Where Did the Time Go?

This past few months has been a blur of adventures, visits, field trips, and puppy play dates. Labor Day weekend is upon us and the first day of school is just hours away... where did the time go? I am part of a wonderful team of teachers and am really looking forward to this new school year. Hopefully, Fall will be lovely and the snow will take some time to find us. Right now, my priority is spending time with my growing family and enjoying every moment to the fullest extent possible. I may or may not have time to write, but I assure you that I am happy.

Where did the time go? Oh, I just spent it on little things... the best kind of little things.

Summer Days

Oh, how I love the summertime! It is finally warm in the North Country and the pups can spend plenty of time outdoors enjoying our new backyard. The new puppy, Gaius, is learning all the tricks of the trade from Tyberious and we couldn't be more pleased. At this moment, we are also taking care of Charlie and Lucy so our house is very full or puppy playtime and excitement. Definitely a blast this long weekend!

I have taken the opportunity this summer to spend time around the house with my husband getting things settled and turning this house into a home. We have made some decor decisions:  furniture has been rearranged; artwork has found a home on the wall; items are being sorted and organized... progress, friends, it is so delightful. We are completing projects around the house and I am confident that by the end of summer our home will be complete.

My most recent project was to create a personalized chalkboard for the kitchen. We purchased the chalkboard spray paint, a wooden Y, a small dowel, and a nifty plank with the bark still on the sides. I taped the board so the bark wouldn't get paint on it and spray painted the rest of the plank with the chalkboard spray. While that was drying, my husband cut the dowel to make a little ledge for the chalk to sit on and I sanded painted it and the Y white. Once all the paint was dry, I hot glued the Y and ledge onto the chalk board and fastened a saw toothed hanger to the back. The little chalkboard fits wonderfully in our kitchen and is a nifty accent to our evolving decor. I am proud of my little craft project and have also begun to work on homemade french memo boards. Hopefully this bit of inspiration lasts for a while and we can really feel at home.

For now, we are just enjoying summer days.

Happy Independence Day, friends! Take time to celebrate and remember; have fun and be safe.

Memorial Day

Today is a day of opportunity to honor those brave men and women who have defended our freedoms and made the ultimate sacrifice. Many will host cookouts and gatherings with family and friends to celebrate, yet let's be sure to remember the reason for this holiday and offer a moment of silence for those lost. Enjoy the day off and offer a prayer for all those who have died in the defense of our freedoms that we experience today.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy

Missed the Stillness

So much has happened since my last post; however, let's suffice it to write that we have been busy and things will stay busy for quite a bit longer. I have missed the stillness, and I have decided to dedicate time for myself in stillness... even if I don't blog about it. I hope to someday catch up and write about all my recent adventures. But, that, my friends, it another time.

All Settled In

It seems as though months have passed since I took the time to sit and write. The first weeks after my husband got home seem to be precious and worthy of uninterrupted evenings and weekend afternoons. Though I will admit that I have missed my quiet moments in front of the glowing screen to reflect on and think about and record the happenings. Suffice it to say that I am very happy and am eager to welcome spring and summer after such a long and cold winter. We are planning a number of excursions in the coming months and hope to enjoy all the North Country has to offer. To all my diligent fans, keep me accountable... I plan to blog at least once a week. Until next time, enjoy the little things.

Home is Where We Are

Deployment has ended and he has been safely returned to me. All the beautiful little things have started to fill my days and they are incredible. It has been a wonderful homecoming. Excellent food, good wine, phenomenal company. My heart has never smiled wider. We have enjoyed home cooked meals like never before; including flavorful potstickers and curry chicken. The pup is overwhelmed and ecstatic that his daddy is home and he has his most favorite playmate back. I am so happy to have my husband, and best friend home. As we always tell one another, "Home is where we are." Welcome Home.

So Close!

We are down to the wire, folks.

