TGIF

So early this morning I woke up, my throat hurting, and coughing.  I couldn't seem to get back asleep because it just wouldn't go away.  That and our cat was laying between my legs...Which becomes awfully uncomfortable when you're trying to sleep.  I finally gulped down half a bottle of water and everything subsided, and I went back to sleep.

When I first thought I was getting sick, I considered the fact that I could be getting allergies.  We have had an unusually warm winter here in Washington, which to be honest scares me a little.  We have had the warmest January on record (trees are blooming!), while a lot of states in the east (New York, the Carolina's, Maryland, and Tennessee even) are getting dumped with snow.  Then you have California who's getting, well, basically all of our rain.  Its insane.  But, going back to the possibility of allergies, I have decided it's definitely NOT allergies.  I could probably sleep for 15 hours and still not feel rested.  I'm pretty sure that warrants some sort of a cold.

So anyway, I talked to Jesse this morning, he doesn't seem to have a lot going on at the moment.  I think things are starting to get busier for him, and as much as I think about his leave time and how far off it is, I have gotten a very strong feeling that time is going to fly.  I know that I have lots to do still at the house, even though I am quite the procrastinator, I tend to want to be a perfectionist.  I want the house to be perfect....which basically means a spotless house (even down to hair on the couches), pictures hung, boxes gone, and everything organized.  Now is this going to happen?  Probably not.  Just for the simple fact I am a procrastinator, and it seems like I should get it done in no time....But really I need all the time I can get. Go figure.

I do work today and have the weekend off...Thank goodness.  I know it's going to be busy at work, this is a big weekend for us before Valentine's Day.  I have no clue what I'm going to do for the Superbowl still, probably a lot of nothing.  Maybe sleep?  I don't know, nor do I really care what happens with the Superbowl.  I was thinking about having some friends over Saturday though, and if that doesn't pan out, I'll just invite mom and dad.  We could even watch a movie...Even though I'm not sure if I hooked the DVD player up correctly.  Another thing to add to my list of things to do before Jesse gets home.

I have go to get into gear....And get myself ready for a work day.  I hope everyone has a great weekend, Happy Friday -- I know I'm glad it's friday!

Thursday

So today I got up, failing to get up in enough time to both talk to the husband and help take the dog out.  Oh well, the day goes on.... I managed to get myself in gear, going out and mailing Jesse a package and a letter.  I'm still trying to keep a good rotation so that he gets something once a week or so.

I do feel like I'm at a point where I want my husband to come home already.  Now, this comes and goes, and I'm sure it will go away soon.  But, it's tough...  The easiest thing to do is obviously keep yourself busy.  For those who will be going through a deployment in the near future that is truly the best advice.

Anyway, I finally made it out to the house today.  I ran into our neighbor and her mother-in-law.  Her husband is also gone, but a little bit more recently.  I worked on a lot of dishes, set up the cat box for Spuz, and put a LOT of dishes away.  Kitchens seem to be the worst...  So much little stuff to go through and put away.  Thank goodness we have more storage space than we did in Georgia!  It makes it soooooo much easier.

Anyway, there isn't much to say about today other than that.  Tomorrow in the AM I'm going to meet the brigade HHC FRG leader to get my Afghan blanket.  SO excited!!  That will likely be on the blog tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone -- sometime here I will post more photos of January.

By the way, my teeth still hurt from my fillings the other day.  Dangit! :(

Happy Birthday to Me

Birthday "cake" for today.

Yes today is my birthday.  I am 26 today.  If I ever think I'm getting old....I'll just remember that Jesse turns 28 this year.  Yep, that makes me feel better.

Other than that, I had a great start to today.  I got to talk to my husband for a while, and got a delivery of flowers for my birthday:  A combination of tulips and irises.  I will take a photo of that when the buds open up a little more.

I decided to do some shopping, getting a few things to make for Jesse to send for Valentine's Day.  I went to Fred Meyer, Hallmark, and a brief stop by the mall.  I came home, ate, and then headed out to a briefing on post.  We got some great information again, which always makes me feel better.  We have another one in early February which also should be great to go to.

This may sound strange -- but I'm sort of excited for Valentine's Day.  Wierd?  I am looking forward to a day of pampering in Olympia with Kristen, a friend from Georgia.  It is for spouses/girlfriends/fiances of service members.  The events include a fashion show, spa treatments, make-overs, food, and gift bags.  There is free childcare too.  It's going to be fun!

