Day 105: Bout half way.

Yeah, it's been one hundred and five days, already. 105 days ago my husband left for Afghanistan on this fourth deployment. 105 days ago I was a hot mess. Today, I'm not a hot mess (but getting hotter... woo woo)! Today I'm living life and trying to roll with the punches in the best ways I know how. I'm losing weight and I intend to continue down this same path! I'm working on my tan, obviously this is a huge priority. I'm going to school. I'm working hard and bringing home some of my own bacon! Yeah, I'm having a good deployment. I say we're forced into these crap-tastic, lengthy periods of time without our spouses we might as well enjoy what we can.*

I say in the title "bout half way", because we're about half way to R&R. We're looking forward to Vegas!!

Can I also just say I'm looking forward to tomorrow. "Why?" I'm sure you're wondering. Well, I'll tell you. Tomorrow is cheat day for my diet. I'm looking forward to pasta (yummm) and ice cream. Maybe beer. (I know I'm classy. Get over yourself we can't always be elegantly sipping Pinot.)


*Just because I can manage to enjoy myself doesn't me I don't love my husband. It just means I know how to be by myself. I've always been a person who needs some alone time to reflect, decompress and relax. It's how I roll. ;)

Shedding...

Since I left Germany I've lost 22 pounds! That's right people. I'm shedding the pounds.

What am I doing to shed all these pounds? I cut carbs, drastically. NO, I did not cut all carbs- I'm Italian. I could never, not have pasta. Plus, I just decided life isn't worth living without all carbs, all the time. Also, my job is very physically demanding in nature-- so that definitely helps.

I'm really wanting to lose another 20-30 pounds. Unfortunately I have started to plateau. Any suggestions?

Chillin'

I hate reading the "I'm sorry, I haven't been blogging" posts too... too bad this is one of those. I'm feeling random and uninteresting. I can't seem to focus on one thing long enough to get my thoughts together and form an entire post. The hubs and I got our R&R plans worked out a lil' better. Which helps. I'm still working. Still learning.
Speaking of learning. I was never really driven to "be" anything in particular. I wanted to "do" something that would be practical for my lifestyle, that I would completely loath 100% of the time and that would have the potential to earn money. I knew that being a stay at home mom and wife (SAHM) wasn't going to work. Unfortunately I'm not getting my education in a particular vocation. I've never cared much for nursing or something equally specific. My drive to get my degree comes from wanting, generally to be employed, and higher education seems more and more a necessity. I've had two people that they think I should "be" a writer/editor. I automatically think novels and fiction when I hear "writer". I said "no no I can't do that!" I really don't think I'm creative enough to write anything people would actually want to read. I'd never in a million years think up a world where Vampires sparkle in the sunlight and are not vicious for fun ::Cough cough::... I've been pondering it for a little while and I'm starting to really consider the editing idea though. I'll have to research it a bit and see how I can make it work with the military but I know I can "do" and "be" anything I put my mind to. I'm kind of excited about the idea. We'll see where it goes and how I can manage it.

In other than being inspired by my closest friends I've been busy doing average things, to include: spending time with my family, paying off debt, talking my husband out of cars we cannot yet afford, and dreaming of not absolutely hating buying a swim suit.

Coming up... more of the same. Plus a lil' girl's 2nd b-day party for this weekend. I'm excited, I've only had her gifts for about 2 weeks. I hope she loves them!

Random

Picture it: 2011. Colorado Springs. I was sitting by myself for about an hour and half at the Starbucks getting my homework assignments knocked out for the week. No one spoke to me while I was there and I was concentrating on what I had in front of me. When, all of a sudden the woman sitting behind me says "Excuse me". To which, I responded by jumping out of my skin.

After I answered her Mac related question (because obviously I'm an expert, haha) and turned to continue what I was working on I started to think about what had just transpired. Why on earth would I have been so startled by a kind lady saying "Excuse me?" And I've decided to blame Google. Well, not only google but any search engine of your choosing and the interwebs in general. I feel like people generally (of course not true for all people) don't ask strangers, the harmless person next to them in the store for advice or guidance.* I don't see a lot of people chatting with random strangers. From what I've seen we all kind of run around with our heads down, not making eye-contact, no courteous smiles of hello, rarely asking the check-out person at Walmart how their day is going. Just trying to get through whatever it is you're doing and press on to whatever is next.

