First and foremost, Happy 15th Navy Anniversary to my wonderful Hubby!!! Only five more until retirement! We are so appreciative of your hard work!! :)
Now, on to the MilSpouse Friday Fill-in. Thank you, Wife of a Sailor, for hosting!
1.What’s the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
When I was preggers with JC, I flew to NH with LB while Hubby was deployed. For reasons I won't go into, I couldn't lift LB's car seat onto the plane seat. The flight attendent just stared at me when I asked for help, so a wicked nice guy helped me with it. He also waited after the plane landed for everyone to get off between us so he could come back and help me off the plane, too. I seriously hope karma rewards that guy!
2.If you are having a hard time going to sleep, what do you do to help yourself?
Nothing. I've been a bad sleeper for the past few years, so I just wait it out. Eventually I'll fall asleep, but I know I won't stay asleep, so I don't worry about it.
3.Name something that makes you wish you were a kid again.
It would be a blast to go trick-or-treating this Halloween, then stuff myself full of fat and sugar and not worry about gaining any weight. :)
4.What is something you never believed until you experienced it?
True love. Sounds cynical, but I never thought someone would love me completely. I had given up on the whole concept and accepted my fate as a perpetually-single old maid, then I met Hubby. I also never believed in the whole "if you stop looking for love, it will come to you" thing until that night!
5.What can’t you say “no” to?
Mmm, chocolate. Although, my second choice would be sex. ;) Kidding- just wanted to see if you made it all the way through this post, heehee!
10/29/10
10/28/10
I RAN!
Big milestone for me: I started the morning by RUNNING!! If you've been a follower for the past few months, you know that I had a fractured pelvis, which sidelined me from doing anything physical. For the past several weeks, I got out of the pool and back into the gym, doing the ellipticals and bikes and Body Pump classes. Don't get me wrong, I love Body Pump and I'll keep doing it, but what I really wanted to do, the only thing that gets the weight off, is run.
And I did it!
I was scared. I didn't want to set myself back and I have no idea if my pelvis is actually ready for that kind of abuse, so I took it slow. Ran 4 minutes, walked 1 minute, for a half hour. Wow, I felt like I could run the entire time, but I didn't want to push my luck. It felt so good, though! No pain in my hips, no pain in my knees, and most importantly no swelling in my throat. I didn't even need my once-necessary piece of minty gum.
If you haven't known me for a long time, you probably don't know that I struggled with a thyroid problem for years before it was finally diagnosed. During that time, my throat would swell so much that it was hard to breathe- I would literally choke just tilting my head back. So running was very hard for me- I usually ended every run in tears, which I think freaked Hubby out. Chewing a piece of minty gum while running helped a little bit, and I'm pretty sure that I solely kept Dentene in business. Now that my hypothyroid is under control (and my throat isn't swollen shut), I feel AWESOME. No gum required.
Go me!! I'm so motivated right now, it's ridiculous. :)
And I did it!
I was scared. I didn't want to set myself back and I have no idea if my pelvis is actually ready for that kind of abuse, so I took it slow. Ran 4 minutes, walked 1 minute, for a half hour. Wow, I felt like I could run the entire time, but I didn't want to push my luck. It felt so good, though! No pain in my hips, no pain in my knees, and most importantly no swelling in my throat. I didn't even need my once-necessary piece of minty gum.
If you haven't known me for a long time, you probably don't know that I struggled with a thyroid problem for years before it was finally diagnosed. During that time, my throat would swell so much that it was hard to breathe- I would literally choke just tilting my head back. So running was very hard for me- I usually ended every run in tears, which I think freaked Hubby out. Chewing a piece of minty gum while running helped a little bit, and I'm pretty sure that I solely kept Dentene in business. Now that my hypothyroid is under control (and my throat isn't swollen shut), I feel AWESOME. No gum required.
Go me!! I'm so motivated right now, it's ridiculous. :)
10/27/10
I feel like I'm 14 all over again... but with beer.
Last night, my friend K and I went to see the Gin Blossoms. They put on a free concert at a local comedy club (FREE, one of my favorite four-letter words), and it was good, very MTV Unplugged. The singer and the guitarist were the only band members that could make it, so it was very acoustic... and short. It was so short that K and I decided to go out.
We did trivia night at a local bar, then went to another to do some karaoke. The karaoke was a little insane- we did Shoop. I don't think I've ever rapped in my entire life, and I think that's the last time because I'm pretty sure I sucked. :)
Anyway, it was a really, really fun night! Probably drank a little more beer than I should have (simply because I was dehydrated this morning), but I had such a good time knowing that Hubby was taking care of the boys, not some stranger, and that my friend K is a fun person to hang out with.
Seeing the Gin Blossoms was surreal. I felt like I should be a freshman in high school! Totally flash back... but at the same time, it was a little weird to see the guys get so... old. We met the singer after the show and he definitely wasn't a heartthrob. But let me tell you, that guy can sing. Definitely a band worth seeing live! It's so disappointing to see musicians who suck live and they are clearly created in a studio, so I was impressed with the GB's talent.
Yeah, my cell takes crapalicious pictures, but there they were!