I am going to stay up just a little while longer to see if I hear from my hubby.  Then, going to bed.  Tomorrow I'm going to the park with my dad, sending off a care package to Jesse (um, with some AMAZING cookies, stay tuned for that recipe!!!), and to do some stuff with the house.

I will update more tomorrow!

A Much Needed Update

Alrighty.... I have been a smidge behind on updates, I'm sorry!

I've been a bit busy lately.... Just doing things here and there.  I've been working a bit, with Valentine's day coming up and all.  This week I'm going to focus more on getting into that house -- for good.  Yes, I know what you're thinking.  I'm still not in the house?  I know, I know....

Mainly I wanted to update on Jesse.  He has been a busy kid!  Our conversations are getting shorter and shorter it seems.... He doesn't get a lot of down time.  They did come across a car accident late last week, which happened in front of their convoy (not involving them).  It was one car and one man died, a civilian and native to the country.  That was difficult, but Jesse's platoon did very well in handling the situation.  The medic that was with their convoy did an amazing job and made sure that everyone was well taken care of.

Jesse still has had time to spend some time with a buddy of his, he has also been working out, ruck marching, and stuff like that.  They also did some training in which Jesse had a tube stuck into his nose.  Nothing was wrong, it was just training!  I will get more photos up soon.

It's still early on in my day, I'm thinking that I'm going to make some cookies and send off a package for my hubby tomorrow!  I am still very excited about leave.... I have to say this (everyone is going to think I'm a total dork):  I am going to make heart shaped pancakes that are pink for the morning after he gets home.  So excited!!

Thanks to all who have sent me birthday wishes!!  Thanks for thinking of me :)

Have a great week!

A Letter a Day, Hoosier Bars, and MORE

So I think I decided that I'm going to try and write Jesse a letter a day.  Now, I know that I may have said this before, but I think I am going to.  The mail isn't very quick getting over there, but I think that is my new goal.  Maybe we can call that my New Year's Resolution?  I don't know... I told Jesse I didn't have a New Year's Resolution, that I had enough to worry about.  He didn't really like that answer!

So, going back a couple of days, Wednesday was my day off.  I went and met a friend, Kristen, who's husband went through the same training as Jesse did at Ft. Benning.  They got up here almost two months after Jesse and I, so he left about two months after Jesse (he too is in 5th Brigade).  Her and I weren't close at Ft. Benning, but since I have lived here all of my life (or most of it at least) I offered to help them if the needed anything.  It will be good to have someone close by that is going through much of the same things as me!  She and I went to Marshall's and to Panera for lunch.  We talked for a long time, and we had a good time.  I also mailed Jesse his first care package in a little over a week.  I know that Jesse likes mail so I send something to him as often as I can.

Yesterday I ran some errands, made a few phone calls, and went out to the house.  I made progress at the house, I opened 3-4 boxes, which is good.  I haven't found our sheets or our bedding as of yet, but am finding a lot of bedroom stuff.  I also found all of our silverware, plates, glasses, and mugs, so that is progress!

After all of that I went to a downrange update, and I'm glad to hear that the guys are doing good things over there!  The Battalion Commander and Sergeant  Major are going to be taking leave in the near future, and both of them will be speaking to the spouses on how everything is going over there.  Overall, it was a positive meeting, and informative.  Most of the stuff they covered was 2-1 oriented, keep in mind Jesse is "detached" from 2-1 and much of them aren't in the same area as him.  But again, things are good and they are making progress over there.

Today I went out and got Stryker's stitches taken out!  He seems happy they are gone.  He really liked the veterinarian there, LOVED that he was giving him treats.  It was very funny.  He did well getting the stitches and is going to have to take antibiotics for another week to be sure that he has rid of his infection.  In total we were at the vet maybe 20 minutes, so basically in and out.  I went out to Michael's to visit my mom at work.  They already have spring flowers, Valentine's Day, and St. Patrick's Day.  They also have a bunch of their spring candles, candleholders, etc., out so it was tempting not to walk out with everything in my cart!  I did buy some Valentine's Day stuff for Jesse along with a couple of St. Patrick's Day things....  I'm getting excited to send him the stuff!  Which brings me to my next topic.....

