Trying not to complain

So in an effort to not go on a rant about people being self centered, narcissistic, wasteful Americans... I will instead tell you what I am thankful for... because that is much better for reflecting back in a few years, when in reality I will forget the things that are bothering me today, and instead be happy about what good was happening around me, despite the bad, or terrible things.

1. Thankful for wonderful honest co-workers that save me from driving all the way home and back to work again for my work shirt and pants that I forgot to grab on my way out the door.

2. Thoughtfulness of a starbucks card to bring a small cup of smiles and relaxation to my day when I forgot my wallet as well. And other coworkers willing to help me too if I need it.

3. A husband that is getting closer to God, and in turn finding peace in the uncontrolable's in life, and that there is a plan, we just do not know it yet, and to just trust that everything happens for a reason and how its suppose to, even when it may seem like the world is against us.

4. A wonderful assistant manager at the Toyota dealership, that despite the stress, frustration, and demands we had, tried everything to make it better... even though it was not his fault at all... even trying to pay for the service himself, and then trying to give me twenty dollars because I had already paid. There needs to be more people like that in this world.

5. A safe warm home to live in.

6. Kristopher's ability to pass his tests, and hopefully to get through the final few more that there are, especially the one right after Thanksgiving.

7. My father, who has been calling and helping Kristopher with some questions and troubles with work, giving him good fatherly advice, without me asking to... I am not sure if he understands the magnitude that these small actions have... but Kristopher misses his father more than he talks about, and having my dad be there for him as well, means a lot.

8. The pastor at our church, for his kind and encouraging words to both Kristopher and I this week, as life has handed us stress after stress, after stress.

9. A manager that is able to help me see the good that I am doing for myself and the store, even in the midst of lacking heavily in new lines... although I am still incredibly frustrated and worried about it.

10. The launch of my Etsy shop has gone well, although not in the original way I had intended, but has resulted in 6 orders from people I do not know in the first week of being open. There is much work to be done and adjustments to be made, but it is a start.

11. Grad School, without it, right now I would feel as if I was a complete failure and moron. I know this sounds harsh, but thats about the only thread of complete success that is happening right now. Class two is complete as soon as I finish the last 200 words of a paper and get an A in the course, and then its on to accounting.

12. Whip Cream - it makes any coffee or hot cocoa better, and the calories are totally worthe it.

13. The beautiful bayou's I get to drive over on the way to work each day - they remind me of the vast differences of beauty on this earth. Although it is so much different then the beauty of Redwood trees, the central coast of California, or the mountains and waterfalls all over Oregon... its beautiful.

New happenings

That moment where something comes to you. And you fee like you can finally run with a goal you have had for the year, it happened. I published that list sometime earlier this year, of things I wanted to accomplish, I haven't looked back at it recently, but I know that getting an etsy shop up and running was one of them.

Well ladies and gents, we have a name, a name that fits me, a name that isn't already taken on etsy, and a name that should be catchy and simple enough to work. For some reason, this was my hold up, I started the process of setting up shop moths ago, but never finished. Part motivation from having two friends bestow their trust in me to make their Christmas cards for they this year and me wanting to utilize it to spread the thing I'd love to do more of... I'd like to have a stamp on them leading anyone that gets one to a place that they could order more.  Part of the motivation is that it was a goal and, well we are in the forth quarter, and I'm pretty sure this goal carried over from last year... So it's in mega overtime.

I'm to going to reveal the shop just yet, but I am excited.. And having excitement about it is a big part of it, right?!?

Now to just getting running... It has cooled down here a big (ok so it's 85 right now, but, you can feel fall in the air in the morning and evening, and yesterday I had the window and doors open until nearly 3!

Cooling down also means its about time for Carmel, I did bake down a pumpkin yesterday, haven't decided what to do with it yet, but probably should get another one soon.

Hope you are doing well!

Something about bases

Maybe is is subconscious. Or maybe it is just pleasant to hear,a me a nice reminder of what tradition, and consistency is. Whatever it is, there is something about being on a military base at important hours of the day. Such as 5pm, or 7:30am. Wen the whole base stops to say hello to the day and good bye in the evening. How is this done, with a call that rings out. Is fairly normal practice on military installations. It's just as the pledge of alliance is (excuse me- WAS used) in schools growing up. It is a brief moment in the day where everyone stops and reflects, if only for a few moments, on what a great country we live in, and in the case of a military base, what it stands for' and what each person is contributing too. 

I know everyone goes through phases of life, where you are influenced by parents then friends, and then you make your own choices. Then things happen in life to you, or those around you, that change your view, change what you think is right and wrong. Honestly I think this happens to everyone, even the most conservative or most liberal thinking people out there. 

I have always found myself closer to the middle, politically, then most. For whatever reasons this is, I am so thankful for.

I am sad though, that there seems to be a disconnect that has happened, a great divide if you may, between disagreement of politics and the support for one another and this country. The respect and the support for the military, their families and the freedom that they work for. Enough respect and support should be given to at least view them in good light. Yet there are many that flat out categorize military personal as a politically affiliation, and then judge based on this assumption. 

This is not the case in the slightest. You I will have differing views anywhere. Yet as a whole, unless you are military, or have a direct tie to it, it seems most people don't want it around. I guess I am ranting a bit. And I promise you it is it in no way a reflection of my treatment, or a need for respect. ( I'd just tell you if that was the case). It's more of a wonderment about where we are going as a country. I respect liberal view points, and like I said earlier, find myself in the middle politically the majority of the time, and maybe I am simple tout looking in the right places. However, I don't see the respect for the conservative side of the country. Not agreeance, but respect. Respect for what we have done as. A country, with our liberal and conservative parts. Without both, we would not be where we are. It seems as though we are now making conservative and liberal a black and white conversation, a right and wrong divide.  And with that, dividing things that should be very much shared and in the middle. The pledge of allegiance, support of our troops, of the families that give as much up too. 

Maybe I am asking too much, but I feel like I have a few defining principles that I act upon in life, and to me, seem very normally and needed as a person. But I feel like they are needed as a community and a country. 