We did trivia night at a local bar, then went to another to do some karaoke. The karaoke was a little insane- we did Shoop. I don't think I've ever rapped in my entire life, and I think that's the last time because I'm pretty sure I sucked. :)
Anyway, it was a really, really fun night! Probably drank a little more beer than I should have (simply because I was dehydrated this morning), but I had such a good time knowing that Hubby was taking care of the boys, not some stranger, and that my friend K is a fun person to hang out with.
Seeing the Gin Blossoms was surreal. I felt like I should be a freshman in high school! Totally flash back... but at the same time, it was a little weird to see the guys get so... old. We met the singer after the show and he definitely wasn't a heartthrob. But let me tell you, that guy can sing. Definitely a band worth seeing live! It's so disappointing to see musicians who suck live and they are clearly created in a studio, so I was impressed with the GB's talent.
10/25/10
Happy 101
Wow, I got tagged! Thank you, Jess! I've never done one of these before, but I have to list 10 things that I like.
1. The color red. Thankfully Hubby likes that color in the kitchen, so all my appliances and cookware are decked out in my fave color.
2. New socks. So comfy.
3. Cheese. I love all kinds.
4. Diminishing numbers on the scale.
5. Body Pump class.
6. My fantastic Jetta Sportwagen TDI.
7. Autumn- the fashion, the food, the weather, all of it.
8. Football. A perfect Sunday would involve beer, good food, and the NFL.
9. Homemade cinnamon-craisin bread. It makes the house smell good and it's yummy.
10. Peppermint tea.
Now I get to award 10 friends with this, and I choose...
1. Cannot Predict Now
2. Diapers and Wine
3. Legend of Me
4. New England Country Girl
5. Our Navy Nest
6. A Monkey in the Navy
7. Pennies From Heaven
*Eh, so I only chose 7. Whatever.
10/24/10
A new low for Microsoft
"Windows gives me the family nature never could." That's the new catch phrase for Microsoft's Windows 7, promoting their photo editing software.
Did anyone else find offense in this??? I think it is an absolutely horrible, negative, disgusting line that ever existed in a commercial, and I can't believe Microsoft decided to include this concept in its marketing.
Why? Because perfection is not what family is about. Duh, Microsoft.
Hubby and I recently had family pictures done for our Christmas cards. The photographer took a lot of pictures and guess what- the boys still didn't smile or look in the camera at the same time. It's called being a child and I'd rather have pictures with personality than cookie-cutter, plastic smiles frozen on their faces in an obvious attempt to feign the ideal family.
When I was nine, my family had a rare occassion where all the aunts, uncles, and cousins visited my grandparents' house at the same time, so we took a family portrait. Some of us had weird looks on our faces and my Uncle B had to jump into the picture after setting the timer, so he's giving this odd finger-point, but it was memorable and funny to look at now. I wouldn't want to photo-shop generic forced smiles just to get the perfect picture because everyone's personality showed through.
Listen, I know that it's hard to get everyone seated and in a good mood and happy to be dressed alike (btw, matching outfits is just nerdy), but that's life. Take a few shots, pick the best one, and move on with it. The idea that we can photo-shop isn't what I don't like- it's the concept that the natural state of your family isn't good enough. I would never want to conceal my boys' energy and personality just to make it seem like they can sit and stay like trained dogs. Our Christmas card this year will include a smile from me, a half-smile from the Hubby, and no smile from the boys. JC didn't smile in a single picture because that's how he was that day and I never want myself or them to feel guilty for being who they are.
So Microsoft, please rethink the tagline. And fire whoever thought of it and the people that approved it.
Did anyone else find offense in this??? I think it is an absolutely horrible, negative, disgusting line that ever existed in a commercial, and I can't believe Microsoft decided to include this concept in its marketing.
Why? Because perfection is not what family is about. Duh, Microsoft.
Hubby and I recently had family pictures done for our Christmas cards. The photographer took a lot of pictures and guess what- the boys still didn't smile or look in the camera at the same time. It's called being a child and I'd rather have pictures with personality than cookie-cutter, plastic smiles frozen on their faces in an obvious attempt to feign the ideal family.
When I was nine, my family had a rare occassion where all the aunts, uncles, and cousins visited my grandparents' house at the same time, so we took a family portrait. Some of us had weird looks on our faces and my Uncle B had to jump into the picture after setting the timer, so he's giving this odd finger-point, but it was memorable and funny to look at now. I wouldn't want to photo-shop generic forced smiles just to get the perfect picture because everyone's personality showed through.
Listen, I know that it's hard to get everyone seated and in a good mood and happy to be dressed alike (btw, matching outfits is just nerdy), but that's life. Take a few shots, pick the best one, and move on with it. The idea that we can photo-shop isn't what I don't like- it's the concept that the natural state of your family isn't good enough. I would never want to conceal my boys' energy and personality just to make it seem like they can sit and stay like trained dogs. Our Christmas card this year will include a smile from me, a half-smile from the Hubby, and no smile from the boys. JC didn't smile in a single picture because that's how he was that day and I never want myself or them to feel guilty for being who they are.
So Microsoft, please rethink the tagline. And fire whoever thought of it and the people that approved it.
10/22/10
A day in the life of me
5:00- Wake up and drive to the gym. Forgot to roll windows up last night before it rained and sit in wet puddle the whole way.
