Childhood Games

As a kid, I lived on a busy main street in our town.  One of the houses next door had 3 kids. There were 2 girls, 3 & 4 years older than I and one boy about 3 years younger.  I called them "the kids."  I would go over and ask if the kids could come out and play.  If I didn't go over there they would come ask I could go go play.  It was great.  We did all the normal things kids did...played school, rode bikes and just generally used our imaginations.  One of our favorite things to do was to crush rocks.  Silly I know.

Source

We would spent hours looking for pretty rocks.  Little ones.  Then we would find a big rock and crush the little rocks to make rock powder.  I'm not sure what were would have done with the powder but I think we were going to fill jars with it and make pretty designs.  We never got enough powder because some adult would hear us and come tell us to stop.  They were afraid that we would get pieces of flying rock in our eyes or crush our fingers (silly parents!)  We would stop but inevitably we would try again.  And again.  We never got in trouble for it, we were just told to stop.

I know this is a random childhood story but I was reminded of it today while I was babysitting E.  It was a gorgeous day and we spent some time in the backyard.  She's about 14 months and she's fascinated by the grass and leaves and dandelions and rocks.  She kept picking them up and trying to eat them.  Not surprising but it triggered the memory.

It was a memory that made me smile.  I had a wonderful childhood, one that I'm thankful for.

Do you have a childhood memory that makes you smile?

Memorial Day

Source

When I was in middle school that we would have to write an essay on what Memorial Day meant to me.  One was chosen from each grade to be read aloud at the Memorial Day assembly around the flag pole.  I didn't mind writing the essay but it made me think.  What did Memorial Day mean to me?  I hadn't lost anyone to war.  My grandfather and some Uncles were Veterans but they were alive and doing well.  I would write about how I was thankful for those who had died for my freedom.  And I was thankful.  It was just...abstract.

Since becoming a Navy wife it's become less abstract.  There's always the possibility that something could happen while he's out.  Granted, anyone of us could get in an accident and be killed.  But the men and women of our military know that when they deploy that there is the possibility that they may not come back.  It's a scary reality...for them and their families.  It's one that they accept so they can do their job. 

A friend from high school, a veteran, has the following quote on their profilel:

A Veteran is someone who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount 'up to and including their life'.

The cliche freedom isn't free is true.  It's not free.  I'm still thankful for those that have died for my freedom, for our freedom. It has more meaning for me now.  Many men and women have died so we can enjoy that freedom.  So while you're enjoying the BBQ's and the sales, remember the men and women who have died for our freedom.  Remember their families that are missing them.  Remember those that are still fighting.

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.

Thank you for your sacrifice.

Edited to add:   I found an interesting link today. It has info on the history of Memorial Day and you can virtually thank a Vet. 

100 Years

Still missing The Man.  No surprise there!  Time feels like it's moving pretty quickly, so no complaining from me.  This song is also the "while he's away playlist."  It made that playlist because we used this song at our wedding- we were introduced to it at our reception. Music was the one part of the wedding he wanted to have full input on.  We spend hours listening, discussing and deciding on the music.  It wasn't easy to decide what to use where.  Thankfully we agreed on the songs prettily easily.  I hadn't seen the video until I searched for it for this post.  I really like it!

100 Years by Five for Fighting

I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are

I'm 22 for a moment
And she feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars

15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they

A kid on the way, babe
A family on my mind

I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life

15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose yourself
Within a morning star

15 I'm all right with you
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

Half time goes by
Suddenly you're wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on

I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are

15 there's still time for you
22 I feel her too
33 you're on your way
Every day's a new day

15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

Head over to Goodnight Moon to link up and and find some great new songs! 



And because you've already scrolled down this far, how about another song?  It's kinda like a hidden track on a CD!

It's nothing like summertime here. 
It's going to be in the 50's for the rest of the week.  BOO.
Back in March I posted a song about summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Here's another one...
I'm hoping this will kick Mother Nature's butt into gear and get us some warm weather!

Spring Growth

Our garden is growing...

Apple tree

Molly enjoys walking in the garden

What Was I Thinking?!?!?

Growing up, my dad would often make split pea soup.  He would make it whenever he could get his hands on a ham bone.  If we weren't at our house and we were having ham, my dad wasn't above asking the bone if he knew our host wouldn't use it (it was usually family so they didn't mind!)  The funny thing was dad is the only one who would eat it.  My mom doesn't like split pea soup and I said I didn't either.  I didn't like the way it looked.  I think it looks like a baby split it up a few times and then pooped it out a few more times.  Not appetizing at all.  So even though dad would always offer me some I always said no.  This went on for 20+ years.

