Marine Corps Ball

Last weekend Jon and I were able to enjoy the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on a cruise boat in the San Diego Harbor. I had to rush south after Joshua's soccer game on Saturday to drop him off at my brother's house (Thanks, Steve & Sandi) for an overnight. Joshua had a great time with his cousin Evan. I made a quick change into my "fancy" clothes and then headed to the San Diego harbor to meet Jon, who was already down there for his reserve drill time.

Jon's unit had the entire lower deck of the boat for dinner, dancing and the program. I don't know anyone in his reserve unit, but it was fun to dress up and have a date with Jon. The program was appropriately formal and not too long, the food was delicious and the view through the windows and up on the top deck was beautiful. What was interesting to me is that the "ugly" side of the harbor where the Navy shipyards are was the most beautiful at night because of the lights everywhere, while the more beautiful Coronado Island was mostly dark, so not as interesting to view.

We spent the night at the BOQ (Bachelor's Officer's Quarters) on a Navy base in San Diego. In the morning we enjoyed some Starbucks, thanks to gift certificates from friends, and then took a leisurely stroll around the San Diego zoo, thanks to our memberships. Then it was off to pick up Joshua and head for home. It was a wonderful weekend celebration.

This week we had a little excitement when the Census Bureau called Jon and offered him a 20 hour/week job making $12.50 per hour. Now, in Southern California, that will not pay the bills for our family, so it was kind of good news/bad news. We are hoping this part-time work will allow Jon to pick up something a little higher paying or allow for future government jobs. In the near future, it messed up our plans for next week. Joshua's school district gives the kids the entire week of Thanksgiving off for the holiday, so I quickly e-mailed our friends and was blessed by e-mails from four friends willing to help. Joshua will end up spending Monday overnight through Tuesday at his good friend Maxi's house (Thanks, Karine and Klaus) and then Wednesday he'll get to go the Discovery Science Museum with his good friend Charlie (Thanks, Wyndi and Sergio). What a blessing to be a part of a community that cares for each other in such tangible ways.

Jon does have a few other full-time job possibilities that he is pursuing but it will take another couple months before those jobs are available. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Sheryl