The Garbage Storm and a PD Patch

I brought Miss Caroline to the airport late last night after a wonderful three days together.

We got great (although unsurprisingly hot) weather...during the day.

Once evening rolled around, we got a lot of this:

(Caroline's photo)

This is how it storms in the desert. It will be torrential downpour one mile from where you're standing (usually in or near the mountains) and be perfectly clear nearby. The other weird part about the storms here is the extreme wind. Sand storms are pretty normal and with rain usually comes 30-40 mph winds. The other night we dubbed it "the garbage storm of 2011," for obvious reasons. It's dirty down here and there is a lot of garbage so when the wind kicks up, garbage is often flying everywhere.

In addition to freak weather, we had an adventure like only we can. Caroline's BF is a cop in Minnesota and he collects police badges from different precincts where he visits. So he asked Caroline and I to locate an MP patch and an El Paso PD patch for his collection.

The MP patch was easy. We went to a GI Outfitters a mile from post and paid $6. Done.

The EPPD patch? Not so easy. Actually, it was plenty easy, we just chose to make it harder then it had to be. We were told that if you go to the cop-shop and "swap" patches, it's usually a pretty smooth process. We weren't comfortable just waltzing into a police station (you know, because we both have so much to hide) for whatever reason, so we tried to visit a couple uniform shops first. 6 stops later and we found one place that had them but wouldn't sell them without a department ID, which we obviously didn't have.

After contemplating getting pulled over for a speeding ticket in order to find a cop who could help, we drove to the station where we were greeted by a lovely older lady at the front desk. Within 10 minutes extremely good-looking Sgt. Johnny was shaking our hands. He was apparently the resident "swapper" and was more then happy to give us a patch. He also asked for contact info so he could arrange additional swaps in the future. Clearly, we had no reason to avoid the police station. At least it created an adventure in the process.

The rest of our time was spent playing Yahtzee, drinking beer margaritas and wine, shopping, sushi, and laying by the pool. It was a great week and I am so lucky to have a bestie that sensed my need for some "back-home" company and haul her butt down here to hang with me. I'm seriously a lucky girl.

Now it's time to switch gears, put on my packing pants and prepare for my last week in Texas.

It's going to be a crazy week...

Corinne Bailey Rae

This is one artist who speaks to me through both her voice and lyrics. She's a storyteller and a truly talented vocalist. Below are some of my favorite Corinne Bailey Rae songs.

Buy American

While I enjoy my time with my bestie, I thought I would share an interesting thing I found.

We've heard a lot of talk about another possible shutdown and issues with the government not being able to pay off their debts. There is a lot of good information going around, along with a lot of crappy, misinformed and just-plain-wrong information. While I have a lot I could say on the issue, I'd prefer not to contribute to the political blah-blah-blah while I am still under-researched and emotionally biased. Then, while reading my daily blogs, I found the following articles.

One of the best ways that we, as an everyday society, can help with the looming debt. (Beyond the obvious of managing our personal debts properly and living on healthy budgets.)

A great (albeit not always easy) way to contribute is to buy American products as much as possible. It won't always be possible, but it is a great way to use our consumer power (one of the few affective powers we actually maintain) and give the money to our country. Support local businesses and companies that are home-based, manufactured and distributed in America. It might not be a lot, but it's something and it does help.

Check out these resources for tons of information along these lines, along with a listing of all the American-based companies and products. Happy Spending!

How to Buy American

Made in the USA

American Made Matters

Crafting: Dry Erase Boards

After running across this pin:

Source: thecreativeplace.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I knew I needed to replace our current dry erase board...

With something better.

(Seriously, it's big, ugly, cheap-looking and it's dented!)

So I pulled some old frames out of a box, grabbed a trusty can of Krylon and made these:

Our kitchen is mostly white and black, but we have a few red accents and these go perfectly.

Al's comment: "I don't like the bright color. And...well...I can't use it. It's too small."

{pause}

"You like weird things."

That's right, baby. I do like weird things and these are going up on the wall while you're at work today. I'm sneaky like that.

