Vacation...So Far

Brandon and I didn't do much for Christmas. We played Star Wars The Old Republic for the majority of the time. I didn't even cook. I was planning on making some pasta and garlic bread but didn't make it until days later. I did not receive any presents on Christmas Day and didn't have a Christmas Tree. Despite all of that, it was one of the most memorable Christmases I've had. Usually Christmas is about presents and making sure you have the best looking house or the best looking dinner. It was good that my Christmas this year was not about that. It was about being with the one I love. Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus and being with your family anyway. Even though it was the Army who decided that we stay in town this Christmas, I am glad that I was able to be with only Brandon.

Some days later, Brandon and I decided that it was best to leave Fort Campbell and head to North Carolina. We have met our families here in Goldsboro and so far everything is going okay. Everyone seems to be getting along just fine and there hasn't been any catastrophes...yet. Brandon and I still have quite a bit of time here. We will see how it goes. We are hoping for the best. I plan to take pictures of everything and everyone. I will post them soon!

-a woman with her own voice-

Blog

Some have told me, "Why write on a blog if no one reads it?" The answer is that I write it for myself. It is an outlet for me to express any and all ideas, experiences, and feelings on. So no matter what happens, I will write until my heart is full and content. Yes, I have my own handwritten journals here at home that I use frequently but it is enjoyable to have many kinds. As any other journal fanatic would say, journaling is about writing about everything and anything no matter the template.

-a woman with her own voice-

My Favorite Disney Character

Getting down to the roots...It is where we came from and it is who shaped us. My favorite Disney Character...my friend...DONALD DUCK!!!

2011 CMA Awards

Well...let's face it, Country Music has never been the most popular music. For me, I love country. It is what I grew up listening to and it is what I will never get away from. I mean come on I live a very short distance from Nashville, Tennessee! The 2011 CMA Awards were November 9th, 2011. I wasn't too happy with some of the results. But again there were some very deserving and very rewarding winners. What is your opinion? Here are the results:

Music Video of the Year
"You and Tequila"
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter

Musical Event of the Year
"Don't You Wanna Stay"
Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson

Song of the Year
"If I Die Young"
The Band Perry

Album of the Year
My Kinda Party
Jason Aldean

Single of the Year
"If I Die Young"
The Band Perry

Vocal Duo of the Year
Sugarland

Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum

New Artist of the Year
The Band Perry

Male Vocalist of the Year
Blake Shelton

Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert

Entertainer of the Year
Taylor Swift

So in my opinion, Taylor Swift should not have won the coveted Entertainer of the Year and Miranda Lambert should not have won the Female Vocalist of the Year. My reasons are as follows: Taylor Swift only has sung about one topic in ALL of her songs and there are many other artists out there that better portray the COUNTRY singer. She is more Pop and there are many other more deserving artists. In Miranda's case, Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood and even Taylor Swift had a better year in terms of fans, sales, and representing country.

What was your take on Country Music's biggest night?

a woman with her own voice

Thankful

Two days I had a very good night conversation with someone really special. Sometimes in your life when you start to wonder and doubt GOD will come along and knock you right into reality. He will show you exactly what you need to hear and HE will let you know that everything is going to be alright.

Let's just say that I was doubting myself, I was worrying about money, I was wondering whether or not I was ever gonna have kids, I wasn't being a faithful servant. I wasn't trusting GOD but he still showed me that HE is in control and that he ALWAYS takes care of me.

So...

Lord thank you for showing me how great you really are. Thank you for blessing me with wonderful people I can share my life with. Thank you for showing me that I cannot add more days to my life by worrying about it. Lord thank you for my husband who loves me more every day. Thank you. I give you all the honor and praise. AMEN.

5th Wedding Anniversary

Tomorrow is my 5th wedding anniversary. Being married for 5 years is a great accomplishment and i am very happy about it. There are many people who didnt think Brandon and I were going to make it all much less make it 5 years. So here's to 5 years!


