What a Difference a Year Makes

One year ago today my husband returned from a year long deployment to Iraq. He should have been home a year ago, yesterday. But we know how the Army operates on their own schedule, with no regard to what I may want. Jerks. HA!

That was one of the most special days. It was hands-down the best day of my life, to date. (yes, this includes our wedding day) I've never experienced such a variety of emotions all at once like that. Relief, nervousness, excitement, anxiousness... patience was no where in my hodgepodge of emotion, sadly. I mean seriously if only patience was the normal, given emotion for that situation. Because you know we're on the Army's time here. Nothing happened on time, it was always "just a little while longer". It wasn't as poorly organized as my Brother-in-laws redeployment ceremony but it definitely wasn't good times.

I was so lucky to have my family around though. I don't know what I would have done all day if I didn't have my Mother and Father-in-law to keep me occupied and LB to visit in the hospital that day.

Today, even though my husband has been in the field for most of the last 3 months I am still grateful that he's home.

(don't forget to enter my giveaway gals!! Closes the 22nd!)

It's not always easy

1st: I was helping my sister look for her wedding ring (that my nephew had climbed up onto the counter to get; took outside and through into the air when he was finished playing with them) yesterday and burnt my arm pretty badly on her lawn mower... it's a story that's pretty long to type so I won't bore you with the details.

The point:

Yeah-- I was attempting to move the blades up on the lawn mower and bumped the exhaust.

YUCK. OUCH. That'll be pretty {sarcasm} for quite some time. It's already a darker-purpleish color and the blister is still intact which is good. The blister and the blister juice is the body's way of protecting itself. It's still ugly.

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Kevin has been home for 10 days now. Unlike some other welcome home stories I've heard/read and contrary to both mine and Kevin's expectations for this time period; it's been rough.

There are a number of factors to why things haven't been honeymoon-esque for the Hubs and myself:

• The habits I created while Kevin was deployed.
• Re-learning how to do things for two (vs. just lil' ol' me)
• Kevin learning remembering I'm not one of his soldiers.
• Kevin's attempt to quit smoking -- if you remember a few months back I blogged about how Kevin had quit smoking (which is what I was told, mmm-hmm). Well he wasn't successful. He didn't tell me this. Basically, he returned home last Wednesday and Thursday was his first day of not smoking in a while.
• Taking responsibility for being unemployed, thus our current financial situation.

Those are some of the reasons that Kevin and I have had a difficult time reintegrating over the course of the last week. Kevin has been extremely short-tempered; flying off the handle at the smallest, most inane things. These are things that Kevin has admitted and owned up to, fully. However, I am a strong believer that a marriage is about both parties. If something is wrong or isn't working it's on both people involved. It's up to the couple (together) to work it out; get through it together!

You all know the drill after they return to work, briefings, briefings and more briefings. Well he mentioned some of our/his difficulties with getting adjusted to Behavior Health. Kevin brought home some literature home about Soldier Combat Stress. This isn't quite PTSD but it's pretty much what the name implies.

I'm here to tell everyone if your redeployment/re-integration experience isn't picture-perfect, or the smoothest of transitions it's ok. It's not the end of the world. Kevin and I are working on it and we're already doing better. So don't let the love-birds get you down. ;)

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I'm off now The Santa Claus is on TBS this is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE movies.

LOVE. IT.

Pictures

Kevin's Welcome-Home-Family-Dinner:

Bambino's

(Nathan REALLY missed his Uncle Kevin, awww)

(Shuffle Board fun with his Momma, aww-again)

(CLOSE UP.. Bahahaa)

(Manitou Springs)

Bow Chicka Wow Wow

That's right people, my husband is home!!! (:

He arrived yesterday early evening. The homecoming ceremony was emotional -- of course! Thankfully he is off for the next few days (through the weekend) so we will be spending the next few days with family, RELAXING and acclimating. (:

I'll post pictures as I get them from family that was around -- I was a little too busy yesterday to be responsible for taking pictures, hahAhAA!

Sorry we skipped "I Want it Wednesday!" but I think you can all understand!

