Technology books

After just reading my very first ebook, I will never complain about carrying books again.

As convenient as it is to have any book I could want at the touch of a button, something inside of me longs for those things a screen can't give me.

The smell. There's just something about that mildly inky, paper smell of a new book or the earthy must of an old one. It's captivating. Why has no one made this an air freshener scent, yet?

Being able to pick it up and see how far along I've come and how far I have left to go. You know, having the weight of someone's thoughts in my hand and all that metaphorical hullabaloo.

The bookmarks. Maybe this is simply nostalgia? I mean, who doesn't want a Lisa Frank kitten jumping over rainbow to mark the spot of your latest murder-mystery?

Seeing bookshelves full of my adventures and lessons and knowing that I can revisit them whenever I want.

I could never find it inside of me to purchase an E reader. I understand it's not my thing...and I'm okay with that.

Oh, Christmas Tree

Speaking of tradtions, I was finally able to put up our 5th Annual Orange and Blue Christmas Tree. (Go Gators!)

Also, as per tradition, I did the tree myself. I wish I had a better reasoning other than I have a serious problem when it comes to decorating the tree. Some might call it neuroses. Adam used to help me but whenever I would see him put two orange ornaments next to each other, my eye would start twitching. I never said anything but I always went behind him and fixed it. I mean, honestly! Two orange ornaments...side by side?! Adam didn't notice at first but after a while he wised up. I still wanted him to help decorate but his complete lack of color balance led to the current solution: Adam sits in the same room watching tv or playing video games while I adorn the tree. This has been working for years.

It feels so much more like Christmas now that our tree is up. It makes me happy.

Untitled Christmastime

"Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays..."

I always get nostalgic around this time of year. I was raised in a very close knit family that took pride in getting together. There was always a full house with aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins...all milling about doing a thousand different things. We played and laughed and occasionally fought but overall, I wouldn't go back and change a thing. These are the mostly wonderful memories of my young childhood...and thank God for that.

Sadly, things have changed over time and it makes me yearn for this togetherness I'll never get again. People have grown and relationships have become stressed due to a variety of events, most of all...distance. For the past 5-6 years, we haven't really had a place to call home. For us, "home" is where the Navy sends us. So naturally, holidays can be a little tough. Not feeling like you really "belong" anywhere is lonely. Of course, it's not always easy or practical or even possible to visit family for major holidays. Truthfully, it has become more of a chore to visit our hometown than the joyous vacation it should be. It ends up making both Adam and me sad, angry, frustrated, irritated, and/or hurt.

So instead, we're often forced to improvise. Thankfully, we will always be surrounded with other friends in the same situation...friends that will provide warmth, laughter, company, and delicious food. As grateful as I am for my friends-turned-family, there's still a void that needs to be filled.

This is why I couldn't be more thankful for the amazing man that I married. More than anyone, he has been there for me at every turn in the road. He is strong and supportive and will always be my shining light on my darkest days. He reminds me of the positive things. We might not have a full house but we are happy and healthy. We are starting our own traditions to pass down eventually. No matter what, we will always have each other.

I'm going to go do things that make me happy like decorate our tree, listen to Christmas music really loud and maybe bake some cookies.

How I know I'm not ready for Kids: Reason #24

The girls and I met up tonight and drew names for secret santa. We had to Facetime the two out of town ladies but everything worked out. It's so nice to have such a solid network of friends even if we are split up over three states. A few of the in - town girls even hung out late and drank hot chocolate while we watched Elf and then caught the tail end of Carrie Underwood's horrible acting her The Sound of Music special.

I came home late and tired from being up all day and went to lie down in bed. Just as I snuggled in and got comfortable, I heard Luca vomiting up his dinner. After I forced myself to get up and clean his mess, I returned to bed thinking, "Well, thank God it wasn't IN the bed." Piper, who is typically not one to be outstaged, makes it her personal mission to enforce Murphey's law. Yep...she too decided to vomit her dinner all over my comforter.

I know this is God slowly preparing me for the hells of parenting. Adam is on duty, I'm exhausted and yet, I'm cleaning and doing laundry after midnight. I honestly have no idea how parents do it with such grace and poise.

Luckily my pups aren't seriously sick and are safe and sound, asleep, like the rotten brats they are, in the bed.

Maybe now I can get some rest...

Thankful

I'm sure,  by now, you've seen a million cliché posts all over various social media stating things for which people are thankful.

So....ahem....get ready for more!

Being in the Navy, we hardly ever get to spend important holidays with blood relatives so I can't even begin to express the gratitude I have for friends, new and old, who have stepped in and volunteered to be family in times when we have none. It makes times like this absolutely amazing.

Even though this is one of the most low - key Thanksgivings Adam and I have ever had, it was our first one hosting AND our first big holiday meal (ever) in our new home! I couldn't have hoped for anything better. We made mostly traditional food and much like everyone else, we have a ton of leftovers. Luckily there was another Porter couple who was able to come and join us. They even brought over their new puppy to play with Piper and Luca.

Now I have to force myself to sleep because I have a long day of work ahead of me tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!

Here come the cold

Seriously! What is it with men and snoring?!? I'm sitting in bed, wide awake, while my darling, sweet husband is moving the walls of the bedroom in and out with his freight-train like breaths. The other night it was equally as terrible so I began to shake him...gently. Then I pulled the covers off him in hopes the icy air would wake him. No such luck. Fatigue took over my brain and convinced me force was the only option. The swatting and kicking began. Nothing hard...at first. I know is hard to believe but this man snored through everything without budging. I'm not proud of this but at one point I swatted him with the book from my night stand. (Thank God I read paperbacks!) Eventually I had to spend the night in the guest bedroom because the Snore-a-saurus was unable to be silenced. And so the saga continues...

On another note; one of the benefits of living in Virginia is that we get to have four different yet breath taking seasons every year. Each has its own individual beauty and I can honestly say I'm going to miss that most when we finally have to move. Coming from a Floridian, seasons can be a fun, welcomed luxury.

With that being said... perhaps it's been too long since last winter because this cold has snuck up on me far too fast. The sub-frozen temps and the lack of adequate clothes have promptly reminded me that winter isn't coming. ... it's straight up here. Every year I tell myself I'm going to be better prepared for the climate NEXT year. Naturally, that never happens. I don't know what I'm going to do when we move to Newport! Agh!

The beast beside me had stifled his noise to a dull, throaty snort so I'm going to try and sleep...if only for a moment.

Goodnight.

Christmas already

There are very few things in this world I've inherited from my parents: 

1) An aggressive, Scotsman's unibrow (thanks, Dad)

And

2) My mother's serious, elf-like affinity for all things Christmas

Luckily, I've learned to control number one with rigorous upkeep but I'm completely helpless and powerless when it comes to Christmas anything. 

