The Adventure

I was listening to my iPod while I was sewing this afternoon and this song came on.  I've had it in my head ever since.  Enjoy!

The Adventure by Angels & Airwaves

*If you're wondering the lead singer is also the lead of Blink 182

I wanna have the same last dream again
The one where I wake up and I'm alive
Just as the four walls close me within
My eyes are open up with pure sunlight
I'm the first to know
My dearest friends
Even if your hope has burned with time
Anything that is dead shall be re-grown
And your vicious pain, your warning sign
You will be fine

Hey oh here I am
And here we go
Life's waiting to begin

Any type of love it will be showed
Like every single tree reach for the sky
If you're gonna fall
I'll let you know
That I will pick you up
Like you for I
I felt this thing
I can't replace
When everyone was working for this goal
Where all the children left without a trace
Only to come back as pure as gold
To recite this all

Hey oh here I am
And here we go
Life's waiting to begin
Tonight
Hey oh here I am
And here we go
Life's waiting to begin
Tonight
Hey oh here I am
And here we go
Life's waiting to begin

I can not live
I can't breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can't breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can't breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can't breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can't breathe
Unless you do this with me
I can not live
I can't breathe
Unless you do this with me

Hey oh, here I am (do this with me)
Here we go
Life's waiting to begin (do this with me)
Hey oh, here I am (do this with me)
Here we go
Life's waiting to begin
Life's waiting to begin

Don't forget to head over to Goodnight Moon to link up and listen to other songs!

*If you have a Facebook page for your blog, I'd love it if you would link it up to my Facebook directory page.  It's up there all the way on the right on the navigation bar.  Thanks!

Bandix

A friend recently told me about the Bandix Dog Park in Olalla.  Like all the other dog parks I've been too it's off leash but I what like about it is that it's huge and there are trails for you to walk along with your pup.  It's great!  We met our friends there and had a great time.  Molly can't wait to go back.

Molly meeting Dante & Hudson

Playing

I love it here mom!

Where does this trail go?

Point No Point

During leave there was some beautiful weather so we decided to head to Point No Point.  Here's our day in pictures:

Point No Point Lighthouse

Molly in Action

Throw the ball dad, throw the ball!

You can barely see it but the Seattle skyline in there!

Swimming

She must put her head between your legs to drop the ball!

We found a clam

Low tide beach

In the water

She was worn out and slept all the way home

Dave

A friend of mine asked if I would like to accompany her and her two kids to IKEA.  I said of course!  My only stipulation was that I wanted to eat lunch there, which she was planning anyway.  I love their meatballs and mac n' cheese!  After we ate we checked the kids into the play area and went shopping!

I hadn't planned on buying anything.  I couldn't think of anything I needed.  Isn't that the way it always is?  Of course I managed to find some things that I "needed."  I found some pots for 99 cents.  Great deal and since I've killed the herbs I started I need to try again.  This time in pots.  I have a several pots but I'm not sure I have enough.  I have a hard time paying money for pots since my mom works for a pottery company and I'm used to free pots.  I know that if I lived in MA or even CT I could have just about all the pots my little heart desires.  Since I'm on the other coast I do my best to make do with what I have.  I even brought some back with me when I drove back last November.

As we were walking through the room we passed a laptop table.  I had wanted one before and didn't get it.  It was only $17.99.  I've been putting my laptop on a pillow on my lap cause it was getting to hot for my legs.  I just couldn't pass it up!  I had to have it...so Dave (the IKEA name of the laptop table) got to come home with me!  I was do excited and of course I put it together right away when I got home.


 Dave is a hit!  I love the fact that the height is adjustable.  It's perfect...now if I can only convince an Alleycat that he's too heavy to sleep on it!

Do you have a spontaneous purchase that you can't imagine living without?

*I was not paid to say this...I just wanted to share:)

Flashback: one year ago today

Facebook Directory

Source

I just started a Facebook directory page here on Many Waters.  I'd love it if you would link up your Facebook page for your blog.  I know I'm not following all my favorite blogs on Facebook and I'm hoping this will help me find them...and new ones too!

The page is on the right hand side of the navigation bar.  Or you can click here.  Also, would you help me spread the word about the directory?  Tweet it, blog it...whatever. Thanks so much!