Nothing

No news from Kevin.

No news from the Army.

Just waiting... and waiting.

Thankfully, my in-laws and family are here and God willing I'll have more reliable specifics in the AM.

I love my husband and couldn't be happier that he's coming home SOOO soon but I am also really nervous and anxious about his return. Anyone else get that?

Torn!

So here I am after completing all of my errands and my work out for the day STEWING (yes, stewing)! Again, I haven't heard from Kevin today! This is so nerve-wracking! I don't know if he's still in Iraq, or Kuwait, Germany or in transit somewhere! I know my husband well enough to know that he will call me as soon as he can -- waiting for that is something I am not accustomed to. I need info here people!

My MIL/FIL will be here in a few short hours! I am very excited about that. I haven't seen them since March (my lil' vaca to San Diego) and Kevin hasn't seen them since R&R in January! All the same, I am very excited for them to be here. Hopefully they'll help the time pass until Kevin does arrive. (:

I do have a few little things to do before he arrives. I had some people together on Saturday for a "Sign Making Party". Unfortunately my hilarious Aunt decided to draw something obscene (however, small) on one of the posters. So I'll be re-doing that one. :) My Aunt also picked up these ball decorations so I have to get those up!

It's time for me to get moving! Gotta keep busy! Teresa can attest to how much this part really sucks!

Why?

Why have I been craving ice cream for over a month -- every.day.?!!??!

Why have I been an emotional wreck for over a week? Hmmm, that one is pretty easy to answer huh? I am not usually an overly emotional individual. When I get this way, it is that much more difficult for my to handle because I'm not used to handling it. UGH~ All the same, I've been on the verge of tears for the past week over everything or nothing, it really doesn't matter.

I have been feeling pretty useless the end of this week. I am usually pretty decisive when it comes to planning things; trips, parties, get-togethers, BBQ's ect... But I've pretty much dropped the ball all over the place in this field during the course of the week. I couldn't get the two major things I wanted to accomplished this week: Kevin's Welcome Home BBQ, and our trip to Jersey for my Granny's 75th birthday party. I blogged about this earlier this week. All the same, I have since decided to scrap the BBQ. It would have been mainly family and that can be done at any time, anywhere really. I have spent most of this evening looking for flights to NJ and have come up very short! PS: United Airlines sucks and has no policy for cancellation/refunding tickets due to military service. Continental on the other hand, does allow for full refunds if you are unable to make your trip (due to military service)-- we like that :)!! Sadly, it looks like we'll be unable to make the Birthday celebration. :(

In other news my MIL and FIL will be in town tomorrow evening!!! :) I am sooo happy that they'll be present for the Homecoming Ceremony! Fingers crossed my hubby will be home VERRRY soon! Still no new information... last I heard he was still in Iraq. Greeeatt! {rolling eyes}

Why did my Biggest Loser DVD jump ship? I haven't busted this out in quite sometime but the last few days I haven't had the time to hit the gym until after they were closed (I am starting to see why ppl join 24 Hr Fitness) but still wanted to work out! I searched through everything yesterday but no luck finding the DVD! :( I went to their website and can get the Boot Camp DVD for $10-and some change. I'll just have to go for that.

Husband-O- Husband...

Where for art thou Husband??

As reported yesterday, I didn't speak with Kevin yesterday. :( I was assuming hoping that meant he was in Kuwait!

I was wrong.

I received an email from Kevin about 2 AM -- he was letting me know that he wasn't able to call yesterday morning because the phones were done and that he would not be able to call me this morning either, since he had to pull guard.

:(

I suppose we're on schedule for his homecoming. A girl can always hope it happens sooner than scheduled/expected, right? All the same I hope to talk to him VERY soon. I did get spoiled, speaking to him as often as we have this past year....... Can't spoil a woman then cut it off. It just doesn't work like that! Grrr.

Here's to patience.... Ha HAHa ;)

Hell of a day

Haven't heard from Kev. I'll take that as a good sign.

