Well, Chris is gone. Again. Until the Fourth.
It sucks, but at the same time it's not the worst thing in the world. The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday, but Chris and I have never spent one together. We met in the Fall of 2010. The following summer my darling (at the time) boyfriend spent his Fourth of July at OCS. For weeks he read signs that said, "Hotdogs on the Fourth!" I didn't know a man could be so excited for hot dogs.
Turns out it was for everyone in charge, not the candidates.
So our first Fourth apart stunk. The following summer, Chris had an AT, two-week excursion, and you guessed it, over the Fourth of July AND my birthday, again. The following year he was able to attend my birthday but missed the Fourth of July, yet again. So THIS year is the year-and we are going to do it in style.
He'll be done sometime early in the morning and we will head up to D.C. with our friends. I can't believe that we get to be in D.C. for the Fourth! Our first one together in one of the most patriotic places in the U.S.
I showed him the present I have for him when he gets done with his first Field Experience because I couldn't keep it a secret anymore! We tried the Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple after our wedding last year and were so surprised by how much we loved it. This week I found this year's release: http://rogue.com/beers/voodoo-chocolate-peanut.php Yes. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ale. It's a real thing.
Chris' favorite things are peanut butter, banana, and chocolate. He was SO excited this morning when I showed it to him, which I had hoped he would! I'll make sure it's cold when he gets home.
So, in order to occupy my time until Christopher comes home, I am trying to stay busy. Work training should start this week, so that will help a lot. I am currently watching a ridiculous amount of Charmed, cleaning out the oven, and dogsitting Ben's dogs. So yes, there are four dogs running around the house today. And yes, that also means that Nalli will be poofed up like a ticked-off cat all day. Which is pretty hilarious to watch, especially when she gets protective of me. My puppy fever is cured (I hope you're happy Chris) because I forget that other dogs don't know you aren't allowed in the kitchen or on the furniture, so that's a battle little Emma and I have been fighting all day.
We made some ridiculously good food this weekend. We had to because we essentially had a little time on Friday to hang out and the majority of Saturday. Chris got off early on Friday but I was too busy running around getting my hair cut and my eye check-up. Friday night we went to Vinny's again for dinner, and about twenty Marines were there, some with wives or girlfriends. It was a lot of fun and loud. I drank wine. The beer snob in me won't let me drink anything that's not craft. It's really terrible because most places only carry the basics.
ANYWAY, after that we went to a place called Tim's Rivershore Restaurant. It's really gorgeous but a pain to get to. You have to drive like ten miles through skinny, winding roads, but it's worth it! It's right on the Potomac River and you can look across and see the lights of Maryland. It's gorgeous. The restaurant itself is really cool, with almost all of the walls full of windows. There are full bars outside and tons of seating, and the dining area turns into a dock and people just park their boats and walk up. On the other side of the restaurant is a beach with a giant fire pit. It is a very cool place and I can't wait to take my parents and brother there.
It was a fabulous and hilarious night. Chris' friends had enough shots so everyone was having a good time. My husband fell once. And then he tried to catch a kitty for me. And then he went out on the dock (without railings) and my motherly instinct kicked in. I did the super-fast "I'm on a mission" walk after him to make sure he didn't fall in the water. He wasn't that drunk but I just like to be safe.
We couldn't stop giggling on the way home because the other Chris was just as drunk. He had eaten a chicken strip covered in sand about half an hour prior. He was SUCH a chatterbox on the way home. He had us giggling, and then he said, "I ate a whole lot of sand." Morgan and I were in a fit. And then Chris started meowing like their cat. I told him to make a noise like his old cat, Geovany, and instead he said, "I just farted", which caused another giggle fit. The boys stayed awake until about the entrance of our neighborhood, and then the other Chris just flat out passed out. We couldn't stop laughing even if we wanted to. And when we got home, Chris had a bag stuck to his butt, which just kept us going. It was probably one of the best nights we have had at TBS.
Mom and I talked for about an hour yesterday and figured out the things we want to go see. We also figured out where we want to go eat! I feel like I have so much to show them but I do have to entertain for over a week! Chris, will, unfortunately be gone for five of the days on yet another FEX. I am SO proud of him for what he is doing, but I know he is ready to get this first FEX (Field Experience) over. He survived his first big billet as platoon commander, and for the most part I think he did a really good job. He's only been yelled at a couple of times so that's usually a good sign of doing well.
Back to staying busy, I plan on playing the banjo and trying to learn a song before Chris comes home. I also really want to sew coasters! I found Chris a little side table for him to put his TV and XBOX remotes on, so I wanted to get some coasters so the wood doesn't get ruined. It was $7.00 at Goodwill, after all! (Honestly, in it's near-brand-new shape, I really lucked out. As far as sewing, we'll see. So far it hasn't been the easiest thing I've done. I have been sewing Chris' pants by hand, mostly because the material is super thick but also because not only have the seams ripped, the fabric has, too. So sometimes sewing the crotch of my husband's pants is like sewing a patchwork quilt.
As far as the awesome food we made this weekend, we made T-Bones yesterday that were excellent. Chris is getting better and better at grilling. They were very simple, with a Chicago Steak seasoning and garlic butter. Our side was a goat cheese dip with chips; here's the recipe http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Goat-Cheese-Tomato-and-Pesto-Dip/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=goat%20cheese%20dip&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page.
The breakfast of the day was: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Toasted-Apple-Pecan-Brie-Sandwiches/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=apple%20pecan%20brie&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe Which was DELICIOUS but if Gordon Ramsey saw the way that I butchered the Brie in attempt to remove the rind he would kill me. And resurrect me. And kill me again. Oops.
Dessert was to die for; in fact, I'm eating some right now. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/White-Chocolate-Raspberry-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=white%20chocolate%20raspberry%20cheesecake&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe
My poor cheesecake was not nearly this beautiful, but it was probably the best cheesecake I have ever eaten. Chris begged me for another piece but I wouldn't let him have any; I don't want him to get diabetes. :)
I'm sure there is more to write about, but for now, I think I am going to clean up a bit around the house and wait for the rain to come. Again. (It rains almost every day at 1500 here, apparently.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
A Day in the Life (of Ruby)
I don't know how many of you know me, but my name is Ruby. I belong to Chris. I don't know if you've met him, but I'm sorry if you haven't. He is the smartest, kindest, best-smelling, funniest, most giving and handsome human I have ever known. I had always dreamed of living out my days in the passenger seat of his Jeep, eating beef jerky, road-tripping, and listening to Led Zeppelin.
This was until he met "her".
She came along almost three years ago and at first she seemed okay. But then she started coming over more often. I disliked a lot of things about her.
What I couldn't take was that she took my human's time.
It wasn't too bad when she was his girlfriend. In fact, I could have dealt with just her. But then she got the furry creature I will refer to as a "step-sister". The step-sister is loud. She's smelly. She licks my face even though I frequently tell her I hate it when she does that. She eats like she'll never see food again and she drinks all of the water before I get to it. For a long time I was the alpha female, until we got into an argument and I hurt my foot. She's been the alpha female for over a year now, at least in her mind. I just feel the fight isn't worth it.
I hate Virginia. It's hot. It rains a lot. The main floor is all wood, and I fall a lot for some reason. (Usually on purpose to make it look like the evil stepmother pushed me.) My human is gone all day so I'm always stuck with the evil stepmother and stupid stepsister. The evil stepmother won't take me on walks and claims it is because I always get tired at the furthest point from the house and because I always decide to take a giant crap right in front of people. I admit she's partially right, my favorite thing to do when people tell me I'm pretty is taking a giant dump in front of them. It's my way of showing humans that they don't know everything.
I also hate that I'm not allowed in the kitchen. At our old house, I used to be able to go into the kitchen and grab whole sandwiches off of the table AND the island counter. It was amazing; I never had to eat crummy dog food or wait for leftovers. Once, I even ate fourteen crepes off of the table while the family was at church. I'm telling you, I had it made at the old house. Here, not so much. I'm not sure how the evil stepmother put up the invisible shield but I am positive that one day I will break through it.
My evil stepmother finally got off her butt and found herself a job. I was really glad until I realized it meant I would be in the kennel for eight hours a day. My evil stepsister is used to it but it's not my cup of tea. Apparently the neighbor girl (who is sweet and naive and believes I am a nice dog) is going to be coming over to let us out. From what I understand, the evil stepmother works in a place called Fredericksburg at a nursing home. She seems really excited, so that's great.
She's gone a lot, so that's great.
Except that when she got home today, the stupid one peed all over the floor with excitement.
I do enjoy watching her clean.
This is also why I have begun pooping on only the sidewalk. It really gets a rise out of the evil one. I even tried to do it on the deck the other day, but actually got into a lot of trouble for that one. The evil one also seems to care for her garden a lot, so I have begun chewing on the corn plants I can reach, swallowing them, and then vomiting it back up.
This was until he met "her".
She came along almost three years ago and at first she seemed okay. But then she started coming over more often. I disliked a lot of things about her.
What I couldn't take was that she took my human's time.
It wasn't too bad when she was his girlfriend. In fact, I could have dealt with just her. But then she got the furry creature I will refer to as a "step-sister". The step-sister is loud. She's smelly. She licks my face even though I frequently tell her I hate it when she does that. She eats like she'll never see food again and she drinks all of the water before I get to it. For a long time I was the alpha female, until we got into an argument and I hurt my foot. She's been the alpha female for over a year now, at least in her mind. I just feel the fight isn't worth it.
I hate Virginia. It's hot. It rains a lot. The main floor is all wood, and I fall a lot for some reason. (Usually on purpose to make it look like the evil stepmother pushed me.) My human is gone all day so I'm always stuck with the evil stepmother and stupid stepsister. The evil stepmother won't take me on walks and claims it is because I always get tired at the furthest point from the house and because I always decide to take a giant crap right in front of people. I admit she's partially right, my favorite thing to do when people tell me I'm pretty is taking a giant dump in front of them. It's my way of showing humans that they don't know everything.
I also hate that I'm not allowed in the kitchen. At our old house, I used to be able to go into the kitchen and grab whole sandwiches off of the table AND the island counter. It was amazing; I never had to eat crummy dog food or wait for leftovers. Once, I even ate fourteen crepes off of the table while the family was at church. I'm telling you, I had it made at the old house. Here, not so much. I'm not sure how the evil stepmother put up the invisible shield but I am positive that one day I will break through it.
My evil stepmother finally got off her butt and found herself a job. I was really glad until I realized it meant I would be in the kennel for eight hours a day. My evil stepsister is used to it but it's not my cup of tea. Apparently the neighbor girl (who is sweet and naive and believes I am a nice dog) is going to be coming over to let us out. From what I understand, the evil stepmother works in a place called Fredericksburg at a nursing home. She seems really excited, so that's great.
She's gone a lot, so that's great.
Except that when she got home today, the stupid one peed all over the floor with excitement.
I do enjoy watching her clean.
This is also why I have begun pooping on only the sidewalk. It really gets a rise out of the evil one. I even tried to do it on the deck the other day, but actually got into a lot of trouble for that one. The evil one also seems to care for her garden a lot, so I have begun chewing on the corn plants I can reach, swallowing them, and then vomiting it back up.
It's the little things that make me happy.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Making New Friends is Like Dating
I could also call this post, "Karma", but we will cover both topics today.
Yesterday was Chris and I's day to celebrate my birthday. We started out the day looking at pistols in Quantico-Town. Chris has been trying to decide what he wants for awhile now, so we went to look in because this is the type of decision he wants me to have some input on. I am most concerned about the gun having a safety on it, because most of them have a pseudo-safety, meaning you have to push on the bottom of the trigger for it to work. I just think about kids, even though they are years away for us, I get really worried. But the guy at the gun shop did put it fairly, that you teach your kids to respect the gun and make sure it is somewhere they can't get to it. And not to be surprised at what they can get at. We didn't walk out of the shop with a gun, but it is definitely on the horizon. There are times when I wouldn't mind if we had one.
It will happen sooner or later; Chris has been obsessed with the idea.
We moved on to the exchange because Chris needs a new Alpha coat-his old one is too short. We actually found one there and the ladies in the tailor said it was "made for him". I found him some shorts because the pair he was wearing at the moment had a two-inch long hole in the butt. I really don't think he is allowed to wear things like that out anymore.
At home, he was standing next to me and I decided it would be funny to rip the shorts all the way down and make a GIGANTIC hole. So I did. Chris doesn't get mad often, but he did. Apparently they were his favorite shorts... even though I haven't seen him wear them in a year, there is a hole in the back as well as the pocket, so when he puts something in his pocket it just falls through to the floor, they are his favorite. So he was mad and I felt pretty bad. He told me that if I brought him a peanut butter bar (Mom's Restaurant Bars) I would be forgiven. BUT I had brought about 3 dozen bars to The Hawk earlier this week and gave them all away to the boys there. So I quick made something in the microwave that might have tasted a little bit like it in hopes of forgiveness. It wasn't quite the same so I was still on his "list".