I, Jenny Peeples, am a Christmas-holic.

Just yesterday I had a pretty rotten day at work (for a BUNCH of reasons) so on my way home, I started listening to Christmas music. Although I could feel it working, the music simply wasn't fixing everything. (It was a REALLY bad day.) As I exited the interstate, I decided to go to Garden Ridge (our version of Hobby Lobby) and poke around. Instantly upon walking in the store I could feel the season opening it's arms and welcoming me to my happy place. The carols were playing over the loud speaker and the giant inflatable Santas stood next to the light up yard reindeer as sort of a welcoming committee. This was it! I let out a deep breath and I could just feel the stress from earlier start to melt away. 

I know there are people complaining that there are ALREADY Christmas songs on the radio or decorations in department stores but I, for one, truly enjoy every bit of it!! It reminds me of old traditions and makes me excited to create new ones. 

Today is my day off and I plan on breaking out some holiday decor to replace my fall stuff...which (by the way, you judgmental Scrooges) has been up since September (aka: way longer than my snowmen will ever think of being here).

Tis the season, folks. Like it or not. And I plan on embracing it!!

jp

Back

So I'm still in the process if getting over whatever sickness is plaguing Hampton Roads but I'm still really excited about trying te different pumpkin beers in the fridge. Since it's pouting outside and I have the day off, I have nothing but time to veg. 

Blue Point Brewing Company's Pumpkin Ale was a little disappointing. It was super malty tasting. It wasn't the worst but it definitely won't go down as a favorite. Sorry, NY!

Sickness

So...this "upper respiratory infection" is lingering. Powerfully. 

Revisiting the doc today. 

Mini Hiatus

My apologies for the lack of blogging and beer drinking. I've recently come down with an upper respiratory infection so when I'm not working, I'm sleeping. 

...I'll be back soon!!!

PBJ - Detour

Yes, I took a detour an decided to skip the pumpkin beer again. Apparently I'm lousy at promises but THANK GOD because my off-the-beaten-path mentality has landed me in a land of fun, new beer! Okay, okay...technically this is cheating but hear me out. A friend brought over some Sam Adams Cream Stout last week and this lonesome straggler has piqued my curiosity over the past few days. I mean it was all alone on the top shelf, just staring, every time I opened the fridge. 

For starters, I'm not usually a fan of anything Sam Adams but it was new and I'm open to try anything once. I was pleasantly shocked by how much I enjoyed it. It was thick and rich, far as beers go and, sadly, I had to pour half out so I could drive to meet a friend...but I totally would have finished it if I could! It definitely wouldn't taste awesome with everything but I'm glad I tried something unusual and enjoyed it. 

Your regularly scheduled Pumpkin Beer Journey will resume tomorrow...

PBJ - Pumpkin Porter

I can't believe this used to be my my favorite pumpkin beer! After trying all these other options the Starr Hill Boxcarr Pumpkin Porter has left me disappointed. It's a little bitter, sort of watery and has this weird, mustardy aftertaste.  I know this post has been short and sweet...so let's just say I'm happy to have found a few new favorites!

Day Off Design Time

I wasn't feeling very well tonight so instead I want to celebrate Fall in a different way! First, I had water instead of pumpkin beer and then I decided to whip out all my Fall decor. 

Finally, cool weather and warm colors!

(I made this wreath myself! First fall DIY project and I couldn't be happier with the results!)

(Dollar Store plates, TJ Maxx napkins, and Michaels home decor for centerpieces! Oh, and the window was a thrift find from a reclaimed home on the Eastern Shore! Design on a budget!)

(Target's dollar spot, y'all! AND it's cute!)

(The plates were a dollar each and the center pieces were from Michaels' AMAZING Fall clearance section!)

(More craft store clearance. Have I mentioned I love a good bargain?)

It makes my heart happy to have a festive home! 

Happy Fall, y'all!!

PBJ - Two in one

I worked yesterday so once I got home, Adam and I camped in front of the tv to watch our recorded Gator game from earlier that day. I was distracted by our epic win (Suck it, UT!) and forgot to post about my Pumpkin Beer Journey. So today, you get TWO. (Try to contain your excitement.)

Shiner's Marzen-Style Oktoberfest was my next delicious, malty option. Technically it was a seasonal brew since there was no pumpkin flavor involved but it had a festive colored label and I'm a sucker for visual stimulus. We're huge fans of Shiner in this home so I'm glad this house lived up to the hype. 

This evening I tried  SouthamptonPublick House's Pumpkin Ale. THIS is what I expect of a classic pumpkin beer! You taste the pumpkin. You taste the spice. You even get a little hint of vanilla. While this amber ale is only 5% alc/vol, I was pleasantly surprised! Thanks, Long Island for today's tasty treat!

 

(And thank you, Adam, for the gorgeous "just because" flowers in the background. After a long week, it's nice to come home to a little color an a lot of love!)

Pumpkin Beer Journey - Pumpkick

IT's beginning to cool off here in Virginia which can only mean one thing...

Tis the season for pumpkin EVERYTHING. 

In the spirit of fall, I'd like to take you all on my pumpkin beer journey. After a quick yet expensive trip to Total Wine, I bought over a half dozen individual bottles of various Seasonal/pumpkin beers. Naturally, my first thought was to SHARE my opinions...

The first I tried was the New Belgium's Fall/Seasonal Pumpkick. This is from the same brewery that makes Fat Tire, one of my favorite beers but I'm sad to say I'm not crazy about this little guy. The label boasted the beer is 6% alcohol by volume (a decent start, I suppose). It's brewed with pumpkin juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice but it was the cranberry juice that left me with a sour taste in my mouth...literally! The beer is a little "hoppy" with a tart, lingering flavor. 

Usually I'm a fan of actually cranberry juice but I think I'll stick to Fat Tire and try a new pumpkin brew tomorrow.  

Feel free to share YOUR favorite pumpkin beer and let me know what you think! 

Good Reads

I'm only on chapter 12; however, The Paris Wife is a book I strongly recommend. It's set mostly in Paris, written from the point of view of Hadley Hemmingway, Ernest's first wife. I actually read the prologue twice because I loved how the book is written. I only hope the rest of the book lives up to the beginning. 

I've also started using GoodReads. 

Finally...Key West Blog!

We've been SO busy, it seems like our little anniversary vacation to the keys was such a long time ago. In reality, it's been one short month and MAN, what I wouldn't give to go back! We had an AMAZING time and I'm excited to share some photos and stories. 

