Monday, April 4, 2011

Blog Fail...and a Sweet Proposal

I am a complete blog-failure. Not only did I initially cheat on the 100 Things About Me posts from this weekend, I wasn't even smart enough to finish and schedule the second half. It is currently hanging out in my post queue, about half-done and waiting to be displayed to the world.

I am currently so extremely busy with school (one take-home essay test in particular that is totally kicking my ass) that I can't even begin to think about a real blog post.
So, for now, you get this....Enjoy!


(A friend of mine proposing to his girlfriend on stage at one of their shows. Too sweet!)

Saturday, April 2, 2011

100 Things About Me: DAY 1

Ladies, I have so much going on this weekend, that I am totally cheating. That's right.
I planned these two posts in advance. Between homework, interviewing new tenants for my apartment, helping run moot-court practice day and preparing for a long month of classes and finals, I just couldn't give you my undivided attention this weekend.

Instead, I am tagging in at Megan Writes to tell you 100 things about me.

Today, I will do the first 50 and tomorrow will be the last 50.

1. I am the oldest of five: with ages ranging from 21 - 3
2. Next year, I will get my law degree after 7 years of college. I still plan to go back and get a Masters and PhD in Public Administration. I love school and am always looking for ways to learn more.
3. I'm a nail-biter. I've gotten better in recent years, but it's still a work in progress.
4. I have never lived in the same house with my husband. We've been long-distance our entire relationship while he serves in the Army and I attend school. That will, thankfully, change this summer.
5. I miss the days of being a kid when building snow forts, playing tag and having slumber parties was the entirety of my life.
6. I'm afraid of feet. Actually, mostly just disgusted. I've even had nightmares about them.
7. I love working out. Sometimes, though, I get so caught up in seeing results that I forget to really enjoy it.
8. I want to one day learn how to swing dance, box and surf.
9. I am certain that I should have been born in a warmer state, probably in the south.
10. I could live on pasta, fruit and Maple Nut ice cream, but I'd probably weigh 300 lbs.
11. I promised myself I'd marry the first man that could beat me in an argument. I found someone who can (but only when he has to...)
12. And his dog tags and camo make my stone-cold heart melt into a puddle!
13. Sometimes I think about leaving all my responsibilities behind and just traveling the world using whatever means necessary to get me from place to place.
14. I bought my first brand new car at 20. I paid it off last summer. It was one of the most "adult" feelings I've ever had.
15. The sexiest part of a man is his mind. The second is the muscle crease right above the pelvic bone.
16. I would love to have a natural athletic ability. I've always enjoyed sports and activity, but was never very good at any of them.
17. My sister will always be cooler than me. She will always be better at sports (and most anything), always be more attractive to guys, and she will always put herself first. Even then, I will still go to the ends of the world for her.
18. My hair has been every length possible, from 2 ft. to 2 inches. I have, however, only dyed it once and will never do that again.
19. I don't cook. It's not that I'm terrible at it, but rather that I don't enjoy it and therefore don't take the time to get better.
20. I saw my first Minnesota Twins (baseball) game when I was 18 months old. I have been to a game every year since, on my birthday. This will be the first year that doesn't happen.
21. There is a song for every emotion, feeling and experience. They are usually country songs.
22. I get tested for cancer every 6 months. Instead of praying for the results to come back negative, I pray for the strength to fight once they inevitably come back positive.
23. I am patriotic to my core. I have little tolerance for people who don't vote, don't support the military or think they are "entitled" to anything.
24. Instead, I respect hard work, civic awareness and loyalty.
25. I want to own two dogs: a boxer named Scout and a Boston Terrier named Junior.
26. A glass of whiskey, a pair of heels and a dance beat make for a great night. A good book, cozy sweats and an omelet make for an even better morning.
27. I am getting better at saving money, which I owe entirely to my step-dad and my husband.
28. I don't believe in being anyone other than who I am and often times that means being unapproachable or intimidating. Or just a bitch.
29. I believe that sometimes eating healthy means eating something that heals your heart.
30. I would rather someone compliment my intelligence or personality rather than my looks.
31. I own 72 pairs of shoes. They take up half of my closet. I have more on my "wishlist."
32. I believe in living with no regrets. Mistakes, blessings, and hardships all happen for a reason.
33. I hate washing the dishes. I have never had a dishwasher and hand-washing is so tedious. Most likely, Al will simply have to be in charge of this dishes at our house or they simply won't get done.
34. I am more of an adult then my father will ever be, and I am more like my mom then I care to say.
35. I can't start my morning without a cup of coffee. No exceptions.
36. The older I get the more I want a house and kids and the less I want to marry my work.
37. This is hard for me since I have worked hard to get where I am and the whole thing feels so traditional.
38. I think a great suit can make any man look like a million bucks.
39. A big smile and great sense of humor can do the same.
40. I wonder if anyone is still reading this and actually cares that much about my life to continue.
41. I am addicted to chapstick. I have to re-apply on a near-constant basis. I carry a stick in my purse, one next to my bed, one at my desk at work and one usually in my car.
42. My car is a manual. I love driving a stick shift and I don't think I could ever buy an automatic again.
43. I cannot wait to finish my law degree so I can read for fun again.
44. I can speak German. I wouldn't say I'm fluent, but give me a month over there and I would be.
45. My husband is spontaneous, funny, even-keeled and patient. These are all things I am not.
46. In undergrad, I had two close girlfriends. Everyone else I considered a friend was male. That has changed as I've gotten older. Either I'm more mature or women in general are.
47. My mother is the greatest woman I know. She is truly an example of strength and class and she has the purest heart I know.
48. I almost always get dressed around a pair of shoes or another accessory. This usually makes getting ready more difficult, but well worth it.
49. Sitting at home, with a glass of wine and a movie, is almost always a better date night then a fancy dinner. (But I still like dressing up for a nice meal once in a while!)
50. My biggest fear is failure. Failure to show everyone who thinks I have it together that they're right; failure to meet my own goals and leave a mark on this world. I'm afraid to be mediocre.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the last 50.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Cyber Garage Sale Follow Up