----signed----
A woman with her own voice

worried

Yes im worried. It is a naural way to feel. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Im getting out of the Army and transitioning into the civilian life can be overwhleming. Im going into the Reserves and that will give me the security i need but there are so many things i want to do that i get so worried if i can accomplish it all. I know i cannot add any more time to the day by worrying so why worry? The answer is that i am human and like i said before it is natural. A woman with her own voice

Transitioning

Transitioning can be quite difficult, especially the one that I am in right now. For the military folk out there, let me hear your stories of transitioning.  I am in the U.S. Army about to make the transition back to civilian.  It is going to be tough.  I already see the things that I will miss.  I already see the things I am not going to miss as well.  I will officially be out October 24th but I do have to say I am worried a little about not getting a job.  With my skills that I received from the Army, it will not be difficult to find a job-it is only the apprehensiveness and the fear of it. 

There are many things I need to decide.  Will I go to school first?  What exactly will I go to school for?  Will I go to work first?  Will it be full time?  What company do I decide to work for?  What if I can't get hired? What if I am not competitive enough?  What if? There are many questions that circle my mind that make me apprehensive about even getting out.  Am I making the right decision? 


So I guess all I am saying is that I am worried about the future.

What do they say? 

“If you don't have a plan for yourself, you'll be part of someone else's”
I don't want to be part of someone else's plan, I want to be a part of my own.  


-a woman with her own voice-

Travels

First I would like to apologize about not writing in a while. I was dealing with some personal issues and I was traveling some. Let's see...I went to North Carolina, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and finally back home to Kentucky. Of course I had my husband there to keep me company. Now, if I may, explain that my visits home are not usually the best.  They are usually consisted of constant bickering and nagging. But this time, something miraculous happened.  No one made a fuss. (not too much anyway) 

HERE'S TO NO BICKERING AND NAGGING!!!

This is me holding my niece Isabella for the first time. She is so darn cute. And not to mention a spitting image of my brother. She loves to dance and stick her tongue out.

This is me with my nephew JC that I haven't seen since the day he was born.  He may seem cute and playful but he really is a monster.   :) My sister always has fun with him.


I had alot to see when I went home. Of course my new nieces and nephews but there was alot more. My sister in law has two kids. My brother just recently had got married and I never met his wife.  I had alot of people in my family now in which I had never met. I figured it was high time that I changed that. Of course I can't forget my sister that lives in Florida. I saw her months ago but she too has a little one.  (which is one of the reasons my family nags me) 

Then it was on the way to Pennsylvania.  My husband's best friend Mark who just recently got engaged moved there.  So of course we went to go see him.  Let me tell you that Pennsylvania is a completely different environment.  At least in Myerstown, Pennsylvania.  Let's just say it was a shell shocker for me. I have been to Iraq, Afghanistan, London, Scotland, Spain, and Paris. I have seen my share of different cultures but the Amish was little of a shocker for me. Mark was extremely happy and content with his newfound relationship.   
After all the traveling my husband and I took a little time to ourselves and stopped off in West Virginia.  It was on the way home and we did some shopping. 

And of course I took some pictures along the way.  It is very relaxing to take a stroll and take pictures of the scenery. 

It is good to be back home though...


---a woman with her own voice---

Turtles!

 Although the turtle is generally a slow moving reptile, it is a misconception that it is the slowest reptile in existence.


I wanted to share this because in my opinion, turtles are one of the most fascinating creatures on earth.  Turtles have a beauty about them that makes them stand out from other sea creatures.

This is a turtle my husband shot while we were in Hawaii.  Turtles can be quite agile in the water.  Can you see the beauty?

---signed---
a woman with her own voice

Hobbies

Today I have finished a class on resumes and interviews.  In the class, they discuss about what your hobbies and interests are. Well...if you are like me I go straight into what I am most excited to do in my spare time.  Mine was Anime. Of course with my luck, the instructors tell me this is inappropriate.  They say it has to be "relevant" to the job and your personality.  I think Anime perfectly describes me.

I thought that since I can't talk about it there, I will share it with you here.

This is the Anime Tsubasa. It is about a boy named Syaoran trying to save a girl named Sakura. Her memory, after a tragic accident, gets scattered across different worlds in the remnants of feathers. Syaoran is on a journey to collect the feathers with his companions Kurogane, Fai, and Mokona.  It is a fabulous Anime if you are interested.  I am a little biased yes, but we all are a little.