Hoosier Bars!  I think I'm going to make an entire batch to send to Jesse (maybe for Valentine's Day).  I know when I say that name that people give me the strangest look... But they are good.  Chocolate, peanut butter, peanuts, and meringue bar cookies.  Basically Jesse really likes them and I'm pretty fond of them myself.  So, I wanted to share it with you.

Hoosier Peanut Bars

Preheat Oven to 325*

Crust:

• 2 c. all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2 egg whites
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 c. chopped salted peanuts

In large mixer bowl combine all ingrediens for crust.  Blend with mixer until particles are find.  Press in a greased 13x9-inch pan.

To prepare topping beat egg whites in small mixer bowl until soft mounds form.  Add brown sugar gradually and continue beating until meringue stands in stiff peaks.  Fold in chocolate pieces and 1/2 c. peanuts.  Spread over crumb crust and sprinkle with remaining peanuts.

Bake at 325* for 40 to 45 minutes.  While warm, cut into bars.

Makes 36 bars.

Please let me know how you like them if you try them!

Leave, Flowers, The House, and More

I'm sorry my motivation for blogging is lacking right now!

I talked to Jesse last night and this morning.... I'm not quite sure what my problem is but I have been going through this phase where I just want him to come home.  I am completely aware of how irrational my thoughts are, but that is how I am feeling.  Jesse says that he's probably going to get leave, but again nothing is set.  We're not making any solid plans of course, but we are discussing some fun stuff to do.  Right now it looks like we'll be making a trip out to Ocean Shores, so I'm excited.

Today was my day off so mom and I went out to the house.  I don't think I had been there since before Christmas.  I really really need to get things together, but still haven't found the screws to my bed.  My father is also still working, so I don't really have anyone to help me put big things together.  We did unpack a lot of clothes (mostly stuff on hangers), and decided where furniture is going to be arranged.  I'm going to also need to set up the TV, get cable, phone, and internet set up.  I will also have to get all the stuff in line to put up a fence for the dog.

Yesterday I received a dozen red roses along with six calla lilies from Jesse.  They are very nice and very pretty.  The day before that I received a rug from him, complete with misspelled words!  It's pretty obvious that the people around the area do not have a lot of education, especially since they can't even spell their country's name correctly.  Oh well I guess, it still is an interesting piece to have in the house.  I have one more package on the way, which I'm excited about too.

My birthday is right around the corner (I know it's not January yet) and Jesse and I have picked out my birthday/Valentine's Day gift, which I am super excited about!  It's a pendant from Kay's.  SO excited :)

Tomorrow I work, but I'm not going to get completely stressed out this time if I don't get out on time.  Besides that I highly doubt we're going to have a lot of business, with everyone's New Year's festivities. I am very excited for the new year, 2010 is going to bring many more fun things!  Have a safe New Year's Eve!

Updated Albums

I have updated all of the albums!

I hope all of you had a relaxing and happy holiday.

December 2009

Our House on Ft. Lewis

Jesse Overseas

Busy Saturday

I am going to try and make this decently short because I feel sort of tired!

This morning I went to the airport and got to see a familiar face!  My friend Cherie, who we met in Georgia, had a layover here in Seattle before she headed up to Alaska (where her husband is currently stationed).  Here is a photo of us:

It was great to see her, gave me a little inclination to head up north for a small trip.  I think it would be fun to at least visit Alaska... Maybe see if I thought it would be interesting to live there?  Nonetheless it was good to catch up over some breakfast!

It seems as though "busy" is in the vocabulary a lot more this time of year, and I'm trying to keep truckin!  I'm not one to go Christmas shopping on weekends (hating the craziness at the malls), so I stuck  to other Christmas-like things.  I mailed out ALL of the Christmas cards today.  If you don't get one and you want one, PLEASE let me know.  I have a ton of them, ha.  I also sent out photos of Jesse that he got professionally done before he left.  He told me exactly where he wanted the photos to go, so I finally got them in the mail today.  It feels good not to have those to worry about.

We went to the house this afternoon (I made a trip to clothing and sales, along with the PX) and opened a couple of boxes.  Dad is well on his way putting much of my furniture together, I know that it would help a LOT more if we could find all the hardware we need for the bed and futon.  Dandy that we can't find anything - we're going to have to make a special trip to the hardware store and get screws - among other things.

