12.31.2009

Play Dough Cookies...Yum!

As I said in my last post, on my visit "home" I spent a fabulous afternoon with one of my very best friends, Melissa. =) To help pass the time - and get our baking fix - we made Play Dough cookies, using the recipe that I found here.

Basically, you make the dough (which is edible, yes), wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the freezer, if you're impatient like we are. I think about 20 minutes in the freezer is probably best, but if you're one of those recipe rule followers: 2 hours in the fridge. =) Then, take colors from each and roll them into small balls. Here's what you should have by this point.



{Wrapped in plastic wrap...}

{Rolled into balls}

Then, take 1 color from each and roll out into a small snake. Put the 4 (or however many you choose) colors together and roll into a longer sna
ke. Then, coil it! Here's what we ended up with:



**Little tip: roll them and bake them on parchme
nt paper. This was a lifesaver...something only Melissa would think of!!! ;-)**

Once you've gotten your cookies into a desirable shape - or one that you can make work - put those little darlings in the oven for 8 -12 minutes. *See recipe above for oven temp.* You can also put in sticks before you bake them so they look like lollipops. You should be able to get them from any craft store, but we got ours from Hobby Lobby.

Here's the way some of ours came out!

Yes, we did put them in Play-Doh containers just because we thought it would look cute!!! =D Why not?!

Then, to add to the cuteness, we put them in treat bags!
And, of course, we had to take a picture of ourselves with our baked goodies. =)
Just for fun, here's a picture of my nephew about to enjoy one of our goodies!


I hope y'all enjoy making these (and eating them) as much as we did!!!

12.30.2009

Christmas Festivities

Have been going on for over a week and I'm getting exhausted!!!

The Saturday before Christmas, we came back to NC to see my little niece! And, as expected, she is gorgeous...and TINY! So sweet. =) I w
as in baby heaven. Lol!


Monday, we left for AR to visit my parents and another portion of Joe's family. We were there through Christmas. I love my family...I really, really do, but sometimes I seriously wonder! I guess maybe I was just overwhelmed by being with my family in all of their loud splendor, but it was almost a little much at times. Is that terrible? Or maybe it was just the fact that I was staying at someone else's house...that always makes things a little difficult. And then throw in two 15 hour drives in two weeks...lots of food, tons of sugar, prese
nts, and family time...no wonder I was overwhelmed!!! =) We also had a white Christmas!! It was a powdery snow..with tons of wind, but white nonetheless! ☃

I did have fun shopping with Mom, though. I don't think my hubby or bank account appreciated that one too much though. ;-) Hehehe. Oh well! It's not every day I get to have some quality shopping time with Mom!

I also visited my bff, Melissa! =D We didn't get much time because of all the family stuff, but we did squeeze in time for baking Play Dough Cookies! Along with listening to some Michael Buble, laughing about our own craziness, and girl talk, we managed to make some pretty darn cute cookies! (Separate blog to come on those later, but I'll share a couple pics to tease you all!)


Now, Joe and I are back in NC enjoying some time with his family. By the end of this week, I have a feeling both of us are going to be in a sugar-and-family-induced coma. =P But, until then we will be enjoying as many minutes as we can with family. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family, full of laughter! ♥


12.18.2009

Christmas is Near!

I'm getting excited about Christmas!! I can't wait to see all my family, especially my new niece! =) However, I'm not excited about all the traveling and living out of a suitcase. We leave Saturday to head to NC to see my niece!! Then, Monday we're making the good 'ole trek to AR. Yay. I hate that drive almost more than I hate flying. So, you see the problem. =P


{I had to include a picture of my pretty little niece!}

Anyway, we're getting settled into the new apartment. I'm loving it! When all the boxes came, I was terrified that they were never going to get unpacked. We've managed to clear boxes out of the living room, bedroom, kitchen/dining area...but that's it. There are boxes crammed into the hallway leading to the spare bedroom...which you really can't get into anyway. It's beginning to feel more homey, but sometimes I wish I knew were everything was. Like the books I had on the bookshelf...they're in one of about 10 boxes labeled "books". Thanks for being specific, packers. A labeling like "books from bookshelf" would have been awesome.

Here are just a few pictures of the apartment. =)

After the movers brought our stuff:

It's getting there!!

12.14.2009

Ding, Ding! Round 2

...of antibiotics, that is. *sigh*

Right around Thanksgiving, I got this sinus infection...that I pretty much denied having for probably a week before I finally gave in and called the doctor. {Something you probably don't know is that I've been sick for the better part of my existence AND I have asthma that I should have outgrown, but no such luck. This asthma is also allergy-induced. As if I needed something to add on to the pile of things wrong with me. Ugh.} So, I called the doctor and they called me in some antibiotics that I've had countless times and I was pretty confident that it would work. I also was told to pick up some OTC (over the counter...I was a pharmacy tech. for a while) Mucinex and saline nasal spray.

I thought I was getting better, but my allergies were really starting to kick my butt. I assumed that it was just allergies and nothing else...then came the cough. Which, if you know anything about asthma, can be one of two things: just an annoying allergy related cough, or a warning sign. So obviously, I decided it was nothing and just decided to wait it out - maybe it would go away once all the boxes were gone. Last night, I started developing a sore throat. =( So, like any good girl, I gargled some warm salt water, took NyQuil and went to bed. And woke up with a sore throat like none other. {I used to get strep almost every year...got lucky last year and didn't get it.} I got up and made some coffee, praying that its lovely warmness would burn - I mean, cure - my sore throat. It helped but not as much as I'd hope. Curiosity got the best of me and I grabbed the combination flashlight/screwdriver thingy from my husband's nightstand to go look at what was growing in, er...irritating, my throat. And what did I find? Pretty much what I suspected, red with lovely white patches. *sigh* Time for the doctor's office. And since I just moved here...to the walk in I went.

I was actually quite surprised at how NOT busy the place was. Normally this time of year (and what with H1N1), places like that are packed. I guess I got lucky. They did a throat culture - those are fun - and it turned out that it was negative for strep. WOOHOO! So, the good 'ole doctor came in looked at my throat, listened to my heart and lungs...and wrote me a buttload of prescriptions - after asking me where I got my prescriptions because he wanted to give me a high powered dose of antibiotics to get rid of....this mystery infection. {By the way, the sore throat is from the drainage from my nose and its prolonged stuffiness. Yay.} I told him to go ahead and do it...I'm tired of being sick. So, I got a shot of steriods in the arm, antibiotics, allergy nasal spray, and oral steriods to go. Yay, me!