I am a nervous wreck; every minor concern or superficial blemish around the house is now a glaring, ugly, horrible nuisance that must be rectified before my husband gets home. Circumstances that I have lived comfortably with for months now seem to be absolutely unacceptable and in desperate need to readjustment. For instance, during a puppy play session weeks ago, one of the dogs knocked the doors to the entertainment center off the track and broke the latch; it didn't bother me then but I am now frantically trying to contact the manufacturer to order replacement parts. I know my husband probably won't even notice these minor discrepancies but I just can't have him coming home to it. Not on my watch.

To give you an idea of what I have accomplished in anticipation of his homecoming:
Reorganized and cleaned all the closets (with the help of my lovely and talented twin sister)
Picked up all the poop (Thank you, Stinkin' Dawg Waste Disposal!)
Cleaned the carpets (Stanley Steemer took care of that and tossed in a free deodorizer spray)
Oil change for my car
Cleaned out the garage
Reactivated the cell phone
Reactivated car insurance
Coordinating with friends and family for his surprise :)

What still needs to be done:
Scrubbing the kitchen
Swiffer the hardwood
Deal with the clutter
Replace lightbulbs in outside lights
Order replacement parts for entertainment center
Clean the office
Oil change for his car
Serious vacuuming for my car (lots of dog hair)
Decorating for his homecoming

So, if you need to find me anytime in the interim I wish you luck. We are so close!

Counting the Days

We are counting the days, folks. I dare not share specifics but I will share my excitement! This is a very exciting time in my home; as it is our first homecoming experience, I am nervous and excited and overwhelmed and ecstatic and and... you get the idea. Let me suffice it to say that I am ridiculously, incredibly, unyieldingly stoked!

Counting the days has never been such an emotion roller coaster before... bring it on and bring him home!

Love and Support

All we really need is love and support... always.

Families are a tough nut to crack - on the one hand, if you are too delicate then no progress is made, while, on the other hand, if you act rashly then you may shatter the shell and risk damage to the nut. Somewhere in the in-between is a lovely balance where nuts are perfect and families thrive.

So much is lost when we don't take the time to communicate genuinely with one another. Feelings are disregarded, tempers flare, no one is truly satisfied, and, worst of all, the family is left ruptured and torn, beaten down and defeated. This weakened shadow attempts to limp on yet it is only a matter of time before it collapses and is left heartbroken. To accept defeat seems the only viable option and the decision rests on heavy hearts, unwilling to give up but too tired to carry on. It is impossible to imagine that anyone would wish this devastating conclusion upon a family, but sadly it happens all too often. One can only hope that the slightest glimpse of hope persists to tugs at the heartstrings - a willingness to mend the downtrodden and lonesome family.

It isn't fair or appropriate to pass judgment on family. Family is a dynamic, living component of our lives - just damn complicated. Yet, even as complicated as family may be a little love and support always goes a long way. Just a thought.

Adventures in Twindom

My twin sister and I compiled this list our adventures during her visit in late February. What may seem lame or bizarre to others is only natural in the adventures of twindom.

Sushi with a fellow milspouse.
Puppy wake-up calls.
We cleaned like whoa.
Homemade cookies with a mug of milk.
We ate dinner with a drooling canine audience; I guess he is a big fan of pork chops.
My sister experienced a flash micro blizzard... only 10 inches in one morning.
Blueberry pancakes.
Assaulted by a snow plow... get it... we thought it was laugh out loud, hilarious.
Keys to the Miller Museum of Geology at Kingston.

Third Attempt

This post marks the third attempt to blog this week... I have been unable to successfully complete a post - or a sentence, for that matter - due to the rambunctious pack of pups that has overtaken my townhouse. In order to complete this post without interruption, I have sequestered myself in a peaceful, quiet place better known as the kitchen counter.

They run, leap, bark, chew, play, snooze - all in unison. No lie, if one lays down to rest they all join in; likewise, if one hears something in the middle of the night they all join in chorus to alert me to potential danger (I am puzzled as to what awakens the oldest at 0400 every morning...). They really are good pups and they make a great play group. Who needs the dog park when you have three rowdy pups in the vicinity and doggie daycare?

My days are certainly not in short supply of laughter and photo ops. I have camera phone at the ready so I can send a quick snapshot to their parents in daily attempts to boost morale and share the laughter. I take my part in the healing process very seriously. 