Couldn't get questions about "canceling/transferring/refunding" plane tickets to NJ for my Gramma's 75 Birthday celebration. So nothing was booked. Maybe I should start at the beginning?: The birthday party is on Saturday the 5th, Kevin and I would fly into NJ on Friday the 3rd and back to CO early Sunday AM. All of this is only possible IF they grant Kev's mileage pass is granted. They told him that he was free to go on Friday if they didn't have any briefings scheduled; which of course, they won't know until they get home. Last minute questions are usually pretty spendy! Which, is why I was looking into purchasing tickets now with the option (depending on the specifics) of "canceling/transferring/refunding" them if necessary.

I was/sorta-half-still-am planning a Welcome Home BBQ for next weekend. I chose the perfect little park, but it was already booked. So I attempted to search for others in the area that I liked, but evidently there is no list or map of parks in this county- anywhere on the internets!

Moral of {side note: 10 PM I hear TAPS :( playing on the AFB} today's story: I feel completely defeated! I got nothing accomplished, and I have a ton of crap to do before Kevin returns.

Because I was feeling so defeated and anxious I decided to go to the movies. Yes, I saw "The Time Travelers Wife." Sadly... I was NOT, at all impressed. I expect a beginning, middle and end out of my movies. This one, oddly enough had no ending... no sense of finality or final resolution to the core conflict. I'm still wondering what happens next. Open-endedness is not something I'm into in movies. So there I was just watching... and watching... and then suddenly I wasn't anymore. That's it. Swell way to end the day huh?

Tomorrow will be better. :)

Word Verification

how on earth is typing what's above {or something like it} considered a security measure?

I was requesting a password from some site and it made me type this in. Why? Does this help the site verify that I am, in fact me? I'm super confuse.

Someone fill in the blanks for me. (:

~~~

Have a Happy Thursday.

I am Verrrry thankful that this week is going by. I'm not sure if it's been slow or fast-- probably a normal type pace. I'll take that too. I'm super-dee-duper excited for the weekend to come... Then go. Then my hubs will be home (shortly after). I still have a few things to complete before he gets home.

But no worries I will get it allllll completed! (:

HUGE Updates

The BIGGEST and BEST and HAPPIEST update of all:

My hubby will be home in just about a week! That's right people in a week (or more, or less- who really truly knows? ) my man will be home with me- right where he belongs! Of course I don't know an exact date yet and if I did I couldn't tell! :-x (;

I am couldn't be more excited. And nervous. And anxious. The list goes on and on and on...

~~~~~

Next I wanted to update everyone my my list (of things to complete before Kevin's return). I will be making the sauce later this week so it's fresh and all yummy-delicious! I was reading "The Travelers Gift" then it started to bore me. Then well, Brody ate it. Yes, that's a true story. I guess I'll never know how it ends. Shucks. I'll probably start on "The Noticer" tonight. Hopefully it isn't as dry as "The Travelers Gift." I've been hitting the gym on a regular basis and eating very well (with the exception of last night's binge on Coffee Ice Cream with Heath bars mixed in.... my mouth is watering. Please excuse me....) so I'm thinking the weight loss goal is right on track. I make not weighing my self on a regular basis a habit. :) The scale=THE DEVIL. Then the backyard started to be another issue. The hubs told me to rent a tiller but after it's tilled it needs to be flattened out ASAP and then the concrete sand needs to be put down ASAP...once the sand is down the pavers have to be down ASAP. Since all of the steps need to be completed within a short period of time and Kevin wants to be apart of picking out the paver stones we decided to address it when he gets back. :( So that project is delayed. I am, however looking forward to the help! :)

Frustrated. Disappointed. Lonely.

As previous stated the FRG meeting earlier was completely unhelpful. I hate this. I was sincerely hoping they would provide something useful. I think you can understand my frustration, anger and disappointment I felt when all I was provided was an 8 day window! Now I am forced to make a more realistic guess for my MIL. So that hopefully she and my FIL would be in town for the Homecoming Ceremony. I hate the idea of having to take full responsibility for my husband's Mother's attendance at his 3rd Homecoming Ceremony. What if I'm wrong and she misses it? UGH! I am ridiculously over all of this Army BS.