I know for me I talk to everyone. I ask the people how they are at the Walmart, the MP's/Gate Guards as I go on post, peeps in toll booths... I don't discriminate. I talk to everyone. What's it hurt? What's the worst that could come of it?

I think I was caught of guard and thusly startled when this woman started speaking to me because people don't speak to other when they're out and about.

Anyway that's today's story.

Do you turn into chatty-Kathy when you leave the house?

A whole lada nada...

Once upon a time I used to blog quiet a bit. These days I'm lucky if I post once a week... you're missing me aren't you?

Sadly, I haven't had anything nice to say. I'm stressed with this crap-tastic job I find myself in and the future. I'm stressed from being in Colorado, sans husband. I generally feel detached from my life. I feel detached from my role as a spouse, the Army, and our plans for the future. Please do not misunderstand, I'm not announcing a divorce... I'm not admitting to doing bad things in the absence of my husband... What my point is, is that I don't find being away from my home and my things and obligations to be a positive thing at this specific moment. Long story, short: Running home during deployment (although, never my goal but where I wound up) is not a good thing. I find it to be counter-productive. Being here and this feeling of detachment is creating emotional distance between Kevin and I. I couldn't quite put my finger on the problem the last few weeks but there it is.

I feel like it's my fault. So then I beat myself up over it... you know, because that's so productive. Well, I'm working on it. Trying to turn a corner.

I was hoping that some alone time on R&R would help... doesn't look like there'll be a whole lot of that. :( boo. We'll work something out though. I'm sure of it.

What do you do when you start to feel the distance of a deployment??

Can't I just skip it...?

or AT LEAST postpone/reschedule until for another day. You see yesterday (May 1st) was the 26th anniversary of my birth. It was sucky and rather great all the same time. My husband knows I love birthdays. So, even though he's half a world away in Afghanistan he's been plotting and planning for about 2 weeks to make this day special for me. He sent me gorgeous flowers:

And was planning a surprise party for me with the assistance of my sister and mother. However, the problem with a surprise party is that the person you're surprising doesn't know about it. So, trying to now completely skip my birthday this year I sent out a request to get some friends together at The Melting Pot. Kinda ruined the surprise shin-dig. Boo. After I "ruined" (more like rescheduled, unknowingly) my surprise I had to work on Saturday night. Usually Saturdays are kind of heavy at work. I figured "why bother taking it off though, I'll be home around 230 and press on with my day. Nope! It was "label night" we had to change over 5000 labels in the commissary. I left at 4... I was like people "it's 4.. and it's my Birthday and I really don't want to sleep the entire thing away." they were like "ok homie... beat it". So basically my day consisted off homework and sleep. Thank God for my Momma though! She got some goodies and her and my sis gave me some gifts so I had a lil birthday celebration! I tried to make the best out of the day I was dealt and my husband helped me out a lot with that. :) 

(I'm a lucky girl)

Another bit of news I wish I could skip is the fact that Osama bin Laden is dead. I mean, great job troops ! But forgive me for being concerned for those still in Afghanistan. It amazes me that people "forgot" or simply "don't care" that there are still 1000's of troops there. I guess it just doesn't occur to people that there could be retaliation. hmmm. 

I'll be sitting here thinking happy thought- trying to convince myself that everything will be ok. 

Insight into myself

I don't have to prove that I'm a good person to you, or you... or you over there. I know it. I know it because  I have the love and support of dear friends that would do anything for me. Not to mention my family and my husband who've yet to fail me and are always there.

I can't please everyone all the time. I can only hope that people won't be so hasty in the future to assume I'm a horrible person... yet to take my words at face value, and going forward will consider my entire post (and all the words making it up) prior to commenting on only one part that was more than likely taken out of context (not considered with the rest of the information provided either in the sentence/paragraph/or entire post). I say what I say (as most people do, unless they're lying) because it's my life experience. I face every experience and encounter with a positive attitude, because I've found that I receive better results going into things with that out-look versus a negative "everyone sucks" or "I'll get nothing from this" or "it won't be successful for me" attitude.

