Reflections of March

I have to say, once again, I am happy to see another month go.  This month wasn't nearly as horrid as the last, and it seemed to go by a little quicker.

Reflecting on the month, there were a few firsts.  Stryker's first day of Doggie Daycare, my new (and first) FRG position as a co-lead.  There were also stressful and not so stressful work days.  Some major changes at work.  Some major hoops we've had to jump through for the Army.  Lots of baking.  Hints of beautiful Washington weather which will hopefully carry on into the summer.

It's really strange to feel so grateful that 31 days of your life are gone, because people often say live each day as it were your last.  For some reason I have a very hard time doing that.  I take advantage of opportunities if they come my way, most of the time at least.  But it's very hard to be "normal" and have that complete joy of living your life to the fullest when you know such a large piece of it is missing.

With that I say goodbye to March, and hello to April.  Hopefully April gives me very very good things.

Flowers, Chocolate, and Diamonds...Oh my!

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update, I have been surprisingly busy!  Valentines Day was good, even though my day didn't go as scheduled.  I did end up having a convo with Jesse, bought my long-awaited birthday/Valentine's Day present from Kay Jewelers, found flowers awaiting me on my doorstep, got to go out to Mexican with the fam, and got some gifts from mom and dad.  Overall it was a good day!

Yesterday was very busy, I didn't end up going to bed until nearly 1 o'clock in the morning.  I had a busy day at work (lots of stuff do to from V-Day weekend), ran out to get some cat food, and met my friend Cherie at the airport.  This is the second time since we've been in Washington that she's come by, each time she was awaiting a layover to go back up to Alaska.  It was great seeing her again, she always has a positive attitude.  That is a great thing to have in a friend!

Today is going to be just as busy, so I hope to update you all again soon.  I'll try to have some better stories to tell then!  Tonight I am attending a Mock Dining In, which should be fun :)

Have a great week!

What did you say? It's February?

For those of you who are enduring an insane winter storm, getting pounded with snow, getting your flights cancelled, and/or having a hard time getting out of our driveway, you might want to skip this post.

I got off of work early today (amazing diamond show at work tomorrow, they're doing damage control for our hours tomorrow) and was so energized by the beautiful sun outside.  It felt like spring.  Yes, spring.  An amazing, unbalanced, unnatural winter we are having.  If I could make it all balanced, giving us a little bit of that colder weather, I would do it.  It's just unnatural here.  But, I had the urge to take some pictures of our beautiful weather.  The blueish skies, the wood pecked tree (that woodpecker is still working his magic in the back yard), the chives and chocolate mint that is already springing up in a pot in my parent's back yard, and my magnificent dog.  Yes I do have some photos of Stryker and I looking out the window along with the a Valentine's Day Starbucks cup which are quite random...But I mainly wanted to share a few images that I believe makes this state such a beautiful place to live.  I.  Love.  This.  State.

Anywho, I realized today that my blog was featured in December here.  Thank you Joint Fort Lewis-McChord business Chamber of Commerce.  A big surprise!  I've only have one hit from that link, but still.  Totally didn't realize it was even there!

Oh, and woo-hoo, it's nearly mid month.  Can I consider it mid-February yet?  I mean, this month is a short month.  I guess I should declare it mid-February around V-Day.  I like now better.

For you who are surviving the snow, stay warm!  For you who are getting amazing weather, get out and see that ball of fire we call the sun!

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!

Week of Christmas

I feel like it's long overdue, so I wanted to write a blog!

The last couple weeks have been crazy!  I've tried my best to be positive, but I feel as though many things were working against me.  I did get through it though, with some bumps along the way.

Christmas Eve was good, I worked until closing time.  Go figure that the mall closed at 6, and we didn't get out of the store until 7:15.  I don't remember it being that bad ever in the history of working for the jewelry store.  I got home, not doing much until dinner time.  Mom made king crab and steak for dinner along with potatoes, green beans, and watergate salad.  I would've loved Jesse to be there.... But know he wouldn't have liked the surf and turf ;)  I stayed up to two AM wrapping presents and talking to Jesse.  Exhausted, I went to bed.

Christmas morning I got up and talked to Jesse again, he wasn't having a super busy day since it was still Christmas day there.  The family and I got up and unwrapped presents, ate breakfast, and got ready for the day.  We went to a friend's house, ate, listened to some karaoke, and came home.  We finished up our stockings, lounged around, and went to bed.

The day after Christmas mom, Taylor, and I went to the mall.  I think it was busier that I ever thought it was during Christmas, parking was horrible!  I hit up American Eagle (they always have jean sales after Christmas), got a couple of shirts, and got Jesse a couple of things also.  We also looked at Target, which was very busy.  We left, went out to a shoe store (I found some super cute zebra print heels) and went to another Target (I know we're crazy).  We went and got dinner then came home.

