From Wha... To Awww, Yay!

It's been kind of a weird day.

I got up at 0600 this morning and talked to my hubby on Skype for a little while before he went to work. I went back to bed, well, because it was 0600 and I'd taken a Benadryl when I went to bed last night at 2245. I woke up 3 hours later at 0930. Uh, woops.

Ever since I woke up, I'd been feeling...funky. Sort of hungover, but without the headache. It was weird. My brain wasn't functioning, I had a hard time responding to people, my head felt funny if I bent over... Like I said, weird. It got better once I had some caffeine, but not completely better. This afternoon, I went to the museum where I proceeded to make a couple stupid mistakes.

Despite the silly mistakes, I got a lot accomplished at the museum and had a little bit of fun with my "co-workers." Around 1500, the A/C guy came to ask the curator some questions. The walked around the museum, asking him questions and then they came back to the workroom where A (the intern) and I were working. We pretty much ignored them, but she was more hidden from them then I was. He said something and I just turned to acknowledge his presence and went back to work. Then, something odd happened.

K (curator): Well, we really don't need anything else back here because we don't keep any artifacts in here. 


A/C man: Are you sure? Hahahaha! Just kidding. =D

Ummm??

After they walked out of the room, I told A "I don't really know how to take that..." She said, "Just go with it." LOL!

Ok, I know the guy is Hawaiian and there are a lot of local phrases and colloquialisms that I don't understand but this one is different. I haven't decided how I feel about being called an artifact. And, let's face it, he was most definitely talking to me. I was the only one he could see, sooo yeah. For those of you who are not history/museum people, an artifact is something that is stored in a museum. Like an old Army uniform, guns used in WWII, old photos, documents, journals, etc. Key word: old. Generally, artifacts aren't pretty either. Unless we're talking about a dress worn by the queen of England or something of that sort. Artifacts do not equal pretty.

So, what exactly did he mean...? Was he really talking about me or was he referring to the building or something in the room? K made a joke out of it and said that our computers might be considered artifacts because they're so old, but it still has me going "Wha...??!"

I also had the joyous experience of having my card declined at the commissary and having to write a check while 7 people stood in line behind me and the bag boy tried not to stare at me. But we won't go there; no we won't.

I finally got home after my very weird day and took a walk with Jasper to the mailbox. He looooves going to get the mail. It's actually kind of funny. If you say to him, "You wanna go get the mail?" He gets all excited, jumps around and runs to the door. =) He's so smart. This time, we went out the back door because I had to do the lovely chore of taking the trash out. Yay. Anyway, we went to get the mail. On my way back from the mailbox, I spied a little something sitting on my doorstep. As I got closer, I realized it was something pretty...and from my husband. Y'all, he sent me flowers!!!!!!

Aren't they pretty?! The little note that he sent with them was really sweet too. =) I must tell you that I rarely get flowers from Joe. Rarely. So him sending flowers from the sandbox is a huge deal. It's a very huge deal. =D

*insert happy dance here*

Just to round out my good day, I made myself some chocolate covered pretzels. Oooh yes. =) They are my new favorite treat. I wasn't a big fan of the sweet and salty thing for a while, but I must say I'm loving it at the moment! =D

It was definitely an odd day, but I am totally ok with the way it turned out!!

I'm It - Again!

The wonderfully fabulous Mrs. P from A Little Pink in a World of Camo tagged me to answer some questions!! Just a little game that's found its way into the blogosphere. =) I did one last week, but there's no harm in doing another one!! Especially since no one I tagged followed the rules. =P Plus, it gives me a reason not to blog about all the crap I really want to talk/vent about. 


Alright, here are the questions:


1. If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be and why?
Oooh. I seriously like this question! If I were a shoe, I'd be a kitten heel, open toe shoe. Preferably red. Why? Well... Because, basically, that's the hottest, cutest, most stylish style of shoe I can think of. =) And I would like to be just as hot, cute and stylish.

2. What talent do you wish you had? Would you pursue learning or brushing up on that talent now?
Hmmm. I have always wanted to play the saxophone. Always. Well, since I was in band and realized that I liked the sound of an alto sax. I'd still love to learn...but that would require spending a lot of moola. =)

3. What is your favorite/best childhood memory?
Ugh, I hate this question. I don't have a favorite childhood memory, really. I have a lot of good memories, but to narrow one down? Yeah... I have no idea.

4. What is your favorite song? What lyrics strike you the most?
Ooh, my favorite song. =) Good one! I have a lot of favorite songs, but one of my most favorite ones is "Fast Cars and Freedom" by Rascal Flatts. I think it reminds me so much of Joe and I and that's the reason why I like it so much. =) 





Actually, I think it just reminds me of things Joe says to me...and the way things were when we were dating. =)

5. If you could go back in any period of time before you were born, where would you go, what would you do?
Eek! Perfect question for this history guru. =) I would loooooove to have lived in the 40s. Big band music, dancing, FDR, new policies... Oh man would I have loved to live then. I'm totally envious of my grandparents. Lol! {And yes, I'm totally ignoring the fact that there was a HUGE war in the middle of the 40s. Despite that, I think it still would have been amazing to live in that time.}

6. Who is your role model?
Role model? I don't think there's really ever been one person who I've always looked up to. As a whole - as a Christian - I strive to be more like Jesus. Not that I'll ever get there - not that I'm perfect - but I should be more like him. 