Fill In Friday

It's Friday again!  You know what that means...it's time to link up with Wifey for the Milspouse Friday Fill in.  Head on over to get the questions & link up!

1.  Are you a different person than you were five years ago? submitted by Sisterly Thoughts

Yes and No.  A lot has happened in 5 years.  I have my faith and it's grown in 5 years.  I've also gotten married and moved cross country.  This answer could be a lot deeper but it's kinda late and I don't have the energy.  Sorry!

 
2.  If you could go on Amazing Race, who would you take with you as your partner and why? submitted by Thoughts from a Poekitten

YAY, my question.  I've thought about this and there are two people I would be willing to travel with.  One is my cousin Terri and the other is my husband.  I think that I could do the Amazing Race with both and remain on good terms with them in the end.  I know that I couldn't do it with my mom.  We would drive each other crazy!  

3.  Does Facebook or Twitter actually bring more stress or good in to your life? submitted by Just an Arizona Girl

I think that they bring good.  I enjoy staying in touch with family & friend on Facebook and getting to know my milspouse/bloggy friends better through Twitter.  I can walk away and be ok with it and if I miss a lot I've learned to let it go and not try to catch up with everything/everyone.

4.  June is National Soul Food Month- what’s your soul food? submitted by NH Girl Displaced

Mac N Cheese.  I LOVE me some Mac N Cheese.  My dad's is the best!  

5.  If you could live in any other era than the current, which one would it be & why? submitted by Sugar in My Grits

I think I would have liked to have lived during the colonial period if I could have been apart of the upper class.  Or to have been a family on the Oregon trail.  I know that it was hard but I think it appeals to my sense of adventure.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Collide

I first heard this song on Pandora.  Something about it just grabbed me and I've found that it gets stuck in my head.  It's soothing and a provokes a nostalgic feeling in me.

Collide by Howie Day

The dawn is breaking

A light shining through

You're barely waking

And I'm tangled up in you

Yeah

But I'm open, you're closed

Where I follow, you'll go

I worry I won't see your face

Light up again

Even the best fall down sometimes

Even the wrong words seem to rhyme

Out of the doubt that fills my mind

I somehow find, you and I collide

I'm quiet, you know

You make a first impression

I've found I'm scared to know

I'm always on your mind

Even the best fall down sometimes

Even the stars refuse to shine

Out of the back you fall in time

You somehow find, you and I collide

Don't stop here

I've lost my place

I'm close behind

Even the best fall down sometimes

Even the wrong words seem to rhyme

Out of the doubt that fills your mind

You finally find, you and I collide

You finally find

You and I collide

You finally find

You and I collide

Don't forget to head over to Goodnight Moon to link up!

*I hadn't realized that this song had been out for awhile, so I looked up when this song came out....July 2004.  I was living in Viet Nam than.  At least I now know why I missed it when it first came out!

Flashback: one year ago today

A Growing Garden

Things in our garden growing!  This is very exciting for me since I have a black thumb.  This was obvious in the killing of the herbs I started.  I got some pots to start them again and hopefully this time I won't kill them because I LOVE fresh herbs.

Garlic

Strawberry that I didn't get to eat...a critter got it.

Sugar Snap peas...they're yummy!

Lettuce

I've gotten so good I can grow weeds!

I do have some more pictures but I'm feeling lazy and picnik is acting up.  I'll keep you updated on how the garden grows!

How's your garden growing? 

If you haven't already liked the Many Waters Facebook page, would you do it know?  Please? Thank you!

Waiting

Vacuumed...Check

Mopped...Check

Bathroom cleaned...Check

Bed made...Check

Laundry washed, dried, folded and put away...check

House dusted....um no.  Waiting on that

Fridge/Pantry stocked...Check

Got firewood...check

Got tiki torch oil...check

Potato Salad made...Check

Cookies made...Check

Make up & hair done...Check

Called Ombudsman to get time....no answer

Put candles around... check

Spent time on Facebook & Twitter...check

Moved up to #1 on my Zuma Blitz board...check

Caught up on blogs...check

Taken the puppy out several times....check

Straighten pillows that don't need straightening...check

Cleaned the counter tops again...check

Waiting.  

More waiting.   

More waiting still.  

This is the life of a Navy wife.  

Of an Army wife.  

Of a Marine wife.  