5:30- Start my workout with a wet ass. Mid-elliptical, realize the boys need dress shoes for tomorrow.
6:15- Read newspaper, including a letter to the editor about how we need to "take a meat ax to military spending." Feel my blood pressure sky rocket.
6:50- Get home, kiss Hubby goodbye, and realize the boys are still asleep.
7:30- Boys wake up, chaos ensues.
8:30- Plop boys in front of The Cat In The Hat (tv show, not the stupid movie) and wash my face. Notice that I am looking tired and old and make a mental note to pick up foundation while out.
9:00- Get my lady moment and immediately take three Midol.
11:00-Sesame Street ends. Put the boys in the car and begin quest for brown dress shoes.
11:20- Arrive at Target. JC is sleeping. LB and I chill out....
...11:50- JC still sleeping. Wake his ass up so we can get going.
12:30- Leave Target empty-handed, enter Payless.
12:32- Leave Payless empty-handed, put boys in the car again.
12:50- Arrive at outdoor mall, notice it's pouring, and turn right around for indoor mall on the other side of the peninsula.
1:30- Arrive at mall and start looking for shoes at Macy's.
1:40- Leave Macy's empty-handed.
1:45- Enter Crazy 8's. Find nothing.
1:50- Enter Children's Place. Find nothing.
2:00- Drag children to other side of the mall for Sears. Force LB to try on shoes. He screams they're too tight. Try a size bigger. He screams they're too tight. Try clown-sized shoes. He screams they're too tight. Give up and find nothing.
2:10- Stop at bagel place for some milk for the boys, root beer for me, and bagel to split. Killer cramps settle in.
2:15- Obnoxious asshole sits next to us and says I need to control the boys because it'll just get harder when they're teenagers. Give him a nasty look.
2:25- Obnoxious man starts talking loudly to coworker about how children aren't controlled enough these days and that's what's wrong with America. Feel my blood pressure sky rocket again, get up, and leave with the boys.
2:26- Pick up a tantrum-throwing LB and carry him under my arm the entire length of the mall. Receive plenty of stares and ignore them all.
2:40- Put kids in the car and leave for home. Realize I didn't get foundation or shoes, that I spent $6 today and have nothing to show for it.
2:41- Kids fall asleep.
3:15- Arrive home. Kids still asleep. Do a little happy dance and eat a scoop of ice cream.
5:30- Start my workout with a wet ass. Mid-elliptical, realize the boys need dress shoes for tomorrow.
6:15- Read newspaper, including a letter to the editor about how we need to "take a meat ax to military spending." Feel my blood pressure sky rocket.
6:50- Get home, kiss Hubby goodbye, and realize the boys are still asleep.
7:30- Boys wake up, chaos ensues.
8:30- Plop boys in front of The Cat In The Hat (tv show, not the stupid movie) and wash my face. Notice that I am looking tired and old and make a mental note to pick up foundation while out.
9:00- Get my lady moment and immediately take three Midol.
11:00-Sesame Street ends. Put the boys in the car and begin quest for brown dress shoes.
11:20- Arrive at Target. JC is sleeping. LB and I chill out....
...11:50- JC still sleeping. Wake his ass up so we can get going.
12:30- Leave Target empty-handed, enter Payless.
12:32- Leave Payless empty-handed, put boys in the car again.
12:50- Arrive at outdoor mall, notice it's pouring, and turn right around for indoor mall on the other side of the peninsula.
1:30- Arrive at mall and start looking for shoes at Macy's.
1:40- Leave Macy's empty-handed.
1:45- Enter Crazy 8's. Find nothing.
1:50- Enter Children's Place. Find nothing.
2:00- Drag children to other side of the mall for Sears. Force LB to try on shoes. He screams they're too tight. Try a size bigger. He screams they're too tight. Try clown-sized shoes. He screams they're too tight. Give up and find nothing.
2:10- Stop at bagel place for some milk for the boys, root beer for me, and bagel to split. Killer cramps settle in.
2:15- Obnoxious asshole sits next to us and says I need to control the boys because it'll just get harder when they're teenagers. Give him a nasty look.
2:25- Obnoxious man starts talking loudly to coworker about how children aren't controlled enough these days and that's what's wrong with America. Feel my blood pressure sky rocket again, get up, and leave with the boys.
2:26- Pick up a tantrum-throwing LB and carry him under my arm the entire length of the mall. Receive plenty of stares and ignore them all.
2:40- Put kids in the car and leave for home. Realize I didn't get foundation or shoes, that I spent $6 today and have nothing to show for it.
2:41- Kids fall asleep.
3:15- Arrive home. Kids still asleep. Do a little happy dance and eat a scoop of ice cream.
And the winner is...
...Jess! Message me your addy, and I'll have your large jar of Autumn Fruit delivered! Btw, discovered that last year, too, and it's Hubby's fave.
Congrats!
Congrats!
MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #18
1.Are you a night owl or an early bird?
I used to be a night owl, but last night I was pooped at 9:30pm. Having kids has made me an early bird now, but I definitely have days where I want to get to bed early and sleep in!
2.What makes you jealous?