When I first made this suggestion in mid-March, I got enough positive feedback, that I thought I would move forward with the idea.

I am working out a Paypal account to help with payments and such and I am going to need some time to take photos, but hopefully in the next couple of weeks, we will launch a cyber-garage sale.

My thoughts are that I would simply provide a Linky List and people can link-up and sell whatever they want.
One item, 20 items, shoes, CD's, whatever!
I can leave it open for as long as people are interested.

If you are interested in selling OR buying, start advertising the sale on your blog so we can get others interested. And if anyone would like to help (say, with a stellar button or helping me figure out the Paypal thing) that would be greatly appreciated. And probably warrant 20% off any item at my sale!

Expect the launch in the next two weeks. In the meantime, start looking for items you can sell or things you'd like to add to your closets. This is going to be lots of fun!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

My Wonderful Weekend

Last weekend was truly amazing.
Of course, I have no pictures to share, but that's mostly because we didn't have any BIG experiences. Instead, we got a taste of what OUR life, together, looks like.

When I got in on Thursday, he left work shortly to pick me up. Therefore I had to go back with him so he could finish the day and then bring me home.
I met his COC and saw where he works. I met the soliders in his squad that report to him.
I was there less than 10 minutes when I was recruited for the FRG by his CO (whose wife happens to be the FRG leader.) It was really great to see where he works and meet the guys he works with everyday. Mostly because I figured he was lying about how busy he really is! (Or not!)

After we left post, we hit up Wal-mart and bought new bedding and a few other stuff for around the home. I finally got to see the new place, add some of my own touches and leave some clothes in the closet down there. And for the first time, EVER, I went to bed next to my husband in OUR new bed, with OUR new sheets.

