tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13694800178469062342024-03-12T18:57:07.466-05:00Such is the Life of a Military WifeMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-67597529550394350712011-10-26T13:38:00.002-05:002011-10-26T13:45:54.382-05:00Since I've Been Gone<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr">I knew it had been awhile since my last blog but I didn't realize just how long! Yikes. What have I been up to since March?<br />
<div><div class="ecxWordSection1"><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Soldier came home on schedule</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Soldier got a new job</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Soldier was gone A LOT this spring for flood duty</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>I was gone A LOT this summer for work – you can tell everyone got new budgets this year, conferences galore. </div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Ran a 10K- next time I'll train a little more ;)</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>I got accepted into graduate school – YAY!</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>My sister moved in with us for a few months – we got some practice raising a teenager, now I want to put off having kids even longer <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>. Just kidding, I love my sisters. </div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>I volunteered to become the FRG Lead for my husband's unit – what was I thinking!</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Went on a family canoeing vacation and tipped my canoe</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Became addicted to pinterest</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Soldier has been job searching, keep your fingers crossed</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>I started making a quilt- it's a great way to unwind after work</div><div class="ecxMsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Began taking new member classes at church with the Soldier - he is converting to Lutheranism</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal">Until next time, and hopefully next time wont be another 7 months!</div></div></div></div></div>Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-89897850423241159182011-03-24T09:14:00.000-05:002011-03-24T09:15:13.978-05:00FW: At Last Settling down at last. After the headache that was my canceled flight I made it down to Soldier by the grace of God and the good will of a fellow traveler. As I wrote before my flight down to Soldier had been canceled and I was rebooked on another flight flying out of a nearby town that evening. The roads opened up in time for me to make it down there, but they had overbooked my flight and I was on standby. The next flight out wasn't until Monday evening, just the day before Soldier's graduation. Fortunately the kindest gentleman in the world volunteered to take a later flight out and I got his seat. I did feel absolutely horrible for the other 2 travelers who weren't so lucky. I sent up a prayer that they would make it to their destinations and a little curse to Delta for putting us all in this position. <BR> <DIV class=ecxWordSection1> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>It was great to seen Soldier again and know that after this we would be driving home and he'd be staying for good. Even having his parent's there couldn't ruin my mood <SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Wingdings">J</SPAN>. Though I was a little offended when his mother said all Army Wives are petty and only cause trouble and that Officer's Wives always try to pull rank. I had to bite my tongue other than to say that hasn't been my experience with military spouses. Granted, outside of the blogging community I don't know too many military spouses, and even less officer's wives, but those I do know have been very kind. Furthermore, I'm a military wife and an officer's wife and I'd like to thing she didn't mean to include me in this statement as I don't consider myself a catty person ( or I try not to be) and I have no opportunity to "pull rank" even if I was inclined to because I live 250 miles away from Soldier's unit and don't know anyone in it. