BACK ON THE BLOG!!!

Hello family and friends!

After a year long hiatus, I think it's time I update everyone on what has been going on. First of all, I would like to apologize for not keeping up with the blog like everyone would have liked. I really have no good excuse.

So let's see...where to begin? Ah, yes- Thanksgiving 2010. Micah and I didn't do much in terms of celebrating. We ended up spending the holiday with our neighbors. We had two separate feasts; one with our friends Ashley and Brady, and the other with our friends Ashley, Mike, Esther, and Mark. I didn't make a turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, or any of the traditional dishes. Instead I made what I like to call, "Mountain Dew Apples". I got the recipe from my cousin, Melissa, and it was a hit! Everyone loved it. I'm sure I will be making it again this year.

In December, I was back in Chicago to celebrate Christmas. Micah stayed in Guam since he was unable to take leave. As much as I hate the snow and cold weather, it was a nice break from the island life. It was awesome to see my friends and my family for the holidays; however I was sad that I was unable to share that time with Micah as well.

The day after Christmas, my mom and I boarded a plane to London. As some of you may recall, Amanda and the DGN Bands went on a tour there for the London New Year's Day Parade. To say the least, London was a blast! We toured all of the major sites and even some local pubs! On New Year's Eve, our "tag-a-long" tour had a party at one of the hotels where we had dinner and counted down the minutes and seconds to 2011. When "Big Ben" hit midnight, we had a glass of champagne as we watched the fireworks over the River Thames. On New Year's Day we watched the parade. I can't express how cool it was to watch my little sister and my former band mates march down the streets of London!

We returned to Chicago a short time later where I spent the last few days squeezing in as many visits with friends and family as possible before I had to return to Guam.

Now, before I left for Chicago I begged Micah to get a Christmas tree. He was against the idea of decorating since I was going to be gone. I was a little upset about not getting to have my own tree. However, when I walked in the house the night I returned to Guam, I was quite surprised with what I saw. The entire living room had decorations. Micah had bought a tree, ornaments, lights, garland, stockings, etc. and set it all up without my knowledge. Despite the fact that it was about 2 am and he had to work the next day, we stayed up and exchanged presents. It definitely made up for the fact I was unable to spend Christmas Eve and Day with him.

In February, Micah went on his first underway since we'd been on Guam. An underway is just like a deployment, only it's much shorter. He traveled to Malaysia and from what I heard, it sounded like he had a lot of fun. While he was away, I got plenty of "Donna time" and even went out a few times with some of the other wives whose husbands were also in Malaysia.

In April, we celebrated Micah's 22nd birthday with friends. Micah and I both had been working a lot so we decided to take leave. We didn't leave island, but we enjoyed not having to go to work for 2 weeks. We spend a lot of time at the beach and we even went out in Tumon a few times.

In May, Micah went on his second underway to Hong Kong. Again, from what he told me it sounded like he had a good time.

A few days before he returned, we received news that Micah passed his advancement exam and that he was to become a 2nd Class Petty Officer (E-5). What this meant was that Micah would have more responsibilities at work and his paycheck would get a little bit bigger. Advancing in the military is something that is not always easy- especially for Micah’s rate (HT). Micah had previously taken the test a few times and every time he would get closer and closer to passing. Not only did he pass this time, he scored within the top 5% for his rate Navy-wide. Needless to say, I’m very proud of him.

Micah returned from Hong Kong just a few days before my birthday. We were very lucky with his early return since the original date would have caused him to miss my birthday AND our 1st wedding anniversary.

For my birthday, I made chicken schnitzels, mashed potatoes, and corn. (Yes, I cooked on my birthday because schnitzels are something I enjoy making and I wanted to show Micah how to do it for future reference) It was just Micah and I for dinner but we later had some friends over for a movie.

For our 1st wedding anniversary, we wanted to get away so went spent a weekend at the Outrigger Resort in Tumon. Although it was only 20 minutes from base, it was still really nice to get away from everything work related and just spend some quality time together. We went out to dinner, did some shopping, and laid on the beach. All in all, I couldn't have asked for anything more for my birthday and our anniversary.

In July, Micah traveled to the Philippines on an underway. While he was gone, the three girls that I hang out with all went back to the states to visit their families. To say the least, I was pretty bored for about three weeks. However, I spent my time wisely by picking up a lot of extra hours at work.

This past weekend, Oct. 28-29, was the one year anniversary for the pub I work at, Molly McGee’s. On the 28^th we had “Molly’s Birthday Party” which consisted of a raffle, a birthday cake, prizes, and a performance by the band Synthetic Elements (the same band that played on opening weekend in 2010). Although I didn’t win any prizes, I enjoyed eating birthday cake and hanging out with my co-workers. On the 29^th, Molly’s had a Halloween Party. I worked during the day so I got to wear my costume to work. I was little red riding hood. October 29^th also happened to be my friend, Esther’s, 21st birthday. We celebrated at Molly’s and then went out in town. We all had a really good time.