After driving from Virginia to Key West in November 2012, we vowed NEVER to do it again. This vacation we opted to fly in which took a fraction of the time. We started our vacation in the airport, drinking at the Barcardi Rum bar while waiting for our tiny plane to take us from Ft. Lauderdale to The Keys. 

When we finally arrived, we checked into The Parrot Key Resort, our gorgeous home for the next week. 

Over the next few days, we did all sorts of water excursions. Adam was sweet enough to book a Rum & Reggae Sunset Sail. We had a BLAST. I snorkeled (until I noticed a small floating colony of moon jellies) then swam back to the boat to enjoy the weather, music, and...of course, rum!! Being on the sailboat reminded me of how much I miss living in Florida. I love being in the sun, on the water, enjoying life. 

We didn't stop there; (it's vacation, after all) so we took our new sailboat friends and headed to Duval Street to soak up that crazy, vivacious Key West lifestyle. When they say "anything goes" in KW, they don't lie. 

Saturday was our 3rd anniversary so we decided to take it back to where it all began. Adam asked me to be his girlfriend in 2006 after a day at the Gainseville Butterfly Gardens so it was only natural that we visit the Butterfly Conservatory in Key West. This might make me sound like a nerd but it was so gorgeous. Not only is the conservatory fluttering with all types of beautiful butterflies but there were all types of birds in the trees and on the ground. There were turtles and fish and the air was full of classical, peaceful melodies. I could have spent all day there. Of course, more adventures were waiting to be had.

  

We swam in the resort pools and sat on our balcony, drinking, overlooking a canal. We snorkeled a ton (despite the jellyfish), went parasailing, and spent a day jet skiing and sailing. We watched the sunset from the top of La Concha, an old hotel. It was a lot more quiet and secluded than the typical Mallory Square shenanigans. 

We went sightseeing in Islamorada and ate at Sunset Bar and Grille, right off the Seven Mile Bridge. Actually, over the course of our vacation, we ate so much delicious food: Hot Tin Roof had Latin inspired seafood and Better Than Sex was a dessert restaurant that surely lived up to its name. The Stoned Crab had some of the most delicious, fresh crab legs I've ever tasted! Mmmm. 

Our last day in paradise, we hopped on a 2 hour ferry to the Dry Tortugas. The ride was long and a little rough but worth it. Adam snorkeled while I laid out in the sun then we toured Fort Jefferson. It full of history and interesting detail. Not to mention, the seclusion is pretty cool! People are able to camp there overnight and I would really be interested in doing that one day. 

It feels like the vacation passed too quickly but Adam and I adored every minute. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and I'm grateful we had that opportunity. 

So close I can taste it!

Vacation to the Keys is a mere TWO DAYS away! I'm already getting excited for the drinking, snorkeling, sailing, and delicious seafood! It's going to be BEYOND incredible to just relax with Adam, not worrying about work, obligations, or timelines. 

Most of our time off in the past couple years has been a circus of schedules where we try to manipulate time in order to see family and friends. Meanwhile, we're so wrapped up with trying to be fair, see everyone, and NOT hurt anyones feelings, we forget to enjoy the trip! Not this time. We haven't had a just-for-us vacation in YEARS and I am thrilled at the idea of simply enjoying each others company on the week of our third anniversary. 

Thanks, again, to John and Michelle; the only people who ever volunteer to watch our fur-babies while we're out of town. They are lifesavers and I can't even begin to say how grateful Adam and I am. 

Too add to the excitement, Adam got a new phone (his old one was on the fritz) and you will not believe what technology has come out with now! While on the Internet, you can scroll the page by simply moving your eyes!!! (Whaaa?! I know, right!?!) ALSO, if you're watching a movie or video and you look away for a moment, said video will automatically pause!!!! Seriously, my iPhone feels so dated and inadequate. 

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Anniversary Gifts

On August 17th Adam and I will celebrate our THIRD anniversary as husband and wife! The traditional gift for a 3rd anniversary is leather. Now, I would GLADLY accept a Michael Kors bag (no pressure, Adam) but what in the world do I get him?! I was thinking a watch but I seriously doubt a leather watch is something he'd wear or even enjoy. The "modern" gifts are glass/crystal which I'm even more certain he wouldn't get any use out of. I mean....MAYBE beer glasses but we've already got so many that he rarely uses. 

I need MANniversary gifts. 

Perhaps that will be another one of my brilliant ideas that someone else brings to fruition. 

Almost August

Only 2 weeks left until our Key West vacation...and it can't come soon enough. We're still saving up for extra excursions but more than anything,I'm  excited to just get away! 

I keep telling myself I'm going to blog more but boring and mundane things keep inhibiting me from doing so. I feel like I have no more ME time to read or relax. 

I take that back. I dusted off my Biggest Loser Cardio DVD and worked out yesterday morning. All the muscles in my legs and butt are feeling it today. They say "You're doing it right" if it burns. I think They suck. 

Adam goes in for his 2nd largest Board on the 6th so everyone send him good vibes. Hopefully he'll be OOD (Officer On Deck, I think?) qualified before vacation!! 

See ya in August, y'all. 

Surprise Trip to Florida

Adam and I both took time off last weekend to spend time together and attend the highly anticipated White Trash Bash for Steve's 30th birthday. We each had costumes so...this was kind of a big deal.

Unfortunately, the Navy had other plans and sent Adam out for 5 days on a work up.

It had been almost a year since I had seen my family so I decided to take the dogs and drive down to Florida. I surprised my parents on Thursday night and spent the remainder of the weekend visiting with family and inlaws. Even the pups did great on the long road trip. Overall, it was a success.

Adam and I are still planning on visiting the Keys for our anniversary next month. We're compiling ideas and lists so if you have any travel tips, places we should go or things we should do, PLEASE feel free to share!

Also, stay tuned for potentially exciting Navy news. Adam will have to make a decision regarding career advancement soon but I want to wait until things are certain before sharing them with the world.

Happy Friday everyone!

Are you freaking kidding me?!

Unofficially demoted.
















This sucks.

Life lessons: Roll with the punches

We're making strides on home repairs! Adam called a plaster guy to come repair the soft spots, scrape the popcorn and plaster the ceiling. It looks amazing and it's not even painted yet! (Sidenote: The plaster guy was super sweet and did a phenomenal job! I would highly recommend him to anyone in the Hampton Roads area.) Also, the plumbing guy came and repaired the leaky pipes in the guest bathroom. He installed our tub AND a new access panel, just in case. (This is another contractor I would recommend! So professional and FAST!) The bathroom is almost halfway there!!