We got home, ate, I talked to Jesse, and that was about it.  Jesse got a photo with Goldsworth, Doyle, and Rathman - all IBOLC guys that are currently serving overseas.  They all happened to be in the same spot at the same time, which is truly awesome because I know how nice it is for all of them to have each other!

That is all for now, enjoy your weekend!  Less than two weeks until Christmas.... Thank GOD!

Moving Day & Calming Down

WE ARE MOVED!  Yay!

We have everything moved, notice given to our storage unit, and three boxes unpacked!  We got everything done in about seven hours, with two trips to Fort Lewis and back.  Jesse's mom came down along with family friends Mark, Laurie, Bob, and Daniel.  My friends Stacy and Alan along with Alan's parents Bob and Luann came to help out.  They were all great and worked hard!

Today I decided to take a little bit of a break.  I talked to Jesse via Skype this morning, called and spoke to my friend Katie (who is currently stationed in New York), and we went out to both the hardware store and Costco.  I have a few more hurdles to get over before I can be completely settled in the house, but the hardest things have been taken care of.  We went to Costco and I picked up a magazine which I think is awesome:  Food Network's December issue.  They have great food related gift ideas along with many many recipes - anything from cookies to crock pot cooking!  I have decided I'm going to cook my way through some cookbooks, and try and perfect my cooking before Jesse gets back home!

I will post some moving photos soon...  But not tonight!  If you haven't received Jesse's address overseas, please let me know (at marissa.mcadam@gmail.com) and I will e-mail it to you!

Have a great week!

Welcome to Winter

So along with the shorter and shorter days, holiday hours are in effect.  Tomorrow I'm going to be working until 10:30, which means I won't be home until at least 11, and I have to get up early in the AM sunday to move.  Oh I am I going to be exhausted on monday! Not only that but it seems as though temperatures are having a hard time staying above forty degrees.  AND they're saying the word SNOW.  Oh no, please no snow.  Jesse and I drove allllllllll the way to Georgia in the wintertime, combine that with the crazy weather we had last winter in Washington, and all I can say is:  noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Other than that dad and I have been working hard to get the house in shape.  We went yesterday and today, doing some odds and ends.  We finally picked up all the rollers, brushes, drop cloths, etc... So we should be ready to go on Sunday!  I have the dog and cat registered on post, the u-haul rented, and grocery shopping done.  There's just a few things I have to get together and all that is left to do is move!

I really really hope tomorrow I will have an address to give you all.  Please keep visiting to check, I will keep you posted!

Stryker is doing SO much better!!  They changed his antibiotics, and his nose is doing much better!!  Now all I have to really worry about is his incision stitches healing, and he can start going on walks with the girls (my mom's dogs) again.

In all I have to say this is a much better week, and to be honest I can't wait for this week to be over!  I just want a day to relax, some time to go Christmas shopping, and start to unpack!  Along with that I am going to be able to see a friend from Georgia next weekend.  SO excited!

Have a great weekend all, I will try and update Sunday, but if I don't I will update monday!

Day Off... Well, sorta.

So today I woke up knowing that I didn't want to go to the new house.  I didn't want to think about getting the pets registered, going to a fire safety brief.  I didn't want to work, I didn't want to paint, I didn't want to drive, I didn't want to get out of bed.  I just wanted a day OFF.  Well, that's not going to happen.  At least completely.

I heard my dad get out of bed probably about eight o'clock, treading down the hallway.  I called him into my room (I didn't want to get out of bed) and told him we weren't going onto post today.  Not gonna happen.  Here I was, thinking that I could use a break, de-stress a little.  I don't know why, but left alone with my own thoughts I seem to get more stressed.  I tried to get back to sleep, but my mind was buzzing.  Maybe next time I guess.

We didn't go on post, nor did we do anything remotely with the house.  I went out to Fred Meyer, they have some deals on bookshelves which I wanted to look at.  I also ordered some of Jesse's promotion photos, I will add the album at the end of the blog.  Let me know if you would like me to e-mail you the photos to print as you would like.  I also met up with our friend Gillian, who gave me the beautiful wine glasses I ordered from her Southern Living party.  I might just take a photo to post for you all to see.  They're quite pretty.

