Hello all! I feel like I've near abandoned this blog during the last several weeks. I keep meaning to do update posts and let you all know how life has been since Joel got home, but my follow-through has been poor, at best.
So, let's start with my weigh-in. I've been keeping up with weighing myself on Wednesday mornings - every week. Unfortunately, I don't have much to brag about. I haven't lost any weight and I can't honestly say that my eating's been all that great. I've been cooking healthier, but the Oreos and ice cream always seem to sneak in around bedtime. I'm pretty much shooting myself in the foot with this. I haven't worked out in two weeks.... I'm in the middle of a second wicked cold in the past three weeks. My asthma has been terrible because of all the junk in my lungs, so I honestly can't go out for a run or get on the elliptical machine until it's all cleared up.
But, I do have plans to get back into running regularly. Joel would like us to maybe run a race together soon. I've never run for any reason besides health and torturing myself - so the idea of racing makes me laugh. I keep telling him that a race wouldn't be much of a race for me. He just responds by saying that he'll keep up pace with me. I'm not sure he knows what he's committing to...
And if my marathon-running father-in-law is reading this... No. You don't want to run with me when we come out to visit.... You'll lose any respect for me that you may have at this point. Promise!
Besides not losing weight, not working out, being sick and being a terrible blogger... life is going pretty well. I have much to update you all on and will hopefully get back on the horse soon!
Hope you're all well. Thanks for hanging in with me!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
MilSpouse Friday Fill-In
Thanks to Wife of a Sailor and the other MilSpouse bloggers for this week's questions!
1.What is your must have gadget? submitted by Flying High With My Flyboy
I can't leave the house without my cell phone... I feel naked without it by me.
2.How does your adulthood compare to what you imagined it would be like when you were a little kid? submitted by L to the Third
That's such a tough one, because like any kid, my idea of adulthood was pretty idealistic! I think I imagined that I'd live in some cookie-cutter neighborhood, driving the exact same minivan as my neighbors and living a pretty cookie-cutter kinda life. Life is not that at at... we life in a historic and diverse part of town where each house on the block looks different from the others. And there's no minivan for me - although I've never wanted one more than I do right now!
3.What is your favorite chocolate recipe? submitted by Our First Deployment
I haven't made it in years, but this chocolate turtle cake from Betty Crocker is delicious!!!
4.How do you deal with military life when it gets to be to much or to hard? submitted by Combat Boots And Pointe Shoes
I can't say that I've ever been to the point of thinking that it was too much or too hard. However, there have been plenty of times that I've been beyond frustrated with the politics and poor communication. I hate the "games" that are played and that it seems that those with the best heart are often over-looked.
5.What piece of advice would you give a new Military spouse facing their first deployment? submitted by The Albrecht Squad
First, have a good support system around you - people that will be there to laugh and cry with. And make sure that if those people are civilians, that they know that you don't want advice, but just a listening ear. Secondly, set goals for yourself for the duration of the deployment so that you have something to reach for and so that you can feel a sense of achievement at the end of the deployment. And lastly, set aside time and money for yourself so that you can get away for a day and pamper yourself.
1.What is your must have gadget? submitted by Flying High With My Flyboy
I can't leave the house without my cell phone... I feel naked without it by me.
2.How does your adulthood compare to what you imagined it would be like when you were a little kid? submitted by L to the Third
That's such a tough one, because like any kid, my idea of adulthood was pretty idealistic! I think I imagined that I'd live in some cookie-cutter neighborhood, driving the exact same minivan as my neighbors and living a pretty cookie-cutter kinda life. Life is not that at at... we life in a historic and diverse part of town where each house on the block looks different from the others. And there's no minivan for me - although I've never wanted one more than I do right now!
3.What is your favorite chocolate recipe? submitted by Our First Deployment
I haven't made it in years, but this chocolate turtle cake from Betty Crocker is delicious!!!