He decided to take a nap and I got ready to go to a movie. We had originally planned on going to Monsters University but only the icky theatre had it playing. We decided to go to World War Z at Paragon Village instead. This was a good decision, because it was a much nicer theatre. We happened to text our friends Amber and Ian, who were planning on going to the exact same show at the same time, so we planned on meeting up with them. Chris woke up and said we should get going, so we put dogs away and headed out the door. We fought traffic to Fredericksburg, and it took a little longer than expected. We were running late when we got out of the vehicle and I realized Chris hadn't changed his shorts. I could an entire half of his underwear. He was NOT happy with me. He yelled, "See! Why did you have to rip my shorts?!!" Which I reciprocated with, "WHY do you have to take a nap before we go anywhere!?!" Luckily we were at a mall, so I told him to drop me off at Macy's so I could go find him a pair. When I got out of the car, we were both fuming.
I found a decent pair right away, got in line, bought the damn things and called him to come pick me back up. He pulled up in front of the store and I jumped in as I ripped off tags. Although we were both steaming from the ears, I couldn't help but laugh when he pulled up with his shorts around his ankles. And then when I started laughing, he started laughing. And then we weren't mad anymore.
He parked and put on shorts while I ran (yes, ran) into the theatre to get in line to buy tickets. He flashed me a hand signal as he passed on his way to grab snacks. We met up and ran down the hallway to the movie.
Thankfully, we only missed the part you've seen on the commercial about a thousand times.
World War Z was pretty good. I probably never need to see it again, and it really creeped me out, but I get nitpicky. You can tell that the movie took a long time to make, because there were a few of those moments where you are watching, and suddenly someone's arm isn't where it was a millisecond ago. (These things really bother me.) The movie did touch on some interesting points, and it did make me dislike Brad Pitt a little less. Like I said, pretty good. (The zombie thing is way too overdone. It's time to put it to rest.)
After the movie we had to tell our story to Amber and Ian, who laughed. Chris and I had originally planned to go to Park Lane Tavern for dinner, because I had a buy one, get one free entree for my birthday. We asked if they would like to go, and they were worried about imposing. Honestly, we do hang out almost every single day of the week, and I am completely fine with that. Typically, we leave each other alone for about one day a week. It seems weird if we aren't together the rest of the time.
Chris and Ian will be sending each other texts and I will just hear giggling. Amber swears that Ian giggles more at Chris' texts than he ever did at hers. They will leave each other at the end of the week, and then immediately want to hang out. So we spent my birthday with everyone at the bar, and then a restaurant. And we spent yesterday with Amber and Ian, first at the movie, then dinner, Wegman's (where we ran into Kelli and Alvin), and then at a couple of bars.
Fredericksburg SUCKS for nightlife. Honestly, in Omaha, there was ALWAYS somewhere to go, something to do, and a specific place to go depending on what you are in the mood for. We flitted around Olde Town looking for a place to dance and found nothing. Nothing but places that I was afraid of. It wasn't even my idea to stay out; Amber and Ian told us we needed to go out and celebrate my birthday. I had previously designated Chris as my driver and Amber said I needed to utilize that to the fullest.
We ended up at Capitol Ale House. We had heard that it was spendy but oh my gosh, for the experience, and the service? Fabulous. I tried so many beers yesterday. It started with a sampler at Park Lane and then at Capitol Ale House we passed around our beers. I would have to say that I may have new favorites:
Jeffersons Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout was fabulous.
Southern Tier's Creme Brulee was unbelievable. The smell, the taste, amazing. (10% ABV!)
Fuller, Smith, and Turner's London Pride really surprised me!
Blue Mountain's Dark Hollow reminded me of Empyrean's Porter; it tasted like home. :)
Maui Brewing Company's Coconut Porter was nice and chocolately.
Great night for beer, great night in the books. Spent my birthday weekend with fabulous people and really enjoyed myself all the way around.
I had not only enough to drink, but also had very heavy beers. This meant that true feelings came pouring out. Thus, the meaning behind the title of this blog. When I met all of these new people at TBS, I was terrified. I knew they were going to be around for awhile, so I didn't want to mess up. I didn't want to come on too strong. Regardless, I asked for Amber's number before I knew her name. I'm lucky it worked out that we became such good friends. I warned Amber last night that I needed to stop texting her on the way home because it was going to get lovey-dovey pretty soon. She pretty much said right back at ya, lots of love for sure, for realz, love you lots. My reply? "Me love you longtime, like, wtf would I do without you and all that business." Like she said, we are definitely on the same wavelength.
As much as I stressed about making friends here, it makes me really, really glad I never have to date again.
Yesterday was Chris and I's day to celebrate my birthday. We started out the day looking at pistols in Quantico-Town. Chris has been trying to decide what he wants for awhile now, so we went to look in because this is the type of decision he wants me to have some input on. I am most concerned about the gun having a safety on it, because most of them have a pseudo-safety, meaning you have to push on the bottom of the trigger for it to work. I just think about kids, even though they are years away for us, I get really worried. But the guy at the gun shop did put it fairly, that you teach your kids to respect the gun and make sure it is somewhere they can't get to it. And not to be surprised at what they can get at. We didn't walk out of the shop with a gun, but it is definitely on the horizon. There are times when I wouldn't mind if we had one.
It will happen sooner or later; Chris has been obsessed with the idea.
We moved on to the exchange because Chris needs a new Alpha coat-his old one is too short. We actually found one there and the ladies in the tailor said it was "made for him". I found him some shorts because the pair he was wearing at the moment had a two-inch long hole in the butt. I really don't think he is allowed to wear things like that out anymore.
At home, he was standing next to me and I decided it would be funny to rip the shorts all the way down and make a GIGANTIC hole. So I did. Chris doesn't get mad often, but he did. Apparently they were his favorite shorts... even though I haven't seen him wear them in a year, there is a hole in the back as well as the pocket, so when he puts something in his pocket it just falls through to the floor, they are his favorite. So he was mad and I felt pretty bad. He told me that if I brought him a peanut butter bar (Mom's Restaurant Bars) I would be forgiven. BUT I had brought about 3 dozen bars to The Hawk earlier this week and gave them all away to the boys there. So I quick made something in the microwave that might have tasted a little bit like it in hopes of forgiveness. It wasn't quite the same so I was still on his "list".
He decided to take a nap and I got ready to go to a movie. We had originally planned on going to Monsters University but only the icky theatre had it playing. We decided to go to World War Z at Paragon Village instead. This was a good decision, because it was a much nicer theatre. We happened to text our friends Amber and Ian, who were planning on going to the exact same show at the same time, so we planned on meeting up with them. Chris woke up and said we should get going, so we put dogs away and headed out the door. We fought traffic to Fredericksburg, and it took a little longer than expected. We were running late when we got out of the vehicle and I realized Chris hadn't changed his shorts. I could an entire half of his underwear. He was NOT happy with me. He yelled, "See! Why did you have to rip my shorts?!!" Which I reciprocated with, "WHY do you have to take a nap before we go anywhere!?!" Luckily we were at a mall, so I told him to drop me off at Macy's so I could go find him a pair. When I got out of the car, we were both fuming.
I found a decent pair right away, got in line, bought the damn things and called him to come pick me back up. He pulled up in front of the store and I jumped in as I ripped off tags. Although we were both steaming from the ears, I couldn't help but laugh when he pulled up with his shorts around his ankles. And then when I started laughing, he started laughing. And then we weren't mad anymore.
He parked and put on shorts while I ran (yes, ran) into the theatre to get in line to buy tickets. He flashed me a hand signal as he passed on his way to grab snacks. We met up and ran down the hallway to the movie.
Thankfully, we only missed the part you've seen on the commercial about a thousand times.
World War Z was pretty good. I probably never need to see it again, and it really creeped me out, but I get nitpicky. You can tell that the movie took a long time to make, because there were a few of those moments where you are watching, and suddenly someone's arm isn't where it was a millisecond ago. (These things really bother me.) The movie did touch on some interesting points, and it did make me dislike Brad Pitt a little less. Like I said, pretty good. (The zombie thing is way too overdone. It's time to put it to rest.)
After the movie we had to tell our story to Amber and Ian, who laughed. Chris and I had originally planned to go to Park Lane Tavern for dinner, because I had a buy one, get one free entree for my birthday. We asked if they would like to go, and they were worried about imposing. Honestly, we do hang out almost every single day of the week, and I am completely fine with that. Typically, we leave each other alone for about one day a week. It seems weird if we aren't together the rest of the time.
Chris and Ian will be sending each other texts and I will just hear giggling. Amber swears that Ian giggles more at Chris' texts than he ever did at hers. They will leave each other at the end of the week, and then immediately want to hang out. So we spent my birthday with everyone at the bar, and then a restaurant. And we spent yesterday with Amber and Ian, first at the movie, then dinner, Wegman's (where we ran into Kelli and Alvin), and then at a couple of bars.
Fredericksburg SUCKS for nightlife. Honestly, in Omaha, there was ALWAYS somewhere to go, something to do, and a specific place to go depending on what you are in the mood for. We flitted around Olde Town looking for a place to dance and found nothing. Nothing but places that I was afraid of. It wasn't even my idea to stay out; Amber and Ian told us we needed to go out and celebrate my birthday. I had previously designated Chris as my driver and Amber said I needed to utilize that to the fullest.
We ended up at Capitol Ale House. We had heard that it was spendy but oh my gosh, for the experience, and the service? Fabulous. I tried so many beers yesterday. It started with a sampler at Park Lane and then at Capitol Ale House we passed around our beers. I would have to say that I may have new favorites:
Jeffersons Reserve Bourbon Barrel Stout was fabulous.
Southern Tier's Creme Brulee was unbelievable. The smell, the taste, amazing. (10% ABV!)
Fuller, Smith, and Turner's London Pride really surprised me!
Blue Mountain's Dark Hollow reminded me of Empyrean's Porter; it tasted like home. :)
Maui Brewing Company's Coconut Porter was nice and chocolately.
Great night for beer, great night in the books. Spent my birthday weekend with fabulous people and really enjoyed myself all the way around.
I had not only enough to drink, but also had very heavy beers. This meant that true feelings came pouring out. Thus, the meaning behind the title of this blog. When I met all of these new people at TBS, I was terrified. I knew they were going to be around for awhile, so I didn't want to mess up. I didn't want to come on too strong. Regardless, I asked for Amber's number before I knew her name. I'm lucky it worked out that we became such good friends. I warned Amber last night that I needed to stop texting her on the way home because it was going to get lovey-dovey pretty soon. She pretty much said right back at ya, lots of love for sure, for realz, love you lots. My reply? "Me love you longtime, like, wtf would I do without you and all that business." Like she said, we are definitely on the same wavelength.
As much as I stressed about making friends here, it makes me really, really glad I never have to date again.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Nobody Likes You When You're 23
Blink 182 was wrong. Apparently EVERYONE likes you when you're 23.
This was the first morning I didn't get up with Chris before he left for TBS. I didn't set my alarm and I let him go on his own. (He couldn't find anything to eat downstairs so he got McDonald's...hopeless!) He woke me up to kiss me goodbye and then decided to cover me in blankets and pillows? I was comfortable. I love all the blankets and pillows around me. He was just trying to be a brat.
I woke up not too much later to get ready to go to the gym with Janice. She let me know she was running a bit late. I didn't think anything of it. She showed up a little late with this adorable balloon.
It was SUCH a good start to my day.
We went to the gym and I did arms, abs, and legs (again, weightlifting A.D.D.), and then headed home. Once I got home, I realized that I had some work to do in my yard as far as plants go. I needed to move some stuff, fill in some holes, and plant a couple more plants. I planted two more strawberry plants in the back garden. I got some pansies for the front, and a rosebush. I was trying to decide between a red and pink rosebush, and the pink one attacked my finger. SO! I took home a red one and planted it right outside the door.
I hope it doesn't die.
When I was at the nursery my new job called! They set up orientation for next week. I had to move around my eye appointment to fit it in, but next week will be a fun-filled and busy week! Orientation Tuesday and Wednesday, zoo on Thursday, eye appointment Friday. At the end of next week Chris will be relieved as platoon commander and I am sure he is excited! I just honestly can't believe (although it took six months) I will be making money as a nurse! It is a really fabulous feeling, especially considering my student loans kick in this month.