I get the importance of OPSEC. Hence why we have the secure FRG website. With this secure site why couldn't they give us the exact date? Why sit and make us stew on this, wondering and above all GUESSING. It's sick. The Commanders down-range know when they are leaving their FOB, when they're getting to Kuwait... hmmm so why wouldn't they know WHAT day they're leaving Kuwait and therefore returning to Post? Tell me (for example) they'll be home the 28th; being that I'm a reasonable minded individual I understand that they may get delayed somewhere along the route and they may not make it home until the 29th. See, now was that so hard?

My bitching and complaining will get me no where. I will be stuck waiting and hoping my guess was accurate enough and Kevin will see his mother's and step-fathers smiling faces amongst the crowd at this, his 3rd Welcome Home Ceremony!

~~~~~

Sleeping has become quite the chore as of late. The anticipation coupled with the lack of information makes me extremely uneasy, come bed time. Plus, a year of sleeping a lone has just taken it's tole on me. I'm over it.

As stated in this post I have an issue with paranoia (see #5). When Kevin and I got married than bought our home I insisted on a security system. Some people have alarms in their homes as a standard; I did not. But when I chose to marry a soldier that meant, field rotations, NTC and most notably deployments. Long story-short: I was going to be alone quite a bit. Left alone+paranoia= this-girl-gets-an-alarm!

Lately... the alarm is falling short on the piece-of-mind category. Instead I wake up in the middle of the night to the dog snoring or shifting his weight outside the bedroom door and immediately freak out. Thought #1: I wish Kevin were here. Thought #2: IF someone is there, what do they want? Thought #3: "SAM! Stop thinking like that! No one is there. If someone were there the siren would be baring!" Thought #4: I wish Kevin were here. Thought #5: I sleep much more soundly when I sleep next to my husband. Thought #6: I wish Kevin were here.

Life right now... consists a lot of frustration, disappointment and loneliness.

The Stuff: GI Joe. FR-Useless!. Chick-pea Salad.

Yesterday was a fairly good day: Pool in the AM with Nathan and sister. Then came home to bathe and fix myself for the day. Then my sister forced me to go see GI Joe! You see, her and Mr. Channing Tatum have this 'thing' going. So she had to go support his career. Does anyone else find it completely LAME that there were Army Recruiters set up in the lobby of the movie theater?? I thought that was lame. All the same, the movie was about as corny as you would assume it was going to be. However, there were some legitimately funny parts (Funny- HAHA. Not Funny- "are you kidding me"-funny.)There were also little pot shots at the Air Force through out the movie... which I guess is half-expected I mean the movie is titled "GI Joe" after all. It was all in good fun people. I have to concede looking at Channing Tatum was a great way to spend the afternoon. Although, all of the movie theater snacks didn't set well with my tummy (after dieting and such)! All and all it was enjoyable (but wont be taking home Oscars. What a shocker huh?).

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Today was my final FRG Meeting. WOOO HOO! Right? WRONG! I wish that somebody, anybody would have had more specific information to give. That would be nice right? Instead they provided me with an 8-day window; the 16th-24th!?? Huh- Seriously?? You have got to be kidding! How is that helpful... in anyway? I guess that is helpful for females that don't speak to their husbands (for one reason or another) but that absolutely does not help me in the slightest. When I'm done blogging about my complete and utter disappointment in this FRG I will have to pow-wow with my MIL, as her and my FIL are road-tripping it out here for the Homecoming ceremony!

~~~~~

Tonight I made the chick-pea salad I blogged about last week. The lemon juice really stole the show here! It is fantastic! Try it folks!! :)

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Who likes give-a-ways?? I DO! Please go check out my friend Jen! I love her blog and I want her free stuff! :) LOL!

I'm sure I'll have more to add later... But at least now you're caught up. ;)

I jumped the gun... SO SUE ME!