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>We made it back home and have been working on adjusting to being together again. I'm trying to let go of my routines and be more spontaneous and let Soldier do more and he's trying to find enough to stay busy. I prided myself on keeping up on all of the house chores fix it list and not leaving anything undone, but now I think I should have left more so he has something to do during the day. He's been going to the gym for a few hours every day and spending a few more hours job searching, but he's so used to go go go that it's hard for him to settle down and relax. </P></DIV> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-14706253620159262572011-03-12T09:20:00.001-06:002011-03-12T09:20:01.373-06:00CanceledThat is the status of my flight to see Soldier. I got a call from the airline at 5am this morning saying my 8am flight has been canceled. I immediately called and tried to book a later flight...the next available flight was MONDAY! I am not waiting another 2 days to see Soldier. I then asked for a flight out of the nearest town and I got one this evening. The only problem is the roads are closed so I have to hope they open up by 2pm this afternoon, or I'm going to miss that flight too. This really sucks. If my flight hadn't been canceled I would be in Soldier's arms by 2pm already today. Cross your fingers and send up a little prayer for me that the roads will open by 2pm so i can fly down and bring Soldier HOME!Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-16811553300455002792011-03-02T14:10:00.001-06:002011-03-02T14:10:52.764-06:00Stressed to the Max<META content="Microsoft SafeHTML" name=Generator> <STYLE> .ExternalClass p.ecxMsoNormal, .ExternalClass li.ecxMsoNormal, .ExternalClass div.ecxMsoNormal {margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';} .ExternalClass a:link, .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;} .ExternalClass a:visited, .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;} .ExternalClass span.ecxEmailStyle17 {font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';color:windowtext;} .ExternalClass .ecxMsoChpDefault {;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in;} .ExternalClass div.ecxWordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </STYLE> <DIV class=ecxWordSection1> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>The countdown to K coming home is getting very near. I'm equal parts excited and scared to death. I have been so stressed about his coming home that my skin has broken out like it never has before, I've gained 7 pounds, and I am so tired I have huge bags under my eyes. This is supposed to be a very exciting time, but all I can think about it "there goes his paycheck." You see, Soldier is not employed outside of the Army National Guard. He graduated college last May and since then he worked some temp jobs with the army before this training, but he doesn't have a job to come back to. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>Fortunately I have a good job and he made good money down there so we have a good chunk of money saved up to fall back on, but I would rather not use that. I'm hoping to put it towards a hefty down payment on a house here in the next year. I just wish he had a job already. I know he's been trying, but it's terribly frustrating to be stuck in limbo. We can't buy a house because we don't know where he'll find a job. I'm going to graduate school so I know I wont stay in my current position for too much longer so we have the flexibility of moving somewhere else if he finds something he likes. I would like to start thinking about having kids in the next few years, but I'm not going to do that until we're home owners for a while. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>I'm trying not to stress and worry, but it's constantly on my mind. I want to start moving forward. </P></DIV> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-25806771040971472002011-02-21T14:57:00.001-06:002011-02-21T14:57:53.691-06:00Chopping Wood and Carrying Water<META content="Microsoft SafeHTML" name=Generator> <STYLE> .ExternalClass p.ecxMsoNormal, .ExternalClass li.ecxMsoNormal, .ExternalClass div.ecxMsoNormal {margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';} .ExternalClass a:link, .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;} .ExternalClass a:visited, .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;} .ExternalClass span.ecxEmailStyle17 {font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';color:windowtext;} .ExternalClass .ecxMsoChpDefault {;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in;} .ExternalClass div.ecxWordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </STYLE> <DIV class=ecxWordSection1> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>Today is Soldier's Army Birthday. He has been in the Army for 7 years now. 7 years. It's amazing to look back now at how much the military has shaped where we are today. I didn't notice those changes as they were happening, it's in reflecting on those years that I realize how marrying a man in the military changed me. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>I remember hearing once about a journalist who asked Gandhi about his life before and after his enlightenment and he responded by saying, "Before enlightenment I chopped wood and carried water. After enlightenment I chopped wood and carried water." I didn't understand what he meant by that when I first heard it growing up, so I'm surprised it stuck with me, but I now know it's all about frame of mind. And that's what I feel the trick to surviving military life is as a spouse. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>We choose our spouse, not their job, and as in my case Soldier was already a soldier when we met. Although I'm not impacted by military life like an active duty family is, the army is always in the back of my mind. I could be resentful or upset by the restrictions the military places on us and the long separations but I try always to embrace the possibilities those separations bring us. A drill weekend means I have either a weekend full of the girls, a lazy weekend, or a chance to finally finish those projects around the house. A month of training means I can finish that quilt I started last year but never finished, or I can finish watching all 4 seasons of that TV show Soldier's not interested in. A deployment is a chance for me the renew my appreciation of our relationship and to remember why I should never take anything for granted. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>I wouldn't consider myself "enlightened" or a model army wife because there are certainly times that I have thought this sucks and had a big ol pity party. But then I remember why I'm supporting my soldier and continue 'chopping wood and carrying water'. </P></DIV> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-23293464161563176122011-02-13T20:14:00.000-06:002011-02-13T20:14:24.361-06:00Family PainsNot too long from now I will be bringing Soldier home! I am beyond excited and cannot wait until he is back home and can take over snow removal duties! No, I just want him home with me. I didn't think anything could bring me down until I got a call from his parents. They are planning on coming down for his graduation as well, which is great, that haven't been to anything of his. Not his basic or AIT gradution or his LDAC grad so I'm glad for him that they will be there. He's worked so hard so I'm glad he'll have a few more people there to congratulate him. <br />
But....they want to make a big family vacation out of it and come down early and stay later. I'm not even coming down as early as they will be because K still has to be at training everyday until he graduates. He doesn't have free time to hang out. So I was a little disappointed that they were going to be there already when I get to see him for the first time in over a month. And I know Soldier wants to get home right away because it's been awhile since he's been home. <br />
I make it a practice to NEVER complain or say anything negative about Soldier's family because they're basically nice and I don't have any problems with them, other than with things like this. And I don't want him put in the middle or feeling like he needs to pick sides. I know he's the baby and the last one to leave the nest, but sometimes I feel they cling a little too much and I'm not sure how to tell them we need some alone time together and that K has told me that the minute they are released we are jumping in the car to head home.Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-16638888091449104322011-02-06T17:22:00.000-06:002011-02-06T17:22:22.533-06:00Last visit to FTLI went to visit the soldier this past weekend down at his training post. He had the weekend off from training so I took the opportunity to take along weekend from work and fly down to see him. It was amazing. After the fiasco that was our Christmas leave it was so great to reconnect and be able to spend some quality alone time together again. <br />
I almost didn't make it back home and part of me was hoping I wouldn't! :). A huge storm was supposed to come through and the airline canceled my flight in preparation for that storm. The south really freaks out about snow because it was hardly even cloudy yet and my flight was already canceled. Anyway, the lovely airline got me a cab to take me to the airport I was connecting at free of charge (or I guess for no additional charge over my plane ticket). The cab driver almost didn't get me there on time though. I had a short window already and he made not one, not two, but three pit stops during the 2 hour drive to the airport. Fortunately my flight there was delayed so I ended up making it out of there. Of course, I wouldn't have been disappointed if I had to spend another day with Soldier. O well, next time I fly down there will be for his graduation and to bring him back home!<br />
<br />
O, and I can't forget one more thing Go Pack Go!Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-74628651003582248422011-02-02T09:47:00.001-06:002011-02-02T09:47:09.748-06:00What Get's Me ThroughWhat's getting me through the -40* weather today? <BR> <BR> The Groundhog didn't see his shadow! I'm so glad spring will be here soon, I don't want to shovel anymore and I want my husband to be home. <BR> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-15758700359076324142011-01-23T18:35:00.000-06:002011-01-23T18:35:51.731-06:00Red Light Green LightFriday morning I started off my weekend with a ticket for running a red light. Let me paint you the picture for this one. <br />