Of an Air Force wife. 

Of a Coast Guard wife.  

Of a National Guard wife. 

Of a Reserve wife.  

Waiting is a way of life. 

wait to move,
wait for leave,

wait for orders,
wait to have a baby,

wait to buy a house.

 

Wait

Wait

Wait

As I write this, my husband is coming home today.  

I don't know what time he pulls in.

I don't know where I'll pick him up.

All I know is that he's coming home today.

So I wait.

For a phone call.

For information.

It's only been about month.

A month without:

Hugs,

Kisses,

Cuddles,

My best friend,

My sounding board,

Someone to cook for,

among other things.

A month alone.

And yet, 

A month is short.  

A blink of an eye with out your husband.

In the milspouse world, only a month is cause for envy.

In a world of 3, 6, 9, 12 month deployments

a month is nothing.

And once your man is home again in your arms

Another countdown begins.

It's in the back of your head.

You don't speak it.

You don't share it.

You don't acknowledge it.

But it's there.

The countdown until your man leaves again.

Until then,
you enjoy every moment.

Hold on to every laugh.

Savor every kiss.

Because before you know it,

Before you're ready,

It's time for him to leave.

The waiting begins.



*This was written about a week ago while I was waiting for info on when The Man was pulling in.  I did finally get the information I was waiting for and was able to pick him up with no waiting for either of us.

Many Waters Turns 1

One year ago today I restarted my blog.  I had taken a grad school class in  June 2008 and we each had to start a blog as part of the course requirements.  I created the blog and the required posts and then did nothing with it.  I started reading some blogs after I was married and realized that I could do do what they were doing; sharing what was happening in our lives.  I thought that family & friends would be my main audience.  I quickly found lots of other blogs that I enjoyed reading.  To my surprise people, actual people who had never met me in real life, wanted to read my blog.  For some reason they wanted to read what I was writing.  Crazy.  I'm still amazed that I have almost 300 followers.  I am thankful for each and every one of you!  Thanks so much for your support, your comments and coming read what I post!  I've also enjoyed being able to meet some of my bloggy friends in person.  I've had a great time getting to know Sierra, Wifey, Mrs. Monkey and the Random Army Wife better over coffee or lunch.  I'm also looking forward to meeting Mrs.Facehead soon!  If you're ever in the Pacific Northwest and would like to meet up, let me know!  

I'm excited for another year of Many Waters.  I won a blog makeover from Tiffany over at Hello Tiffany.  I'm very excited to get a new look, so keep an eye out for it!  I also recently joined twitter (you can find me @Poekitten).  I've been having fun learning the ropes.  A Facebook page for Many Waters has also been created.  I'd love it if you "liked" it.

If I had been on top of things I would have done a giveaway but hopefully I'll have one soon!

Happy Blogaversary to me!

First Night Home

The Man's first night home was laid back.  We just enjoyed being together again. It was wonderful.

I planned on having brats, hot dogs, potato salad, chips, and pickles with raspberries for dessert.  The Man was looking forward to grilling.  It was great and a perfect first meal back.

Molly was super happy to see daddy.  I brought her with me to pick him up and she had to wait in the car (it was an overcast day so no worries that she was in danger being in the car).  She was laying down looking mopey as we walked up.  She saw me first and wagged her tail as if to say "about time you're back mom!"  Then she heard the door open on the other side and as soon as she caught sight of The Man her tail started wagging like crazy.  She was so happy to have him play with her when we got home.  And when he was sitting on the sofa she was right at her feet trying to become a part of him.  I got some looks later on when we were cuddling and she had to lay on me and not him.

The Man getting love

A happy puppy getting daddy love

 It was a perfect evening!

How do you like to spend your first evening with your spouse when they come home after being gone?

A Dog Is A Woman’s Best Friend

The Man was able to take some leave so I'm enjoying some time with him.  Thankfully, Ines from The Few, The Proud, The Wife volunteered a to take over my blog for a day.  A fellow dog lover, she shares with us about her furbaby Brownie.