Of course, whenever things seem to be going smooth, the universe decides to slightly tap the breaks on your joy ride and smirk when your eyes get big and bulge from your skull.

Last night, Adam and I were looking forward to a relaxing evening just eating ice cream and watching tv. Well, while I was laying down and playing with the pups...our bed broke. I wasn't jumping on it or moving around. Just lounging.

I broke a bed!
Aaaaand....the diet begins tomorrow.  ;)

Aside from momentarily feeling like Gilbert Grape's mother, I seemed to be unaffected. By now, broken things have become the norm. Instead of complaining, Adam just laughed and said..."What's next?!" We slept in the guest bedroom and decided to fix the bed today when he got home from work.

That brings us to today.
The rest of my Monday will be spent sanding down the vanity/drawers/doors that we intend to salvage and folding the mountain of laundry in the office. Word of advice: Don't EVER use aerosol paint stripper and THEN try to sand off the excess. The friction of the sander will cause the dried goo to melt and spread rather than sanding off like normal. (Yeh...learned THAT the hard way.) Hopefully everything will be ready for our July 4th 'Murica party...fingers crossed!

In other news: I watched Dead Poet's Society a few days ago and decided when it comes to emotionally charged movies about impacting the young minds of tomorrow, I much prefer Freedom Writers. I would love to teach like Ms. Erin Gruwell.

Also, I had hummus and Wheat Thins for brunch.

Sweat

It's 81 degrees. Inside. Upstairs.

Outside, one of our AC units its making this constant whirring/whistling noise.

I called the AC repair people that fixed the same unit LAST year and both numbers went to voicemail.

Adam is on duty tonight and wont be back until tomorrow evening.

By now I've decided I just have to start laughing at what's happening because we just CANNOT catch a break. THANK GOD the downstairs unit is still functioning!! I can't say how thankful I am for that right now!!!!

Camp out with the pups in the living room tonight...

Trails of Homeownership: Perspective

I was angry when I first started writing this blog.

I was upset that we had discovered yet another issue with our house; a BIG issue that will end up costing a lot of money and, more than likely, cancelling our anniversary trip. I was (and AM, to some extent) stressed, panicked, angry, etc that these types of issues keep arising.

In my first attempt to blog about our new-found plumbing issues, I was wrapped up in my own little world, thinking that MY issues were clearly all that mattered. And although leaky pipes and rotting subfloors aren't something people dream of finding, there are plenty of folks out there who would trade their problems for plumbing issues and cancelled vacations without even batting an eye.

There are SO MANY things to be grateful for yet it's far too easy to become absorbed in trivial nonsense and gain a defeatist attitude. I MUST be thankful for what I have. I have to change my perspective.

"Be happy so long as breath is within you."

Sunday Funday

Adam and I were lucky enough to have a day off together this week. (Sadly, it doesn't happen every week due to our crazy schedules.) Sunday we went to Harbor Park in Norfolk and toured Nauticus, the Norfolk Naval/Port Museum. Adam was as excited as a five year old because he had never been before. The museum admission included access to tour the USS Wisconsin, a decommissioned battleship(?) built in the 50s(?). We were able to go on the ships and look around but I'm starting to feel like once you've seen one ship, you've seen them all. Adam seemed to enjoy himself, though. Afterwards, we went a couple blocks over and had lunch/dinner in the mall food court and watched a movie. We walked the dogs later and I may or may not have forced Adam to watch Ms. USA with me.

Today consisted of errand running, crafting (for a little bit), and getting new chevron stationary. Not so eventful. Sidenote: Why does NO ONE have cute July 4th decor?! It's either really cheesy looking dollar store garbage or adorable yet unnecessarily expensive Pottery Barn treasures. #firstworldproblems

I have extreme monthly cravings. Oh the joy of being a girl! But seriously, when I say EXTREME cravings, I mean it. If it's that time of the month, my face melts off and I turn into a Choco-saurus Rex shoveling mass amounts of cocoa-products into my mouth as fast as possible. The best thing I've found to eliminate this craving are the chocolate chip cookies from Chik-Fil-A. Warm and gooey, slightly underdone and LOADED with chocolate. Ah, perfection. Of course when eaten with a meal, you might feel like death afterwards soo...don't say I didn't warn ya!

NEWS: Because of our leaky roof/faulty flashing, our big anniversary vacation to Sandals has been scaled down to a week in the Keys. Although I'm disappointed about the way things worked out, I couldn't be happier than to be planning a trip to Florida. I miss it so much and Adam and I had a BLAST in Key West last year. Any travel advice/favorite restaurants/exciting day trip destinations are more than welcome. Thank you to everyone who continues to morally support us through this TRUE experience of home ownership. Your kind words and encouragement mean more than you know!

It's about to rain so the dogs and I are going to go snuggle under a blanket in the movie room and watch some boring afternoon tv...and hopefully fall asleep!

When it rains, it pours

I'm certain you've heard that tired expression a time or two. Well, cliches are all fun and games until they become literal.

Three days ago it decided to storm. And not your average summer storm; I'm talking a tornado infused-black sky-raining sideways sort of storm. Naturally, Adam decided THIS was the best time to go grocery shopping because, as he so simply stated, "We needed food". While he was shopping I was leaving work and headed out to navigate through sheets of torrential interstate downpour.

Home at last, I decided to relax.
Until...

I heard a sound. Rain. Not too weird, as it's tropical storming out. But weird because it was....it was coming from....inside?

Yep. INSIDE.

To say it was coming down inside as heavily as it was outside would be a gross exaggeration; although, it's exactly what I felt in that moment. Frantically I started grabbing towels and whatever large pots I could get my hands on while simultaneously trying to keep my loving but not-so-brilliant pups from playing in the water and/or lapping up the mess themselves. Oh, and all the while I'm cursing Adam who was, in my mind, probably taking his time mulling over fresh produce while I was dealing with a NATURAL DISASTER and two idiot dogs.

Adam came home soon enough...which obviously wasn't necessary since I'm so calm under pressure. (HA!!)

We debated on whether or not he should cut a hole in the ceiling (downstairs, mind you) to see where the leak was coming from. Thank GOD the final decision was to call our home owners insurance and see what they would allow.

FF to today: The claims guy came out and told us that some years before we bought the house, the roof was replaced but the flashing was NOT. The heavy winds of the storm were causing the flashing to blow around, letting water seep in. The rain found the lowest lying point between our first and second floors and ended up saturating the panels, the beams, and damaging our wood floors.

Hopefully we'll find out what MetLife is willing to give us for repairs.

In other and unrelated news: Work is still pissed that I can't sell consistently but wont tell me how I can get better.

