Oh, I love this time of the year!
I'm following a lot of blogs lately, and I realized I am completely clueless how to do neat stuff...like, make a pretty NOT basic background, and link to other posts!
Anyone find a tutorial out there, lol??
Back to Holidays...I like this time of the year because I am a giving person- can't always afford to give as much as I want, but I love the shopping/making, shipping/gifting...wrapping, and anticipating the opening!!
I also tend to give year round, but most people are just generally more excited during Christmas.
I want to take the time now, more so than normal, to be Thankful for God and the lessons we can take from Him and His son. I think a lot about how to live my life, and because I feel guilty I know I am aware of right and wrong. Nope, doesn't have to make sense m'dears, it's just how I feel!
I will be alone for Christmas, and any other holiday until this summer. Thats a little hard...but he doesn't have his support system either. Together we are trying to find some way to see each other on Christmas, webcam most likely.
I would like to wish all a Happy season, any religion or winter festival you practice!
I shall be adding Tree decoration pictures soon!
~Out
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Whew!
Fleas gone...
On other news- I'm SO excited to decorate for Christmas again. I made an adorable theme 2 years ago, PENGUINS. Yes, really, lol! Penguins tree decorations, and tons of...well, penguins! Stuffed and all that cuteness. The colors on the tree- teal/turqouise and silver. And penguins. Apparently, Hobby Lobby has a line of PINK penguin ornaments I need to scope out. :D Let the madness continue!
And I love candles sooo much!! I burn through them so much. Ha, pun intended, lol!
Hubs is on a mission. Dangerous place. Big frowns. I pray all the time he will be okay, and I know that the communication is very, very limited. I miss him. Of course.
Oh, and, pat on the back to myself, I FIXED the broken screen on his laptop MYSELF. Found the manual, found the part number, ordered it, and completely dismantled the computer to put it in. That's cuz his computer isn't the easy repair type- the keyboard had to come out, the whole screen part off, and apart to put it in. Was so liberating.
And- I will probably be having a weight loss surgery early 2010. I'm a candidate because of how my weight loss plateaus, not so much that I am so overweight. I am, but I have 70 pounds to lose. I should have it off my the time Hubs is home! :D
Enough completely random ramblings.
~Out!
On other news- I'm SO excited to decorate for Christmas again. I made an adorable theme 2 years ago, PENGUINS. Yes, really, lol! Penguins tree decorations, and tons of...well, penguins! Stuffed and all that cuteness. The colors on the tree- teal/turqouise and silver. And penguins. Apparently, Hobby Lobby has a line of PINK penguin ornaments I need to scope out. :D Let the madness continue!
And I love candles sooo much!! I burn through them so much. Ha, pun intended, lol!
Hubs is on a mission. Dangerous place. Big frowns. I pray all the time he will be okay, and I know that the communication is very, very limited. I miss him. Of course.
Oh, and, pat on the back to myself, I FIXED the broken screen on his laptop MYSELF. Found the manual, found the part number, ordered it, and completely dismantled the computer to put it in. That's cuz his computer isn't the easy repair type- the keyboard had to come out, the whole screen part off, and apart to put it in. Was so liberating.
And- I will probably be having a weight loss surgery early 2010. I'm a candidate because of how my weight loss plateaus, not so much that I am so overweight. I am, but I have 70 pounds to lose. I should have it off my the time Hubs is home! :D
Enough completely random ramblings.
~Out!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The things I allow to happen...and catching up!
I've been away a while, I apologize...but since largely this happens to be for me, well- my self therapy sessions need to start up again!
My younger dog, Ivy, the Saint Bernard, has a gross habit that I allow, because I can't stand doing it myself...
She... cleans up... cat regurgitations. Yeah, this sounds really gross until I explain a little, lol! My younger cat, for whatever reason, eats really fast, then it comes back up, not digested or anything. And the dog caught on the only way Mom will let her eat cat food is that way. Ew, but- I don't have to clean that up. All the rest *shudder* I do.
Having animals is gross, seriously. And I am fighting a flea outbreak on all FOUR of them, which let me tell you, if you never have had this problem, be thankful, and ALWAYS treat your animals NO MATTER WHAT!!! You do NOT want this issue.
I don't want to go into it, but even if I am lucky I won't get these fleas, they do still occasionally, apparently, BITE humans.
And the larvae and eggs....*shudders*...I freak if I think about it too much- if I had a special camera that showed all the bug pieces in my life, I would bomb the place. I'm including mites and stuff that EVERY household has, lol! I try not to think about it too much, and still eradicate with every piece of pesticide I can. But, apparently, animals themselves can't be treated more often then once every 30 days with the spot-type squeeze treatment, or every 3 days for the spray- which kills on contact but doesn't LAST.
I can't kill the suckers...I've BOMBED, powdered, sprayed, squeezed, vacuumed and washed so much, I just wanna move. And leave my babies behind. Shame.