Rewind to March.  When it looked like we might not get paid, we headed to the commissary to get a few things we needed.   It was surprisingly empty.  We were able to get $5 off any ham because the company didn't want them to go bad if the commissary didn't open.  We enjoyed part of the ham and I froze the rest, including the ham bone.  I didn't know of any other uses for ham bone other than split pea soup but I was determined to find another way to use it cause I didn't want to waste it.

A few weeks later while I was babysitting, the little one year old girl, E, had some split pea soup for lunch that her mom had made.  I tasted it it was was tasty.  I was surprised.  So I got the idea in my head that I should try making some.  So I did!  Let me tell you it's pretty good.  I called my dad and told him he was right.  I don't know why I didn't try this sooner...I don't know what I was thinking!

In case you're wondering, here's what I did:

1 ham bone
1 16 oz bag of green split peas

1/2 red onion, diced (I used a red onion cause that' what I had)
2 celery stalks, chopped thin
4 cans chicken broth
1/2 cup water (+ 1 cup that I added later)
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
Greek Seasoning to taste.

1.  In a large pot, add the ham bone, split peas, onion, celery, chicken broth & water.  Bring to a boil then simmer, cover for about an hour.  Check to make sure there's enough liquid so you don't burn the bottom (I almost did!)  Add more water if it's too thick.

2.  Take the ham bone out and let it cool.  When you can handle it, take the meat off the bone and add it back to the soup.  I cut up some of pieces so they were bite size.

3.  Add carrots and cook until tender.

4.  Enjoy!

I was amazed at how good this is!  This also helps me on my 101 list...I wanted to make 3 new soups.  This is one!

Do you like split pea soup?

Gotcha Day...One Year

One year ago today The Man & I picked up Molly and brought her home.  We had recently bought our house and we could now have a dog.  We had both been wanting to add a dog to our family. We couldn't while we lived on base since we already had 2 cats and 2 pets is the limit..  I was a little concerned about how the boys would take it.  We figured Allen would be fine...we were a little worried about Edgar.  We decided that a slightly older dog would be better.  A puppy with all of their exuberance would just freak Ig out.  We'd never see him again as he would live in hiding.

I had been checking out petfinder.com several times a day.  Most of the dogs in the shelter were a mix of pit bull.  I know some people love the breed...but I don't.  None of the dogs called to us, though if we had enough land we would have taken them all!  So I started looking on Craigslist.  I met one dog and it fell through.  The problem was The Man was in NY and we wanted to wait until he was home to get the dog.  We both wanted to be there when we picked our dog up.  So I kept looking.  It felt like it took forever but in reality it was only a few days before I saw this:

---

Yellow Lab

Date: 2010-05-13, 10:25PM

Molly is a 6 year old Yellow Labrador Mix. She was adopted years ago from the Humane society in Georgia. Since relocating to the Washington area, we do not have the room to provide her with adequate space to play or exercise. Molly is Excellent with Children and Loves to Play Fetch and Swim. She has a slight aggression to other dogs though. Molly has been Spaid and Her Rabies Vaccine is up to date until 2012.

• Location: Bangor Sub Base
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

---

Meeting Molly

I emailed The Man the ad and he agreed that it sounded like Molly might be a fit.  I got in touch with them and we set up at time for me to meet Molly.  I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her.  She was super friendly and loveable.  They family also had two cats and she got along great with them.  One of them was blind and would often sleep next to Molly.  She was perfect!  I took a few photos and emailed them to The Man.  He agreed that we could have Molly.  Best of all, the family was willing to keep her until the 23rd.

We headed over to get her after church.  The family has 3 kids and the oldest was very sad Molly was getting a new home.  The other two were also sad but not was aware.  We spent a little time chitchatting and then we loaded all of Molly's stuff, plus Molly in the Jeep.  The Man had a quick conversation with her letting her know that she was coming to live with us and that we would take good care of her.  I tell you, I KNOW she understood him.  She said goodbye to her family and came with us.  We've spoiled her ever since!

She's the best puppy.  She comes when she's called.  She loves her tennis ball and that's all she'll chew one.  We only put a leash on her when we're going to be around other dogs.  Sometimes she growls at them.  Sometimes.  She LOVES the water and we love taking her swimming.  She's queen of the sofa.  She loves car rides, even just to the store and back.  The kitties were a bit apprehensive at first but they get along fine now.  Edgar doesn't love her but he tolerates her, which is what we hoped for.  I think she's growled at the boys maybe 3 times in the past year. 

Molly swimming with daddy

An Alleycat pillow

Forced Family Fun

Sleeping on Mom

I could keep going with the photos.  She really is the best puppy ever.  We tell her that all the time!  We hope she'll be with us for many, many, many years to come!