The Best Bestie

Tomorrow, I get the joy of picking my best girl up from the airport for 3 whole days of debauchery. While we have no specific plans, I expect it will consist of a lot of iced drinks and plenty of time by the pool.

More importantly, it will be a great time to catch up and enjoy a few days of summer in a way that only we can. While preparing for her arrival, I've been reminiscing over all our past summers (all 14 of them) and the memories we've made.

Whether we're in High School waiting to meet one of our heartthrobs (Josh Hartnett, here...)

Or in college, skipping class to lay on the lake...

Or downtown at the club, dancing our butts off...

(Note the appearance of my post-Navy haircut)

Or in Las Vegas doing the same...

Or just being "us" in any way we can...

I know we'll have a good time!

Here's to many more summer, full of drinks, laughs and memories - This vid's for you.

Love you, girl!

Mil-Spouse Friday Fill-in

Now that I've launched my new blog, I have been struggling to keep this one interesting. It doesn't help that I leave Texas in 2 weeks and am trying to soak up as much time with Al as possible. Today, I am going to do the Friday Fill-in and this weekend I have a couple of fun, new posts to share. So bare with me, stick around, and I promise to make it worth your visit!

1. Do you eat raw cookie dough?
Yes. I haven't recently, but when I was a teen, my sister and I would often share some moments over a package of Nestle Tollhouse Break-n-Bake Cookie Dough! Yumm!

2. When you get online for the first time of the day… what site do you immediately head to?
I check my e-mail (both accounts) then check Facebook. Next is usually Blogger, my Google Reader, and any other sites that strike my fancy.

3. What was your favorite pet as a child and why?
We never had pets in our home until I was in high-school. My mom got a cat and my sister got a ferret. Neither of them were all that exciting to me. Although when I was younger, I found a dog at a flea market (it was the runt and the last one in the crate) and convinced my grandma to bring him home. He's a 12lb., Yorkie-Poo-Terrier, with an overbite and a crooked ear. And yet, he's my favorite little dog in the world!

4. If you had a snail that could magically grant wishes, what would you name it?
A snail that grants wishes? Since his talents are so extraordinary I would give him an ordinary name like Joe. (Yeah, don't have me name stuff...)

5. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?

I have no idea. I don't like Tootsie Rolls so I can't say I've ever really tried.

My New Little Corner of the Web-world

Have you checked out my new blog yet?

Don't worry, this one isn't going anywhere. But I needed the new blog to focus on my new adventures in discovering my fashion identity. Which will free this blog up to be what it was meant to be: a journal of my deepest secrets and honest feelings, without any of that other stuff getting in the way.

So, please go check it out and follow if you'd like.

If not, I'll see you 'round these parts instead.

Summer Goals Monday

It's Monday and it's that time again...

Here is the list:

1. Take a boxing class

Progress: Purchased class. Need to schedule for first session. Still, I'm such a slacker...

{This will not longer be happening. The boxing facility is a pretty long drive away and as I'm gearing up for my last couple of weeks, I keep finding better ways to spend my time. No regrets, though since I will be looking at facilities in Minnesota when I get back.}

2. Work on my long-paper

(Ultimate Goal: complete research and first draft by summer-end to be reviewed by Prof.)

Progress: Downloaded software to organize research. Created research map so I can get started. Started preliminary research and created long-term research plan. Completed preliminary research.

{I'm losing steam on this task, mostly because the topic I wanted to write is no longer getting me excited. I might re-visit topics with a professor and change course a bit. Either way, the research I have done so far has been helpful and definitely cut down on the amount of work this fall.}

3. Learn how to cook at least a week-worth of meals

Progress - - Learned the following meals:

~Turkey meat balls in marinara

~Shrimp & Feta Stuffed Zucchini

~Homemade greek pizza

~Tuna & cream corn casserole

~Frozen Low-Fat Reese Peanut Butter Pie (I know it's a dessert, but it is amazing!)