After seeing some pictures I posted to Facebook of the pups playing, my father-in-law called and asked if I was selling tickets to the wrestling match! These pups sure know how to have a good time.

And so, to close out this third attempt I leave you with this snapshot of the fun: 

Love and Deployment

Today feels just like any other day during deployment because every day I miss my soldier. All this talk of flowers, candy, and chocolate is ridiculous... all I really want is a hug and kiss from my husband. To feel his warmth would be a delight. The thought of his homecoming is what sustains me. But I know that I am not alone; all over this country there are incredible men and women apart from their beloved because the mission comes first. Barely legible letters, midnight phone calls, bruised care packages - these are the ways we say "I love you". And, I truly believe that these magnificent moments make separation bearable. 


Each day I pray that my husband and all our soldiers return home safely; asking St. Michael to bless them and keep them from harm. I remind myself that love is patient and endures all things; love never fails. I believe love conquers deployment with ease.  


To my friends who are far from their loved ones, hold strong and remain steadfast. Your tears are welcome and embraced, so long as you wipe them from your cheeks and remind yourself of the many blessings in your life.


To my friends who have been reunited with their soldier but wait patiently for full recovery, the circumstances may not be ideal but be thankful you are with him and he will be well soon enough. Your fears are understood, your anxiety understated, your strength inspiring. 


To my friends who are able to touch, smell, and taste their lover - do it! Your happiness is beautiful and should be celebrated. 


Happy Valentine's Day, friends.


"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflates, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Uncelebrations

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Happy 5th mesiversary to me and my husband! That's right, friends, today marks five months of wedded bliss. Well, not quite bliss but at least it is a milestone. I'm sure I would be much more cheerful if my husband was actually present for the occasion - it does, after all, align rather closely with St. Valentine's Day. But, I know that moping over the circumstances of deployment would be fruitless. Instead, I would much rather lavish in the happy thoughts of his safe return from down range. He will be home this year, ya know. Very exciting stuff! As always, the mission comes first.

Also, it is our puppy's 9 month birthday! A most momentous occasion, indeed. It is a pity that he is afflicted with yet another bout of puppy poops on this somewhat special day, but I'm sure he will rise above - he always does. Enjoy this lovely snap shot of my little guy:

I know it seems a bit queer to celebrate these seemingly ordinary occasions; however, I must comment that it is these singularly bland milestones that make my life so stinking wonderful. No really, each day is a gift and should be celebrated in one way or another - even if it means digging deep and remembering hard to conjure up a special, beautiful and terribly ordinary reason to celebrate.

So, happy tenth day of the second month of the beginning of the second decade of the second millennium!

The Great Blizzard (continues)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

No lie, this afternoon it was 38 degrees and slightly overcast; by 1730 we were in the throws of a full out snow storm! The only thing I can compare it to is hurricane rains but snow. In the 90 minute conversation with my mother-in-law over 10 inches accumulated at my back door. Of course, snow fall and the wind work together to achieve such astounding results - but still.

Alas, at least I can be thankful that it is the pretty, fluffy, powdery snow as opposed to the icy, stinging snow. The powder is so much more pleasant to watch as it falls and significantly easier to shovel - a major win, if you ask me!

As a friend, and fellow milspouse, has commented regarding the snow, "Embrace the suck." I baked cookies, took care of my taxes, and finished laundry. Old Man Winter is going to need to be a bit more creative to scare this "seasoned" pro. Throw me in the midst of Snowpocalypse - fine, I shall dance and make snow angels. Face off with the Abominable - alright, let's have a snowball fight. Just, give me warm showers to warm up and recoop and I'll be fine.

Sitting in the Shower

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

We've all done it, or at least we should. I am not ashamed to admit that I often settle my bottom just under the faucet and let good old H2O do its magic. We've seen tearful scenes from Hollywood of a distraught damsel seeking answers and solace - that, friends, is certainly not my reality. Some nights I'm just tired - physical or emotional - and I need that constant cascading shower to pour over my head and replenish my energy. Other nights I just can't seem to warm myself under blankets and I turn to old faithful for encompassing, foolproof warmth. It may occasionally be a necessity to rinse product from my hair following a lovely up-do or to soothe aching muscles after shoveling snow. Even still, whatever the reason, rest assured, sitting in the shower can work wonders on my woes. Give it a go one of these days - trust me, you will feel better.