7. Pick a scar. Tell us it's story.
Haha, well alright then!! I have a 4 inch (ish) scar on my left leg. It used to be a birthmark. A big, red, round, hairy (before I shaved =P) birthmark. I used to refer to it as "my watermelon." It was red and sort of shaped like one... And my mom always told me that she ate an entire watermelon the day before I was born. Thus, "my watermelon." When I was 8, my doctor was worried about a dark mole that had formed in the middle of it so it was removed. He did it in the office, using a local anesthetic. I was 8 years old. My dad was late and I was inconsolable until he arrived. I had a total of 28 stitches and I was pretty miserable for a while. My dog even scratched it, so there's an added scar on the edge.  That's it; that's the story of my scar!

8. If you had no computer, tv, or phone for a whole day (YIKES!) what would you do with yourself?
Well, I would probably read for most of the day. If I got bored with that, I might do some scrapbooking or some other crafty thing. =) Although, I'd probably be going crazy wondering when I was going to get all of my devices back!! 


So, there you have it!


Now, if you ladies will actually follow the rules, I'll come up with my own questions and tag some of you!


1. What is your least favorite chore? Why?
2. If you were to get a tattoo (hypothetically, ladies) what would you get?
3. Everyone asks about your favorite ___ memory... I want to hear about your worst vacation memory. Someone got sick, someone was an idiot - go! =)
4. What is your favorite Disney movie?
5. [Stealing this question from my last attempt] What does your dream house look like?
6. Flashback moment: Were you a Backstreet Boys fan or an NSYNC fan? =)
7. What is your favorite board game?
8. If you could relive just one day in your life, what would it be?


Ah, so there you have it! I'm tagging:


Miranda @ Hangin' Loose with the Tucci's
Chantal @ A Blog a Day...
ACUs and ABCs
Jes @ Bleu Dress and Dress Blues
Mrs. GI Joe @ ACU's, Stiletto Shoes, and Pretty Pink Tutus
Mrs. Muffins

All For One, and One For All!

Can I just say how much I love being a part of this milspouse blogging community?! I think today we have seen the outpouring of love and support for one of our own.

For the past few days, Mrs. GI Joe has been battling the dreaded Anonymous commenter on her blog. The post originated way back in March, but apparently this nasty commenter went surfing through her blog. The content of the post really doesn't matter. What does matter is that this commenter - who later referred to herself as Mrs. GI Jack - was determined to cut Mrs. GI Joe down for her beliefs, opinions and feelings. Feelings that any one of us would have had if we had been in Mrs. GI Joe's shoes.

Not only did she cut down Mrs. GI Joe, but she continued to do so in several comments. After each one, Mrs. GI Joe and her husband attempted to shut down the commenter by being civil and trying to help them understand the reasoning behind the post. In the end, the nasty commenter decided to tell Mrs. GI Joe that she and her husband needed to grow up. That she and her husband were just trying to give GI Joe and Mrs. GI Joe [unsolicited] opinions that "most people have to pay" for.

Sweet, isn't it?

I find it difficult to believe that this woman and her husband would willingly put down another member of the military community. We ALL go through deployments. We ALL struggle to deal with them in our own ways. How dare they come into her "realm" of the blogosphere and tell her how to feel?! Even IF she had acted (or said things) immaturely, it's HER blog. She was stating HER feelings and HER reactions. What difference does it make how someone else views that situation?! Disagreeing is fine - allowed, even. But, if the only way you can share your opinion is to cut someone else down, my advice is for you to stay away from those of us who aren't afraid to tell you to leave our friends and our blogs alone.

The reason we have blogs is so that we can get our thoughts and feelings out there. And maybe, in the process of things, we make new friends. New friends who understand what we're going through. New friends who are there for us when we're having a weak moment. NOT people who only read and comment so that they can tear us down to feel better about themselves.

If you are a person who gets their "kicks" by tearing other people down, I have some advice for you:

1. Reevaluate yourself. If you need to kick other people to feel better about yourself, then it's YOU who needs to change.

2. Stay away from the milspouse community online. If you hit one of us, you hit US ALL.

Mrs. GI Joe is a dear friend of mine, even though we've never met in person. She doesn't deserve to be treated like this. In fact, no one deserves this kind of treatment. If you would like to read her post and the comments, just click here.

If you agree with me (and pretty much everyone else...), let's no longer allow rude anonymous commenters to be heard on our blogs. If you have something to say, I believe that you can do it tactfully. If you can do it tactfully, what's the harm in putting your name with it?!




I think our milspouse motto should be that of The Three Musketeers:

{Yes, I did use a phrase from a group that may or may not have existed in history. Yes, I did use a picture of my husband and I. =P}

I *heart* Saturday

When Joe is home, I love Saturday more than any other day of the week. Why? It's the only day that we get to sleep in. So, we sleep late, have a good breakfast and just chill out on the couch. We may or may not do something and that is the beauty of it. Now that he's gone, I've sort of had a love/hate relationship with the weekend. I'm glad that it's another week down, but I'm sad that I don't get to experience a weekend with him. This morning, a rare thing happened to me. I think it's the first time since he's been gone that something like this has happened.

I slept later than usual this morning - 9:30. It was probably due to the Benadryl I'd taken before bed. (Pretty sure I'm allergic to your cat, Chantal. =P) I got up, turned off my fan, grabbed my phone and opened the bedroom door. As I walked to the bathroom, I was somewhat shocked that I didn't heart the TV on. Weird. Joe always has the TV on... Wait. *sigh* Joe isn't here. BAM. How do you like that on a Saturday morning?!