Autumn in NH when I can't be there. I love everything about fall in New England, and I miss it very much.
3.Have you started Christmas/holiday shopping yet? When will you finish? (There’s only 63 days left!)
Technically, no. We're going to buy presents when we get to NH (so we don't have to pack them in our suitcases), so sometime between the 19th and Christmas Eve. But we have given thought to what we want to get for each person.
4.What would you have a personal chef make you tonight?
Oh, the possibilities!! Probably something I can't make very well, like thai food. Or maybe something I like that Hubby doesn't, like lasagna, just so I can blame the cook. :)
5.Where was your first kiss?
I think it was at recess, but the one that I really remember was at band camp my freshman year in high school. Yeah, band camp.... that says a lot about why my first kiss was in high school and not earlier, ha!
Go visit Wife of a Sailor to link up!
I used to be a night owl, but last night I was pooped at 9:30pm. Having kids has made me an early bird now, but I definitely have days where I want to get to bed early and sleep in!
2.What makes you jealous?
Autumn in NH when I can't be there. I love everything about fall in New England, and I miss it very much.
3.Have you started Christmas/holiday shopping yet? When will you finish? (There’s only 63 days left!)
Technically, no. We're going to buy presents when we get to NH (so we don't have to pack them in our suitcases), so sometime between the 19th and Christmas Eve. But we have given thought to what we want to get for each person.
4.What would you have a personal chef make you tonight?
Oh, the possibilities!! Probably something I can't make very well, like thai food. Or maybe something I like that Hubby doesn't, like lasagna, just so I can blame the cook. :)
5.Where was your first kiss?
I think it was at recess, but the one that I really remember was at band camp my freshman year in high school. Yeah, band camp.... that says a lot about why my first kiss was in high school and not earlier, ha!
Go visit Wife of a Sailor to link up!
10/21/10
Ugh, someone slap me in the face, please.
I got this text message from Hubby about an hour ago (while I was getting the boys haircuts... btw, so friggin cute):
"Going to stay late tonight. Have to do urinalysis and work on a paper. Won't get to the gym til 5."
(Which means, he'll probably be home around 7, 7:30)
After I read that, I was really bummed. I mean, not home for dinner?? That sucks. Then I remembered something. When Hubby was on the sub in the shipyard, he wouldn't come home until 1am, then have to get up at 4am for work the same morning! The entire time he was on the boat, I couldn't say that I honestly expected him home for dinner any day, with the exception of baby leave.
Oh my god, I'm going soft on shore duty! Duh, he's in the military- any time he can make it home for dinner is a plus, not a given. Wow, I feel so spoiled now.
I suppose I should enjoy it. After all, once we're back on sea duty, I can just kiss family dinner time good-bye. As a d-head, I don't expect him to come home at all, especially (heaven forbid) if he's an Eng. YUCK. But at the same time, I don't want to be that whiny wife who gets used to having her hubby home, then bitches about duty days and deployments. I wanna keep my perspective! At least, until retirement. :)
"Going to stay late tonight. Have to do urinalysis and work on a paper. Won't get to the gym til 5."
(Which means, he'll probably be home around 7, 7:30)
After I read that, I was really bummed. I mean, not home for dinner?? That sucks. Then I remembered something. When Hubby was on the sub in the shipyard, he wouldn't come home until 1am, then have to get up at 4am for work the same morning! The entire time he was on the boat, I couldn't say that I honestly expected him home for dinner any day, with the exception of baby leave.
Oh my god, I'm going soft on shore duty! Duh, he's in the military- any time he can make it home for dinner is a plus, not a given. Wow, I feel so spoiled now.
I suppose I should enjoy it. After all, once we're back on sea duty, I can just kiss family dinner time good-bye. As a d-head, I don't expect him to come home at all, especially (heaven forbid) if he's an Eng. YUCK. But at the same time, I don't want to be that whiny wife who gets used to having her hubby home, then bitches about duty days and deployments. I wanna keep my perspective! At least, until retirement. :)
10/20/10
Got cute kids??
I don't want to come across as a stage mom, but the Gap is having a kids' casting call. You can enter your kid at http://www.gapcastingcall.com/. There are some seriously adorable kids out there!
Now please don't think I'm going to push the boys into becoming Derek Zoolanders (although they both have Blue Steel down pat). I never want to be the kind of person that takes something like this seriously. I vote for all my friends' kids, because it's something fun to do, not because I'm competitive (okay, maybe not competitive about this). I want everyone to enter their kids because maybe, someday they'll up as Gap models, and that would be cool. But I don't think everyone has to get all eye-gougey about it... which is a little of what I'm seeing....
So enter your kids. If I know you, I'll send the links for mine, too. After all, there are semi-finalists that win some pretty cool prizes, even if your kid doesn't win a grand prize. So the way I see it, it's a win-win. :) Oh, but hurry, because I think the deadline to enter is this Friday.
Now please don't think I'm going to push the boys into becoming Derek Zoolanders (although they both have Blue Steel down pat). I never want to be the kind of person that takes something like this seriously. I vote for all my friends' kids, because it's something fun to do, not because I'm competitive (okay, maybe not competitive about this). I want everyone to enter their kids because maybe, someday they'll up as Gap models, and that would be cool. But I don't think everyone has to get all eye-gougey about it... which is a little of what I'm seeing....