Sunday I worked, we were busy but not horrible.  But again, for closing at 7:00, we got out at 8:15.  I don't know why this keeps happening, but I don't close again until New Year's Eve, and I don't think we're going to have a ton of people wanting to buy jewelry.  Other than that my plans for the holiday are quiet, which to be honest I really don't mind!

Jesse is doing well, he had a good Christmas full of food, Christmas stockings from Operation Support Our Troops (OSOT), and relaxation.  I know that it is still not home, but it wasn't horrible.  We are thinking at this point in time Jesse will get leave, sometime in the springtime.

My next goals are getting our house in order, Jesse's Valentine's Day Care package (why don't people have their Valentine's Day stuff out yet?? lol), and then leave plans when he knows a date.  I also want to enroll Stryker in Petsmart classes, something I hope to look into on my next day off.

Other than that, all is well.  I'll keep you all updated on our life happenings, even as I know things will probably slow down as we get into the new year!

Wednesday

Today I headed off to work in the AM, working a half shift.  Boy do those go by fast!  I gave almost half of my hours away this to my co-worker and friend (last week was supposed to be her last week) so I've had my afternoons completely free.  I've definitely been using the time, shopping, shopping, and shopping.  I am in and out and on with it all.  I have decided if I'm not 100% by the end of the day friday, that is it.  Nothing else is going to be bought and given.  Next week will be work and Christmas oriented.  Christmas dinner shopping, cookie baking, and spending time with family.  No more going out to the stores!

Today my brother came home from Seattle and is going to be home for the next couple of weeks at least.  He was funny because he was asking about slow cooker recipes (mom and dad got him a crock pot for his birthday) and he has been using it a lot, which is great.

Other than that Jesse hasn't had a lot of new things happening to him -- he has had plenty of adventures though -- I will post photos of those sometime here soon.  Other than that he has pretty relaxed days (it seems that way at least) and sees a friend from ROTC he knows every so often.  Just don't talk to him when it's really late there.  He's a little cranky!

Other than that, things are good.  Tomorrow is Thursday and it's almost a week until Christmas.  I know that next week should be one of the most interesting....

Cookies, Crackers, and Starburst

I thought that would make for an interesting blog title!  These are things going into Jesse's next care package.  I'm baking him some cookies (I bought premade dough with chocolate and mint chips), including some triscuts or wheat thins, and some new Starburst I saw today at the store.  It'll be a small package with a card.  I will probably mail the package friday, Jesse of course won't get the package before Christmas, but a fun package nonetheless.  I'm thinking he'd probably rather omit the cookies... But what he doesn't know won't hurt him!

Last night I came home from the coffee, was on the computer, and talked to my dad for a while.  Before I knew it, it was midnight... And I laid down to go to bed.  Not even five minutes later Jesse e-mailed me to talk to him.  So I got online and spoke with him for about an hour, went to bed and got up at six.  So, right now I'm pretty sleepy, but pushing along nonetheless.

I stopped and picked up some stocking stuffers and maneuvered myself out of the Tacoma Mall parking lot.  How come EVERYONE waits until the last minute to shop?  It was INSANE.  I don't understand sometimes... I understand that people are going to be finishing up college classes and getting out of school for winter break and will need to go shopping... But do people really enjoy the craziness in these parking lots and stuff?  I don't get it!  Yes, I do realize I am still doing some shopping....  But at least I don't have a lot to do and won't be wasting all my time at the mall!

I got some dinner (soup) on the way home, called the vet clinic, and arrived at home.  I'm feeling the five hours of sleep last night, but still have to make sure I get those pills from the vet (if possible) today.  I also want to try and get some things from a store -- possibly WalMart -- and get a couple more things.  All I can think of is sleep right now!  I better get off my behind and do something!

Ugh, the holidays!

So this morning I woke up to my alarm and groaned.  I really didn't want to get up this morning and face the week ahead.  I had to get up though - Stryker needed his food and his pills. Then  Jesse e-mailed me and wanted to talk online, so I talked to him for a little while before he went to bed.  He has a PT test in the morning - I hope that it goes well, he hasn't done really good PT since we were in Georgia and going to Ranger school.

When I was off the computer we (me and the 'rents) looked at the paper.  I don't know what it is but this year I don't see anything I would like to have for Christmas.  This year it's just not interesting to me.  Most things on my Christmas list are things that are every day types of things, no clothes, pajamas, or stuff like that.  Maybe next year.   I am going to go out and by the Hangover (maybe Tuesday?) - my brother and dad haven't seen it yet so that make for a good movie night sometime this week.  We (dad did actually help) also figured out what we want to do for Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinners.  I told mom that I will go with to buy some food (since they're on a tighter budget this year) and pitch in where need be.

