remixed my life.  No longer active duty, I jumped on the Air Force Reserve wagon, where my enlistment went from self fulfillment to a true passion and pride to serve.  I began to focus on the important things like family and education.  The highlight of 2012?  Kahlil and I both graduating (yayyyyy!) I have all the respect in the world for those who go to school on top of working while raising kids.  Looking back I can hardly believe I pulled it off, but then again my friends and family wouldn't let me fail.

Looking dapper in his preschool cap & gown.

Military one minute, mental health the next.  Both completely out of character for a girl who once dreamed of being an interior designer!  Someday, I hope to combine my experiences and treat individuals suffering from PTSD.  (Captured by Lani Pagmanua) 

Yay, we did it! (Captured by Lani Pagmanua)

Hope your 2012 was filled with an abundance of happiness and remixing, as was ours.

 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Happy New Year, everyone.

K Bye!

It's not Christmas yet!

Haha!

Ok.  Being that it's the first of December, I guess it's not so crazy to already have a decorated tree and all your shopping done.  But for a couple of reasons I haven't allowed myself to get all Christmasy yet.

I'm still relishing the reality of my son, Kahlil, turning five this Halloween.  He is the youngest (and smallest) kid in his kindergarten class, but he sure does have a huge personality as well as an old soul.  While I've always had a lot to be thankful for, he gives Thanksgiving a whole new meaning for me.  

 

(Air Museum, Travis AFB)   I've been racking my brains studying for a recent promotion test, which I passed (thank you, Baby Jesus)!  Life in the military continues to challenge me, coinciding with my new civilian career working with adults with disabilities.  I'm convinced that nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort and difficulty.  Through it all I can honestly say I love both of my jobs.   

Following a nine day business trip next week, I plan to unleash the Christmas fury, but for now chillin' at the loft with my 5 and 32 year old babies, eating Mexican food, listening to New Edition's Christmas All Over the World is Christmasy enough for me.  (Notice the Fall decs still up.  Maybe I should at least put away the scarecrow and pumpkin in our entry way haha!)

Happy first day of December!

K bye!