So enter your kids. If I know you, I'll send the links for mine, too. After all, there are semi-finalists that win some pretty cool prizes, even if your kid doesn't win a grand prize. So the way I see it, it's a win-win. :) Oh, but hurry, because I think the deadline to enter is this Friday.
10/18/10
Giveaway
For the past few years, I've lived in states where autumn has been a disappointment. I'm from NH (duh) where the leaves turn vibrant colors, there's a cold snap in the air, and the smell of fires in the fireplace lingers inside and out. I miss crunching leaves under my feet, bundling up for a haunted hayride, and taking a weekend drive on the Kancamagus.
What's a NH girl to do?
For the past several autumns, it's been in the 70s or 80s and not a red, orange, or yellow leaf in sight. There's no brisk snap, no fireplace fires, no crunchy leaves. So I did the only thing I could think of: buy as much Yankee Candle seasonal candles as I could in my most favorite scents (they even have one named "Fireside"!). My faves include Autumn Leaves and Macintosh Apple.
What is your favorite fall Yankee Candle?? Leave me a comment with your favorite fall scent and why you like it, and you can win a large jar candle in that scent! The winner will be announced Fri Oct 22 5pm EST.
What's a NH girl to do?
For the past several autumns, it's been in the 70s or 80s and not a red, orange, or yellow leaf in sight. There's no brisk snap, no fireplace fires, no crunchy leaves. So I did the only thing I could think of: buy as much Yankee Candle seasonal candles as I could in my most favorite scents (they even have one named "Fireside"!). My faves include Autumn Leaves and Macintosh Apple.
What is your favorite fall Yankee Candle?? Leave me a comment with your favorite fall scent and why you like it, and you can win a large jar candle in that scent! The winner will be announced Fri Oct 22 5pm EST.
A fall weekend
This past weekend was a lot of fun for all of us. Hubby started Saturday by participating in this race on base- he ran three miles then biked for nine. After the race was done, we all went up to the Gilroy outlets and dropped some serious cash on new clothes for the boys. The Christmas outfits are... well, so stinkin' cute. I won't describe them because they look so much better in person. Just ridiculously cute.
Once we came home, we chilled out with the boys (who were decently good for a one and two year old at shopping outlets), then watched Sports Center and SNL. I love SNL and I wish I could stay up to watch the whole thing, but I'm a friggin' old fart now and had to turn the TV off right after Weekend Update. How boring am I?
Hubby took a large dose of Nyquil that night. Everyone in this house has gotten sick, except for me. I'm pounding the Airborne like crazy because I can't get sick. It's just not possible for me to stay in bed with these two little guys running around.
Sunday was a good day, even though it rained all day. I actually liked the rain- we need it badly, and there are just some days where the rain feels refreshing and calming to me. We cleaned up the outside of the house- LB was a huge help! He picked up a broom and helped me sweep the leaves off the patio! Once JC was up from his nap, we took everyone to the Whole Enchilada, which is this great farm stand in Moss Landing. We were looking for some ingredients to make a little something for Christmas gifts- I won't give it away. :) But since LB was being just absolutely angelic, we also got him some chocolate covered peanuts and caramel. I thought he'd love them, but that little bugger licked the chocolate off, then handed me the caramel and peanut mess. Ha.
Once we got home, we began our project. However, it took WAY more time than we originally thought, so we ended up tripping over each other in the kitchen while I made dinner (spanish scallops baked in white wine, holy cow, so good). Hubby later pointed out that even though there were a million things going on at once and very little space, we didn't snap at each other once. I thought that was a pretty cool observation. :)
We bought a pumpkin at the farmstand, but didn't have time to carve it, so that's on the agenda tonight, along with some apple cider we also picked up.
I friggin' love weekends like this. Not just the shopping, but being all together and everyone enjoying each other's company. And having the house smell like whatever-we-were-working-on (I'm not giving it away!!) was a huge plus. Very autumn. :)
So there you go, in case you were wondering what NHGirl's fam was up to. I'll have to post pics of the pumpkin tomorrow, and maybe share my scallop recipe- seriously good.
Once we came home, we chilled out with the boys (who were decently good for a one and two year old at shopping outlets), then watched Sports Center and SNL. I love SNL and I wish I could stay up to watch the whole thing, but I'm a friggin' old fart now and had to turn the TV off right after Weekend Update. How boring am I?
Hubby took a large dose of Nyquil that night. Everyone in this house has gotten sick, except for me. I'm pounding the Airborne like crazy because I can't get sick. It's just not possible for me to stay in bed with these two little guys running around.
Sunday was a good day, even though it rained all day. I actually liked the rain- we need it badly, and there are just some days where the rain feels refreshing and calming to me. We cleaned up the outside of the house- LB was a huge help! He picked up a broom and helped me sweep the leaves off the patio! Once JC was up from his nap, we took everyone to the Whole Enchilada, which is this great farm stand in Moss Landing. We were looking for some ingredients to make a little something for Christmas gifts- I won't give it away. :) But since LB was being just absolutely angelic, we also got him some chocolate covered peanuts and caramel. I thought he'd love them, but that little bugger licked the chocolate off, then handed me the caramel and peanut mess. Ha.
