Homesick

This picture is from the last day I was in China, I was giving Casey that look because I didn't want to leave.

I can truly say that I rarely feel homesick, but lately the feeling has kind of grabbed hold. I know it all will pass and there is light at the end of the tunnel, but I really want to go to America.

Here are some of the things I would do if I actually had an approved leave slip:

Kiss the ground
Pick fresh fruit and veggies and eat them
Hug my family and friends, especially, mom, dad, and sister
Kiss the ground
Drive 55 MPH
Stop by Gma's and bring her an extra hot hazelnut latte
Run outside without humidity
Order a double tall non-fat latte with 2 pumps of vanilla
Drive to the coast
Hop on a combine and work all day (maybe even blow it off, just to remember what it feels like to be dirty)
Hug some more people
Drink a diet Dr. Pepper fountain pop from the machine
Smell everything- summer nights, dust, hay, home... etc.
Drive with the windows open
Fly all over the country and see my friends...SC, KY, West Coast etc..
Walk 3rd street and love it
Drink wine
Have one of Dad's "steaks the size of your head" off the Tragger
Hang out
See my aunts uncles and cousins
Use a turning lane
Go on a "girl" date with the Mac town girls
Go shopping at Goodwill and the mall- probably in that order
Go to Corvallis to see Sister and whoever else is still down there
Go to LG hang with CaSandra reminisce about college days (stop by Sherman on the way home)
Just sit and talk with Corko for hours about nothing and everything
Fly to GA... Hold baby CJ, hug Allison, salute Scott. ha.
Kiss the ground
Visit, eat, and LOVE AMERICA.

Okay don't feel bad if you did not make the list, as anyone who has felt homesickness could relate too this list goes on and on.

"Good is everywhere, but home is better."

Random thoughts

As you all know, I was not raised in a military family, yet I am very comfortable living this life. I attribute that to being raised with a good work ethic and a purpose. When I was growing up I don't remember many written rules or standards in our house. Yet, there are a few things that were rules in our home. "life isn't fair", "do you best and leave the rest; it all will come right some day or night" and lastly, "can't is NOT a word" were all guiding phrases in my childhood. The first two quotes "rules" are pretty self explanatory. The third one may need a little explanation. The word "can't" was not allowed in our house. When ever we used the dirty word we were kindly reminded by our parents to ask for help, try again, or try it a different way. What a lesson.

This past week I have had a hard time with the media. I think my Facebook status over the weekend sums it all up well. On Friday, I wrote the below status:

Julia Sektnan...Is frustrated with the Media. Debbie Rowe wants her kids, OK. I am pretty sure MJ was taking white pills, he is dead, and yes it is sad. Yet, as we approach a weekend to celebrate our country's freedom, why isn't there any news about Korea launching 4 missiles? A bit dangerous. OR maybe the thousands of Marines air lifted and dropped into AFG during President Obama's first offensive of his administration. huh?

To follow up on this comment, I believe that Korea has launched 11 missiles over the last week, 33 service members died in the month of June. 5 of which have died since Micheal Jackson has taken over the media. Did we even hear about these individuals who gave their lives? Nope. Or the soldier that is missing? Nope. Or the 7 more coalition troops that have died since 1 July? Again nope.

All of these service members did not use the word "can't" They DID as many will continue to do. Their families are left with the "life isn't fair" feeling. Yet, I believe if you ask most who serve our country they would agree with the rule mentioned above, "do your best ans leave the rest; it all will come right someday or night." Thank-you to all those who serve OUR country!

In closing, thanks dad and mom for the wonderful lessons! I am a very lucky person, thanks to all who love and support me. You all are the reason I continue to grow as a person, dream and persevere.

This song is old, but it says it so well.


"Roots and Wings, who says you can't have both"