I suppose it's only natural that my brain would forget that he's here. It's bound to happen. I know his routines on the weekend and rarely do they change. When he's home, he always gets up before me on Saturday. Usually, he'll do the dishes and sort of clean up the kitchen/living room for me. Then, he'll turn on the TV and play video games until I get up. That's just the way it goes. Before the Army, he'd sleep in with me but now he's totally ruined. ;-) I guess my Benadryl-induced hangover caused me to completely forget where my husband is for a second.

Today, I am loving Saturday in a different way. While I'd much rather spend a lazy Saturday with my husband, it has been a good day. I got up, watched football all day, made a cheesecake, went to a friend's house for dinner with the girls and had a great time. Seriously. We had some wine, good food, some girlie talk, played Apples to Apples (which I'd never played before) and laughed at the silliest things. We even did a baby switch up when one of the girls was talking to her husband on Skype. Her husband noticed the switch and we all died laughing. =) Silly, but fun. Oh and we think her dog drank some wine from a glass on the floor. LOL!

I am so glad that I found these new friends. Their hubbies are deployed too, so they completely understand. It's nice to have those kind of friends. Plus, they're hilarious. Definitely a bonus. =) And a good day of football never hurts either!

The only thing that could make this day better is a call/chat from my hubby!! {And he's only got about 30 minutes until it's "tomorrow" for me!}

All I'm Thinking About

I have a million thoughts running through my head at this moment.

I had a good day. Much better than yesterday.

My heart feels light.

I realized something yesterday that I shouldn't have forgotten.

***

Today, I went shopping with Chantal. She needed a buddy to go with her to pick something up and I was happy to join. =) 

As usual when I go shopping, I rarely go with the intention of buying something. You know, just window shopping. Ha. Unfortunately for my bank account, there is an American Eagle at the mall we went to. AE is my weakness. I love just about everything in that stinkin' store. Jeans, shirts, tanks, hoodies, shoes, belts, sunglasses...you name it, I love it. Their jeans are my absolute favorite. 

After looking around for a while and getting disgusted with the ridiculously high prices, I made my way to the clearance rack. I found a few things that I liked, but not so many that I loved and couldn't live without. I went to the next rack - the one with jeans and shorts. I was really looking for some capris, but even in Hawaii AE doesn't carry summer attire year-round. I looked at jeans in what I thought was my size. I found 2 pair that were pretty cute, and I left Chantal to go to the dressing room. 

And I was pleasantly surprised. They fit!!! Last summer, I was a size 12 (ish). Around this time last year, I was about a 10. The pants I'm currently wearing are a 10. But today, I purchased these:

I almost shouted in the dressing room!! =D Chantal and I decided that even though they were a little more expensive than I would have liked, I needed to buy them. They're my celebration jeans! Besides, a girl needs a good pair of jeans in her closet. =)

I would still like to go down one more size, but I'm pretty proud that I made it this far! It's been hard and I know it will continue to be, but I've got to do this for me. 

***

When I got home today, I got an unexpected phone call from my husband. I asked why he was calling and he said, "I just thought I'd call to talk. Work is kind of slow." I got a "just because" phone call! =D Those are kinda rare. We usually talk on Skype, which is kind of preferable since I can see him that way, but it was really nice to just chat in the middle of the day. =) Kind of like we got a lunch break of something. Only it wasn't lunch time for either of us. I don't know why I enjoyed that 40 minute phone call so much, but it made my day. I guess it really is the little things. =)

***

In my life, I've forgotten many things. From the smallest things to the biggest. Grocery list, cell phone, sunglasses, ID, book, homework, etc, etc. I could go on forever. Recently, though, I forgot a really big thing.

I forgot how much Satan HATES marriage. I forgot that he wants to destroy it and everything good and Godly it stands for. I forgot that he doesn't care about the people involved, except that those people are committing themselves to something that reflects God. I forgot that he wants me to get irritated, frustrated, angry and want to give up. Because if I gave up, he'd win. He'd get what he wants - to destroy. To ruin. To kill. To steal. And it's easier for him to do it while my husband isn't right here in front of me. It's easier for him to do it when we miss each other and there's nothing we can do about it. 

I can't believe I forgot that...even if for a second. When I forget, I'm letting him win. I'm letting him invade my mind and my thoughts. The more I let him in, the closer he gets to winning. And I refuse to let him win. He won't get the best of me, my husband or our marriage. We're stronger than that. No, God is stronger than that. With His help, we'll win. We've already won. We just have to trust God. 

Just to solidify the fact that marriage really is worth fighting for, Paula Kathlyn over at The Patriotic Peacock posted an excerpt from Faith Deployed. You should definitely head over to her blog and check it out. 

***

I know this was a super random post, but I wanted to share all of these things with you. Thanks for sticking with my randomness. =)

Happy Weekend!!!

Unplugged

Today was a mostly sucky day.

Today was the day I was forcibly unplugged for 13.5 grueling hours.

It started bright and early. 6:45 a.m.

I am not a morning person. I sleep with the air conditioning unit on (at 74 degrees), ceiling fan on and a small fan beside the bed blowing on me. I like to sleep cold. Preferably close to freezing.

At 6:45, I woke straight up when my fan and air conditioner shut off. One glance at my digital clock on the night stand told me what the culprit was - why my beloved fan shut off. Power outage.


I tossed and turned, attempting to get comfortable. The still, silent room annoyed me. I got up unwillingly. 6:45 a.m. should not exist.

I sat on the couch reading and playing with Jasper all morning. I'm sure Jasper enjoyed it. I wondered if I needed to call the museum and tell them I wasn't going to volunteer today because I couldn't shower in a pitch black bathroom. I most definitely wasn't taking a cold shower either. Not happening. Around 11:30 I started to get really annoyed. I called housing here, I called housing on post and then I called the MPs. At 11:50, the microwave beeped. Praise the Lord!!!! I scarfed down lunch, jumped in the shower, got dressed and left.