Once we got home, we began our project. However, it took WAY more time than we originally thought, so we ended up tripping over each other in the kitchen while I made dinner (spanish scallops baked in white wine, holy cow, so good). Hubby later pointed out that even though there were a million things going on at once and very little space, we didn't snap at each other once. I thought that was a pretty cool observation. :)
We bought a pumpkin at the farmstand, but didn't have time to carve it, so that's on the agenda tonight, along with some apple cider we also picked up.
I friggin' love weekends like this. Not just the shopping, but being all together and everyone enjoying each other's company. And having the house smell like whatever-we-were-working-on (I'm not giving it away!!) was a huge plus. Very autumn. :)
So there you go, in case you were wondering what NHGirl's fam was up to. I'll have to post pics of the pumpkin tomorrow, and maybe share my scallop recipe- seriously good.
10/15/10
MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #17
1.What are some things on your bucket list? (from New Girl on Post)
Visit Italy, especially Genoa.
Watch my boys grow into men.
Learn to speak italian.
2.How long have you been a MilSpouse and where have you been stationed so far? (from Raising Roscoe)
I've been a milspouse since 2004, although Hubby and I have been together since 1998. After we got married, we were in Oxford OH (for college- hooray for STA-21!), Charleston SC, Groton CT (I stayed with my parents in NH and he lived in the BOQ), Portsmouth VA (what a sh!t hole), Pearl Harbor HI, and now Monterey CA.
3.What is a list of songs that sums up your life so far? (from Confessions of a Sailor’s Wife)
Graceland, by Paul Simon
I Only Have Eyes For You, by The Flamingos
My Life, by Billy Joel
Tonight, Tonight by the Smashing Pumpkins (no real significance, it just reminds me of high school)
*This was a really tough one!
4.What is your favorite kind of pizza?
I really like BBQ chicken, or hawaiian, but sometimes there's nothing better than a slice of plain cheese from Sal's.
5.What are three good things in your life right now?
My hubby, LB, and JC. :) I could count them as one if I just said "my family", so other good things would be my extended family and GA. And if I counted all of them as family, then my top 3 good things in my life right now would be:
My family
My car
My Swiffer, with dry and wet refills (seriously one of the best inventions, I friggin love it)
If you are a milspouse, head on over to Wife of a Sailor to link up and participate!
Visit Italy, especially Genoa.
Watch my boys grow into men.
Learn to speak italian.
2.How long have you been a MilSpouse and where have you been stationed so far? (from Raising Roscoe)
I've been a milspouse since 2004, although Hubby and I have been together since 1998. After we got married, we were in Oxford OH (for college- hooray for STA-21!), Charleston SC, Groton CT (I stayed with my parents in NH and he lived in the BOQ), Portsmouth VA (what a sh!t hole), Pearl Harbor HI, and now Monterey CA.
3.What is a list of songs that sums up your life so far? (from Confessions of a Sailor’s Wife)
Graceland, by Paul Simon
I Only Have Eyes For You, by The Flamingos
My Life, by Billy Joel
Tonight, Tonight by the Smashing Pumpkins (no real significance, it just reminds me of high school)
*This was a really tough one!
4.What is your favorite kind of pizza?
I really like BBQ chicken, or hawaiian, but sometimes there's nothing better than a slice of plain cheese from Sal's.
5.What are three good things in your life right now?
My hubby, LB, and JC. :) I could count them as one if I just said "my family", so other good things would be my extended family and GA. And if I counted all of them as family, then my top 3 good things in my life right now would be:
My family
My car
My Swiffer, with dry and wet refills (seriously one of the best inventions, I friggin love it)
If you are a milspouse, head on over to Wife of a Sailor to link up and participate!
10/13/10
Updating. I might be done some time this year.
You may have noticed that I'm switching around a few things on this blog. Or maybe you didn't. Whatever. I have a neat little separate box for my milspouse ladies.
The reason? I hate the "follow" feature. Despise it. Loathe it. I never access my dashboard on a daily basis, and I'd rather see the new posts right there on my homepage, sooooo buh-bye "follow". I'll still follow people, just to show some love, but that's the only reason I'll use it.
Also, I'm thinking of changing my background. And uploading an actual picture of myself instead of this kinda-looks-like-me avatar.
This blog just needs a little bit of housecleaning, so bear with me. It's gonna take awhile, mainly because the intelligent side of my brain is completely shut down from dawn to dusk, and instead the 1-2-3, primary-color-lovin' side of my brain is in overdrive. Not conducive to anything requiring a brain cell.
Case in point, that last paragraph took me about ten minutes to type. I just can't think with the whining and all the noise that comes with two little boys at play.
So stay tuned. Promise I'll try my best to get this all straightened out. Also, I'm still thinking of a giveaway, but that will be its own separate post.
The reason? I hate the "follow" feature. Despise it. Loathe it. I never access my dashboard on a daily basis, and I'd rather see the new posts right there on my homepage, sooooo buh-bye "follow". I'll still follow people, just to show some love, but that's the only reason I'll use it.