Today I went to the commissary. Mainly because I was bored, but I also did need a few things. Well I wound up spending copious amounts of money on items that aren't necessary- yet. No worries, thankfully they are all things that won't go bad anytime soon. You see the things that I purchased were goodies for my hubby!! "So what his return is still (at least) two weeks out?" is what I told myself. I'm excited, SO SUE ME! :)

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Other than that I just a busy day: Hit the pool first with my sister and nephew. I have to get the tan just right for the homecoming (not to dwell on that or anything). Then the gym, then the commissary. Now I'm just relaxing. I'm trying to talk myself out of some popcorn... :( you see I LOVE popcorn. It's my favorite. But with my weight loss goal for the next 2.5 weeks I really need to cut my night-time snacks out.

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Does it bother anyone else that the commercials are entirely TOO loud on FX, while the programs are very quiet? So you BLARE the sound just to hear the dialogue of the show/movies then you're deafened by the commercials!!

~~~~~

PS: Old-crotchetey people bug me! Here I am minding my own business trying to leave the commissary, I enter the check-out line and was called to an aisle close by the entrance. I start unpacking my cart and cue "Mr. Old-and-crotchetey": "You know there was a line back there, Ma'am?" as he points to the opposite direction from where I entered the check-out line. "Huh?" I intelligently respond. To which he says "There was a line back there (pointing again) and you just helped yourself to this open aisle." "Ummm, Sir the line starts at this end and now you're headed to the next aisle. No harm. No Foul." I say. Cue more crotchetey behavior that I have since blocked from my memory. I think I finally just said "Ok, Sir." And went on about unpacking my cart...

Interested?

Anyone interested in comin' over and watchin' a movie, eating popcorn, drinking something caffeinated and relaxing for an evening? Really, i'm just missing my hubby! These last weeks are sooooo TOUGH! This whole being-close-enough-to-taste scenario really isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Other than Teresa it seems all of my other readers are in the middle (give or take) of their deployments and you're probably rolling your eyes at my comment... While I can appreciate the sentiment, it doesn't change the reality. All that I can say is: I am thankful to be nearing the end of our year apart and I'll take a few weeks over a few months any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

I totally hit up the Old Navy 30% off sale TWICE this week. First for myself than today for my hubs! :) Any one else check it out?? I got some great stuff! It ends tomorrow so get off your butts and get out there! (:

I'm off for my movie watching now!!

The Travelers Gift

Has anyone else read this? Basically the main character, David Ponder lost his job and is forced to reexamine what truly matters in his life. David comes to a cross roads while driving on an icy road, much like when George Bailey "wishes he were never born", in the classic "It's a Wonderful Life" and he is transported through time to visit some infamous characters that will provide him with the "7 decisions that determine personal success."

I'm just wondering if anyone else has read this and what your thoughts are on it...

So far I've only read about the first 2 decisions (to personal success):

1: "The Buck Stops Here" I personally love this one and completely agree. David is taught to take responsibility for his past and therefore his present (and future), by the one and only Mr. Harry Truman.

"I am where I am today- mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially- because of decisions I have mad. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today-mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially- because of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am- mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially- by changing the way I think."

I love it! One way or the other we chose to be where we are (in all of the ways listed above)... we created our path a long time ago with the choice to go left versus right, the choice of this school over that school, the choice to join the military, to marry a military man... we all have the option to make a different choice so we can't blame our circumstances, our parents, spouses or anything thing/one else for where we are in our lives!

2: "I Will Seek Wisdom": This decision rather confused me. David meets King Solomon while he is resolving the argument between two mothers who are fighting over a baby. They both claim the child is theirs and should be allowed to keep him. King Solomon offers to cut the baby in half so that they can each have a part of him. We all know how this story ends... he gives the baby to the woman who opted to give her son to the other woman over having him killed.

King Solomon and David have a discussion about many things. King Solomon tells David to seek the counsel of wise men; basically you are who you surround yourself with. Solomon tells David "Only a fool refuses the counsel of wise men..." "Fine a wise man, a person who has accomplished what you wish for in your own life, and listen closely to his words."

King Solomon also shows David (by holding a curtain open for him versus the other way around) that "When a king begins to act like a king, is not long before someone else is king! Serving is a way we can place value on one another. A wise man is a server." I get this concept, but I'm not sure what it has to do with seeking wisdom.

Both Harry Truman and King Solomon stress that they can't tell David what to do next and that they wouldn't even if they could... still waiting for that to come to some sort of point...? You are supposed to seek counsel of wise men but they can't give you advice on how to proceed? Egh, then again maybe I'm too logical for my own good.

I'll definitely be keeping this book. Since it is so short I expected to read it than return it. But I'm presently surprised by the depth of this book... lots to think about, obviously!