Molly riding in the car during the cross country drive

Friday Afternoon

It's a gorgeous Friday afternoon here in the Pacific Northwest.  The sun is shining and I think we've *finally* reached 70 degrees.  If we didn't than it's pretty close!

Our view

I'm enjoying the sunshine while sitting on the deck with a content puppy beside me.  The sun is warm and the breeze keeps me from getting to hot.  I'm perfectly comfortable in shorts and a tank top.  The tide is out so I'm enjoying a view of mud flats.  The lilacs are blooming and smell heavenly.  Pandora is cranking out some great tunes and the birds are busy twittering in the background.  Life is good.  The ONLY thing that would make it better is if The Man was home.

I got to talk to him yesterday so that's the next best thing.  He's working hard and is getting done what he needs to get done.  He's almost ready to do the boards for his qualification.  He's enjoying being out since it's been awhile.  This short separation has reminded both of us about the strength of our relationship.  While we prefer to be together we can both function when we're alone.  We miss each other a lot but we're not pining away.

The Man has hit 6 months of sobriety.  He's doing really well.  He's realizing more and more just how the alcohol was affecting him.  He's gaining insight and clarity as well as confidence and strength.  With every day that passes he is realizing that he can do this.  I'm so proud of him!

How did you spend your Friday afternoon?

My Song(s) of the Week

I'm going to rebel this week and link up two songs.  I know, breaking the rules.  I don't think Amber will mind!

It's finally been sunny here and it might even get to 70's tomorrow!  Pandora has this song showing up a pretty frequently on my playlist lately.  It came out in '99..the end of my freshman year of college.  I remember driving with the windows rolled down and the radio blaring.  Such a great song to drive to!





I know this one was a commercial but it's been on my mind lately.  It's on the playlist I listen to when The Man is gone.  We also cut the cake to it at our wedding.  It's a great song.

(Sorry it's too big for my center column again!)

Ok, wait, one more.  I know, overload.  But...this was also stuck in my head.  Do you know what it's from?

If you guessed Harry Potter you're right!  It's from the scene where Harry & Hermione dance.  I love how the song fits the scene so well.

What's your song this week?  Head over the Goodnight Moon to link up!

How Did You Know?

I saw that Liz, the Optimistic Army Wife was answering the following questions:

How did you know that your spouse was the one for you?

And what has kept you on your toes all these years?

I know it's not always rainbows and butterflies.. So what has kept you holding on through the good times and the bad?

I think these are great questions.  I'm going to answer them cause I don't have anything else to write about.  I'm lacking in inspiration and I can only write about The Man being gone so many times!

Engaged, Sept 2009

 How did you know that your spouse was the one for you?

It sounds crazy but I just knew.  Not right away though I did have an inkling.  I think we both did.  He was the easiest person to talk to.  I couldn't wait to talk to him, to see him.  He listened, really listened to what I had to say.  I was able to share things with him that I didn't with most people.  We believe the same things and have the same goals.  We balance each other nicely.  I had also been praying for a husband.  I had dated a couple of guys before The Man and I knew that weren't the one.  I just knew.  I don't know how to explain it any other way.

And what has kept you on your toes all these years?

We've been together for three years and married for almost two so it's not like it's been a super long time.  But we enjoy spending time together and we are invested in each other.  I love sharing life with him.  We celebrate each others successes, help and encourage each other to reach our goals and we commiserate with each other as well.  My heart still goes pitty pat when he walks in the door.  I'm very much in love with my husband.  Not the fading "crush"  kind of love but the deeper kind of love.  I love him not cause I think he's handsome  or "cool" but because of who he is as a person on the inside. 

It's also the little things, like snuggling on the sofa or cooking a favorite dinner.  It's the putting in a new bathroom light because they want one or letting your spouse have some veg time.  It's putting the other person first and being more concerned about them instead of worrying about yourself.

I know it's not always rainbows and butterflies.. So what has kept you holding on through the good times and the bad?

Commitment.  On our wedding day, before God, our family and friends we made a commitment to each other.  We both honor our vows.  We're not perfect and our marriage isn't perfect but it is good.  Before we got married (when we were talking about getting married) we decided and agreed that divorce is not an option*.  When that's not an option, you have to work things out or life is going to be pretty miserable.  We have pretty good communication (there's always room for improvement) and we're willing to listen to each other.  We willing to work things out.  We don't give up on each other.  It would have been really easy for me to want a divorce when the alcoholism came up.  It wasn't even a thought in my mind.  We're in this together, for better or for worse, good times and bad.  That's what we promised each other and we don't take that lightly.  We entered into our marriage knowing it is for life.  And that's not to say that I don't love my husband.  I do.  Very much.  But there are days and times when it's harder than others.  That's normal.  Marriage is work.  HARD WORK! Nothing worth having is easy though so it's worth it.