I have the day off tomorrow and have a few major things on my list to do.  I have to get Stryker a new dosage of pills.  They are working quite well, his hair seems to be growing back more and more on his nose.  I will take a picture of him soon to post.  I REALLY want to finish my Christmas shopping tomorrow.  I figured out that I am probably pretty much done with my brother and father, just have to finish up stuff with my mom.  Dad and I are going to probably go to the PX tomorrow along with a trip to the hardware store.  I know that he wants to look for some stuff for mom at the PX, and we have to get some hardware for my furniture.  It may not be a bad idea to look for some stocking stuffers while we are there, too.  Oh, and I have my first Charlie Company FRG coffee tomorrow!

The three days following that I am going to be working -- still hopefully short shifts -- with a day off on friday (my brother comes home wednesday - I think my dad wants me to be his shopping buddy so that he doesn't have to go out in all of the madness!).  Then I have six straight eight hour days following that until Christmas.  All closing shifts which, the week for Christmas, is 11:30.  Yes, I work part time and I'm working 41 hours that week.  Uck.

Things will start to settle down the closer we get to January, and I plan on getting the house situated some more.  Then I have to plan for the Valentine's Day care package.  I know, one thing at a time, but I'm keeping myself occupied for sure!  Not to mention I plan on getting up at noon on Christmas, I think I'll need the extra sleep (unless Jesse calls me of course).  My family normally just lounges around in their pajamas all day anyway.  I am really excited about Christmas dinner because we're going to be doing crab legs.  Jesse hates seafood so I thought it would be an opportune time!

Other than that, I will likely write more tomorrow.  I need to get off my behind and get myself ready for work sometime here.  It's a late one tonight - I work until 10:30 on a sunday night.  I don't really understand that... Most people work monday through friday and have to get up early, right?  Ugh, the holidays!

I will try and be more positive soon, lol.

Really, really ridiculously good looking...

That was a line made famous by Zoolander, a character Jesse seems to idol at times...  But I had to say it!  I just wanted to post a snippet of a photo of my husband on his adventures overseas.  I have decided that next Christmas we're going to some Christmassy things.  'Now, why not do it now?' you might ask and the answer is simple:  I work in retail.  Retail and Christmas can be so hectic that you don't really get a time to do much of anything, let along enjoy the holiday.  I basically have one week -- next week -- to do all of my Christmas shopping.  After that, I'm not venturing out again unless it is to go to the Tacoma Mall to work.

I'm getting off track here, so back on to next year.  Jesse will be home, and we'll be able to do lots of stuff!  There is this train that takes you to Leavenworth, Washington for a day trip to see the tree lighting there.  Normally there is snow, and the bavarian town is absolutely beautiful.  I've never seen Leavenworth in the winter, and would love to do that.

Another thing that I would love to do is go to Illwaco, Washington (one of the most southwestern most towns in the state) and see what they do down there.  One of the big local fish markets makes a tree out of crab pots and puts lights on it.  Then they have a "tree lighting" of sorts.  They also have a lighted boat parade too which just sounds fun!  I know they have some things similar to that in Tacoma (in regard to lighted boats) because we've seen them down on the waterfront for my birthday in January.  I know Jesse would be up for this tree lighting - his favorite artist has a gallery down on the water there.  I love that beach, there's something about it that's just beautiful!

Anyway, I am going to finish up here so I can get ready for work.... As much as I don't wanna go today!  It's cold outside which doesn't help either - and my dress coat is still in storage!  Oh well I guess!

Enjoy your weekend & here are some pics of the husband - I updated the album again.

Jesse Overseas

Mid-Week Update

Today was relatively uneventful, I went to the gym and with my mom to take the dog for a walk. Jesse met us there and played ball with Stryker a little bit.

Jesse has a heat test of some sort tomorrow, which is kind of funny because we have no idea what it entails. All I know is that he drug out all of his gear and strung it out all over our very small bedroom. I have to say it was quite cute when he had my father and brother, Taylor, try on his flak vest. That was pretty good! He also confirmed that he probably will get the new boots they have now that are green and brown (in Jesse's words "hideous") and the super cool (at least I think so) shirts that go underneath the flak vest. They're green in the center of the shirt, with ACU-type sleeves, almost like a baseball style shirt. Very cool, nice, and new gear!

I got some information on the FRG (Family Readiness Group) today also, and should be contacted soon about what's happening with that. It's exciting! When Jesse leaves I'll make sure to post ideas for care packages in case anyone is interested!

Tomorrow I go to work for my 2nd day... Things have been pretty dead because of the Puyallup Fair. Quite honestly, I can't complain! It's kind of nice to just get back into the swing of things without crazy amount of customers in the store. Besides, my friend April is working again and we are going to have some cupcakes!