I'm here to help. I'd give you the shirt off my back if I could, the last dollar in my wallet if you truly needed it. I'll also, (always, without fail) offer you a practical, real-life idea that could potentially help you... I'm logical and real. It's how I roll.

Please don't assume that in sharing my experiences that I am short-sighted enough to believe what works/ed for me will help everyone 100% of the time. Shouldn't a good friend share things with the people in their lives that've been successful for them? Kinda what I thought.

I'll leave you with one of my all time favorite quotes:

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Happy Wednesday all!! Today, all I want... is for people to give others the benefit of the doubt. :)

So Dramatic

I have a couple questions. I tend to have unpopular opinions. I'm starting to think that's only because I don't understand things thoroughly.
(versus the alternative, which is that I'm just a shitty-judgemental person)
So, I'm turning a new leaf. I'll start asking more questions, hoping to to inspire more conversation; versus vomiting up my unpopular opinions.

About two weeks ago the milspouse blogosphere was all "atwitter" when we read Jessica's post, "A Final Goodbye". I have to say I was first and foremost worried for her, and also saddened to hear of her plan and the douchebaggary her husband pulled. In the days that followed I've seen a lot about support for military spouses and whining within our ranks, "what about us!" Oh, and the unforgettable "It could've been me!"
Question one: Say what??
Question two: 
I know the initial question "what about us" is more about programs and emphasis being placed on what the families go through and programs directed at our mental health stability.
What's wrong with MilitaryOneSource? Personally, I've used their services before. Simple. Easy. Effective. Call the number (1-800-342-9647), tell them (it's humbling I know) that you're in need of a counselor/ therapist for ______reason. You'll be transferred to someone who'll ask you for additional information in regards to your specific problems and information (this individual was caring and supportive to me and my situation). Eventually, they'll provide you with options of a counselor in your area, even help you to schedule your first appointment.
Additionally, you can just call TriCare directly and ask for a list of all the approved therapists/counselors in your area... you get a bunch of number and options, call them, set up an appointment and press on with business. Easy breezy!
Question three: How does being a milspouse automatically mean you'd be in her situation with a husband that cheats and treated her poorly? I don't know Jessica. Outside of all the detail she provided in that "A Final Goodbye" post I don't know any details of her life. Aside from both being married to soldiers her and I don't have anything in common (that I know of). I'm not sure how her situation automatically makes all milspouses susceptible to suicide/ mental illness. I feel like, all of the "That could be me" happening is a way for people to take away from Jessica's very real pain and for some reason (that escapes me) pull the attention from Jessica .

Let me just say for all the people out there that are enraged: I am by no means judging Jessica. I genuinely sympathize and empathize with her. I am concerned and sad for her. I'm no stranger to suicide and mental illness. I also feel that she deserves all the support and encouragement that she can find! Furthermore, I love that so many bloggers rallied around her during this very difficult time in her life.

Donald Trump.
Question one: WTF?
Question two: Why do people think the president has any control over the price of gas? The oil industry consists of private businesses. I made the comment to a friend yesterday, I'm (legitimately) shocked that such a successful man can make such stupid comments. I suppose President Obama can release the oil reserves, which would raise the supply (we all know about supply and demand), inturn lowering the cost of oil domestically. However, that doesn't really seem like such a brilliant idea to me. I think we all know from middle school that oil is a nonrenewable recourse. Once we exhaust what our planet has to offer then.... we'll be... screwed-ola. Outside of releasing the reserves the president has no control of the price of anything... I mean, maybe I'm wrong. Can we ask Mr. Obama to lower the price of DSLR camera's. Shit, I really wish they were much cheaper... just sayin'.
Question three: Why won't he just go away or at least add some mildly educated point to the political debate?

Day 36

I just wanted to share something about myself with the group:

I'm a person who likes to be honest with myself and with others around me. I tell it how it is. However, as a reasonable minded person I know that telling it, how it is, is based on my opinion, and what I know to be true. This being said, I always try to give my opinion in a sympathetic manner. I don't force my toughs upon others. Nor do I judge them for viewing the world differently than I do.

This personality trait often causes a lot of problems with people. Often because I have unpopular viewpoints; and evidently I have high expectations of myself and others. Silly me.

Now you all know.

Bickering McBickerson's.