I'm sooooooooo tired of being sick. I've spent most of my life on the couch or in the bed suffering from cold after cold, infection after infection. I've had enough already!!!! I think it's time for a break!!!!!!! Hubby doesn't quite seem to understand...sorry, babe, still love you! For some reason, he thinks its in my head. Yeah. Like I really want to be sick. Who wishes to be sick?? And I can tell myself I'm not sick all I want...that usually makes it worse because I wait longer to call the doctor. And the reason I didn't fully recover from the sinus infection is
probably because of all the dust and junk that comes with moving! Grrrr! How many times do I have to remind him that my asthma is allergy induced -- not mind induced. And once the asthma starts to act up, my immune system starts to get all retarded and not help me fight off infection. Ugh. Still irritated.

I apologize to anyone who has a queasy tummy right now...I got a little descriptive...but, I needed to vent. =) Thanks for listening...er, reading!

12.09.2009

Moving Day #3

Finally came!!! Our stuff arrived this morning around 9:30! The movers were here, unloading things until a little before 12. =D Much quicker than the moving out...which doesn't make just a whole lot of sense, but who am I to question it?

As happy as I am to have my furniture, I did not welcome the 5.3 million boxes that were shoved (well, almost) into this little apartment. =( Downsizing is harder that I thought it would be. We still need to get rid of a desk. I'm seriously considering just giving it to the lending closet. I wonder if they would come get it for me? We don't have a truck and I HIGHLY doubt it would fit into the back of my car, even though the seats do lay down for storage.

Anyway, the extra bedroom looks more like a storage unit with carpet and a bathroom right now. =/ Boxes are piled almost up to the ceiling and, I swear, there's about 5 square feet of walking space. Our bedroom is pretty darn crammed, but I think once all the boxes are cleared out it will look just fine. The dining area looks pretty sad right now too. The only thing I accomplished today was unpacking the 10 boxes in the living room, connecting game consoles to the tv, and organizing DVDs. I don't know why, but I'm super exhausted. I guess seeing all those boxes kind of overwhelmed me. So, tomorrow (and for several days to come) I've got my work cut out for me. I suppose it does beat being bored and sitting on the floor though!!! I'll post pictures of this insane mess later...when I find the cord for my camera. =) Til then, picture 5200 pounds of stuff (including furniture) in a 903 square ft. apartment.

Now, for some rest before I start clearing these boxes out!!

12.07.2009

This Crazy, Wonderful Life ♥

Moving Day #2 came and went without a hitch. Well, except for the fact that the movers couldn't get their stinkin' huge truck down my driveway. Seriously - who on earth expects to see an 18 wheeler pull up at their house to move them? Not me. Then again, this is my first military move. And lessons have been learned, folks!

Lesson #1: Pack what you think you'll need f
or a week...maybe more.

Lesson #2: Keep some sort of toilet cleaner around...to clean up after movers/packers use the facilities. Blegh.

Lesson #3: Take allergy medicine!! All the dust had me sneezing and coughing for 2 days...and I'd recently ran out of my meds., which usually isn't that big of a deal. *sigh*

Lesson #4: Learn to interpret ebonics. Seriously. Couldn't understand the movers for like 2 hours.

So, here I am in our lovely new apartment...using my laptop for ALL of my entertainment, a rubbermaid box for a table/laptop stand, paper plates, plastic cutlery, paper cups, sleeping on an air mattress and staring at our wonderfully decorated Christmas tree. I REALLY hope that the movers get here Wed. afternoon instead of Thursday. This lack of furniture is killing my back!

*Side note: *loving* being here with my hubby and seeing him every day!!! *


In other news, my niece made her grand entrance at 9:30 last night!!! I so wish I could have been there! All the pictures I've seen are great, but I'm sure they don't do her justice! If she had come when she was supposed to - instead of waiting until I moved - I would have been there. Silly girl. But, she's beautiful and perfect despite her slowness. =) It definitely runs in the family! Mom and baby are doing great and getting into a routine. I can't wait to hold her! It may be a little silly that I'm so excited about this little girl...but hey, I can spoil her and send her home! Oh, the beauty of being an aunt and not a parent!!! Hahaha! =) I'm sure I'll get payback when we have kids, but oh well! I'll enjoy it while it lasts.



Meet Eden Rose, my beautiful niece! 6 lbs, 11.5 oz of perfection!
An early Christmas present for our family. =)

12.03.2009

Moving Madness, Day #1

Can I just say -- oh my goodness. ALL of my stuff is in boxes! Anything that's not liquid, flammable, or otherwise determined harmful is packed. For some reason, I didn't realize that everything was going to be packed until it happened. LOL! Don't ask me why. For instance, I assumed that I would still have my microwave and silverware...which I do not. This translates into take out for dinner! Oh well.

So, the movers were pretty nice. Interesting person
alities, but overall nice. I'm really glad a friend suggested I feed the packers...if I hadn't, they probably would have taken a 2 hour break. Those people are very serious about taking breaks!! They took 10 to "stretch" before they began packing my things...then took another 10 about an hour later. They took an hour for lunch - no biggie. I'd want an hour break too. And they took another 10 about an hour and a half later. Wow.

So, now that this is over with I'm a little less stressed. The actual movers are coming tomorrow to pick my stuff up. Definitely nervous about that. More strange people in my house...messing with my stuff. =/ And then moving it 200 miles. Plus, I have to get up early AGAIN because I have to take a shower at my sister in law's house. Why? No shower curtain!! Tomorrow is most definitely going to be an interesting day. I'm curious to see how all these boxes fit in the new apartment...yikes...

Here are a few photos of the moving madness. =)

{Believe it or not, this is my kitchen.}

{Master Bedroom}

{Spare Bedroom}
Who knew we had so much junk?! And why is it that you only realize this when you move?

12.02.2009

The Joys of Moving...

So, the movers come tomorrow and stress has already set in. I'm worrying about everything!! I'm getting things together that I want to take in my car...in other words, things that I don't want them to touch. =) I'm doing laundry, dishes and trying to clean up a little bit. I know that this place will be a disaster tomorrow anyway, but it might as well be clean my last night here.

I tried to call transportation to confirm that they're moving my stuff to our apartment and not storage, but guess what? Their system was down, so they couldn't check anything. Thanks for your reliability Army Transportation Office. Geez.

So, the movers will be here about 10:30 tomorrow. I decided I'd be nice and buy some lunch stuff for them to eat while they were here. I don't want cranky movers packing my things! I'm sooo worried that things are going to get broken in the move. =/ So, I'm going to make an effort to find the rest of my Christmas ornaments and put those in the car. I definitely don't trust them with those.

Off I go to do more pre-moving things. Wish me luck, say a prayer, and any advice would be awesome!

