Sunday, November 30, 2014

Johnson Family 2014

Our year started off with a wild trip across the country.  Because we wanted to bring our dogs, we decided driving was the best option. We left Georgia at the beginning of Dec 2013 and drove up to WI and over to WA.  We were able to see both our parents while in WI which helped break-up the drive.  In Montana we were able to visit some of our old college friends!  We were able to make the trip leisurely, with the only deadline to be in WA in time to get on a ferry to ride up to AK.  After the ferry trip, we still had 5 days of driving on the Alaskan highway.  This was probably the hardest part of the trip.  At one point it was so cold that our car thermostat stopped reading the temp.  This was quite an experience!!  But luckily we made it to Anchorage on Christmas day!!! It was a great Christmas present!!

After that trip everything started to slow down.  James got situated in his new unit and I was able to find a nursing job at a long-term care facility.  Unfortunately, I HATED that job and James was notified that he would have to deploy to Afghanistan again.  James volunteered to be part of the team that went early to set up for the rest of the unit and left in June.  I tried to enjoy my job more but finally decided in July that it wasn't worth being miserable, especially while James was away, so I resigned from my job in July. 

Without a job, I was able to travel to Colorado and see my childhood best friend get married in August.  My dad came up to stay with the dogs while I was in Colorado and then stayed for another month to keep me company in Alaska!  It was great having him visit and I was super sad to have him leave but I knew my mom was missing him! 

In September, I got a new job at a local hospital in Anchorage.  I tried to focus on working the next few months.  Luckily, James’ deployment was cut short and he and his unit returned home 2 weeks ago!!!  I’m so glad to have him home!!!  Especially, in time for the holidays!!! Our hairy, four-legged children were ecstatic!!! 
Anyway, hope you guys are all well and had a fabulous Thanksgiving!!!  We love you guys!!!

Mandy and James




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