Three years ago

Three years ago we were going out to celebrate Elena’s birthday.
College friends were tying the knot in Texas.
My roommate Stephanie was newly engaged.
I was single and feeling the sting.

Self-pity took over and I wanted nothing to do with a summer Shakespeare in the Park picnic outing. Even for Elena, who I love like a sister. But in the end, I decided anything would be better than sulking alone.

Two sailors had tagged along with Elena’s boyfriend. Energetic Scott had been tasked with cheering me up, though I didn’t know it at the time. He boisterously chatted with me as we walked along to the park. I barely noticed Silent Joe as he followed behind. We sat down and began our picnic dinner before “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” began.

Somewhere along the way, Scott fulfilled his mission. My bad mood had subsided. I even stepped outside myself to think of Joe, who was barely talking to anyone.

My simple memory prevents me from remembering the specifics of the conversation. When he left for a moment during intermission, I couldn’t help but recognize the slight tension in the air. The kind that’s tough to put words to but is all about sensing a connection to someone with a pretty good hunch that they’re interested in you too.

Of course, it didn’t matter. I would never date a Navy man. Elena and I joked about it often.

But I was about to learn how God didn't mind shaking up my world a little to help me find someone I wanted to overlook.

As the evening wrapped up, we walked to a friend’s house nearby to hang out. Joe and I continued to talk. And to my surprise, the man who barely had two words at the beginning of the night had the guts to ask for my phone number and what I was doing the next day.

Looking back, that day changed the course of my life. It was the day I met my wonderful husband.

And I almost didn’t show up.

The New GI Bill!

I wanted to share with you all our excitement over the new GI Bill, which was recently signed by the president on June 30. This updates the original GI bill, which was created for the troops coming home from World War 2.

Joe is eligible to receive full benefits under this bill, since he entered the Navy after 2001.

Specifically, here are most of the things it will pay for:

- Tuition & fees for any public school (or up to the amount it would be for the most expensive public school in a given state)

- Monthly housing allowance (FYI- in Oklahoma, just for example, this is about $850.00/month)

- Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000

Wow! Isn't that GREAT news? I am so happy that Joe will have the opportunity to use this. All his hard work and time away from family are being recognized and rewarded by our government. For all the other servicemen & women, too, they deserve it!

If you are interested in reading more about it, go to www.gibill2008.org or www.gibill.va.gov

Aimee's Bargain Shopping Adventures, part 3

Safeway, one of our local grocery stores, is having a Summer Savings Marathon promo. If you buy so many items, you get a printout you can use like cash in the store.

I'm enjoying shopping as a challenge and learning about how to get the best deal. I did all of this using only one coupon- I hope to do better next time using some coupons. And I didn't do the max of the promotion (buy 25 items, earn $20 in store credit)

This is my first time participating in a blog carnival, where people post their links (each person shares their own experience on their blog.) Kinda fun. Sorry to bore some of you with this!

I did buy 15 items, earn $10 in store credit (just shopping for two)

4 Betty Crocker Cake Mixes @ $1.50= $6.00
2 White Cheddar Cheez-Its @ $2.50=$5.00
2 Oreo Cookies @ $2.50= $5.00
1 6-pack Coke 1 liter bottles @ $1.49 =$1.49 (with in-ad coupon)
2 Kleenex Tissues @ $1.50= $3.00
4 Frozen Green Giant Veggies @ $2.00= $8.00
Total w/tax= $28.88
Earned $10 in store credit :)

PS- I'm not going to eat all those Oreos! They are for bringing to summer social events and parties. :)

Joe appointed Protestant Lay Leader!

Joe was just appointed as Protestant Lay Leader on his submarine, the USS Connecticut!

There is no chaplain on board the submarine, so it is the responsibility of one of the crew members to organize a service on Sundays.

In this role he is responsible for planning and leading (or finding someone else to lead) Sunday services while the sub is out to sea. We are both excited about this ministry opportunity and ask for your prayers for Joe as he strives to encourage and challenge the men in their walks with Christ.

On a related note, Joe just returned from a month at sea on June 24! Thankfully, he got home in time to see my parents for the last 3 days of their visit. I'm glad to have him home!

Washington Favorites: Olympic National Park

About two weeks ago I enjoyed a day with my parents at beautiful Olympic National Park. The eastern part of the park is only a little over two hours away from our home in Silverdale. We drove up to Hurricane Ridge which has great views of the Olympic Mountains 5,200 feet up! It lived up to its name- the wind was 30 mph and my dad kept a tight grip on his hat! (You'll notice our windswept hair in the photos too!) There was still snow on the ground, hopefully later in the summer I'll get a chance to see the wildflowers.

Then we drove a little further to Lake Crescent, also part of the park. I will remember this place as a great getaway... very peaceful and calm with gorgeous scenery. We did a short hike to a nearby Marymere Falls.

I'm looking forward to going with Joe next time so he can take some pictures which we can frame and keep in our home.