11.28.2009

Thanksgiving Weekend

One thing I am thankful for is not having to spend Thanksgiving on the floor!!! =)

Joe's 1st SGT informed them on Tuesday evening during formation that all Phase V's could travel (up to 250 mi) for Thanksgiving!!! So, he got the paperwork together and we surprised (most of) his family for Thanksgiving! It was great! We got up early on Thursday, packed the car and headed back to NC. So, we were able to eat a real Thanksgiving dinner at a table, surrounded by family that Joe hadn't seen since July. =) And, he's been able to stay at our first home. That was a big plus for both of us. Now, I can move out of this place feeling much better. I don't know why, but I was sort of sad when I thought that he would never live in this place with me again.

Anyway, I'm totally in love with our new apartment. It's smaller and a little bit more noisy than I'm used to, but I really like it! For the first time since we've been married, we have central heating and air (woohoo!), a dishwasher, pantry, linen closet, walk-in closets, and 2 bathrooms! It's a-maz-ing! I spent 2 nights there on an air mattress, which I wasn't too crazy about, but I can say it was incredibly wonderful to not have 3 blankets over me, with the space heater on because I didn't want to freeze to death. You see, here in good 'ole NC, every house that was built before like the 90s uses oil for heat. And, if you pay attention AT ALL to oil/gas prices, you know how expensive that can be. So, we barely use the oil heat. It's just way too expensive to use to heat your home 24/7. Hence the space heater. =) Electricity is a million times cheaper.

I can't wait to start decorating the new apartment! I desperately want to get curtains...and a new bedspread. The hubby is a little reluctant to let me do this because we're paying more for rent than we're used to. *sigh* This does not make me very happy. But, we did get a new (and bigger) Christmas tree yesterday, along with a few other decorations so I will just have to use those to make me feel better. I LOVE decorating for Christmas! =D Ok, here are a few pics of the new apartment...without furniture. More to come when we actually move in.

{Our lovely kitchen!}


{Bathroom, with the new decorations I purchased last week. =D}


{The bedroom, before the air mattress arrived.}


{Living room, complete with makeshift table. Glass doors lead to the patio. =)}

{Hallway leading to 2nd bedroom & bathroom.}
{Jasper, relaxing in his new surroundings.}

11.23.2009

Anger, Sorrow, Giddiness...

All experienced in one day. How, you ask? Allow me to tell you this wonderful story.

You may know that I am trying desperately to move to GA where my hubby is currently in AIT. Friday, he spent his morning finalizing all the paperwork. We were under the impression that all was set to go and that I'd be moving on Tuesday. WRONG!

Apparently, a fax was never sent from one fort to the other because of a number change. Why everyone wasn't informed of this change, I have NO idea. That's another story though. So, when I called to confirm that the movers were coming tomorrow I was met with, "We never received a fax confirming____." And I was also informed that they couldn't come tomorrow because "that's not the way it works." Wow. And this is AFTER I spent AN HOUR waiting for the freaking transportation office to answer their dadgum phone!!!!! Seriously, doesn't the Army have people that do that?! Obviously not, because I spent most of my day hearing the endless "ring, ring" on the other end praying that someone - anyone - would pick up. So, after receiving that lovely news, I proceeded to call the base where hubby is at to see what the problem was. I was met with a lovely lady who proceeded to tell me that she could not help me because my goods weren't coming there yet. Seriously, I almost came through that phone and strangled the woman after speaking to her a total of 3 times on the phone...in all of which she told me she couldn't help me. The 4th time I called back, I finally got a HELPFUL woman on the phone who sent the fax...only for the other base not to get it again because of the number change.

So, back to the phones for Sarah! After several phone calls, I finally reached a wonderful, amazing, sweet girl who talked me through the rest of the process. She even walked over to Outbound Transportation and made sure someone would talk to me! =) I just wanted to hug her! After another phone call - and email sent to - this wonderful woman, I was informed that the earliest they good move my "goods" would be Dec. 3/4. =( Sad day.

So far we have anger (annoying lady on the phone who refused to help me) and sadness (no way they can move me tomorrow).

So, after all that I finally was able to call one of my lovelies and tell her all the junk that had happened that day. She'd seen my status on facebook regarding my moving issues and sent me a text. She reminded me that even though I couldn't move, I could still go to GA, sign the lease for the new apartment and spend the rest of the week with him. The "giddy" part was when we started picturing "Thanksgiving on the floor". =D We won't have a stick of furniture in that place, and we're going to spend Thanksgiving there!!! Picture this: an apartment with nothing but a futon/air mattress (haven't decided which I'd rather purchase), a laptop with speakers, tons of DVDs, Thanksgiving dinner in the oven, paper plates, paper towels, plastic silverware, plastic cups, a bottle of wine, and our crazy puppy!! LOL!!!! This is most definitely going to be a holiday we never forget!!!

11.16.2009

Oh, the Frustration!

Who knew that it took the Army half a million years to do anything!!! Why on earth does it take 10-15 days for them to deposit money into my account so that we can pay the deposit on our apartment? I mean, does it really take that long? Sure, the paper work has to be "approved". I still soooo do NOT get it!!! Basically, they're telling me it takes at the very least 10 days for them to approve some freaking paperwork. Really? Get some better help or something. Geez.

So, this means that the whole moving thing
is totally up in the air. I have to call the apartments tomorrow to see if they'll work with us and delay the payment of our deposit (along with those lovely BS fees, as I like to call them). I'm hoping and praying that they will, considering it is a military town. Joe is going to go to finance to see about possible temporary housing as well as go to transportation to see when they can get here to move all our stuff. Hopefully, even if the apartments won't work with us, the Army can set us up with some sort of housing until we either get a paycheck or the DLA money. *sigh* What a long and drawn out process.

I'm totally frustrated. My phone call with Joe
tonight consisted of me raising my voice and trying to figure out what in the world he wanted me to do...I think we talked in circles for a good 20 minutes too. I felt so bad that we were arguing because it's not like we can see each other every day. I know it's not his fault that it takes them so long to do things, but I also think (sometimes) that if he'd taken care of this a month ago, we wouldn't be having this problem now! Ugh. This totally sucks. I know that I shouldn't try to plan every aspect of my life and just let God handle it all, but it's so incredibly hard! Sometimes, I just want things to turn out the way I plan. I was hoping for that this time, but no cigar. =( Please pray for me, for patience, peace, and guidance...pray that the apartments will be willing to work with us and delay our deposit payment. I miss being with my hubby, and I just want to be with him as soon as possible.
I miss this cute boy and his silliness. =)

11.15.2009

Randomness...Beware!

So, I'm getting really tired tonight, but I still feel the need to write. Be prepared for very random thoughts/topics. =)

People keep telling me how strong I have been to go through all the stuff I've been through in the last 3 months. When I think about it, I really haven't been that strong. It's just that people don't get to see me when I have my psycho crazy breakdowns at home. Because, let's face it, who really has an emotional meltdown in public or around other people? When I'm with people, the loneliness isn't bad. In fact, sometimes I completely forget that I have to go home to an empty house (excluding my dear puppy, of course). Hone
stly though, I'm not as strong as I may seem.