When I left, the cable hadn't come back on yet. For some reason, I thought it was normal and would probably come back on while I was gone. I was oh-so wrong. When I got home from volunteering and a trip to the PX, it still wasn't on. Weird. So I called.

"Oh yes. We're having an interruption in your area. The technicians are working on it."


Really? There's an interruption?! I had NO IDEA! Idiot. Obviously if I'm calling you, there's an issue. And when I asked when it would be fixed, I got another "they're working on it" shpeil. Gee thanks, Time Warner. FOR NOTHING.

I also called housing about the power outage. Apparently, DPW has no clue why the area I live in has a power outage about once a month that lasts 5-6 hours. FIVE - SIX HOURS! Never in my life have I experienced this! Even during an ice storm in Oklahoma! Seriously!

I know it sounds completely ridiculous, but all of this unplugged business led me straight into an "I hate this place" breakdown. I was in the middle of getting myself something for dinner and it just hit me. I bawled my freaking eyes out. In the kitchen. Yup. I said all of the "I want to go home"s and "God, why did you put me here"s and all of that. I'm sure that being really close to Aunt Flo's regular visit doesn't really help, but I really felt like an idiot about an hour after my breakdown.

And, out of nowhere, 5 minutes before Grey's Anatomy's premiere I hear that lovely Skype call noise on my computer. My internet and cable were back!!! And my hubby was online. And yes, I did hang up with him so I could watch Grey's Anatomy. I called him back as soon as it was off though. He understands my obsession with love for that show. Don't let him fool you. If he were here, he would have watched it too.

With the exception of almost finishing Nicholas Spark's new book and volunteering at the museum, I did NOT have a good day of being unplugged. But, I'm sure that had more to do with it being forced upon me than actually being unplugged. It's ok when it's my decision. It's not ok when it's not my decision, I have no control over it and no one can tell me why it's happening.

I am not okay with being forced back into the 19th century. Even if it is just for a day.

De.lic.ious.

After two trips to the commissary, I finally got all the ingredients to try a new recipe! As I mentioned several posts ago, I received a new (and FREE!) cookbook in the mail called Down Home Delicious by Peggy Touchtone Sholly. {I got it free because they were giving away copies to family members of deployed soldiers.} This thing is full of recipes for good home-cookin'. I browsed through the Tex-Mex section and found what looked like a good recipe for cheese enchiladas. I *heart* cheese enchiladas. =)

Quick Cheese Enchiladas

{Serves 3-4}

Ingredients:

1 pack chili mix
1/2 small white onion, minced
1 14oz can unseasoned dices tomatoes (or Rotel, which is what I used)
1 8oz can tomato sauce
1/2-1 cup water
1 pack corn tortillas {I used flour...I think the corn tortillas would have held up better.}
5 cups shredded Three Cheese Mexican Cheese

{I also added beef to the enchiladas because I need more protein in my diet.}

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 and grease baking dish with cooking spray.

In medium saucepan, combine chili mix, following directions on package, onions (reserving 1/2 for topping), tomatoes and sauce, and enough water to make a thin liquid. Simmer as directed on chili mix.
{This is also when I started browning the meat, if you'd like to do the same.}

I forgot to take a picture of the sauce mixture. FAIL.

Quickly dip tortillas, one at a time, into chili sauce, drain and place in baking dish. {Note: It helps if you use a larger saucepan.}

Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cheese on tortilla, and roll up like a cigar, leaving seam down. Continue until you have filled dish.

After rolling all enchiladas, pour chili sauce on top, and sprinkle with remaining onions and then cheese.

Bake until heated through, chili will barely begin to bubble, and serve immediately with refried beans and Mexican rice. {Or chips and salsa like I did.}

Baking nicely in the oven.

Finito!

Final Grade: A {I want to try it without the meat before I give it an A+ :-)}

I also would have loved some Mexican rice with this. Apparently I didn't plan enough ahead of time. =P Next time I'll have it with no meat and with refried beans and/or rice. It was definitely good enough for me to try again. And I seriously recommend using Rotel instead of plain 'ole diced tomatoes. It gave it a little something. You know?

So, if you're in the mood for something Tex-Mex I definitely recommend this one! 

Bon appétit! 

{Yes, I did use a French phrase while talking about Tex-Mex. Welcome to America, y'all. =P}

Blah.

That's really how I feel right now. Because of the blah-ness, I don't have much to say. I wish I did, but it's just not happening. There's some junk going on in my life right now that I don't really feel comfortable talking about.

This "junk" is part of the reason for my lack of things to say. It affects my thought process, my day, my emotions and well, pretty much everything in my life. It sucks. It really, really sucks and I wish that I could let it all out here and feel better about it. That would only help me, though. It wouldn't really help anyone else. It's my junk and should probably be dealt with privately. Or at least somewhat privately. I know, I know.


If it's private then why are you even mentioning it here?


Well, I guess I just wanted to let you know that I'm not ignoring you. =P Or to let you know that the substance of my blog may be something less than wonderful for a while. Or maybe just to ask you to pray for me - and for Joe.

On a much lighter note, I'm really excited that this week is Premiere Week! Some of my favorite shows have already started and others are yet to come! Here's what I have watched/will be watching this week (you know you're interested in what I watch on TV!):

How I Met Your Mother
Mike & Molly (I thought it was such a cute show!)
Hawaii Five-O (OMG it was awesome!)