1. Treat others how you would like to be treated - you don't have to agree with me, you don't have to baby me, but respect me, listen to me, have patience with me, and do not discredit me to others.

 

2.Be kind - for you never know who is fighting a harder battle. 

3. There is a good reason our grandparents said to never talk about sex, money, or politics - you can have differing opinions on any or all of these subjects yet have a wonderful friend and support system, bringing these topics in just creates arguments and divides between people that may become the most valuable to you. 

4.Stand up for what you believe. - there is a difference between treating others the way you want to be treated, being walked all over, and speaking up. IE- religious war, these people are speaking up and standing up for what they believe in. While I, in no way shape or form, believe what they are doing is right, or that is is grounded in any bit of godly blessings; I do admire the example of true dedication and commitment to something. They walk the walk. We are Americans, yet we are some of the most hated people in other countries,and we are quarreling amongst ourselves. Not that this does not happen in other countries, but what keeps us from coming together as Americans and acting that way to one another.... No wonder other countries typically do not like Americans. Why would they want to like a group of people that can not be kind to one another. That can not be respectfully supportive of one another. 

Ok, all this is enough. I promise I am not agree at the world, or America. I promise that I am doing fine and am actually quiet happy. I just started thinking after the morning call, since I happened to be on post/base this morning when it sounded. 

I'm going to be a bad blogger, and not proof this entry before I post. And I know it's a bit of a rant. Lets just me kind to one another. Be a supportive American, say thank you to everyone that helps you or supports you, military or not. Liberal or Conservative. And stand up for America, set a good example of what that means. Seriously, that is not that difficult. There are much harder battles out there to be had then being kind and supportive to one another - but I think this is one of the most important and simplest. - it's only difficult because it involves so many people, make it contagious - that's the easiest way to win as a country. 

Hump day!

And So Gieco advertisement department has mastered another commercial for the record books.... Oh Camel, I do think he's drunk and modeled off someone in their office building though. Lol

Anyhow, I'm enjoying my week day weekend here 

And completing the first week of grad school. And surviving a grueling month at work, or should I say the craziest busiest most stressful 4 last days of the month I think I have ever had, but I think I made it. 

The Mr. is doing well, enjoy days on the boat and the kayaks when he is not at work. 

Ruby still needs a little brother... Maybe Christmas?!?

The Mr. Has also mentioned really needing a vacation when he finishes school... So honeymoon here we come! Now just to figure out where! Cruise perhaps? 

Hoping Christmas will bring some family to visit us here, as we won't really be able to get away, me working retail and him in the midst of school 😞 makes me sad, but is an unfortunate reality. 

A white sand beach Christmas isn't the worst it could be though, that's for sure! 

A weekend to remember

I had such a wonderful weekend. As I sit in Houston awaiting the final leg of my flight, I can not help but feel so full of love and joy and happiness, my best friend got married and I can't help but love the fact that the wedding party was so much a reflection of them, and them in each of us. Such a joyous event for both of these wonderful people. And everyone made it to the event. Siobhan was there with Michael. I enjoyed the time with her so much, and continue to be in absolute awe of the amazing women she is, and continues to grow in to. 

I am so blessed I was able to be there, between Siobhan and myself, it has been a year for the record books, hopefully not to be repeated, and I just love that we made it there for Kristen and Tyler. 

I loved seeing my adopted family, college friends, distance co-workers/training friends. 

I am so grateful for the time with Karen on the ride to Portland, and so happy I got to spend time with my Bridgeport Verizon gals and Cory. Then got to FaceTime with our Hawaiian part. 

I am beyond ready to see my husband again and sad he could not make it to the wedding with me. Understand why he couldn't and so thankful that we were able to get me there. I missed having him there, there is something about weddings after you are married, you enjoy them to a different degree bc you reflect on yours, relive the moment, the joy, the happiness, and radiate the love you had felt to the newly weds. 

So much love and happiness this weekend. These trips are never long enough, but My time was wonderfully distributed between my many PNW girls and boys. 

So grateful, so exhausted, so happy, so glad I got to go "home" and so glad to be going back to my love. 

One week!!!

Until I fly to Oregon! 

Sooo excited I can hardly wait. 

But in the next week I have plenty to do to get ready. 

I ordered new contacts yesterday (a years supply bc it's cheapest when you buy 8 boxes)(thank goodness for a HSA which makes ordering nearly $300 (after savings and coupons) painless as taking money out each paycheck tax free) 

I get my hair trimmed up and highlighted on Wednesday. 

I need to find a good book to read on the flights... Suggestions greatly accepted. 

I have cards to make! And send! And plan for Christmas - which I need to do and get etsy rolling with them ASAP! 

I have to work hard at work this week... Everything counts all the time but August sucks. (I think at the end of the month it's happy 1year anniversary as a sales rep to me). 

I need to keep on keeping on with the gym. It hurts so good... 

Speaking of which, got to get moving this morning!

Exhausting wonderful weekend

This weekend was busy, I worked hard on Saturday and it showed, then we had a dear co workers bridal shower/night out at a piano bar, which was amazing, see pictures below, just a good girls night out with dancing, music, bathroom chats and my first trip to whataburger. (Which isn't an in and out, but is pretty darn good). Sunday I was nearly dead to the world due to lack of sleep, not hung over, since I got home at 4:30 in the morning. 

Kristopher and I headed to church and then spent the day wandering a book store, pet store 

(Can we get a puppy yet!?!)

and the Florida coastline. We drove out to seaside ( the Truman show was filmed there) and then ventured for a walk at the state park near by. I nearly fell asleep several times on the car, but it was still delightful to spend time with the Mr. We stopped on the way home and shared some crab legs and ended the day with a much needed nap, a movie and lasagna.

I am still feeling the lack of sleep this morning, but I feel relaxed and happy and driven at work (which I need a big week)... AND next week I fly out to good ole OR!!! For the wedding of the year, Ms. Kristen Calderwood and Mr. Tyler Buwalda's big day, I can hardly wait!!!!

