Growing up, history was not high on the list of my favorite subjects.  Reading about the past in excruciating detail and being forced to memorize details that happened hundreds of years ago so I could ace a test was just plain torture!  Who would have guessed that years later I would marry a History Teacher?  I'm sure my younger self would be sickened and horrified.

I have to admit that even as an adult I can only handle so much reading about History.  Watching it....ok...but in small doses please!  It's not often that we get through a movie in our house without the pause button being pushed several times and my husband interjecting a History lesson, which I actually appreciate and enjoy.  But why read about it or sit in front of a TV, when you can go SEE it?  My Social Studies and History Teachers would be happy to know that I actually did learn something in your classes......it just didn't really sink in until I started traveling.  

Walking through Arlington National Cemetery, standing in silence watching the Changing of the Guard in the pouring rain, touring the White House, being on Ellise Island, seeing the Statue of Liberty to name a few.  I have often found myself with teary eyes while visiting these landmarks.  Being there, overcome with gratitude, thankfulness and in absolute awe of what the brave men and women who proudly serve our country have endured and sacrificed is humbling beyond words.

Today on Memorial Day, I thought I would share a few pictures of our visit to Pearl Harbor a few years back.  If you get a chance to visit Hawaii, I urge you to take a break from the Mai Tai's and the beach to spend a day soaking up some history.  My grandfather was in the Navy, but like so many servicemen, he very rarely spoke about his experiences.  He was in Pearl Harbor on that day aboard the USS Missouri......and survived.  After touring the massive battle ship, walking the same decks that he once walked....the same decks where so many lives were lost.... oh how I wish I could ask him about his military years!  I have so many questions and would love to hear his stories and perspectives.  Mostly I would like to give him a big hug and say "Thank You".  

Wow!  It has been waaaaay too long since my last post!  Life has been....well life has been life and blogging hasn't been a priority.  I miss it though, so expect to hear from me more often in the near future.

I wanted to share this quote with you.  Being the "strong one" and the one who "has it all together" can be exhausting!  I have to remind myself often that it's ok to let people know that you're not ok.  In fact, letting people in and being vulnerable is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your relationships.  If you're the one who is always there for your friends - give them a chance to be there for you.  Like all relationships, friendship is a two way street!   Keeping things bottled up will only turn you into a human pressure cooker that could explode at any given second.....like in the middle of a casino while celebrating with your girlfriends for instance (not that I would know anything about that, wink, wink).  Life throws you curve balls and catches you off guard.  We all deal with our own stuff that gets heavy every once in a while, which means we all need support from time to time.  I am beyond grateful that I have an amazing network of irreplaceable girlfriends, an incredible husband and a family who is always there for me even though they don't live close by.  When you hit a rough patch, remember that you don't have to face it alone.  Lean on the people in your life that love you, be kind to yourself and remember that we're all in this crazy life together.