I almost have a complete costume assembled for Steve's White Trash Bash 30th Birthday next month. Adam and I are going big since it's Steve's last party before he deploys again. I can't wait. I have an unnatural obsession with themes.

It's 101 outside right now. Gah!!

Penny Pinching and Planning

As most of you know, Adam and I never had a proper wedding. Based on a lack of money and the Navy's schedule, we decided to go to the Court House here in Virginia verses waiting a year and paying for a wedding ourselves. Being a girl this crushed me. Every girl dreams of their wedding but this was one of MANY sacrifices I would eventually make on behalf of the Navy. Naturally, honeymooning wasn't an option at the time since we were hyper focused on Adam's career. I accepted it and tried to be understanding. The Navy life is an adjustment for SURE! So I just kept waiting and dreaming, trying not to be sad for myself and supportive of my husband. After all, HE is what I actually wanted...not a big party.

After sacrificing for so long, Adam and I believe that we deserve a treat. Sure, we've gone on trips before but we've never had that Once In A Lifetime, romantic vacation where all we have to worry about is US. That's why, this fall, we're TRYING VERY HARD to plan a belated honeymoon. We haven't actually SET a destination yet, although we have a few places in mind. We're saving as much as we can and penny pinching left and right but I'm worried it might not be enough. As soon as we find a way to find our original birth certificates (long story; don't get me started), we can get our passports and start getting this ball rolling. Planning is difficult but saving is even worse. Sometimes I feel like we're just supposed to pull money out of thin air. I've been working longer days and trying with all my might to make my bonuses at work. This trip would mean the world to us and we want it desperately!! We NEED it. (Okay, I know I'm beginning to sound like a spoiled brat but just remember YOUR wedding and YOUR honeymoon and how you would feel if all that had to be placed on hold. Indefinitely.)

What helps for you when you're planning a big trip or event? Any money saving ideas would be great! Help and advice will be greatly appreciated. Also reassuring words. Those are wonderful too. No pressure ;-)

**Crossing my fingers that everything works out right**

Boring photos

I always have to look at my Camera Roll to remind myself of all the things I've been doing in order to properly blog about them. Let me just say my photos have been awfully dull, lately. 

Our Memorial Day was low key since Adam had duty but we managed to make the best of the rest o the weekend by biking on the VBeach boardwalk. 

I went to the beach with some friends and ended up going in the water to help some old people swim their kayaks to shore. 

Work has been...work. There are issues but I suppose, at a job, there will always be issues. 

I got a new comforter on sale. It doesn't match the color of our bedroom but it was $30 and I love it so it stays. 

We've been walking the dogs a lot more. I really can't see how this is important or relevant but I'm sure they enjoy it. 

Sorry if I wasted your time. I promise I'll becoming supremely fascinating before my next blog!!

Weekend of Firsts and Fun

It's unusual for Adam and I to get a FULL weekend off together. Either his schedule or mine always tends to get in the way and thwart our plans of fun and relaxation. Somehow the stars aligned this weekend. Well, in actuality, I randomly requested the weekend off from work and got pseudo-reprimanded for doing so. But my marriage is more important than ANY job I will ever have and so I took the time off, guilt free.

Adam rolled out of duty on Thursday and into his Friday work day so I went to the beach for my first time this season! It was nice, although the water is still freezing. I came home that afternoon to discover Adam planned a date night. (Technically this isn't a "first" but it was still a welcomed surprise.) We went out to one of our favorite Italian places and later went to see the premier of The Great Gatsby. (Tangent: I never enjoyed the book. It was so over analyzed and forced on my in middle school that it basically turned me off to the book forever. Until the movie. Now, I think it's important to mention that I absolutely NEVER enjoy movies over books. Usually. This was different.) The movie stuck to the actual plot of the novel while mixing in traces of modern flare which lit up the literary nerd inside of me. It was a wonderful night.

Saturday morning, Adam and I found ourselves searching for something to do. We drove out to Hickory and spent the day, in the off-and-on rain, picking our own strawberries at the Hickory JAMboree. There were chickens and pigs, horses and goats, live music and a dozen local vendors. A local honey producer brought out a hive of his bees (safely inclosed, of course) so I was able to see them up close. I've never seen a queen bee or a drone before and even though it sounds super lame, I thought it was interesting. I learned lots and got delicious fresh produce that Adam and I picked ourselves. We met up with friends for my first Pho experience (DELISH) and my first time getting gelato at Strawberry Fields (also delish). That night we stayed in and relaxed and watched another movie. Ever since the beginning, that has been one of our favorite things to do. So we watched Lincoln. Honestly, I don't understand how these movies win awards. The plot was good and I think that if Lincoln (the character) wasn't so long-winded, the movie would have been over sooner, making it much more palatable. (Another tangent...but not entirely random: While on the topic of bad movies, please spare yourself if you haven't already seen ZeroDarkThirty. Simply- a giant waste of time.)

Sunday continued our weekend of firsts and fun. We got up and made breakfast together, something that happens rarely now. We headed off to the driving range that afternoon. I had never hit a golf ball, short of putt putt, in my entire life and Adam has only done it a select few times. It was the blind leading the blind on the green while I tried to stifle my swears. I've decided I lack the patience, skill,  and quieted nature to take up golf as a hobby. I was able to whack the ball a good distance a few times, my record being 130 yards. Not bad for a first timer. Of course, what would life be without lessons? I now know why golfers wear that little glove. When we got home, we took our furry kids to the park. It was weird seeing them be two of the largest dogs in a group but they had a blast. Luca was in super-fetch mode which proved to be AWESOME that night (I've never seen him so exhausted!) and Piper was enjoying meeting the different humans. When we got back, Adam noticed a little baby bird on our back porch with a Mama Blackbird making trips with worms and bugs. I guess Baby tried to fly away without quite owning that particular skillset and ended up in our backyard. After a few attempts to shelter and save the Baby, we discovered his home; the tree to the left of our patio. Adam chased Baby around the backyard until he caught him and returned him to his tree with his little sister. I love that our backyard is buzzing with life. There are baby birds everywhere. Even as I type, I'm looking out of my breakfast nook watching a Mama Robin teach her baby to find worms while another one of her babies cautiously sits in the tree. Looks like this little guy made the same mistake as blackbird Baby. I realize birdwatching is probably the oldest thing I've ever done but this is adorable, dang it!

Sunday night I decided to cook dinner. Since Adam is often the first one home, he typically makes dinner...and thank GOD! I tried to treat him by making dinner with one of my newer Pampered Chef "toys". As it turns out, microwave jambalaya isn't as good as the original stove top version. I've decided some "firsts" aren't as good as others. I'm not giving up, though. One of these days, I will cook amazing and I will pass down all my delicious recipes to my sweet, future daughter.