*I do want to say that if you are in an abusive relationship than you need to leave and get someplace safe.  No one deserves to be abused.  Leaving doesn't mean automatic divorce though that may be the outcome.

Those are my thoughts.  What do you think? 

I'd love to read your answers to these questions!  

If you do answer them, please come back and let me know!

10 Things I Miss While The Man Is Away

The Man's been gone for a little bit now.  I'm getting into a routine and I've been staying busy which has helped a lot.  I've gotten some emails-more than I expected!- and that's helped too.  There are things I miss and I decided to make a list:

10.  Having someone to bounce ideas off of.

 My brain has a tendency to over think things.  I'm able to bounce ideas of him and he's able to help me makes sense of what I'm thinking. 

9.  Having someone to pick the going to bed movie.

Before we got married, I used to listen to music to go to bed.  The Man would go to bed with a movie on.  Since our wedding, he's one me over and we now watch a movie to go to bed.  We usually take turns picking the movie.  Since he's left I've watched Down Periscope & Clue.  I hate picking the movie and I can't wait for him to do it when he gets home.

8.  Getting random texts during the day.

I love getting a random text from The Man during the day that tells me that he loves me.  I don't get them every day but often enough to miss them while he's gone.

7.  Having someone to go to church with.

I don't like going to church by myself.  I'm not sure why.  I have friends that I can sit with when he's not here, and I don't mind the questions (most of the time) about where he is.  I just prefer to go with him.

6.  Having someone to help take care of Miss Molly.

 I love my puppy.  I love her a lot.  But she can be whiny, especially when she wants to go outside.  Now that we've been getting some sunshine (it's still chilly though!) she wants outside ALL THE TIME.  At least with The Man here we can take turns taking her out.  He'll also work downstairs and his area is outside.  Miss Molly goes out with him and hangs out.  She LOVES it.  She expects me to do that now...she'll be very, very happy when he's home!

5.  Having someone to do something with during the evening and weekends.

I like spending my free time with my husband.  As an only child I can amuse myself just fine but there are those evening when I wish he was here so we could go for a walk for plan something for the weekend.

4.  Having someone to cook for.

I'm enjoying being able to cook things that The Man doesn't enjoy (like mac n' cheese) but I enjoy cooking dinner for us.  I enjoy eating dinner with him as well.  The Man also enjoys cooking so I often get the night off when he's home.                

3.  Having someone to talk to that talks back.  

I talk the Edgar, Allen & Molly and they are great listeners.  They just don't talk back.  Sometimes this is a good thing!  It would be nice to hear another human voice that didn't come from the TV at home though.

2.  Giving/getting kisses when The Man comes home from work.

Another great part of the day...kisses!

1.  Snuggling while watching TV & going to bed.

My favorite part of the day is falling asleep in The Man's arm.  I can't wait to be able to do it again!

This isn't an exhaustive list...just some of the things I'm missing.  If you'd like to make our own top 10 list, you can link up over at Oh Amanda.

Northwest Profiles

There's an insurance company here in the Northwest that has  the best commercials.  Pemco Insurance does profiles of stereotypical Northwesters.  They are HYSTERICAL.  We enjoy them all but The Man says that there are two that a describe me.  I have to agree with him!

(It's a radio commercial so no visual)


There are seriously times I get freaked out when people are too friendly.  It's just not something I'm used too!



Our driveway is a curvy hill and since they don't salt/sand out here to save the fishies, I don't like to drive in the snow.  Also, it seems like only the main roads get plowed when it snows.  I can drive in snow but I don't like to here....especially since I'm not sure everyone knows how!  To me, snow it a perfect reason to stay home!


This one just makes me laugh:




You can check out some more here.  If you have some time, you really should listen to some more...they're short but they will make you laugh!

Friday Fill-In

It's a gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest.  I'm going to grill some pizza with a friend for linner (lunch/dinner combo) and let Miss Molly enjoy being outside.  Since blogger is finally behaving I can answer the questions Wifey posted for this week.  Then I'm getting outside to get some vitamin D!

1.  Which was the best day of your life- Wedding day or Homecoming day?

This one was easy for me....wedding day.  I was so excited and so ready to marry The Man.  We had endured a 6 month deployment along with living on separate coasts.  I was ready to become the Mrs and move cross country to start a new adventure.  I think that only thing(s) that will compare to that day is when we our children are born.  Homecomings are amazing but I don't think they will ever compare to our wedding day.

2.  Were you a part of the joining the military question or did you sign up for the relationship when your man was already in the military?

