I talked to Jeff for a good 20 minutes yesterday and he called to say hi twice today. He also said he'd call tomorrow night. And the night after that. And the night after that. :) I love him.

This week's been hard. I don't when I'll get to talk to Jeff next, but tomorrow it will be a full week since I've heard his voice.

I went to Reno today with some friends from a military wives forum. We went out to eat and the first thing all of us did was pull out our cell phones and set them on the table. We looked at each other and just started laughing. It was nice to be with people who understand and actually know what it feels like to miss someone so much.

Jeff had his RLP today. It was their biggest (and probably most stressful) inspection. A lot rested on it. He said he would call if he passed. I didn't get a phone call. After about 7:30 I resigned to the fact that he wasn't going to call and that he failed. When I got home from Reno, I opened up my e-mail and there it was. HE PASSED! I was so excited. One thing this experience has taught me about the navy is that if I expect something, I end up disappointed. Since I wasn't counting on Jeff passing, I wasn't disappointed when he didn't call. Then, when I found out he did pass, I was so happy for him.

He'll be able to call more often now. Oh how I love him.

I miss him. My heart hearts.

Jeff is busy. One week from tomorrow, he has RLP inspections. He's mentally exhausted. He's studying and memorizing insane amounts of information in a very short time so well that he can recite it verbatim under crazy amounts of stress. He's writing quizes for his class to make sure they all pass, too. He's hairspraying PT shorts so they fold into 4'' by 4'' squares. He's shining his boots and attempting to keep mud off of his running shoes. He's sleeping on the floor so he doesn't ruin his perfectly made bed. He's physically exhausted from doing PT at 5 am, when he had to stand watch from 2 am to 4 am the night before. And before that, he had the 12:00am-2:00am shift. Sleep is a precious commodity that at the moment, he's just not getting. I'm sure life is hard.
And yesterday, he sent me flowers.
It's hard to comprehend how much he loves me and how blessed I am to have him.

Jeff called yesterday. They were on holiday schedule because it was the Navy's birthday. We talked for a good long 20 minutes. That's the longest I've talked to him in over 6 weeks. Today, he called again and we talked for 40 minutes. Another record. I love the phone calls. I hear change in his voice. He said he's more confident now because he has to yell everything, and when you're yelling something, you better be right, or you get beaten. I can hear it - his confidence. I'm excited to see who he's becoming. Some days I think it's getting easier and other days I'm just sad. Today is an easier day, but he did just call.

Jeff prays every night at 22:00 Central Time, which is 8:00pm here in CA. He asked if I would join him, and now, I'm inviting YOU! Pray with us!

Mail is an amazing thing. I write something, pay 37 cents and a few days later, it's in his hands! I wish travel were that easy. Jeff has sent a few letters, and they're always the highlight of my day. This last letter read:
"I've been finding comfort in Psalm 31, especially verses 14 and 15 ..."But I trust in You, Lord; I say 'You are my God, the course of my life is in Your power...'". It Keeps me going knowing that He put me here and He'll do with me what He wants. He's been faithful thus far and I'll keep trusting in Him. Keep writing and praying. Your letters encourage me and keep me motivated."

I re-read every letter he sends so many times. I have one that I still haven't opened. He told me to space the letters out, as he isn't sure how often he'll be able to send them. I miss him, but it's so good to know that he's doing well.

Jeff classed up today and I couldn't be happier. He called and he's so excited. He knows this week will be tough - probably even the hardest, but at least THIS week has purpose, unlike the last 4 weeks. I'm so proud of him. Days are getting better, still. Jeff sent me flowers today and I cried when I read the note, but they were more like happy tears than sad I miss him tears. We're finalizing wedding dates, and I've spent lots of time focused on that. So yeah, things are getting better.

Jen: Do write letters every day. Get up and get dressed before 10, even if you don't have to. Go see a movie by yourself, even if everyone else will think you're a loser. Concentrate on the wedding, and do your homework.

Jen: Whatever you do, don't sit around listening to love songs reading reading depressing letters. Don't pull out the napkin he handed you the day you met, and remember how much of a nerd you thought he was. And don't read all the letters he's ever written you. While all this suff may make you smile for a short time, it only makes you even more sad ten minutes later when you have to put all the stuff back in a box and remember that he's 3,000 miles away.