Glee (yay, yay, YAY!!!)
The Good Wife

{I'm trying to think of Wednesday shows, but I can't!}

Grey's Anatomy (yes it's huge. It's my favorite show.ever. =))
Private Practice
Big Bang Theory (I so hate that they moved it to Thursday.)
Bones

{I can't think of any Friday shows either...}

And then, of course, Saturday is football day. As is Sunday. =) My weeks are so full right now! What do normal working people do?! I'd go crazy. =P Or I'd have extra money... Either way. Lol!

Yes, only here will you read a combined post of a prayer request and list of TV shows.

That's how I roll.

Makin' Progress!

On the sewing front, that is. =)

After I watched my beloved Sooners play [and BEAT] the AF on Saturday (*wink, wink*), I was able to Skype with Melissa and get some much-needed instructions on how to finish that sewing machine cover I was working on. Apparently, I had sewn the ribbon on the wrong side. And not just the wrong side either, the completely wrong side. Like the back. How I managed that I have NO idea. But, we managed to fix it and move on with our lives. =) Here is the end result:

TaDa!

This is where the ribbon was supposed to be the first time. =)

This was the most...interesting part. I had to sew the 2 sides together and pin and sew the top so it wouldn't look funky.

 If Melissa hadn't told me what to do, it probably wouldn't have turned out so well. Now, my sewing was still pretty crooked but I think it looks pretty good. And, if nothing else, it serves the purpose of keeping the machine dust-free. Plus, the fabric is super cute! I'm pretty proud of myself if you can't tell. ;-)

***

I took this photo yesterday and just had to share. It was about 5:00 or so and it was barely sprinkling out. It's really common around here for it to be raining and still be sunny out, which results in some pretty awesome rainbows. Kind of like the one I saw when I let Jasper outside yesterday. =)

Isn't it just gorgeous?! Can you see the double rainbow too? =)

Love. It. 

***

I started reading Nicholas Spark's new book the other day. You remember, the one I got in the mail. =)

I'm only on chapter 6 so far, but I am loving it!! The main character has what I'm sure is a very interesting back story. I've only learned a little bit about her past so far, but it's interesting. It isn't quite like the usual stories he writes. If you've read anything he's written, (or everything, like I have...) it sort of reminds me of The Guardian. Not the story line, but the suspensefulness of it. Like I said, though, I'm only 6 chapters in. It might change. I thought I'd share my thoughts so far since most of you commented about wanting to read it. You're welcome!! =)

***

Here's some just plain 'ole randomness for you. I checked my Donut of Misery the other day and was met with a new quote! Yippee!! I was getting tired of seeing "Still a long, long way to go" (gee thanks for that!) so I quit checking it for a while. When I saw this new one it just made me laugh. =)

I don't really understand why this was on my Donut of Misery, but at least it provided me with a good laugh!

Hope y'all had a good Monday! Anything had to be better than mine...

Tag, You're It!

It looks like I've been tagged by Flip Flops and Combat Boots do answer some questions! I guess this will serve as the usual get to know you Sunday post. =) The idea of this game is to answer the questions of the person who tagged you and then come up with your own and tag other people. Make sense? Ok, good. Here goes!

The questions from Flip Flops and Combat Boots:

1. What is your favorite no-frills meal?
Hm. Well, lately a lot of my meals are no-frills. My favorites of the moment are: Campbell's Broccoli and Cheese Soup, Mac & Cheese, and Macaroni Grill's Alfredo {the box kind. No Macaroni Grill on the island.}

2. What is your favorite picture? Post it!
Hm, well, this is a tough one!! I'm going to narrow it down to favorite picture of me and Joe. My favorite is a candid picture of us at our wedding. I don't know why I love it so much, but I do!

Oh, and I really love this one from our wedding too. =) {I got a little carried away while I was searching for my favorite one. Hehehe.}

Quick kiss before the reception. =)

3. Do you prefer flip flops, boots, sneakers or heels?
Flip flops. Seriously. Even before I lived in Hawaii I owned a ton of them. Now I just have a really good reason/opportunity to wear them all the time. =D

4. Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Since I've only been on a few real vacations in my life, I have to go with Sunset Beach, NC. Joe and I are hoping to do some real vacationing of our own when he gets back, so maybe this answer will change.

5. Do you sleep on your back, side or stomach?
Well, last night I slept on all 3. =) But, I usually can't fall asleep unless I'm on my stomach. I toss a lot so sometimes I sleep on my side. Occasionally I'll wake up on my back, but that's pretty rare.

6. Do you own any television series box sets.
Why, yes. Yes, I do. =) We have Smallville and Grey's Anatomy. I'm working on getting Army Wives, and Joe is starting a collection of his own in the sandbox.

7. Do you have any hidden talents?
Ummm, I guess? I can sing fairly well, but haven't sung onstage since I was in college. Does that count? Not sure how "hidden" singing is. =P

8. Who is your best friend?
Joe, of course! I tell him pretty much everything and we have the best time together.

Alright, now for my questions:

1. What is your favorite sport? What's your favorite team in that sport?
2. What's your favorite color to wear?
3. What do you spend most of your free time doing?
4. If you could spend one hour with one person - past or present - who would it be and why?
5. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you "grew up?"
6. What is one place that you've always wanted to visit but haven't been able to yet?
7. Name one movie you could watch over and over and over again and never get tired of.
8. What does your dream house look like? You can post a picture or "paint" a picture with words. =)

I'm tagging...