Last night was Halloween. Since Micah and I don’t have any kids, we went to our neighbor’s house for a barbeque. The wives sat outside and passed out candy while the husbands manned the grill. There weren’t many trick-or-treaters but we were still able to get rid of all of our candy. On our street, there aren’t many kids, but in other housing areas on base there are so I would imagine that houses in those areas got a lot more kids coming by for candy.

The past year has been crazy! Micah and I both have been working a lot. There have been ups, downs, and everything in between. The other day, someone asked me what my life would be like if I hadn’t married the military. To be honest, I think it would be boring. It’s very different from how I was brought up, but I like it. Knowing that Micah could be deployed at any time really keeps me on my toes and makes me appreciate my life and what I have more.

As far as pictures from the past year, I no longer have any of them on my computer…but Facebook is a wonderful thing! If we are not already friends, add me!

I have to be honest, I really don’t think I’m going to post anything until after Thanksgiving- but keep an eye out just in case!

P.s. - Does anyone know if there is a Blogger app for Android?

Molly McGee's

Hello all!
The past month has been nuts. I had an interview with MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) in the beginning of October and two days later, I got a call back saying that I got the job! I am working as a waitress at a new Irish pub on base called Molly McGee's. The following 2 1/2 weeks consisted of training and we had our grand opening on the 29th. Right now we are a little understaffed so the other 15 waitstaff members and myself have been working very long hours. I have been too busy to go to the beach and I'm starting to miss cleaning the house almost everyday. However, it is very rewarding to hear the customers say good things about the new restaurant. And the tips are good too. =]

Speaking of work, I have about 20 minutes before I have to go back (I'm on my lunch break right now.) I'm sorry, yet again, for the lack of posts on this blog and I should really make an effort to post something at least once a week.

The entire waitstaff and our boss's boss.


Most of the waitstaff with our boss, Noell.


It was mandatory for the staff to dress up for our Halloween party on the 30th. I was a pub girl.


One of my little "odd jobs" that I have to do before we open is cut lemons for the bar.



Our Halloween party was sponsored by the local Harley Davidson dealer. This bike was parked inside of the restaurant.

Buster's New Friend, Date Night, and Fish Frenzy

On Friday, our friend Angelina brought her dog over to play with buster. Her dog's name is Melvin and he is about twice as big as Buster. When they first met, the sniffed each other and began to wrestle. We went to the dog park down the road from our house and let the dogs run around. Then Angelina and Melvin came over and watched a movie. As if they didn't play enough at the dog park, Melvin and Buster wrestled more in our living room.

On Saturday night, we decided it was time for a date. We went into Tumon, the tourist area of the island, and went to T.G.I Friday's. It had been pouring rain all day and after we parked the car, it looked like a monsoon. It was very windy and the streets were flooding. We stood under an overhang near the parking garage until the rain slowed down enough to cross the street. We had a wonderful dinner and we were lucky that we didn't have to wait. Afterwords, we came home and watched a movie.

On Sunday, Micah and I went snorkeling at Gab Gab and we took frozen corn to feed the fish. It was a beautiful day and it was a perfect beach day. We had fun taking pictures underwater (thank you, Scott family!) and swimming out to the drop off. The drop off is about 50-60 ft from the shore and the coral shelf literally drops off.

Yesterday, I was cleaning the house and moved the couches so that I could sweep in the corner. I ended up dropping one of the couches on my foot. I went to the ER last night and got x-rays. As it turns out, I only chipped the bone and nothing is seriously broken. Now I have a hard-sole shoe that I have to wear whenever I walk. I have to wear it for the next 3-4 weeks. The doctor said that I don't have any restrictions as far as activity. However, I don't think I'll be snorkeling for at least a week.

Buster and Melvin.




The main road in Tumon was flooded, but that didn't seem to stop the cars.


Micah and I underwater.


Micah touching the bottom of the ocean.


I was on my way up for air after touching the bottom.





The fish came right up to us.


They like frozen veggies!


This is Haputo Road look out. We took this when we were on our way home from the beach. Haputo Road is the street that leads to our house. It's awesome that we are so close to such a view!

Rainy Season

Currently on Guam, it is rainy season. This means that it rains at least once each day. Although most of the showers last only a few minutes, we have had a lot of storms rolling through here for the past few weeks. Therefore, we haven't been doing many fun things outside of the house.

Micah's friends from his last command in Virginia moved in a few weeks ago and they live across the street from us! Their names are Mike and Ashley. We hang out with them the most since they are so close. Mostly, the boys play xbox while Ashley and I play on the computer. Sometimes they boys let us play with the xbox too.

We have had a few days with out rain. Last week while Micah was at work, my other friend (who's name is Ashlee too), took me on a drive around the southern end of the island. Her husband also works on the ship and they have been here for almost three years. Therefore, Ashlee knew where she was going and knew all of the best places to take pictures.

Buster went swimming for the first time the other day. Ashley (our neighbor) and I took Buster to a beach that was off base since the beaches on base are pet-free. I didn't get any pictures, but I did get a video of him swimming. I will put that video on Youtube and post the link later. Buster wasn't a huge fan of the water, but he did seem to enjoy burying his poop in the sand.