The Great Blizzard (so far)

For real, friends. I have never seen this much snow in my life - and it just keeps coming. But it sure is pretty.

Today is a perfect day to relax with a good book, clean the bathtub, and take care other household business in preparation for my husband's redeployment home. I better start with the least desirable... bathtub scum. But, alas, it needs to be done and what better time to do it then when I am snowed in, right?

This morning was interesting, indeed. I woke up at 0500 to get ready for work, and by 0530 the post was on a 2 hour delay so I went back to bed. When I awoke the second time at 0730 to feed the dog and again begin to get ready for work I received a call that the post was closed. So, like any self-respecting Army wife I ate breakfast, made a few calls, and took care to ensure the windows and doors were free of snow dunes in the event of an emergency. Still shocked, mind you, that Fort Drum is closed! If it is bad enough that the post is closed then it is definitely a sweatpants and slippers kind of day. So, that is exactly what I intend to do on this wonderfully snowy day.

I would caution those who are experiencing winter storms all over the country... if it isn't an emergency do not leave your home! It isn't worth it, whatever it is. I promise. Simply accept and enjoy the warm, snug, and calm day at home. If your family is home with you, then break out the boardgames and favorite movies. Take the time to get a little bit done around the house. Most importantly, spend quality time with your family and make every moment count. It isn't all that often that the North Country shuts down - so enjoy it!

This first installment of "The Great Blizzard (so far)" will continue as the snow falls.

Little Things

It is the little things, really.

I can't get over how cold it is here in the North Country. That being said, nothing warms my heart like a message from my husband down range. Moments like that may be the only time I allow myself to slow down because I truly treasure our love for one another. It may sound sappy to some, but those of you who know us understand. Little things, people, little things.

Not a moment goes by that I don't miss him, but I have found that if I fill my days with wonderful, happy moments sprinkled with upbeat and positive people and experiences then I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. It really is the little things - you can't deny it.

The day he deployed, I met two other Army wives who's husbands were also heading down range. We have since added another bouncy spouse to the mix, and our little group has blossomed as we continue to invite other military spouses to join in the fun. I still keep in touch with many of the Army wives I have met throughout my journey; the depth of our connection is astounding when one considers the distance and time that separates us. These "battle buddies" have become true friends of mine - I am grateful for having met them. It is wonderful to know that we can share our tears and our joys without concern of rejection or judgment or jealousy. That, friends, is why I will always call these girls my friends and why I will never forget them. Thanks, girls, you know who you are. Our lives are peppered with lovely little things.

Little things are why I am fulfilled and happy and blessed. For each day that passes, I remain thankful for all the little things in my life that make me laugh out loud and smile. Thanks to all the little things!

Tears

Tears.
Beautiful, therapeutic, salty, comforting tears.
Tears pour. They soak. They stream.
They accumulate and the dam breaks.
They leave you feeling hopeless and resilient, all at once.
They wait for that moment - you know the one.
They sting. They blur vision.
They invite dogs to lick your cheeks.
They are brushed away by loved ones.
They are shared, honored, and respected when heartfelt.
They don't care about your schedule or what they are interrupting.
They embarrass. They unite.
They are wonderful and terrible and - unavoidable.
They are necessary.
And, they are welcome when I least expect but need them most.
Tissues, anyone? I think I have something in my eye.

Watching Wheel

Sitting at home this evening, waiting for my sister to log into Skype, I catch myself watching Wheel of Fortune. Lame, I know. But even lamer still is that I can't stop wishing my husband were here to watch it with me. There is something about our equally competitive nature that makes that sort of thing so very fun. And, who doesn't love solving the puzzle?! So, next time you can't quite figure out what to do with your evening you should try channeling surfing for a game show. I promise, if you are anything like me, you won't be the least bit disappointed. Happy solving!