I have today off as well; a punishment, I think, for requesting Saturday and Sunday off. I will make the best of it. Me and my bird watching. Happy Monday everyone!

Cinco De Mayo

Well, belated Cinco de Mayo...

I have been working nonstop since we returned from Savannah but that didn't stop us from having our own Mexican fiesta! We put mini sombreros on the dogs which maybe lasted 4 seconds. Adam saved the day by decorating the entire house (I wish I got pictures!) and making delicious food: carnitas for burritos, ceviche and of course I made guacamole to eat with our chips and salsa. Other friends brought over themed food and, naturally, we had margaritas (with REAL Mexican tequila thanks to Adam and the Mexican Navy) and a selection of Mexican beers. We played games and enjoyed the company of everyone and just relaxed. Of course, most of us had to work that Monday so everyone, myself included, was super exhausted the next day. 

I was off yesterday for the first time in a week and it was beyond lovely! I did practically nothing and ran errands at my leisure. It's weird how ERRAND RUNNING can become relief from work stress but I'll take it! I'm also off today and I made plans to go to a home inspection with some friends. Wish them luck!! They almost own their first home!!!

It wouldn't be a blog without a picture so please check out my beautiful, authentic Mexican Cinco de Mayo make up and hair:

Savannah / Hilton Head

What an amazing weekend! We got off to a late start but everything was worth it!

Around Friday late afternoon, Adam and I drove 7 hours down to Hilton Head to stay with my dear friend Sean and everyone else that traveled and invaded his house. Ian and Kelly were the reason everyone came together. They just recently got engaged and Savannah is their ideal wedding destination...thus, we were all helping shop for a venue. Ian and Sean's parents were there too, which is always a good time.

Saturday: Ian, Kelly, Adam, Mom Middlemas, and I toured some under-impressive wedding venue in Savannah and spent the rest of the morning sight seeing. We went to their favorite wine shop (MOF on River St, a GREAT place for sweet, southern wines) and walked around before we decided we were hungry. We went to Wiley's BBQ for lunch which is ALWAYS a treat. Virginia has TERRIBLE BBQ so this delicious smoked meat was, essentially, manna from heaven. We went home and relaxed and planned to meet Sean for dinner after e got off work. Apparently everyone had been scheming because they surprised Adam and I with a sunset dolphin sail (my favorite part of the whole trip!!) I was able to see a few dolphins but the real fun was drinking wine while being able to watch the gorgeous island sunset with Adam and my amazing friends. Best surprise I've had in a long time! Then we went to the Skull Creek Boathouse and had incredible seafood an listened to the 80s music blasting outside on their deck. Then we went back "home" and had a little fire pit before bed. What a great day!

Sunday: After waking up and meandering the house for a while, everyone decided they were hungry. (If you think eating and drinking are our only motivators, you're correct!) We started a trolley tour (so cool, btw! Savannah is full of rich, detailed history) and then remembered why we left the house. Oh yeh, food! We split up, half of us eating at Wild Wing and the other half exploring. We finished some of the trolley tour but then more inspiration struck. Time for drinks!! We visited Wet Willies on River Street, a great place for alcoholic frozen beverages. We split up again since Kelly had to be at her next venue tour at 3 and Sean, Adam and I wanted drinks and Mom and Dad Middlemas wanted the trolley. Eventually we met up at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and Scarborough Gardens (with Kelly's parents too)...around 3. The gardens were beautiful and after touring/deliberating, Kelly and Ian decided to pick it as the venue. SO EXCITING!! Naturally we had to celebrate this momentous occasion with more alcohol so...onward to the square! We drank and danced to live music. I even had a guy make me a flower hat (which, actually, made me look like a helicopter) Dinner that night was at Mi Tierras and then it was back home to pass out from exhaustion.

Monday: The day for goodbyes. The whole clan had a giant brunch at Cracker Barrel before everyone went their separate ways. Naturally I made Adam stop by Publix for a sub and a sweet tea to throw in our cooler for dinner on the road. And it was delish! Mmm.

Now we're home and I'm getting ready to start a 7 day work week to make up for my vacation-weekend. I want to thank the Middlemi for being so welcoming and accommodating, as always. We're so lucky and blessed to have such wonderful friends like you! Thank you for everything!!! Congratulations again to Ian and Kelly. The wedding is going to be incredible and I can't wait to help you in any way possible.

**Feel free to check out more of the pictures from our trip on my Facebook page!**

Belated Earth Day

I know I'm a little off but Happy Belated Earth day, everyone!

Last week, Adam got a long, skinny package in the mail. I was excited when I found out it was our Pecan Tree that we ordered from Georgia! It's a special type of Pecan Tree that's been designed to grow well in the cooler Virginia temperatures. We planted it in the backyard and surrounded it with some hostas we uprooted from another area of the yard.

Since then, the weather in Hampton Roads has grown chilly (again) and our yard work had ceased.






Adam and I will be taking a small trip this weekend. I will keep you updated! :)

Nightmares

My dreams lately have been a little less sunshine and flowers and a lot more dark and weird.

A few nights ago, I dreamt that Adam and I lived in a giant, old, abandoned Toys R Us on the edge of a jungle that had been turned into a refugee camp/prison. It was run by militant guerrilla-hyenas that looked and acted like drill instructors. They found out Adam and I were married and decided to kill us...? So Adam dies and the guerrilla-hyenas start after me. Eventually I escape through a high window and find out that the "jungle" outside is just a thing layer of trees separating us from the actual world. I woke up scared and sad.

A couple nights later, my dream was set in a post-appocolyptic world where everyone sort of fended for themselves. I lived with a few friends (whom I've never met in real life) in a bed and breakfast on a swamp. Only, the bed and breakfast had seen better days. It was overrun with animals and there were trees growing through it. The Alligator lived on the first floor in a bedroom everyone knew to avoid. The Alligator wasn't anthropomorphic like the guerrilla-hyenas but he was equally terrifying. Every night at 6, The Alligator would wake and go out on the town to find a human and make a meal of them. Everyone in town knew to hide except for some reason, my friends and I were caught walking around the house when The Alligator woke up one night. We climbed the tree to hide from him and watched as a boy, who walked in trying to save us, was brutally eaten. I woke up scared.

I've never really had dreams like this. I mean, I've had weird dreams/nightmares but most of the time when I wake up, I'm able to connect the dream to a real life event that sparked it. Sometimes it's a movie or a conversation or a picture but I can almost always explain my dreams. Those two I cannot.

I swear I'm not on drugs.

Separately...but maybe somehow connected, I've gone to CrossFit twice.