After I got everything planted and got all that figured out, I showered and got ready. My friend Sarah (the one I run with) took it upon herself to host a shindig for me at her house. She is so sweet. She was an elementary school teacher prior to moving here and it shows. She is so crafty, and she LOVES to celebrate birthday, and she just sets everything up so cute! So I walked in and saw this:
Be sure to look at the frame. I have amazing friends. They kept asking what I wanted to eat and drink and I didn't want to give any answers and they still managed to bring a great bunch of things together. The only hint I gave Sarah was moscato. And she bought moscato. My friend Lisa sat in traffic for two hours just to hang out with us.
I'm telling you. Amazing friends.
Here is Sarah's adorable cat, Angelo. He is SO cute!
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During our little happy hour my dad called to tell me he loved me and to wish me happy birthday. He also told me that I was old. I cried. Not because that was mean but because I miss him a lot. Oofda. Being away is so weird. The girls knew just how I felt, too, but most of them have missed these occasions already so it's nothing new. They do, however, remember what it's like.
After Sarah's we headed to TBS because "The Hawk" (the TBS bar) was closing down after almost 40 years of being open. This is typically the bar where the lieutenants study and drink. For instance, at one point our Commandant did that there! They had cleaned out a lot of the things in the building already. Half of the building has been torn down for a while, there is mold in the ceiling, they quit restocking toilet paper... it wasn't a pretty sight. But as far as memories go, we needed to make a few. It was so nice hanging out with fifth and sixth platoon as well as some other people. We were able to meet Chris' Captain's wife-she seems great although we didn't get to talk much. She wants to do a "girl's day" at some point and I am really looking forward to that.
Only the Marines would have a building that is a bar on the bottom floor and two floors above that, a chapel. Honestly.
AFTER the Hawk, (yes, we party hard at 23+) we went to Vinny's for some grub. Chris and I ordered the same thing since we are now an old, married couple. On the drive over, Chris told me he had some bad news. Apparently he had tried to get a cake but was told that the bakeries around town were either booked up or sketchy, so he promised that at some point he was going to get me a cake. (He even asked his Captain where he could get me a cake!) Maybe we will look around tomorrow in Fredericksburg for a cupcake shop.
It was a fabulous birthday.
It ended with my husband snoring next to me, Nalli wanting to play, and a voicemail from my brother Blaise (who has autism), "Hi, hi, hi, hi, hi. Happy, happy birthday. Happy 23rd birthday. Love you!!"
(Of course you can hear my dad in the background cueing him the whole time. Doesn't matter-it was so cute.)
Thank you everyone for the calls, voicemails, cards, Facebook posts, texts, snapchats, etc. that I received during the day. I felt really loved, and that is so special to me.
After Sarah's we headed to TBS because "The Hawk" (the TBS bar) was closing down after almost 40 years of being open. This is typically the bar where the lieutenants study and drink. For instance, at one point our Commandant did that there! They had cleaned out a lot of the things in the building already. Half of the building has been torn down for a while, there is mold in the ceiling, they quit restocking toilet paper... it wasn't a pretty sight. But as far as memories go, we needed to make a few. It was so nice hanging out with fifth and sixth platoon as well as some other people. We were able to meet Chris' Captain's wife-she seems great although we didn't get to talk much. She wants to do a "girl's day" at some point and I am really looking forward to that.
 |
| Morgan, Chris, Ian, Amber, Chris, and I |
Only the Marines would have a building that is a bar on the bottom floor and two floors above that, a chapel. Honestly.
AFTER the Hawk, (yes, we party hard at 23+) we went to Vinny's for some grub. Chris and I ordered the same thing since we are now an old, married couple. On the drive over, Chris told me he had some bad news. Apparently he had tried to get a cake but was told that the bakeries around town were either booked up or sketchy, so he promised that at some point he was going to get me a cake. (He even asked his Captain where he could get me a cake!) Maybe we will look around tomorrow in Fredericksburg for a cupcake shop.
It was a fabulous birthday.
It ended with my husband snoring next to me, Nalli wanting to play, and a voicemail from my brother Blaise (who has autism), "Hi, hi, hi, hi, hi. Happy, happy birthday. Happy 23rd birthday. Love you!!"
(Of course you can hear my dad in the background cueing him the whole time. Doesn't matter-it was so cute.)
Thank you everyone for the calls, voicemails, cards, Facebook posts, texts, snapchats, etc. that I received during the day. I felt really loved, and that is so special to me.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Friend Brag
I am so lucky. The people I have met here are amazing.
I am not excited to turn 23. I am going to be one of those people who says they are 29 for 10 years.
I think my biggest problem with this birthday is that I am not with my family. I am going to see Monsters University, but I won't get to watch it with my big brother Blaise over a bag of Skittles. (By "sharing" Skittles, what I actually mean is he will give me about two out of the whole bag. But that's okay.) It's just weird. Typically, Chris isn't around for my birthday. I think he has been around for only one! So it will be nice, just different. We are going to see Monsters University and then going to dinner at Park Lane Tavern. Why are coupons so much more awesome when you can use them on your birthday? I signed up for about 15 of them in the last couple of days.
Anyway, buy one get one free entree at Park Lane. They have a bunch of different beers, and I can't wait to try them! I hope they have some type of sampler because I LOVE trying lots of different things.
WELL! Because I am so NOT excited about my birthday, I hadn't really made plans of any kind for the day. I think I was just planning on letting it slip under the radar. The girls took it upon themselves to host a get-together for me with snacks tomorrow. How sweet is that?
They decided this while we sat out by the pool for four hours today. I am probably going to be poached tomorrow. And this weekend.
Chris won't care. He only cares that for once in my life, I am actually darker than he is.
(Insert segway here.)
There is a phenomenon here. It is called, "closet marriage", a term coined by our fellow Marine spouse (and only male), Ben. This is the term used when a couple is married (via courthouse or something like it) and only they know or a select few people know. This means that typically their parents are unaware of the situation, as are their siblings, relatives, friends, etc.
I guess my parents always know what I am up to. I don't hide things well. My mom could tell that I had held hands with one of my very first boyfriends before I had even realized what had happened.
I am going to the gym tomorrow with Janice. My feet are killing me! I guess since I have been running a little more and a little differently (sprinting on the treadmill) I suddenly have blisters. I guess I will be using the rowing machine tomorrow. Oh joy.
My friend Lisa's dad is in town. I didn't know I could be so jealous. She gets to go to dinner with her dad. It made me text mine and tell him I couldn't wait until he could come here to have dinner with me. He responded with, "Mom and I are counting the days". I thought it was cute and told mom, but I guess he had already told her the same thing.
Nalli and Ruby (the dogs) just got into an argument. I am fairly certain Ruby was talking smack about Nalli's favorite toy, because Nalli got mad and when I opened the door she ran straight for her toy. That Ruby. And that Nalli.
Chris was supposed to have an early night tonight.
HA!
This is the latest one we have had in awhile. I can't wait to snuggle him.
I am not excited to turn 23. I am going to be one of those people who says they are 29 for 10 years.
I think my biggest problem with this birthday is that I am not with my family. I am going to see Monsters University, but I won't get to watch it with my big brother Blaise over a bag of Skittles. (By "sharing" Skittles, what I actually mean is he will give me about two out of the whole bag. But that's okay.) It's just weird. Typically, Chris isn't around for my birthday. I think he has been around for only one! So it will be nice, just different. We are going to see Monsters University and then going to dinner at Park Lane Tavern. Why are coupons so much more awesome when you can use them on your birthday? I signed up for about 15 of them in the last couple of days.
Anyway, buy one get one free entree at Park Lane. They have a bunch of different beers, and I can't wait to try them! I hope they have some type of sampler because I LOVE trying lots of different things.
WELL! Because I am so NOT excited about my birthday, I hadn't really made plans of any kind for the day. I think I was just planning on letting it slip under the radar. The girls took it upon themselves to host a get-together for me with snacks tomorrow. How sweet is that?
They decided this while we sat out by the pool for four hours today. I am probably going to be poached tomorrow. And this weekend.
Chris won't care. He only cares that for once in my life, I am actually darker than he is.
(Insert segway here.)
There is a phenomenon here. It is called, "closet marriage", a term coined by our fellow Marine spouse (and only male), Ben. This is the term used when a couple is married (via courthouse or something like it) and only they know or a select few people know. This means that typically their parents are unaware of the situation, as are their siblings, relatives, friends, etc.
I guess my parents always know what I am up to. I don't hide things well. My mom could tell that I had held hands with one of my very first boyfriends before I had even realized what had happened.
I am going to the gym tomorrow with Janice. My feet are killing me! I guess since I have been running a little more and a little differently (sprinting on the treadmill) I suddenly have blisters. I guess I will be using the rowing machine tomorrow. Oh joy.
My friend Lisa's dad is in town. I didn't know I could be so jealous. She gets to go to dinner with her dad. It made me text mine and tell him I couldn't wait until he could come here to have dinner with me. He responded with, "Mom and I are counting the days". I thought it was cute and told mom, but I guess he had already told her the same thing.
Nalli and Ruby (the dogs) just got into an argument. I am fairly certain Ruby was talking smack about Nalli's favorite toy, because Nalli got mad and when I opened the door she ran straight for her toy. That Ruby. And that Nalli.
Chris was supposed to have an early night tonight.
HA!
This is the latest one we have had in awhile. I can't wait to snuggle him.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
First World Problems
First First World Problem:
I wanted to go to the commissary today, so naturally, it started raining right when I was about to walk out the door. I swear, it rains almost every single day that I want to go to the commissary.
Second First World Problem:
I waited 8 microwave minutes for a Lean Cuisine with one tiny eggroll.
Third First World Problem:
I buy my favorite Simply Raspberry Lemonade when it's on sale at the commissary and then freeze it. Today I was desperate for some so I was literally squeezing my own lemonade from the frozen bottle.
Okay, my pity party is over because CHRIS COMES HOME TONIGHT!!!
I slept with a shirt sprayed with his cologne last night. It's just not the same. And I fought myself inviting Nalli into the bed. It just seems SO big when it's just me, and we only have a Queen. I guess it's just that Chris only gives me a tiny bit of room when he's here. I didn't end up letting her because I just don't want to break the habit again.
I spent the majority of yesterday baking in preparation for the potluck our friend Kat hosted. I have so much fun baking and seeing people enjoy what I make that I usually go way overboard. I made four desserts:
Caramel Cranberry Bars (Taste of Home, Quick Cooking 2008)
Coffee'n'Cream Brownies (Taste of Home's Contest Winning Recipes, 2010)
Creamy Cashew Brownies (Taste of Home's Contest Winning Recipes, 2010)
Restaurant Bars (From Sheila :))
I'd be happy to send the recipes to anyone who is interested, but highly suggest you buy the cookbooks because they are full of great stuff! I've bought a few cookbooks since we moved here, but I don't regret that because I have learned a TON from them already. My favorite is "Weber's New Real Grilling". This book is fabulous because it breaks it down by meat, sides, desserts, marinades, rubs, and sauces. Chris and I love it because we haven't grilled much, and it really breaks everything down for you.
Second purchase was Rachael Ray's "The Book of Burger". I bought it because it had a portabella mushroom burger recipe in it I just couldn't pass up. That was the dinner that Chris said "tasted like it came from a fancy restaurant". Everything looks amazing in it. And she has a copycat recipe for Big Macs, which is on my list of things I HAVE to make.
Third, "Great EASY Meals" by Food Network Magazine. I picked up this book because we have been trying to step out of our comfort zone to try new and fun foods. Things like rutabaga which is absolutely delicious-who knew? But this book has recipes for Eggplant with Peanut Dressing and Coriander Roasted Carrots. This was the carrot recipe I made last week that I had no idea I would like so much. I don't like carrots! So I can at least thank the book for that.
The potluck had a great turnout. There was a bunch of really delicious food and as always, great company. The best part about all of us is that we are all funny and all have stories we can relate to. I have so much fun watching all the little ones running around. And eventually someone is bound to drop some "birth control" in your lap; it happened to me yesterday when Tara came over and dropped her daughter in my lap and said, "These girls need some birth control". It doesn't really work when the kid is so flipping cute, but still.
It's still pouring. I just saw a little lightning. And now thunder. It's really coming down, so it doesn't look like I will be leaving soon. Also, we are in a Flash Flood Watch. I get a weather alert of this nature almost every single day, so it's not a weird thing. I like the rain! Rain is my friend for two very important reasons.
1.) The rain washes my car so I don't have to. (Dirty car means that my dad will send telepathic thoughts to my brain like, "Youuuuu should take better care of your caaaaaar.)
2.) I don't have to water the garden. Best thing ever.
Also, I don't think I'm going to the commissary. At least not for a while.
I probably got enough shopping in for the week. Yesterday I RAN out the door to Wal-Mart because I saw a hummingbird in the backyard and I realized I didn't have a feeder or food for it! So I just bought a nice little plastic feeder and a bottle of the nectar. Honestly, it looks and smells exactly like Hawaiian Fruit Punch. I know that if I leave it on the counter, when Chris comes home he will definitely try to drink it.