The first few weeks he was gone to BCT, I could barely get myself out of bed in the morning. I had to be around people, or I'd be in meltdown mode in about 6 seconds. I cried every.single.morning. On the way to the gym: I wish he was here. On the way home from the gym: Why isn't he here? Home from work: I miss getting a hug when I come home. Going to bed: I hate sleeping alone. The only way I got through it was because of God. He gave me the strength to get up in the morning and go and do the things that needed to be done. I cried and prayed to Him about a thousand times a day. He encouraged me through His Word. My small group encouraged me constantly. My church is amazing. It seemed like those first few weeks, every sermon was just for me. I kept working with in the childr
en's ministry, and have had so much fun doing it! So, you see, it wasn't me at all. It was all God, and I won't take any credit for getting through all this stuff. Like my pastor said this morning, "every crisis is an opportunity for God to work in our lives". That's what this has been for me. I've grown so much closer to Him, which is exactly what He wants. So, it all works out. =) Though I love the people who tell me I'm strong, just realize it isn't me.

So, I'm probably going to be moving in a week. I have done absolutely nothing to prepare for this. I need to clean out desks, the fridge, and get rid of all the junk that I don't use on a daily basis. Have I started this yet? Nope! I just don't feel like messing with it all!! Anyone want to help?! Please?!

I was folding laundry just a little while ago and realized how much I love warm towels - straight out of the dryer!! One of my favorite things in the world! Just thought I'd share that little lovely tidbit with you!

I have come to love eating pizza with the fam here in NC on Sunday nights. Pretty sure that's a tradition we'll have to continue even if we can't be with family. =)

I love to bake! Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake...you name it! I don't do it very often now that Joe isn't here. Which may be the reason I've lost weight....hmmmm....no baked goods = no extra lbs on the belly and hips. There could be a connection here!

I'm totally in love with having an iPhone. I'm sorry to all those who want one and can't afford it. My hubby spoils me. And I'm totally ok with that. I love all the apps and cool gadgets I can get - for FREE! =D You know, I'm pretty much in love with everything that Apple makes. =) iPod, iPhone, Macbooks...iMac...I desperately want the 21in iMac. It's a beautiful thing. Seriously, I don't know why people even look at PCs. Macs are way better, easier to use, and harder to get viruses on!

Grey's Anatomy is my all-time favorite TV show. My world stops on Thursday at 9p.m. Please don't call/text me during Grey's, unless you are watching it too. Then, commercials only! LOL! I'm also beginning to get addicted to Private Practice - the spin-off of Grey's. Now that Addison has been 86'ed from Grey's and Derek, I totally love her. =) Hehehe.

I am passionate about football. LOVE it. I yell at the TV, refs, players who make retarded moves, and coaches. Yup. Nothing irritates me more tha
n commentators who are biased. The OU Sooners are my college boys, and the Colts are my NFL boys. =)

I'm addicted to scrapbooking. Thanks to Melissa for getting me hooked! <3 you! Pretty sure I'm on my way to being addicted to blogging. I've been addicted to Facebook for far too long...more so now that I'm "single". It's pretty sad. Last, and certainly not least, I'm totally in love with my sweet, silly, wonderful husband. =D We are best friends. It's totally awesome. I'm looking forward to being crazy with him for forever.

This was taken while we were dating...but really, we still do this crazy stuff. Love it! <3

11.13.2009

Dear US Army...

Why are you making my life miserable?!

First, you entice my husband to join your ranks. Then, you take him to GA for 10 weeks for serious training during which time I was not allowed to communicate with him except through letters. Now, you take him to AIT and tease me with phone calls, text messages, and weekends together.

And if that weren't enough, you are trying to keep me from moving to be with him while he is in AIT!!! There's the mounds and mounds of paperwork, classes he's required to be in, formations he has to report to, and the battle buddy required to go anywhere on base. All these things keep him from setting things up for me to move there!! Then, today, I find out that it's possible you won't even pay for us to move twice in the same fiscal year! Seriously?! I thought family was important to the Army! It seems to me like you're doing everything in your power to keep us apart as much as possible! Is it not enough that we haven't lived together in over 3 months? Is it not enough that we've seen each other for about 4 weekends since July 22?! Not only that, once you've gotten him out of AIT, you could deploy him to the desert and keep him there for entirely too long. Do you hate me?

All I want is to be able to move twice in the same year, because that's where you're telling my beloved husband to go. I want to be with him. You know, the whole "two become one", "leave and cleave" thing that's in our vows. I don't think it's fair for you to take my husband places in the US and not give me the money to go there too. So, what do you say? Can I be with him for a while? Think about it and get back to me ASAP.

Thank you,

His Frustrated Army Wife

11.11.2009

Success...

Is there a true definition, or do we define it for ourselves? Webster's defines it as this: outcome or result; degree or measure of succeeding favorable or desired outcome; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence; one that succeeds. But, what is it really? What does it mean?

I was thinking about this the other day...where my life has taken me, the situations God has put me in. I wondered, "Am I successful? Will I be successful"? American culture puts so much emphasis on being an individual and making a life for yourself. Being successful is the must-have in today's society. But what is it; what does it mean?

In high school, I was voted - by my teachers - Most Likely To Succeed. This absolutely thrilled me! The fact that my teachers thought so highly of me to say that out of all the people I graduated with (a whole whopping 37), they thought I was the one who would do the best in life. At the time, success meant to me that I would go to college, get a degree, become a teacher, get married, have babies, and teach for a million years (not necessarily in that order). Success. My accomplishments. An I-did-this-by-myself thing. After I graduated, I did the norm. I went to college and worked my ever-loving butt off. I worked a part time job, went to class full time and then some, dated (and met the man of my dreams), managed to do all my homework (even if I did procrastinate), keep a darn good GPA, and be active in the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) on campus.

Then, reality struck. I graduated from college with a BS in History (with teacher licensure)! =D What an accomplishment! A month later - almost to the day - I got married. After the honeymoon, we moved into our first home 950 miles away from where I'd spent my entire life. =O At the time, we were both working at our beloved restaurant. *sigh* I still don't know how we managed to pay the bills on tips and a hostess' paycheck. Neither one of us were able to find teaching jobs, so we stayed in our wonderful jobs. Then, hubby got a "real job" nowhere near what he went to college for. But, he got to work with computers, they allowed him to drive a company car, and we got a steady paycheck! Hello, real world! 5 months later, he lost his job. Thank you so much, dear economy. I had no choice but to keep the job I had come to loathe so that bills would get paid...sort of. Enter the Army, BCT, and now AIT.