<br />
Driving to the gym at 5:00am Friday morning I am thinking about how early it is, how tired I am and what I have to finish at work today. When I think "yellow light....oh, a police officer is stopped at the intersection....red light....stop.....look both ways....go"...THE LIGHT WAS STILL RED! I don't know why but I just treated the red light like a stop sign and kept on going. Yes, just a few seconds later I saw lights flashing in my rear view mirror and I get my first traffic ticket. Ugh, so much for a perfect record!Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-64696855432523640262011-01-19T20:19:00.001-06:002011-01-19T20:19:53.754-06:00Hump DayI'm so glad it's Wednesday, over the hump of the week. Even better, the days are getting longer, it's light out when i leave work now. It finally got above zero degrees today (woohoo). We are more than half way through this separation and I just bought a ticket to fly down to see him in a few weekends!<br>Happy Hump Day! <p>----------<br>Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phoneMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-470564400155212362011-01-16T11:18:00.000-06:002011-01-16T11:18:21.396-06:00In Case I ForgetI was recently out to dinner with a friend and some of her co-workers. Her co-workers were very nice ladies, but one of them brought a very not nice boyfriend. He was loud, beligerant, rude, and embarassing. He spoke very loudly, cussed often and used inappropriate language. I'm normally a peaceful gal and just go with the flow, but if I didn't think he would cause a scene, I would have said something to him. It was quite awkward and I was glad I was at the other end of a very long table. It was so embarassing that my friend and I made an excuse and ordered our food to go with the check saying she had a team meeting to go to that night.<br />
<br />
His behavior just reminded me how lucky I am to have Soldier in my life. Never in a million years would he behave that way. I was also glad for once that he wasn't there because he sure as hell would have told the boyfriend he was acting like a fool and to cut it out and be respectful. I immediately called K after I got home and left him a message just thanking him for being who he is. I know that my soldier isn't perfect, but he is amazing and in case I ever forget that, I will have this evening to remind me.Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-47550665145701057832011-01-12T10:00:00.001-06:002011-01-12T10:00:37.043-06:00The Best Part of Waking Up...<DIV class=ecxWordSection1> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>Is NOT the stinky treadmill neighbor at the gym. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>I've started working out in the mornings before work because I was feeling like I never had any time during the day to just chill and do nothing. I used to get up at 7, be to work by 8, get off work at 5, go to the gym, be home at 7, cook/eat/clean supper and then it was about 9, so I showered and went to bed. Now, I go to the gym at 5:30am and have the rest of the evening free (except when it snows). </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>I have been enjoying this change…until this morning. Now, I realize no one is going to shower before heading to the gym at 5 in the morning, but at least do a quick sniff test! I had about ½ a mile left when she stepped on the treadmill next to me. Immediately I could smell the BO. It was nauseating. I couldn't focus, I couldn't run, I couldn't breathe. Now, I'm a farm girl. I grew up on the farm, AND I'm married to a guy in the military. I've smelled cows and 5 days of "in the field with no shower". I'm used to stink. But this was worse. The only thing I could do was leave and hop on a stationary bike at the other end of the gym. Not exactly folgers in my cup.</P></DIV> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-1745830452802669152011-01-11T08:37:00.001-06:002011-01-11T08:37:38.309-06:00Snow Advice<DIV class=ecxWordSection1> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>Soldier has the day off from training today because…they got 2 inches of snow! 2 inches. I don't even bat an eye for anything less than 3 inches. I understand that the southern states don't have the infrastructure in place to deal with snow, but 2 inches! This is the military, aren't they supposed to be able to respond to natural disasters? Anyway, I was watching the news this morning while getting ready for work and saw how much of the south was affected by this snowfall and have a few tips from someone who regularly gets 40+ inches of snow each winter and knows the seasons as Winter, Still Winter, Construction and Almost Winter. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoListParagraph style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN>1.<SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </SPAN></SPAN>Slow down while driving. This may seem like common sense, but even in the seasoned north everyone seems to be struck by amnesia with the first snow fall and it takes a few fender benders and cars in the ditch before everyone remembers snow = slippery roads. O, and 4-wheel drive doesn't help much on ice covered roads.</P> <P class=ecxMsoListParagraph style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN>2.<SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </SPAN></SPAN>Shovel. Pair up with a friend or neighbor to shovel your drive way/sidewalks. Doing it with someone else helps it go quicker and then you have enough energy left to shovel your elderly neighbors driveway or the neighbor with a deployed husband and 4 kids. If someone shovels your driveway, thank them. </P> <P class=ecxMsoListParagraph style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN>3.<SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </SPAN></SPAN>Don't park on the street. It takes the plows a while to get down every street, especially in those cities with only a couple plows. Parking your car on the street slows the plow down and creates this nice big snow bank against your vehicle that you will later have to shovel off. </P> <P class=ecxMsoListParagraph style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN>4.<SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </SPAN></SPAN>Better yet, stay off the roads all together if you don't have to go somewhere. Unless your driving somewhere for an emergency or to work, stay at home. Driving on roads just compacts the snow and turns it into ice which makes the roads even more slippery. </P> <P class=ecxMsoListParagraph style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN>5.<SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </SPAN></SPAN>Never abandon your car on the road!! If you get stuck on the road, you're just going to have to call a friend or tow truck to come get you. I know it sounds strange, but a car in the middle of the road means the plows can't get through! </P> <P class=ecxMsoListParagraph style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN>6.<SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </SPAN></SPAN>Ice fishing probably isn't very popular in the southern states, but here in the north it means that a power outage is no problem. Just bring in the propane tank and attach the heater and you have a warm house. But don't forget to crack a window. If the stores are out of generators, stop by Menards and pick up a Mr. Heater for the grill's propane tank or, see #2 above and get out and shovel!</P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>I absolutely love snow storms. Everything is coated in a gorgeous white blanket (until the plows come through). It's even better when we get 20 inches and I get a snow day and can stay at home curled up next to the Mr. Heater and read a book. </P></DIV> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-58315236743767001522011-01-10T13:11:00.001-06:002011-01-10T13:11:21.721-06:00Leave<DIV class=ecxWordSection1> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>I seem to set myself up for a bit of disappointment after every leave. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>I get so excited for leave to come. The month of his scheduled leave I start a countdown on my calendar. Then I start planning activities and things to do. I go grocery shopping and pick up all his favorite foods and plan big dinners and lazy brunches. I clean like crazy and buy little presents that I leave around for him to find. A new shirt in the closet, new fishing lures in his tackle box, a new game in the PS, etc. I create all this hype and believe that we'll get to spend all of this time together and it will be just perfect. Of course it never works out like I plan. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>Take this leave for example. A huge snow storm came through the area and closed down the interstates for 4 days. We happened to be visiting his parents at the time the storm hit and a 2 day stay turned in to a 5 day stay. The last 5 days of his leave. We never made it back home and we didn't get to do all those things we'd planned alone. The last 5 days of his leave was spent sleeping on the floor in his parents basement, being constantly surrounded by people and just a little bit stressed. Don't get me wrong, it was great to see his family. It just wasn't so great to have absolutely no time alone. We had to change his flight so that he flew out from his parents town instead of from home so we didn't even get to drive home together. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>Saying goodbye for me is much harder the second time. The first time I say goodbye is easier because I'd forgotten how much it stinks having him gone. The second time we have to say goodbye, I remember. I had gotten into a routine while he was gone, and when he comes on leave it messes up my routine and then I have to find it again after he leaves. </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P> <P class=ecxMsoNormal>Although, as much as leave may disrupt the comfort I'd found during his absence, I would never trade his leave. It's so great to get to see him again after time apart and now I have a shorter countdown ahead until this separation is over. </P></DIV> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-15329953396574479972011-01-09T03:53:00.001-06:002011-01-15T20:24:15.813-06:00New Years Resolution: Edit: additional resolutionNormally, I never set resolutions, but I made a resolution in February last year to get healthy. And I stuck with it and having a system to keep me accountable helped me achieve my goal, so I'm hoping that blogging my list and checking in quarterly will help me keep on track. <br />
<br />
<ol><li>Lose 20lbs</li>
<ul><li>I know this is the most common goal, but I am working really hard on accomplishing this. Since I got married I had gained about 40lbs. Last year i started working out again when my blood pressure went up. I lost 30lbs and I'm healthy and in shape and my blood pressure is back to normal. i still need to lose that last 10 I had gained and I'd like to throw in another 10 just for me. </li>
<li>I'm still going to the gym and now I'm going to start going 6 days a week again.</li>
</ul><li>Get into graduate school</li>
<ul><li>I want to get my masters and the application deadline is in June, so I need to get working on that.</li>
</ul><li>Finish my quilt</li>
<li>Volunteer</li>
<ul><li>This may be the most difficult of my goals. I work full time and will be starting (hopefully) graduate school next year, but I really want to become more involved in my community. </li>
</ul><li>Become a member of my church</li>
<ul><li>I need to transfer my membership from my hometown church to the church I attend here and need to become active in it. </li>
</ul><li>Watch all 100 movies on AFI's 100 greatest movies list</li>
<ul><li>I love movies about as much as I love reading. I would have set a goal for number of books to read but I read so much anyway that I thought this might be better. I like older movies so I thought this list would be a great place to start. </li>
</ul></ol>Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-4921052201746511562011-01-06T14:10:00.001-06:002011-01-06T14:10:59.513-06:00Snowmen<BR>A little snow day humor to get me through til Friday!<BR> <DIV class=ecxWordSection1> <DIV> <TABLE class=ecxMsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 1.5pt; PADDING-LEFT: 1.5pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1.5pt; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-TOP: 1.5pt" width="100%"> <DIV> <DIV> <DIV> <TABLE class=ecxMsoNormalTable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in" vAlign=top> <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 3.75pt"> <DIV id=ecxecxecxyiv1651462477> <DIV> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P></DIV> <DIV> <DIV> <DIV style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: #b5c4df 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 3pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> <SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><BR><IMG id=ecxecxecxecx_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x005f_x0000_i1063 height=225 alt=cid:11.2348368529@web65308.mail.ac2.yahoo.com src="" width=700></SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <P class=ecxMsoNormal><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV></TD></TR> <TR> <TD id=ecxecxINCREDIFOOTER style="PADDING-RIGHT: 1.5pt; PADDING-LEFT: 1.5pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1.5pt; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-TOP: 1.5pt" width="100%"> <TABLE class=ecxMsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-TOP: 0in" width="100%"> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P></TD> <TD id=ecxecxINCREDISOUND style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in" vAlign=bottom> <P class=ecxMsoNormal> </P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <P class=ecxMsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><A href="http://www.incredimail.com/?id=604304&rui=42283805" target=_blank><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"></SPAN></A></SPAN></P></DIV> <P class=ecxMsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"> </SPAN></P></DIV> Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-17834490262066829202010-12-29T14:04:00.000-06:002010-12-29T14:04:33.991-06:00Dear Snow You surprised us with a nice new fresh blanket of white just before Christmas and Soldier loved it. He didn't have snow where he's at and was so excited to see you, but I ask that you not visit again before the new year. Soldier is home and it has been so nice to spend time with him ice fishing, skiing, sledding, shopping, visiting family, watching movies and drinking wine. I really don't want to spend his last day home shoveling. I know you wont hold this against me and I promise you can visit again next week.Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-55152807500954922452010-12-28T18:31:00.001-06:002010-12-28T18:31:35.256-06:00Merry Christmas!I can hardly believe another Christmas has come and gone and that I was lucky enough to spend it with soldier and my family. I wish leave was longer. <p>----------<br>Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phoneMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-56777295900390113502010-12-23T09:20:00.001-06:002010-12-23T09:20:03.292-06:00See You Tomorrow!Amazing how those 3 little words from soldier can make me so happy!! Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-26139295669533061582010-12-18T16:27:00.000-06:002010-12-18T16:27:45.690-06:00Craft Project: Burlap WreathI have been trying to stay busy this weekend and I saw a wreath in a home decor catalog that I loved. But I did not love the $50 price tag so I thought I'd try to make one myself. It was pretty easy and I think it turned out well. I'm considering giving one as a gift. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvptcd_ze9U0JlVi8gNUUt6VIKDNfwH0vN3npEJC3PuooYOyH3koKOknbHpH1D0CyJihoKF3CiReRTLSuwRCTZpNNM8AduPMBl7Gr81E7EkD17vKPDO_uLJUChlscayr_F3tHMxQd7_8/s1600/step+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvptcd_ze9U0JlVi8gNUUt6VIKDNfwH0vN3npEJC3PuooYOyH3koKOknbHpH1D0CyJihoKF3CiReRTLSuwRCTZpNNM8AduPMBl7Gr81E7EkD17vKPDO_uLJUChlscayr_F3tHMxQd7_8/s320/step+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a little burlap</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGTridsSnAg12WLlzq6H63z4QJwBykVwkHFYrq6Eiru5-lItY0tDMoalrLuNfpuhuaYcb6i7Zrrxv49s4IkqDFiWNCkWbrH7o7CiAO2YAAy3AgfTi9MlKH2bKhO4BpeVAiX2529KsmVQ/s1600/step+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGTridsSnAg12WLlzq6H63z4QJwBykVwkHFYrq6Eiru5-lItY0tDMoalrLuNfpuhuaYcb6i7Zrrxv49s4IkqDFiWNCkWbrH7o7CiAO2YAAy3AgfTi9MlKH2bKhO4BpeVAiX2529KsmVQ/s320/step+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cut into strips</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Hi5AkZwJHRk8gG-HYiTSklpExRpc-4zxAjEQCS9q1gzYc9rRuyuudidL9KwODgLaA7KxTsZcf4YYa0xT5uDAhl0XjD0xkebWbSxMK4TCbfZ1V8oszB3siIXXi3PHYyidFAu2GbWuaZ8/s1600/step+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Hi5AkZwJHRk8gG-HYiTSklpExRpc-4zxAjEQCS9q1gzYc9rRuyuudidL9KwODgLaA7KxTsZcf4YYa0xT5uDAhl0XjD0xkebWbSxMK4TCbfZ1V8oszB3siIXXi3PHYyidFAu2GbWuaZ8/s320/step+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and woven onto a wire hanger</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgSBjPAE-BUR8choErLFsexrwmmpOmk-HtSjmo8OTIJG-KfWuo4MjyxCQGTiWxhHpzhkHmIYLf-epk14dZnjeEY09W2oqjmdhqqQUSl6XAYGv2k1iivUk4qRLtymW6b-FBAumvfdI9SE/s1600/step+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgSBjPAE-BUR8choErLFsexrwmmpOmk-HtSjmo8OTIJG-KfWuo4MjyxCQGTiWxhHpzhkHmIYLf-epk14dZnjeEY09W2oqjmdhqqQUSl6XAYGv2k1iivUk4qRLtymW6b-FBAumvfdI9SE/s320/step+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">now it just needs a bow</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYegohvoVRlIShTfk3QVEanCnf_B-DVetPCyh6uQwALSvUqGx2QO74FjzBxTkSJ36z20w_hHFlEAte6FSGzyMnjs38HXzk4uibdPf1lhMAUgwC0xsN-cJdU7sFHsd1BNYTBGaTvoscEmo/s1600/Wreath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYegohvoVRlIShTfk3QVEanCnf_B-DVetPCyh6uQwALSvUqGx2QO74FjzBxTkSJ36z20w_hHFlEAte6FSGzyMnjs38HXzk4uibdPf1lhMAUgwC0xsN-cJdU7sFHsd1BNYTBGaTvoscEmo/s320/Wreath.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">voila</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDjOXCVN6gYVf7_8-9biFDEYx2AANZgOmI25nsZOq9Ct5v0cYGjL9tCjVc8-UJGJcHCe9GwztWggnx17NM681p0VtBqmdor9gU7uoVpzbRg2DjZje7J7x-Dn6ldIEYyBkhHmR0TCQGw4/s1600/wreath+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDjOXCVN6gYVf7_8-9biFDEYx2AANZgOmI25nsZOq9Ct5v0cYGjL9tCjVc8-UJGJcHCe9GwztWggnx17NM681p0VtBqmdor9gU7uoVpzbRg2DjZje7J7x-Dn6ldIEYyBkhHmR0TCQGw4/s320/wreath+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this dark picture is why I need a new camera!