And, it is all kind of costly when you do it right- and not easy. I thought one cycle would fix it all, looks like 2 or more, until the winter *crosses fingers* kills em.
R&R has come and come, and of course it wasn't long enough!!
Ah, lets see, I had lost 32 lbs by the time he came back, but gained 12 back, so, only 20 down. Darn stress and his crappy diet- I controlled portion but not WHAT I was eating and drinking. And- he and his family left tubs of ice cream and ice cream bars, and soda! Evil people!! (And me with little self control and no one to give opened ice cream and soda to...)
My younger dog, Ivy, the Saint Bernard, has a gross habit that I allow, because I can't stand doing it myself...
She... cleans up... cat regurgitations. Yeah, this sounds really gross until I explain a little, lol! My younger cat, for whatever reason, eats really fast, then it comes back up, not digested or anything. And the dog caught on the only way Mom will let her eat cat food is that way. Ew, but- I don't have to clean that up. All the rest *shudder* I do.
Having animals is gross, seriously. And I am fighting a flea outbreak on all FOUR of them, which let me tell you, if you never have had this problem, be thankful, and ALWAYS treat your animals NO MATTER WHAT!!! You do NOT want this issue.
I don't want to go into it, but even if I am lucky I won't get these fleas, they do still occasionally, apparently, BITE humans.
And the larvae and eggs....*shudders*...I freak if I think about it too much- if I had a special camera that showed all the bug pieces in my life, I would bomb the place. I'm including mites and stuff that EVERY household has, lol! I try not to think about it too much, and still eradicate with every piece of pesticide I can. But, apparently, animals themselves can't be treated more often then once every 30 days with the spot-type squeeze treatment, or every 3 days for the spray- which kills on contact but doesn't LAST.
I can't kill the suckers...I've BOMBED, powdered, sprayed, squeezed, vacuumed and washed so much, I just wanna move. And leave my babies behind. Shame.
And, it is all kind of costly when you do it right- and not easy. I thought one cycle would fix it all, looks like 2 or more, until the winter *crosses fingers* kills em.
R&R has come and come, and of course it wasn't long enough!!
Ah, lets see, I had lost 32 lbs by the time he came back, but gained 12 back, so, only 20 down. Darn stress and his crappy diet- I controlled portion but not WHAT I was eating and drinking. And- he and his family left tubs of ice cream and ice cream bars, and soda! Evil people!! (And me with little self control and no one to give opened ice cream and soda to...)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Been a while...
Yep, still around!
Things are...good. I think. There are bad days, of course, but mostly? I'm settled and just waiting for time to go by.
My visit with my Mom here was fun, we went to Cannon Beach, OR, and saw some beautiful seastacks, named "Haystack" and "Needles".
She caught a gorgeous sunset, I only stayed a day because the big furry dogs were making us both spazz, so I drove home and she enjoyed 2 more nights.
I had my birthday dinner while we were there. It was a lovely resteraunt, great food- but it was family friendly. And the families there- had NO control over their screaming loud kids. It was horrible loud.
We also we to a waterfall nearby, Snoqualmie Falls, and had fun taking some goofy pics.
I have lost 23 lbs since Hubs lost! Loving the rate of weight loss...and, since it is close to 10%, um...fertility wise there are really good signs!! (Nuff said.)
Hubs has moved FOB's, but he still isn't doing anything, and neither he nor I mind that. He bought a cell phone there, and holy cow we go through minutes- better the .20 a minute or so there, as opposed to if I call him, it would be $2+ a minute.
Hmm...that's pretty much all! Its getting close to week 10 with him gone- that's a lovely close to 20% done!! Woo! I am considering a room mate, to help with empty apartment syndrome and the expenses. Probably an Army person- I know they are somewhat accountable, and, Hubs should like that thought over an add for a stranger to move in, lol!
Over and out, for now.
Things are...good. I think. There are bad days, of course, but mostly? I'm settled and just waiting for time to go by.
My visit with my Mom here was fun, we went to Cannon Beach, OR, and saw some beautiful seastacks, named "Haystack" and "Needles".
She caught a gorgeous sunset, I only stayed a day because the big furry dogs were making us both spazz, so I drove home and she enjoyed 2 more nights.
I had my birthday dinner while we were there. It was a lovely resteraunt, great food- but it was family friendly. And the families there- had NO control over their screaming loud kids. It was horrible loud.
We also we to a waterfall nearby, Snoqualmie Falls, and had fun taking some goofy pics.
I have lost 23 lbs since Hubs lost! Loving the rate of weight loss...and, since it is close to 10%, um...fertility wise there are really good signs!! (Nuff said.)
Hubs has moved FOB's, but he still isn't doing anything, and neither he nor I mind that. He bought a cell phone there, and holy cow we go through minutes- better the .20 a minute or so there, as opposed to if I call him, it would be $2+ a minute.