4. Get my conceal-and-carry permit

5. Re-take the MPRE (August test date)

I will have to take the test in November because we will not make it back in time for the August test date. I will still map out a study plan for the fall, but will likely have to revisit it once I get a handle on my school workload this semester.

6. Visit family in Arizona

No longer applicable. My family is traveling to Alabama instead of Arizona.

7. Revamp my resume and cover letters

Completed. I revised my resume today and re-posted it to the job site through my school.

8. Read 10 books from my reading list

Read: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

9. Take at least one weekend getaway with Al

Progress: Visited Ft. Carson, CO in June

10. Put together list of employment opportunities for my return to MN

Progress: Started compiling job options today after I posted my resume. I pulled two jobs in particular that I will apply to this week. I will also e-mail a couple of attorneys I know and try options there.

11. Volunteer with an on-post organization

Progress: Attended two FRG events.

12. Get another tattoo

13. Find bike trails in El Paso and start riding a bike

14. Volunteer with a community-based organization (off-post)

Progress: Missed ACS meeting two weeks ago due to our Colorado trip. I will be revisiting volunteer opportunities. Also looking into a two-week Habitat build in Minnesota when I return.

15. Renew my CPR and First Aid certifications

I finally found the person I need to call to set this up.

16. (used to read "strip and paint the bedroom shelves" but I'm changing it because I didn't bring those shelves and have other painting projects to do.)

17. Learn how to make homemade sushi

Just after I crossed this off my list last week, the lovely JG invited me to learn with her. I had the book, she had the supplies and we both had the desire to learn. Well, it turned out absolutely fantastically. We were both so proud of ourselves. It wasn't gourmet, but it looked like sushi and tasted delicious!

(photo credit to JG herself)

18. Sew covers for couch pillows

19. Determine a solid work-out routine

(Ultimate goal: lose 20 lbs, tone muscle and re-gain strength & flexibility)

Progress: Completed work-out calendar. Took photos, measurements and weighed in. Created charts to track progress and food. Started 25-day work-out plan.

20. Get boudoir photos taken

21. Determine my final-year game-plan

22. Put together Shutterfly wedding album

23. Make new headboard

24. Practice and re-new my German knowledge

25. Take care of my husband in every way possible!

Progress: On-going and constant!

The Southern Living Incident

My family always has a little bit of a chuckle regarding Southern Living magazine.

Here's why...

My step-father is from Alabama (technically he grew up moving around with his dad in the Air Force, but most of his family and a lot of his memories are from 'Bama.)

Of course, my family is Minnesota born-and-bred so he's always been our "southern redneck."

His mother (who is the quintessential southern belle and one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met) visits Minnesota every once in a while, and my parents visit Alabama about once per year.

The first Christmas after my mom and him were married, they visit Alabama. My mom came back gushing about how great his family is (and they truly are) and how much fun she had. She cooked southern food with his mom and definitely got a fun, southern experience. Not bad for a Yankee...

Shortly after the visit, my mom received a gift in the mail:

(found here)

It wasn't meant as anything more then a sweet gesture. Except that she sent it so that my mom could "be a better southern belle." Apparently, my mom needed a little less Yankee and a little more sweet tea.

My mom has politely hoarded the magazines as the subscription comes each month. She says she reads them, but I've never seen her crack one open. It has remained a loving joke in our family that even though my mom is a wonderful woman "bless her heart," she just needs a little more southern charm.

Imagine my surprise this morning when I received this e-mail:

Apparently, this Midwestern Yankee needs a little southern charm too.

Happy Place

Can I work on an outdoor patio with an iced frapp in my hand and Adele in my ears everyday?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2

Getting Fit

Remember this post from last week?

That post about how I haven't worked out a single day since I've been in Texas.

Well, that all came to a head this past weekend.

I pulled on a pair of shorts in a size I've never worn before and realized they were tight.

I stepped on the scale and weighed more then I've ever weighed in my life.

After a discussion with Al, I decided that had to end.

I took a before shot, recorded my weight and measurements and created a plan.

I also plan on updating the stats each Saturday to see if I'm making progress.