The next morning, I got up with him and had breakfast and coffee before he left for work. I spent the morning getting some homework, blogging, e-mailing, etc...done and then got ready for the day. Al picked me up around 11 to head back to post so I could get entered into DEERS, get my ID card and sign up for Tricare.
I am an official Army wife.

We did some more shopping for the apartment, including hitting the thrift store on post.
I found an awesome wood bench for $8 that I am going to sand and stain and put on the deck.
It will be a perfect little seating area for the one side of the deck we don't have furniture.
We bought Al a grill, using the gift cards we'd received as gifts for our wedding.

On Saturday night, we invited another couple over for dinner: steak, corn on the cob and rolls. I made individual Jello desserts with cool whip. It was so amazing to entertain people in our home; to make dinner with my husband; to have another couple to chat with.

Sunday was my last day and we spent most of it just lounging around. I finally got Al to try sushi for the first time and while it won't be a regular dining experience for us, it sounds like he's willing to have it once-in-a-while. He did find some rolls he likes so I'm sure I'll be able to drag him with me once or twice a month.

This past weekend made me realize just how much I want Al around.
Getting back to my real life and my empty bed has been very hard.
I've been in a total funk this week.
Everything has been "off" and I can't seem to steer myself down the right road.
I've been sulking. I've been going through the motions and giving minimal effort to my life.
And I've been sleeping like crap.
We've managed this long-distance life-style for over 2 years now.
It's had ups and downs, but we've made it work.
And frankly, I'm ready for it to be over.

I want every weekend to be like last weekend.
And we're close. We're so very, very close.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Answers

I owe people some answers to the questions that were asked on Day One of my Blog-a-Versary celebration.

Annoyed asked...
Are you buying yourself a new pair of shoes to celebrate?

Oh, how I wish I could. Alas, Al and I are on a diligent savings plan for the months of April and May since I am moving in May and we need all our extra cash for my travel and to whip the apartment into shape when I get there. I guess I'll just have to wear one of the new pairs in my closet (I have two that I can think of that have never been on my feet!)

Whitney at Everything Happens for a Reason asked...
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Definitely as a mother and wife and definitely working in some legal capacity.
I love my career and I know that I will be a part of it.
Really, those are the only two things that are real "guarantees" at this point in my life.
We still revisit the idea of re-enlistment on a regular basis and we still look at options, even as civilians, of places we would like to live.
We have the important things figured out: we want to be together, we want to have a family and we want to live whatever life we do have to the best of our ability!

Just a Girl asked...
What are you most looking forward to completing on your summer goals list?

Out of all my summer goals, there are TWO that I am really looking forward to (besides the obvious of spending time with my husband!)
1. Taking a boxing class.
I've been wanting to for SO long and while I was down this past weekend, we found an instructor on post that will offer me a two week course.
2. Reading 10 books
Reading...for fun is something I just don't get to do while in law school. I read so much already that I usually pick up a magazine if my brain needs the break. So simply, yet something I miss SO much!

And Samantha at Navy Doll asked...
If you could give advice to your teenage self, what would you say?

I LOVE this question!

If I could give advice to my teenage self, I would say...
Love yourself. Only when you are true to yourself, embrace your character and respect who you are will others do the same. Stop trying to impress the world and just be who you are. That is more than good enough for your family, your friends (the ones who matter) and the man who will be your future husband!
Oh, and don't worry that you haven't gotten boobs yet. You will (and you'll wish they were smaller!)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Winners!


There were so few entries for my giveaways that I changed it up a bit.
That, and I was tired and emotional when I left El Paso the other night and never picked up a chotskie for the 3rd prize.

Instead, I will be giving away a $10 gift code for Amazon.com!
You can use it on anything you'd like.

Winner #1
The winner of the Jenny the Milspouse Comic Book is...