Hmm...that's pretty much all! Its getting close to week 10 with him gone- that's a lovely close to 20% done!! Woo! I am considering a room mate, to help with empty apartment syndrome and the expenses. Probably an Army person- I know they are somewhat accountable, and, Hubs should like that thought over an add for a stranger to move in, lol!
Over and out, for now.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Through a month
Well, we are a month down, and that is thrilling. It is also HARD. I miss him- it hurts! And, I am alone here- which I do usually prefer.
I am happy with what I am- and am not- doing. Really. This month in particular is filled with things I will enjoy, and will help another month pass very quickly!
This last weekend, in fact, I helped a friend at a henna booth. I was mostly the booth assistant, but it got busy enough a few times I made a little money henna-ing some lovely people. The weekend's energy was fantastic- open and healthy and just...pleasing. The festival was all about Green and conscious living. The mentality was a fun blend of all types of folk.
This week/ weekend, I see my beloved cousin and her husband, and my inlaws! Then, I clean my apartment like crazy, since my Mom comes up from the Rockies the 4th weekend for a little over a week! We are staying on the coast, and then roaming most of this area in little day trips. So fun!
AND- my 25th birthday is the last day of the month! Wow!
I need to be sure and send out at least 2 more packages to Hubs this month- one of things he wanted, and another "I wish you were here for another of my birthdays you have to miss, but I want you involved a little bit" one near the end of the month.
Then I only have to find things to do for 10 more months. Or not- September is blah, but Halloween in a busy neighborhood will be fun, and then Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years- some point between September and March Hubs will have R&R, which will be A.Maz.Ing!!! Then Valentines Day; St. Patrick's Day; April Fools day, his birthday, youngest niece's 2nd bday; (May??); June, our 5th Anniversary...then HOME!!!! Lets hope the year actually flies by like that, hmm?
~Out.
I am happy with what I am- and am not- doing. Really. This month in particular is filled with things I will enjoy, and will help another month pass very quickly!
This last weekend, in fact, I helped a friend at a henna booth. I was mostly the booth assistant, but it got busy enough a few times I made a little money henna-ing some lovely people. The weekend's energy was fantastic- open and healthy and just...pleasing. The festival was all about Green and conscious living. The mentality was a fun blend of all types of folk.
This week/ weekend, I see my beloved cousin and her husband, and my inlaws! Then, I clean my apartment like crazy, since my Mom comes up from the Rockies the 4th weekend for a little over a week! We are staying on the coast, and then roaming most of this area in little day trips. So fun!
AND- my 25th birthday is the last day of the month! Wow!
I need to be sure and send out at least 2 more packages to Hubs this month- one of things he wanted, and another "I wish you were here for another of my birthdays you have to miss, but I want you involved a little bit" one near the end of the month.
Then I only have to find things to do for 10 more months. Or not- September is blah, but Halloween in a busy neighborhood will be fun, and then Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years- some point between September and March Hubs will have R&R, which will be A.Maz.Ing!!! Then Valentines Day; St. Patrick's Day; April Fools day, his birthday, youngest niece's 2nd bday; (May??); June, our 5th Anniversary...then HOME!!!! Lets hope the year actually flies by like that, hmm?
~Out.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Tired.
I just read recently in another post I stalk...er, follow - (http://newgirlonpost.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people_29.html) {Wish I knew how to label the link instead of directly placing it. Hmm.}... about meeting people and it being harder with meeting women and becoming friends. Especially if you are- married, childless, in a foreign state/country.
I get it. So hard to make female friends- and actually, I am going through dealing with someone I thought was a friend and isn't. But I am still polite because I am SO desperate for some interaction in person here. I try and chat the ear off my office manager. Oy.
Women, in general, are guarded in person, and it seems most of them I meet are catty, petty, and malicious. MEAN. Be NICE to people. I am outspoken, and I have a wicked sick sense of humor. Which means I can say things bluntly and be mistaken that I was joking or teasing. Or, you don't like the truth and decided I am a careless, sensorless B*tch. And decide to tell me publicly and humiliatingly.
I am the type- if I bother you, TELL me you have an issue with something- I will NOT be angry, and I will watch my behavior for this. Don't bottle it up and decide to scream at me.
And I don't handle emotions well...I cry if angry. Or hurt. Or whatever. My message doesn't come across clearly when I do, and so, I don't usually confront people or stick up to them.
I gripe. And I seethe. But I don't hold it against people!! I forgive, and I am open...and I think I am a good person, but because I strive not to play some petty game and am brutally honest and open...I don't make friends well.
I prefer living alone when Hubs is gone, in fact, I kind of become a hermit. I have anxiety about social stigmas. Clothing, attitude, etc.
I prefer to just get out when needed and stay home. It saves me money! But, my goals don't really get met, like working out. I have a few things I do in home, but I don't have a trainer come in with all the machines of a well stocked gym. :D
So, I need to find a happy medium. NOT working out 5 days a week, thats the first thing I cut. Maybe 3. I have two large fuzzies that need much more walking, and I can handle walking, when I get out to do it, lol!