Hello, my name is Samantha and I'm kind of narcotic. I'm mostly(totally playing) happily married to Kevin, who is usually easy-going, laid back, et cetera, et cetera... My hubs is not perfect but neither am I. Lately the un-perfect sides of us have been butting heads more than the perfect-for-eachother sides of us making nice with each other. 


Now don't go and get up on your high horse; judging me. Evidently I'm a flawed person and so is my husband. We fight, we argue and we bicker. If you don't... well then good for you. But here at the McBickerson's that's how we roll. We may do all this bickering but we love each other. I've found that after we grew out of our "honeymoon" phase we learned more about each other, became closer and loved each other more. 


Enough explanating our normal behavior. I have to say I'm not really enjoying the amount of bickering going on lately here in The McBickerson's. The stress from leaving the family, moving 6,000 miles away from anything familiar, THEN being cramped into 300 sqft for 43 days is a recipe for disaster. 


Well, my name is Samantha and I'm a Bickering McBickerson. First step to every 12-step program in America is admitting you have a problem, right!? 
 

Why, Hello There.

I may be a day late (but I don't care). Erin helped motivate me to still play along.

I'm Sam, Samantha, Sammy (to very few). I'm 25, and this is my very first Bloghop! I'm an Army wife (and soooo much more). The Army has provided the hubs (Kevin) and I with this amazing opportunity to live in Germany; to experience another culture. We look forward to learning as much as we can while we're here and seeing as much of Europe as time, money and the Army will allow.

We've been married for 3 years and haven't yet birthed our own babies. We were tossing around the idea prior to the BIG move. But now we are concentrating on this once in a lifetime opportunity

Outside of this craziness that is this the Army life, I adore time with my family and my friends. I cherish the babies in our life. I miss them dearly and can't wait to see them very soon.

I'm a confident girl who likes to tell it how it is (or how I see it, anyway). I'm funny, like Starbucks (on Thursday mornings), traveling (more and more), writing, taking pictures and helping others (amongst other things).

Givin' it a try...

Are you a fan of resolutions? I'm undecided. But... I have come across a few things I really would like to try to become better at, change about myself, or test drive for a while. Here's a few new things you can expect to see talked about on my bloggy over the coming year:

Meal Planning. I've seen a few people taking part in this. I think it's a great idea for a few reasons. 1) Keeps waste down so I'm not throwing out rotten fruits or veggies that don't find themselves used in a suitable timeframe. 2) Things are more fresh over here in Germany... things go bad sooner. For instance Milk. Milk is just weird here in general- I'm sure I'll grow accustomed to it soon enough though. 3) I LOVE Pioneer Woman and Our Best Bites. IF you haven't checked in with either of these sites, you're doing yourself a great disservice. Another goal along the same lines with this meal planning is to eat and cook more healthy foods. I've found quite a few recipes I can't wait to try! Stay tuned for the favs.
Exercising 4 times per week. Yes, I'm making that same, tired ol' "resolution" you hear every second person you know make EVERY year. They start off motivated but by MLK Day they've given up. I think this is why I don't like to call them resolutions. It's not a thing I'm interested in only doing for 2011, but a life-change I'm pursuing for my future. I'm not planning on becoming a gym head who spends every spare second I have there. But I am planning on Walking more often. Playing more Kinect (which believe it or not keeps one very active. I'm sure I will make it to the gym once or twice though. haha
Travel! The opportunities once inside Europe are endless. This was one of the main motivators for pursuing orders to Germany for Kevin and I. We're looking forward to gettin' around once we're further settled. (have I failed to mention recently we're still in a hotel room without a car??) The travel goal is negotiable in my mind, but for now stands at visiting at least 5 new countries this year. I say this is negotiable because we still have absolutely no idea if Kevin will remain on rear-d or join his unit in A-stan in a few months. Whether Kevin is here or not I still plan to see sites and get around (haha) but it will be greatly scaled back as I would like experience most places with Kevin!
School: Take 3 courses without breaks. I've sent an email out to the POC for the colleges here on post and I'm waiting to hear back from them. Once I've gotten all the preliminary shizzle out of the way I want to hit the books, HARD. While I am motivated I have this lingering sense that I would take a class or two then slack off for a while and find myself right where I am now. So, here's the goal: I want to take 3 classes (back-to-back) (or more than one at a time) and then entertain the idea of a break. It's been a while since I've really engulfed myself in school so I think this is a sound goal and will keep me in line to achieving my "Big Picture" goals.

