When fit hits the shan...

Had a pretty interesting day, which I will share in detail tomorrow.

Al and I had a heated discussion/fight/argument which we resolved after about an hour on MSN. I am continually impressed at how well we fight. I know that sounds funny but I think a good indicator of the health of a relationship is when you can fight honestly, respectfully, and fairly. We're lucky in that fighting fair has never been a problem for us and I am proud of how well we deal with conflicts when they come up. And pardon me for saying so, but it's a total turn-on to be able to duke it out, resolve an issue and still think the man on the other side is the sexiest one I know. Perhaps even more so.

That, however, was not the most exciting part of my day. That came later, when I had a sit-down with my roommate. If you recall, I was having some issues with him (and his girlfriend). The solution to these problems has been for me to move out, which is happening in July. I have a month-to-month lease and could have (probably should have) left sooner, but chose to give him the respect of staying until July so I didn't stick him with any bills. Which is why what happened was such a slap in the face.

Stay tuned for more...

Random Rambling's Blog Hop

I am excited to have a blog hop out there for those of us under 100 followers! It's an excellent way to meet new people and get out there. I hope to get to know each and every one of you!

Here is my bio:

I am a 26-year-old law student in my home state of Minnesota. My boyfriend is serving in the US Army, currently in Iraq, but normally stationed in TX. We've been LD our entire relationship, but we've known each other for about 6 years.

I'm a city girl who, after a few hard knocks as a teen, learned I need to work hard and kick some a** (literally and figuratively) if I wanted to make it in this world.

I have a great family; a close relationship with my mom and step-dad and my sister is my best friend. I also have three half-siblings who I adore. I grew up in a religious house-hold, but determined my path of spirituality wasn't going to be in a church so much as in the privacy of my home with only God to answer to.

I am a conservative Republican, a patriot, and a registered voter, all of which are extremely important to me.

I eat more pasta than any one person should and I have a BIG sweet tooth. Other than that, I eat healthy and work out a few times per week. I'm addicted to chapstick and blogging (which has cured me of my Facebook addiction!) I like shoes, music and whiskey and any combination of the three can't be wrong.

I can change my oil and put on a spare tire and I am NOT a domestic goddess in any way at all. I speak German. I read, write and sing (although I'm not great at the latter.)

I am the biggest Minnesota Twins fan you'll EVER meet and I love hockey and football. I was a gymnast for 6 years and I still coach girls classes. I enjoy boxing, yoga, softball and anything that gets me outside and active.

I love my life. School is a lot of work, but I am so happy to have the opportunity. Long-distance sucks (especially when you're unmarried) but I am blessed to be with the man of my dreams and proud we have chosen a timeline that works for us. I am also honored to be a part of what he's doing. I really wouldn't choose anything better than what I have now.

See the profile above for more information about me, him and how I met him. There is also a link to some more facts about me.

I would like to encourage anyone to ask questions. I am not shy about anything and would happily answer any questions you have. Much love!

My Trip to the Farm

Thursday morning I woke up early, packed my overnight bag, filled my car with gas and drove 2 hours out of town to visit Al's parents. Al grew up on a hog farm, which his parents still own and operate. It was wonderful to see them, cut-off from connections (Although I cheated and connected to their wi-fi from my cell when Al tried to get a hold of me - that's one person I won't cut off from) and get some quiet and fresh air.

I'm a city girl through-and-through, so the miles of dirt roads and horrendous pig smell are not exactly my cup of tea. On the other hand, there's something completely beautiful about the worn-out and loved buildings sitting on a natural backdrop; old churches and roads that go on forever. Enjoy my pictures below.

And it wouldn't be the country without the proper mode of transportation and a designated parking space for it!

Back to Reality

Hello all! I missed you. I know, I know. I only cut myself off(and didn't really, which I'll explain later) for a couple of days, but it really felt like an eternity.

On the other hand, I had an amazing time with Al's family. I enjoyed getting away from the city for a few nights and I got some cool pictures. I will post some of those later as well as catch up commenting on some of your posts. I am still reading about everything I missed.

Time to shower the hog barn and dirt road smell off me and I'll be back later.

Friday From Afar

(**I swear that I'm not cheating on my "no internet" pact for the week, I am writing this in advance. I just cannot let down my avid readers (ahem, Ms. Kay) and not post regularly.)

Enjoy some tidbits about me, from A to Z.

A. AREA CODE: I will forever be a 612 girl

B. BED SIZE: Queen. I love it. But it's certainly a LOT bigger when he's gone.

C. CHORE YOU HATE: I loathe doing the dishes. I would rather clean the bathroom toilet then scrape food and gunk off the pots and pans.

D. DOG'S NAME: None. I really, really want one, but it simply wouldn't be fair to a dog when I'm gone 10-12 hours each day.

E. ESSENTIAL "START THE DAY!" ITEM: Coffee

F. FAVORITE COLOR: Blue

G. GOLD OR SILVER: White Gold or Platinum

H. HEIGHT: 5' 9"

I. INSTRUMENTS YOU PLAY: I can play a couple of notes (not songs) on the piano, trombone and recorder (shout out to 4th grade!) But I can (sort of) sing. I would make one sad one-man band.