Alright. Too late to walk now, since I like nocturnal living.
Out.
I get it. So hard to make female friends- and actually, I am going through dealing with someone I thought was a friend and isn't. But I am still polite because I am SO desperate for some interaction in person here. I try and chat the ear off my office manager. Oy.
Women, in general, are guarded in person, and it seems most of them I meet are catty, petty, and malicious. MEAN. Be NICE to people. I am outspoken, and I have a wicked sick sense of humor. Which means I can say things bluntly and be mistaken that I was joking or teasing. Or, you don't like the truth and decided I am a careless, sensorless B*tch. And decide to tell me publicly and humiliatingly.
I am the type- if I bother you, TELL me you have an issue with something- I will NOT be angry, and I will watch my behavior for this. Don't bottle it up and decide to scream at me.
And I don't handle emotions well...I cry if angry. Or hurt. Or whatever. My message doesn't come across clearly when I do, and so, I don't usually confront people or stick up to them.
I gripe. And I seethe. But I don't hold it against people!! I forgive, and I am open...and I think I am a good person, but because I strive not to play some petty game and am brutally honest and open...I don't make friends well.
I prefer living alone when Hubs is gone, in fact, I kind of become a hermit. I have anxiety about social stigmas. Clothing, attitude, etc.
I prefer to just get out when needed and stay home. It saves me money! But, my goals don't really get met, like working out. I have a few things I do in home, but I don't have a trainer come in with all the machines of a well stocked gym. :D
So, I need to find a happy medium. NOT working out 5 days a week, thats the first thing I cut. Maybe 3. I have two large fuzzies that need much more walking, and I can handle walking, when I get out to do it, lol!
Alright. Too late to walk now, since I like nocturnal living.
Out.
Monday, July 27, 2009
My LIST
By R&R:
Lose 30 lbs. ( /30)
Lose 50 lbs ( /20)
Cut hair into cute, manageable long style.
Fix Ivy
Shots updated
Shots for Lady Grey, chip.
Finish baby quilt.
Finish unpacking.
Go through books
Go through decorations
Repack decorations
Finish Medical Billing.
Declaw cats
Grow out hair
Stop biting my nails, for good.
Activate chips in animals
Buy vacuum
Buy Wii
Pay off: bills
Work on paying off collections
Pay more towards car
Fix Hubs car
Save $2,000 ( /2000)
Save $5,000 ( /3000)
New entertainment stands
New pots and pans
Refinish table
Finish/rebuild trunk
Sew homecoming outfits
See three concerts ( /3)
Buy guest room bed set
Send 1 package a month to Hubs (1 /12)
Mail out Christmas cards/letters
Get 2 photography sessions, one pin-up one classic.
Take more photography classes
Get a facial- true dermatologist style.
Get 6 massages. ( /6)
Walk dogs daily 2 hours.
Take dogs to dog park 5 times a week, weekly.
Make a family calendar.
Clear off Netflix. ( /87)
3 weeks down, only an *eternity* left!
Alright, maybe not that long, but it feels it now, especially when the few people I've gotten to know a little and thought were friends....aren't. I have one semi friend here, and she is amazing. I am lonely on a minute by minute basis- if I didn't have TV/internet/phone and the animals, I would sink into a hole. Really.
Updates! Hubs is doing ok, though it frustrates us both that we don't have the money for him to be able to call me, and he was depending on the generosity of other soldiers, but then got in trouble and basically lost his "borrowing" ability. Seriously.
Ah, it's working on our 4th week apart, and I think from now on I will be counting by month and not weeks. It's kind of hard, though I think in 2 months I will have reached the point where it's normal, and I can adjust easier. I am not depressed, I am not sunk in a mire or anything...I think I am handling this quite well.
No news from the infertility doc, he had me get a mass of labwork and told me he would call if anything was abnormal. I have no idea what that means, but, he prescribed Metformin automatically before knowing my insulin resistance levels- makes me a little wary of him. Metformin is bad for the (liver? kidney? I can't remember right now!!) but hopefully it's fertility benefits will outweigh the risk.
I haven't pursued the gastric bypass- I am really starting to get into a workout routine and enjoying the rush from feeling strong. I've only had 2 bad days after workouts- arms, and thighs from a squat class from hell, lol. But I see changes, and am eating super healthy...and I have lost a few pounds, so I think I will stick with this.
Good news, August is busy for me, and I am very excited. The first weekend I will be assisting a friend in her henna booth- I do henna as well, the second weekend the inlaws are coming over to salmon and deep see fish on the coast, and the week after that, my cousin and her husband come to visit a few days. I will have a free weekend, then my Mommy comes up from Colorado! We go to a Clint Black concert, and we will drive down the coast to see a seal cave, and back up around the Olympic peninsula on the 101. So excited! We will also do a few day trips north, towards Seattle and whatnot. And, my 25th birthday is the last day, which is cool. I won't be able to spend another birthday- in a row- with Hubs, but, it's ok. I know he will be thinking of me!