Now, where am I? Still at the restaurant...with a Bachelor's degree. Not sure if I really want to teach, or if God wants me to. I keep telling myself there is a reason why I didn't find a job when we moved. I'm quitting my job now that I'm moving and we actually have a steady income that takes care of the bills. So, I have options. And for the life of me, I don't know what I want to do. A part of me says, "well, you have a BS in teaching...get a teaching job!" Then, another part of me says, "do you really want to get up that early and deal with cranky, sarcastic kids who could care less about history?" Another part says, "you really liked working as a pharmacy tech., do that!" And that final part says, "I just wanna be a stay at home mom." But that one is a ways off, I do believe.

So, by our culture's standards, am I successful? I married a man willing to do whatever it takes to provide for me so that I can do what I want to do, including staying home with the babies (once they start arriving, that is). I'm a Christian woman who wants to do what God wants her to do, even if it's tough because I know his plans are way better than my own. I don't have a "real job", I have bills up to my eyes, I don't own a house, we have one car, and I have no idea what I want to be when I "grow up". So, does that mean I'm not successful? Or does it just mean that the world - not God - thinks I'm unsuccessful? I'm totally ok with my life right now. I love my husband, I love my life, and I hope to one day find a job I love, whatever that may be. Success? Maybe. If not, I love my life anyway. Most importantly, should I care if our good 'ole American standards see me as successful? No. The only thing that matters is that I'm doing what God wants me to do, and becoming the woman He wants me to become. Ultimately, that is my goal.

Just thought I'd share my heart with all - 4 - of you tonight. =)

11.10.2009

☁ Rainy Tuesday ☂

It has rained all stinkin' day today! The rain just makes me want to sleep all day. Why is it that this always happens when I work? Not to mention the fact that rain affects the restaurant biz in a weird way. Which translates as a very long day for me and my poor knees.It was a good day, though. I think it might have been the "funness" left over from a co-worker's baby shower the night before. It was so much fun! It may have been just because it was a bunch of people (mostly girls) from work just hanging out and talking, which is usually very limited while at work. I did eat way too much junk today. We took all the leftover desserts from the shower to work today...so, yeah...I got hungry and there they were, staring at me.

Good news came today! I will be moving in about two weeks, as long as things go smoothly! =D I'm so excited! I can't wait to be living closer to Joe, and I'm even more excited about having a new place! It's going to be great! But, there's going to be a lot to do between now and then. Paperwork, bills, getting an apartment (and lease), turning on the electric, and gas...*sigh* At least the Army foots the bill for the start up costs and the moving!

I am a little sad to be leaving everyone here. I was thinking
after I got home from small group, that next week will probably be my last week there. =( They've been a huge support for me while Joe's been in training - especially during BCT. I don't know how I would have made it without their support, advice, and prayers. I'm going to miss my awesome church, as well. I cried a little bit about it. I've never been upset about leaving a church before. Ever. So, this is definitely something. I'm also upset about leaving the family I have here. I know we're only family because I married in, but we've all gotten close this last year and however many months. I'm sad I'm going to miss out on things that will happen while I'm gone....like the birth of my new little niece. I'm sure I'll make it here around the time she arrives, but still. I'll be here after Christmas, and things like that...but there are impromptu things that will happen that I won't be around for, and I'll miss that. But, on the bright side, I'll be able to spend so much more time with my hubby, and that's what really matters in the long run. =)

The hubby's family and I at the beach this summer. Oh, how I ♥ the beach!! =D

11.09.2009

I Vote for Longer Weekends!

It seems to me like the weekdays creep by ever so slowly and then suddenly around Friday at 5:00 time goes into super-speed! What's with that? Does anyone else feel the same?

Despite the very little time the weekends give us, Joe and I had a really good weekend. I drove down on Friday and got there relatively early, which was nice. I wasn't rushed, I had plenty of daylight and plenty of good songs on the iPod to keep me entertained! Once I got there, I had to wait a while for Joe to get done with class, mail call, and formation. *sigh* Why is it always hurry up and wait? Friday night was really nice. =)

Saturday was apartment shopping day! I think we went to 4 or 5 places. Not a whole lot, but I only picked ones that were in our price range and accepted dogs. It's hard to find places that meet both of those requirements while being really nice. There were 2 places that seemed nice, and 1 that I am completely in love with even though it's a little more expensive than we were wanting to pay. I guess that's just the way it goes. This one has very nice, spacious closets (everything a girl needs!), a kitchen with a DISHWASHER and plenty of storage/cabinet space, nice sized bedrooms, and a patio/balcony. *sigh* I am in love!!! Oh, and did I mention the 2 ponds, pool, grill area, clubhouse with wi-fi, tennis courts, laundry center, and fitness center?!



Hopefully, Joe can get all the paperwork started tomorrow. He's got the day off (along with Wed.) for Veteran's Day, so maybe he can get everything going. I'm hoping (and praying hard) that I'll be able to be there by Thanksgiving. I just don't think I can stand for him to be alone on a holiday. He only gets that day off - no 4 day weekend for Phase V's - so, there's no way he'll be able to come here or I'll be able to go there. =( Plus, if I'm there, his buddies that can't go anywhere or don't have family can come over and hang out. Which I'm sure they'll love. =) We'll see, though. I know God's timing is perfect, but sometimes, I really just want it to be in my time! I know I'm impatient sometimes, and I really hope that God isn't wanting to teach me patience in this one! Lol! =)


Gotta love some quality Joe & Sarah time. =D

11.05.2009

Thoughts...✿

I'm feeling a random rant coming tonight, so beware! =)

First, I just want to say how much I hate my job. Have I mentioned that before? Probably so. I am just so tired of being treated...like dirt. Like I'm dirt because I'm a hostess. It's a job people! Someone has to do it, and I don't appreciate being treated like less for doing it! I honestly just do not understand why you people can't sit where I put you! There's a system, one that you probably wouldn't understand, so just trust me to do the job that I was hired to do and have been doing for a while now. Ok? Thanks.

I also don't understand why managers can be such jerks. Ok, sure, I wasn't at my "post" at all times today. But, you try standing in the same spot for 5 hours whether it's crazy busy or completely dead. There's only so much you can do while waiting for people to walk in the door: stare out the windows...stare...daydream...wait for someone to walk up so you can talk to them...shift your weight to the other leg...doodle on paper for a while...does that sound interesting to anybody?! So, sue me for walking to the back to actually talk to a human being for 30 seconds! Don't be rude to me just because I didn't know that someone had dared to enter the doors of the restaurant while I wasn't there.

In other news, this weekend is going to be great! I have tomorrow off, so I can sleep in (because I probably won't be able to all weekend), finish the dishes, finish packing, drop the puppy off at my sister in law's house, and get my check from that awful place called "work". Then, I'll put that sucker in the bank and head off to see my hubby! There is a possibility that Joe will not have to be back on base tomorrow night for bed check!!! Which means...we get to spend the night together!!!! =D Soooooo excited about that! I miss him sleeping beside me. =) Hehe.