A Dog Is A Woman’s Best Friend

As a couple without children, the best company I could have during a deployment is Brownie, my miniature Schnauzer. I come home and shes there happy to see me and following me everywhere around the house. She does silly little things that make me laugh and put me in a better mood. She even hits me in the face with her rubber chicken, not once...but twice! I swear she does it on purpose. She even grabs her squeak-iest toy and brings it close to my ear and you hear SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK. When I tell her “STOP”, she looks at me tilts her head - the way dogs do when you are talking to them - and then I hear a faint squeak from her toys as if she’s telling me “ok, but I’m getting one more squeak out of this.”

I don’t remember any point of my life where we didn’t have a dog in the household. And they were all Schnuazers, standard-size, to be the least. That’s why when my husband and I got married and we started looking at dogs, without a doubt I wanted a Schnauzer, a mini one! My husband on the other hand wanted a Pug. Of course, in the end I won but he didn’t mind.

The worst thing that ever happened to Brownie was her getting attacked by a friends Pit-bull. Just thinking of that day and what she went through brings so many tears in my eyes. I felt that I failed as her owner. Thank goodness she recovered 100%. But that day was the worst.

Deployments are lonely and hard, especially when you have no children. A dog brings you so much joy and company when you are alone for the any length of a deployment. Yes, they are needy but so are we.

If you've never visited Ines's blog before, please head over and give her some love and read about her adventures visiting her parents in Australia.

Guess Who Just Got Back Today?

He didn't get back today but yes, The Man is back!  I told you he wasn't going to be gone long.  Just long enough to get done what he needed to get done.  I heard this song on the radio a few weeks ago and thought it would be a good one for when The Man got back.  I listened to a classic rock station while in college and loved singing along with this song.  Windows down and volume up of course!



I apologize for the poor sound quality. The videos to choose from were all horrible and this was the best I could do. 

 I'm not the only one with a husband back this week.  The Young Retiree's husband just got back from a MUCH longer deployment and she picked our the same song.  Great minds think alike.  I'm in a classic rock mood so I've picked another one to go along with this.  I have a hard time choosing my favorite class rock songs but this one ranks up there. 



Don't forget to head over to Goodnight Moon to link up!

Guest Blogger Jodi

Next up as a guest blogger is Jodi from Jodi Bean's Blog.  I recently found her blog through For the Love of Blogs.  She also hails from the Northeast.  Jodi has MS and is going to share her diagnosis story with us today:

I'm so happy to be guest blogging. Thanks Poekitten for inviting me to write on your blog. I'm excited to share my diagnosis story with your readers. I live with Multiple Sclerosis and I started my blog to keep me friends and family up to date with my health. I have expanded it to also use it as a tool to raise awareness about MS all over the world. I'm happy to answer any questions so feel free to ask away!

On September 26, 2008 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  At times it feels like it was yesterday and at other times I find it hard to remember my life without MS.  MS has become such a huge part of my life, not just because of my health but because of my involvement with volunteering and fundraising for MS.  Often times I wonder why I got MS. . . the whole "why me" question.  I don't really know for sure why me but I do believe there is a reason or a purpose so I just try to do all I can to make a difference while I am healthy enough to do so.


On Thursday, September 25, 2008 I woke up to my alarm clock just like any other day.  But this day I noticed that my left food and leg were asleep.  I figured I had just slept on it weird so I dragged myself out of bed and got in the shower.  When the water hit me I realized that my left arm and side had that same feeling of "being asleep" or pins and needles.  I thought it was weird but didn't pay much attention.  So I continued to get ready for work like any other day.  When I brushed my hair and my brush went down the back of my head and neck I had "that feeling" there too.  I thought, "Hmmmm what the heck is this all about."  Off to work I went.  When I got to the office (at the adoption agency where I use to work) I told my two co-workers, Joana and Mary about my weird pins and needles on my left side.  I told them I had closed my ankle in the door the night before and thought maybe it was from that.  Or maybe it was a migraine?  Or a pinched nerve?  I decided to google my symptoms to see if I could figure it out and even read about some auto immune diseases including MS.  At this point I really wasn't overly concerned but they were.  Joana really encouraged me to call my doctor so I did.  Or course the secretary told me he had no openings so I told her what was going on and ask her if he could call me.  A few minutes later the nurse called me back and asked me to come in later that day.  So home from work I went.  By the way I also had a cold and was exhausted.  I had mentioned to a few friends and my family that I wasn't feeling well including my pins and needles.