This one is Naruto Shippuuden. It is a very well known Anime.  I  think that this Anime is known for each characters award deserving personality. Especially Naruto and Gaara. My two favorite characters are below. Tell me what you think of these two wonderful stand up trophies!

Need I say more???

This one doesn't need an introduction.  With its' ripping male bodies, outlandish language and characters, unbelieveable battles, and unusual name it is no wonder this Anime is loved so much!!!

I am hopefully dressing up as Rukia at one of the next Anime conventions. I hope it goes well. 


I have plenty more of Anime and Manga that I love but this is my top three. Can't wait for my husband to come home from Afghanistan so we can watch more together!


---signed---
a woman with her own voice

Friends

What is a friend?

A friend to me is someone you can go to for help. Someone you can go to for anything you may need, no matter what it is.  But of course, not all of us know how to deal with such a concept. 

Some of us will tear down our own friendships.  Some of us are not good at being good friends. 

Getting close to people is hard when you know you will not stay in touch. When you know that you move around alot it's hard to make and keep friends. So yes, it is easier to sabotage your own friendships. 

True friendships in life is something to treasure but sometimes we have to make necessary sacrifices. 

---signed...
a woman with her own voice

Trees

It is said that in 2.47 acres in a rainforest, there are over 750 types of trees.  It also said that they keep our air supply clean, reduce noise pollution, improve water quality, help prevent erosion, provide food and building materials, create shade, and help make our landscapes look beautiful.  Trees do so much for us. Let us take a minute to enjoy the natural beauty of a tree. 

---signed---

a woman with her own voice

Reality

I hate living alone.  Of course I have mentioned in the past that I am awaiting my husband's return. I really hate the fact that I come home to an empty home everyday. I wake up without the wonderful noise of music blaring or the nearby drumset or XBOX game.  Right now I cannot sleep...and so here I am on the computer with only my mouse and the thoughts and hopes of my husband, Brandon. 

Always be grateful for who is in your life

---signed---
a woman with her own voice

COUNT THE BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE!!!

March 6th, 2011

I am staying strong. My husband, Brandon is currently in Afghanistan and I am staying strong for him. I was just deployed as well so I know what it feels like when you want to go home. What do you do though during those weak moments? Imagine yourself sitting at home on the computer, watching tv, or washing dishes. You are doing these mundane chores and your mind starts to think about who isn't there. You start to think about what is lacking in your life. Suddenly tears start to stream down your face. What do you do during those moments when you become so sad you can't seem to function? What do you do?

---signed---

a woman with her own voice

Missing You

Let me tell you about my best friend. His name is Robert.  My husband and I have been together for 8 years now. We have been married for four and half years.  We met while in college and have fell in love with each other more and more everday. He is my strength here on this earth and I cant't wait for him to come home. We are both in the U.S. Army. He is currently in Afghanistan. Please pray for him for a safe return.  For all those without their loved one tonight this one is for you. Dedicating Lonestar "I'm Already There" to everyone who is alone tonight. 

Picture for the Day

Trees I would say have one of the best memories.  If we could retrieve the memories of trees, how many wonderful moments would there be? 

As for me, trees are significant because of what it stands for.  Wisdom. Secure foundation.  I am a sergeant in the U.S. Army and I need a secure foundation and wisdom to get through my day.  What do trees do for you?

Commemorating My Goal

March...Beginning of a New Personality

As for me, Crystal, a new personality is about to emerge. Soon, I will be out of the Army and I plan to improve myself. Not only in the way I treat others but in the way I carry myself and in the way I talk.  This will be a very successful memorable year and I hope that others will join me!!!

---signed---
a woman with her own voice

A Brand New Journey

Let me ask you a question...do you ever realize the potential results of the experiences you go through?  No really...if you really think about it...we have no idea about what something will bring to us.  It could be good and it could be bad.  I am here to tell you that just because we experience difficult situations, it doesn't mean we should become withdrawn.  I urge everyone to branch out and experience life for what it truly has to offer.  I urge you to join me and take up the opportunities that life has waiting for us. 

---signed---
a woman with her own voice