The Baptista's

One year down, one to go...

2009-03-07T16:33:00.001-08:00

We are down to our last and final year here in Korea. It's just the halfway mark, but DAMN it feels like an accomplishment. Right now Freedom is in the field for a month. I'm just doing my school and trying to pass the time. Fortunately, the company that I interviewed with a month ago, finally called me back! I'm excited. Even though it's not much pay, it's still better than nothing and will get me OUT OF THIS HOUSE!

We pulled Cheyanne out of gymnastics, she was getting ohhhhh, maybe 2 turns in an hour class to go through the "obstacles".. so now we might put her in something else. Maybe some TaeKwonDo.. or Swimming lessons. Ballet would be cool too. I want her to have options to do things, but different things, then that way the older she gets she'll know exactly what she wants to do.

Halfway through this term in school too. Visual basic is pretty tough stuff, but I'm actually excited and proud of myself when I do figure out a programming challenge. I'm maintaining a 4.0 GPA as of right now *knock on wood* so I hope it stays that way!

Here's some pictures for you guys.

Chey got a haircut:

Bored at home:

Riding in the car wears them out. They grow up so fast.....

Mine and Rach's Coach purses from Osan!

A tote I got from a fellow military spouse living in Okinawa. She has really good prices...

Yup..that be me.

16 LBS down baby. Finally... This gal was getting chunky!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Video I made for Freedom while he's in the field

Hola!

2009-02-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

So Rihanna got beat the eff up before the grammy's. Other than that, I got no new news for you peeps.

But seriously, nothing has changed here at the Tina Station. Keep on doing the Information Technology thing to become a professional hacker. If you found yourself saying.. "I always knew she'd be good at that!".. then, it's still funny. Those people make ridiculous money! hahahahaa...

Me and Freedom are doing fine. We're both becoming a bit more jealous than usual, but that's expected in this lifestyle.. let alone one that where you don't live together. However, thank god I couldn't see myself with anyone else.. or else there could be some bad repercussions.

At this moment in time, I'm pretty much just missing my family and friends. I think about Brian and Elizabeth more than I ever imagined. I miss them so much. I feel like I'm missing out on so much time with them that I NEED to be there. I want to let them know that I'm there for them no matter what, however it's hard to do when you're on the other side of the planet.

I'm missing Rachel entirely more than what should be natural for a friend to miss a friend. I feel like she's a really big part of who I am, and I've left part of it in Kentucky. That girl has made me who I am.. we've grown up and matured together. It's an amazing feeling, and I never take for granted when I do meet a true friend. Because you don't meet many in your lifetime. I just think if anything ever happened to her.. I would literally be lost. I mean I obviously would go nuts and go off the deep end if anything happened to my daughter or husband obviously.. and it is a fear, but much easier to deal with when those people are in your lives on a daily basis. Now don't think I don't count my blessings with that.. my family is obviously very important to me but it's just a unique bond that Rachel and I have. I have had friends before her obviously in my teenage years..etc. But we met in 2000... looking for friendship and trust... company... we just found that in each other. We were alike in so many ways, however we have our differences. No matter what we love each other and will be there for each other. I can honestly say I'd take a bullet for that girl. I don't think we're even on the "friends", or "acquaintances" list.. anymore. We joke.. but I really think she's my sister. I've always had to search for family outside of mine (except for my sister obviously) for the feeling of a true family, and I found it with her. We have always tried to be there for every important moment in each other's life. It was important to us as well. Every birth of a child, every moment that was hard to deal with alone, embarrassing moments, sad moments, funny moments, to cheer each other up. It's just so hard to pinpoint the meaning of life and what it means. But we've always tried to figure that out together. I truly know in my heart I would never find another friend like that. I always thought being a military wife, I'd find other friends. But I can honestly say that I am not sure that anyone could ever replace what i found in her. She's changed so much, grown up, been so responsible, would do anything for anyone.. she's intelligent, she's so strong and confrontational and I love her so much. It sounds odd when you say that about someone that isn't your family, but to me, she is my family. 19 when we met and now we're 27. That's a pretty long time. Sharing every dream with each other, seeing each other change.. It's just really hard to talk about. Just trying to find friends here makes it 10 times more grateful for what you had. If she ever needed me I'd be there. Don't care where I am... They've got planes, trains and cars... I guess I just really miss her, I DO miss her. I knew I would have to move away from her eventually being a military wife, I just never knew it would be this hard. I love my husband, he is my support system. But Rachel had always been there in our hard times. she had always been there when I had to talk to someone, she was there was I got pregnant unexpectedly.. she was there when I was embarrassed, hurt, confused, excited, she was there when I needed someone to talk to for anything. I literally pray every night that we do not separate or grow apart. She's just that one person in my life that I need to be there. She's got a conscience like me, got so much love in her, and good will. She's been the person I've leaned on for so long. It has been a long year.. and one more to come. I just pray that we stay close throughout that year. I really miss her. It's hard to say to her, but I honestly feel she is the only person in the world that really knows "me". Fears, Faults, Ups, Downs. I've cried so many times being without her it just sucks. I'm beating a dead horse now... but I will end it with, I miss you Rachel... Thank you, for being you.