I went to see my doctor that afternoon and told him what was going on.  He check me out both for my cold and for the pins and needles.  He did a full neurological exam but stated he wasn't overly concerned because other than the pins and needles my exam was "normal."  He decided to consult with a neurologist anyways who wanted me to come over and see him first thing the next day (it was already late afternoon at this point).  So that was that.  I went home and laid on my couch watching tv and being lazy.  I wasn't feeling great due to the cold and by this time my whole left side was numb including my face.  I had also told a friend of a friend I would house and cat sit for several days and it started this night.  So I went over to their house to hang with the cat and sleep over.  The next morning, Friday, September 26, 2008 I went to St. Elizabeth's Medical Center to see the neurologist.  We immediately hit it off because he asked me what I did for work and I told him I was an adoption social worker.  It turns out that he is an adoptive father so he starts telling me a little about that.  Then I tell him what has been going on and he does a full neurological exam.  He too states that he is not overly concerned because my exam was "normal" except for the numbness.  He talked to me about some things it could be from like stress, a virus or anxiety (I somewhat took offense to the anxiety comment since to me that meant "maybe this is all in your head" and I knew it wasn't even though I didn't think it was something serious).  Then he recommended that I have an MRI and blood work.  I remember him saying that it was probably nothing and it would likely go away and I would never know for sure what it was from.  I thought, "ok that makes sense - probably nothing."  I went back to sit in the waiting room while he talked to his secretary to coordinate the MRI.  I called my mom (who was at work) to let her know what was going on and of course she was worried.  She and my dad wanted to come over.  I told her not to  because I was really tired and just wanted to go home and go to bed after the MRI.  She said ok (but she lied haha).  So the neurologist comes back and tells me to head down right then for the MRI because they had an opening.  He tells me that he is on call for the weekend and I can call him if I want to get "the results" but that it is "probably nothing."


So I head down for the MRI and get registered.  Then I wait.  At this point I'm still not really nervous.  Both my doctor and neurologist have reassured me that it is probably nothing.  So I'm just wanting to get it over with so that I can go home and sleep.  I head in for the MRI and once in the tube I'm thinking, "well this isn't an opportunity for a nap."  The banging was rather annoying!  This was my first time having an MRI so I really didn't know what to expect.  After a 1/2 hour they pulled me out to inject contrast and back in the tube I go for about another 20 minutes.  I finish up the MRI and go to the bathroom to get dressed.  When I come out the tech tells me that the neurologist was ready to see me in his office.  I told her that he told me I could just go home afterwards and she again tells me I need to go see him.  So I was thinking that he was just going to give me the results in person since it was before 5 PM and he was still there.  No big deal right?  At that same time my parents arrived at the hospital (of course they had hopped in the car as soon as I told my mom I was having the MRI).  So I told my mom that I had to go back up to see the doctor.  I found out later that she was freaking out but I was still ok.  I just remember saying to her "Why would I need to go back and see him."  Denial is a wonderful thing I guess because I was still pretty calm.

So I walk off the elevator toward the secretary and she says, "Hi Jodi I'm just getting your admission paperwork ready."  I say, "WHAT?"  She says, "Oh the doctor will be with you shortly have a seat in the waiting room."  We go and sit in the waiting room and I say out loud, "Why would I need to be admitted to the hospital?  I'm fine."  All while sitting in the waiting room of the MS Center surrounded by pamphlets.  I even get a phone call from my Aunt Cathy who was calling to check on me.  I told her what was going on and that the neurologist thought it was nothing but wanted me to have an MRI to rule out MS and blood work to rule out Lyme's disease and other stuff.

A little while later, the secretary tells us that the neurologist in in the emergency room dealing with an emergency and that we should take a walk to the cafeteria.  So we do and I get a tea and we kill some time.  We head back and soon after the neurologist arrives and apologizes for keeping us waiting.  I sit down in his office and he says, "Well by now you know there was something on your MRI."  And I'm thinking no not really, "What?"  He says, "You have MS."  I remember being SHOCKED.  But I'm fine.  I'm healthy.  There is nothing wrong with me.  He continues to say, "I am going to admit you to the hospital for 5 days of infusions of steroids.  That will help the inflammation go down and hopefully get rid of your symptoms."  I ask, "Can I go home first?  Can I work next week?"  Seriously I'm thinking about work when I've just been told I have MS.  What is wrong with me?  Haha!  So we ask questions, he tells us a lot of stuff, I cry a little and then we head downstairs to wait to be admitted.  Still in shock I call my roommate, Stephanie.  She asks how I'm doing and I remember telling her not good.  I told her that I had MS and I don't think she really knew what to say.  Then I had to ask her if she could cat sit for me that night since I wasn't going anywhere.  She was great and agreed to do that as well as pack a bag for my parents to pick up to bring over to the hospital.