The jewelry store is going to have a LeVian show the beginning of december. Those who do not know what LeVian is, it is amazingly beautiful (and expensive) jewelry. LeVian is a family name, and they have been making jewelry since the 1700's (www.levian.com). They started in the beginning by designing jewelry for Persian Royalty. The jewelry is beautiful and made with all natural stones. The company warranties the gold and the stones in the jewelry for life -- that is how much they believe in their product. So, back to what I was talking about before, they're having a HUGE show at our store that will have so many pieces it requires security. We're talking $9 million worth of jewelry. The LeVian dealer also told our manager that if none of the associates wear jewelry that day that he will dress us with the gorgeousness that is LeVian. It's a rough life!

Anywhoo, on some "off" type days I'll try and update you all on some of the things we did in Georgia.... And post some pictures. There isn't too much to see, but we have some interesting stories and pictures!

I also found a cause which I think is worth supporting! I know everyone has left over, random Christmas cards laying around their house... So why not donate them to a good cause and let our soldiers know how much they are appreciated and that they are thought about this holiday season? Cards are due by November 20th.

Operation Christmas Cards for Our Soldiers

The Physical Address to mail your boxes of Christmas Cards are as follows:

You can mail cards to:
Amanda Sullivan
Attn: Operation Christmas Cards
PO Box 102
Shrewsbury MA 01545

Rochelle Fetterley
Operation Christmas Cards
2106 N Country Club Road
Duncan OK 73533

Only address the envelope if it is going to a soldier that celebrates something other than Christmas.

-- Some Q&A --

Do we need to have the card in a blank envelope?
It is not needed but it would be great if it was in one.

Do we seal the envelopes?
Please do not seal the envelopes, we check through them for the occasional card that contains comments that you would not want your friend or loved one reading while they are defending this country.

Does it have to be Christmas cards?
Absolutely not. Any and all types of holiday cards will be greatly appreciated. Thank you cards will be just great too as well as pictures that are drawn by children.

Who can we ask and how can we help more?
You can ask anyone and everyone. Friends, family, schools, churches. Diane suggested putting boxes around town with a short description of the project. Email me for the description that we are using if you need help for ideas. We've asked local business if they would display a box during the month of October into November as long as we check in weekly to collect cards.

Can we send more than just cards?
Sure, the troops love anything from home such as candy and cookies at the holidays. Stockings, christmas lights, anything that makes it feel a little more festive for them. DVDS and books or magazines. Even if they are used these troops greatly appreciate them.

Do we leave contact information?
If you would like to that would be great. Most soldiers would love to keep in contact especially when children send art work. However, some soldiers may be unable to answer or may not have the time. Don't forget they have a lot to do over there and some soldiers rarely get free time for themselves.

It's a New Day

So today I start my job back at Kay Jewelers. It should be interesting since I left my job at Hoya Vision Care nearly a year ago, and it has probably been more like a year and a half since I've worked at the jewelry store. It is bittersweet for I love not having to work (I mean really, who LOVES to work, right?), but I look forward to working with the manager and my friend April. We have quite a good time together!

Today Jesse signed into Brigade. The good news is that he will not be leaving for Afghanistan for another 30 or so days! We did hear through all of the "joe dot com" rumors that there was a possibility that he would have to leave on the 22nd of this month, but we did not want to alert anyone until we knew something 100%. But it WILL be approximately 30 days from today. Before Jesse leaves they have to qualify on their weapons and do some land navigation (often called land nav). That is all we know for now, but this truly is a positive thing because it shaves another 30 days off his deployment.

Earlier today I took Stryker to the dog park, where he got to play with my parents dogs Daisy and Wynne, and a neighborhood dog, Zach. They got worn out SUPER fast! I wanted to share a picture of Stryker with you (from the new camera!).

Doin' the Puyallup

Today Jesse had a short work day and we headed out to the Puyallup Fair. Little did we know, it was military appreciation day today, and we BOTH got in free to the fair. Gotta love it!

We made our rounds looking at all kinds of crafts, gifts, and many pitch men. We didn't buy anything, but we did stop and get an Earthquake burger, which is a must have at the Puyallup Fair! It is a 1/2 lb burger that you can get with or without cheese, they also like to serve cooked onions on the top too (which we opt out of, Jesse doesn't care for onions much). Add a huge pile of fries and a coke, and you're set. Now, I know it sounds like a heart attack on a plate, but it's pretty good! We also went and got an elephant ear, a must have for Jesse. It was a bit crazy, but going on a week day is the best option. Overall we had a good time!

We are going to be buying a new camera soon, so hopefully I will be able to post some beautiful new pictures.

Also I am going to be starting my job again tomorrow, which should be interesting! I've been out of practice for nearly a year now. Jesse finishes in-processing tomorrow, and will sign into Brigade soon. I will keep everyone posted on what things look like after that! I am getting an e-mail list together (to e-mail updates and such), so if I don't have your e-mail (or someone else's that you think I should have) PLEASE let me know. My e-mail is marissa.mcadam@gmail.com. Thanks!