Next Duty Station Options..

2009-01-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

So we finally get an idea of where we might be heading once we leave this hell hole.

Ft. Polk
Ft. Riley
Ft. Bliss
Ft. Drum
Ft. Carson
Ft. Knox
AC/RC Knox
Germany
Ft. Lewis

What? Why? LOL No Hawaii! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgh. Anyway, we are rather torn. Knox is awesome, I would get to go back where I came here from of course..

Carson is where we've been trying to go.. and we only have one maybe two more duty stations before retirement..

So it's hard to say ya know? Being away from the states so long, pushes me to want to go back to Knox.. However, Colorado is one place we've always wanted to go, and he doesn't have much time left in the military. Hard decision. Guess we'll be updating with the decision soon, however things like this are ALWAYS subject to change.

So here's the product of being home and bored. Enjoy.

New Year

2009-01-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

Hello people. Back to Korea we are, and it's not the best return, although we are glad to be back in our own home, that's about it. LOL We had a wonderful time in the states. Me and Cheyanne got a really bad viral thing when we got back, so I've been off the computer for awhile now.

In the states, we got to see the kids, that was GREAT! Me and Rachel hung out and of course that was the shizzle, and it was also nice to see my sister and nephew. We had a really good time. I already miss all of them. But, I guess that's just one more sacrifice I can put on the table for being married to the military. Anyway, Here are lots of pictures from our visit.

Brenda and the kiddos

Me and Rachel with our Appletini's

At the Aquarium in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Aquarium

Naavah's 3rd Birthday

The girls at the cabin

Hot Tub Time

Carlos in front of the warm fireplace

Decorating the tree

Opening Presents at Rachels

Turkey day!

Chey thought it would be a good pose

Cheyanne on Christmas back at our house

Opening the few presents that santa had left lol

Freedom surprised me with a new camera.. woot!

Dixie Stampede, Pigeon Forge, TN

We're going home to visit!

2008-11-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

Freedom surprised me last Friday with the news. We're going to be home from Nov 22 to Dec 22. I cannot wait to get home and see the kids and Rachel and also Brenda. Man, It has been a long 8 months. I think going home is the refresher we needed.

This past weekend we went out with a couple I met just recently Melissa and Her husband, as well as another couple that they knew Grace & Fritz. We had a blast. I think with Freedom being sick it hit him harder than usual. But all in all, we had a really good time.

Chey started gymnastics on Monday too, she looked so cute. She seemed to enjoy it also!

Halloween Weekend Re-cap.

2008-11-04T02:42:00.001-08:00

This weekend was pretty good. Trick or Treating wasn't until Saturday. Chey had a blast, this is the first year I think she actually grasped what she needed to say, and actually enjoy her candy. We went on Yongsan to just one neighborhood and I think she made out pretty good for an hour of trick or treating.

The aftermath.

We celebrated Freedom's birthday on Friday night for us and the Fam.
Birthday cake (German Chocolate)

Then after that we went out to celebrate Freedom's Birthday. Freedom's friend Rob went with us. I think it's the first time all three of us were able to go out together. We went to Scrooge's and also to Gecko's. We obviously had a good time, almost too good of a time, from the hangover.

