November was such a fun month and included lots of traveling for me and a very hectic schedule for James! He has been working very long hours at TBS. He accomplished shooting expert for pistol and rifle. His experience in target practice has helped him a lot! He served the billet of squad leader the last couple of weeks. People ask me what he does all day...he takes a lot of classes, PTs (works out), humps with rucks and rifles (hikes with tactical gear and backpacks), visits the chow hall (eats), learns MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts), cleans the barracks and halls (literally, the lieutenants clean everything - all the buildings, their rooms, the grounds), and does lots of homework and studying. This is by no means an exhaustive list. James handles it like a champ! Our military does SO MUCH. People have no idea how demanding the military can be, both physically and mentally. And this is in garrison (i.e. not a deployment)!
I got to go to North Carolina to visit Blaine and Kazia. I had never been to North Carolina. It was fun to see a different part of the country as well as check out another Marine Corps base area since there is a strong possibility we may get stationed there. My friends were awesome hosts. They took me to see a small oceanside town to admire the Christmas lights and boat dock. It was totally worth the chilly weather! We hit up the bowling alley and I somehow lucked out with a couple spares and a strike. Kazia insisted that we go to a zumba class. Oh my goodness! If you know me, you know I am EXTREMELY uncoordinated! I think I laughed at myself more than I managed to dance! It was such a fun little trip. I hope that no matter where we are in life, James and I can stay in touch with them. They're awesome.
I'm a first time aunt! My nephew was born on November 15th. I was able to drive back to Indiana for a visit to meet baby Jude Peter on his 6th day here. He stole my heart immediately. I cannot wait to be able to see him again. He's so adorable. It's so sweet to see how excited my brother and his wife are too. I loved getting to visit them and my other family over the long weekend.
Immediately following my Indiana trip, we had the Marine Corps Birthday Ball to attend. My picture here is blurry. The lighting didn't agree with my cell phone camera...It was a fun evening. I guess that some people don't know what all a ball entails. The event begins with a cocktail hour. Following that, everyone is seated (at an assigned seat). Once people are seated, Marines begin a procession. I cannot remember the order or all the specifics, but the United States flag and the Marine Corps flag are escorted into the room. The Marine Corps traditional birthday cake is brought to the front of the room. Several distinguished persons are escorted to the front of the room. The National Anthem is sung. The Marine Corps hymn is sung. A motivating video demonstrating the character of the Marines is played. The guest of honor is introduced and speaks. At our ball, the guest of honor was a general. Then the oldest Marine present cuts the cake and gives a piece to the youngest Marine present. Prayer is offered. After this, all formalities are concluded and dinner commences. And yes, of course there is a dance floor!
Right before Thanksgiving, I had the honor of attending my second OCS (Officer Candidate School) graduation. My friend Deidre Fetz completed the program and is now a Second Lieutenant! I am so proud of her! It was also wonderful to have her family over for Thanksgiving. We had a great visit with them.
And - I started a business with Arbonne! I will share more about that in a separate post.
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