Implementing the workout part, surprisingly, isn't that hard for me. I like working out, and when I'm at my healthiest, I typically work out 4 days per week with no problem. Now that I'm out of shape, and out of practice, I implemented some new strategies within my normal workout routine.

The hard part: cutting out snacks & eating smaller, healthier portions.

I love food. Like, really love food.

And what you might call a "healthy" eater. I have always been able to "put it away" so-to-speak. It wasn't until my quarter-life crisis when my metabolism slowed way down that my eating caught up with me a bit.

I did start implementing whole grains and more fruits & veggies along with cutting out high-fat foods and tapering off my carb intake. I'm eating high-protein and low-fat/sugar foods. I'm eating plenty of veggies and switch to iced tea and water instead of diet soda.

But I still need to work on portion size and cutting out useless snacking.

Do I really need a granola bar at 11pm when I'm up late blogging?

Do I need that extra helping of spaghetti or that extra handful of M&M's?

I don't. So, I posted the "before photos" on the inside of my snack cupboard, next to my goals sheet and stats chart. That way, when I walk over there to find something to snack on, I will be deterred by the picture and numbers. Perhaps, I'll even be motivated to do the opposite.

Shopping Spree

You may have noticed that I am unhappy with my current summer wardrobe.

Being unhappy with my body and current fitness routine doesn't help.

Mostly though, I blame it on being from Minnesota. We have gorgeous, warm summers, but I can almost always get away with short and tees converted from spring-to summer-to fall with no problem. I have a great professional wardrobe and a fun fall-winter clothing style, but never worked too hard to update my summer style.

That just doesn't fly down here. My shorts and tanks are the only thing I'm comfortable in, and yet, I want to utilize my extra time this summer to increase my style.

After another week of mourning my sad, pathetic summer wardrobe, I decided to take action. I picked up some great finds and didn't spend too much money.

Bargain bin nail polish in lemon, chrome and mint.

Lion Tank - From Forever 21

The proceeds go to World Wildlife Fund.

{I can't tell you how much I love love love this tank!}

Lime green feather tee & multi stripe henley tank

Belted Chambray Mini Skirt

Lt. Pink pleated mini skirt

Linen cuffed cargo shorts

Lace & Linen Fedora

I've been wanting to try the spin pins for a while. I was surprised how expensive they were ($5.88 for a pack of 2) but decided to give it a try anyway.

The side-bun (held with 2 spin pins) and my new fedora were the perfect cover for a bad hair day.

Winner

After entering all the entries into the handy-dandy Random.org generator,

a winner was selected for my EdenFantastys.com giveaway.

Without further adieu, the winner is:

Erika - Chambanachik

E-mail me to collect your $50 gift code.

You have 48 hours to do so, or I will move on to the next winner who will be very happy to capitalize on your lack of action.

Congrats, Erika!

Reminder

Don't forget to enter my giveaway before it ends tonight at 11:59PM.

I will announce the winner tomorrow morning!

Summer Goals Monday

Of course, I skipped the list review last week because of the holiday.

So, it's time to revisit my goals again...

Here is the list:

1. Take a boxing class

Progress: Purchased class. Need to schedule for first session. Still, I'm such a slacker...

2. Work on my long-paper

(Ultimate Goal: complete research and first draft by summer-end to be reviewed by Prof.)

Progress: Downloaded software to organize research. Created research map so I can get started. Started preliminary research and created long-term research plan. Completed preliminary research.

3. Learn how to cook at least a week-worth of meals

Progress - - Learned the following meals:

~Turkey meat balls in marinara

~Shrimp & Feta Stuffed Zucchini

~Homemade greek pizza

~Tuna & cream corn casserole

~Frozen Low-Fat Reese Peanut Butter Pie (I know it's not dessert, but it is amazing!)

4. Get my conceal-and-carry permit

5. Re-take the MPRE (August test date)

I will have to take the test in November because we will not make it back in time for the August test date. I will still map out a study plan for the fall, but will likely have to revisit it once I get a handle on my school workload this semester.

6. Visit family in Arizona

No longer applicable. My family is traveling to Alabama instead of Arizona.