A better me

Ok, so I have slacked off. Not that I am a terrible person (I like to think I am better than average). However, there is always room for improvement, right? Maybe I am overly critical, but if I am, we'll it will only produce better results, in turn, a better me. 

Kristopher has been busy with school, and is very focused, driven, decisive. 

I, on the other hand, although busy with work, lack a full vision direction on where I want my life to go in all aspects (again this could also be perception - since most people think other people have things together, when most people may not - I don't really want to be part of the most people), am indecisive. I am self driven most of the time, but have lacked the support I think I have grown a bit accustom to where my self motivation lacks. 

Kristopher will always be there, if I say support, support he will, in what ever way I want, weather that is beside me, as a bystander cheering on, silently, or in my face. Which is amazing and more than I can ask for. What I need though, is my full self motivation back. 

I don't know where it went. But I am on a mission to get it back. I know it's a puzzle and there are a few pieces to it. 

1. Health - exercise. I love to run, and my mind needs that longer cardio workout to breathe as much as my lungs and heart need it. Road block = humidity sucks. This as resulted in a complete absence of exercise. Kristopher is helping, patiently trying different tactics ( bless his soul) from reminding me I should, to asking if I did, to asking when we can do it together (running that is). I do have a half marathon scheduled in January, and tried looking for one sooner - but, because of the weather here, they aren't done until Winter practically. I am trying to have balance too, work towards toned muscle, long, lean mass. Today's attempt included a Hulu plus workout.... It burned many muscle groups, so ill take it. 

  Sub category 1.1 food. I pack kristopher his lunch each day (love language - acts of service {next post on my current read and discoveries }) but really struggle to pack mine as well, or as balanced. So in an effort to eat better, spend less money on me, and be happier over all (because I think the three are linked) I am going to start packing my week of lunches all at once. Planning the weeks dinners has worked out well for the least few months, so I think this may work well. Plus I don't mind eating the same thing a few days in a row. 

2. Grad school. It's official - I begin at the end of August, the 29th to be exact. The schedule looks dauntingly long, but I know it's just about getting started and blinking and ill be nearly done. I have always been one to want to continue learning, life long learning. This degree (or dual degree rather) I think will help me feel like I am exercising my mind, and overall happier (although I know is going to be stressful at times too)

3. Reading. Obviously grad school will supply ample amounts of reading, but there's a difference between school reading, work reading, and enjoyment reading. Need to get back to doing more enjoyment reading... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

4.time balance. Kristopher and I are getting better at this. Between our varying schedules daily as well as weekly, we are getting the hang of it most of the time. A huge key has been getting up when he gets up. 4:45am. Now some days I do go back to sleep for a bit, but most days I don't. This helps us go to bed at the same time too, which, when you don't have tons of time together, is more meaningful. And we have started to have more down time right before bed, making time to read and mellow out. I sleep fine, but Kristopher has always had a rough time getting good sleep. I am hoping this helps.

Ok enough ranting for one day. I do fell like I am an old person talking about all this silly-ness. However it's my place to write, and I know reviewing and documenting progress and plans does help achieve. There are other parts to the puzzle, finance planning, career goals, life long goals, relationship development. All which are making progress in the right directions, which I think are all keys to this happiness puzzle. 

Lets go get a movie....

This is what my husband started off saying yesterday evening. After a day of him and a buddy working on a truck, and I doing the weekly grocery shopping and meal prep for this week.

Ok, why not, j/k.... get in the car, and there is a change in the thought process.. lets get a margarita. Hmm, I have a feeling this was planned... but I play along. We head to the Mexican restaurant up the street and grab a spot at the bar.

Now I am normally the more social one, between the Mr. and I. However as we sat down, and asked if the seats where taken, the lady sitting next to two empty stools responded no, but that Heather would have to sit to his left b/c her name was Heather as well and she would get confused. Kristopher began chatting with her, being that she noticed his hair cut (dead give away he's military) and the conversation evolved to what became a very thought provoking, conversation. (especially considering she was having half a beer while waiting for a take-out order)

This lady was very well spoke, well educated, and very wise. Among the points she made, she did point out a few things that struck me dead on.

1. marriage is partially a business. - you need to come together, set goals, figure out a path to get there. If one half falls off too many times,  it gets harder and harder to get to those goals. If you want to have kids, or own a business, you do it together, and you have to know what your intentions, expectations, goals and dreams are for those things, for your life.

2. Always plan for what you want to do next, and in the end... focus on that, and don't let people put you in a box. If you believe you are where you are right now, and thats all there is - that is where you will stay. If you know you want to achieve more, and do something, you can, but work today for tomorrow.

3. Education is invaluable, and respected when earned. When asked about pursuing a Masters, and what in, she responded, it comes down to who is paying for it, but also, to do it in something you love. She did a masters in finance, she loved that, and thats what she wanted to spend her time doing, down the road, even when her current military position wasn't fully focused on finance, thats what she wanted to do eventually.... and she loved every minute of it (well almost every). But she did other certification programs as well.

She spoke to the fact that depending on who she was speaking to, and who was interested in what part about her, she spoke to those strengths... those "fancy letters after her name" Earn accreditations, certifications in those areas that you enjoy and love and are serious about, because for those that don't know you already, they will use those to understand your dedication and knowledge. You can never have too many options to pick from. She had 10 different business cards, and 10 resumes - depending on what she was needing to show/display her focus on.

She headed off, and Kristopher and I chatted some, some about work/career tracks, some on the topic of children - its a touch and go conversation we have been having over the last several months (the topic of having them ever, later, never, adopt, etc), but thats for another blog post really...

We enjoyed or drinks, and I sat a bit in aw about how you run into people for a reason, and obviously we where suppose to hear what this lady had to say... and getting a margarita right then, was the way to get us to her. (go ahead and laugh, but it was too well spoken and too well timed to be just a coincidence)

I woke up, fairly wide awake this morning, around 2:30-3 am (correlated to 61/2 hours of average sleep, and going to bed at 9, and sleeping a grip ton yesterday) thinking about all of this.

Between what Heather said to us, and a bit of on going soul searching, this is where my head is at...