4.How do you deal with military life when it gets to be to much or to hard? submitted by Combat Boots And Pointe Shoes
I can't say that I've ever been to the point of thinking that it was too much or too hard. However, there have been plenty of times that I've been beyond frustrated with the politics and poor communication. I hate the "games" that are played and that it seems that those with the best heart are often over-looked.
5.What piece of advice would you give a new Military spouse facing their first deployment? submitted by The Albrecht Squad
First, have a good support system around you - people that will be there to laugh and cry with. And make sure that if those people are civilians, that they know that you don't want advice, but just a listening ear. Secondly, set goals for yourself for the duration of the deployment so that you have something to reach for and so that you can feel a sense of achievement at the end of the deployment. And lastly, set aside time and money for yourself so that you can get away for a day and pamper yourself.
Monday, March 21, 2011
I Survived the First Day of My 30s
Birthdays are usually lots of fun, but for the last several months the big 3-0 started to approach too quickly for me. Something about that number scares me. Maybe I can't let go of the constant transitions that the 20s bring. Maybe I think that I'll suddenly be too old to be kinda cool and fun. Perhaps it's that I'm kinda vain and I'm worried about seeing any new tiny lines on my face. I think most of the fear comes from remembering a birthday party that I attended as a child for a family friend who turned 30. I don't remember much about the party, but I do remember seeing lots and lots of black and over-the-hill signs. There was doom in turning 30.
I didn't want any big to-dos for my birthday yesterday. All I really wanted was to enjoy a nice quiet day with my three favorite people - Joel, Grace and Autumn. I told Joel that all I wanted was to go to church as a family, go out to one of my favorite restaurants for lunch and then just have a relaxing day together. Well, Autumn was up throughout the night with some terrible chest cold - coughing, sneezing, an abundance of mucus and lots of crying. Grace was up, too, because she thought she was missing out on some middle-of-the-night party. When the girls were in bed (finally), I was up because my stomach was bothering me. So, come 7 o'clock the next morning, we weren't going to church and my day simply wasn't going to go as planned.
Instead, we all slept in and enjoyed the morning in our pj's. We cuddled, played and watched movies together. And later yesterday afternoon, we managed to all get dressed and pulled together so that we could go out for dinner. Dinner was lovely. The kids were amazingly well-behaved and we had so much fun talking and enjoying the most wonderful food. To top it off, I got my tiramisu for dessert.
We came home and the girls went to bed without much fuss and then Joel and I curled up on the couch together and watched Eclipse. He even managed to watch most of the movie without making comments about the storyline or the fact that I know as much Twilight trivia as he does Star Wars....
So, my first day as 30 was not terrible, as I had imagined. I keep hearing that it's the 30s when you really find your groove in life and start to feel settled. I'm praying for that and can't wait to see what God has in store for me. I also hear that 50 is the new 40 and perhaps 30 can be the new 20. Whichever it is, I'm going to celebrate 29 forever!
I didn't want any big to-dos for my birthday yesterday. All I really wanted was to enjoy a nice quiet day with my three favorite people - Joel, Grace and Autumn. I told Joel that all I wanted was to go to church as a family, go out to one of my favorite restaurants for lunch and then just have a relaxing day together. Well, Autumn was up throughout the night with some terrible chest cold - coughing, sneezing, an abundance of mucus and lots of crying. Grace was up, too, because she thought she was missing out on some middle-of-the-night party. When the girls were in bed (finally), I was up because my stomach was bothering me. So, come 7 o'clock the next morning, we weren't going to church and my day simply wasn't going to go as planned.
Instead, we all slept in and enjoyed the morning in our pj's. We cuddled, played and watched movies together. And later yesterday afternoon, we managed to all get dressed and pulled together so that we could go out for dinner. Dinner was lovely. The kids were amazingly well-behaved and we had so much fun talking and enjoying the most wonderful food. To top it off, I got my tiramisu for dessert.