I picked up a couple of things to put in Jesse's next care package.  I'm not sending him anything since he still will probably be moving.  And I'm finally squared away with 2-1's Charlie company, where Jesse is supposed to be going to.  I researched some stuff, and did some much needed errands, then went to work!

Oh if you've been trying to use Hooah Mail (which I'm guessing no one has because I haven't gotten an e-mail!) Jesse's unit isn't on there yet.  So, you'll probably want to hold off on that for a while too.

I hope everyone's having a good week.  I'm going to go have some ice cream!

Jesse Overseas

Jesse's Promotion, FRG Stuff, and Paint!

Today Jesse got promoted to a first lieutenant!!!  He hasn't gotten pinned yet, but he will in the morning by his battalion commander.  He says he will send me plenty of photos.  I'm going to hold him to it.

I FINALLY got contacted by the new FRG (Family Readiness Group) of Jesse's battalion.  We've been trying to get in contact with them for a while (other FRG leaders, Jesse and his resources overseas, and me).  I finally got an e-mail.  Now, I just gotta make sure that this is where I absolutely need to be.  We shall see!

My day overall hasn't been very eventful.  Mom, dad, Stryker, and I went out to the new place to try and get some more painting done.  We still aren't finished but we are confident we will be done friday.  Thank goodness!  Dad and I are going to go out and get some paint tomorrow; I have a long list of stuff to do since it is my day off.  Maybe I will get it all done.  Who knows.  More pictures will follow!

New House, Dog Update, and Deployment Update

I skipped yesterday in updating the blog... To be absolutely honest I think the events in my life finally came to a head... Add in some stress and emotions from this week combined with a deployed husband that doesn't feel like being very pleasant and I was pretty pissed off!  Anyway, I went into work today, venting a few frustrations (mainly of my poor dog) and I treaded through the day.  Well, I might as well start from the beginning of yesterday to give you a low-down on how everything came together to this point.

Yesterday I got those keys!  I posted photos yesterday on Facebook, I will include the photo album at the end of this blog.  The house wasn't a lot like the show house we saw weeks ago, but I have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised.  I liked some of the other houses they had on post because of the way the kitchen/dining room/living room was set up, but the house we're going to be living in has raised ceilings, a decorative ceiling in the living/dining room, wood floors downstairs, and a very large master bath.  We're the third family to live in this house.

I turned in my prorated rent and met the housing people at the house to do the walk through.  It was like a walk through I had never done before, because the guy that did the walk through could've done it without us there.  He seemed to make good notes about the "damage" to the house, they were very general.  So hopefully "scratches on the floorboard" won't come back to haunt us, even though my family and I will likely do our own walk through to make sure they got everything (my dad and I did do a little walk with the housing person too).  We have 10 days to notify them if need be.  I then looked at some paint samples, double checking colors.  I am definitely am doing some revisions to my previous pain selections.  I then snapped some pictures, we unloaded the CRV, locked all the doors, and headed out.  We went to the PX and got paint supplies, and then went to the Commissary and picked up a few things we needed there.  I have to say the PX was dead, while the Commissary was keeping their normal reputation of being busy.

Dad and I headed home and I did some stuff at home.  My mom and I decided that we were going to go to JoAnn Fabrics so I let the dog out to use the bathroom.  Now, I know I mentioned in my one of my last posts that Stryker's face was swelling.  Well, it was fine monday.  Tuesday, not so much.  His nose, eyes, and lips were swollen when I let him in from outside.  Not only that but his nose was bleeding - not from his nostrils but from the top of his nose.  It was almost seeping - like from an insect bite.  I called the vet and then made an appointment.  I instructed dad to keep an eye on the big boy while mom and I went out (I bought fabric to make Jesse an Oakland A's blanket), and we came back home in time to take him to his next appointment.