What would you actually do if you won the lottery, or inherited enough that you could do whatever you wanted with life?  You could work, or not. But be realistic.

I feel like this is what you should drive on towards, focus to getting to.

I, however, do not know what I would do. I truly don't.

And this frightens me. I feel like, at some point I lost something, that goal.
Other times I think there was never a goal past college. I have always been very self motivated to do things, like college. But now what... what do I want to do now.

Do I want to have kids? Not society, not my parents, but do I? Or is that society's impression of what I should do next?

And what would I do if I could do anything. It seems like a question for a kid, but seriously... I don't know. And thats what I need to discover and think about, because that will give me a focus and a drive and passion again for myself.

I have come to terms with the fact that my Bachelors degree is valuable, but not in the way I thought it would be. There was a good chunk of time over the past few years, although proud of my college, I have been angry with the lack of ability to utilize my degree professionally. There has been some straight up anger and tears of frustration... and I struggled with what I could have done different, or if in fact, I should of majored in something else completely. I wouldn't trade the experience or the people I have met through college, but I do struggle being a proud practicing alumni sometimes.

I still struggle some with the fact that, at this moment in life, I am doing a job, not a career. I am aware of this though, and am trying to find out what it is that I want this career to be, what is it that I really want to do.

That is the point of life right? To strive towards happiness, to strive towards enjoying what you do every day, to make it, and own it, and love it. I am happy, but I am stalled out and trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up... before I do grow up and haven't done anything.

Not in college anymore...

But I still can play a mean game of flip cup and Beirut, but the day after is awful. 

It's that moment when you think, "all I wanted was a glass of wine, but I ended up drinking a bunch of beer" 

Fail. Fun, but an epic fail.

Grad school

 Ok so my company will pay for it, grad school that is, so I should have started over a year ago. Log story short, I didn't; which is ok bc I will probably get more out of it now. 

I have tried to find out information on different online programs and compare them, let me tell you, it is difficult. Everyone knows that more upset people post reviews than satisfied people. And I feel to a degree, online programs are very dependent of your commitment and time investment. I think I have finally found one that 1. I can get into ( obviously important ) 2. Doesn't cost a fortune or much at all from me 3. Hasn't had questionably accreditation reviews (found one that was this way) 4. Has a physical campus that houses the majority of the students ( I feel like its a more legitimate program and school if a campus exsists and thrives, maybe that's just a mind trick I'm playing on myself) 5. I feel nervous but also excited about

My biggest questions and hesitations come from two things...

1. Difference of the three types of accreditations MBA program can have, and how much that actually matters as long as it has one of them.

2. Is it being a private (for profit) school- better or worse bc of it? Does that even matter?

So much to consider.... Help!

Phone posts

So I am really going to try hard to post more often, I've loaded this app to post mobilely (?) too long ago. Now to use it. 

I made the best new recipe tonight! Southwestern egg rolls. Really a supper easy recipe as everything goes in one bowl, mixed up and then rolled up in egg roll wrappers( way easier to roll that spring rolls btw) I did make guacamole for the hubby and salsa for me, the do need something to dip in/side with. Recipe also suggested sour cream, but I liked them just with salsa. 

Fond the recipe on Pinterest, so ill have to see if there is a way to link it here. Otherwise just look for it, they bake too, so they are relatively healthy - hubby requested meat in them next time, which I can only imagine would add to the deliciousness. 

In other news, got my bridesmaids dress and necklace all sorted out, and so happy about the returning of the first dress and then getting this one, it screams me with the lace and is oh so comfy. Can't way for the trip to Oregon, I do miss it, and Kristen, and some ocean rolls ;)

Will post more soon, as there is much to chat about... 

Ps - coffee at 3:30-4 brewer double strong over ice was a bad idea, even if I only had a few sips... I'm wired!

so many thoughts

So its been awhile, and I have been busy enjoying life and 'honeymooning' at home with the husband.

Although I still plan on us taking a real trip (It won't happen til after Kristopher is done with EOD school) we are enjoying Florida and the Gulf Coast while we are here. Lots to be thankful for!

1. Thankful that Kristopher and I are getting the hang of balancing my retail schedule and his M-F work week.

2. The patients and dedication to having healthy arguements, when we have them, because we come out better on the other end of it.

3. A landlord that is taking our requests seriously, gets things fixed and is thankful that we are taking good care of his rental.

4. My work environment, this store is amazing in so many ways, I am so blessed that it worked out that I am at this location, and doing well, and inspired and appreciated all at the same time.

5. An encouraging, although stubborn, husband, that pushes me to do further myself.

6. An honest husband that calls me when I need to be called, and does so respectfully and supportively (most times anyways ;) )

7. The ability to go to Kristen and Tyler's wedding in 2 months! So blessed to be able to make it for that.

8. My parents coming to visit, even if only for a few days next month. - hopefully I am comfortable with the boat and am able to take them out on it by then.

9. Having the weekend off at least once a month, to enjoy with my husband, a full weekend.

10. Rubyanne, she calms and soothes

11. Sunscreen.... heavens knows I would be toast (literally burnt toast!) if it wasn't for this wonderful invention!

Happy Birthday to me

So Yesterday was Birthday day. I nearly skimmed by all of work without them knowing. Grant it, I have been there about 2 weeks.. and I have mentioned it once, to the one man manager who simply said, well you should of asked for it off. In which I responded, eh, I didn't think about it..

Which is true, didn't think about it til a few days ago, which is when 'it' kicked in. The 'it's my birthday week, so....' 1. its ok to order a bit more than I really planned on 2. it's ok to order that skirt I passed on last time it was on sale, but is back.

Leaving me to answer to the husband as to why packages will be showing up on the door step at the end of this week/beginning of next.. and where did the money come from....

whoops.

The good part about that is that he does help curtail unnecessary spending... however, I am a girl, girls buy more little things than boys... and this boy likes to buy one or two really really nice things and call it good...

big difference there...

We did slip out for a birthday drink last night, but being that Kristopher FINALLY starts school today, and I have a work meeting at 7:15... we passed on any big dinner plans, and will do that another day this week.