Late Night Calls

Last night I went to bed early, and do I mean early! I laid my head to the pillow at 8:33pm and sweetly dozed through the night. I am nearly positive that my husband called during my slumber and I hazily recall a whispered conversation of kind and loving words. I awoke this morning and was crushed that I had not shaken myself from my deep rest to talk with him. How disappointed he must have felt; to have called from across the world to hear only murmurs and yawns of his comfortably sleeping wife. It is my sincerest hope that he calls each and every night, and hopefully the next time he calls my body and mind will jump to the ready and engage him in conversation. For now, I can only wait for the phone to ring with an indistinguishable caller listed on the Caller ID... and maybe take a nap so I won't be so tired so early.

"Good night." he says as he eats his breakfast.

"Good Morning." I whisper and fall back to sleep.

Grace

Recently I have experienced frequent moments of overwhelming calm - it is a rare and welcome experience in my rather frenzied life. I can not quite pinpoint the source of this beautiful stillness but I consider it just another instance of grace. Sometimes it feels like I can't breathe, can't speak, can't fight anymore, and I am buried beneath a substantial and unavoidable world that neither understands nor cares for my personal journey. It is in these most damned of moments that I close my eyes and ask, humbly and simply, for intercession. During this period of separation and deployment I find I most often turn to the Holy Virgin Mary and St Michael the Archangel, patron saint of soldiers. Whatever my worries, their prayers calm me and I am able to regain my strength and forge on through this frantic and crazed world with just a touch of grace. 

Hail Mary, full of grace.
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wiles and wickedness of the devil. Restrain him, O God, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin and destruction of souls. Amen.

Friday Night Fun

Imaginary Friend: "So, what did you do on Friday night?"

Military Spouse (me): "I completed the packet required for my background check. Riveting 5 hours!"

You can be jealous - I know my Friday night rocked the socks off your night. This is just the tip of the iceberg of exciting events that happen in my household. Last night I vacuumed AND did the dishes. I almost broke a sweat. I'm just sayin'. Life is busy around here. You don't even know (unless, of course, your spouse is also currently deployed... then you know exactly what I'm sarcastically yet genuinely referring to).

Truth be told, I am so bored most nights that I watch really bad movies on Netflix; you know the kind that only have two stars. Desperation, friends, has a new face... deployment is the worst of antecedents. It leads military spouses to eat, work out, clean, sleep, read, watch really bad movies, call friends for hours, Google endlessly, talk to strangers, and worst of all... blog! It is a vile beast, but we serve our time and then poof we disappear when our soldier returns. Only to resurface for air and the occasional blog update.

Until then, please accept my sincerest apologies and deepest sympathies. I can only pray that this is remotely interesting and remarkably comical. I hope you laugh while reading this, because I do!

Enjoy your Friday night - even though we both know mine was way cooler.

0200

In the middle of the night, out of a deep sleep, I roll over, open my eyes and see the little green light blinking on my phone. Without hesitation or a doubt in my mind I somehow just know that it is my husband on Google Talk. I never remember hearing the notification; I always remember the conversation when I wake up the following morning. It is a wonderful feeling. I can only equate it to a dream and he words feel close, real. I often fall back asleep and dream with him. I write "with him" rather than "of him" because he is with me; it's ok if you don't understand. Sometimes I don't either, but that is the beauty of it. And the most beautiful moments are sometimes at 0200.

Waiting for 2012

After all the excitement and tears and chest pains and bridal magazines my husband has stepped in and declared martial law: the wedding will take place in 2012. He called yesterday from down range and it became clear within just a few short minutes that planning this formal wedding without his input would be neither fun nor wonderful, so we decided to wait until he is home and we can both take active roles. At first, I cried and whimpered, unwilling to accept defeat. But then I was flooded with overwhelming calm and took a deep breath of relief. After all, we are already married and nothing can take that magic away. It is just a ceremony and a party; it can wait.

Ladies and gentlemen, my husband wants to be part of the wedding planning. He wants me to have all my dreams and hopes realized. He wants it to be perfect.

I am one lucky lady. And I can definitely wait for 2012.

