Proud and Partial

The month of May has certainly proved itself worthy of the title "busiest month of the year" so far. Between work, school, and extra activities, we barely have time to slow down and catch our breath. The highlight of this past weekend was attending a Gretchen Wilson concert on base put on as a salute to the troops. The event was open to military affiliates and provided free food and entertainment. Each year, a major country music artist or group participates in the event. Therefore, we will most likely be attending these annual events during our tour at 29 Palms.



Gretchen Wilson really knows how to put on a great show. The playing of the national anthem with an electric guitar was one the highlights of the concert. A great sense of pride is felt when one can experience appreciation for his country and its freedom through musical expression. Perhaps that is why we love country music so much.



Another proud note to share, Scottie was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal last week for meritorious service during is previous term at Camp Lejeune. This is the highest award he can receive in his job (without being wounded of course). The demanding hours, high stress level, and devotion to duty paid off. Words cannot express how proud I am of Scottie's dedication and commitment to the Marine Corps and its mission.

The Great Outdoors

This past weekend was spent mostly in the California sun. We participated in the Naval Hospital's Annual Ridge Run which is a strenuous 8K race throughout the mountains behind the Naval Hospital on base. When they classified the course as strenuous, they meant it! There were at least two hills that were physically impossible to run up. We had a blast, even though we got lost at the end (the course was poorly marked). Now, it is easy to see why runners use GPS devices.

Scottie's first group of students had a class party/cookout on Saturday. The Marines and their families enjoyed two games of softball, horseshoes, and several rounds of corn hole (also known as bean bag toss) for recreational activities. We will probably experience many of these events during our stay at 29 Palms, for each class has a party before they graduate. These events are entertaining for Ali, because she gets to meet the students that Scottie frequently talks about.

Sunday was the highlight of our weekend. We accompanied the Fenenoz Family to the Colorado River for a relaxing day on the water. The river is about two hours away from 29 Palms. While the water temperature was slightly on the chilly side (it does not usually warm up until the summer), we managed to find ourselves submerged in it. Scottie and Joe enjoyed refreshing "Man Sodas" throughout the day. Most of the day, the adults were content with socializing while watching the kids play in the water. We also served as swimming coaches for Jake and Jadyn. A day on the river was a perfect way to end the weekend.

Hopefully all of you had a wonderful Easter holiday. We had the privilege of receiving an invitation to accompany the Fenenoz Family (Joe, Jenn, Jake and Jadyn) to Joe's parents' home in Upland, CA for a wonderful Easter brunch. The beautiful day was enjoyable and relaxing. The food was delicious (Spanish cuisine)and we quite enjoyed watching the kids hunt for Easter eggs and goodies. Also entertaining was watching the kids play with water squirters and attempting to avoid getting soaked. That mission failed.

This week has been quite busy for both of us. Work and school has been occupying a large amount of our time. Ali's been taking a nutrition class on base several night's a week. As for this weekend, our plates are full. The agenda includes a trip to Palm Springs, hosting UFC fight night on Saturday with some friends, and Jake's 5th birthday celebration on Sunday. Hopefully, we will be able to squeeze in some relaxation time in their somewhere.

Greetings from California,

Spring is here, the wildflowers are blooming, and we are finally settling into life in the Southern California desert.  Living in different time zones, it is not always easy to communicate with family and friends on the east coast.  Therefore, we wanted to take the time to update you on what’s new in our lives and to ensure that you have our new address. 

Our first three months in California have already flown by.  Scottie has adjusted to his new routine as an instructor at the communications school on base.  His shortest workday averages at about 12 hours, but he usually works more hours than that.  Scottie’s daily 30 minute commute to and from work takes a toll after a while, but we elected not to move onto base housing because we are incredibly happy with the house that we found out in town.  After witnessing some of our friends’ negative experiences with base housing here, we are even more confident in our decision to live off base. 

Our beautiful home is located in Yucca Valley which is about 35 minutes from the Palm Springs area.  The dry air and high elevation take some getting used to (approximately 3,700 feet above sea level).  The town is quite small, but has been recently blessed with a Starbucks, a Quiznos, and a Home Depot.  Sonic and Coldstone Creamery should be coming soon, yummy!  With so little in Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, we make frequent trips to civilization (Palm Springs area) to satisfy our appetites and shopping lists. 

As for Ali, she just started working part time at a local high school working with special needs kids.  We feel greatly blessed that she found a job in the school system, especially with California’s budget crisis.  49 teachers recently received pink slips in the local district and will not be teaching in their current positions next year.  Since Ali loves the gym, she is also working towards obtaining her certification to be a personal trainer as well as continuing her Master’s Degree program in education. 

Although we do not have much time to spend together during the week, we are usually able to enjoy each other’s company on the weekends.  With the pleasant spring weather, except for the occasional sandstorm, we enjoy hiking in Joshua Tree National Park which is practically in our backyard.  In our free time, we frequently enjoy the company of the Fenenoz Family:  Joe, Jenn, and their two kids Jake (4 ½) and Jadyn (2 ½).  Scottie met Joe and Jenn when he was stationed in Okinawa years ago and also spent a lot of time with them when he was station here 4 years ago.  Without them, our desert experience would not be as enjoyable.  We will be spending Easter with Joe’s family in Upland, CA.  

Here are some highlights from our visits to Joshua Tree National Park.