7. Revamp my resume and cover letters

Completed. I revised my resume today and re-posted it to the job site through my school.

8. Read 10 books from my reading list

Read: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

9. Take at least one weekend getaway with Al

Progress: Visited Ft. Carson, CO in June

10. Put together list of employment opportunities for my return to MN

Progress: Started compiling job options today after I posted my resume. I pulled two jobs in particular that I will apply to this week. I will also e-mail a couple of attorneys I know and try options there.

11. Volunteer with an on-post organization

Progress: Attended two FRG events.

12. Get another tattoo

13. Find bike trails in El Paso and start riding a bike

14. Volunteer with a community-based organization (off-post)

Progress: Missed ACS meeting two weeks ago due to our Colorado trip. I will be revisiting volunteer opportunities. Also looking into a two-week Habitat build in Minnesota when I return.

15. Renew my CPR and First Aid certifications

I finally found the person I need to call to set this up.

16. (used to read "strip and paint the bedroom shelves" but I'm changing it because I didn't bring those shelves and have other painting projects to do.)

17. Learn how to make homemade sushi

This goal has been 36'd for now. We just don't have the resources to do this right now, since the materials and ingredients are not cheap. I would also like to do this with someone. So maybe I'll try it when I'm in Minnesota with my mom.

18. Sew covers for couch pillows

19. Determine a solid work-out routine

(Ultimate goal: lose 20 lbs, tone muscle and re-gain strength & flexibility)

Progress: Completed work-out calendar. Took photos, measurements and weighed in. Created charts to track progress and food. Started 25-day work-out plan.

20. Get boudoir photos taken

21. Determine my final-year game-plan

22. Put together Shutterfly wedding album

23. Make new headboard

24. Practice and re-new my German knowledge

25. Take care of my husband in every way possible!

Progress: On-going and constant!

New Friends

During my time in the sweltering heat and unending boredom of El Paso, I managed to make a couple of friends. I have blogging to thank for that.

Before I moved down here, I sent out a plea to my lovely followers for anyone who was stationed at Ft. Bliss. It's one of the largest Army posts, someone has to live here, right?

Two girls responded:

Jessica from Learning As We Go

and

Jaci from Me and My Soldierman

We made contact pretty early in the summer and have continued to hang out ever since.

They were previously friends, which made it easy to coordinate get-togethers.

And let me tell you, I lucked out on this package deal.

We had a fro-yo first date.

We've enjoyed a handful of wine & movie ladies nights.

I've help pack and move both Jessica and another lovely lady to their new on-post housing.

We've gone shopping.

We had a 4th of July BBQ.

I met and fell in love with this guy (Jess's son, Andrew):

And we have supported and loved-on each other in only ways Army wives can.

I have made great friends with two amazing (albeit fantastically different) women, who have made me more comfortable with this crazy Army life, introduced me to new things and kept me company on my nights alone. Frankly, these ladies saved my life this summer.

I love my husband and was so blessed to spend the summer with him.

But I am more than a wife.

I am a professional.

I am a sister and a daughter.

I am a total nerd.

I am a friend.

Spending time with Jess and Jaci let me be that friend. I've become a better friend. A better person. A happier person. For that, I am wholly and eternally grateful.

Thank you - - For being a part of what I hope will be a bosom buddy, partner-in-fun, shoulder-to-cry-on kind of friendship that lasts forever.

Blogging On Location

I'm blogging from the post Starbucks. Why?

Because I've been without internet now for over 2 days.

And of course Murphy was at work because it happened just as Al left for three days of field training. I fiddled with the cords, reset every possible piece of the puzzle and even organized all the cords to make sure everything was still hooked up properly.

Then I did the unthinkable.

I called tech support. {gasp!}

{Now, I don't mean to speak negatively about tech support people in general.

In fact, a lot of my closest friends in college are tech guys - or geeks rather - and if I were in Minnesota it would be one phone call to a friend and it would be fixed within an hour.}

But I'm not in Minnesota.