We met while he was in sub school so I was not part of the decision for him to join.  I think it's safe to say that if he hadn't we might not have met (even though we met online, I was looking for people who were within 2-3 hours or closer of me).  The deployment we experienced while we were engaged was good for us and it gave me a taste of what married military life was going to be like for us.  It was so much easier going into this TDY having an idea of what it would be like.

3.  What is your favorite Disney movie and why?

This is really hard cause I like a lot of Disney movies.  I really enjoy Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty.  
Now that I think about it, it's probably easier to say what Disney movies I don't like.  That would be Pinocchio and Snow White.

4.  What is your favorite family activity to do on the weekends?

In nice weather it's to jump in the with the pup, roll down the windows, play some good music and drive somewhere.  It doesn't matter where we go.  We will often decided right before we get in the car.  We like to go someplace with water so Molly can swim since that makes her a very happy puppy.

In yucky weather I like to curl up the sofa with The Man and watch movies.  Miss Molly usually joins us too.

5.  Where do you secretly wish you could be stationed with you/your SO's line of work?

I'd really love to spend a few years in Guam.  Yes, I know it's small and has snakes.  Italy would be nice to but that's a long shot.  I'd be ok with Japan.  And honestly, if we could stay here in WA for his career I'd be ok with that too.  My parents might not be as they are pulling for Groton, CT since it's close to them!  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hello Murphy

Did you have to come and visit so soon?  The Man is barely gone and you're knocking on my door.  I was hoping for a little time before you showed up but I guess not.  Granted it was my fault but still...

A friend picked me up to take me to bunco.  I had put my phone in my hoodie pocket and grabbed my purse on my way out the door.  She has a land rover and that thing is HUGE.  I'm short so it makes it seem even bigger.  I have to hoist myself in.  As we pull out of my driveway I reach for my phone but it's not there.  No biggie but I though I had put it in my pocket.  Oh well.  We get to bunco and have a great time.  I even won some money for having the most baby buncos.  Go me!  As we're heading out the door I look through my purse and realize I don't have my keys.  That's when I remember that they were beside my purse and I didn't get them.  Great.  No phone, no keys and a husband who knows where under the ocean.  Lovely!

Source

Thankfully my friend is amazing.  She called her husband and had him look up locksmiths.  As we drove to my house I remembered that we had given a house key to our pastor & his wife while I was in MA last year and we never got it back.  We call them and ask if they still have it.  They say maybe.  They had a bunch of single keys and they think our is one of them but they're not sure which one.  They don't mind if we come buy and take them all and try them.  We're happy cause we have a plan.

We stop by my house and check to see if everything is locked.  Of course it is cause The Man is gone.  I'm good about keeping windows locked even when he's home but I double check when he's not.  So nothing was open.  We head to our pastor's house about 15 minutes away and I pick up a bunch of keys.  We think we know which one it is but I take them all just in case.  I felt really bad cause the pastor's house is about halfway between our houses.  So she brings me back and THANKFULLY the key works.  We had changed the locks because the key kept sticking but The Man put one of the old locks on the french doors in the bedroom for now.  I can't decide what kind of handle I want on the door we we're waiting while I think about it.  It's a good thing I was indecisive!  I was able to get in through our bedroom.

It's one of those things where I feel like it's only me that this would happen to!  I know it's not.

Has Murphy visited you lately?  

What did he do?

I Miss...

So The Man is barely gone but still I miss him.  The first night was fine, just like a duty night.  Every night since then has gotten a little harder.  I hate going to bed alone.  Not that I'm necessarily alone as Miss Molly has conned her way onto the bed each night.  She has known since the first night that The Man was away for awhile.  The Man told her before he left.  He got down to her level and told her that he was leaving and that she needs to take care of me.  Her version of taking care of me includes sleeping on the bed. 

Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson was on my "The Man is gone" playlist on his last deployment.  It was one of the first songs that Pandora played after we left.  The first stanza gets me every time.

Matt Nathanson - Music - More Music Videos

 Sorry it's bigger than my middle column!


I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in

If I could walk on water, If I could tell you what’s next
Make you believe, make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just throw me down hard
And drown me in love

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just throw me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the sound of your voice
The loudest thing in my head
And I ache to remember
All the violent, sweet,
perfect words that you said

If I could walk on water, if i could tell you what’s next,
make you believe, make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just to throw me down hard
And drown me in love

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just to throw me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the pull of your heart
I can taste the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils
And God
when you come on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on - HOLD
Singing shalala la
Singing shalala lala
Ooooooo
Ooooooo
Oooooooooooooooo

Come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just to throw me down hard
And drown me in love

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just to throw me down hard
And drown me, drown me in love

(come on get higher, loosen my lips)It's all wrong
(faith and desire at the swing of your hips)It's all wrong
(just to throw me down hard and drown me in love)It's all right

So, come on, get higher
Come on, get higher
'Cause everything works love
Everything works in your arms 

Head on over to Goodnight Moon to link up and hear some more songs.