Florida is good, I miss people and little bits of Oregon. But Florida is warm, warms you to the bone. So its really enjoyable - minus the run in with the snake Kristopher had in a kayak, which we later found out was a Water Moccasin - which is poisonous, and will chase you down.... apparently Kristopher smacked this one good enough it didn't know which way to go.... besides that, its been great.

Beach days, river days, garden planted, lots of fruits and veggies and bbq grilling, and quality time spent together... can't beat that.

Now, I know you are asking, what will my next year of life include... well I would like to think it would be working towards a Masters for 1. and a Promotion to an Assistant Manager position for 2.

3. I am thinking I may try and set up an Etsy shop, rather that directly sell Stamp-in' Up down here in Florida. So I may tackle this in time for Christmas orders possibly... I should anyways.

Ok, off to get some chores done before heading to this work meeting, then it'll be time to enjoy the day off... after tying up a few loose ends around the house. got to love week-day week-ends.

routine...

Humans are creatures of habit. And habits have a lot to do with routine. And when you move, all that routine has two things happen... 

1. if you have any kind of routine going, it get jumbled up and complicated, requiring the most dedicated soul to keep it on the tracks. 

2. You have a fresh wide open schedule once you get settled... you can begin new habits, new routines... 

I need to start running, I have no excuse - its mild temperatures/warmish, DRY, and our store hours are much more reasonable. I feel like 'blah', and yes I am using that as a describing word. And I know its an easy fix - but it has to become routine.

My lovely friend Kristen has the extra motivation of her own wedding coming up, and being medically cleared and put together enough to be able to build up her running again, and here I am, fully capable and healthy - feeling like 'blah' and talking about it... ( yes I realize I could be out walking or running currently and am not) 

So, tomorrow it begins. Today is my Friday of a 7 day work week (no sad feelings, I did have nearly 2 week off before that) Tomorrow is my Saturday, tomorrow I run. 

And then, we look more into graduate certificate programs and Master's degrees... because I should have done it a year ago, and the should of done it a year ago will turn into next year I should of done it two years ago if I don't do it now. So, two inquires about online masters programs/graduate certificates that can transfer to masters are sent off... and tomorrow I will do a few more, and then we will see how that goes... because I need to just start... 

Start those new routines, start new habits. 

Too long

Well hello there!

It has been few weeks and much has happened.

 First off I am in Florida. It is warm, sunny, bright. I unlike the husband have successful adapted without involving a sun burn so far.

We made it across the country in one piece, with the only casualties being a bottle of rice wine vinegar, red food coloring, and the trailer ending up with a dent in it (the first two being small, impressive in scent and ability to spread, but realistically inexpensive issues) the trailer is being fixed, and my marriage is still intact (the biggest concern/joke of the trip)

We arrived to a wonderful house to unpack and get settled, and it was filthy! So we pretty much cleaned as we unpacked, everything from the carpets to the walls, to the inside and tops of cabinets, the washing machine and do not even get me started on the dishwasher. I has left me with the conclusion that the previous tenants fell into one of three categories. 1. Have built up the worlds greatest immune system 2. They are dead 3. They are zombies..... I really have no other realistic understanding of how they managed in such filth.

All is clean, unpacked, pictures hung and.....We got a new sofa! We are big kids now! Lol.. The bachelor pad looking living room is coming along, now only the man chair remains, which will work.

We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary with dinner and exchanging paper gifts, and mostly spending time together.

I started at the new store on Tuesday and it is absolutely wonderful! I can not even begin to explain some of the night and day differences I have seen only 5 days in, but so unimaginably thankful for it.

I will be sure to start taking some pictures to share with you all.... We have gotten a chance to go kayaking once, it wasn't even really a nice day and the water was warm and enjoyable!

Enough for now, time to get ready for work, but more soon, bc there is plenty more to discuss ;)

On the road again

So much is happening!

So the last month has been a stress case among the best I have ever experienced. Near anxiety attack status, but never hit it. Kristopher had a battery of test that required a passing score of 85 or above (all in good reasoning, because in the real world it's kinda life or death). Well he passed the final one last week, so we are officially going to Florida!

I was able to secure  a position with Verizon within a half hour of where we will be living, so. I'm in the midst of scheduling the time off through MetLife (apparently the only way to get time off no pay through Verizon).

I have the kitchen packed, and I am finding all sorts of ways to avoid finishing and much as I want to be done with it too.

Stampin Up is going well, I signed up a demonstrator last month, and she is excited to get going, nervous, but excited. The new color change came out for the year, and I am pleased with the changes and reshuffling. I am impatiently waiting for the new catalog release, which will launch with a sneak peak in the next week, but not soon enough. I did get the Big Shot before sale-a-bration ended, and am enjoying to new exploration into dye cutting.

I am trying to figure out if I can pull off going to convention in July, most likely not, but I'd love to go and have heard so many good thing  about it. Birthday present anyone?!?

Shoe collection is expanding, and I am very excited to get to sunny Florida and get my run on, and have my husband in my kitchen cooking again.

We are coming up on our 1 year anniversary, how fast and crazy this year has been. It's been a struggle, and testing, but I am excited to finally be living in a house, together,  and start being married... Because in all honesty, we have learned a lot about being together while being apart, but that's not either of us prefer, and we both realize we thrive when we are together.

Hopefully we will be unpacked enough to celebrate in Florida before we start work there.

We will be doing a DITY move, which is some form of abbreviation for doing it ourselves. W may kill each other, moving from Oregon to Florida with a 20' Uhaul and an Interstate trailer behind it....it is going to be an adventure.

Kristopher left ft lee today and will be flying to Oregon next Thursday and then we should be heading out Saturday or Sunday.... So soon. And as they all are, moving is bittersweet. I have come to realize it is always easier to be the one leaving, then the one staying. I will miss Oregon, but we will have to see where life takes us, we make me back eventually, you never really know. I like Oregon, I yearn to be in California, but most of all, I want to be where my husband is.