Also, I'm thinking of changing my background. And uploading an actual picture of myself instead of this kinda-looks-like-me avatar.
This blog just needs a little bit of housecleaning, so bear with me. It's gonna take awhile, mainly because the intelligent side of my brain is completely shut down from dawn to dusk, and instead the 1-2-3, primary-color-lovin' side of my brain is in overdrive. Not conducive to anything requiring a brain cell.
Case in point, that last paragraph took me about ten minutes to type. I just can't think with the whining and all the noise that comes with two little boys at play.
So stay tuned. Promise I'll try my best to get this all straightened out. Also, I'm still thinking of a giveaway, but that will be its own separate post.
10/12/10
Random Tuesday Thoughts
I checked our accounts this morning and decided to do a little organization to see where our money has been going. First, I created categories, then listed each charge or purchase or payment into each category. Then I took it a step further and put it all in Excel. Then, since I clearly don't have anything else to do, I calculated the percentage of the paycheck each category used. Then, because I'm a huge uber-geek, I made a pie chart. Yeah, I'm cool like that. I emailed it to Hubby titled, Oct Budget Analysis Report. I'm pretty sure he's having second thoughts now.
I just Freudian-slipped on the keyboard and started typing "sex" instead of "second".
Our place is getting really Halloween-y. We have pumpkin lights strung in the kitchen (which LB loves) and luminaries and candles on the mantle. Very cool.
I have a doc appt today. Do you think JC would nap? Do you think since it's noon and he usually falls asleep at 11am that he'd be tired? Noooooo. Yet again, I'm going to be that crazy lady with the two crazy kids that nobody wants to deal with.
Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins, courtesy of my dear friend Betty Crocker:
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 cup dried cranberries
Heat oven to 400. Grease 12 regular sized muffin cups with shortening (I find Pam sucks for this kind of stuff) or line with baking cups. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt (sidenote: Betty does not believe in the Oxford comma... that wench). Stir in pumpkin, oil, eggs, and cranberries until just moistened. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Remove muffins from pan to cool. Here's what mine looked like (I, uh, ate one... then LB snuck one, which is why there are only ten):
I loath the word "moist". Gross.
Another Freudian slip, I typed "sin" instead of "cinnamon". Wow, what is wrong with me?
A good friend of mine said that she looks to me and Hubby for inspiration when she's feeling stressed being a new mom. I'm totally flattered... and scared, at the same time. I'm definitely not without my faults! But if my occassional-single-parenthood-due-to-the-Navy helps her, then I'm glad at least some good comes from it! ;)
Dammit, we're almost out of olive oil... I think I may need a new cookbook, one that is titled "What To Cook When Your Cupboards Are Bare or When You Need To PCS (aka, Move)".
Head over to The Unmom for more RTT.
10/10/10
Lazy Sunday
What I did this weekend:
Took two trips to the Walmart in Marina.... and immediately felt the need to either take a shower or beat down a redneck baby momma.
Packed a diaper bag plus dinner for the boys in under five minutes.
Had two very good phone calls with GA- I miss you so much!! I wanna have a coffee date!
Watched Shrek with LB. Unfortunately.
Made pumpkin cut-out cookies in the shapes of pumpkins, moons, cats, and ghosts. No, you can't have the recipe, because they SUCKED. They were doughy and tasted like bland pie crust.
Developed selective hearing. I no longer hear the annoying toys that the boys play with... most of the time.
Attempted to do a 9:30am hot yoga class. Showed up at 9:20, only to be told the class was permamently cancelled and changed to a family yoga class at 9am. I decided not to enter the class 20 minutes late, but I'm getting very frustrated at the lack of organization this gym has.
Took two trips to the Walmart in Marina.... and immediately felt the need to either take a shower or beat down a redneck baby momma.
Packed a diaper bag plus dinner for the boys in under five minutes.
Had two very good phone calls with GA- I miss you so much!! I wanna have a coffee date!
Watched Shrek with LB. Unfortunately.
Made pumpkin cut-out cookies in the shapes of pumpkins, moons, cats, and ghosts. No, you can't have the recipe, because they SUCKED. They were doughy and tasted like bland pie crust.
Developed selective hearing. I no longer hear the annoying toys that the boys play with... most of the time.
Attempted to do a 9:30am hot yoga class. Showed up at 9:20, only to be told the class was permamently cancelled and changed to a family yoga class at 9am. I decided not to enter the class 20 minutes late, but I'm getting very frustrated at the lack of organization this gym has.
10/8/10
MilSpouse Friday Fill-in
1.What is the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?
I flew from NH to FL, then drove a U-Haul with my bf (now Hubby) from there back to NH (DItY Navy move). U-Hauls suck for road trips!
2.Do you collect anything? Tell us a bit about it.
Useless pieces of paper. I save everything, unfortunately. But as far as the usual collections, like bottle caps and spoons, I don't do any of that. I don't see the point- I hate clutter.
3.What is your favorite part about being an adult?
Well, it was that I could do what I wanted, whenever I wanted. But now that I have kids, it all revolves around them. Funny... when I was a kid, I thought the world revolved around adults, but now that I am an adult, I'm realizing how good I had it. I guess youth really is wasted on the young.
4.What song brings a tear to your eye?