Our Wedding Day

September 10, 2010

Tucson, AZ

Dresses, and Flowers, and Shoes... Oh My!

I am finally hunkering down to plan our wedding. We are eight months out from our ideal date and now is the time to really get elbow deep and make a plan. In a word, I am terrified. Without my husband's input I don't want to venture too close to venue commitments and catering contracts. The mere mention of creating a budget or contacting potential vendors is more than I can bare at this exact moment in time. 

So, instead I am focusing on the details, more specifically the details of my wedding party. It can be said that my bridesmaids were all chosen by the time I left elementary school. Erin was nominated as Maid of Honor in the womb; Anna was decided to be a bridesmaid at the bus stop sometime back in the day; Maggie was elected one day on the playground. We fight, laugh, and play like sisters. These three lovely ladies will be at my side; I will need them. The girls I have met throughout life all know that I love them, but these three are, and always have been, family and that is why they are my choices. Now, what to do with the details of dresses and shoes and flowers... don't even bother asking because my head might simply explode. But, I am confident in this decision and that helps me to breathe a little easier. 

So, join me as I flip through bridal magazines with my inhaler at my side. Ideas are out there ready to be discovered and unveiled. It is wonderful to know that now is the time to start looking and now is the time to start dreaming. 

Staying Busy

I can't decide if being busy is a good or bad thing. On the one hand, it is great because it keeps my mind off my current status as a geographic bachelorette, but on the other it makes my head spin. And what to make of full days when they aren't worth writing about. A day of cleaning or errands or subbing or snow just doesn't seem blog worthy. I guess I'm just in a rut. The best thing for a rut is to just keep plugging away and make something about each day special enough to share. I have been so focused on reading before bed that I haven't been tending to my digital journal... shame on me. Alright folks, I am going to do my best to get back into the swing of things and resume the regular posts and insights. Enjoy :)

Panera, Pals, and Puppies

Today was a great day. It started with a few appointments and then lunch at Panera with a good friend and continued with an afternoon full of puppy play time. A word to the wise: if you have yet to enjoy the New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, I highly suggest it. I was more than satisfied with the meal and the company was phenomenal! It is always good to get together with a friend and just eat, sit, and talk. The conversation is light and upbeat, the food is delicious, and the feeling of fulfillment is always a keeper. There is just something great about getting out of the house and seeing friends.

And, of course, what better reason to get out of the house than to walk the pup? There aren't many people out and about to make friends with during this cold winter, but every now and then we run into someone or something. The pup never really seems to know what to do with himself. As if his thoughts are," Oh boy! Mom, a person! A bunny! Another dog! Can I please, oh please, go play?! Please!" I swear, I must walk him for a total of two hours dispersed over four walks each day and he doesn't ever seem to tucker out. So, today I devised a fantastic plan... I leashed him with the 20 ft recall training leash and tethered him to my midsection and just let him run all around the back of the townhouse. Needless to say, my pup was so excited to be more than 5 ft away from me and have the freedom to gallop and jump and dig and do what puppies do. And, I was glad for the break as well. I was able to watch and laugh from a reasonable distance and just enjoy my puppy being a puppy. It was wonderful and I am already looking forward to Spring and the dog park.

Today was definitely a great day.

Boredom is Not an Option

I started a list of things to do to avoid boredom. It started out with errands and other household items and then expanded into something much more meaningful...

Bored is not an option: 2011
vacuum
swiffer
dust
TA50
garage
closet
clean
laundry
read a book
write a letter
play with Ty
walk the dog
blog
sort/file paperwork
volunteer
photograph
create
build
explore
try something new
swim
yoga
stretch
call someone
plan something
take a class
find yourself lost
sing
dance
smile
laugh

This list is posted prominently on my refrigerator as a constant and pleasant reminder.
What do you do to avoid boredom?

A Good Laugh

Some days have harder moments than others, and on those days I need to laugh. No, rather, I require laughter.