Saturday is going to be a fun-filled day of apartment shopping! And I can't wait! I've got a list of places to visit, along with addresses, and rent prices. Hopefully, we'll get a lot of ground covered...I'm hoping I'll find a place and reserve it or something until I can actually find out when exactly I'm moving. I'm still a little confused as to how all that works, but hey, at least I don't have to pack anything, right? I don't know what we're going to do Sunday, but somehow I feel like we're going to be hanging out at the mall or maybe go to a movie.

Alright, I'm going to put this randomness to rest and go to bed! Hope you all (well, the 3 of you) got a kick out of my crazy random thoughts! ♥

11.04.2009

Overwhelmed...☁

Here's what I really want to know: how does the Army really think the bills are gonna get paid when they take out a bazillion dollars worth of taxes?! I mean, really, we don't even see our BAH (Basic Housing Allowance). Why? Well, because that's about how much we have to pay in freaking taxes!!!! Not that the housing allowance was that much anyway, but it's definitely more than what we're actually paying for rent. So, how is it that I still feel like I'm living paycheck to paycheck? We don't have any more bills that we did before...and nothing has really changed. I don't get it. I just got really frustrated when I looked at his pay stub tonight. *sigh*

In other news, I'm also overwhelmed about packing and getting rid of things we don't need. I know the Army packs and moves you, but for some reason, I look around at all this stuff...and I start thinking that I really don't know what we have in storage...and we have so much stuff that's not in storage...where is it all going to go?! I don't actually know how many square feet are in the place we're in now, but it has to be more than what most apartments have. Not to mention the built-in storage. To be honest, I think there is a lot of stuff that didn't get unpacked because neither one of us wanted to deal with it anymore and we just called it good. Lol! I almost want to open the boxes and figure it all out, but then again, I'm worried about finding bugs in those boxes. =/ Yes, I am a total and complete wimp when it comes to any and all bugs. Especially the creepy, crawly kind that love to inhabit my home during the winter months.

As a matter of fact, last week, I came home to a very creepy spider (which I later decided had to be a brown recluse) just chillin' on the couch downstairs. I opened the door, and it was like, "Hey, 'sup? I'm just chillin' on the couch enjoying the sunshine, wanna join?" So, what did I do? I screamed like the girl I am and high-tailed it upstairs. Then, I realized that there was no one else - except my dog - in the house. So, I left this creepy spider all alone in the living room...possibly letting it get away. Then, I'd never find it!!! Now what? I called my mom. Yep. I did. She advised me to get the broom - after many other suggestions which I denied because I didn't "want to get that close to it!" - and whack it. So, with the phone in one hand, broom and bug spray in the other, I walked slowly downstairs. I spotted that creepy spider immediately and cringed. "Do I have to kill it?! I don't wanna!!" So, Mom tells me to put the phone down and just kill it. "Yes, Mom." ;-) So, I put the phone on the table, raise the broom, hit the spider and yelled. Yep. I know. Then, just to make sure it was really dead, I hit that thing again...and broke my broom. =( Sad day. Pretty sure my mom was laughing at me...but that's ok. 1 spider down, 5,875,209 to go.

So, back to my original story: I HATE PACKING!!!! So, in order to avoid packing, I'm doing some fall cleaning. =) Today, I cleaned out some junk to take to my wonderful sister in law's house for a garage sale this weekend. It felt good to get that stuff out of my house...knowing that someone will pay $3 or less for my unwanted junk. Gotta love the US! =) I also made a call to a local furniture consignment store that will hopefully cart off my unwanted furniture and pay me for it! At this point, I really don't care how much I get for it, I just want it gone. Besides that, it's not like I paid anything for any furniture in this house anyway, thanks to my wonderful family! I still don't know how that happened. So, hopefully, by this time next week, I will be 4 pieces of furniture short, and $25 richer. =D And with that $25ish, I will be redecorating our bathroom! But, I can't decide if I want to go ahead and put up the new stuff or wait until I get to the new apartment in GA. Tough decision! So much to do, so little time to do it in. Story of my life!

11.02.2009

Moving, moving, moving!! ❒

I'm completely obsessed with it right now! All I can think about is apartment shopping!

I'm going to move to GA soon - in case any of you didn't know - so, I'm going to see the hubby this weekend and we're going to look at some apartments. And I'm really excited! Probably too excited for my own good! *sigh* I don't know why I'm so excited. I really don't like to move...ok, let me rephrase. I really don't like packing and unpacking. Really. It sucks. I hate to have a house full of boxes...staring at me. With all my crap - and I have tons - sitting around me, in boxes, waiting for me to open them and distribute it.

When you really think about it, we have way more stuff than we really need. I think most of it is because both of us seem to be pack rats. This is not good. I think I may be just a tad bit worse, but still. You should have seen that U-Haul packed full of our stuff when we moved in. Long story short, Joe's parents moved us to NC as a wedding gift, and his sister too. So, her stuff and our stuff was in there together. I daresay that 80% of that thing was full of our stuff. Sad, isn't it? Well, at least I won't be carrying any of the boxes this time!!!! =D Thank goodness the Army takes care of that! Although, I will be pretty much on my own for the unpacking part. Not looking forward to that.

What I am looking forward to is decorating a new place!!!!! =D I think I take after my Nana....I really like to rearrange things every once in a while. It's nice to have a new look. So, this is going to be a new look! I've decided I want to redecorate our bathroom...and make it a little less kid friendly. Right now, we have rubber ducky decor. I know, I know. No comments, please! I already feel like a big dork admitting that. But, before we got married, I really wanted to do a bathroom in duckies! So, I did. And now...I'm thinking we need something a little more...normal! Hahaha! I also want to get a pretty comforter for our bed. Something not so blah.

I really need to get rid of some furniture too. We have another bed that we don't use...except to pile junk on. =D Not to mention the fact that it's pretty much falling apart and no one would want to sleep on it anyway. Then, we have 2 desks. Who really needs 2 desks, anyway? Especially when we're going to be moving...a lot, and to tiny apartments. So, no more 2 desks. I want to get rid of the bigger one, since the drawers really irritate me and the other desk matches the bedroom furniture. Strange, I know, but it does. Not that it's actually in the bedroom though. Ok, I'm starting to ramble! I've also got this vanity thing that I've had since I was like 16...and I'm obviously not going to use it anymore since I have my own darn bathroom that I can hog because it's my house! =P And I'm pretty sure I need to get rid of the beside table that I consistently pile all my junk in/on. I really need to learn how to control this pack rat thing at some point in my life. So, if anyone needs furniture, I'm your girl!