After that I had to drop off Chris' dry-cleaning.
And then I went to TJ Maxx. Such a bad idea. The clearance rack was full of things that were cute and fit me. So I came home with some new workout clothes and shirts. Yay! I'm trying to upgrade my wardrobe to be a little bit more my age. I shouldn't have so many clothes that I can't wear out with Chris. It's great for the neighbor girl because I just bring stuff over to her all of the time. :)
I didn't work out today. I feel like such a turd.
Are you ready for the FOURTH First World Problem?
When I finally decided to go to the commissary, the Heavens opened and the rain fell. I decided to wait until the rain let up, only to find that traffic running in the opposite direction was slowed due to construction and an accident (meaning my drive home would be a disaster). When I pulled up to base, everything was closed because the power was off. The base's power goes off almost every time it rains, so I shouldn't have been surprised. Luckily the dinner I had planned didn't really need anything, but it would have been nice to just be done with my grocery shopping for the week. Anywho, there were a few people cowering under the awning in front of the store waiting to see if they could get in, but the doors were blocked off and one of the baggers was yelling, " No power! We no have power! We closed!" So I just had to laugh as I walked back to my car.
Traffic on the drive home sucked. Base traffic was terrible, traffic right outside of the base was terrible, and it was bad on the way home due to construction/accidents. It took me an hour to get absolutely nothing done.
WELL! Dinner is in the oven. Mother's meatloaf recipe with a little touch of Gordon Ramsey as well as sweet-potato fries tossed in truffle oil. Should be utter deliciousness!
Why do my dogs live to irritate me? Ruby goes into the garden and eats my corn plants, then turns around and throws them up. I just watched Nalli walk up to a picture frame and stick her nose on the glass. Are you kidding me? Dogs.
I wanted to go to the commissary today, so naturally, it started raining right when I was about to walk out the door. I swear, it rains almost every single day that I want to go to the commissary.
Second First World Problem:
I waited 8 microwave minutes for a Lean Cuisine with one tiny eggroll.
Third First World Problem:
I buy my favorite Simply Raspberry Lemonade when it's on sale at the commissary and then freeze it. Today I was desperate for some so I was literally squeezing my own lemonade from the frozen bottle.
Okay, my pity party is over because CHRIS COMES HOME TONIGHT!!!
I slept with a shirt sprayed with his cologne last night. It's just not the same. And I fought myself inviting Nalli into the bed. It just seems SO big when it's just me, and we only have a Queen. I guess it's just that Chris only gives me a tiny bit of room when he's here. I didn't end up letting her because I just don't want to break the habit again.
I spent the majority of yesterday baking in preparation for the potluck our friend Kat hosted. I have so much fun baking and seeing people enjoy what I make that I usually go way overboard. I made four desserts:
Caramel Cranberry Bars (Taste of Home, Quick Cooking 2008)
Coffee'n'Cream Brownies (Taste of Home's Contest Winning Recipes, 2010)
Creamy Cashew Brownies (Taste of Home's Contest Winning Recipes, 2010)
Restaurant Bars (From Sheila :))
I'd be happy to send the recipes to anyone who is interested, but highly suggest you buy the cookbooks because they are full of great stuff! I've bought a few cookbooks since we moved here, but I don't regret that because I have learned a TON from them already. My favorite is "Weber's New Real Grilling". This book is fabulous because it breaks it down by meat, sides, desserts, marinades, rubs, and sauces. Chris and I love it because we haven't grilled much, and it really breaks everything down for you.
Second purchase was Rachael Ray's "The Book of Burger". I bought it because it had a portabella mushroom burger recipe in it I just couldn't pass up. That was the dinner that Chris said "tasted like it came from a fancy restaurant". Everything looks amazing in it. And she has a copycat recipe for Big Macs, which is on my list of things I HAVE to make.
Third, "Great EASY Meals" by Food Network Magazine. I picked up this book because we have been trying to step out of our comfort zone to try new and fun foods. Things like rutabaga which is absolutely delicious-who knew? But this book has recipes for Eggplant with Peanut Dressing and Coriander Roasted Carrots. This was the carrot recipe I made last week that I had no idea I would like so much. I don't like carrots! So I can at least thank the book for that.
The potluck had a great turnout. There was a bunch of really delicious food and as always, great company. The best part about all of us is that we are all funny and all have stories we can relate to. I have so much fun watching all the little ones running around. And eventually someone is bound to drop some "birth control" in your lap; it happened to me yesterday when Tara came over and dropped her daughter in my lap and said, "These girls need some birth control". It doesn't really work when the kid is so flipping cute, but still.
It's still pouring. I just saw a little lightning. And now thunder. It's really coming down, so it doesn't look like I will be leaving soon. Also, we are in a Flash Flood Watch. I get a weather alert of this nature almost every single day, so it's not a weird thing. I like the rain! Rain is my friend for two very important reasons.
1.) The rain washes my car so I don't have to. (Dirty car means that my dad will send telepathic thoughts to my brain like, "Youuuuu should take better care of your caaaaaar.)
2.) I don't have to water the garden. Best thing ever.
Also, I don't think I'm going to the commissary. At least not for a while.
I probably got enough shopping in for the week. Yesterday I RAN out the door to Wal-Mart because I saw a hummingbird in the backyard and I realized I didn't have a feeder or food for it! So I just bought a nice little plastic feeder and a bottle of the nectar. Honestly, it looks and smells exactly like Hawaiian Fruit Punch. I know that if I leave it on the counter, when Chris comes home he will definitely try to drink it.
After that I had to drop off Chris' dry-cleaning.
And then I went to TJ Maxx. Such a bad idea. The clearance rack was full of things that were cute and fit me. So I came home with some new workout clothes and shirts. Yay! I'm trying to upgrade my wardrobe to be a little bit more my age. I shouldn't have so many clothes that I can't wear out with Chris. It's great for the neighbor girl because I just bring stuff over to her all of the time. :)
I didn't work out today. I feel like such a turd.
Are you ready for the FOURTH First World Problem?
When I finally decided to go to the commissary, the Heavens opened and the rain fell. I decided to wait until the rain let up, only to find that traffic running in the opposite direction was slowed due to construction and an accident (meaning my drive home would be a disaster). When I pulled up to base, everything was closed because the power was off. The base's power goes off almost every time it rains, so I shouldn't have been surprised. Luckily the dinner I had planned didn't really need anything, but it would have been nice to just be done with my grocery shopping for the week. Anywho, there were a few people cowering under the awning in front of the store waiting to see if they could get in, but the doors were blocked off and one of the baggers was yelling, " No power! We no have power! We closed!" So I just had to laugh as I walked back to my car.
Traffic on the drive home sucked. Base traffic was terrible, traffic right outside of the base was terrible, and it was bad on the way home due to construction/accidents. It took me an hour to get absolutely nothing done.
WELL! Dinner is in the oven. Mother's meatloaf recipe with a little touch of Gordon Ramsey as well as sweet-potato fries tossed in truffle oil. Should be utter deliciousness!
Why do my dogs live to irritate me? Ruby goes into the garden and eats my corn plants, then turns around and throws them up. I just watched Nalli walk up to a picture frame and stick her nose on the glass. Are you kidding me? Dogs.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The Marine Corps Stole My Man
Christopher is Platoon Commander for the next two weeks. He had a late meeting tonight so he decided to stay at the barracks. I am glad, because he will get enough sleep, but I am sad because I won't see him again until Tuesday. Tomorrow night is a very late night, and Tuesday is an early morning, so it's silly for him to come home to me.
This does, however, mean that my house will be clean and actually stay that way. :)
Chris just called and told me he wanted to come home. I talked him out of it. (Whoo! I'm getting tougher!) He needs his sleep because tomorrow he has a 19-hour day. I want him to do well on his first real day of platoon commander.
Since we knew Chris would have to leave early tonight, we ate an early dinner. We grilled Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops with Bourbon Sauce. (I didn't have Bourbon-who knew a mixture of 1 part vanilla extract and two parts water can substitute in a recipe?!) They were pretty good, except I think Chris ate a toothpick. There should have been four on his plate when he pulled them from the pork chops, but for some reason there were only three. I am fairly certain he ate one, because he kept forgetting they were in the pork chops and either cut or bit into them. I hope I'm wrong. We paired the dinner with onion rings and avocado ranch. Avocado ranch is 1 part avocado, 1 part ranch. I typically buy avocadoes when they aren't ripe because they are cheaper. It is great because you can freeze them in bags in the amount you want (just add a little bit of lime or lemon juice and squeeze the air out of the bag). It's cheaper and easier to work with, and generally will thaw quickly.
Delicious dinner. Chris' first time grilling pork chops was a success. He was nervous but he did well. It was a bit difficult because we used thick-cut bacon and thinner cut pork chops.
We went to (what I thought would be) our usual hangout on Friday. Mick's is a clean place, with decent beer, and good food. We were excited to take the Collins there for their first time, but to no avail. We were treated just as rudely at the front as our previous visit and our waitress spent the evening making excuses. She tried to tell us that our beers were $4.50, but they were actually $7.25. Also, she told me that my beer was "local", which I ALWAYS want to try local brews, but it was actually Tank 7 from KC. (A delicious Farmhouse/Saison, but NOT local.) I have many complaints about our visit, but you can see those on www.yelp.com if you are truly interested. It's too bad, because we really thought we had found a hangout. I think we are going to try Vinny's next.
Friday was a busy day. I went to the base gym for the first time with fellow Marine spouse, Janice. The gym is beautiful, full, clean. It has about every piece of equipment you could wish for and nice treadmills. I warmed up and cooled down with some 7:35-miles, and did some lifting in between. I have weightlifting A.D.D.-meaning I just flit around the gym picking up random weights or sitting at random machines, not really focusing on anything.
I also don't like to weightlift very long. We had been there for maybe twenty minutes when I asked Janice when she would be ready to go. I'll get better when I get back into weightlifting. It's been awhile.
After that I went home and cleaned up. Morgan and I went to the PX and commissary to pick up some groceries and randoms that we needed. (Chris likes to wait until he is actually OUT of deodorant and shaving cream to tell me he needs more.) That took way too much of our day. Due to the crappy traffic near Courthouse Road on Route 1, we didn't get to Fredericksburg until 1430. We had SO much to do! We started at Hobby Lobby and I behaved myself and only bought the wreath holder I had been looking for. Virginia is SO hot that those 3M strips/hooks will melt and fall off our front door. They just weren't working for my Red, White, and Blue Grapevine wreath.
After that we decided to try out "and That!" a store that is sort of like a HomeGoods, but has just as much random stuff. I had tons of fun with Morgan going through all of the random things. I misbehaved a little here, but she coaxed me into buying "The Office: DVD Board Game" for 6.99. I found the Keurig reuseable, refillable cups half off what I normally see them for-something I will need for when six-cup of coffee per day drinking Sheila comes in September. I also bought her Mudslide-flavored Keurig cups. She will be so happy! They are only 9.99 a box here-a great deal. I had wanted to buy a skillet for the grill for vegetables for the last few weeks, but I didn't want to spend the 10.99 I had seen it for--again, 4.99 at and That! Their prices on deodorant and toothpaste were pretty good, too, so I grabbed a few of those types of things.
Our next stop was Ross: Dress for Less. I was on the hunt for Escada perfume so we have been checking all over at places like Ross, T.J. Maxx, and Marshall's. So far, no dice. I think I can get a great deal on perfume on www.fragrancex.com, using www.mrrebates.com and www.retailmenot.com. I don't mean to post a bunch of shopping tips, but I do want everyone to feel the excitement I do in a good deal! Ross had a pair of white shorts that fit me for the summer. Last year's are a wee bit tight.
After that we headed to the mall. We couldn't pass up Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale, knowing that all of the bras were an additional 20% off means you're getting half-price bras. Fabulous! We met a really nice girl while we were there who is in the Air Force. She's only in the area for a few weeks but I hope we are able to hang out a few times before she goes back to Hawaii.
Yes, she lives in Hawaii. I am going to suck as much information from her as I can, because she has also lived in Japan.
Bath and Body Works and New York and Co. were both having sales that Morgan needed to get to, so she found a few things she wanted. We actually ran out of time! We wanted to hit up a store I found that sells salon products at reasonable prices, and we also wanted to find a uniform store because I finally got a job.