We came home and the girls went to bed without much fuss and then Joel and I curled up on the couch together and watched Eclipse. He even managed to watch most of the movie without making comments about the storyline or the fact that I know as much Twilight trivia as he does Star Wars....
So, my first day as 30 was not terrible, as I had imagined. I keep hearing that it's the 30s when you really find your groove in life and start to feel settled. I'm praying for that and can't wait to see what God has in store for me. I also hear that 50 is the new 40 and perhaps 30 can be the new 20. Whichever it is, I'm going to celebrate 29 forever!
Friday, March 18, 2011
MilSpouse Friday Fill-In
Head over to Wife of a Sailor and join in on this week's questions.
Well, we don't live on an active duty base in some far-away land, but we do have family on both coasts... Facebook has been a great tool for us to use to keep family connected with us and the girls. We try to do a trip out East to see Joel's family about once a year, although that doesn't always happen. My sister and her family live in California, so I try to make one to two trips a year with the kids.
2.What’s the most romantic gift you have GIVEN? submitted by Painting My Canvas
For Christmas this year, Joel ordered a diamond tennis bracelet for me. He had it sent to my mom and then she gave it to me on Christmas while we were in California. It meant so much because it was one thing I've always wanted and then on top of that, I knew that Joel probably spent days overseas online looking at them and researching them.
3.Would you encourage your child, if they came to you and wanted to join the military? submitted by Perfectly Imperfect
Absolutely! I would be so proud of them for wanting to serve in that way.
4.What is your least favorite bill to pay and why? submitted by A Little of This, A Little of That
My credit card bill. It never seems to go away. It would be great to wake up one day and not have it hanging over my head!
5.What is the proudest moment you’ve had as a military spouse? submitted by Our Okinawa Life
Not just one moment, but three! Every time I see Joel come through the gate at the airport after a deployment... those emotions are indescribable, but I feel such pride to call him my husband.
1.What are some of your ideas for staying connected with family…you know, those people we moved thousands of miles away from? submitted by Live it. Love it (or not). Write About It.Well, we don't live on an active duty base in some far-away land, but we do have family on both coasts... Facebook has been a great tool for us to use to keep family connected with us and the girls. We try to do a trip out East to see Joel's family about once a year, although that doesn't always happen. My sister and her family live in California, so I try to make one to two trips a year with the kids.
2.What’s the most romantic gift you have GIVEN? submitted by Painting My Canvas
For Christmas this year, Joel ordered a diamond tennis bracelet for me. He had it sent to my mom and then she gave it to me on Christmas while we were in California. It meant so much because it was one thing I've always wanted and then on top of that, I knew that Joel probably spent days overseas online looking at them and researching them.
3.Would you encourage your child, if they came to you and wanted to join the military? submitted by Perfectly Imperfect
Absolutely! I would be so proud of them for wanting to serve in that way.
4.What is your least favorite bill to pay and why? submitted by A Little of This, A Little of That
My credit card bill. It never seems to go away. It would be great to wake up one day and not have it hanging over my head!
5.What is the proudest moment you’ve had as a military spouse? submitted by Our Okinawa Life
Not just one moment, but three! Every time I see Joel come through the gate at the airport after a deployment... those emotions are indescribable, but I feel such pride to call him my husband.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Happy Birthday, Grace!
Five years ago, Joel and I were blessed when Grace Elizabeth became a part of our family at 10:21 am. She brings such joy and purpose to our life and she has been my little buddy throughout all life's ups and downs.
Our little Gracie loves makeup as much as trains, is so proud to be a big sister to Autumn and loves all that life has offered her. She is tender, sweet, thoughtful, funny, insightful and a wee-bit sarcastic.
I can't imagine my life without her and am thankful that God blessed us with her just 5 years ago.
Love you, my sweet Bubbers!
Our little Gracie loves makeup as much as trains, is so proud to be a big sister to Autumn and loves all that life has offered her. She is tender, sweet, thoughtful, funny, insightful and a wee-bit sarcastic.
