Going to the mailbox these days creates a battle in my heart...Part of me wants to avoid it all together because if it is empty I know I will be disappointed and a little bit sad...then there is part of me that just can't resist...ever hopeful. I gave in yesterday and walked over the the mailbox only to find it filled with junk and Christmas magazines for the person who lived here before we did...a little sad...but there is always Monday.

Part of me is excited that writing letters is our communication. I miss sitting down with pen to paper and writing my thoughts from the day. I miss writing the person's name on the outside of the envelope and placing a stamp in the corner. It seems I only do this for bills these days.  I think letter writing helps me to think before I speak too. I have realized since Jon has been gone that I probably need to try and practice this more in person...taking time to let the moment pass and not let something that might hurt my feelings or scare me turn into an emotional moment.

It is weird these days at home. Almost like I have my very own place. I cleaned it up yesterday with the knowledge that I would be the only one here to mess it up again. I looked at the trash this morning knowing I was going to have to be the one to take it out...It is a lot more quiet and I am finding myself a lot more productive too. How have I let being married distract me so? I am even finding time for my quiet time each day...something that has not been as consistent as it used to be.

I am hoping Jon is in Church this morning...meeting some fellows who love the Lord as much as he does...Of course I will not be able to find out until the letter comes...

Here is a picture of Jon and me right before he got on the plane for bootcamp:

  GO NAVY!!

I just have to say that I ran 3 miles last night without stopping and I am very proud of myself. It seemed pretty easy...probably b/c I was running at a slower pace, but hey 3 miles is 3 miles. I have always thought it would be cool to be able to participate in a mini triathlon or at least a 5k race. Maybe if I keep up the running and get back to biking I could actually enter a race. That would be awesome...

I actually feel a lot better now that Jon and I run together. I am still over weight, boy would running be easier if I was thinner!, but it feels nice to exercise on a regular basis. Maybe one day if I can get back into shape I can find a soccer team to play with...

I think it also helps Jon and I to work together at meeting a goal. I think it helps bring us closer together to exercise and push ourselves together...It will be sad to lace up my running shoes alone when he is gone to boot camp. They say that people are more likely to exercise if they do it with their spouse. They also say that families that camp together stay together! Soooo....Jon and I are throwing around the idea of going camping...We will see what comes of that...

Man, time flies by so quickly I can hardly believe it...

Jon and I have been running to get him in shape for the Navy and today I was able to run my mile in 8:58...it was hard but it helps when your husband is leaving you in the dust when just weeks before you were at the same pace. When we first started my mile was a little more than 10 minutes...I am proud of myself but I am even more proud of my husband who is now running his 1.5 mile in 12:58. I continue to be amazed at how much he has grown and changed in the few years we have been married. I can honestly say I am more  proud of him today than I have been in the past. He has a goal and is working toward it. He is striving and achieving and it brings a peace to my heart.

I get to see one of my best friends tomorrow and am so excited. There are a few people in my life that I cherish through and through and Miller is one of them. I look forward to what the evening holds.

I am struggling with what to do with work while Jon is gone for boot camp. Originally I  thought I was going to work all the way through A School but now I am thinking I will quit work a few weeks before he graduates from boot camp so that I can be free to go to his graduation and visit family without having to worry about getting time off. I don't think I will want to spend 6-8 more weeks living apart from Jon after he has been gone for 8 weeks already for boot camp. I guess there are a few perks to not having a family just yet. I am still mobile and able to travel in ways I probably could not if God had allowed us to start a family already.

The future is filled with adventure and unknown...somehow I feel as though my life runs in a cyclical pattern...I remember longing for days like these...and they are soon upon me once again...God does hear the quiet whispers of our hearts...time and time again I am able to look back and see how God has brought about my desires in ways that I would never have expected...it is good and exciting...and I am glad for the reminder that God is aware of me and does have plans for me, plans for a hope and a future.