Mrs. G.I. Joe @ ACU's, Stiletto Shoes and Pretty Pink Tutus
JG @ Me and My Soldierman
Goodnight Moon
Amber @ The Survival Guide for the Young, Fabulous and Newlywed
Katie @ Words by Katie
Jessica @ Me, Him and the Army

I'm sure I was supposed to tag more people, but it's so hard to pick! If you got tagged, You're it! It's your turn to copy, paste and answer my questions in a blog post. Just make sure you come up with some of your own questions and pass along the fun!

Happy Sunday!

Adventures in Sewing and a Tour!

Tonight, I finally put my new sewing machine to work!!! The first project I attempted tonight is a cover for my sewing machine. I gotta keep it shiny and dust-free. =) And I have some super cute fabric to use. With some help from Melissa, I got started. She gave me the first step or two via Skype and then she ran off to bed. She's 5 hours ahead of me, so she's allowed. Plus she's pregnant. Hehe. Anyway. She went to bed and I got started...

I had a couple issues when I started. One was just my stupidity and the other, well, I guess the other was operator-related too. =P The material didn't feed through the machine very well and I kinda sorta forced it through. That worked for like 5 seconds. And then the needle broke!!!! Aaaaaaaaaaah!!! Once I realized I'd broken the needle, I got really discouraged. I threw the material aside, grabbed my phone and computer (the things that travel with us when our hubbies are gone...) and decided it was time for dinner. So, I reheated some alfredo and garlic bread and sat down...for 2 hours. Then I got bored. I decided maybe I should give it another go. It's not like the machine didn't come with a manual! 

With the help of the user's guide, I realized that the needle probably broke because 1) the material is kind of thick and 2) forcing it through was NOT a good idea. Who knew? ;-) I got out another needle - a bigger one - and replaced it. I rethreaded the machine and I was off. It worked! The material was feeding just like it was supposed to and the needle didn't break! Woohoo!! This is the result of Step 1 of the sewing machine cover project.

Left side

Right side

Looking good so far, right? Well, with the exception of my incredibly crooked sewing. And cutting. I'm sure these will improve...eventually.

After that, I decided that I needed to make an envelope pillowcase. I've been wanting to make one of these for quite a while. I Googled and came up with this amazing and easy video tutorial. If you want to make one of these (and you own a sewing machine) you seriously need to watch this video. I almost cried it was so easy!! The hardest part for me was measuring and cutting the fabric. The pillow I used wasn't the same as hers so that was part of my problem the other part is that I just really can't cut straight! Other than that (and my also crooked sewing), it was so simple! I don't know how long it took me because I wasn't watching the clock. Plus, I'm a newbie so it probably took me longer anyway. Alright so, here is the before of my pillow sans-pillowcase:

Yeah, it's one of those smooshy pillows with the microbeads. I sleep/cuddle with it, and the beads are coming out of a whole I can't find. Annoying. Which is why it needed a pillowcase!!

Tada!

It's not a perfect fit, but it'll do! 

See? So much better!

I'm also planning on using the tutorial to do one - or possibly both - of the pillows on my couch. They're kind of blah and need some color. Now to find the right fabric!! I really can't wait to do more! =D 

{Aren't you PROUD, Melissa?! =D}

***

Now, for the tour part of this post. I've seen several other bloggers give a tour of their home and I decided to do one for you guys. I mean, I've uploaded pictures of our house since we moved in, but I think you can't really get the full effect unless you take a video tour!! It's really the closest thing to a real-life tour. And since none of you are very likely to visit in the next 2-3 years, you'll have to settle for the video! Enjoy! {Bonus points to whoever can count how many times I say "Okay, so..." =)}

***

Oh, I can't believe I almost forgot about this!!! After taking the video of our house, I took Jasper to check the mail. He loves to go check the mail. =) When I opened our box, there was a locker key in it. Hmmm...wonder what that could be?! I opened the locker and found this in it!

It's something I ordered from Barnes & Noble just a few days ago... What is it you ask? {If you follow me on Twitter, you already know what it is. ;-)} It was this beauty!

Squeeeeeeeee!!! =D

If you haven't noticed, I am a SERIOUS Nicholas Sparks fan. I own every. single. one. of his books. Most are in hardback, but the first ones I bought are in paperback. I need to fix that. My goal is to have all of his books in hardback. Basically because he's one of two authors that I really love. {He was my first author-love. LOL!} Anyway. I love all of his books and as soon as Melissa sent me the link on B&N's website, I ordered it! I ordered it like 6 hrs before it released, so I got the early-order discount. In the end, it only saved me about $5-$6 but hey, I saved something. AND I saved a trip to Honolulu. That's always a plus. I'm just really not a fan of driving downtown. =) I haven't started reading it yet, but I definitely will! I'm sure I'll love it just like all the rest. 

Well, anyway, I hope y'all had a good Friday! Happy Weekend!!

MilSpouse Weekly Roundup

If you haven't heard about this yet, then shame on you! No, just kidding. =) But you should go over to Goodnight Moon, who is hosting this weeks' Roundup and link your favorite post of the week!












And once you've linked your post {like I have!}, hang out for a while and visit some other blogs!

Happy Friday!

Uh.Maz.Ing. Day

I've had so many bad and blah days in the last several weeks, but today was definitely NOT one of them. Maybe I was due for a good one? =)

The day started off at 0600 when I attempted to talk to Joe. His internet has been seriously sketchy lately and it's worse at that hour. So, after about 30 minutes of frustration and waiting I gave up and went back to sleep. I slept pretty soundly too. =) Anyway, after breakfast and a shower, I headed out to meet Chantal {from A Blog a Day While You're Away} for my very first spouse's club luncheon.