J. Job: Student

K. KIDS: None, someday definitely

L. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: 2 bedroom apartment in the city with my best (guy) friend. This will, however, be changing very soon as I am moving to a new house about a mile away. I love living in the city and close to school so that will not be changing.

N. NICKNAME: Mel, Melba, and Baby (from Al)

M. MOM'S NAME: Julie




O. OVERNIGHT HOSPITAL STAY: None.




P. PET PEEVE: Bad drivers. 'Nuff said. 90 % of the people on the planet don't understand basic concepts of signaling, turning, merging and the proper use of the fast lane. If you are one of them, leave the road to those of us who do.




Q. QUOTE FROM A MOVIE: It's more of a scene or passage:

"It's hard being left behind.

I wait for Henry, not knowing where he is, wondering if he's okay.

It's hard to be the one who stays.

I keep myself busy. Time goes faster that way.

I go to sleep alone, and wake up alone.

I take walks. I work until I'm tired.

I watch the wind play with the trash that's been under the snow all winter.

Everything seems simple until you think about it.

Why is love intensified by absence?

I won't ever leave you, even though you're always leaving me."

Audrey Neffinger, The Time Traveler's Wife

R. RIGHTY OR LEFTY?: Righty

S. SIBLINGS: 1 sister = Ginger, 2 half-sisters = Em and Sophie, 1 half-brother = B.G.

T. TIME YOU WAKE UP: 0600 - I am slowly becoming a morning person because the older I get the less my brain functions at night and the more I need my mornings to get things done. I figure once Al and I live together, this will come in handy to correspond with his early mornings.

U. UNDERWEAR: Love me some Vicky's!

V. VEGGIE YOU DISLIKE: Radishes - otherwise, I love veggies!

W. WAYS/REASONS YOU ARE LATE: It rarely happens, but if it does it's definitely because I was doing something on the computer and lost track of time OR I didn't estimate the appropriate amount of traffic to get somewhere.

X. XRAYS YOU'VE HAD: Teeth, back (2), right knee (4), left wrist (2), right wrist (2) and right ankle (1).




Y. YUMMY FOOD YOU MAKE: I don't "make" a whole lot of anything. I am not a cook in any sense of the word. I eat a lot of pasta and easy chicken and fish dishes. I do make a great dessert called Portafina that I reserve for special occasions since it has wine in it.

Z. ZOO ANIMALS YOU LIKE: Monkeys. Definitely monkeys.

Out of Range

I will be leaving early today to head out to the farm. Al's parents own a hog farm and since I have some free time right now, I figured I'd take this opportunity to get out of the city for a couple of days and visit them.

Cell service is usually limited and I really want to "cut myself off" for a couple days so I will NOT be bringing my laptop. (I'm only 2 hours away if I start getting hives or other withdrawal symptoms.)

I really don't have anything "planned" while I'm there, just some eating and drinking (those small-town folk are excellent at both!)

I might help his dad build a deck and do some other work around the farm.

I will definitely take some cool photos and sleep in. I'm bringing a stack of books to read.

No matter what I do, I am really looking forward to spending some time with his parents. After all, they miss him too.

Don't forget to vote on my entry for the writing contest.

You can read it below. Then click on the link and vote on her sidebar.

Much love and see you in a couple of days!

I'm a Sweet Blog!

Yesterday, I received my first-ever blog award! I am now a recognized Sweet Blog, thanks to Star at Star Spangled Stockings. I am so excited!

I feel like I've been toting around my ratty guitar in Nashville for 5 years and I finally made it big! It is now my duty and privilege to pass this recognition on to 10 fellow bloggers of my choosing. With the power bestowed upon me by the blog-o-sphere, I award YOU the Sweet Blog Award!

1. Ashley at Ashley Amazing

2. Laura at Diamonds and Dog Tags

3. Brandi at Excess Baggage

4. Julie at Julie the Army Wife

5. Ashley at Raising Brats

6. Noel at Issued to a Soldier

7. Jessica at Me, Him and the Army

8. Kaylee at Small Wonders

9. Skinnie Piggie at Skinnie Piggie

10. Jessica at Semper Simply Blessed

Go forth and blog! (Apologies if you've been recognized with this award before...I tried to pick people who had under a certain amount of followers and like me, were just getting more recognition!)

What My Job (as a Military-SO) Means to Me...

Married to a Sailor is hosting a blog-o-sphere writing contest for us milspouses and mil-SO's out there. I decided to enter (mostly because I'm no longer studying and need something to do with my evenings alone...) Behold, what my job as a mil-SO means to me...

It means living everyday with honor, pride and patriotism,

It means accepting change, authority and reality,

It means having strength, fortitude and resilience,

As well as patience and tenacity.

It means supporting your man, your military and its families,

It means knowing your limits, your needs and the code,

It means expressing the fears, the joys and the heartache,

And honest emotions, both good and bad.