Which will effectively make the month fly! And I hope to find other things to do each month, hopefully 2 weekends a month and that will occupy my mind.
I need to finish my medical billing course by November, which shouldn't be a problem if I was interested in it even slightly. Ugh.
Out.
Updates! Hubs is doing ok, though it frustrates us both that we don't have the money for him to be able to call me, and he was depending on the generosity of other soldiers, but then got in trouble and basically lost his "borrowing" ability. Seriously.
Ah, it's working on our 4th week apart, and I think from now on I will be counting by month and not weeks. It's kind of hard, though I think in 2 months I will have reached the point where it's normal, and I can adjust easier. I am not depressed, I am not sunk in a mire or anything...I think I am handling this quite well.
No news from the infertility doc, he had me get a mass of labwork and told me he would call if anything was abnormal. I have no idea what that means, but, he prescribed Metformin automatically before knowing my insulin resistance levels- makes me a little wary of him. Metformin is bad for the (liver? kidney? I can't remember right now!!) but hopefully it's fertility benefits will outweigh the risk.
I haven't pursued the gastric bypass- I am really starting to get into a workout routine and enjoying the rush from feeling strong. I've only had 2 bad days after workouts- arms, and thighs from a squat class from hell, lol. But I see changes, and am eating super healthy...and I have lost a few pounds, so I think I will stick with this.
Good news, August is busy for me, and I am very excited. The first weekend I will be assisting a friend in her henna booth- I do henna as well, the second weekend the inlaws are coming over to salmon and deep see fish on the coast, and the week after that, my cousin and her husband come to visit a few days. I will have a free weekend, then my Mommy comes up from Colorado! We go to a Clint Black concert, and we will drive down the coast to see a seal cave, and back up around the Olympic peninsula on the 101. So excited! We will also do a few day trips north, towards Seattle and whatnot. And, my 25th birthday is the last day, which is cool. I won't be able to spend another birthday- in a row- with Hubs, but, it's ok. I know he will be thinking of me!
Which will effectively make the month fly! And I hope to find other things to do each month, hopefully 2 weekends a month and that will occupy my mind.
I need to finish my medical billing course by November, which shouldn't be a problem if I was interested in it even slightly. Ugh.
Out.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Alright, counting down
It's been over a week, almost two since Hubs left. I AM counting down to his return- am I not supposed to?
I read on a recent blog, and I would list it but as of now, no one but I read my blog. Lets just say, it's another Army wife, and I think she is not a stranger to Washington. Which could be cool, but I don't think she lives here now. I digress. She mentions a list of things she wants to do while her husband is deployed (for the third time!).
So, I think its a great idea for me to do as well- I mean, I have unofficial plans, but maybe a wishlist written down will make me focus on it. And, I can update it as I go along, with different colors for finished and in progress text. I might just type and print it for my own reference. More on that later.
I've been dealing with all my furries, and I tell you what, two active dogs and a not-so-active self, don't mix too well. The damn dogs are driving me nuts, and I know I need to walk them more, but I just don't have the urge.
On another note, I started the process of fit and healthy me so Hubs and I can try our baby attempts again. Not that we stopped, but actually being fertile might help, ha!
I also might be able to get a gastric bypass- I don't qualify weight wise- but my BMI is high enough, and I have other co-morbid conditions, like pre-diabetic, infertility, knee and hip pain. The PA I saw thinks I should qualify, and I will find out this week if my process starts or I get told to come back in 3 months to be re-evaluated. I hope I can start the process, it can take 6 months until I get the surgery, what with the consults and steps I need to take along the way. (Psych, nutrition, etc)
In the meantime, I will be working out and maybe I won't need a bypass by then. If I can quit hurting (side pain, internal, feels like a healing stab wound), and get to the gym. Tomorrow is a plan.
Out.
I read on a recent blog, and I would list it but as of now, no one but I read my blog. Lets just say, it's another Army wife, and I think she is not a stranger to Washington. Which could be cool, but I don't think she lives here now. I digress. She mentions a list of things she wants to do while her husband is deployed (for the third time!).
So, I think its a great idea for me to do as well- I mean, I have unofficial plans, but maybe a wishlist written down will make me focus on it. And, I can update it as I go along, with different colors for finished and in progress text. I might just type and print it for my own reference. More on that later.
I've been dealing with all my furries, and I tell you what, two active dogs and a not-so-active self, don't mix too well. The damn dogs are driving me nuts, and I know I need to walk them more, but I just don't have the urge.
On another note, I started the process of fit and healthy me so Hubs and I can try our baby attempts again. Not that we stopped, but actually being fertile might help, ha!
I also might be able to get a gastric bypass- I don't qualify weight wise- but my BMI is high enough, and I have other co-morbid conditions, like pre-diabetic, infertility, knee and hip pain. The PA I saw thinks I should qualify, and I will find out this week if my process starts or I get told to come back in 3 months to be re-evaluated. I hope I can start the process, it can take 6 months until I get the surgery, what with the consults and steps I need to take along the way. (Psych, nutrition, etc)
In the meantime, I will be working out and maybe I won't need a bypass by then. If I can quit hurting (side pain, internal, feels like a healing stab wound), and get to the gym. Tomorrow is a plan.