There was a big sign up event a few weeks ago that I completely forgot about, but Chantal was nice enough to add me as a guest for today's luncheon so I could go and see what it's all about. We met up at 1030 and looked around at several vendors' booths before heading inside. I also met a few of her friends. =) During the luncheon, I got a whole bunch of information and met several sweet ladies. I had SUCH a great time!! All the ladies I met were super nice, the food was good (always a bonus), and well, it just seemed like a great way to get out and see FACES! I have a hard time really getting out and about...it's part of that whole introverted/shy thing.

So, after finding out about all the things I can sign up to do within the spouse's club, I was sold. Immediately after the luncheon, I signed up and also signed up to do a few things that they offer...like the book club. =) I haven't really read much lately, but I do like to read and I love talking about the books I've read. Plus, I heard that a historical fiction book is in the near future... ;-) And you all know how much I love me some historical fiction! Hehehe.

While I was signing up [and playing with babies], I got invited to go to a Pampered Chef party hosted by one of Chantal's friends. This was just a continuation of the awesomeness!! Not only were there kitchen gadgets, but there was some really good wine, food and girl talk involved!!! =D I found a new wine I like, which is always a bonus for my hubby, Mr. Wine Connoisseur. Seriously, there was some great girl talk happenin' tonight. I soooo missed that! I do have other friends here, but...I don't know... Maybe I'm actually coming out of my introverted shell and enjoying new people. =) Their hubbies are deployed too, so I'm sure that might have had something to do with it. I ordered a few things, too. Unfortunately, after the party, I got an email from Joe telling me that I could spend as much as I wanted to at the party. Serious sad faces. I soooo could have spent more money!!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am to have met more friends!! {Well, I hope they're going to be friends with me. LOL!} I've also been invited to dinner on Saturday. Sooo excited about that! I may have to miss a football game, but as long as I can see my Sooners play I'll be alright. Hehe . =)

I finished the day with a Skype talk (audio, no video *sigh*) with my hubby. I wish his internet would cooperate. I was super excited about my day and really wanted to share it with him. I did, but it just took about 9 times longer than usual. I suppose it doesn't really matter, though. I did get to talk to him. I did have a fantastic day. I did meet some great people. I am looking forward to future meetings and girl talk sessions. =) It's nice to hang out with other people who are going through the same thing I am. Makes me feel less alone...and less crazy. =P

Hope y'all had a great day too! If you didn't, cheer up! It's almost the weekend!!

Love/Hate Relationships

We all have them. We can have a love/hate relationship with just about anything, really. Cars, TVs, computers, the internet, any form of technology, doctors, working out, insurance companies, etc. Today, I got to fully experience my love/hate relationship with TriCare. What fun!

Yesterday, I received a bill in the mail from the doctor I saw about my knee in July. Before that, I got one of those lovely TriCare summary things. Both of them showed I owe about $70 for the visit. Now, I have two problems with this:

1. I'm on TriCare Prime. This should mean that I have ZERO copays/fees after a doctor visit.
2. Even if I were on TriCare Standard, the copay would have been about $20.

My reaction: What the h&$%?!?!?!


I attempted to contact them yesterday, but apparently they keep banker's hours. Whatever. So, I called them back first thing this morning. And, oh, you guys are going to just looooove this. 


I don't know if I mentioned this before, but the PCM that TriCare assigned me is a civilian. When I called to make the appointment with said PCM, the receptionist told me that he doesn't practice...that he's more like their office manager. Uhhh, ok.... So, I settled for seeing another physician in the same office. This is where the problem is. Now, when I talked to Ms. Sweet Lady with TriCare she said that I shouldn't have been charged because  - theoretically - they're in the same office and have the same tax ID number (used to bill TriCare/other insurances). But, the PCM they assigned me has TWO tax ID's. One he uses to bill insurance companies and then another one... The other one is the number that the doctor I actually saw used to bill TriCare.

So, the claims department argued with Ms. Sweet Lady and then she told me I'd have to file an appeal. She even asked me if I wanted to file an appeal!! Hahahaha! Are you kidding me?! Of course I want to file an appeal! I'm on TriCare freakin' Prime! The whole point of being on Prime is so that you don't have to pay anything out of pocket!!!! Once I got all the info I needed, I sat down and typed out an letter to the claims department. I copied all the info that they need and put that sucker in the mail. I said all the polite, "to whom it may concern" type crap, but what I really wanted to say was:

Dear TriCare Idiots,


Why can't you just be SMART and realize that the PCM you assigned me doesn't practice in that office? Why can't you notice that my PCM and the doctor I saw have the SAME ADDRESS? Why couldn't you just freakin' assign me a PCM that was ON POST, since that's kind of the whole point of having Prime. Why do you insist on causing me stress? Why can't you people just get your freaking act together?!

Oh, and I also changed my PCM to a doctor on post so that I don't have to deal with this BS every time I go to the doctor. Why they couldn't have just assigned me one on post in the first place, I have no idea. As a bonus, TriCare completely covered my almost $200 eye doctor bill. 'Cause it makes sense for that to happen after they say I owe $70 for a doctor visit. Yeah. I don't get it.

Thanks for listening to {er, reading} my rant. I feel much better now. =)

Operation: Start Sewing

As of today, Operation: Start Sewing is a success!!!

My bestie, Melissa, has been trying to get me to sew for...well, quite a while. She even gave me my first sewing machine! For some reason, when I got it, it decided not to work. You may - or may not - remember my post from April about my epic fails in sewing. Anyway, while Melissa was visiting this summer, we took the sewing machine to a Singer store here on the island. Apparently, the timing was off {which totally made sense once the lady said it} and we were told that it would be about $140 to fix it. *sigh* You can buy a brand new [decent] machine for about that much.

