K&J's Happenings

I wanted to write and update everyone about what's been going on in our lives. I know I post more about our dog then ourselves, but what can I say? She's a COOL dog and a great companion. :)

Recently, Kyle seems to always be super busy at work so that's what usually takes up a lot of his time. He's been learning that no matter how obnoxious his job or the people around him can be, he must do his absolute best and to "....do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men."

Speaking of staying busy at work, Kyle started Corporal's Course last week. It runs through the end of August. It's a pretty intense course which requires a lot of time and effort. The course is on Camp Foster and is about 45 minutes away. And since they PT every morning, he leaves here at about 4 a.m. They issued him a room in the barracks and he has to field day it every week. He was going to just stay in the room and come home on weekends, but thankfully they told him that he can go home during the week. He still has to clean it every week, though. Basically, the course is teaching him to be a better NCO and giving him the skills he needs in order to be a good leader. It goes over Marine Corps history as well how one should conduct themselves as an NCO. They also learn how to perform sword drill and the proper way to use use and carry the sword. He has already learned so much and it has been encouraging to see him excited about his work and what he can do in his own shop that will help his Marines. For the course, they are in class all day and are given loads of information so he always has plenty of homework and studying to do each night.

After Corporal's Course is complete, Kyle will be starting college courses this fall. He will be working to complete his B.A. and has decided to make History his major. This is subject to change. Regardless, he has already enrolled in UMUC (University of Maryland University College... yes we realize the name is a little redundant) which has an extension located on base and will be taking two classes.

So as you can see, he is a busy man. But, he does seem to find a little spare time here and there and fills it with bike riding (I got him new tires for his birthday), golfing, swimming at the beach and pool, working out, snorkeling, and of course, playing with Izzy. :)

Kyle and I have been going on evening bike rides/runs. I usually ride Kyle's bike while he runs. It works out perfect because usually when I run with Kyle, I get left in the dust. But with me on the bike, I get a decent workout and am able to keep up with Kyle (usually he has to try and keep up with me. :) It's a really good time together and we thoroughly enjoy it. We usually go for a couple of miles around where we live. Sometimes Kyle will take Izzy running along with him, but she's usually worn out after the first mile or so. But, she's not a quitter. She'll huff and puff right along with us. Okay, okay, enough about the dog.

These pictures were taken one night on a run/ride. I realize I look way too excited about riding bikes in this picture, but in my defense, the flash on the camera was BRIGHT. But I also happen to be wearing a USMC t-shirt and who wouldn't be excited about supporting them?!

Here's Kyle all nice and sweaty.
So along with bike riding, a couple of weeks ago Kyle challenged me to run a 5K (3 miles) in the fall. I've done one before and thought it would be a great chance to get healthy and back in shape. So I've been going to the gym every morning and doing the treadmill along with using the weight machines. I've even been able to play volleyball on some occasions. Oh, how I've missed thee, dear volleyball! But anyways, I know I can run the miles, but Kyle wanted me to do 6 minute miles! Of course, this seems like an easy feat for a guy that ran a 17:58 on his last PFT! That was one of his best times, and I was very proud. :) But anyways, being the much slower runner that I am, I talked him into up-ing the minutes for me. Heehee. Last time I ran 9 minute miles so I'm hoping to meet or break that time. We shall see. I just want to complete the run!

Other then the gym every morning, my days are taken up with (what seems to be endless) work around the house, running errands, and helping those around me that might need an extra hand. I too, have been thinking about taking some courses this fall, but am waiting on (unofficial) transcripts to come in before I can go speak with an advisor. There is also a lot that I need to do for financial aid. So if I don't start this fall, maybe next semester. Which is okay, since I have been job searching. It seems that jobs for military dependents are hard to come by unless you want to work in retail or in child care where the turn-over rate is ridiculous. I do have a prospect or two, so we'll see what happens with that. I've also been given some volunteer opportunities, so I am excited about what is in store.

In previous posts, I have mentioned that Kyle and I have been attending Central Baptist. We've really been praying about membership and are planning on meeting with the pastor today to talk about it. It's been really hard for me and Kyle not to compare the church with our home churches. We both come from great home churches, so it's hard to feel "at home" at Central. The church is very small and we see SO many ministry opportunities that we want to get involved with. We had been helping with the music, but felt the need to step down since we are not yet members and wanted to give those that are, a chance to serve. Also, no one really knows our testimony and we didn't want to offend anyone by being up on the stage leading music when no one really knows our background. So, we have been focusing on the Pastor's messages and what we can learn from him and getting to know those in the church. It's also hard since we are the 'new people' and are not yet comfortable with everyone like back in our home churches. I know we shouldn't compare, but it's been a tough decision for us and we really appreciate any and all prayers in the area of church membership. We don't see any huge problems that are leading us not to join, we just want to make sure this is the place God wants us.

So basically, that's what we have been up to. We really, really, really, miss everyone!