So there you have it. There's some of the things I'm going to work my hardest at. Is it fair to say that I'm not going to start until after we have our house? Or is that just an excuse? I mean, really I can't cook much here and who wants to see a weekly meal plan consisting of Grilled Cheese, canned soup and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese? Good news though, we may sign for our house as early as next Friday!!!! Woot woot! Fingers crossed please.

Xanax

(source)

I'm not opposed to pills. Some people I know avoid them like the plague (haaaha), just generally don't like to be chemically dependent for whatever reason. Fair enough. And just for the record I don't suffer from Anxiety and don't have a permanent prescription for Xanax. With my upcoming journey across the Atlantic, which requires my happy ass to be on an airplane in excess of 9 HOURS (!!!) I decided I was in need of some chemical altering of my person, to survive the trip. I have a history of not flying well. I'm not good at it and I've never been on a flight lasting longer than 3 hours. Now, I am not one of those paranoid people who flip out because they think the plane is going to fall out of the sky, nor do I suffer from claustrophobia. Here's what usually happens: I can't sleep, I'm light-headed and nauseous (but have avoided tossing my cookies to this point). That's a typical flight, and I tend have an extreme case of jet lag- which I alway attributed to my poor flying skills. My bud, Brandi, recently told me I probably just need some oxygen... novel idea... just simply never occurred to me. But I'll experiment with that suggestion on the 30th when we fly to Portland.

Previously I mentioned how I don't FREAK OUT on the plane... but I have to admit the idea of being trapped on the plane for 9+ hours has kept me up at night and caused some anxiety. So I went to the doc and explained my situation he gave me 5 Xanax. Thank you! My sis (being brilliant) suggested that I try it before getting on the plane Never know how it'll effect a person right? So I did, last night. Honestly I wanted something to completely knock me on my ass (like, not know my own name style). Xanax didn't do that. When I fell asleep I slept soundly but the pill itself didn't knock me out. Bummer. I did only take one (figured I'd start slow right?)  so I think for the flight I'll take 1.5 (prescription says 1 or 2 every 6 hours). 

In all fairness Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication.. it did relax the hell out of me. So that's good! I'm thinking 1.5 Xanax and a Dramomine should do the trick. 

Why am I tell you this? Because well, I woke up cloudy, drowsy and with one hell of a headache. Has this happened to you before? Is it normal? Should I worry it's a sign of things to come...? My sole purpose of experimenting with it last night was in case I was allergic or anything I didn't want to be going into Anaphylactic shock over the vast ocean somewhere! 

Goodbye v. See ya' round

So we're leaving right? I mentioned the other day that this stage of our PCS is rather pre-deployment-esque.  Now, before anyone goes and gets their panties all in a twist, I know that no one is going off to part-unknown filled with danger. However, there are major "Good-byes" in my future. So what I'm referring to with the pre-deployment reference is that, I know it's coming, I know it's not going to be fun but for goodness sakes I just want to get it over with already. It's time. Sometimes it's best to just tear the band aid off you know?
With all of that said I am spending ever minute I have with my nephews and my friends. I am going to miss so much with everyone I know (LB's prego once again and I'll miss baby showers and births and shopping sprees and name discussions. Nathan starts basketball after Christmas. Logan will be crawling and walking before we know it. Have I mentioned that I'll miss Christmas? haa). At the same time I am not the kind of gal to build these strong friendships, move away and just never speak to people again- it's not my style. IF I'm going to take the time to invest in you and in your life, and invite you into mine I expect and want you to stay in mine.
The sad part of this is that it seems some of my bestest of friends have already cut their losses and pretend I'm already gone and semi-unreachable It sucks when people you care so much for disappoint you. Yet, you cannot make anyone a priority who only makes you an option.
Some people don't really believe in "good-bye" its always this "I'll see ya later" nonsense. To me, it's what you say when you leave a friend's house, or hang up the phone. "Good-bye" is simply a fact of life. I think it hurts more depending on the circumstances but it's always there. On the other hand, I love the idea of this "I'll see ya later" business. I just kinda think it's a cop out... some kinda of coping mechanism. All I truly and honestly know is that whatever I say verbally, I'm going to quite possibly balling my eyes out (literally) but it'll definitely be happening on the inside.