Winner #2
The winner of the nautical bracelet is...
Mrs. K. (and her preggo belly!) from Mrs. K. and Captain J



Winner #3
The winner of the Amazon.com gift card is...


Please e-mail me by Friday with your address so I can send your prizes.
Thank you for celebrating my Blog-a-Versary with me!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Exhaustion

I am trying so very hard to muster the energy to tell you all about my weekend, but I just can't.
Other than the 2-ish hours of sleep I got on the flight and the 2-ish hour nap I got before class, I haven't slept since yesterday morning.
That said, it's time for bed.
Please forgive me.

Airport #2

My return flight was a red-eye, which I had planned thinking it would give me all day Sunday with Al and I could get home early morning and just start my day right then.
Maybe hit the gym and then a coffee shop, get some homework done and head to morning class.

It didn't go quite as planned...
Al dropped me off (and didn't come in - goodbyes just plain suck and we try to make them short and sweet) with plenty of time after what I went through on my flight down there.
My layover went just fine and I had plenty of time to get some grading done and read one of my assignments for the week. We even arrived in Minneapolis 30 minutes earlier then planned.

This is great, I thought. I can head home and maybe even sneak in a nap!

45 minutes later we are still on the plane.
The "gate hallway" that you walk through when you deplane was broken.
(deplane! deplane! - - Name that movie?)
I'm still not sure if they couldn't get it to work, of if there simply wasn't someone there to operate it since we got in early. Either way, we had to stay on the plane until they got it working. At one point, they were going to pull us to another gate and get off there, but by the time they finished getting all the luggage out, they figured out the problem and we were able to get off.

I didn't have luggage on this trip, since I'd left my summer clothes in the new place. So I headed to my car (which my parents were nice enough to drive over there and park for me so I could drive myself home from the airport.) The idea was to save money on a cab and not burden any of my friends/family with getting up that early to come get me. (It was 4:30 AM afterall.)

By the time I got home, got into my house and unloaded my bags, I was spent.
My plan to hit the gym and make the most of my early morning was soured by my bad mood.
I was exhausted, sad and just emotionally drained.
So I went to bed.

I will tell you all about how fabulous my weekend was and I will announce the winners of the giveaways tonight. In the meantime, I've got another 3 hours of class and 3 hours of studying.
Man, the real world really sucks!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Spring Swap

I'm doing this...
...and you should too!

So head on over and link up!
Do it now!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Topsy Turvy Tomatoes

Al left for work early this morning.
I got up with him so we could have coffee together.
It really is the little things that make life special.
Better yet, I haven't gone back to bed.
Instead, I took advantage of the morning to look around the apartment a little more and get some ideas of what will need to be done when I come down in a little over a month.

I have to give Al credit, because the place does look great.
It's not a bachelor pad with beer boxes for a coffee table and neon signs that read "naked ladies inside." He's done an absolutely amazing job of setting up the basics in a clean and organized way. And it looks good to boot!

Of course, there are a few (read: a lot) of things I will need to do, such as decorating and pulling the whole thing together with side tables, plants, lamps, etc...
And, of course, getting rid of some of the guy touches that are there (like the tools in the linen closet and the bottom shelf of the bookcase that he's using as a shoe rack.)

One thing in particular that I just can't get over: he started growing some tomato plants on the deck. One is the regular sized tomatoes and the other is a cherry tomato plant. He started them in a little glass and then roots them into a foam base and hangs them upside, hence the "topsy turvy" name.

Last night, when we were standing out on the deck smoking, his neighbor yelled over and asked him about the tomatoes. Apparently her husband has been admiring them for days. She pointed out two other neighbors that have "copied" his idea and started their own topsy turvy tomato plants on their decks/patios.

Seriously. My masculine soldier-man is growing tomatoes and all the old ladies in our complex have sought him out for advice and inspiration. He's so proud of himself and that makes it even cuter. Really, though, I can't wait for the summer to really turn this into a home!