Out.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Anniversaries
Today and tomorrow are important dates for Hubs and I. Today marks the fifth year of us being together, while tomorrow is four years married. Kind of cool how we got married a year-and-a-day after starting dating, very symbolic of ancient contracts.
Bittersweet, though, since he will miss next years dates, which is also worse because we had been planning and dreaming on 5 year vow renewals. I suppose we might be able to do a virtual one while he is in theater (IE, Over There), and plan one for when he returns shortly (ish) after.
And this deployment? Could be between 365 and 400 days, the Army's way of covering their extended deployment pay clause. (Something about any time over 365 days is a pay bonus, UNLESS it's been stated as more or extended formally.) Ugh.
He will also be missing- my birthday, the second year in a row- he missed last year because of Basic; his next birthday; our oldest niece's 4th birthday; our youngest niece's 2nd; his parents birthdays, anniversary; Halloween, Fourth of July, Labor day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines, St. Patrick's Day...you get the picture?
He, like thousands of other soldiers, gets to miss an ENTIRE year-or more- of his family's life, all for our freedoms. And for not that great of pay, but at least it is steady and guaranteed. And good benefits.
But it is time they never get back, and although they might get some sort of involvement, with today's technologies, they aren't present, and they don't get the hugs and kisses and loves. Sad.
But, I too will miss a lot of that, since I am in a different state then my family and his. I choose this, though, to be able and focus on him, and be available for the FRG. And I can vacay anytime I want.
Guess I am ranting. Kinda heartsick for my honey...already missing him, and that's an evil thing to do while he is here. *sigh*
Bittersweet, though, since he will miss next years dates, which is also worse because we had been planning and dreaming on 5 year vow renewals. I suppose we might be able to do a virtual one while he is in theater (IE, Over There), and plan one for when he returns shortly (ish) after.
And this deployment? Could be between 365 and 400 days, the Army's way of covering their extended deployment pay clause. (Something about any time over 365 days is a pay bonus, UNLESS it's been stated as more or extended formally.) Ugh.
He will also be missing- my birthday, the second year in a row- he missed last year because of Basic; his next birthday; our oldest niece's 4th birthday; our youngest niece's 2nd; his parents birthdays, anniversary; Halloween, Fourth of July, Labor day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines, St. Patrick's Day...you get the picture?
He, like thousands of other soldiers, gets to miss an ENTIRE year-or more- of his family's life, all for our freedoms. And for not that great of pay, but at least it is steady and guaranteed. And good benefits.
But it is time they never get back, and although they might get some sort of involvement, with today's technologies, they aren't present, and they don't get the hugs and kisses and loves. Sad.
But, I too will miss a lot of that, since I am in a different state then my family and his. I choose this, though, to be able and focus on him, and be available for the FRG. And I can vacay anytime I want.
Guess I am ranting. Kinda heartsick for my honey...already missing him, and that's an evil thing to do while he is here. *sigh*
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Last of our weekends for this year.
Hubs came home yesterday and informed me he has only less-than-a-handful of weekends to go before he deploys. That makes me a sad penguin. I know- he enlisted and we are both well aware of the all the ramifications of Active Duty, and are proud to serve. Here's the issue- it's STILL AN ENTIRE YEAR APART FROM EACH OTHER!!! And, we don't feel prepared- or at least, maybe I feel that he isn't prepared enough to go.
Neither of us feel that he's been trained well with this company since he joined them. They have pretty much ignored him and the handful of others in his MOS, since the company they are in don't have more than these 8 guys as this MOS, so they don't have the training available for them. And, they won't have anything specific for them to DO where they are deploying.
So, these guys aren't being used for their Army trained jobs, but hey, I guess that it's OK, because they won't be with the rest of the gung-ho guys in the middle of nowhere with no FOB, but instead left behind with Headquarters. That makes me a Happy Penguin, since Headquarters= phones and internet and bunks. The other guys? May not have any of that for at least 4 months, if not more! Which makes me very sad, especially if Hubs actually ends up with them all. Which could happen. It's the Army, you know...
We should know if his dental delays his deployment by Monday. Obviously, I would like him to be delayed a while, but it doesn't matter, since he WILL be going. I'd just like it to be any number of days/weeks/months shorter than the year. But, also, I'd like our first deployment to get over with.
I fully expect to grow and get stronger together over this and following separations, I'm just scared of the worst. I think it would be strange if I'm not, but I have hope, and heart, and faith he will be alright and come home to me.
The biggest thing I look forward to about this deployment? His Homecoming.
Neither of us feel that he's been trained well with this company since he joined them. They have pretty much ignored him and the handful of others in his MOS, since the company they are in don't have more than these 8 guys as this MOS, so they don't have the training available for them. And, they won't have anything specific for them to DO where they are deploying.