YES! A job. It's at a nursing home in Fredericksburg when I am needed, but the Director of Nursing who interviewed me seems really driven and definitely the type of nurse I can see myself modeling myself after. My interview, I felt, was going really well, until "Code Yellow" was announced over the loudspeaker. That means "tornado", and it meant that I was ushered into the hallway. I spent an hour in the hallway observing residents and employees. I actually had a lot of fun, because someone got out a brain teaser book and asked the residents to answer "Top 10 Lists". It was very enjoyable to me to see the residents laughing. They seem happy there, and that makes me glad to be a part of that.
I must have handled myself well during the tornado, because it wasn't long after that I was offered a job. I plan on working my butt off. I want to be an inspiration to residents as well as coworkers with a driven, caring attitude. I am finally using my degree! I couldn't be happier.
I am thankful for FaceTime once again, because I was able to talk to my parents earlier today and watch Dad open his Father's Day card. He thought it was as funny as I had hoped he would, and that made it all worth it. His present is all the steak and Budweiser he wants when he comes to visit. I have to admit that I couldn't sleep from about 0200-0515 this morning. Chris had no sympathy as he was fast asleep. I started thinking about Father's Day, and my dad, and things I was missing at home, and I teared up as I wrote a sappy Facebook status. "My Dad is one of the best two men I have ever known. From the day I was born I was always his little girl, and I think my mom can attest to that. He always made me feel like I was smart, and beautiful, funny, talented... His endearing love and respect made me unknowingly search for someone just like him. And I found my "own Allen" in Chris. I am so incredibly Blessed to have them both in my life. Sure wish we could come home for steaks and Budweiser today, Daddy. Love you."
With that, Chris and I have been talking and I believe we are going to go home for Christmas. I told my sister-in-law Megan, and she was overwhelmed with excitement. It's weird being away from the Lazoritzes when they are celebrating holidays. Besides, Claire and Paulo have probably gained back all the weight they lost and Chris and I will have to chase those tubby orange cats around for a while. And, as always, I miss those nephews and nieces like crazy.
Brag alert! My niece (with an IQ that is probably higher than mine) went to genius camp this past week. When there was another kid who had the periodic table memorized, Mackenzie decided she wasn't going to be left behind so she went home, frustrated and tried to find songs to help her memorize it as well. My nephew Eli ran a 5k with his mom. My other nephew Benny is the reason my sister and brother-in-law are looking for a house with a fenced-in backyard. He is also showing signs of having a ridiculously high IQ. Megan is one busy woman. I used to try to convince her to have another baby but I think I might let that one go.
My birthday is Friday and I still don't know what I'm doing to celebrate! Ok, I do know I want to play the Blink 182 song and sing "NOBODY LIKES YOU WHEN YOU'RE TWENTY-THREE" at the top of my lungs.
Such big dreams I have.
This does, however, mean that my house will be clean and actually stay that way. :)
Chris just called and told me he wanted to come home. I talked him out of it. (Whoo! I'm getting tougher!) He needs his sleep because tomorrow he has a 19-hour day. I want him to do well on his first real day of platoon commander.
Since we knew Chris would have to leave early tonight, we ate an early dinner. We grilled Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops with Bourbon Sauce. (I didn't have Bourbon-who knew a mixture of 1 part vanilla extract and two parts water can substitute in a recipe?!) They were pretty good, except I think Chris ate a toothpick. There should have been four on his plate when he pulled them from the pork chops, but for some reason there were only three. I am fairly certain he ate one, because he kept forgetting they were in the pork chops and either cut or bit into them. I hope I'm wrong. We paired the dinner with onion rings and avocado ranch. Avocado ranch is 1 part avocado, 1 part ranch. I typically buy avocadoes when they aren't ripe because they are cheaper. It is great because you can freeze them in bags in the amount you want (just add a little bit of lime or lemon juice and squeeze the air out of the bag). It's cheaper and easier to work with, and generally will thaw quickly.
Delicious dinner. Chris' first time grilling pork chops was a success. He was nervous but he did well. It was a bit difficult because we used thick-cut bacon and thinner cut pork chops.
We went to (what I thought would be) our usual hangout on Friday. Mick's is a clean place, with decent beer, and good food. We were excited to take the Collins there for their first time, but to no avail. We were treated just as rudely at the front as our previous visit and our waitress spent the evening making excuses. She tried to tell us that our beers were $4.50, but they were actually $7.25. Also, she told me that my beer was "local", which I ALWAYS want to try local brews, but it was actually Tank 7 from KC. (A delicious Farmhouse/Saison, but NOT local.) I have many complaints about our visit, but you can see those on www.yelp.com if you are truly interested. It's too bad, because we really thought we had found a hangout. I think we are going to try Vinny's next.
Friday was a busy day. I went to the base gym for the first time with fellow Marine spouse, Janice. The gym is beautiful, full, clean. It has about every piece of equipment you could wish for and nice treadmills. I warmed up and cooled down with some 7:35-miles, and did some lifting in between. I have weightlifting A.D.D.-meaning I just flit around the gym picking up random weights or sitting at random machines, not really focusing on anything.
I also don't like to weightlift very long. We had been there for maybe twenty minutes when I asked Janice when she would be ready to go. I'll get better when I get back into weightlifting. It's been awhile.
After that I went home and cleaned up. Morgan and I went to the PX and commissary to pick up some groceries and randoms that we needed. (Chris likes to wait until he is actually OUT of deodorant and shaving cream to tell me he needs more.) That took way too much of our day. Due to the crappy traffic near Courthouse Road on Route 1, we didn't get to Fredericksburg until 1430. We had SO much to do! We started at Hobby Lobby and I behaved myself and only bought the wreath holder I had been looking for. Virginia is SO hot that those 3M strips/hooks will melt and fall off our front door. They just weren't working for my Red, White, and Blue Grapevine wreath.
After that we decided to try out "and That!" a store that is sort of like a HomeGoods, but has just as much random stuff. I had tons of fun with Morgan going through all of the random things. I misbehaved a little here, but she coaxed me into buying "The Office: DVD Board Game" for 6.99. I found the Keurig reuseable, refillable cups half off what I normally see them for-something I will need for when six-cup of coffee per day drinking Sheila comes in September. I also bought her Mudslide-flavored Keurig cups. She will be so happy! They are only 9.99 a box here-a great deal. I had wanted to buy a skillet for the grill for vegetables for the last few weeks, but I didn't want to spend the 10.99 I had seen it for--again, 4.99 at and That! Their prices on deodorant and toothpaste were pretty good, too, so I grabbed a few of those types of things.
Our next stop was Ross: Dress for Less. I was on the hunt for Escada perfume so we have been checking all over at places like Ross, T.J. Maxx, and Marshall's. So far, no dice. I think I can get a great deal on perfume on www.fragrancex.com, using www.mrrebates.com and www.retailmenot.com. I don't mean to post a bunch of shopping tips, but I do want everyone to feel the excitement I do in a good deal! Ross had a pair of white shorts that fit me for the summer. Last year's are a wee bit tight.
After that we headed to the mall. We couldn't pass up Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale, knowing that all of the bras were an additional 20% off means you're getting half-price bras. Fabulous! We met a really nice girl while we were there who is in the Air Force. She's only in the area for a few weeks but I hope we are able to hang out a few times before she goes back to Hawaii.
Yes, she lives in Hawaii. I am going to suck as much information from her as I can, because she has also lived in Japan.
Bath and Body Works and New York and Co. were both having sales that Morgan needed to get to, so she found a few things she wanted. We actually ran out of time! We wanted to hit up a store I found that sells salon products at reasonable prices, and we also wanted to find a uniform store because I finally got a job.
YES! A job. It's at a nursing home in Fredericksburg when I am needed, but the Director of Nursing who interviewed me seems really driven and definitely the type of nurse I can see myself modeling myself after. My interview, I felt, was going really well, until "Code Yellow" was announced over the loudspeaker. That means "tornado", and it meant that I was ushered into the hallway. I spent an hour in the hallway observing residents and employees. I actually had a lot of fun, because someone got out a brain teaser book and asked the residents to answer "Top 10 Lists". It was very enjoyable to me to see the residents laughing. They seem happy there, and that makes me glad to be a part of that.
I must have handled myself well during the tornado, because it wasn't long after that I was offered a job. I plan on working my butt off. I want to be an inspiration to residents as well as coworkers with a driven, caring attitude. I am finally using my degree! I couldn't be happier.
I am thankful for FaceTime once again, because I was able to talk to my parents earlier today and watch Dad open his Father's Day card. He thought it was as funny as I had hoped he would, and that made it all worth it. His present is all the steak and Budweiser he wants when he comes to visit. I have to admit that I couldn't sleep from about 0200-0515 this morning. Chris had no sympathy as he was fast asleep. I started thinking about Father's Day, and my dad, and things I was missing at home, and I teared up as I wrote a sappy Facebook status. "My Dad is one of the best two men I have ever known. From the day I was born I was always his little girl, and I think my mom can attest to that. He always made me feel like I was smart, and beautiful, funny, talented... His endearing love and respect made me unknowingly search for someone just like him. And I found my "own Allen" in Chris. I am so incredibly Blessed to have them both in my life. Sure wish we could come home for steaks and Budweiser today, Daddy. Love you."
With that, Chris and I have been talking and I believe we are going to go home for Christmas. I told my sister-in-law Megan, and she was overwhelmed with excitement. It's weird being away from the Lazoritzes when they are celebrating holidays. Besides, Claire and Paulo have probably gained back all the weight they lost and Chris and I will have to chase those tubby orange cats around for a while. And, as always, I miss those nephews and nieces like crazy.
Brag alert! My niece (with an IQ that is probably higher than mine) went to genius camp this past week. When there was another kid who had the periodic table memorized, Mackenzie decided she wasn't going to be left behind so she went home, frustrated and tried to find songs to help her memorize it as well. My nephew Eli ran a 5k with his mom. My other nephew Benny is the reason my sister and brother-in-law are looking for a house with a fenced-in backyard. He is also showing signs of having a ridiculously high IQ. Megan is one busy woman. I used to try to convince her to have another baby but I think I might let that one go.
My birthday is Friday and I still don't know what I'm doing to celebrate! Ok, I do know I want to play the Blink 182 song and sing "NOBODY LIKES YOU WHEN YOU'RE TWENTY-THREE" at the top of my lungs.
Such big dreams I have.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Everything I Love About You
My husband is so sweet.
Sometimes he has selective hearing. Sometimes he leaves his dirty clothes all over the house. Sometimes he forgets to take out the garbage.
But he makes me happier than I could have ever imagined. On Monday, I learned how to cut up squid via YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05WufbZmu1I You're welcome. So I gagged while cutting up 5 oz. of squid. Chris called and asked what I was doing, and I told him. He became really grossed out and told me he was bringing someone else home for dinner. He didn't! But all the work, money, and time I put into dinner was not worth it-because my Seafood Lo Mein was so bland. Honestly, we will always order Chinese from now on. Even if there is a twenty-dollar delivery charge, it is still worth it.
Needless to say, I was very bitter about my dinner not turning out. I am SUCH a good cook (not to toot my own horn or anything) but it just comes easy to me. Sooooo, when my dinner didn't turn out I was very cranky. Chris knows how much it bothers me so he tried very hard to keep eating but I knew he hated it. So I let him off the hook and he found some leftovers. I was cranky for almost 24 hours until he came home and I felt so bad for being witchy. It's funny when you're home alone all day, because you have time to think about what you said/did and what you need to say/do to make up for it. I didn't even say "hi" when he walked in. What I said? An apology.
What I did? Made a dinner that more than made up for it. I can quote Chris on this one, "This tastes like something from a fancy restaurant." First, I hate carrots. That's probably partially why my eyes are in such terrible shape (and also genetics, thanks MA!). Coriander-glazed carrots are to die for. Delicious. The main course: portobella burgers with spinach pesto. Chris is not a huge fan of mushrooms but he did eat it! Which made me very happy. It was really not too expensive of a meal either, and who knew pesto was so easy to make? My Magic Bullet has become my best friend since my obsession with pesto and hummus was sparked.
I'm going to the pool today to hang out with the girls. Hopefully the rain doesn't come but it probably will. We've had rain almost every day for about four days, and it is supposed to continue all week. I signed up for severe weather alerts and my phone goes off almost every day. Nalli and Ruby enjoy that it is somewhat cool during the day because of this.
The rain and sun are great because my garden is shooting up like crazy! My tomatoes are kind of pear-shaped though so I'm not sure what that's about. My corn should be "knee-high by the Fourth of July". The bugs got after my cabbage, so we will see what happens to them. One strawberry plant thrives while the other dies, so we will see how that survives. Overall, I'm happy with what I'm seeing in my first garden.
I start my volunteer training with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society next week. I couldn't be happier to have been accepted as a volunteer and begin working with them. They do a lot of really great things for our servicemembers, and I look forward to being a part of it.
http://nmcrs.org/about.html
Nalli's squirrel friend decided to walk along the fence a couple of houses down ours the other day. If Nalli could learn how to fly, she would.