After hearing the news, I asked Joe if I could get a new one. He said yes, but I seriously procrastinated just never went to get it. =P Since then Melissa has ever so gently reminded me about once a week that I need to get one. Well, this weekend we came up with a project for me: a baby quilt. =) She took a trip to Hobby Lobby and photographed a whole lot of fabric possibilities. We decided on 3 different ones, but Joe didn't approve. Back to the drawing board for the besties. In the meantime, I decided that it was time I actually bought a sewing machine. =)

I went to good 'ole WalMart today and picked up this bad boy:

=D And yes, that is my hubby's PC (patrol cap) hanging on the chair. 

I only stopped myself from immediately opening the box because I knew I'd want to document this historic moment for all of you. ;-) You're welcome. 

Out of the box and begging to be put to use!!

1 problem: How do I thread this thing?!

Luckily, Melissa was home and able to Skype with me through the entirely too long and complicated threading process. =) She has one similar to mine, which was REALLY helpful!! Once we got the bobbin wound, securely put in its place and threaded the needle, it was time for a little practice!!

Ok, so it's not a huge deal, but I was pretty excited that I was able to sew this little square of fabric together. Crooked stitches, selvage and all. =) It was just for practice. 

Doesn't it just look so pretty on my desk?!

Now, I know you guys read the words "baby quilt" and said, "what?" So, to answer your questions: No, I'm not pregnant. Yes, the quilt is for me. I will have babies at some point, so it's not like I won't use it. =)  It will be good practice and I think it will be quite nice to say that the first quilt I made was for my kids. And until I can start on that project (fabric needs to be ordered from Etsy =)), I'm going to make a cover for my sewing machine. 

I am really excited about this! I just hope that I will eventually be able to at least sew in a straight line. I've totally given up on being able to cut a straight line. Maybe there's still hope for sewing? 

P.S. Thank you, Melissa!!!! =D

(Mili)ing it Over: Vlog Introduction

So. I was invited by Jenn over at Chances I'm Taking to be a part of this new project called (Mili)ing it Over. Apparently, Jenn had attempted to contact me several times via email but for some odd reason the emails kept getting bounced back to her. Gotta love technology, right?! Anyway, here's my first vlog (video log or maybe video blog? I'll have to look that up later. =P). 

Please excuse any awkwardness. I'm not used to being on camera. =) 

Please humor me and watch this!!! It took me like FIVE TIMES to get this stupid video to not be super fast, slow or have pauses in the middle. *sigh*

Please take a few minutes and check out the other ladies involved in this project:

Jenn

Kat 

The Marine's Wife

Mrs. K

Mrs. Ma'am

Mrs. S.

Get to Know You: Family Edition

Since MannLand5 will no longer be hosting the Get to Know You Sunday meme, I decided to come up with a little something of my own for this week. I've seen a 30 day meme out there in blogland and part of it is about family - siblings, parents, etc. So, I'm taking the two and smooshing them into one very unique post. ;-) Get ready to take a trip down memory lane!!!

From left to right: me, my mom, and my brother.

I was about 10 here. Note the intense dorkiness. 

That haircut is the #1 reason why I will NEVER have short, short hair again.

{The glasses and space in between my teeth - not a missing tooth - don't really help my look either.}

I freakin' love this picture. If for no other reason than it really embarrasses my brother. =P And yes, I was a cheerleader...for one year...in 5th grade.

Left to right: Rachel (family friend), me, and Andrew. Haha.

I was 12 in this picture and finally growing out my hair.

I bet you were about to wonder where my dad was! He's not much of a picture-taker. I was 13 in this one. It was taken in Carthage, Missouri at the Precious Moments Chapel.

This one should be titled "Most Awkward Sibling Picture Ever."

I was 15/16 here. 

Finally one of Mom & Dad!

I was about 16 when this was taken.

This was at my Nana's house on their patio.

This one was taken at Mom & Dad's house my sophomore (?) year of college.

Look at that hotness! {Me, not my brother. Lol!}

Nana, me & Papa at my first birthday party. 

Just in case you were wondering about them, too. =)

And now for all 6 of us [plus my hubby]:

This is the most recent picture of all of us.

I'm thinking I may need to remedy that soon.

In case you were wondering why on earth I'm the only redhead of the bunch, I'll give you a little background on us. =)

My mom was married once before, and had me. My father was in the AF and he was stationed in England. A year later, I came along and 8 months later my mom left him. Long, emotional story (more for her than me) but in the long run it was probably better for both of us that she left. When I was... 1 1/2, Mom married Dad. My father was never around much, so he's who I call "dad." And right after I turned 3, my mom had my annoying crazy pain in the butt little brother. ;-) 

Oh, and my grandparents (in the pic above) are my mom's parents. They've been married for 52 years. Just 3 days before my own wedding day, they celebrated their 50th anniversary. =) And yes, I did plan my wedding that way. I wanted to honor such a strong and long-lasting marriage by getting married so close to their anniversary. They had known each other for about 3 months when they eloped. Papa was a SSG in the Army and deployed to Korea not too long after they were married. Once he came back, I believe they were at Ft. Bliss for a while. Then, they were at Ft. Chaffee (which is on the outskirts of the town I grew up in) until that post was closed in the early '60s. I think that's when it was closed. Don't quote me on that one. 

So, that's my family!! 

Hope y'all are having (or had, for those of you not on the west coast or in Hawaii) a great Sunday!