On a dog-related note, he weighs 85 pounds, not 95 like we thought.  I don't know how that works or if a dog can even have his weight fluctuate that much, but regardless he's not as heavy as we thought.  Stryker got his temperature taken and then the doctor came in.  I have to say I like this veterinarian because he was nice; sometimes you just get a veterinarian that just isn't too pleasant.  Mom and I have had pretty good luck at this place though.  He swabbed Stryker's nose, looked at it under a slide, and came to a conclusion.  Stryker had eaten or come in contact with something that was irritating his skin AND there was something else.  He believed Stryker also was developing a nasal "infection" of sorts - apparently a common (possibly genetic) infection among German Shepherds.  This infection can progress quickly and if bothered and/or treated can lead to scarring and hair loss.  So basically they gave him a shot and some antibiotics.  If we run out of antibiotics before the infection is completely gone we will have to get a new prescription.  The antibiotic can also make the boy sick.  I feel horrible for my dog right now!

This morning things didn't go well for me either.  I'm not going to get into that....  Too tired!

I did talk to my husband yesterday and today.  He might be moving FOBs (Forward Operating Bases), but nothing is one hundred percent at this point.  But basically he will be "detached" from 2/1 and "attached" to another unit.  He's doing well, he likes in battalion commander, he knows a couple more people who are going to be heading out to his unit (from IBOLC), and he's had a lot of time in between things to watch movies!  They were supposed to have a pretty decent dinner tonight for Thanksgiving, since there it is Thanksgiving morning.

I am tired from all the craziness so I'm going to head to bed.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I will probably post more tomorrow!

Our House on Ft. Lewis

Happy Birthday Taylor

I just wanted to write a quick blog about my brother Taylor.  He celebrated his 22nd birthday last thursday, and he decided to come home this weekend for his celebration (and as I say, presents).  We watched the movie "Up" friday night over some Papa Murphy's pizza, then went to bed.  Yesterday we did our traditional birthday gig:  Dinner.  We went to Duke's Chowder House (my mother, father, and brother all love their chowder) down on the Tacoma Waterfront.  This is also the same place we went to for our "last supper" here in Washington before we went on our adventure to Georgia early in the year.  I tried their lobster chowder -- which was interesting.  I don't think I'm much of a fan of chowder, unless of course it is salmon chowder.  I love my salmon!

After Duke's we went to the Melting Pot for an untraditional dessert.  We had dark chocolate fondue, with an array of crazy dippers which included small pieces of cheesecake, marshmallows, chocolate covered marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, and rice crispy treats.  I seriously think that the Melting Pot has the BEST dark chocolate EVER!  We then headed home for gifts.  He got a Crock-Pot and toaster (both of which he didn't have at his apartment), a tie, some Starbuck's VIA instant coffee, a coffee mug (which has a nifty little compartment to store the coffee packets), a flannel shirt, and a cookbook in which I supplied him with some of our favorite recipes.  Who doesn't like a man that cooks??

Today has been relatively uneventful thus far, I have heard from Jesse even though we both thought our conversations would be few and far between for a while.  I really need to start writing stuff down to remember to tell him!  I always feel like there is nothing to talk about... Then when we get off the phone I suddenly remember.  I'm a major fan of lists.... Jesse told me that I would be ok when he left because I would make all of my lists of stuff to do and get things done.  He's such a goofball.

It still will be probably another month before we get a decent address for him.  There is also a really good chance that once he has a change in venue he will not have access to phone or internet AT ALL.  I'm thinking there is a possibility that he might get access every three weeks or so, but we will see how that goes.

That is all for now!  I will post November photos soon -- possibly later tonight after we drop my brother off in Seattle!  OH -- and the countdown is almost on --  Just a little over a week until we get keys to our NEW HOUSE!! Yay! :)

November 2009

Veteran's Day & Update on the House

This Veteran's Day I want to thank all of our military personnel past and present for their service to this great country.  They are in my thoughts and prayers!

I haven't spoken to Jesse yet today, but by the time he calls me it won't be Veteran's Day for him anymore! I did wish him a happy Veteran's Day yesterday though.  He is my hero!

On another note, my father went with me on post today to sign the lease for the house.  I got a copy of the lease and everything, but won't have keys still until the 24th.  I drove by the house so that dad could see what it looked like and the people who live there already have a U-haul truck parked out front getting ready to move.  I'm guessing on post they need a good 2 weeks to fix up the house because that was about the time they needed at Fort Benning.  I have a briefing that I'll have to go to, I have to register our animals on McChord along with getting their microchips updated to the correct address.  Then I'll have to go and get a digging "permit" to put up a 4-foot fence for Stryker.  In all, I should be pretty busy after I get those keys!  And you can have up to 4 animals on post in your house.  Hmmmm....  LOL.  That's not going to happen, don't worry.  It is awful tempting though!