Enough for now, because I really do need to finish packing, or my husband may just bury me here when he gets back and it's not ready to go. ; ) just kidding, but he wouldn't be happy

Waiting game

So I know what I signed up for... that we would be married and then apart for 9 months... that is turning into a year... and we are sooo close to that year, but I am getting restless, as I do on my days off... for it to be here, the day we are back in the same house, that I have him to wake up next to, to be excited about getting up and going outside and seeing the sun, going for a run, cooking breakfast lunch or dinner... harassing the dog, planning a honeymoon, but most of all - just being together...

2 months minus a day, we should already be in Florida, Kristopher will be reporting for duty to the new location, and hopefully I will have a few days to unpack before reporting to my new store for Verizon. Ruby will be enjoying a new home, hopefully with a backyard to play in.

So much to happen before then, but we are close, I suppose... its all relative, but I'm going to go with the fact that we have just over 15% of the time apart to go... (fitting we will be together for our anniversary.... I imagine somewhere in the mid-west, with an uhaul) -so romantic right?!?!

I'll take it though...

its hard being married and alone, but not, just in distance, short term distance is one thing... and I can not wait for this training to be over... I am so proud, so supportive, but so ready for it to be done.

People for the most part haven't asked how I do it, and I am greatful for that... because really, for now, it makes it worse. That they don't know how I do it, or that they couldn't.. i am sure they could, but its not easy, and a day at a time, making plans and staying busy and focused are the only ways to get through it.. and some days... its just a bad day... I haven't had many, but they are coming more often now than before, and more than I'd like.. but I am aware of what they are, so that makes it a bit easier to manage...

still I can't wait for them to be done

Updates

Ok,
   So although there a few regular readers, I have also realized friends are wondering what is happening with me, where am I moving, when I am moving, have I already done that.... well...

Here is the Update:

We got orders accompanied to South Korea (so that headache I went through, was done correctly)

The Mr. finished officers training school mid February. He did so well, they offered him a slot in EOD school (explosive ordinance disposal).

This means orders changed. He is working on the first part of the course at Ft. Lee, so no moving was necessary. Now he is going through lots of studying/learning/testing. His class of 17 will most likely dwindle down to a handful before this portion of the course is over. There are about 9-10 tests (I believe, don't quote me) that he must pass - passing being 85% +. If he does not pass one, he is done, if he does - he moves on to Florida come end of April/beginning of May.

I am working on getting a spot secured for Verizon in Fl. This is not impossible, but is stressful enough as it is, lets hope that falls into place sooner, rather than later - for my stress sanity.

I am collecting boxes to move in, and bought packing tape yesterday - it has to officially begin sometime.

I am trying to wrap up Stampin' Up this month, and squeeze out an event that could go for April - either here, or in Bend ; )

Karen - my roommate from Arcata, is moving to Portland!

Believe it or not, the irony in it happening as  I am leaving is bittersweet, however she called me a few weeks back (while I was in VA actually) to tell me the news. It was top secret until March, but it is really happening. She will be moving up here at the end of March. So the blessing is that I will have her here for about a month, a month I can use to enjoy our time together and I assume with her type A personality, she will be one to help pack and clean, despite if I tell her not to.

I may be planning a fund raising event with Stampin' Up products/cards for a co-workers church organization. I laid out costs/options to them and we will see how that goes. If it doesn't work for them, then I have the information for anyone else looking to do a fundraising event (sale-a-bration is truly the perfect time for such an event).

Enough for now - today is my day off before the work week takes off, and then I shall have more stress to deal with/enjoy. Lets hope the rest of the month goes smoothly - it was a fairly rough start.

Hello All

Not too much time to chat here, having a rough, stressful start to March, still trying to find a placement to transfer to Florida for work, Stampin Up is my mind saver, however I am too good at selling to myself. : )

Work was a terror yesterday - so lets hope that brings great wonderful things today....

I need to start assembling boxes... I think I will have to do that before I do anything else tomorrow on my Saturday....

Also, I need newspaper - so if you get them, or do at work or something.... please collect and let me know when I can come pick said newspapers up.

I am really really REALLY ready to be living with my husband again... I have done well since this long TDY strand of orders started, but I am fully ready to admit, it sucks...

Thats all for now...

Stamps/paper and ink are on their way to me, It's friday at work for me, and Ruby is adorable as always...

Sounds about right, Happy Monday all!

Thankful on Saturday

So I talked about Florida yesterday (or matter of fact Tuesday, because I felt like there was a lot to talk about, so I just prescheduled posts for this week : ) - and here to thought  I was being responsible and timely and posting every day )

So today we will do my much missed thankful for post....

I am thankful for:

- A husband that wants to do his best at everything; being the best husband he can be, and the best at his job, to succeed for all of us (ruby and I, and himself).

- Friends that are ever so helpful when I need them - with the traveling to California (oh yeah, that happened last week) and to Virgina - making sure I wake up and get to the airport, picking me up when I get back, and taking the up most care of Ruby while I am away, I can not say say enough about how grateful I am for them - Its a huge weight off my shoulders to have this help.

- Wonderful co-workers that challenge me at work, and keep me smiling and busy while my husband is away.

- Having the credit cards completely paid off! (yes that happened this week!) and before tax season or Short Term Incentive came around. - allowing us to start saving money with these things this year!

- My family. As weird as each member of my immediate family is (mom, dad, sister 1 and 2) they are all amazing and I am so thankful to have been able to spend time with them, and with Kristopher. Kristopher and I continue to learn so much from all of them, even without them knowing it. And you can't trade time with your family, no matter how weird, for the world.

PCS (permanent Change of Station)

Alright, so I have mentioned it here and there recently. However - The orders have officially been changed! And I am ever so excited. Although traveling and living abroad would have been an amazing opportunity, I am delighted with the location we will going to.

Take a view and I am sure you will understand why....

This is the kind of place you end up at when you are in the Air Force (well or probably similar locations when you are in the Navy) Because Kristopher received a slot for EOD school, which is a pretty high accomplishment/honor to receive this opportunity. - we will be heading to an Air Force Base due to the training for all branches being in one location. Thus we will be moving to Fort Walton Beach or Destin, Fl at the end of April/Beginning of May. I know I will be working, and he will be working hard and studying and learning (its a very difficult program that requires a bunch of studying and long hours during the week). It may turn out to be more of a working vacation. 