This morning, my other friend, Ashlee, called me and wanted to know if I wanted to go snorkeling. I had nothing planned for the day so I decided to go. We took frozen snap peas to the beach with us and when we threw them into the water, the fish swarmed around us. We went out to where the shelf drops off and we were able to see a lot of awesome fish. I even got to meet Nemo!

Since it's been raining so much lately, I've had a lot of time to apply for jobs and look into school. I haven't heard back from any of the places I applied at, but I am confident that I will hear something eventually. If not, there are always more opportunities out in town. I missed the registration date for the Spring semester so I will not be starting a full course load until the Summer or possibly even next Fall.

Micah graduated from his FIT class a few weeks ago and is now working in the NDT (non-destructive testing) lab on the ship. In addition to working in the shop every day, he has to stand watch once a week which means Buster and I get the house to ourselves!

Micah relaxing on the couch with Buster during his lunch break.

A hermit crab that I found at the beach.

Mike and Gangsta Busta!

Buster (on the arm of the couch) and Ashley.

San Louis Beach (on base)

Ipan Beach

I don't remember the name of this park, but it was along the side of the road and it was really pretty!

Coco's Island (resort)

My friend Ashlee getting closer to the clown fish.

I'm not sure what type of fish this is, but it looks like it would glow under a black light. They are everywhere on Guam!


Some of the fish that swarmed around us when we had the snap peas. Sorry it's so blurry.

NEMO!

Slowly getting more settled

Hey guys!
A lot has happened since the last post. Micah received a phone call on Friday from the vehicle processing center saying that his car was here and it's ready to be picked up. He is very excited to get his car. We also went to the home gallery (furniture store on base) to buy a bed but ended up buying two couches as well! We were very lucky to score some awesome deals as far as prices. We only ended up paying $1800 for everything. Our house is coming together very quick and now all we need is a kitchen table, chairs, a coffee table, and rugs!

Micah just got home from work which means that it's time to go pick up his car. I will post more tomorrow!

-Donna

Buster is such a sweetheart. His favorite thing to do is cuddle with his mama.

Finally, a new post!

Hey guys!
Sorry for not posting anything. We have been very busy lately getting settled in our new house. First of all, the earthquake that occurred on August 10th, did not affect Guam. Even if it did, we wouldn't have to worry because Guam has some of the strictest building codes in the world. In fact, there are several earthquakes every day; they just aren't strong enough to be noticed.

Now for an update. Micah is currently in FIT which is his "indoc" class. He goes to that class instead of doing actual work on the ship. In FIT, Micah has learned general facts about the island (what fish to be afraid of, the culture, etc.) and also the "need-to-know" facts about the USS Frank Cable.
As for me I have been exploring the island, the base, and hanging out with Buster.

Everything is going great. We are having a blast. We now have internet, cable, and a house phone. Our house is now starting to look like a home.

We met a few other young couples, one of them live across the street from us. We have been hanging out with them a lot, going to the beach, and even having barbeques. When we were at the beach the other day, Micah was snorkeling and found an awesome shell. When he brought it back to where I was sitting, we realized that there was a snail/slug living inside of it!!! We kept the shell and one of our friends told us that we had to boil the shell/snail in water for about 20 minutes to clean it out. When we boiled the shell, the entire house reeked of dead fish. It was pretty gross. We plan to continue to find neat things at the beach and display them around the house.

Now that we have internet in our house, I will be able to post more often!

Love,
Donna and Micah

The awesome shell that Micah found.

This is how clear the water is here!

We have found that taking lawn chairs is a lot more enjoyable than laying on a towel!

This is Gab Gab Beach. It is currently our favorite beach and it's only 5 minutes away! There are a lot of Japanese defensive caves from WWII scattered around base and on the beaches.

Buster wearing Micah's shirt

Buster follows us EVERYWHERE! We bought him a bed, but he rarely sleeps in it because he's usually in our bed!

Our first "real" mean in our house. Cheesy enchilada Hamburger Helper and garlic mashed potatoes.

Our bed. (Micah wanted a picture of it)

New Addition to the Family

Hey guys!

Sorry, I haven't been posting anything lately. Since we moved in to our house, it hasn't been as easy to get on the internet (we haven't set it up yet).

Anyway, everything has been going great. We have done a lot of snorkeling and shopping for things for the house. When we went snorkeling on Sunday at a beach on base. We were able to see tons of fish that we didn't see at the other beaches. The beach we went to was a nice oasis after a 20 minute hike down the side of a cliff. Despite being stung by an anemone, we had a lot of fun.

Also this weekend, we were driving around and exploring the island when we decided that we wanted to look into getting a dog. We went to a shelter and looked at the dogs. We ended up deciding to get a male named Buster. The shelter said he is between 1-2 years old. He looks like a beagle-dachshund mix. All in all, he is very cute and extremely sweet. He is getting fixed tomorrow and then I will go pick him up when he wakes up from his surgery. Micah and I are both very excited.




****NOTE TO DULCI, SNICKERS, AND LEXI: BUSTER IS NOT REPLACING ANY OF YOU. MICAH AND I STILL LOVE ALL THREE OF YOU AND WE WILL BE HOME SOON WITH A NEW FRIEND FOR YOU TO PLAY WITH.*****