If you are local here, we're going to be doing some painting in the new place the 28th.  If you're interested in helping, please let me know.  My e-mail is marissa.mcadam@gmail.com.  Also if you live in this state, tonight at 5 PM they're going to have a special from Ft. Lewis talking about our units based there.  So, you may want to tune in!

Goodbye September!

Sorry it has been a couple of days since my last update.


Sunday Jesse and I got professional pictures done in Tacoma (by downtown Tacoma & by Point Defiance).  We did half of our pictures with him in his ACUs, and half of them in his civilian clothing.  The photographer is awesome, if you are in the Puyallup/Tacoma/Seattle area I highly recommend her.  You can see some of her work here:


http://www.juliewattsphoto.com/


I will post more about the photos, she's going to be putting them online after she's done editing them (which should be on Sunday).  If you're on my Christmas card list you'll probably get familiar with those pictures!! :)


Monday Jesse worked most all day, and while he was working he ran into like four NCOs (non-commissioned officers) that he had served with previously with third brigade.  He had a great time catching up with them, and was psyched when he called me after work to tell me all about it.


Yesterday Jesse and I went to the Newcomers Orientation on North Fort Lewis (which was mandatory for him), and something I did go to when we got to Ft. Benning.  Nonetheless, Jesse and I learned lots of information (like Ft. Lewis has about 35,000 soldiers and over 23,000 of them are currently deployed).  We also learned a lot of new information of what is available to us through the police and through recycling (I thought it was interesting at least! I don't know about Jesse...).  They also had lots of booths which had information services that are available to military families and the surrounding area (which, for the most part, we know already).  It still was very helpful, and I have to say that I recommend going if you are coming out to Ft. Lewis!  They had a LOT of information on childcare and information on what is offered for them.  None of which I knew, because of course, we don't have any children!


We have decided also that we are going to be moving on post very soon.  We get our keys on the 19th.  I will e-mail out our address to everyone when we start our moving process.  I do have the address now, but will let you all know closer to the date.  If you happen to send mail to my parents address, that is okay, we can still get the mail of course.


I finished my day yesterday with working, when I got home my very sweet adorable husband decided that he would surprise me with a new jacket (before I left I was saying I didn't have a jacket with a hood to wear to work) and a couple of movies to watch this weekend.  It was very sweet of him!


Also, this weekend Jesse and I will be going out to the wine country (Rattlesnake Hills, Yakima Valley area) on friday.  We will be staying there for the weekend, to spend some much needed time together before deployment.  Sunday we're going to meet up with a couple people we met at Ft. Benning and that  are currently stationed at Ft. Lewis.  Jesse was in IBOLC (Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course) with him at Ft. Benning, and his wife was in the FRG.  They also have a dog, which is a white german shepherd, so we often ran into them at the Ft. Benning dog park (I visited that park religiously).  They are very nice people who bought a house in the Olympia/Lacey area, and I know Jesse is looking forward to showing him the ropes.


In other news, there was a tsunami warning on the west coast (for those who are non-west coasters that may not have known) which was very interesting to hear about last night!  The earthquake in American Samoa had caused most of the west coast to have this warning.  I feel like since we've been back I've noticed more of these tsunami warning signs than I had before (they're posted EVERYWHERE around here it seems... We do have a lot of water!).  Also, fall has officially come as of yesterday.  It has definitely cooled off!  I officially feel cold all the time.  I guess that's to be expected from a desert baby!


I'll probably post more tomorrow, I did get my hair cut and am going to post pictures soon.  The weekend is probably going to be pretty busy, but I will post pictures of Eastern Washington when I can! I do work more next week, nearly full-time hours, but after that I'm working next to nothing since Jesse's going to be leaving soon.  Please keep Jesse in your thoughts and prayers as he prepares for deployment!

New Address!

I don't remember mentioning it before, but we do have a new address!! If you would like it please e-mail me at marissa.mcadam@gmail.com. I know I didn't mention my e-mail address before, so if you would like to be on my e-mail list regarding Jesse and his adventures to the 'Stan, please let me know via e-mail.

Thanks!