I have old family friends that live in Destin and they say the water is clear as bath

water most days and the same is white and soft as baby powder... and its warm. I can not wait (as I sit here in the dining room with a heater blasting my legs to stay warm. ) for sun, warmth through to my bones, and well being with my husband.

I also realize that I best enjoy it because Army bases are not typically located in such 'beautiful' places, so the next move may very likely be in the middle of no-where or even back in the pacific-northwest (can we say ft. lewis, wa) Which wouldn't be terrible, but it won't be like the pictures above. 

We will be there for 7 months. (Eglin AFB that is) and I plan to enjoy and soak up that sun as much as possible. (and invest in some great sun screen while I am at it)

Health and Running

I need a running buddy...

I miss mine (yes thats you Kristen)

its truly more of an accountability buddy. When Kristopher is in town, or we are in the same town, we get each other out the door and moving. Much like Kristen getting me out the door, and me keeping her going once we get out the door.

I feel as though I am great at instilling a sense of enjoyment and balance from exercise in others, but then lack the self motivation of it. How is that possible.

I don't think I need to loose weight. Once I finished college and stopped drinking so much and eating at crazy hours (a sure correlation between the two) I have balanced out weight wise (no pun intended : ) ) And I am happy with that. Its the mental stability, the feeling of strength and energy that I get from it. But its cold here in Beaverton, OR. and gloomy, and I just feel like stamping and staying inside on those days, sipping coffee and creating. - And that does not equal getting outside and running, or going to the gym and wasting away time there (because once I am there, I can get myself to just stay around for a set amount of time, weather I am running, or riding the bike for 10 more minutes, or climbing stairs for another 5).

I am hoping with the move to Florida I get back in the swing of things.. although it would be nice to get there ready for swim suit season.... I am struggling to find that motivation when it's wet and cold outside.

Stampin'

So besides everything else in life I have been balancing, I started a new adventure in October/Novemeber this past year - I may have mentioned it, but anyhow. I became a Stampin' Up demonstrator. Now originally the push was because my dear friend Kristen was not a demonstrator anymore and thus becoming one made ordering my Christmas supplies easier, and cheaper for myself; that and I got a few extra items I was drooling over simply because it would be covered with the demonstrator start up bundle. 

3 months later, 2 workshops, and I have a customer base! It really has become about sharing what I love with others, and using the sales skills I have (something I am learning I do have, even though I have a hard time grasping that I am a sales person by day) to make something of it. 

I am setting targets and reaching them (or more like reaching achievement goals set by stampin' up)

Now I would be kidding us all if I said I was making money out of it. However, I am funding my hobby/habit, or at least greatly reducing the cost to me. And that is wonderful. It has brought me closer to co-workers who now love making projects as much as I do, and that is also something that I value out of it, it has given me something to do while Kristopher is away, and gives me something to call my own. 

I dont' know that Kristopher understands that it can become something more than a hobby right now (but bless his heart he loves the cards I send him (probably more for the thoughts inside than the card itself - but thats not all bad either)) But he is adorable and bought me a few punches a month or two back so that 'I could keep making him cards'.

He does realize that is something I enjoy doing, and its similar to how he has his bikes, and boy stuff he likes to do. And honestly, who can't help but love a husband that buys you crafts supplies (even when they aren't stampin' up branded ; ) ) 

With the husband's understanding of enjoyment I get from it, and a customer base excited about making things, I feel like I am off to a decent start, there is still more work to be done to maintain this - especially as we (Kristopher, Ruby, and I) begin to pack up and prepare to move in late April/early May, to make sure that this branch of business keeps up with the excitment that is Stampin' Up. but that is another aspect of the business to learn and utilize - a downline.... now just to work on convincing my 'biggest spenders' to become demonstrators, and to inspire them to create their own small business (even if its just to fund the hobby) or just to get a good discount on some items for awhile and then return to purchasing through me. 

Who knows what stampin' up will hold for me for the future, but its a constant in my ever changing and exciting world. I can take it with me. And may actually flourish better because of what may become regular moves.

Alright enough babbling. Enjoy your day - and go stamp a card or two ; ) I am sure you may be itching to after reading about it for a few paragraphs. 

bad day...

Ever had one of those days where you leave the house, because you had set an appointment for an oil change, and then you are half way there (well actually you pull up to where you think you are suppose to be) and realize that its not the address you googled and set the appointment for, so you ditch the whole idea and drive across town to get to the place you have gone to the last 4 times, because you just don't want to go to a new place anymore.... and then you tell them you get a military discount, and they say ok, sure we will do that, and then you get home and realize they didn't do that, and it seems a whole lot of hassle to have them fix it for $5.

But before that happens you are on the way home you realize its rush hour and you aren't in the correct lane to go north, and then when you try to turn around you get behind the person triyng to turn left out of the parking lot at rush hour, and can't sneak past them to turn right... so you sit there for like 5 minutes while they wait to turn left....

Then you get home and talk to your significant other and no matter how well intentioned the conversation is, and no matter how much the conversation does not have to do with you, you take what they say as a backwards insult (the whole, you should do it this way, because they way you are attempting to do it is silly, and then a generalization about the majority of people is said, and you correlate that to the earlier statement about you being silly about how you think it should be done) and even in your head you realize you are upset, but not directly at them, but that its just that you are having a bad day --- that you don't know anything that they could say that would make it better, but you are hoping they will. And then you finally belt out that you are just having a bad day, and then they don't understand, and then you melt down that you just wish you where in the same place.... bc having a bad day and missing them and saying that, doesn't make it better... and that you are overwhelmed with what needs to get done, but there isn't anyway they can be here to make that easier...

Yeah, that was kinda my day....

It wasn't all bad, but it was a rough day today....