Spring!!

At the risk of jinxing the entire Hampton Roads area...SPRING IS HERE!!!

I'm even writing this as the pups and I eat our breakfast on the back porch. There are all kinds of birds digging for earthworms, bumble bees discovering the newly flowering trees, strawberry plants budding, even humming birds dancing around the fence line. There's still a slight chill when the wind blows in the shadows but it seems all of Chesapeake has finally decided it's Spring.

Of course, I feel a disclaimer is necessary. I'm not staring out over a fresh green lawn full of flower beds. Just the opposite, actually; if it weren't for weeds, we'd have NO green whatsoever. Our backyard, although leaps and bounds better than it was this time last year, has quite the journey left. Rocks have to be dug up, cement from the old decks have to be removed from the ground, the hard clay/dirt from the old above ground pool has to be tilled and hauled off, weed killer and grass seed need to be introduced, etc. The list goes on and on.

Adam had been the saving grace for the outside of our house. He has pressure washed and cleaned and planted while my black thumb and I watch, intrigued. Adam has patiently helped me learn how NOT to kill every plant I touch. The first step in my black thumb rehab was allowing me to create my own mini garden around the mailbox. He took me to Lowes and let me pick out my own flowers and everything! After three days, the flowers are still going strong!

Our creatures are loving Spring time just as much as we are. Piper loves exploring the new smells and Luca could play fetch all day. Soon, they'll be getting summer cuts so they can enjoy the weather even more.

Now's a gorgeous time for family to come visit...wink wink!
:)

Earthquakes or Ghosts

This isn't the first time something like this has happened. I KNOW! It makes me sound crazy but I've felt it at least 4-6 other times.

It always starts as I'm lying in bed; time is irrelevant. The dogs are sound asleep beside me and then the bed starts to shake. Not a violent shaking...more of a timid tremor. The movement is NEVER the dogs, although I almost always blame them at first. No, they're snoozing right next to me.

Most of the time the shaking lasts between 20-40 seconds but this morning it went on for well over a minute. I realize this is not a long time but in the scheme of unidentifiable quivers, it's a prolonged mystery.

There are no train tracks close enough to matter and even if there was, I've grown up around train tracks and know it doesn't feel like this. Helicopters that pass over on occasion also don't produce that sort of commotion.

I realize this makes me sound certifiable but Adam has witnessed it once, too. Lying in bed one night, he felt the same muted shaking!

If this wasn't an earthquake this morning, it only leaves one option: my house is haunted. And not fly-on-my-wall-haunted.

Naturally, your theories are welcome.








Sidenotes: The 2nd Annual McDonald Easter Extravaganza was lovely, albeit FULL of children. (More than I'm used to.)

Also, Adam and I have decided to take an anniversary trip this year since we never got a wedding OR a honeymoon. Location TBD.

Belated Blog: Sunday Funday

Adam and I rarely get weekends off together. As a matter of fact, it's expected and to the point of comedy that when I have a day off, he has duty and vice versa. Well this past Sunday, the heavens aligned and we were able to spend good quality time together.

We started off with a drive; a morning adventure in search of delicious doughnuts. 26.5 miles later, we ended up in Suffolk at O'Doodledoo's. Adam and I bought a dozen of the most uniquely decorated and interesting/fun doughnut flavors one could possible imagine. (*See picture below*) Thanks Ashley for the scrumptious and brilliant idea! PS. The red velvet will change your life! Mmmm.

We continued to hop from place to place and despite the icy, soggy weather, we had a wonderful time. Garden Ridge had more dining room chairs (now we only need ONE more) and a fun canvas print for our laundry room. It sounds cheesy but I love our errand/adventure/exploration days where we just meander around town without agenda. Those are my favorites!

The following events happened recently but my brain is so muddled that I can't remember the time line, so forgive me if things seem a bit mixed up.
• I tried Indian food for the first time. I also decided that that particular flavor palette is NOT a favorite of mine. Too much...well, I'm not sure...but it was too much of something.

• Adam and I watched Skyfall, the newest Bond movie for those that have been living under a rock, and thought it was just okay. Then we had a debate on who is a more attractive Englishman; Daniel Craig or David Beckham. Results still undecided.

• We had a homemade pizza night.

• I got tons of Pampered Chef goodies from the party I hosted. Thanks everyone who purchased! I think I saved almost $400 in products. Now...if I could just learn to cook!! :-P

Time to read until I fall asleep.
Looking For Alaska.
By John Green.

Papillon Medium

I'm not entirely sure if I believe in "ghosts" as they've been portrayed by the media but I do believe in spirits and I most certainly believe that animals often have a special sense when it comes to noticing an unidentifiable presence.

Adam has duty tonight which means, with our crazy, criss-crossed schedules, we won't see each other until tomorrow night. It also means that I sleep alone tonight. Well, me and the guard dogs. As I'm getting ready for bed, I notice not one but BOTH dogs acting strange. They kept jerking their heads around, looking towards the windows and doors. (The rational part of my brain thought that maybe the pups were searching for Adam, since 99% of the time we're both home. BUUUT I have a highly irrational fear that someone is going to [eventually] break into my house at night when I'm alone and helpless, so you can imagine the unease the creatures were causing.) The quick glances to the doors and windows changed to both dogs now following around an invisible SOMETHING that, I'm assuming was a few inches taller than me. SPIRITS! Then the barking began. I tried calming them down but after five minutes of this I was slightly annoyed but mostly unnerved. What were they SEEING?!? Finally with a bit of force, many commands and a few ear scratches, the beasts were quiet...

UNTIL...

A giant fly buzzed right by my left ear, sending the dogs into mass hysteria. barkbarkbarkbarkbark. A fly. A FLY! Here I was, nervously assuming the halls of my 1989 suburban home are bustling with lost spirits when my brilliant, psychic papillons were actually being bug hunters.

Clearly I watch too much television and should NOT be left to my own imagination.

Lesson: learned.
Goodnight.

Pampered

I had a Pampered Chef Party last night that turned out to be a great time. (Yep, I'm officially OLD.) We had wine and got to use all kinds of kitchen tools which spun me off into my personal housewife fantasy where I dreamed of cooking delicious meals for a houseful of guests. Sadly, I still cannot cook but LUCKILY Carri (the PC Consultant) helped us make a super easy, amazingly delicious salad. (It's Paleo for those who were wondering and it's quite healthy for you without actually TASTING healthy...which makes the salad a winner in my book.) The wine wasn't enough to counter-act the good decision of eating a salad for dinner so we busted out a block (or two) of cream cheese and covered one with raspberry habenero sauce and the other with pineapple rum sauce. It was my first time ever trying those sauces but I have decided that I WILL make raspberry habenero meatballs sometime very soon. YUMMM! After preparing the food the girls sat down on my NEW dining room table. We had to use a hodge podge of chairs since we're still waiting on a new shipment at Garden Ridge but it was a great space and I was beyond thrilled to FINALLY use it! Adam spent the night on a bro-date with his friend at an Irish pub in Virginia Beach...so everyone was happy.