~~~~~

I gotta run, hittin the 30% off sale (for military) at Old Navy with my sis in a few!

Also, check out my new list (to the left) of things to accomplish before Kevin's homecoming! =) Gotta keep busy these last few weeks are DRAGGIN!!!

Block Leave

I hubs will be home SOOOO soon! less than 3 weeks and I can't wait. I remember hearing my sister say that the end (these last weeks and month) were the hardest and I couldn't for the life of me understand why... how could that be? I mean you (and us) have just survived the entire last 10 or 11 months so how could a few weeks be hard? PSssHH! I turn my nose up at a few weeks! Anyway, it is... I'm here to tell you it SUCKS!

With that being said we will now be out of town for 2 weeks during block leave! First we'll be visiting family in Oregon. We will be spending our *2nd* anniversary here:

The lovely and serene Salishan, OR is hands down the most relaxing and amazing place I've ever been! Kevin and I are very excited to able to spend time both here and with family while in Oregon.

After our week in OR we're off to Vegas! Kevin and I have never had a vacation that wasn't going to see family so we're STOKED to spend 4 days in Vegas. I've never been and I'm itching to try craps... we're on a budget but I am just very drawn to this game. It looks interesting. I just have to have someone teach me.

SOO, excited for my hubby to come home and for our vacations!!!! =)

Major TV Networks HATE Me. =(

It seems that shows I adore always get canceled! WHY oh WHY? Evidently 'people' and I don't have the same tastes in (some) TV shows... Some of my favorites have been canceled! Here are the recent casualties:

NBC Canceled Kings!! I have a healthy obsession with monarchies and all things royal, which is why I was drawn to this show in the beginning. It was rather to clear to see where the show was headed, none-the-less I was invested and was hoping to see it unfold for myself.

(Plus he's EXTRA pretty...)

~~~~~

Samantha Who? Was another show I loved. It was hilarious and refreshing. Unfortunately ABC wouldn't just leave it in one time-slot! They had to be short-sighted (amongst other things) and move it around and it couldn't find/keep an audience! Well, other than me!

(Plus the title character and I share a name) teehee

~~~~~

Today I found a dress at Old Navy that I'm going to go back on the 30th and get for Kevin's homecoming! =) I am not really a dress kinda gal but this occasion seems worthy! PS: In just the last 2-3 months they have instated a Military Discount over at lovely Old Navy. The sales associate told me that on the "first few days of each month" a 10% discount is offered to military (active and dependents). BUT the 30th of this month they are offering a 30% discount! So, I said "put this on hold for me and I'll be back to save some pennies on the 30th!" :)

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Other than that I just had to say the broad who hosted the "housewares party" on Army Wives tonight had to be the most awkward individual I'd ever seen! L.O.L.

Dear "Qwest":

"I hate your stinking guts. You make me vomit. You're scum between my toes! Love, Sam S."

Yeah, that's right I gangked this line from The Little Rascals (a movie the hubs and I equally adore)! Well, my internet has been screwed up, a.k.a. SLLOOOOOWW for days now and then this morning it completely crapped out; decided it hated me and was not longer going to work. <~ that was me being overly dramatic. I couldn't log on until about 200 PM. Big whoop, right? HA HA All's well that ends well!