And the truth is, I know I signed up for this, and I know its tough, and I have to buck up and deal, but I am allowed to have bad days, and hate it all the same some times (not all the time, just some times)

(I did finally clean out the fridge though, and I mean deep cleaned the fridge, and I feel a little bit better, funny how elbow grease cleaning can help when having a bad day --- and I have a beer in front of me, because opening a bottle of wine seemed like a bad idea, so I took a beer instead)

Life and Balance

Hello!
 
So I was thinking about this life/work balance thing this morning. I use to be so good at managing many many things (well I think I was) and I feel as though maybe its time and age that makes it more difficult, or just that its different things to balance.

It may just be that I balance differently now. Being married and living apart brings a whole new challenge, which is manageable but demanding in different ways. Having a jack russell that wants to come along and doesn't understand that I don't work a job I can take her to, or that by leaving her with friends when I fly - that its better for her (as I imagine kids sometimes feel a lack of understanding too).

I weigh the options between taking a full weekend, or trying to work a bit here and there at the old job. Honestly I feel as though at this point my time and energy to play with the dog, clean the house, organize life, and balance working out - I am best to call it quits at that job (for my sanity and theirs of wondering if I am ever going to pick up enough shifts each month - the short answer being no)

But then its nice to have the option to work more if needed. I think maybe it would be different if Kristopher was here and Ruby had someone to entertain her and stimulate the brain cells - and I had someone to split keeping up the house with. Is this an excuse? As truly I am managing a house only I am living in? Not sure... however taking at least one day to myself and the house and the dog has become a standard I am willing to sacrifice a work day for. (I am also realizing that I truly have ended up with a actual 2 day weekend 2 times in the past month due to putting weekends together to be able to travel to see family/ have Kristopher visit and spend time with him, etc) so in reality I am having 1-2 weekend days a month still, regardless of working extra - and thats a balance all its own.

Bless my job though - it has given me the income I need to make ends meet and afforded me the time I need to take care of life, love, sadness, family, and maintain employment, which is not something I can say for other jobs I have had.

New Year, New Things

This year is already off to a speedy start. I will be leaving the bitter cold NW Wednesday and heading to Sunny (warmer) southern California for a week at the parents house. Super excited to spend time with them since we were not together for Christmas. I booked the ticket in a fit of anxiety of "omg, we are heading to Korea soon, they aren't here for Christmas, its going to be at least a year or two before I see them again", and when Alaska had their ticket deals. Ruby will be going to a friends house here in Portland, as it was more expensive to fly her down there then me. (go figure). The best part is that Kristopher will be flying from Virginia on Friday and will be there until Monday as well!

Should be a wonderful weekend with the family.

Then I am back to work for a week, and then off to Virginia! Kristopher is graduating officers school (seems like just yesterday we moved him there in September) and so I will be flying out for that, and my dad rearranged his return flights from a trip to make it as well! (very excited he will be there for this too!). I am staying nearly a week, so I will finally be able to see where he is living, and the area around it, hopefully sight see some too.

Then he begins EOD school. Oh, did I mention my smart husband got slotted for EOD (explosive ordinance division). Yup, super proud - although I am trying to convince myself that I know he is super super smart and won't get injured along this portion of his career path (you know, disabling bombs and all - he tells me he will be the one on the radio telling people how to disable them, but I think this is a piece of mind thing). Only a very small percentage of people get the opportunity to go to this school-ing, so I am a proud wife.

The other portion of what that EOD slotting means, is that we are no longer going to Korea, at least for the moment. We will be headed to Florida! (which sounds extremely nice as I sit with a space heater in a house that is 56 degrees ; ) ) The first  portion of the class is still in Virginia, so I will remain in Portland for another few months, and then at the end of April/beginning of May will be moving to Florida. We will be there for around 7 months, and then he will be completed with that - sending us to some other unknown location to be stationed for a few years. (can we say Christmas move?!?)

This also means I will be able to most likely transfer with Verizon, attend Ms. Kristen Calderwoods wedding shower, and the wedding! (I hope, I hope!) among other things.

Lots to look forward to this year.

As far as goals for the new year, I really want to work on getting to another step up in Verizon, which may or may not be possible with all the relocating that may be in store this year.

I also want to start my Masters (as long as I am at a job that will pay for it) - this means getting my butt in gear and first off fixing my transcripts (started this last week) from Cuesta that apparently got altered unbeknown to me until last spring).

I also am thinking about getting my butt moving again as far as running goes, need to look at half marathons, but considering another full. Since Florida should be a warmer, easier place to train year round. (although we will see my body reaction to humidity!) This may work out well.

I also have been working really hard to balance my debt-income ratio... The credit cards WILL be paid off in a week here... I want to keep them that way and start saving towards an emergency fund, and savings. I want to be able to just use the debit card - its a habit thing, I started using the credit card and transferring from debt to credit so I got the credit points, between that, emergencies in college, and wanting to ski/snowboard a lot, I acquired a 'small' rolling balance on the credit cards. I have finally gotten it down to zero, and I want to be able to keep it that way, even when emergencies emerge.

Kristopher has helped me rationalize this a lot this year, and all things considered I had it paid off awhile ago from the rolling balance, but we have bought a few plane tickets in the past couple months - so thats what has 'remained' on there... now it should be beautiful.

I want to grown a downline for stampin' up. I enjoy it, and even if its just a small downline for now- starting something on my own that travels with me and sustains a hobbies cost, or just supplements it greatly, would be wonderful. I am realizing I have learned a lot of techniques over the last few years, and I can share that excitement with others. I hope it continues to grown here in Oregon when I leave, and flourish in Florida when I get there. Lets see what happens!

I want to really have the 'honeymoon' phase (even if we don't actually honeymoon this year - would love to though) of living together come May (go figure - on our 1 year anniversary we will most likely be mid way across the US with a Uhaul, talk about romantic ; ) ) I can not wait, and hope it picks up where we need it to, 2012 held a lot of emotion and intensity in all realms, lets let 2013 be  joyous and lovely for us.

cheers to 2012 being wonderful (I will post my wonderful and bitter sweet recap of last year soon) and hopes of 2013 being more than we could ask for.