And instead of a friend, I had to call the dreaded Time Warner Cable.

I didn't have a bill and/or account number, but I have Al's SSN and his cell phone (which is how the access your cable/internet anyway) so I figured it would be fine.

I was wrong...

Apparently that personal information is not enough for me to access our cable account.

Therefore they wouldn't even walk me through the problem.

It's not like I was asking for a change to the bill, to add or remove a credit card or anything that required security measures. I just wanted to troubleshoot my modem and router and see if they could fix the problem.

But because all I had was a SSN, clearly I was not authorized to get such assistance.

So I've been sitting in my apartment, with no internet, stewing in my disdain for tech support people (or TWC, more specifically) and eating to fill the boredom.

After another restless night of sleeping alone with no Netflix, I decided I'd had enough.

I rounded up my laptop, research materials and headphones and decided I was going to find WiFi somewhere. And now that I have a Grande Caramel Macchiato in my hand, a danish in my belly and a shaded patio seat, I am once again a happy camper.

All Dressed Up: Concert-wear

Country concerts always afford a great opportunity to wear something fun.

And usually it will look great as long as you throw on some cowboy boots too.

And, of course, I had to make sure I had the red, white and blue for the upcoming holiday.

T-shirt dress: Express

Boots: Authentic cowboy boots (handed down from my uncle)

Belt: Kohls

Clutch: Old Navy

Independence Day Recap

I woke up early this morning to see Al off to work.

We had such a wonderful 4-day weekend and spent a lot of time just relaxing together.

Thursday night Ft. Bliss hosted a concert as part of the Let Freedom Sing series at Freedom Crossing. Freedom Crossing is the PX/Shopping Mall area here on post. It is by far the best you'll see on an Army post. Maybe even on any military post. We have a brand new movie theater, HUGE shopping complex, including a food court, at least 4 sit-down restaurants, and a gorgeous pavilion with fountains and seating and an outdoor fireplace. It really is phenomenal.

Anyway, they set up an outdoor stage and invited Eli Young Band to play.

Admission was free, so we just had to get there early enough to set up our chairs and grab a beer. We ended up making friends with the couple that sat next to us who were *surprise* NOT military. He was an El Paso firefighter and his wife works at the Army hospital as an ER nurse. Al was very excited to have met a civilian couple until the guy started talking about drugs and other weird stuff. Nevertheless, they were at least fun concert buddies.

It was a nice concert. The band only has a couple of songs (Crazy Girl is the new one on the radio that I love) that I'm really familiar with, so we were able to chill, chat with friends and just hang out while the music was playing.

Saturday, we were invited to a BBQ and are making fast-friends with Jessica and JG.

I am having so much fun with them and definitely intend on making it a life-long friendship. I am working on a post later this week dedicated to that friendship, but I am so glad that I have gotten to know them this summer.

Sunday and Monday was spent swimming, spending time exploring the city and hiking through the mountains.

This is a mining pit in the mountain. It's less then 3-minutes off the normal walking path in McKelligon Canyon and if you didn't know, you'd probably fall right in. It's at least 5 miles deep and is almost an instant drop-off. Talk about a breath-taking experience.

Then we discovered a new drive through the Franklin Mountain range. We usually drive on a different scenic path, but discovered this one after we left the McKelligon Canyon Park and it is aptly named Scenic Drive. Let me tell you, the view of the city from here is phenomenal.

Video I took of the view, describing what you're looking at.

Of course, with every holiday weekend, vacation, day-off, there's more to do when you get back into the grind. That's especially true today since the post-office, bank, etc...were all closed.

I also have a couple of great blogs planned for the week and a give-away, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, enjoy your Tuesday!

Relaxing

I feel like this today...

Relaxed. Comfortable. Happy.

It has been such a lovely day. I spent time by the pool, baked some zucchini bread, had a delicious seafood dinner and watched movies with my hubby.

As a result I am unmotivated to write a "real" post.

However, stay tuned over the week because I have some great posts coming up, including a giveaway. That's right, I'm hosting a giveaway this week.

Enjoy your Independence Day!