Last Date

The Man took some leave before leaving so he could get some stuff done around the house and so we could have some quality time together before he leaves.  We've been trying to get pedicures together for the past year and we decided that NOW was a good time.  Before our appointment we had lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Fujiyama. SO GOOD!  I didn't take many photos because I was enjoying the time with The Man but I did manage to take a few using his cell phone.

Flaming onion at Fujiyama

The Man's favorite part...the paraffin dip

Our pretty toes

The Man decided to be wild and get his toes painted blue.  I wasn't expecting him to get any color but there ya go...the Man can still surprise me!

For my milspouse friends: 

Before you DH leaves, do you go on one last date? 

What do you like to do?

TDY Goals

Even though The Man isn't going to be gone for a long time, I still think it's a good thing to have goal to accomplish while he's gone.  My list:

1.  Lose weight.  I'm thinking about joining Weight Watchers online to help me with this one.  The Man & I have also decided to see who can lose the most weight while we're apart.

2.  Take Miss Molly on a walk at least twice a week.  This will help with #1 and help me to have a happy puppy.  She's going to miss daddy a lot so I'm hoping walks will give her something to enjoy.

3.  Keep the garden weed-free and watered.  I have a black thumb and I'm hoping that I don't kill the garden.  I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

4.  Focus on my business.  I've been letting it slide a little and let me tell you, that's bad.  Very, very bad.  So hopefully I'll be able to get organized and get a system going that I can keep up when he gets back.  On can hope anyway!

5.  Keep up with laundry.  The only thing The Man wants me to have done when he gets home is all the laundry.  He doesn't care if the house is a mess as long as every since piece of clothing/towels etc is washed, dried, folded and put away.

6.  Clean.  I need to do some deep cleaning and what better time than when he's gone?  I can almost guarantee that I can find a million excuses to keep from doing this one so we'll see if it really happens or not.

 Please feel free to ask me how they goals are going!

Do you make goals when your spouse leaves?

One Year

It's hard to believe that we've owned our house for a year!  My hand hasn't forgotten what it was like to sign all those papers for both of us since The Man was at school.  It was worth it though!  We LOVE our house and have enjoyed making it ours.  We were thinking of all the things we've done to it.  We've managed to do quite a bit.  There's still a lot we want to do but we've made a good dent in the list!

Here's what we've done:

Painted sewing room

~Painted our bedroom, the bathroom, the hallway and the sewing room
~Moved the washer & dryer downstairs and made a laundry room.
~Moved the fridge & stove around and installed another cabinet & 1/2 wall
~Installed a dishwasher
~Installed new French doors in our bedroom
~Removed the two crazy rose bushes outside.  In their place we put in some stairs
~Put in a garden
~Planted an apple tree
~Fenced in the porch area so we could leave Molly outside and not worry about her (we never use it cause she whines)
~The Man built me some window boxes for the windows off the living room
~Installed a ceiling fan in the bedroom

Crazy rose bush that is no more

~Installed a light over the mirror in the bathroom
~The Man waterproofed his outside work area
~Took up the carpet downstairs
~Put shelves in the pantry, laundry room and open area downstairs
~Put a dimmer switch in the dining room

I think that's it.  The only room we haven't done anything to is the living room cause that room is perfect as it is!

To My Mom

Mom,

DW Field Park, Brockton, MA about 1984

It's hard to know where to start because you've done so much for me.  From cleaning those nasty dirty diapers when I was a baby, to making sure I ate something, even if it was spaghetti for breakfast when I was a picky eater, to holding my hair back when I was sick, to supporting my decisions and cheering me on as I got older, you've always been there.  You're an amazing mom.  You haven't been perfect but you've done your best.  When I made mistakes you didn't yell.  Instead you helped me learn from what happened.  When I ask for advice you give it but don't get upset if I don't follow it.  Sometimes when I asked questions you wouldn't tell me out right but helped me find the answer on my own.  You helped instill a love for reading, sewing and shopping in me.  You've also taught me how to love, ask forgiveness and help others.  You've inspired me to reach for the stars and to work hard for my goals.  You're never to busy for me.  I know that if I needed you, you would be here as soon as possible.

