Sayoonara Chief Auntie Km

My Auntie Kim just got pinned today!
No not laid.
PINNED!

As in promoted! To CHIEF!
(and I got to do the honors)
ALL HAIL CHIEF PETTY OFFICER AUNTIE KIM!
My Aunt and I grew up like sisters. We're only one year apart and so I say Auntie rather cheekily but I couldn't be more proud of her!
This day is monumental for oh sooo many reasons!

My Grandpa, may he rest in peace, was a Navy Seal and made it as far as E6 (Enlisted 6 = Petty Officer) and his daughter just surpassed him after vowing to do so just month's before he passed. She was promoted after just 11 years of service while it takes some Naval guys their entire careers to make Chief! We always knew she had the right stuff.
The moment was bitter sweet for me as this was also the day I had to say good-bye to her. She's somewhere over the Pacific in route to her next duty station so Auntie Kim if you paid the extra 10 bucks for internet access on the plane and you're reading this, I just wanted to say thank you for coming to Japan and supporting me while I worked to make my dreams come true. It was an honor to be with you while you realized yours.

You made it Auntie!
Grandpa is smiling down on you honey!
Congratulations!
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS. Special thanks to the McGinnis family pictured here. You were the perfect surrogate family. Destiny, Lydia, Jade I will NEVER forget you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE KIM

I know you're out there on the high seas,
wishing for land against the cool breeze.
Longing for a birthday cozy at home,
imagining a celebration not spent all alone.
I've got just the thing to lift your spirits.
Put on some headphones so Master Chief won't hear it.
It's a birthday song with a little French flair.
Be careful at work cause the subject's an ass.
But it's right up your alley cause it's rude and quite crass!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE KIM!!

Simply Being

Have you ever spent the day thinking of someone else entirely? My closest Aunt has a birthday coming soon and I've decided to make her present this year (actually I make her present every year). Don't wanna give too much away as she may read this entry but The whole day was dedicated to looking up inspirational quotes that might strike a chord with her as I thumbed through old photos of us. I spent hour upon hour inside the published minds of Emerson, Thoreau and Eleanor Roosevelt just to name a few. It's amazing how these old quotes that I've heard a dozen times before suddenly resonate when you truly read them unhindered by time constraints and with full presence of consciousness. Suddenly every word was like a declaration or an epiphany. "Ah ha" moments were like rapturous awakenings. Very nice feeling indeed. Such an eye opening experience the act of being aware! Today was one of those rare occasions when I actually had the entire day off. It was a day to sit around in my underwear and scratch my bottom and contemplate how to make someone I truly love feel amazing about themselves and though I didn't lift a finger I can't remember when I felt so fulfilled or productive.

Hope she likes it!