View from Scrooge's

There were some people dressed up for Halloween

So that's the recap of our Halloween weekend. It was pretty good. The seasons changing has me down a bit, but I'm sure I'll snap back eventually. Nothing that Wellbutrin can't fix.. hahahaha.

Two more classes down

2008-10-24T03:09:00.000-07:00

Hello again peeps. So not much has changed in the past month. I just got done with two more classes trying to get closer to my degree in Information Technology, YAY.. yes people, you were right... I was born to be an internet junkie.

Also, just getting used to living away from Freedom during the week. Ain't gonna lie, it sucks pretty bad and I am COUNTING down the days to get back to the states. The women here are soooo clicky.. aaaaaaaaagggghhhhh. Guess just reminds me why I prefer males as friends as opposed to females. Way to complex. I wonder if I'm so complex and don't even realize it because I'm female.. hahahaha.

Cheyanne's been enjoying Mustard Seed preschool. So far we're both pretty happy with it. I enjoy the time alone. Even if its just to go to the store or grab a bite to eat.. I would've nevAr eaten by myself back in the states, but here I'm just so damn excited to not have Chey trailing me. I'm sure the kid needs a break from me too. Last week the Firemen came by the school. She was excited at first, but then she started acting a lil feisty since we were there. LOL

Another anniversary has come and gone also, October 7 made it a 2 years for us. Seems this year has been the toughest on us so far with schools and now living here (apart). ha.

Hard Rock (Seoul)

Past few weekends we have been keeping busy when he is home. Weekend before last we went to Fall Festival on Yongsan. It was nice, just to have something going on in the community.

Yes, she rode this by herself.

Then Sunday it was off to the Air Show at Osan. It was pretty cool... I got to meet a few people from a local forum (usfkforums.com) although we didn't get any pictures together LOL

.Over the weekend.

2008-09-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

The weekend after my birthday, Freedom threw me a little surprise shin-dig. Invited Elle and her husband, we had Jaimelynn and her family come down. Rob was here too. We had a good night, cookouts, Wii time and also Freedom made me a cake.. lol (It's the thought that counts...)

Ok people.. this is what happens when you do not cut the top off the bottom layer. Nuff said.

Oh yes.

Playing the Wii, I know they all look thrilled.

Blowing out the candles.

Rob doing what Rob's best at. Smack-Talk.

Grillin'

Whatever it was, was important.

Chey baby, posin.

And a bonus video from the weekend before...

Happy Birthday to Me....

2008-09-11T01:59:00.000-07:00

Well so far its been a rather boring birthday, but hey.. I guess I shouldn't complain much. Turned the big 2-7 today. Wish I had Rachel and my sister here. Freedom stopped by the house for a few to give me my gift (DS and a couple games) which I am really happy about. Seems to have sidetracked me a bit from doing my schoolwork today.. LOL Let's hope that's not a permanent thing.

Over the weekend a friend of mine, Syritha, and her husband Terry came down to Yongsan to see us. Jaimelynn watched Cheyanne for the night so we could go out. Played darts, pool, found a Mexican food restaurant (Which I'm uber happy about), then went to a couple bars. Had a perty dang good time if I must say so myself. So anywho.. first birthday in Korea.

We're moved to Hannam Village!

2008-08-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

Finally! w00t! Just letting everyone know we're finally moved. I love it here so far.. of course I have my husband with me at the moment, took a week of leave so we could get settled. Figured I would post some pics of the new place. I started school back on Monday so things are a little hectic, but feels good to be in a hectic lifestyle again! I miss work for sure!

Here's some pics of the new house:

Dining Room From Living Room

Our housewarming gift to US! 50" Plasma.. w00t!

Dining room Balcony, and our PIMP ride

Chey's Room

Balconies

Our Building

Kitchen

Dining Room

The field + OCONUS = Miserable

2008-08-13T06:21:00.001-07:00

So, here I am again people. Freedom's in the field, and I'm sitting here with nothing to do.. Boohoo poor me..haha. Seriously though, I'm so out of it lately. School doesn't start back until the 25th. It's amazing how quickly you take for granted the people in your life and your lifeline's until it's all gone.