I went over to Rachele's today to hang out with the girls by the pool. It was so horribly hot here today. 97 in June is just not my cup of tea. I liked it when it was about 75. I really need to take some extra time next time I shave my legs because I realized my knees look like coconuts. The girls talked about how I haven't burned, yet I still don't have any color. Sarah defined it best when she called my skin color, "neutral". They are all incredibly tan already. I'm so jealous.
I made Linguine with Garlic, Lemon, and Thyme for dinner with slices of baguette with a Gouda spread. NOW, if Chris would ever get his butt home we could enjoy it! He stayed back a little to study tonight. The tests are getting more difficult at TBS and I think Chris is going to have to start studying more.
He and I really need to get out and do stuff and see things, but usually on weekends he is just so tired! Hopefully we will make some plans and follow through with them soon.
Sometimes he has selective hearing. Sometimes he leaves his dirty clothes all over the house. Sometimes he forgets to take out the garbage.
But he makes me happier than I could have ever imagined. On Monday, I learned how to cut up squid via YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05WufbZmu1I You're welcome. So I gagged while cutting up 5 oz. of squid. Chris called and asked what I was doing, and I told him. He became really grossed out and told me he was bringing someone else home for dinner. He didn't! But all the work, money, and time I put into dinner was not worth it-because my Seafood Lo Mein was so bland. Honestly, we will always order Chinese from now on. Even if there is a twenty-dollar delivery charge, it is still worth it.
Needless to say, I was very bitter about my dinner not turning out. I am SUCH a good cook (not to toot my own horn or anything) but it just comes easy to me. Sooooo, when my dinner didn't turn out I was very cranky. Chris knows how much it bothers me so he tried very hard to keep eating but I knew he hated it. So I let him off the hook and he found some leftovers. I was cranky for almost 24 hours until he came home and I felt so bad for being witchy. It's funny when you're home alone all day, because you have time to think about what you said/did and what you need to say/do to make up for it. I didn't even say "hi" when he walked in. What I said? An apology.
What I did? Made a dinner that more than made up for it. I can quote Chris on this one, "This tastes like something from a fancy restaurant." First, I hate carrots. That's probably partially why my eyes are in such terrible shape (and also genetics, thanks MA!). Coriander-glazed carrots are to die for. Delicious. The main course: portobella burgers with spinach pesto. Chris is not a huge fan of mushrooms but he did eat it! Which made me very happy. It was really not too expensive of a meal either, and who knew pesto was so easy to make? My Magic Bullet has become my best friend since my obsession with pesto and hummus was sparked.
I'm going to the pool today to hang out with the girls. Hopefully the rain doesn't come but it probably will. We've had rain almost every day for about four days, and it is supposed to continue all week. I signed up for severe weather alerts and my phone goes off almost every day. Nalli and Ruby enjoy that it is somewhat cool during the day because of this.
The rain and sun are great because my garden is shooting up like crazy! My tomatoes are kind of pear-shaped though so I'm not sure what that's about. My corn should be "knee-high by the Fourth of July". The bugs got after my cabbage, so we will see what happens to them. One strawberry plant thrives while the other dies, so we will see how that survives. Overall, I'm happy with what I'm seeing in my first garden.
I start my volunteer training with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society next week. I couldn't be happier to have been accepted as a volunteer and begin working with them. They do a lot of really great things for our servicemembers, and I look forward to being a part of it.
http://nmcrs.org/about.html
Nalli's squirrel friend decided to walk along the fence a couple of houses down ours the other day. If Nalli could learn how to fly, she would.
I went over to Rachele's today to hang out with the girls by the pool. It was so horribly hot here today. 97 in June is just not my cup of tea. I liked it when it was about 75. I really need to take some extra time next time I shave my legs because I realized my knees look like coconuts. The girls talked about how I haven't burned, yet I still don't have any color. Sarah defined it best when she called my skin color, "neutral". They are all incredibly tan already. I'm so jealous.
I made Linguine with Garlic, Lemon, and Thyme for dinner with slices of baguette with a Gouda spread. NOW, if Chris would ever get his butt home we could enjoy it! He stayed back a little to study tonight. The tests are getting more difficult at TBS and I think Chris is going to have to start studying more.
He and I really need to get out and do stuff and see things, but usually on weekends he is just so tired! Hopefully we will make some plans and follow through with them soon.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Sheila's Vacation
Chris and I just did the math; it seems my parents come to visit in about two months and twenty days with my brother. He and I took the dogs on a walk after I gave him a haircut. It was really nice out because it had just rained a little so it was cool and there were some people outside enjoying the bearable weather. We are planning on doing a lot while they are here; most Chris won't be able to join on but we are going to catch one of the last shows the Marine Corps Silent Drill will put on this season. They, of course, want to see all of the monuments so we will have to do that one day. I am hoping there will be less construction next time we are there. Chris will have to go along for the Smithsonian because he has been looking forward to the dinosaur exhibit for years. I feel like taking him there will be like taking a kid to a candy store.
I joined a few new Facebook groups in order to learn more information about the area this week. One of them is for Quantico spouses. I had to laugh because there was a girl who posted about the toads she keeps seeing everywhere that are about the size of a penny. She thought they were frogs and I'm sitting there thinking..."Girl, let me tell you about toads..."
Sheila could attest to that.
Chris and are I are about to settle down to some Netflix and fall asleep. Yes, we go to bed while it is still light out. We're old and married and that's how we are supposed to live now. Besides! We are tired. We grilled horseradish-crusted NY strip steaks and cabbage tonight and Chris braved forty-five minutes at the pool earlier today. He is trying to work on his tan lines. Parts of Chris that are tan: head, neck, hands. Parts that are not: everything else. He does like to show off his wedding ring tan line. I'm jealous because lately all I have done is sit outside and drink and what do I have to show for it? I am not sure what to call it because I wouldn't call it tan. I am going to go with "not white". Blame genetics. We got in the pool once. He was not impressed by how cold the water was so I leaped in while holding onto his arm, hoping he would fall in after me, but to no avail.
I had about ten people over on Friday for drinks and snacks. It was my friend Kelli's birthday, so I made her Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes (without knowing that was her favorite cereal) with green candles and Midori mixed drinks. There was lots of green which was perfect because that's her favorite color. I plan better than I think, especially considering the fact that I was on the verge of an anxiety attack prior to that. I had to run a couple of errands, including dropping my car off for an oil change and faxing some things for a job application, plus get food, drink, and house ready. This was my FIRST get-together ever hosting by myself, with more than just a couple of friends, in my very own home. Chris and I have always lived with other people. This is our first home.
When you're hosting your first party you worry about stupid things, and maybe some not-so-stupid things. I found myself thinking... "Do I have enough snacks? Enough to drink? Enough chairs? Do I need to clean more? What does my house smell like?" I do this a lot, where I work myself up over nothing but it can only get easier from here.
It was a great turnout and I think we all had a lot of fun, considering everyone stayed until their spouse was released for the day. Once again, we love to hang out with each other, but as soon as we have the opportunity to run to our significant other's arms, we do.
Speaking of "opportunities", if anyone watches the Office you will understand this scenario. Chris and I prepare to do his weekly haircut. I can tell he is about to say something to him so I interrupt and tell him, "NOT. A word." He replied, "I really appreciate that you are cutting my hair." My response? "I am so glad to have the opportunity to cut your hair."
After the haircut we took both dogs on a walk. It's usually a disaster because they get tangled with each other a thousand times and with posts/mailboxes another thousand times. Still, it makes them happy so we have to go once in a while.
Chris was standing in the kitchen today, snooping in the refrigerator. I quietly snuck down the stairs and up behind him. I grabbed him around the waist and yelled, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" He was so afraid he screamed and fell on the ground. Hilarious. (He saw me type that and stormed out of the room.)
About five minutes later, karma came after us. The doorbell rang and Chris and I looked down, realizing we were both in our underwear. C'mon, it's Sunday. I took off upstairs, leaving Chris, in his boxers, to answer the door to some Jehovah's witnesses with their small child. Hopefully they won't come back.
Chris and I went to Kelli's house yesterday where they were having a birthday party and get-together for sixth platoon and Kelli's friends. Her husband is such a sweetheart. He ordered a birthday cake for her with fresh strawberry filling, and the frosting was in their wedding colors. It was delicious! I was so sad because I brought along my cupcakes, and in the car they were too warm so the frosting just slid right off the top. I sloppily threw them back together. It was nice hanging out with some of our friends and their significant others as well as a couple of Marines Chris has worked with in sixth platoon. I think he said that one of them was in the pits with him during range week. We didn't stay long (although I REALLY wanted to) because Chris wanted to study for their upcoming exam with his other friend Chris (who also weighs 200+ pounds and is over 6'3). They are quite a pair. They are instigators and are constantly trying to out-eat and out-drink each other. Sort of like the Missouri version of Craig.
I made Chris half an hour late so he was a bit crabby at me. He had every right to be because I promised we would be back by 1600 and we weren't. After dropping him off I went home to get my swimsuit and then sat by Chris' wife, Morgan, at the pool while she worked. She had a long shift so I thought I'd help her pass the time. Rachele and Austin came to hang out a little later, as did Chris-squared, so we sat around the pool drinking until we decided that we wanted to go have dinner at Mick's here in town.
I was really irritated when we first walked in because it was loud and the hostesses were shouting out to each other about what they were going to do after work while we tried to talk to them, but our waiter was really nice and the beer was good. The food was delicious-it's the first thing I have eaten in Stafford and actually felt it was worth the money. (Okay, Jin's Garden is really good as well.) We had been going to Pancho Villa but it was always expensive and not that appetizing. The DJ was playing old-school dance songs and we were getting our boogie on in a corner booth, drinking Raging B*tch IPA (delicious).
We made ourselves stay out until almost 2300, but then you could tell everyone was crashing. Like I said, we are old farts.
I am fairly certain Chris is hiding in the house, waiting for me to come look for him so he can jump out and scare me as payback for this post. He can just go right ahead and do that. <3
I joined a few new Facebook groups in order to learn more information about the area this week. One of them is for Quantico spouses. I had to laugh because there was a girl who posted about the toads she keeps seeing everywhere that are about the size of a penny. She thought they were frogs and I'm sitting there thinking..."Girl, let me tell you about toads..."
Sheila could attest to that.
Chris and are I are about to settle down to some Netflix and fall asleep. Yes, we go to bed while it is still light out. We're old and married and that's how we are supposed to live now. Besides! We are tired. We grilled horseradish-crusted NY strip steaks and cabbage tonight and Chris braved forty-five minutes at the pool earlier today. He is trying to work on his tan lines. Parts of Chris that are tan: head, neck, hands. Parts that are not: everything else. He does like to show off his wedding ring tan line. I'm jealous because lately all I have done is sit outside and drink and what do I have to show for it? I am not sure what to call it because I wouldn't call it tan. I am going to go with "not white". Blame genetics. We got in the pool once. He was not impressed by how cold the water was so I leaped in while holding onto his arm, hoping he would fall in after me, but to no avail.
I had about ten people over on Friday for drinks and snacks. It was my friend Kelli's birthday, so I made her Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes (without knowing that was her favorite cereal) with green candles and Midori mixed drinks. There was lots of green which was perfect because that's her favorite color. I plan better than I think, especially considering the fact that I was on the verge of an anxiety attack prior to that. I had to run a couple of errands, including dropping my car off for an oil change and faxing some things for a job application, plus get food, drink, and house ready. This was my FIRST get-together ever hosting by myself, with more than just a couple of friends, in my very own home. Chris and I have always lived with other people. This is our first home.
When you're hosting your first party you worry about stupid things, and maybe some not-so-stupid things. I found myself thinking... "Do I have enough snacks? Enough to drink? Enough chairs? Do I need to clean more? What does my house smell like?" I do this a lot, where I work myself up over nothing but it can only get easier from here.
It was a great turnout and I think we all had a lot of fun, considering everyone stayed until their spouse was released for the day. Once again, we love to hang out with each other, but as soon as we have the opportunity to run to our significant other's arms, we do.
Speaking of "opportunities", if anyone watches the Office you will understand this scenario. Chris and I prepare to do his weekly haircut. I can tell he is about to say something to him so I interrupt and tell him, "NOT. A word." He replied, "I really appreciate that you are cutting my hair." My response? "I am so glad to have the opportunity to cut your hair."
After the haircut we took both dogs on a walk. It's usually a disaster because they get tangled with each other a thousand times and with posts/mailboxes another thousand times. Still, it makes them happy so we have to go once in a while.
Chris was standing in the kitchen today, snooping in the refrigerator. I quietly snuck down the stairs and up behind him. I grabbed him around the waist and yelled, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" He was so afraid he screamed and fell on the ground. Hilarious. (He saw me type that and stormed out of the room.)