Whether I watch America's Funniest Videos or play with Ty or Youtube funny videos or watch a Disney movie... I always get a good laugh. Something about laughter heals all my aches and pains; makes everything seem simple and easy again. It is good to laugh. And on the few especially hard days when a chuckle or a snort simply won't do I require something grander. I need a large, long, and nearly inappropriately loud laugh that brings me to tears. Because if I am going to cry, I better be laughing, too. And, if I am blessed to be in the company of others then I hope to share that joy, that laughter, with them. Because around here everyone could use a good laugh.

Bucket List

A friend posted this elsewhere and I thought it might be fun to repost with my own responses. Enjoy :)

Things I have done during my lifetime:

(  ) Gone on a blind date

(X) Donated Blood - gotta keep my iron up so I can do it again!

(X) Skipped school - Gotta love "Senior Skip Day"

(  ) Watched someone die

(X) Been to Canada - I live 35 miles South of Canada now!

(  ) Been to Mexico 

(X) Been to Florida

(  ) Been to Hawaii

(X) Been on a plane - I do better on planes if there is Ginger Ale.

(  ) Been on a helicopter

(X) Been lost - All too often... Sometimes I find myself lost and simply enjoy the freedom.

(X) Gone to Washington, DC - If you have the opportunity to attend a Capital Dome Tour - DO IT! 

(  ) Ridden in a Police Car

(X) Hugged a homeless person

(X) Swam in the ocean - Oh, how I miss the beach!

(  ) Swam with Stingrays

(  ) Been sailing in the ocean

(X) Cried yourself to sleep - Sad, but true. It only happens once, though.

(X) Played cops and robbers - The good old days :)

(X) Recently colored with crayons - How did you know that I used crayons to color my new 2011 calendar?

(  ) Ran a marathon - Not yet... but I am starting to train again :)

(X) Sang Karaoke - Yes! Fun times.

(  ) Volunteered at a soup kitchen

(X) Paid for a meal with coins only - School lunches on Pizza Hut day... yum.

(  ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch

(  ) Seen the Northern Lights 

(  ) Been Para-sailing

(X) Been on TV - With the Marching Falcons in high school.

(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't - Of course.

(X) Made prank phone calls - Only to people I love and care about ;)

(  ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans

(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose - That jam hurts!

(  ) Fed an elephant 

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue - Every time it snows :)

(  ) Fired a gun

(X) Danced in the rain - Most definitely. 

(  ) Been to the Opera

(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus - As a kid, but that wouldn't be a bad tradition to start with my husband.

(X) Serenaded someone - All the time.

(  ) Seen a U.S. President in person 

(  ) Been kissed under the mistletoe

(X) Watched the sunrise with someone - Merry Christmas, Mom and Erin!

(  ) Driven a race car 

(X) Been to a National Museum - I <3 museums!

(  ) Been to a Wax Museum

(X) Eaten caviar - One of my many life experiences at the Cavalier.

(X) Blown bubbles 

(X) Gone ice-skating - It was a long time ago, and yes I fell on my doopa.

(X) Gone to the movies - Certainly.

(  ) Been deep sea fishing 

(X) Driven across the United States - VA to AZ to VA to NY... 2010 was definitely a year on the road!

(  ) Been in a hot air balloon

(  ) Been sky diving

(  ) Gone snowmobiling 

(  ) Lived in more than one country

(X) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars - Not for quite some time, but it sure was wonderful.

(  ) Seen a falling star and made a wish

(  ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser 

(  ) Seen the Grand Canyon

(X) Seen the Statue of Liberty

(  ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle 

(  ) Been on a cruise

(  ) Traveled by train 

(  ) Traveled by motorcycle

(X) Been horse back riding - Gosh, I miss that.

(  ) Ridden on a San Francisco cable car

(X) Been to Disneyland OR Disney World - Fun times :)

(X) Truly believe in the power of prayer - Is there any other kind?