Back in March I would've said, man get me out of this place! Ahhhhhhhh... I miss being able to work (even with the drama in the office), I miss Rachel, I miss the kids and I miss my car! Randomly I remember back to driving home from work on Friday in my baby with the music as loud as it would go and having Rachel come over for the night. I guess this lifestyle can most definitely make you try to not take things for granted.

I have my husband here, thank god. Main reason I came, even though he feels my depression and also my loneliness and there is nothing he can do about it the majority of the time. I will always sacrifice to be with him wherever the Army takes us until he retires, but I guess this being our first PCS as a married couple.. and it being overseas it really can take a toll on you.

Rachel has always been there for me back in the states, when I was in a shitty mood, she picked me right back up. It's amazing how a friend can do that and for 8 years, she has. From crazy wild times, her having Paxton to me having Cheyanne to Naavah. She truly is that one friend in your life that I can never let "drift" away. We never had to feel as if we were entertaining the other if they visited, we were just that comfortable around each other. After this long I guess I see why now. We've went from teenagers to adults practically. We grew up and grew out together. I feel blessed to have her in my life and I miss her very very much.

I'm not the easiest person to be around but she is my one sole confidant when it comes to friends and will always be. Thank goodness we still talk every day or else I'd go crazy here.

I guess right now I'm trying to stay positive for when he gets out of the field on the 24th, he left on the 5th. I am very grateful it's not a deployment but it can get to a girl quite a bit being in a different country. Getting kind of excited for when I move. But reality always sets in when you realize you are in the military life when friends come and go and you never knew who was real and who wasn't. And what's worse is that the one's in the military already know you're going to leave soon or vice versa, so it almost makes it difficult to invest all that you have into a friendship without getting hurt once the other leaves nor do you have the time to learn someone completely.

Girl's Night!

2008-08-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Wellllll my frand Elle decided she was gonna take me out last night for a girl's night. We went to a very nice restaurant, had some good wine. Then decided to go Karaoke'ing.. lol

Had a blast!

Lot's of food!

Elle

Oh yes, Burger King

Kimchi...Kimchi...It is good for you and me... (not really)

Elle in the Happy Liquor Pia.. Love the lights in that place (minus the chicken feet)

Like woah.

Relieved...

2008-07-21T00:43:00.000-07:00

Freedom got us in for housing on Yongsan! I couldn't be happier. I've learned a lot up here in Uijeongbu, but it is time for change.

Cheyanne needs to go part time in daycare so she can keep learning and also for the interaction with other kids. Mommy needs her time to herself.. for sanity purposes As well as school.. LOL!

Once we get moved, I'll update. I'm not sure when it will be. The only date I have right now is 1 September.

Here's a couple newer pictures for you

Chey's swimming spot.

Wednesday Lunches :)Me trying to lure her with some pudding.

Lunch @ Tiffany's
Chey, Sydnee & Kyle
Telling Paige Brooke Happy Birthday.

.Wish we could've been there baby girl.

All About my Baby Girl

2008-07-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

What a crazy evening...

2008-07-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

I was on my way back from dropping a friend off and was at a stop light.. the front spot mind you. Then this Ambulance comes racing from my right and a tow truck is coming from the opposite direction as me, and they plow into each other.. One of the guys came flying out of the ambulance and the tow truck went into a building.

I hope those ppl live.. I also thank my lucky stars that neither one tried to avoid the other and hit us.. it happened like RIGHT in front of me..

자유 & 티나 Living in South Korea

2008-07-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

So as you all know. We're here in South Korea. Not by choice, but it's all in what you make it. I'm trying VERY hard to make it something good. LOL

Temple

Children's Grand Park

Signal Ball - May 2008

Locust Festival

Our Apartment Bldg's from Afar

Another of the Locust Festival

Bowling in the Apartment

Our 4th.

2008-07-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

We went down to Chinhae Naval Base WAY southern part of South Korea. It was a really good time except the fact that we didn't make it to the beach. Maybe next time.. Chey and me were both feeling bad.. have a cold or something.