We're Beautiful

seee.... Told ya! 

Thanks to one of my favorite people on the planet! 

What a difference a day makes

So Monday I was hopeful and confident that I would get a call/email, be contacted in so way informing me that I would receive an offer for the position I was interview for last week. Tuesday I was "broken up with in a email" as a friend put it. I call it "hate mail".... my sad but seemingly inevitable rejection. 

"What are you gonna do?" I thought.

Not out of desperation.... but just to say there isn't anything I can do about it. Remember the end of last month when I blogged about Rev Run's Words of Wisdom? Well something he says repeatedly that stuck with me, "Do your best and forget the rest." and also "Let go and let God." I'm not an overly religious person but the idea of what he's saying resonates with me especially under my current circumstances.... In my eyes these sayings are one in the same. Once you've done everything in your power you have to let go of the rest... it's out of your hands! 

I have to say it wasn't all overwhelming confidence though. I did wonder how I could have been so wrong. I thought I nailed it. I'm currently pursuing a BS in Management, I answered all the questions 'right', I had great questions prepared for the interviewerS, I was over-prepared for the interview, I smiled and shook hands, AND even sent my "Thank You" note!! How could I have been so confident about this interview and been so wrong? Whatever it is, it doesn't matter! I'm doing my best (so what if it takes all of my energy and motivation) to maintain a positive attitude and keep moving forward. 

In other news, my Best Friend is just a few weeks shy of her due date! I've spent some time recently picking up a few things for impending bundle of joy... I am excited for her (and me) to have her family grow! 

And yes, I know it's Wednesday and you're all desperate to know what I want... but I'm sorta just not in the mood today. Other than needing to get to the gym, I want for next Tuesday to arrive. "Why is that?" you ask. Well because Next Tuesday will be girls night (he-man-man-haters-club) at my house. NO BOYS ALLOWED! Next Tuesday also marks the DVD/BluRay release of:

Which obviously I WANT!

discouraged

I know I haven't blogged about my job search in a long while, but nevertheless I have still been searching for jobs. I was being considered for a NAF position at a nearby Air Force Base. I thought that with a few connections I would be a shoe-in. No so much. I found out yesterday they hired someone else for the position. :( I am very discouraged- you know AGAIN! But I am going to concentrate on things I have some control over. I'm going to go back to school. Isn't that good news? Yea, I'm so very excited about it.

I've been going back and forth for a while about what I want to go to school for? At what level? You know that age-old question, "what do I wanna be when I grow up?" I think I've found something that will work when Kevin and I should ever PCS. I'm just not sure its something I'm really pationate about. But I'm starting to learn (as I've said before) being a grown-up is no fun! We have to do things that we don't necessarily love to get through. Right?

What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it? Or did you settle for something that would pay the bills?

Lady Friends

Do you have a group of very close girl-friends?

Maybe I'm the only on the outside looking in on this phenomena.

Somehow I doubt that.

It's pretty much bothered me since... the Sex and the City movie came out that I didn't have a GROUP of strong always-there-for-you girlfriends.

Don't get me wrong. I do have friends. I do have girl-friends. I am just very envious of the group.

Doesn't this make sense to anyone else out there?

I suppose I could get my random girlie-friends together. Then, in theory I'd have a GROUP.

Something that about always goes arye doesn't it?

Someone gets jealous.

Someone starts talking non-sense about someone else.

This has always been my experience with any group of females. Big or small. Old or young.

Am I wrong?

Has this been your experience?

Where does the group come from? One outsider (me) bringing random females together? Or do you have to come up with the same group, organically?

Here's my problem...

I OVER THINK IT!

(obviously)

I want this: 

Do you have a group? How'd you build it?

MilSpouses? Any specific advice when it comes to our unique pool of ladies to choose from? Enlisted verses Officer (personally I don't much care, if you're cool people than I'll kick it with just about anyone)? People constantly coming and going? How do you stay in touch? Does your group just GROW as you PCS? Or you still have that one group (such as the ladies above) that no one can penetrate?