So we wait and wait some more and finally I get up to my room.  I think it is like 6 PM by now.  My original appointment had been at 11 AM so it had already been a LONG day.  My parents leave together so that my dad could drive my car back to my house and so they could get some stuff for me.  The neurologist (who I guess at this point is now my neurologist since I'd be needing one) comes to see me.  It was so nice of him to come and visit with me on a Friday night to make sure all of my questions had been answered.  He talked more about adoption and he shared his daughter's adoption story with me.  It was really nice because in that moment it made me feel more normal since adoption was what I did I could focus on that part of me instead of the new sick part of me.

My parents returned and my brother, Timmy also came to visit that night.  My mom had called my 3 brothers, grandparents, aunts and uncle.  Luckily are family is pretty small so she didn't have too many people to call.  I couldn't even begin to think about all the phone calls I needed to make.  Joana called me soon after as she was anxiously awaiting an update from me.  I had to tell her my news and she too was shocked.  I can't really remember who else I told that night.  Strange since I remember the rest of the day in so much detail.  But the details of all those phone calls are a little blurry.  I do know I had to start my first treatment that night so they got me set up with an IV and started the steroids.  I was so exhausted by the time that was done and everyone left that I pretty much just went to bed.


I'm not going to get into all of the details of the next 5 long, boring days spent in the hospital because this post is already super long!  But to summarize I had a lot of visitors and felt so fortunate to have such a supportive family and friends.  I also got flowers, cards, candy, etc.  I guess all I had to do was get sick to be showered with attention and gifts.  Haha.  Finally on Tuesday afternoon I was allowed to go home.  Here I am right before leaving the hospital .  You would think I would look much happier to be going home (well to my parent's home) but I always feel a little silly posing for pictures alone.


I stayed at my parents house through the weekend.  I was pretty exhausted from the ordeal so I didn't do much of anything.  I pretty much rested and regrouped.  My grandparents sent me the above flowers once I was out of the hospital which was so nice!  My mom took me shopping too which was really nice but I was so tired I could hardly enjoy it.  I did get a few new things though.

The other great thing about being at my parent's house (besides that fact that they took care of me) was that my niece, Peyton lives 5 minutes from them.  At the time of my diagnosis Peyton was exactly 9 months old.  So seeing her "walking" and getting kisses from her was the best medicine.  At this age she was pretty obsessed with shoes and really enjoyed the ones I was wearing.  I love looking back at these pictures and remember her at that age.  She was such a cutie!

So this is my diagnosis story.  There are chunks of details I left out because I was getting tired of typing.  But from many, many other MS'ers I've talked to I think my story is much different.  I was diagnosed VERY quickly.  I know many others aren't that fortunate and for this I'm appreciative to my neurologist for sending me for that MRI.  I know he was pretty surprised along with my doctor!  I guess I'm full of surprises.

Once again I just want to thank my family and friends for their continued support during the last 2+ years.  Some days are easier than others but I'm so thankful to know I have so many people to lean on.  Without all of you this journey would not be easy.  Thank you so much for standing by me!

Thanks again Jodi for sharing your story with us!  Please head over and give Jodi some love on her blog!

At The Intersection with Chambanachik

When I put out a request for guest bloggers, I got more responses than I anticipated.  Up first is Erika from chambanachik.  If you've never visited her blog, please do.  She writes with clarity and moving emotion.  She's honest and willing to share about her life and the challenges she faces.  Thank you so much for guest blogging for me today!

At The Intersection of Blogging and Real Life
I just had my own guest bloggers a couple months ago, so I know how nerve wracking it can be to
hand over your blog to someone else for a day! It’s an honor to be among the very first guests at Many
Waters. I am also pretty amazed at how many things she’s crossed off her 101 in 1001 List, compared
to my two or three. Thank you for having me here today, Miss Poekitten!