I really can't wait til I move closer to Joe!!!! I'm sooooooooo excited! I may not be able to see him every day, but just knowing that I can get to him in a few minutes if I need to will make me feel so much better! That, and we can spend our weekends like we used to instead of in hotels and finding things to do the rest of the day
because I had to check out at 11:00. Ok, sorry for all the rambling tonight. I don't know what my problem is!!

10.31.2009

Paradise Bound!!! ☀

Yep, folks, you read that right! We are going to paradise! Joe got the orders this week, and as of April, we will be living in Hawaii!!! =D

Obviously, I've calmed down a little bit since my last post. I'm still worried about deployment, but anyone can be deployed from anywhere at anytime. So, I've just got to accept that and not let it effect my life so much. I'm such a worry wart. =P If God w
ants Joe to go to Iraq, or wherever, it's gonna happen whether I want it to or not. He puts us where He wants us when the time is right and I've just got to learn to trust that.

Besides, how many people can say that they're going to be living in Hawaii!? I'm going to be living in sheer paradise for 3 whole years! Beaches, mountains, sunshine, warm temperatures year-round...*sigh* It's going to be amazing! Not to mention the fact that I'll get to see Pearl Harbor, which I've always wanted to see! And I'll get to experience a different culture, without going to a different country. =D It's going to be wonderful!

Until April, though, things are going to be very hectic. On Thursday (I think), Joe got the news that the Army is going to pay for me to move to GA (where he's at now). So, we've got to get all the paperwork together for that. Then, we have to make appointments with transportation, get the movers here...oh, and find an apartment for me in GA, get a bank account there, and what else? Oh, right, move! =) I don't really have a desire to live in GA, but I'll be able to see my love every day if I want and I can spend weekends with him. Hopefully, once he gets to Phase 5+, he'll get to stay with me on weekends! Life will be almost normal. *sigh*

Then of course, Christmas will be sheer chaos. Going from GA (maybe) to AR to NC and then back to GA. Maybe not quite in that order either. The original plan was to pick to Joe up in GA, then come back to NC for a few days, and then head to AR for Christmas. Then, we would come back to NC until Joe had to be back in GA. Whew! That's a ton of traveling! Luckily, it's a relatively quick drive from NC to GA. Not so much to AR though. So, I guess we'll just have to wait and see when I get to GA. In some ways, I wa
nt to be there before Christmas, and in other ways I don't. I suppose it doesn't really matter though. As long as I get the 2 weeks with my wonderful hubby, it doesn't really matter where I am. =)

So, I'm going to Hawaii!!!! =D I knew there was some reason I fell in love with the beach on our honeymoon and decorated our living room in beach decor! It was meant to be! Lol! ♥

10.28.2009

The Beginning of My Army Wife Life...

And I am worried. *sigh* Is this how it's going to be?

Joe got his duty station orders today. So, now we know where we will be living when he's done with AIT. I'm not going to reveal that just yet because not all of Joe's family has been told. That said, the place he got stationed in makes it more likely that he will be deployed. He could even be deployed as soon as we get there!!!!!! I've already started to stress out about the mere possibility of deployment, and now I get this news?! Really?! I mean, by the time we get to his duty station, we will have lived apart for about 8 months. Is that not enough? I mean, really?! Is it not enough of a sacrifice to have lived apart for 8
months - 2 of those in which I barely even spoke to him? I know that deployment is just part of it now, and I've accepted that. I'm just having a really hard time dealing with this news.

I am excited about where we're going. I've never been there before and I've always wanted to. Plus, there's a ton of history there...which I'm very excited about. I can't wait to see all of that! It's going to be different, and new, and exciting and I am happy about that. It's just hard to separate the excitement from the worried part. I can't help it. I worry about everything! I was worried about the deployment before I even knew it was actually possible. I think I make myself more worried by watching the news, reading blogs about wives whose husbands have PTSD or have been injured, and by continuing to think about the "what i
f". I'm really bad about the "what if"s. Is it possible that that runs in the family? 'Cause I'm pretty sure my mom has that too. Haha! Sorry, Mom! ;-)

I know that I should just stop thinking about it and let God have it, but it's so hard! I know that God is going to continue to provide for me and take care of me, even when/if Joe is deployed. I also know that He will take care of my husband. But, for some reason, that doesn't stop my brain from screaming "what about _____?!".

So, my Army Wife life has officially began. Now, what
on earth am I going to do???

10.25.2009

Oh Weekend, Where Have You Gone?! ☀

I just spent a wonderful weekend with my hubby!! =) It was so nice just to be able to relax, talk, watch movies and hang out. You know, things normal couples do on the weekends! He did have to sleep on base, which I did not like at all. But, I suppose it was just another sacrifice to make so that I could spend 2 days with him. Such is life! I also had to sacrifice all the comforts of home, 2 tanks of gas, and a few hundred dollars. *cringe* Ah, Army life. ;-)

Why is it that letting him go is harder now that I get to see him o
ccasionally and talk to him every day? Does this make sense to anyone? It certainly doesn't make sense to me. I just hate coming home without him. I'm praying that he'll be able to get a 4 day weekend for Thanksgiving. He said his 1st SGT (I think; don't quote me!) is working on getting them a 4 day weekend. =D I really hope it happens! That would be sooooo amazing! I was wondering what in the heck I was going to do...I don't want him to be alone on Thanksgiving - even though it's not that big of a holiday - but I don't want to miss Thanksgiving here either, especially if he only gets one day off. So, let's just hope that he does get the 4 day! Then, after that it's only a few weeks til Christmas leave!!! =D 2 wonderful weeks of 24/7 Joe & Sarah!!! Of course, 75% of those 2 weeks will be spent with family, but...small price to pay to be with the hubby.

So, I've decided that Joe and I are not like most couples. Why, you ask? Well, I was talking to Joe this afternoon about the wedding shower thing and the work thing - what had been said to me about our relationship - and he said he knows we're not like most couples. I thought this was interesting. Most people aren't "happy to be married". Does that make sense? Many couples have a good relationship, but aren't happy to be married. I think Joe and I live to be married. Our lives revolve around our marriage, even though we're 250 miles apart. He isn't a Soldier, then ___, and ___, and then married. He's married, a Soldier, and then whatever else. The same with me. It's who we are; it defines us. We're happy together, h
appy to be married and spending the rest of our lives with our best friend.

I can't imagine life if I wasn't married to my best friend. It would be so much harder. I know that I can trust Joe with anything. When I say anything, I mean anything. There's not a single thing that I don't tell him or trust him with. I know that I can be a complete dork around him, and yeah, he may tease me a little but it's ok because I know that he loves me no matter what. And he's just a big dork too!!! Haha! =) I can't imagine not being married to someone I trust so much. I think that if I'd married someone other than Joe who h
ad lost their job, and then gone off to BCT, it would have been much more difficult. I trust Joe, and no matter what doubts may creep into my head, I know he's doing all this to make sure that I'm taken care of. That - and God - has gotten me through those long 10 weeks of BCT and the last few weeks we've spent apart.