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-79202543419275770302010-12-14T17:20:00.001-06:002010-12-14T17:20:56.174-06:00Christmas Present?I have decided to splurge on myself this year for Christmas and I'm getting myself a nice camera. I have still been using my 3 megapixel camera that i got when i was in junior high so i think it's time for an upgrade. <br>My health insurance company started a wellness program last year that allows you to earn points for exercising and eating healthy and then you can cash in those points for prizes. I earned a $250 gift card so I'm putting that towards the camera and I'm also awarding myself $100 for losing 25lbs this year and I'm putting that towards the camera. I've done some research and talked to a few people and I think I'm going to get a Nikon dslr d5000. It's a little heftier of a price tag then I would have liked ($700) but i figure I probably wont need to upgrade again.I have just never spent that amount of money on myself before. <br> Any ideas on cameras you recommend? I want to explore all options before committing and buying it next week. <p>----------<br>Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phoneMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-48620767806131630032010-12-13T11:32:00.001-06:002010-12-13T11:32:05.464-06:00A Little TipWord of advice for the Christmas season: when making gingerbread houses, make them small. Otherwise it will fall down. <br>So much for seveal hours of baking and decorating. But it was fun hanging out with friends and family.<p>----------<br>Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phoneMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-68497200938565683042010-12-12T10:43:00.001-06:002010-12-12T10:43:00.433-06:00Shady DealingsOn the flight back from seeing K I was seated next to the most shady character I have ever had the misfortune to meet. First of all, he was on his cell phone the ENTIRE flight. You are not supposed to do this. All I could think was if his cell phone causes the plane to hit something and crash and kill us all, I will come back and kill him again. I am not by nature a violent person. His first call he made to someone who could find him a "crooked insurance adjustor who could make sure things go his way." And that he would "pay him some under the table to seal the deal." What?! His next call was for someone to "deliver a package". The next call was to make sure he could "descretly pass off the package at the next stop and make sure he get's the message." The rest of the calls were setting up various "deals". Excuse me?! I don't know if he was for real, or if he was just making stuff up. If you're conducting this type of business, wouldn't you do it a bit more privately than in an airplane? I was never so happy to see the snowing midwest again!Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-29280932266159791992010-12-11T09:53:00.000-06:002010-12-11T09:53:56.382-06:00Back AgainWell, I'm back from my blogging furlough. I got a virus on my computer just before Thanksgiving and finally got my computer cleaned up and back to it's original working state. It was a nightmare trying to get it fixed and I hope I don't get another one any time soon. <br />
After Thanksgiving I was able to fly down to visit Soldier at his training post. It was so great to be able to see him for a few days and spend some time together. Although, as great as those days down there were, I cannot wait for his Christmas leave when he gets to come home. It'll be so nice to have him here at home again. And then he can help me shovel the snow we're supposed to get! Snow has become a four letter word in my book since the 7 inches we got Thanksgiving.Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369480017846906234.post-48764627064146272972010-11-20T18:00:00.001-06:002010-11-20T18:00:00.035-06:00Too Much Free Time<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">K left for several months training. I thought I had prepared myself pretty well for his departure, this isn’t my first rodeo after all, but I’m lonely and bored. I’m giving serious consideration to picking up a part time job in the evenings and on the weekends to help keep myself busy while he’s gone. However I like having holidays, nights and weekends off. Also, most of the hiring positions available for night and weekend hours are retail jobs, and I’ve paid my dues there already. I worked several retail jobs to pay my way through college and it wasn’t exactly the highlight of my working life, but you do what you have to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m going to start working out 6 days a week instead of just 4, so that should take up more time after work. And maybe I should look into taking some community classes on the weekends. I could always learn how to do pottery, or take some cooking classes, or photography classes…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or, I could finish all those projects I’ve started. I need to finish quilting my mini starter quilt, sew the blanket K had bought me the material for, finish making the Christmas presents for my MIL, SIL, and GmaIL…</span>Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428075232962509454noreply@blogger.com0