Top of the Space Needle,  Seattle, WA 2009

Thank you for your sacrifice and hard work on my behalf.  Thank you for loving me unconditionally.  I wouldn't be the woman I am today without you.  I'm blessed to not only call you mom but also my friend.  God knew what he was doing when he gave me you.  I'm so glad that in his wisdom he made YOU my mom.  No other mom would have done.  It had to be you!  I hope that when I'm a mom, I'll be half as good as you. 

I love& miss you.  I can't wait for you to come out!

~Poe

Things I Want to Do In The Pacific Northwest

I saw this yesterday on a blog I recently started following, Living for Today, Dreaming About Tomorrow and it looked like fun.  I didn't do yesterday's prompt but I'm going to do the one for today.  The Wives of Faith blog is hosting the bog carnival for Military Spouse Appreciation and you submit your link in the comments.  I'm looking forward to reading what others want to do in their areas!

List 11 fun things you want to see or do in your current duty station/place you live/or if you’re moving, list 11 things you want to do in your upcoming duty station location!

1. Go camping on the Olympic peninsula
2. Eat at the top of the Space Needle
3. Hike on/around Mt. Rainer
4. Hike on/around Mt. St. Helen's
5. Get a membership to the Pacific Science Center and visit often
6. Visit Vancouver, BC (The Man needs to get his passport first!)
7. Go to the tulip festival
8. Go to the lavendar festival
9. Spend the day at Ruby beach
10. Go camping on the Oregon Coast
11. Spend the weekend in Ocean Shores, WA

There are 11 things I'm looking forward to doing in the Pacific Northwest. It wasn't hard to come up with a list of 11 things...I could have kept going!  I've kinda done some of them.  For example, I've been to the top of the Space Needle but haven't eaten at the restaurant.  We've spent about an hour and Ruby beach but I want to spend more time there and We've visited Ocean Shores but only for a night.  I want more time there!

What are some things you'd like to do where you're living?

Softie

I admit that I'm a softy when it comes to animals, mostly cats & dogs.  I love them.  Thankfully The Man does too!  We've agreed that we have enough furbabies with the two kitties and the puppy.  We did try getting another dog but it didn't work out.  The Man also likes to joke that it's his job to keep me from becoming the crazy cat lady.  The sad thing is that there's some truth in that!

Hungry

Last week I had the window open and heard a few meows.  It didn't sound like one of mine and when I looked at them they were both sleeping.  I looked around outside but didn't see any kitties.  A couple of days later it was nice again and I had the sliding door open getting some fresh air in the house.  I hear a meow and I look up and on the porch by the door in an orange kitty. I got up and went over to the screen and he started meowing some more.  He looked thin so I got a bowl and got some kitty food for him.  Well, hearing me put some food in a bowl woke up my boys and they came to investigate.  The stood by the door and just started at him.  When I put the food bowl out he gobbled up the food like he hadn't eaten in weeks!  My boys weren't the happiest that I was sharing their food but I just couldn't let that kitty go hungry.  What if he belongs to someone and he's lost?  If my boys got out and got lost I would want someone to feed them!  I'm also well aware that the kitty might hang around if we keep feeding him.  I'm OK with that too!  The  kitty was still here when The Man came home and he got some love from both of us.  He's super friendly.

We decided that if he stays around and he has no owners we'll take him in.  I put a listing on Craigslist and have one that might fit.  I just haven't seen the kitty again.  The food bowl is empty this morning so I'm hopeful that he came and ate last night after we went to bed.

Yum!

Alley Cat's watching the new kitty eat.

Allen is easily distracted while Ig doesn't take his eyes off the visitor

Going back for more

Getting Ready

The Man is preparing to leave.  He takes care of just about everything while I keep asking questions like "Do you need me to get you deodorant?  Do you have enough socks?  Enough underwear?  Razor blades?"  Thankfully he patiently answers even if I've asked before.  We've been apart before during our almost two year marriage but never due to going out to sea.  Last time he was preparing for this I was 3,000 miles away.  In all of this I've had one job: to sew the name/navy/dolphin tapes to his new poopie suit and NWUs (new working uniform).   It's not a job I love and I put it off as long as I could.

Tapes for the NWUs

NWUs in progress

Finished poopie suit

 The things I do for love!  Have I mentioned that even though this is going to be a short separation, I'm not looking forward to it?  X amount of time with no contact is hard.  I hate not being able to call him.  I keep reminding myself that I can do this!

For my milspouse friends:

Do you sew the tapes on your hubby's uniforms or do you take them to the tailor?

If you do, do you enjoy it?

Before & After

The Man grew his hair out for the show and it was getting long.  I wasn't loving it.  If he REALLY like it like that and was allowed to keep it like that, then I could get used to it.  But once the show was over he was able to cut it again...and he did!

 

 

I had never seen him bald before.  I'm enjoying it for now!