In other news, I started a HOME album on Facebook so I can finally share all of our updating and renovations with friends and family. I'll update it as often as we do work around the house.

Table Update

The doors opened at 8am and in the dash of people, I decided it was better to run. So I did. I snatched the tag off the table (the act one must do to "claim" their one of a kind token piece). Apparently, I failed to noticed I had been staring down a young girl, surely sent my her mother to grab the matching buffet I wanted. Damn her youthful agility! I looked at her white knuckles grasping on to her orange ticket for dear life and realized I was still giving her a look of doom. I apologized and went off to watch the other hoards of furniture crazed, discount-driven maniacs claw and climb their ways through couches and end tables. Halfway victorious, I paid for my table (sans the chairs, hence the phenomenal discount...only $250!!) and went to work. Even after my shift, I couldn't get this buffet out of my head. I went BACK to the base and found I could order a new one for 20% off. Not the BEST discount but I reminded myself tht the purchases were tax free and ordered away! Finally after a YEAR of an empty dining room, completely void of light and furniture, the Peeples will be able to entertain!

The table will be picked up tomorrow by Adam. The buffet can be picked up in 4-6 weeks. The chairs will have to be purchased from Garden Ridge and we'll pick out a light fixture and a paint color ASAP. Eventually, we'll get plates and glasses that match; instead of the hodgepodge, bachelor set we've had since 2006-2007ish.

Also, floors should be coming soon. Be prepared for a DIY rant.

:-D

Run!

I've never been one for Black Friday type sales. 1) I don't like waking up early 2) I hate dealing with other people and 3) I don't like being rushed when I shop. So naturally, it would make a world of sense that I'm currently standing outside at 7 in the morning, in the freezing cold, 30th in a line of God knows how many people ready to RUN and grab my dream dining room table. Oh yeh, and I have to work at 830. The navy exchange on Little Creek's base is having a sale. 50% off all clearance items. Adam said if I wanted my table bad enough, I'd wake up early and try as hard as I could.

So I'm here. In the cold. Waiting...

Pray for me, Internet! IT'S MY DREAM TABLE!

Motivated Monday

Today:

Started Looking for Alaska. Tangent: John Green has always been one favorite authors because his writing style is so vivid and lovely. The characters have so much depth and he comes across as intelligent, not pretentious; which is difficult to do. Green could rewrite Dickens and make even that tolerable. Unlike the last book. Poo.

Played fetch with the pups. Outside! In the yard. With NO jacket!! SPRING, HERE WE COME!!!

Inspired by the warmER weather, I went to Lowes and purchased almost a dozen flowering seed packets for my amateur gardener/landscaper husband. Also gave him plant makers that I had been saving to use for a certain occasion that never came around. Mr. HGTV was thrilled.

Made delicious crock pot pulled chicken. (My craving for decent BBQ was getting out of control and since VA has exactly ZERO worthwhile BBQ joints, I was forced to make my own. This was paired with rotel mac n cheese and sweet tea, naturally.)

Did many loads of laundry. It was probably the most interesting of all my daily adventures. Well THAT and, I suppose, all of my highly difficult tasks. Dishes, sanitizing counters, feeding the creatures, sweeping floors, straightening the living room...
Oh yes, that definitely makes me sound superwoman-esque. Right?!

Tried, unsuccessfully, to do a Pinterest-inspired cork craft. Apparently corks do not stick well with super glue as the bonding agent. Martha Stewart, I am not.

Abandoned hopeless cork craft for something that WOULD work with super glue. Buttons! See below for my Personalized Peeples Canvas inspired by our nautical themed guest bedroom.

It's my day off so instead of doing something productive, I'm lounging in bed (yes, at 10am) reading A Million Little Pieces, the book I'm trying to suffer through. I'm not 100% positive how it made Oprah's book club because it's horribly written but I've never been one to just abandon a novel, with the exception of the 50 Shades trilogy where the word "murmur" is literally used at least once every page.

I'll share if I end up doing anything more productive than this.

Also, blogging via iPhone is MUCH more convenient, for those interested.

Winter Storm Saturn

Since when do They start naming winter storms? And could They honestly pick something a little bit more relevant to the severe amount of wind and rain whirling around outside? I mean, honestly...how does one get the job of naming storms? Can I do that?!?

We're lucky enough to have maintained power but the wind has driven me crazy all day. Things are getting blown over every second and the noise sends my ankle biting guard dogs into furious bouts of protection-bark-rage. Once they're assured it's NOT an intruder coming to steal the favorite squeak toy, they calm down...for 10-30 seconds until a tree branch slams and scrapes a window or the trash cans blow over. Then. Joy of joys. YAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAPYAP. Watching them go to the bathroom has been one of the more humorous parts of my day, though. The mighty 12lb papillon frame is, apparently, not one for fighting gale-force winter storm winds.

Ah, wait! The beasts have quieted.

For now.

I might just get to sleep through this storm afterall!

Back in the Saddle

Okay...this isn't as foreign as I expected...

To say that it's been a while is a huge understatement. I can't believe it's been almost a YEAR since I've logged on and written all my thoughts out for the entire interwebz. In that year I've dealt with my first ever eight month deployment, become a bridal consultant, made friends, lost friends, gone on vacations, celebrated Adam's 30th birthday on the road and celebrated my 26th here in VA. There have been many ups and downs. I suppose that's life though. (Sorry you won't get an in-depth piece breaking down the past year. I simply don't have enough patience or time to do that.)
Some might say...Ain't NOBODY got time for that.

A friend recently shared that you have no idea how boring your life actually is until someone asks you what you do for fun. Well, with that being said: I'm hosting a Pampered Chef Party this month. Gosh, when did I get so OLD!? I mean seriously! Is this really what my age group is supposed to do?? Don't worry, I'm not planning on becoming one of those overly pushy consultants that goes door to door begging the public to buy my new or improved kitchen gadget. This is a one time thing. Of course, what would social networking be if I didn't tell you all of the fun things you could purchase? (Some of the stuff really IS cool and worth a look.) Visit my Facebook for more details or let me know if you want me to send you a catalog. Alright, enough plugging my old lady party.

Here's to hoping this round is as entertaining as one could ever hope. 

It's great to be back.