Well here's a lil' update from the interview I had on Monday: I suck... I am still unemployed... No one wants me... (evidently I wasn't finished being overly dramatic- haha). Seriously, Cindy (whom I interviewed with) was nice enough to call and tell me that she "enjoyed interviewing with me but that they were hiring someone else" because I suck at life. :) Notice, how the last part was out of the quotes, as she never said it. Well, I still have the "as needed/on-call" type stuff going on with a school district around here and that should start picking up soon, because classes being the first week of August. That, combined with the help I give my Pops (for his real estate business) should give us what we need to get by. It would have just been nice to have something more set in stone, more reliable every month... which is why I haven't taken a commissioned-based job, but I'm sure we'll work it out.

Other than that Kevin and I have been speaking quite a bit this week. He's super home sick (which I don't get because I'm still at home- obviously), and I think growing more nervous because things have been heating up there lately. So far all the conversating hasn't created an issue; we've been getting along VERY well lately! We've mainly been discussing Homecoming plans. I'm just excited to have him in the same house as me.... Sitting on the couch, taking the garbage out (yes, babe, there will be chores ha ha), watching movies/TV, Not eating or sleeping or shopping or driving alone... where as he's wanting to go here and go there and see them and do this and it all just sounds like TOO much excitement for my pretty-low key person to be dealing with. We're still going to Vegas in September and we're tossing around the idea of going to the Ball, in Sept also. I would love to go and have the experience but I just think right now, financially we can do other things with our money. Such as, buy the camera, I've been living without... I mean really it's 2009, I think we're the only people on the planet without a digital camera! So, the Ball is still on the fence- we'll see.... We've also, recently pondered the idea of going to Portland to visit his family AND decided against it. Yes, we talked about it briefly, but when we realized that it'd mean boarding Brody for 2 full weeks we knew it would be out of our budget. =( Earlier this week Kevin's Dad told him that he may not be able to make it to the Homecoming... We were very disappointed to hear this. But we also understand that times are hard everywhere and everyone has their own lives to tend to and maintain. Especially, my FIL , as he is a business owner. So, it makes sense just sad at the same time. We'll have a great homecoming though, that's for sure!!!
I'm wondering, though, do any of you have some really interesting or unique homecoming ideas or stories? I want to make it special for Kevin, but lord help me if I wasn't blessed with a whole lot of creativity!

I gotta roll... I'm gonna hit Target see if they have something I've been looking all over God's green earth for! But I will be blogging again this evening... I got TAGGED for my very first award by Erin at Deployment Woes so I'll have to pay it forward (if you will) later on. <3 tootles.

Another thing, he said!!

So I forgot to add this to my last post:

"Babe, only 3 more Tuesdays til I'm home."

Awwww.. I heard it you all said it... Collectively! I know its true! Tee hee. Its great to think of the homecoming in those terms! Its funny because I was at WallyWorld the other day (possibly even last week..) with my sis and I asked her if I should start getting some of Kevin's things; deodorant, toothpaste, soda, snacks ect. My practical and logical side took over and I decided to wait. I'll definitely be back to good ol' Wally World at least a dozen times before he gets back... =)
Kevin's funny though... He agreed to hold off seeing the new Harry Potter until he gets home. You see, I had never read the books or watched any of the movies before I had met him. Kevin on the other hand listened to all of the books on tape and had seen all the movies. So we watched them all together he helped me fill in the blanks and understand the STRANGE names! Well, he's having a hell of a time waiting to see it! But toooo bad this time you don't have too long to wait (unlike with The Pink Panther) so you and I will both have to wait! =)
Movie watching is something that I am really looking forward to! There are quite a few movies on the list, that we'll have to watch together. And somehow it keeps growing and growing by the day:
Twilight
Harry Potter (duh- obviously)
I Love You, Man
Funny People

Transformers

Marley and Me

The Ugly Truth

Angels and Demons

Fast & Furious

::funny thing, I come to list the movies and they jump ship (out of my mind), evil bastards! I know there are so many more, grrr!::
There is half a TiVo full of TV to watch: a season of house, 1 and half seasons of Burn Notice, Raising the Bar and Royal Pains.

Oh- and it is official (like a referee whistle) I'm unhirable! This job searching business is a tireless chore. I'm over it. Maybe we'll just win the lotto instead... Stupid-ME why didn't I think of this first?!? DUH..