So, these guys aren't being used for their Army trained jobs, but hey, I guess that it's OK, because they won't be with the rest of the gung-ho guys in the middle of nowhere with no FOB, but instead left behind with Headquarters. That makes me a Happy Penguin, since Headquarters= phones and internet and bunks. The other guys? May not have any of that for at least 4 months, if not more! Which makes me very sad, especially if Hubs actually ends up with them all. Which could happen. It's the Army, you know...
We should know if his dental delays his deployment by Monday. Obviously, I would like him to be delayed a while, but it doesn't matter, since he WILL be going. I'd just like it to be any number of days/weeks/months shorter than the year. But, also, I'd like our first deployment to get over with.
I fully expect to grow and get stronger together over this and following separations, I'm just scared of the worst. I think it would be strange if I'm not, but I have hope, and heart, and faith he will be alright and come home to me.
The biggest thing I look forward to about this deployment? His Homecoming.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Moving!
We're old pros at it, by now. We actually voluntarily moved, without being ordered to do so. Actually, a roundabout way, we were, but lets not get into THAT, hmm?
We moved, a whole 10 miles away from where we were earlier. A smaller, cheaper apartment with lovely amenities- washer and dryer, and dishwasher...screens on windows (odd, hmm, but Hubs was ASKED if that was a perk of the new place, lol!), a pool and fitness center. AND, they allow big dogs. And I mean BIG...when you call to ask a housing manager if they allow large dogs, and they say "Yes, up to 60 pounds" and you LAUGH...that is NOT a big dog, in fact, by definition that is a medium dog.
Our year old, small for her breed, pure bred SAINT BERNARD, at just over 100 pounds, is a BIG dog. And yet, she LOVES apartment living. In fact, I usually mistake her for a large panting floor rug. Apparently, St's are actually perfect for small houses/ apartments, being low energy and happy to lay around. We read that at 2- fully "grown up," she will be even LAZIER than now, and now, she only gets excited meeting new people, and that is getting better and better, the more we take her and her (small buddy, a 60 lb female shepherd mutt) to the nearby dog park. The first 10 minutes are them dragging us to the park, freaking and barking and jumping...then, they are WELL behaved, socially gentle and friendly dolls. Off leash. In a giant park. It. Is. A. Maz. Ing.
And the shepherd mutt, who we've had aggressive/protective issues with, seems to only dislike new people in the house, and is lovely and friendly at the park.
But beyond all that.
The little fuzzies, the cats, have adjusted well. We now live in a 2 bed, 2 bath just-over-800 square foot apartment, bottom level, back of the building apartment, built in 1996.
We are saving a good chunk of money on rent, not to mention utilities. We love that, but, we've also added (in a way) to the current bills- we traded in the truck, which was acting funny and beyond our patience and ability to repair, for a 2006 Mercury Milan. We LOVE it, and took it on a quick jaunt to MT home for a bit of work-style leave/vacation. We now have it's payment, and insurance for it, but with the rent and utility savings, we even out.
When Hubs leaves for the giant sandbox in about a month, we/I will be able to save a lot of gas and groceries- the man puts it away, burning so much for the Army PT. Food, I mean. Fuel, of course, will only be for me running to the store and dog park, because I plan on taking- drum roll, please- online Financial Accounting classes while he is gone.
Yes, I will be going back to college, in a way. Exciting.
With the Accounting, I can branch into home business courses, etc, and go ahead and do accounting for businesses from the home.
Also...
New pictures will come up soon, we aren't completely unpacked, but if I wait until we are, no one will see the apartment.
We will be seeing an Infertility Specialist early July, and get some things started/handled, however, Hubs should be gone by then, so all I can do is my stuff. Since it's all me anyways, that's ok, but we are a little upset we can't store his stuff IN CASE. (I HATE that phrase!) So, we will try- again/more- during R&R, and when Hubs gets home.
He is getting his teeth worked on, which MIGHT delay his deployment- all four wisdom teeth, as well as an extra tooth under his lower teeth that requires reconstruction of his JAW. And since he is deathly allergic to penicillin, any infection caused by the teeth over there can't be handled...so, he needs them all dealt with here, now, before he gets sent over. He doesn't want to be delayed- he enlisted to serve, but of course, he won't argue a shorter-than-12-months deployment.
But, above all else, we are praying for his safety, as well as all the other soldiers serving, and that they all return home safe and on time to their families and homes.
God Bless the US Soldiers!!
We moved, a whole 10 miles away from where we were earlier. A smaller, cheaper apartment with lovely amenities- washer and dryer, and dishwasher...screens on windows (odd, hmm, but Hubs was ASKED if that was a perk of the new place, lol!), a pool and fitness center. AND, they allow big dogs. And I mean BIG...when you call to ask a housing manager if they allow large dogs, and they say "Yes, up to 60 pounds" and you LAUGH...that is NOT a big dog, in fact, by definition that is a medium dog.