About five minutes later, karma came after us. The doorbell rang and Chris and I looked down, realizing we were both in our underwear. C'mon, it's Sunday. I took off upstairs, leaving Chris, in his boxers, to answer the door to some Jehovah's witnesses with their small child. Hopefully they won't come back.
Chris and I went to Kelli's house yesterday where they were having a birthday party and get-together for sixth platoon and Kelli's friends. Her husband is such a sweetheart. He ordered a birthday cake for her with fresh strawberry filling, and the frosting was in their wedding colors. It was delicious! I was so sad because I brought along my cupcakes, and in the car they were too warm so the frosting just slid right off the top. I sloppily threw them back together. It was nice hanging out with some of our friends and their significant others as well as a couple of Marines Chris has worked with in sixth platoon. I think he said that one of them was in the pits with him during range week. We didn't stay long (although I REALLY wanted to) because Chris wanted to study for their upcoming exam with his other friend Chris (who also weighs 200+ pounds and is over 6'3). They are quite a pair. They are instigators and are constantly trying to out-eat and out-drink each other. Sort of like the Missouri version of Craig.
I made Chris half an hour late so he was a bit crabby at me. He had every right to be because I promised we would be back by 1600 and we weren't. After dropping him off I went home to get my swimsuit and then sat by Chris' wife, Morgan, at the pool while she worked. She had a long shift so I thought I'd help her pass the time. Rachele and Austin came to hang out a little later, as did Chris-squared, so we sat around the pool drinking until we decided that we wanted to go have dinner at Mick's here in town.
I was really irritated when we first walked in because it was loud and the hostesses were shouting out to each other about what they were going to do after work while we tried to talk to them, but our waiter was really nice and the beer was good. The food was delicious-it's the first thing I have eaten in Stafford and actually felt it was worth the money. (Okay, Jin's Garden is really good as well.) We had been going to Pancho Villa but it was always expensive and not that appetizing. The DJ was playing old-school dance songs and we were getting our boogie on in a corner booth, drinking Raging B*tch IPA (delicious).
We made ourselves stay out until almost 2300, but then you could tell everyone was crashing. Like I said, we are old farts.
I am fairly certain Chris is hiding in the house, waiting for me to come look for him so he can jump out and scare me as payback for this post. He can just go right ahead and do that. <3
Thursday, June 6, 2013
D.C. Failure
Yesterday my friends Amber and Rachele rode with Rachele's sister and sister-in-law on the Metro to Washington, D.C. They had a bunch of things they wanted to see while they were here. I was excited to go and get a feel for how to take my parents on a tour when they come in August.
We failed miserably. It wasn't our fault really--it's just that you can't really see anything when you get off the Metro. So we saw a corner of the Pentagon (I'm sure they all look the same), bits and pieces of the Capitol building, the Supreme Court was under construction (as was the Washington Monument), Ford Theatre, and we couldn't get to the back of the White House. So basically, we just generally, sort of, looked in the direction of everything and didn't get very close.
We had a decent lunch, stopped for a drink a little later (we needed it, for sure), and we really hadn't been out that long when we decided we were done with D.C. and it was time to go home. It was good timing-I was a little cranky-pants by that time. I think I was just tired because I got up with Chris when he left but couldn't get back to sleep.
I got home and had to go out and water my plants because it was blistering hot (as usual). Thankfully I didn't have to today since it rained, which was great because it was a busy day! Sarah and I ran 5.23 miles by Marine Corps University. The majority of it was under construction so it was yet again another awkward run for Moriah and Sarah, but we pushed through. There was lots to talk about today so that always helps!
After running I came back and cleaned the house up and then myself. I went to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society to start talking to them about volunteering. I have been there a few times before but this time I got a nice tour and got to sit down with one of the nurses who works there. She was one of the first people I have talked to here in nursing who has told me to keep my head up because eventually the right thing will come along. I have this gut feeling that she is right; I really appreciated her talking to me today. The director of the Society is great as well; she and I always jump into great conversations. Whether I work there or volunteer there, I think that is one of those places I am just meant to be at.
I made a Runza casserole tonight. My belly aches for some sweet, succulent Runzas frequently, so I had to squelch the obsession. Chris was super excited and gave it 5/5. I will definitely be making that again because it is SO much easier than making actual homemade Runzas. The teeny bit of leftovers that I did have (out of a 9x13) are going with him tomorrow for lunch.
I'm excited for tomorrow-I'm having my friend Kelli over (on her birthday!) and making her cupcakes and drinks. I would spill on what kind of cupcakes they are but they are so amazing I have to surprise her! Needless to say, there probably won't be many left. :) She and her husband are hosting a cookout this weekend so I am looking forward to that as well.
Ruby has decided not to change her evil ways...so instead of peeing on things she thinks it is fun to barf on things now. She is really doing her best to ruin my life. I appreciate the effort.
We failed miserably. It wasn't our fault really--it's just that you can't really see anything when you get off the Metro. So we saw a corner of the Pentagon (I'm sure they all look the same), bits and pieces of the Capitol building, the Supreme Court was under construction (as was the Washington Monument), Ford Theatre, and we couldn't get to the back of the White House. So basically, we just generally, sort of, looked in the direction of everything and didn't get very close.
We had a decent lunch, stopped for a drink a little later (we needed it, for sure), and we really hadn't been out that long when we decided we were done with D.C. and it was time to go home. It was good timing-I was a little cranky-pants by that time. I think I was just tired because I got up with Chris when he left but couldn't get back to sleep.
I got home and had to go out and water my plants because it was blistering hot (as usual). Thankfully I didn't have to today since it rained, which was great because it was a busy day! Sarah and I ran 5.23 miles by Marine Corps University. The majority of it was under construction so it was yet again another awkward run for Moriah and Sarah, but we pushed through. There was lots to talk about today so that always helps!
After running I came back and cleaned the house up and then myself. I went to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society to start talking to them about volunteering. I have been there a few times before but this time I got a nice tour and got to sit down with one of the nurses who works there. She was one of the first people I have talked to here in nursing who has told me to keep my head up because eventually the right thing will come along. I have this gut feeling that she is right; I really appreciated her talking to me today. The director of the Society is great as well; she and I always jump into great conversations. Whether I work there or volunteer there, I think that is one of those places I am just meant to be at.
I made a Runza casserole tonight. My belly aches for some sweet, succulent Runzas frequently, so I had to squelch the obsession. Chris was super excited and gave it 5/5. I will definitely be making that again because it is SO much easier than making actual homemade Runzas. The teeny bit of leftovers that I did have (out of a 9x13) are going with him tomorrow for lunch.
I'm excited for tomorrow-I'm having my friend Kelli over (on her birthday!) and making her cupcakes and drinks. I would spill on what kind of cupcakes they are but they are so amazing I have to surprise her! Needless to say, there probably won't be many left. :) She and her husband are hosting a cookout this weekend so I am looking forward to that as well.
Ruby has decided not to change her evil ways...so instead of peeing on things she thinks it is fun to barf on things now. She is really doing her best to ruin my life. I appreciate the effort.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
A nurse without a first aid kit
There
is something truly terrifying about a slow cooker, because you can put all that
work and all of those ingredients into that thing and in six hours…it MIGHT
taste like crap. And then what? You scramble and whip up some spaghetti?
Typically I am known to my friends as a walking plethora of recipes. I have a
bunch of cookbooks, religiously pin on Pinterest, and check allrecipes when I
get stuck.
So tonight I am making Spinach Alfredo Lasagna in the slow cooker. I have high hopes, but also know that I didn’t layer it like the cookbook wanted. Excuse me, but I do not have time to alternate and make fifty layers. So instead I did it how I wanted to and we might end up with lasagna soup, but I think we will survive.
I already set myself up for failure by making too good of food this week. Greek Chicken Wings on Sunday with Cucumber Dill sauce, Turkey Pecan Enchiladas last night…
Chris’ expectations are too high for me right now. I can’t take the pressure!
Okay, later, Chris came home and we had a great dinner. Even though I stray from the recipe, it turned out to be delicious. We might end up having a dinner this week that is just for leftovers, because our fridge is full!
I am so obsessed with SnapChat. It’s the one way that I talk to a lot of people every day. This afternoon I sent out a photo of my garden with the caption, “How doth your garden grow?” I got the funniest responses. Either it was people making sad faces, an entire field of corn, or a photo of one sad, little potted plant. Aside from Sheila, who sent me photos to make me feel bad about all of the changes I am missing out on in my parents’ house. And then when I tell her she’s rude she sends back a photo of her evil cat with the caption, “I’ll show you rude.”
I am trying to get to sleep soon. I took some melatonin because my sleep schedule is off again. I was used to Chris being gone, so I didn’t wake up early in the mornings. Now he’s home, so I have been getting up at weird hours and had lots of trouble getting back to sleep. I need to get to sleep tonight though because tomorrow I am going to D.C. with some of my friends and some of their family from Ohio! We are taking the metro, which is a new experience for me. I’m hoping to test the waters in order to be the perfect tour guide for my parents and brother when they come visit!
Today was one of those days when I just couldn’t help but think about how wonderful of a person my husband is. I have been doing this a lot lately, but today I was thinking about way back when, when we first started dating. Chris always used to play with my ring finger. And whenever I would wear a ring he would play with it. It was always so sweet.
I think I have been watching too much of “The Bachelorette” and “Ready For Love”, but one of the boys did mention that one of the girls just fit perfectly into his arms. I remember thinking that, too. That when Chris would hug me it just felt like I belonged there, like puzzle pieces. He’s sleeping next to me and I can’t help but smile knowing he is mine.
Nalli and I went for a run today. She wore her backpack and we ran three miles. She was exhausted by the time we were done! She was panting like crazy and I felt bad, but she is silent tonight-which she never is. Kids love to talk about our dogs. They always have to say how pretty they are, but today one kid said, “That dog looks like a wolf!” I almost tripped while we were running and one thought went through my brain at that point, “I AM A NURSE WHO DOES NOT OWN A FIRST AID KIT”.
Fail.
I am just about positive that Ruby has doggy Alzheimer’s. She had the UTI a couple of weeks ago and we finished up her pills tonight. I think the UTI has cleared up. Pacing/Anxiousness: She did this tonight. She wanted in then out, and out, and in, and out. She didn’t want to go outside and then she didn’t want to come in. She’s been inappropriately going to the bathroom, meaning inside. Not cool. And it’s not because I don’t let her out enough-she goes out all the time. She’s not eating as much as she used to. She slept all day and now she’s awake tonight. And she doesn’t listen to me (this is not new, she never listens to me). SO maybe she is just having a weird, odd day, but I don’t think this is going to pass. She is AT LEAST 11 years old after all. And 11 for a husky is fairly old. I think she might crank out another couple of years, though, just to spite me.
So tonight I am making Spinach Alfredo Lasagna in the slow cooker. I have high hopes, but also know that I didn’t layer it like the cookbook wanted. Excuse me, but I do not have time to alternate and make fifty layers. So instead I did it how I wanted to and we might end up with lasagna soup, but I think we will survive.
I already set myself up for failure by making too good of food this week. Greek Chicken Wings on Sunday with Cucumber Dill sauce, Turkey Pecan Enchiladas last night…
Chris’ expectations are too high for me right now. I can’t take the pressure!
Okay, later, Chris came home and we had a great dinner. Even though I stray from the recipe, it turned out to be delicious. We might end up having a dinner this week that is just for leftovers, because our fridge is full!
I am so obsessed with SnapChat. It’s the one way that I talk to a lot of people every day. This afternoon I sent out a photo of my garden with the caption, “How doth your garden grow?” I got the funniest responses. Either it was people making sad faces, an entire field of corn, or a photo of one sad, little potted plant. Aside from Sheila, who sent me photos to make me feel bad about all of the changes I am missing out on in my parents’ house. And then when I tell her she’s rude she sends back a photo of her evil cat with the caption, “I’ll show you rude.”
I am trying to get to sleep soon. I took some melatonin because my sleep schedule is off again. I was used to Chris being gone, so I didn’t wake up early in the mornings. Now he’s home, so I have been getting up at weird hours and had lots of trouble getting back to sleep. I need to get to sleep tonight though because tomorrow I am going to D.C. with some of my friends and some of their family from Ohio! We are taking the metro, which is a new experience for me. I’m hoping to test the waters in order to be the perfect tour guide for my parents and brother when they come visit!
Today was one of those days when I just couldn’t help but think about how wonderful of a person my husband is. I have been doing this a lot lately, but today I was thinking about way back when, when we first started dating. Chris always used to play with my ring finger. And whenever I would wear a ring he would play with it. It was always so sweet.