I remember the first time someone said it. An acquaintance called me by my blogger
name, “Chambanachik”. I just froze for a minute, not knowing how to respond.

When I first began my blog a little over two years ago, I didn't imagine anyone would read it. I wrote it
as a kind of extension of my diary, and never thought about it crossing into the real world. I had five or
ten followers for the first several months, and most of them were friends in town who also blogged. It
was a way for us to share some of our secrets and emotions without having to speak the words aloud to
each other.

When my boyfriend (now husband) began to read my blog from his FOB in Afghanistan, I admit it
felt a little awkward. It was difficult playing hard to get when I spent so much time gushing about the
guy. My blog was overtaken by posts about missing him, about soldiers, and about the war I couldn't
see from my bedroom window, but felt every second. Slowly but steadily, my blog readership began to
grow as military wives and girlfriends started to follow.

I cried over the deployment, and found that I was not the only girl on earth to experience one. I started
to feel a unique sense of support and encouragement. These women not only knew what I felt, but had
gone through even more heartache and struggle, and they gave me the reassurance I needed to know
that I'd make it through.

The real turning point for me came when I began to realize some of my family members read my blog.
My whole heart was laid out on the screen- all my thoughts about my pregnancy and my daughter, the
struggles and triumphs in my marriage, my hopes, my fears- everything. Things that they wouldn't have
known from a conversation with me were on display. But while it's more than I would ever have the
courage to share with them face to face, I have become fairly comfortable with the idea.

The reason is simply this: it's honesty. I could pretend my life away, but it doesn't do anyone any good.
Real life is difficult. Marriages can be painful. Parenthood can be complicated. And while I love to
share my joys and my passions, I won't censor my writing to just those things. If only for the hundreds
of comments I've gotten from women facing the same issues, I will keep on writing. They encourage
me, and sometimes, I can encourage them. Whether it's good things or bad, it is comforting to know
we're not alone.

So you may call me Erika. That's my real name, after all. But I'll definitely answer if you call
me “Chambanachik”.

Laundry

The chore I put off doing all the time is folding laundry.  I don't know what it is but I just don't like it.  I know life is all about doing things we don't like but that doesn't help.  It's not unusual for me to wash & dry laundry and let it sit in the dryer.  Or have it piled in a laundry basket next in front of the dryer.  It drive The Man nuts.  He hates it.  He doesn't grumble about going to get clean underwear from the dryer (at least he has clean underwear, right?!?!)  He just shakes his head at me.  And the fact that our clothes are wrinkled is my fault. I accept full responsibility for it!

Source

Before he left I asked him if there is anything he'd like me to do or get done while he was gone.  There was only ONE thing he wanted done when he got home.  He asked that ALL the laundry be washed, dried, folded and put away.  The look of pain on my face must have been excruciating cause he laughed at me when I said "Really? That's it?"  

Like most excellent procrastinators I have put it off.  I only washed clothes when I really needed to.  As a result I still have a pile of laundry that needs my attention.  Because I love my husband lots, it will all be washed, dried, folded and put away before he gets home.  If you don't hear from me for awhile, you should come check on me.  I'm probably buried under all the laundry!

What's your least favorite chore?

The Man Has Been Sighted!

It's true!  He's been seen on land!

Yup, he's sporting a mustache.  I'm not sure how long it will be around.  It's OK, I'll take him however he come!

He was able to see lots of eagles:

It's not the best photo but if you see the white spot beneath the o, that's the eagles head.  The Man can spot them like no other.  When he's at home he'll look up from his computer and saw "Look, there's an eagle!"  and he'll go and get the binoculars.  Yes, we have binoculars.  It's not unusual for us to see Bald Eagles.  It never gets old.

I'd be jealous about where he is but I've been there before.  We were there together so it's all good that he got to go back.  I'm wondering if I'll be getting a present from there...

Does your husband get you a gift when he goes somewhere without you?

Friday Fill In

YAY for Fridays.  For your reading enjoyment, here are my answers to the Milspouse Friday Fill In,


1. When you vacation what type of vacation do you like to take (beach, historic, adventurous, food oriented, etc.)? 


I'll take any/all of the above.  I'm not picky!  Give me time away with The Man and I'm happy.  We're hoping to get to Disney Land for our next one.


