DSCN0677, originally uploaded by docfranxusc.

After 2 blissful - slightly wet/snowy - weeks with my mom and dad, I said sayonara to them at the airport in Reno ... my poor mom and her 2 military kids had to say goodbye again. I'm not sure that gets any easier for her and if you know my mom, you know how much she just loves it when we're home. We had such a great time shopping, and talking, and working out, and eatng out and doing nothing at all!

But I told her she's fired b/c I spent WAy too much money on cute clothes when I was there. I re-familiarized myself w/ clothes that aren't too short-sleeved or too short in the leg. And I remembered that I LOVE shopping.

Note the shirt -- I thought it was appropriate and mom and I cracked up!

Off to start the grand Narmy (yes, that's the Navy-Army) adventure. Of course, that started with packing the legendary "Seabag". Now, just realize that I came to the US w/ a full suitcase (medium size) and a half-full seabag w/ a backpack and a computer bag. I was SO GOOD and really, after we vacuum bagged a few items and Dad stuffed and shook and stuffed and slammed my bag against the floor, we got all that was coming with me into the bag!! (Uh, minus the computer...oh and the toiletries....but it all worked out!) It was a hilarious scene...but i didn't feel that bad b/c at least one other woman arrived with the thought that she had to pack for the 6 months and had 2 full suitcases, a bag for the hair stuff, and 2 carry-ons. See, I'm so much better right now!