I must go now. I have plans with Erin and MacKenzie. Chick-flick and SALAD.

We party HARD- evidently. WOO!

Here we go!!

I've decided that I'm DONE with my post-holiday funk! I'm just over it. I'm sick of being down in the dumps for no good reason... So, screw you post-holiday-funk. See ya. I'm moving on to bigger and better things; brighter days.

Here's what you may have missed/What I failed to report:

Kevin finally unpacked from deployment.

(yeah... only took 5 months, but it's finally happened)

We got a surprise visit from the "New Bed Fairy"

(we've moved up in the world of mattresses. Hello, Ultra-Plush Serta Mattress!)

I've been lending my hand to my very pregnant sisters nesting habits! We've successfully painted baby Caden's room. I'll really need to get some pictures. She made me choose the paint colors and I think it looks fantastic! Just yesterday we put the bedding on/in (whatevs) the crib, hung valance and two pictures. Now the room just needs a few finishing touches.

I am in the running for a NAF position at Schriever AFB.

(I know I know... I'm Army (hooah and all that) and this is AF. But hey, it pays and that's truly what I need out of a job. Lets not forget my Pops was AF for 21 years. So... umm I was expecting to insert an AF alternative to "Hooah". I'm at a loss. Ooops.)

Oh, we also 86'd all of the Christmas decor. That was a sad day. :(

I got over it.

I really crave order so it was a good thing.

Here's what's to come:

Get back to my bloggy!

((it's really missed me))

Get motivated.... in every way.

((weight loss, here I come. chores, reluctantly necessary. job.... ugh -rolling eyes-.))

Visit my best friend in DC! We'll be finding out the sex of her baby (to be named Samantha, because I'm fantastic).

Start a job.

((fingers crossed... I'll do everything I can on my end))

Have carpets steam cleaned.

((oh-so-necessary))

Sell stuff on Craigslist.

((damn recession))

My favorite Brother-in-law returns from A-stan!!

((Wooooo))

My second nephew graces us with his presence in March!

My ONE YEAR blogger-versary!

I am most excited to keep myself in check. We all have emotions and they aren't always fun or pleasant. Sometimes we are down in the dumps. But, I'm done with that for the time being. Please forgive my absence, I don't like to broadcast my pity-parties. As I said I'm in to brighter days. I am going to work on laughing more. General Happiness.

Anyone else notice I now have over 100 followers?

Love. It.

:)

Beep, Beep... Back the Truck Up!

As previously stated I've been M.I.A. lately and there's been a TON going on. Such as:

Veteran's Day with my soldier. Kevin and I watched Taking Chance together. He didn't seem overly touched by it on any level but it touched me, deeply. I felt so lucky to have my husband and soldier home safe and unscaved. I know that I am truly blessed to have him return home to me. On the other hand I did very much miss Levi. We do every day.

Happy Veteran's Day to all our Vet's out there.

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Tomorrow I start my new job! Yes, that's right all after a year of being unemployed a great opportunity has come my way! I am so grateful and excited to start this new position. It's a job that I'm familiar with; a skill that I have and if the company likes me it will be a very nice pay raise. So wish me luck! After I attend Traffic court tomorrow morning I will have half-a-day at my new job!! :)

PS: Traffic Court SUCKS!

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Today is the final chapter of my relationship with Qwest. They suck. I'll be moving on. ASAP.

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My sister can feel the baby move on the outside of her belly now. Nathan felt her move last night and was SOOO excited!

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My BFF is PREGNANT! Yup, she's about 8 weeks along now. Due in July! Yes, you guessed it everyone around me is pregnant... but me of course.

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Kevin and I have been talking a lot about what comes next for us. What we want to do next and where we want to be. Kevin and I agreed that we would both love to be stationed in Germany. We think it would be a great adventure for us. But we are still kind of in a holding pattern with Kevin's Warrant Officer application process. He has completed the Flight Physical and we are waiting for word back on that; whether or not he is "fit for flight". Fingers crossed!!!

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Thankfully, I think that's all I had to catch people up on. No no... I do have to mention the release of New Moon next Friday. We are a whopping 8 days away! Yeah, I'm a loser... and I've definitely made peace with that.

;)