Our year old, small for her breed, pure bred SAINT BERNARD, at just over 100 pounds, is a BIG dog. And yet, she LOVES apartment living. In fact, I usually mistake her for a large panting floor rug. Apparently, St's are actually perfect for small houses/ apartments, being low energy and happy to lay around. We read that at 2- fully "grown up," she will be even LAZIER than now, and now, she only gets excited meeting new people, and that is getting better and better, the more we take her and her (small buddy, a 60 lb female shepherd mutt) to the nearby dog park. The first 10 minutes are them dragging us to the park, freaking and barking and jumping...then, they are WELL behaved, socially gentle and friendly dolls. Off leash. In a giant park. It. Is. A. Maz. Ing.
And the shepherd mutt, who we've had aggressive/protective issues with, seems to only dislike new people in the house, and is lovely and friendly at the park.
But beyond all that.
The little fuzzies, the cats, have adjusted well. We now live in a 2 bed, 2 bath just-over-800 square foot apartment, bottom level, back of the building apartment, built in 1996.
We are saving a good chunk of money on rent, not to mention utilities. We love that, but, we've also added (in a way) to the current bills- we traded in the truck, which was acting funny and beyond our patience and ability to repair, for a 2006 Mercury Milan. We LOVE it, and took it on a quick jaunt to MT home for a bit of work-style leave/vacation. We now have it's payment, and insurance for it, but with the rent and utility savings, we even out.
When Hubs leaves for the giant sandbox in about a month, we/I will be able to save a lot of gas and groceries- the man puts it away, burning so much for the Army PT. Food, I mean. Fuel, of course, will only be for me running to the store and dog park, because I plan on taking- drum roll, please- online Financial Accounting classes while he is gone.
Yes, I will be going back to college, in a way. Exciting.
With the Accounting, I can branch into home business courses, etc, and go ahead and do accounting for businesses from the home.
Also...
New pictures will come up soon, we aren't completely unpacked, but if I wait until we are, no one will see the apartment.
We will be seeing an Infertility Specialist early July, and get some things started/handled, however, Hubs should be gone by then, so all I can do is my stuff. Since it's all me anyways, that's ok, but we are a little upset we can't store his stuff IN CASE. (I HATE that phrase!) So, we will try- again/more- during R&R, and when Hubs gets home.
He is getting his teeth worked on, which MIGHT delay his deployment- all four wisdom teeth, as well as an extra tooth under his lower teeth that requires reconstruction of his JAW. And since he is deathly allergic to penicillin, any infection caused by the teeth over there can't be handled...so, he needs them all dealt with here, now, before he gets sent over. He doesn't want to be delayed- he enlisted to serve, but of course, he won't argue a shorter-than-12-months deployment.
But, above all else, we are praying for his safety, as well as all the other soldiers serving, and that they all return home safe and on time to their families and homes.
God Bless the US Soldiers!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
My Valentine's surprises
What is it?!
Oooh, pretty....I don't want to untie the bow!!
*Gasp!* Chocolate PENGUINS?!?!
Aww...they are so cute! Dark chocolate filled with dark ganache w/lemon, little almond slices make the wings.
Flowers too????Robert, before leaving for training, ordered these for me- I got both packages on Valentine's day. What a surprise. His gifts are waiting until he gets home. <3
I also got AMAZINGLY cute Valentine's penguin socks from Mom, but, they are in the laundry, because I wore them as soon as I was able to! I got cards too, thanks to all!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Most recently
Hey all! As much as I would really like to write all that we have done over the last year- none of us has the time or patience to see it all, ha!We got another dog- Ivy, a purebred St. Bernard; another kitten, Lady Grey; and found Domino (our Amstaff-Great Dane mix) a new home with a BIG fenced yard which will be much better for him. As it is, there are FIVE females in the house, and Hubs is vastly outnumbered. (aka Hubs' harem, lol)
Hubs enlisted through the National Guard into the Active Army- that is, he is now Active Army- in March of 08, as a Bridge Crewmember, part of the Engineer Corps. He left for Basic and AIT (advanced individual training) in August of 08, graduated December 17th, and over Christmas we traveled across country from Missouri, through Colorado and Montana, and we are now in our first Permanent Duty Station in..., WASHINGTON.
We actually live "off base", and we LOVE the area. We even get views of the majestic Mt. Rainier, a very impressive and distinctive mountain. I like the "rain," which tends to mostly be mist, and love the effect- it is SO green here!
We live about two hours from the coast, and 45 minutes from Seattle.
At this VERY minute Hubs is in California doing pre-deployment training. Yes, he will be deploying- and no, there are NO set dates- sometimes this summer most likely.
I walked through the house shortly after acquiring it (we rent still) so thats why everything is empty- but its nice to see it empty, too, without all our junk (which still isn't completely organized, :D ).
Enjoy the pictures. I will be taking more of the area soon!
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