I can't imagine my life without her and am thankful that God blessed us with her just 5 years ago.
Love you, my sweet Bubbers!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Our Getaway
Two weeks ago, Joel and I left for a little post-deployment getaway. We left Grace and Autumn with my parents and headed to out of town. Our getaway was as much to get away from the stresses of life as it was to work on strengthening our marriage.
Seven months apart changes a person and it changes a marriage. A deployment marriage is hard - communication is limited and the time that you do get to talk is brief, at best. Joel and I knew from our experience after he came back from Iraq in 2007, that our marriage has to be first priority. And after seven months apart, we knew we had to get away together after he came home.
We rented a cabin in the middle of the woods - away from everything. For four days, we read, slept, watched movies, ate and enjoyed the quietness that nature gave to us. We woke up every morning with no stress - no expectations on me for the day ahead. It was great to cook together, laugh together over last season's Office and focus on each other.
Seven months apart changes a person and it changes a marriage. A deployment marriage is hard - communication is limited and the time that you do get to talk is brief, at best. Joel and I knew from our experience after he came back from Iraq in 2007, that our marriage has to be first priority. And after seven months apart, we knew we had to get away together after he came home.
We rented a cabin in the middle of the woods - away from everything. For four days, we read, slept, watched movies, ate and enjoyed the quietness that nature gave to us. We woke up every morning with no stress - no expectations on me for the day ahead. It was great to cook together, laugh together over last season's Office and focus on each other.
The view from our bed
There were lots of dead things hanging from the walls
Friday, March 4, 2011
MilSpouse Friday Fill-In
Head over to Wife of a Sailor and join in this week!
1.Do you or your {spouse} ever wish your {spouse} was in a different branch of the military? submitted by The Turner Family
Joel talks frequently about wishing he had enlisted with the Army instead of the Air Force. Honestly, though, I much prefer the Air Force deployment length!
2.What duty station(s) are on your “No Way, Hell No, Not Going, Have Fun Unaccompanied” list and why? submitted by Every Branch
We're Guard, so unless Joel goes to an active base, this isn't something we've ever discussed.
3.If you could be one age forever, what age would you choose and why? submitted by Three Krakens
I'm turning 30 in just a few weeks. So, I'm picking 29.
4.If you were a breakfast cereal, which one would you be? submitted by the C.W.
Lucky Charms. It's fun, colorful, deliciously sweet & it makes you happy. But there's still room for improvement. (Hello, nasty oats)
5.What is your morning beverage of choice and why? submitted by NH Girl Displaced
Besides the usual coffee with lots of cream, I love the Bolthouse Farms Berry Boost smoothie!
1.Do you or your {spouse} ever wish your {spouse} was in a different branch of the military? submitted by The Turner Family
Joel talks frequently about wishing he had enlisted with the Army instead of the Air Force. Honestly, though, I much prefer the Air Force deployment length!
2.What duty station(s) are on your “No Way, Hell No, Not Going, Have Fun Unaccompanied” list and why? submitted by Every Branch
We're Guard, so unless Joel goes to an active base, this isn't something we've ever discussed.
3.If you could be one age forever, what age would you choose and why? submitted by Three Krakens
I'm turning 30 in just a few weeks. So, I'm picking 29.
4.If you were a breakfast cereal, which one would you be? submitted by the C.W.
Lucky Charms. It's fun, colorful, deliciously sweet & it makes you happy. But there's still room for improvement. (Hello, nasty oats)
5.What is your morning beverage of choice and why? submitted by NH Girl Displaced
Besides the usual coffee with lots of cream, I love the Bolthouse Farms Berry Boost smoothie!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday Weigh-In
Joel and I were away last week on Wednesday, so I had a week break from the scale. I was back on it this morning and was happy to see that I'm back to where I was before Joel got home. I have about 3 pounds to go now at this point.
Tomorrow, I have a date with my running shoes... and my inhaler.
Tomorrow, I have a date with my running shoes... and my inhaler.
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