It means loving your solider, yourself and your country,

It means understanding good-byes, and the means to an end,

It means shedding tears and losing time,

And gaining pounds and friends.

It means joining a family of history and muscle,

It means embracing reunions, your kids and each other,

It means keeping up the tradition, ceremony and song,

In red, white and blue colors.

It means learning to fight fair, love hard and forgive,

It means giving your all, your body and soul,

It means appreciating all life has to offer,

And playing all the roles.

It means being the backbone and heartbeat of America.

Sometimes, the Army sucks!

I have a lot of updating to do. Please bear with me for an array of information, with a range of emotion.

I'll start with the good...

I OFFICIALLY finished my first year of law school yesterday. As a reward my girlfriend Linus and I jumped in a car and drove a few hours north to see my Home Free boys in concert and spend the night in a hotel, drinking and celebrating. We had a good time.

What was NOT a good time was the call I got on the drive up there. Al was asked to stay back with another troop while his returns home as planned. We're still not sure if it's 2 weeks or 2 months or what it all really means. It is the Army, after all.

What I do know is that it totally sucks.

We (with naive hope of the plans being somewhat solidified) made plans for the month of August, including a Twins game for my birthday. Now, we will have to change some things around; I'll probably be back in school as opposed to enjoying summer break; and well, it's just that much longer before we see each other. And it really sucks.

I did my duty as a mil-SO and stayed calm and understanding.

I reacted less to the news then he did, which is certainly rare. Al was pissed. Rightfully so.

It's another one of those things we sign up for. Waiting. Hurrying-up and waiting some more.

Then there are some tears and usually more waiting.

Just when I want to stomp my feet and throw a standard issue military SO temper tantrum, I am reminded of the beauty of our military and our country. I am also reminded that he's still going to wake up tomorrow, call me again and we're going to make it.

And it could be worse...

There is that call, that none of us want to receive;

telling us the news that none of us want to hear.

My fellow-blogger, A Little Pink in a World of Camo, recently lost her husband. They have a girl less than one-year-old. She was brave enough to share on her blog a beautiful video of her husband and his home-coming.

Please watch. Be warned that it is sad.

In the same way that everything in the military is, it is also serene, inspiring and hopeful.

Stay tuned for a post tonight on what it means to me to be a military spouse (or girlfriend, in my case.) I am writing this post as part of a military spouse writing contest, which I will provide details on later.

Places to Travel

I like to travel. This may sound funny, but I think it's sort of genetic. Although she was born here in Minnesota, where both my grandparents are from, my mother grew up in Bermuda (birth to 2), Japan (2-5, where my aunt was born) and Germany (kindergarten through graduation.) My grandfather was a military school teacher and in Germany a vice-principal for almost 30 years.

My mother spent the majority of her youth running around Europe and she was an excellent skier as a teen. Even when she was 4 months pregnant with me, she was still hitting the slopes of the Alps.

This is why I think I was predisposed to travel. That and my fierce independence. The first place on my bucket-list of places to visit is, you guessed it, Germany. There's something special about seeing the place where your family grew up. Plus, I might as well start with a place where I can actually speak the language.

(This isn't the most beautiful picture of Germany, but it's of Bitburg, where my mom grew up.)

The second place I'd like to travel is Santorini, Greece. I think it looks like the most beautiful place in the world. A place where people live for and near the water, fishing as the primary trade. Things are simple and pretty and that's all that matters.

The third place I'd like to visit is kind of silly, but still true. I want to go to Disney World (that's the Florida one, right? The California one just doesn't sound as fun.) I never got to go as a kid and do all the "world of imagination" stuff that everyone does. This is probably one that won't get crossed off until I have kids of my own but you can bet your ass that I will revert to a little girl, taking pictures with all the princesses and making myself sick on all the rides. My kids will probably be embarrassed.

Fourth, I want to visit Japan. More specifically, Mt. Fuji. My grandfather climbed it when he was out there. I definitely want to visit Tokyo and see the city, but climbing that mountain and standing where he stood sounds like a great adventure and accomplishment.

Fifth, I want to visit New York City. I want to stand in Times Square, see a Broadway show, ride a carriage through Central Park and all the other silly, touristy things. And then I want to leave. (Baz Luhrman said it best: "see New York City once but leave before it makes you hard.")

Sixth, I want to visit Prague, Czech Republic. I'm not sure why. I've heard that it's a beautiful city rich with culture and history. It's not cliche like Paris, France. It's eastern Europe at it's finest.

Finally, (although I'm sure more will come as I go through my life) I want to visit Phuket, Thailand. Somewhere exotic and exciting where I can lay on the beach, maybe even naked, and just relax. Really, truly, relax.

Hopefully, I can get to these places in my life. Build memories and experience the world they way other people see it.

Sara Evans has a song, "Born to Fly."

I've been telling my dreams to the scarecrow,

About the places that I'd like to see,

I said "friend do you think, I'll ever get there?"

Oh, but he just stands there smilin' back at me.

But how do you wait for heaven?

And who has that much time?

How do you keep your feet on the ground,

When you know that you were born,

born to fly.