2. What is your best memory associated with a song (you know we all have tons!)?

Grow Old Along With Me by Mary Chapin Carpenter.  I walked down the aisle to this song.  The video below is cheesy but the song is great!




3. If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with your time?

I would travel all over the world.  Of course I'd also have to have lots of money to do this.  There are so many places I want to go and this would be a great way to knock a ton of them off the list!

4. What is one thing about you that people do NOT typically notice at first that you wish they would? 

I look young.  There are times I wish people would realize that I'm not in my early twenties.  I enjoy looking younger than I am but please, give me a little credit. 

5.   …. submitted by The Three Turners: It’s a summer of sequels, and if you had to live in one of each of the following “worlds” (there are three total) which would you choose and why? 

–X-Men: Be a Mutant, what would your power be?  Never seen it.  I'd like to be able to fly though.

–Harry Potter: Be a Witch or Muggle? A witch of course!  Oh, to be able to have the house clean itself...

–Twilight: Be a Vampire or Werewolf?  Neither.  I'd like to stay as far away from Twilight as possible!            
 
Head on over the Wife of a Sailor to link up and read more.  Make sure to wish Wifey a Happy Birthday!

Songs of the Week

This week has been harder than the others, mostly because I haven't been as busy.  One good thing is that I was able to talk to The Man!  I had been expecting a phone call and it made my day when I did.  In some ways though, it makes it harder having him gone.  I miss him more.  I was going to do Here Without You by 3 Doors Down cause the feelings that that song invokes in me is what I'm feeling.  I watched the video and this came up after so I watched it to.  It made me cry- watching the goodbyes and the homecomings.  Videos like this always make me cry, even more so when The Man is gone.

When I'm Gone, 3 Doors Down

And on a happier note, I have another song.  Last weekend was glorious with the sun and the warmth.  It's back to rainy chilly weather and I'm so over it. I think this song sums up where I'd rather be:



I don't know who the dude is.  There was a video of what looked like the original video the the embed option was turned off.  Boo.  So this is what we got stuck with.  Oh well.

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

Mango Banana Strawberry Chocolate Chip Bread

It's a mouthful to say, I know.  But when you have a mouthful of this recipe, you'll agree that it's worth it.  I made it a couple of days ago and it is really good.  Don't  believe me?  Try it yourself!  I just added extra fruit to a basic banana bread recipe so this is really easy to make!

Ingredients:

1 medium sized mango
bananas
Strawberries
Chocolate chips
1/3 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

1.  Combine and mash the mango, bananas and strawberries.  I did this in my manual food processor.  It cut everything up and mixed it together at the same time.  I used two bananas and about 1/2 of a 2 lb package of strawberries and it came to about 2 1/2 cups of mashed up fruit.

Mashed fruit

The fruit carnage.

2.  In a bowl, combine the oil, sugar and water.  Mix.  Add the eggs, vanilla and mango/banana/strawberry mixture.  Mix well to combine.

Wet Ingredients

3.  In a different bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and chocolate chips.

Note about the flour:  I used a 1/2 cup to measure out the flour.  Because mango adds extra moisture, I wanted to add more flour to help counteract that.  I used 4 heaping 1/2 cups of flour to get my 2+ cups.

Dry Ingredients

4.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones.  I poured in 1/2 then mixed until they were all wet before I added the rest.

5.  Pour the batter into 2 greased loaf pans.  Bake at 375 for about 35 -45 minutes.  I checked it every 8 minutes or so after 30 minutes to make sure it didn't burn.  Test with cake tester to make sure the inside is done.

6.  Let cool before removing from pan.  Enjoy!

Finished bread.

Slice of heaven.  So good!

Do you like to add anything to a basic banana bread?

Are you a recipe follower or do you like to experiment?


This is linked to:

Furbabies

My life is not that exciting at the moment.  Right now it consists of me talking to the furbabies.  Here's what they've been up to:

Can we go outside mom?  PLEASE?

King Allen sleeping on the laptop case

Edgar is confused on why Molly gets to go outside and he doesn't

I have my ball and I really want to go outside!

Sleeping triangle

Don't worry, I haven't been holding Molly hostage inside.  We've been spending plenty of time outside-I just never have my camera.  Her favorite place to lay is under the lilac bush.

Has anything exiting been happening in your life lately?