I think I have been watching too much of “The Bachelorette” and “Ready For Love”, but one of the boys did mention that one of the girls just fit perfectly into his arms. I remember thinking that, too. That when Chris would hug me it just felt like I belonged there, like puzzle pieces. He’s sleeping next to me and I can’t help but smile knowing he is mine.
Nalli and I went for a run today. She wore her backpack and we ran three miles. She was exhausted by the time we were done! She was panting like crazy and I felt bad, but she is silent tonight-which she never is. Kids love to talk about our dogs. They always have to say how pretty they are, but today one kid said, “That dog looks like a wolf!” I almost tripped while we were running and one thought went through my brain at that point, “I AM A NURSE WHO DOES NOT OWN A FIRST AID KIT”.
Fail.
I am just about positive that Ruby has doggy Alzheimer’s. She had the UTI a couple of weeks ago and we finished up her pills tonight. I think the UTI has cleared up. Pacing/Anxiousness: She did this tonight. She wanted in then out, and out, and in, and out. She didn’t want to go outside and then she didn’t want to come in. She’s been inappropriately going to the bathroom, meaning inside. Not cool. And it’s not because I don’t let her out enough-she goes out all the time. She’s not eating as much as she used to. She slept all day and now she’s awake tonight. And she doesn’t listen to me (this is not new, she never listens to me). SO maybe she is just having a weird, odd day, but I don’t think this is going to pass. She is AT LEAST 11 years old after all. And 11 for a husky is fairly old. I think she might crank out another couple of years, though, just to spite me.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Busy
Did you know that my husband has never had a strawberry that wasn't bought in a store in his life?
You can imagine my excitement and pride when he tried a strawberry from the garden. The look on his face said it all-best strawberry he'd ever had. He had a look on his face like he had been lied to all of his life and just discovered the truth. I was awfully happy he liked it.
I have a bunch of kiwis ripening on my counter. I'm going to cut them up and dip them in dark chocolate and freeze them. He and I have been stuck on ice cream and other things that are bad for you for too long!
I was brave enough to go to the commissary on an empty stomach, but I returned home with an abundance of healthy food. I am proud of myself. Lately it has just been more important to eat right than not. Of course, today I kind of ate breakfast at 0400 with Chris and now that it is 1915 I have yet to eat anything else.
That's what happens when you wake up with your husband, can't get back to sleep, finally do, sleep in, get up to clean up and go hang out with friends, buy a Banjo How-To book and finally end your day at the commissary. Then you are just plain tired.
I'm making turkey pecan enchiladas for dinner and they should be fabulous so I am excited for that!
I mailed off my best friend Andrea's birthday present today (finally). I'm only about a month late, but she forgives me I'm sure. My birthday is in 18 days and I admit I'm dreading it. Mostly because it makes me more relatable to that Taylor Swift song. I am convinced that she saw all my nasty tweets and Facebook statuses about how annoying I find her, so she released that song this year in spite of me. I am also dreading it because I think a lot of people expect you to become a baby-making factory around this year, and I'm not ready for that. I am really enjoying spending time with my husband and making him happy. And taking care of those damn dogs.
Ruby has three pills left to evacuate her UTI. I think it worked because she doesn't smell nearly as bad.
I just held up a rutabaga in front of my husband and asked him what it was. His first response was "onion", his second was "piece of pottery". What a dork. He makes me so happy. I found myself listening to an old Kelly Clarkson song and wondering what it would have been like to know him back in the day. I think that he was a little too naughty for my goodie-two-shoes taste at the time, but I know he would have intrigued me. He used to have Kelly Clarkson as his cell phone ringtone. That would have made me laugh when I was in high school.
Well, I have nothing more to say. My husband is home and I will spend my evening with him, enjoying every last minute.
You can imagine my excitement and pride when he tried a strawberry from the garden. The look on his face said it all-best strawberry he'd ever had. He had a look on his face like he had been lied to all of his life and just discovered the truth. I was awfully happy he liked it.
I have a bunch of kiwis ripening on my counter. I'm going to cut them up and dip them in dark chocolate and freeze them. He and I have been stuck on ice cream and other things that are bad for you for too long!
I was brave enough to go to the commissary on an empty stomach, but I returned home with an abundance of healthy food. I am proud of myself. Lately it has just been more important to eat right than not. Of course, today I kind of ate breakfast at 0400 with Chris and now that it is 1915 I have yet to eat anything else.
That's what happens when you wake up with your husband, can't get back to sleep, finally do, sleep in, get up to clean up and go hang out with friends, buy a Banjo How-To book and finally end your day at the commissary. Then you are just plain tired.
I'm making turkey pecan enchiladas for dinner and they should be fabulous so I am excited for that!
I mailed off my best friend Andrea's birthday present today (finally). I'm only about a month late, but she forgives me I'm sure. My birthday is in 18 days and I admit I'm dreading it. Mostly because it makes me more relatable to that Taylor Swift song. I am convinced that she saw all my nasty tweets and Facebook statuses about how annoying I find her, so she released that song this year in spite of me. I am also dreading it because I think a lot of people expect you to become a baby-making factory around this year, and I'm not ready for that. I am really enjoying spending time with my husband and making him happy. And taking care of those damn dogs.
Ruby has three pills left to evacuate her UTI. I think it worked because she doesn't smell nearly as bad.
I just held up a rutabaga in front of my husband and asked him what it was. His first response was "onion", his second was "piece of pottery". What a dork. He makes me so happy. I found myself listening to an old Kelly Clarkson song and wondering what it would have been like to know him back in the day. I think that he was a little too naughty for my goodie-two-shoes taste at the time, but I know he would have intrigued me. He used to have Kelly Clarkson as his cell phone ringtone. That would have made me laugh when I was in high school.
Well, I have nothing more to say. My husband is home and I will spend my evening with him, enjoying every last minute.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Banjo Birthday
Although my birthday isn't for almost a month, my husband is such a sweetheart and surprised me with my birthday gift today. I should have known because he surprised me this early last year as well when he bought me my iPhone.
I am pretty oblivious sometimes. Chris said he was going to go to Stafford Uniform and then go grab his guitar from the barracks, so I thought nothing of it when he came into the house with my birthday gift. He set it down in the living room and I was in the other room planning out the menu for the week. He was talking to me from the other room about the stuff we needed to get done this weekend. He asked me to give him a massage so I went over and sat on his back and rubbed it for a while, all the while sitting next to the banjo and not knowing it was right next to me.
This attempt to make me notice didn't work, so Chris went downstairs and sat on the floor and got his phone ready to record me coming down the stairs. Then he yelled up and asked, "MoMo, can you bring my guitar down here, please?" I obliged and laughed at him for taping me because I thought he was videoing me being "trained", but he was actually seeing how long it would take me to figure it out. The fact that the banjo case was a completely different shape, size, and weight didn't really phase me. I noticed it felt different but just figured I hadn't picked it up in a while. The fact that the thread was orange didn't phase me, but I still set it down next to Chris and sat next to him.
He asked me if I would play "Stay" on the guitar for him, and I said I would if I could remember it. So I reached over and as I did...I realized and said out loud, "This.........is not a GUITAR!" Chris cracked up. It was like our engagement all over again. It took me HOURS to notice the ring box in my purse. He should have known how oblivious I can be!
Needless to say, my husband is safe from the naughty list for quite a while.
Well, until today. It was haircut day, as usual on Sunday. Chris wanted to make sure I "didn't make it too motivated". Well guess what? That means it got too motivated it. Because that always jinxes it! It never fails. Well now he looks a little more motivated than he wants to, but it's probably appropriate, seeing as how he is going to be platoon commander soon. I think he is nervous, but I am excited for him because I know he will excel. He always does.
Last night on the grill we made honey lemon chicken thighs. They were absolutely amazing and Chris and I are so proud of ourselves when something turns out on the grill. I have chicken legs marinating in the refrigerator right now for Greek chicken wings with cucumber sauce. I was hoping for something light so I am thinking those should turn out well.
Chris was let loose Friday night in the wee hours of the morning, but early enough to run to Taco Bell with his friends. This is usually not allowed because I have to deal with the aftermath, but after the week he had, I can't really stop him.
The cicadas are horrible. I saw Nalli eat at least three the other day and another three today. She loves them, and it is disgusting! One flew at me while I was outside today and I dropped everything I had an ran. I don't think they would be so bad if it weren't for the noise they make! Chris has been working on his impression of them. They make a different noise when they are flying in to land on you. He actually had one in his helmet while he was trying to shoot this week. He said it was terrifying and disgusting but he had to keep going.
Earlier this week we went to get pedicures. If I have any self esteem, it is always gone by the time I leave a nail salon. I have large feet that are gross because I don't have time to make them look nice and they rub in all of my shoes. So when the lady looks at my feet and asks, "You cut these yourself?" I say yes and she shakes her head.And then when she looks at them and says, "You paint yourself?, I say yes and again she shakes her head. Self esteem-out the window.
So far I have figured out how to play Yankee Doodle and Bunny Foo Foo on the banjo. I'm not taking leaps of learning here, but at least I'm learning!
Chris has a meeting later he has to go to the barracks for, but then he will be back to hang out for a little while before I lose him for the week. It will be so weird to have him home during the night! I can't remember what it's like he's been gone so long! I have also realized I am terrible at feeding him lunch, because I'm not used to doing it. Luckily we have had lots of leftovers for him to browse through.
I am pretty oblivious sometimes. Chris said he was going to go to Stafford Uniform and then go grab his guitar from the barracks, so I thought nothing of it when he came into the house with my birthday gift. He set it down in the living room and I was in the other room planning out the menu for the week. He was talking to me from the other room about the stuff we needed to get done this weekend. He asked me to give him a massage so I went over and sat on his back and rubbed it for a while, all the while sitting next to the banjo and not knowing it was right next to me.
This attempt to make me notice didn't work, so Chris went downstairs and sat on the floor and got his phone ready to record me coming down the stairs. Then he yelled up and asked, "MoMo, can you bring my guitar down here, please?" I obliged and laughed at him for taping me because I thought he was videoing me being "trained", but he was actually seeing how long it would take me to figure it out. The fact that the banjo case was a completely different shape, size, and weight didn't really phase me. I noticed it felt different but just figured I hadn't picked it up in a while. The fact that the thread was orange didn't phase me, but I still set it down next to Chris and sat next to him.
He asked me if I would play "Stay" on the guitar for him, and I said I would if I could remember it. So I reached over and as I did...I realized and said out loud, "This.........is not a GUITAR!" Chris cracked up. It was like our engagement all over again. It took me HOURS to notice the ring box in my purse. He should have known how oblivious I can be!
Needless to say, my husband is safe from the naughty list for quite a while.
Well, until today. It was haircut day, as usual on Sunday. Chris wanted to make sure I "didn't make it too motivated". Well guess what? That means it got too motivated it. Because that always jinxes it! It never fails. Well now he looks a little more motivated than he wants to, but it's probably appropriate, seeing as how he is going to be platoon commander soon. I think he is nervous, but I am excited for him because I know he will excel. He always does.
Last night on the grill we made honey lemon chicken thighs. They were absolutely amazing and Chris and I are so proud of ourselves when something turns out on the grill. I have chicken legs marinating in the refrigerator right now for Greek chicken wings with cucumber sauce. I was hoping for something light so I am thinking those should turn out well.
Chris was let loose Friday night in the wee hours of the morning, but early enough to run to Taco Bell with his friends. This is usually not allowed because I have to deal with the aftermath, but after the week he had, I can't really stop him.
The cicadas are horrible. I saw Nalli eat at least three the other day and another three today. She loves them, and it is disgusting! One flew at me while I was outside today and I dropped everything I had an ran. I don't think they would be so bad if it weren't for the noise they make! Chris has been working on his impression of them. They make a different noise when they are flying in to land on you. He actually had one in his helmet while he was trying to shoot this week. He said it was terrifying and disgusting but he had to keep going.
Earlier this week we went to get pedicures. If I have any self esteem, it is always gone by the time I leave a nail salon. I have large feet that are gross because I don't have time to make them look nice and they rub in all of my shoes. So when the lady looks at my feet and asks, "You cut these yourself?" I say yes and she shakes her head.And then when she looks at them and says, "You paint yourself?, I say yes and again she shakes her head. Self esteem-out the window.
So far I have figured out how to play Yankee Doodle and Bunny Foo Foo on the banjo. I'm not taking leaps of learning here, but at least I'm learning!
Chris has a meeting later he has to go to the barracks for, but then he will be back to hang out for a little while before I lose him for the week. It will be so weird to have him home during the night! I can't remember what it's like he's been gone so long! I have also realized I am terrible at feeding him lunch, because I'm not used to doing it. Luckily we have had lots of leftovers for him to browse through.
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