I found a new linky party through my friend Athena. So I'm linking up and hope you'll go join in the fun too!

My Previous Life...

I'm writing this on Friday night as I sit at home while The Man is performing.  I have the documentary Wild China playing on Netflix.  Even though it's talking about nature and the more remote parts of China, it's making me nostalgic.  I lived in northern China for a year, from June 2002 to May of 2003 and yes, I was there during SARS.  There are days that I think about it and I have a hard time realizing that it was almost 10 years ago.  That just blows my mind.  Where have the past 10 years gone?  When I think back to where I was 10 years ago (finishing up my junior year of college and already thinking about what I would do when I graduated) I am amazed to see where my life has gone.  If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be a stay at home Navy wife with a home based business I probably would have laughed at you.

The Great Wall

The time I spent in China (plus the two years in Viet Nam) really do seem like a different life.  I was younger and single, just out of college and ready to take on the world.  It was an adventure.  It was an amazing time in my life and I am so thankful I had the experiences I did.  They helped shape me into who I am today.  There is absolutely no way I would have been able to handle the crazy schedule of the Navy if I hadn't had to deal with the schedule craziness in China  (& Nam).

Chinese Friends

 I also had an amazing team of women that I worked and lived with in China.  They taught me so much about living in community...they made such an impact that I still think about those things 9 years later.  The nice thing is that I'm still in touch with them (thank you Facebook for making it easy!)  I am very much looking forward to catching up with them when we all arrive in heaven.  I'm also looking forward to seeing which of my students will be there as well.  God brings some of my students to mind from time to time and I am burdened to pray for them.  After all this time I am still their teacher.  I know that God will continue to work in their lives and I pray that any seeds I was able to plant are being watered and are growing.  I'm also looking forward to seeing the teachers I worked with.  They were (an are) some amazing people and I miss them.   

The teachers I worked with

I'd love to go back someday.  There are still many places within China that I would love to visit, like Xi'an and Kunming. There are still times when I have a hard time believing that I've been to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square, The Temple of Heaven and spent several weeks in Shanghai.  I'd love to visit them all again.  I'd love to gorge myself of real, authentic, delicious Chinese food too.  What they eat there is so much better than the fake Chinese food we get here!  If I didn't have the pictures and memories as proof, I would think that I dreamed I lived overseas.  It just seems so far away...

What were you doing ten years ago?

Are you where you expected to be?

A Different Kind of Therapy

As part of The Man's therapy for his alcoholism, he decided to audition for a show. He started doing theatre full time in high school and moved to New York City when he graduated to pursue a career. Once in NYC he worked as a technical director. He loved it but when he joined the Navy he wasn't able to do it anymore. As he was working through his sobriety he realized that it was something he needed to do again. So he checked out what was going to be produced and decided to audition for Sweeney Todd.

His main goal was just to audition. I was very excited when he got a call back. Unfortunately he wasn't able to go due to work but he was still cast as part of the chorus. The Man managed to make rehearsals work with his work schedule (with the ok from his command, though there were was a week or two where it looked like he wouldn't be able to be apart of it. Thankfully everything worked out!). February and March were filled with rehearsals. The show ran for the month of April. Yesterday (May 1) was the closing performance. I saw it 4 times over the course of the month and enjoyed it every time. Here are some photos that were taken during the final dress rehearsal by a friend of one of the cast members:

The whole company singing The Ballard of Sweeney Todd

Getting a shave

The opening of the second act

The beginning of the finale

 Someone in the audience secretly recorded the finale of the last show.  It's not the best but at least you can hear just fine!





I was (and am!) super proud of him.  I'm hoping that he can do another show when he's on shore duty!

A Sunday Night to Remember

A normal Sunday night for us is to watch Amazing Race while cuddling on the sofa.  Often we will also watch Undercover Boss after but it depends on how tired The Man is.  That was the plan for tonight.  We had pop corn and homemade potato chips ready to snack on while we watched.  The Man also got a fire going.  Imagine our surprise when we turned on the TV to see the headline of "Osama Bin Laden is Dead."  The first this I did was grab The Man's arm and ask him if it made me a bad person to be happy at the death of another human being.  Yes, he was an evil, terrible man but I feel bad being happy about his death.

I quickly became annoyed that it took so long for the President to speak.  I cried during during his speech, especially while remember 9/11 and when we spoke about our military.  I was one happy girl when The Amazing Race came on after the special report!

I am thankful that our service men were not harmed during the operation.  Thank you to all of our military for all of the hard work that they have put into the War on Terror.  I pray for the safety of our troops while they continue to fight and for those who are in areas where there maybe retaliation.

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him,
and He turn away His wrath from him.
[Proverbs 24:17-18]