(  ) Been in a rain forest

(  ) Seen whales in the ocean

(X) Been to Niagara Falls

(  ) Ridden on an elephant

(  ) Swam with dolphins

(  ) Been to the Olympics 

(  ) Walked on the Great Wall of China

(  ) Saw and heard a glacier calf

(  ) Been spinnaker flying

(  ) Been water-skiing 

(  ) Been snow-skiing 

(  ) Been to Westminster Abbey 

(  ) Been to the Louvre

(  ) Swam in the Mediterranean

(X) Been to a Major League Baseball game- My first one this past summer :)

(  ) Been to a National Football League game 

(  ) Swam with sharks

(  ) Been White Water Rafting

(  ) Written a book or screen play

(  ) Been to a Tournament of Roses Parade 

(X) Lived in more than one state - VA, AZ, NY

(  ) Become a parent - Does puppy parent count?

(  ) Been Bungee Jumping

(  ) Been to Vegas 

(X) Been to a minor league baseball game - Go Tides!

(  ) Worked on a political campaign 

(  ) Been to the top of the World Trade Center or Empire State Building - Been to the Top of the Rock.

(X) Ridden a Subway - NYC

(  ) Been to your High School Reunion - It hasn't happened yet...

Oh wow, so much left to do. Anyone want to join me? Could be fun :)

Goodnight, old friend, 2010

Goodnight, 2010. It was a pleasure - we had blast.

We started together and ended apart. Finished graduate school and OCS. Spent Easter in Atlanta. We moved across the country - twice! Spent the summer in Arizona. Enjoyed my first MLB game. Adopted a puppy. Engaged and married. Made our first home in New York. Successfully tackled Thanksgiving with the family. Survived our first round of puppy pukes and poops. Said goodbye in the snow. Sent packages and letters. Made new friends all along the way. And wait with baited breath for 2011 and our reunion.

It would be unfair if I didn't share with you exactly how the last few days of 2010 unraveled. Unraveled is the most fitting word because they, quite genuinely, fell apart as the first decade of the new millennium came to a close.

I arrived home after a wonderful Christmas with family and set off to the kennel to retrieve my puppy, who greeted me with such excitement that I was instantly warm and fuzzy. We returned home to find that the Garage Cat was back. (For those who don't know, this little cat has been living in my garage off and on for a number of weeks and I was told that I must capture it in order to surrender it to SPCA.) I suited up in what protective gear I had on hand and set forth to capture the Garage Cat. During our struggle the feline bit my hand through my glove, so I did what any reasonable person would do... I shoved him into one of my husband's Army duffel bags and locked it in the bathroom. I thought the hard part was over. I was mistaken.

I called a dear friend with loads of animal experience; she scared the hell out of me and I rushed to the Emergency Room. Being new to town, I had no idea where I was going but I found my way to the ER and received treatment. I don't mind needles or pills or X-Rays or anything of that sort, but I really don't care for hospitals. After three hours of sitting around and listening to the staff discuss my feline predicament I requested to be discharged because I was starting to feel rather anxious. I then vomited on the floor. Immediate talk of quarantine and admittance and contacting the Red Cross to inform my husband down range. I put my foot down. No one would alarm my husband, cause him panic or distress over a cat bite and an anxiety attack. As I walked out of the ER, I felt a weight lifted and I was calm. Like I told you, I don't do well in hospitals. After a shower and some deep breathing I was off to bed, my pup at my side, The time was 0130. The Garage Cat remained in the duffel bag in the bathroom downstairs. The next morning I called Public Health and Dog Control; they handled the situation and the Garage Cat was surrendered. The stress of my first night home was over and the puppy and I enjoyed a well deserved nap.

Then I set about tying loss ends before the end of the year.

On the final day of the decade, Ty and I ventured to Petco (his first time, ya know). He has outgrown his kennel and he tore apart his bed and chew toy while kenneled over the holiday, not to mention he was almost out of food. He was apprehensive at first, but with some encouragement and the cunning use of positive reinforcement he started to enjoy his first adventure in commercialism. He picked out a new toy, sized up a new kennel, and selected his new dog bed. Keeping in mind that the vet guessed his final weight to be approximately 65 lbs, we made sure there was room to grow. It was an expensive trip to Petco, but it was wonderful to bond with my little man. He even got to ride in the front seat on the way home!

Our evening was quiet and calm. We snuggled on the couch and watched a movie, then realizing that neither of us would last until midnight we called it a night. Goodnight, old friend, 2010.

2011, I look forward to making your acquaintance.