So, I'm ok with the fact that our relationship is different from most. I love being married to Joe. We're happy together, and so in love! And I love it! I realized today that we are that couple. You know, the one that grosses you out because they're kissing in public. We're the ones who hold hands across the table at the restaurant. We're the ones walking around the mall laughing, talking, and holding hands. Yep, that's us! And I am 100% alright with that! If you don't like it, just look away folks, 'cause it's not gonna stop! =)


♥ We are married. We are head over heels in love. We are best friends. Deal with it! ♥

10.22.2009

Revelation ✞

So, after my blogging rant yesterday, I prayed and read the Bible....and then I had a revelation this morning at work. Sometimes God hits me with things when I least expect it.

My pastor talks a lot about relying on people too much, and that when we rely on people they usually let us down. *sigh* That is totally what I do. It's what I've always done. I always rely on the people closest to me, like Joe, for my happiness. I don't know why, I just do. When he was gone and I was unable to talk to him every day, I had to learn to rely on God because He was all I had. So, as the days went by, I found myself happy despite being totally alone here in this house. I spent my evenings writing Joe letters and reading my Bible and praying before bed. I found so much comfort in that. I still do, but I think it was easier to find that comfort when I had nothing else.

Now, I can talk to Joe every night. We can talk and text on the weekends, so I can rely on him to talk to. He makes me happy, and I like talking to him about my day and everything else going on in my life. So, when he couldn't call, I got mad at him. Because it was his fault for losing the phone and leaving me here without him to talk to. But, like my pastor says continuously, people will always let us down. Not because they're bad, but because they're simply human. Every single person on this planet makes mistakes. Not one of us here today has been, or ever will be, perfect. So why do we rely on people to make us happy, when they will never live up to our expectations? It doesn't make any sense, does it? Because, there is only one who will keep all of his promises, and never, not once let us down. And that is God. He has always been there for me, especially when I need him the most. He's never let me down. So, why do I keep thinking that a person is going to completely fulfill me?

I think God was just trying to remind me that people are just that: people, and imperfect ones at that. I know God has told me this before...sometimes I'm amazed that He still teaches me even though I'm seriously stubborn. I don't deserve anything He's ever given me, but I suppose that is the beauty of grace, right? =) And thank God for it, because I would not do well on my own.

*This is the chorus of "Revelation" by Third Day. Love their stuff!*

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

10.21.2009

Red-Headed Temper

If you don't believe that's true, let me reassure you that it most certainly is!! I don't think I really believed it until a few years ago. I never noticed that when I got angry, I got angry. That is, until I got a dog. Not just a dog, a dog who has a bladder the size of a pea (no pun intended) that is also very nervous when people get angry. That helps a whole lot, now doesn't it?! So, the more I try to correct him, the worse it gets. Now, the dog hides from me every time I raise my voice. Joy. Now, this is not the point I'm trying to make. However, the dog drives me insane...and if I yell, which does happen quite frequently, then he goes and hides behind the couch. So, does this make things better? Most certainly not! What usually happens is he's behind the couch...so, I pull the couch out and yank him out from behind it...yelling, spanking, etc. And 10 seconds later, I feel like the worst human being on the planet!

Enter my husband. My sweet, crazy, forgetful husband. You remember me saying that I love him, right? He is my best friend, and I do love him. I hope you also remember me saying that we do have our little fights and bumps along the way, because you're are about to hear about one of those. =) Are you ready?!

Last night, during small group, I received a phone call from a number I didn't recognize. Now, since Joe is no longer in BCT, I didn't feel the urge to leave the room and take the call. This was not a good idea. It was my husband calling. Was he calling just to be sweet and tell me that his phone was dead? Oh no. He called to tell me he lost his phone! And that it was dead and he was hoping one of the guys on his floor had turned it in (the SGT on duty said there was a phone that someone found) and that he'd get it in the morning. Now, initially, I was upset. Sad that I missed his call and wouldn't get to talk to him before bed. Bummer. A day later, this red headed Army wife is pissed! I didn't happen to mention that this phone that got misplaced is an iPhone, did I? Oh, I didn't? Yes. It is. My wonderful, sweet, husband "misplaced" an IPHONE! Now, if this were one of those free phones you get with a contract - no biggie. We'll just buy another one, it won't be great, but I can live with losing a free phone. But, losing an otherwise $300 phone?! Not so much. Now, we didn't pay that much for it to begin with because we got a refurbished one, with a 2 yr contract. That was a freakin' steal! =) But to lose one?! *Insert scream here*

So, to continue my story...I was watching Glee tonight, while browsing facebook and seeing all of my lovely happily married friends whose spouses aren't living away from them. That got me thinking: why hasn't my husband called? Oh that's right! He lost his phone!!! I know he's forgetful and misplaces things, and most times it's not a big deal. But, the phone is our only way of communicating and he lost it! Just lost it! So, I'm angry at this point. Blood boiling, blood pressure rising, crying, angry. I talked myself out of throwing my glass against the wall, because I'd have to clean that up and that would just make me more angry. Then, I talked myself out of throwing various other things in the room. So, I got up, went to the bathroom and just stood at the sink, crying. The more I cried, the angrier I got. Finally, I stood next to the washer/dryer and stared at the very full, overflowing laundry basket on top. I stared and cried and stared until I couldn't take it anymore. 5 seconds later, the basket and its contents are on the floor. Then, I picked up the basket and threw it against the wall...repeatedly. Until I noticed that pieces of it were starting to break. Then, I fell to the floor. Anger still there, but leaving. More tears. Then realization.

Am I angry that he lost his phone? Yes. I'm more angry that I'm here in this house, in NC where I know so few people. I'm angry that he left me here to fend for myself while he's gone. I'm angry that, on top of it all, he neglects the one thing that he's now allowed to have to communicate with me. I spent 10 weeks lonely, writing letters upon letters because we weren't allowed phone calls. And now? Now that he has his phone? He loses it. It shouldn't make me feel like I don't matter to him that much, but it does. Don't ask me why. I'm a woman, I'm a red head, and I'm emotional. That, folks, is life.



10.18.2009

✐ My Hobby ✄

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I love to scrapbook! One of my good friends started me on it in college, and it just stuck. I didn't do much scrapbooking in college, but now that I have plenty of time on my hands, I'm addicted! I've only done 2 this year, and I'm hoping to start another one soon. Hope you enjoy my handiwork! =)

{Obviously, this is a scrapbook of my wedding. I didn't post picture of the whole thing because there would be way too many. =)}









{This is one I made for my little niece who will arrive around Dec. 2! That picture (above) is of the front cover. No, I don't know who the girl is. Just a picture that came with it. Lol! I also didn't post pictures of the whole book. Too many!}