Styx, "Babe". It's so dumb, but when Hubby's deploying, all I can think about is that stupid song and it makes me cry. Ugh, damn you, Styx!
5.Describe your first plane ride (how old you were, where you were heading, etc).
I can't remember how old I was... 8 or 9? My parents took us all to Disneyworld. My ears hurt the entire ride going there. Plus, my mom had us all dressed up for some reason, so I was wicked uncomfortable in this long cotton dress. So I guess I hated it then, but now I don't mind flying. I did enough of it when Hubby and I were dating!
Wife of a Sailor has more, so go there and check it out.
I flew from NH to FL, then drove a U-Haul with my bf (now Hubby) from there back to NH (DItY Navy move). U-Hauls suck for road trips!
2.Do you collect anything? Tell us a bit about it.
Useless pieces of paper. I save everything, unfortunately. But as far as the usual collections, like bottle caps and spoons, I don't do any of that. I don't see the point- I hate clutter.
3.What is your favorite part about being an adult?
Well, it was that I could do what I wanted, whenever I wanted. But now that I have kids, it all revolves around them. Funny... when I was a kid, I thought the world revolved around adults, but now that I am an adult, I'm realizing how good I had it. I guess youth really is wasted on the young.
4.What song brings a tear to your eye?
Styx, "Babe". It's so dumb, but when Hubby's deploying, all I can think about is that stupid song and it makes me cry. Ugh, damn you, Styx!
5.Describe your first plane ride (how old you were, where you were heading, etc).
I can't remember how old I was... 8 or 9? My parents took us all to Disneyworld. My ears hurt the entire ride going there. Plus, my mom had us all dressed up for some reason, so I was wicked uncomfortable in this long cotton dress. So I guess I hated it then, but now I don't mind flying. I did enough of it when Hubby and I were dating!
Wife of a Sailor has more, so go there and check it out.
10/6/10
The weight loss journey
Pelvis is healed. Now it's time to punish myself. :)
Starting this month, I began pushing myself at the gym, since my recovery period should be over. So far, I haven't felt any pain at all- hooray! I'm still trying to take it slow, but I'm anxious.
I'm not the kind of person that is comfortable putting on a lot of weight. I get self-conscious and stressed. And bitchy. When I first found out I was pregnant, it took some inward dialogue to convince myself to indulge. And once I started, it was surprisingly easy. But now that the kids are here and I have no reason to pig out like that, I'm hating the extra pounds.
Restricting my workouts was maddening. Realizing that I had been running and doing squats with an undiagnosed fracture was even more maddening- my recovery would take longer! But fortunately, my body cooperated once I gave it some time.
Now my youngest has turned one and I have a clearance to get out of the pool and back into the weight room (there are only so many 5am swims I can do before I start dreading it), I'm back to it... and it feels so good!
As you might remember, I've been broadcasting my weight on this blog. I think I started out in the 160s. The gym's scale reads 153 now, wahoo! So since I began going to the gym in January, I've lost about ten pounds.
My goal to feel good about myself is 140, so 13 pounds to go. My goal to feel smokin' hot is 130, so 23 pounds to go. That feels like such a long journey, so I'm planning on taking it one milestone at a time. I have no idea how long it's going to take to get to 140, but I'm definitely going to try my hardest.
I feel fortunate that Hubby's semester is more flexible as far as the mornings go. My schedule is Tues 6am cardio, Weds 6am Body Pump (awesome class, love it), Fri 5am cardio, and whatever I can do on the weekend. Of course, Biggest Loser on Tuesdays helps with the motivation factor. Sometimes, I can just hear Jillian screaming at me to push harder! Sidenote: if I was a bazillionaire, I'd totally hire her to kick my ass.
So there you have it. Ten pounds down, thirteen to go.
What workouts do you do that kick your ass?
Starting this month, I began pushing myself at the gym, since my recovery period should be over. So far, I haven't felt any pain at all- hooray! I'm still trying to take it slow, but I'm anxious.
I'm not the kind of person that is comfortable putting on a lot of weight. I get self-conscious and stressed. And bitchy. When I first found out I was pregnant, it took some inward dialogue to convince myself to indulge. And once I started, it was surprisingly easy. But now that the kids are here and I have no reason to pig out like that, I'm hating the extra pounds.
Restricting my workouts was maddening. Realizing that I had been running and doing squats with an undiagnosed fracture was even more maddening- my recovery would take longer! But fortunately, my body cooperated once I gave it some time.
Now my youngest has turned one and I have a clearance to get out of the pool and back into the weight room (there are only so many 5am swims I can do before I start dreading it), I'm back to it... and it feels so good!
As you might remember, I've been broadcasting my weight on this blog. I think I started out in the 160s. The gym's scale reads 153 now, wahoo! So since I began going to the gym in January, I've lost about ten pounds.
My goal to feel good about myself is 140, so 13 pounds to go. My goal to feel smokin' hot is 130, so 23 pounds to go. That feels like such a long journey, so I'm planning on taking it one milestone at a time. I have no idea how long it's going to take to get to 140, but I'm definitely going to try my hardest.
I feel fortunate that Hubby's semester is more flexible as far as the mornings go. My schedule is Tues 6am cardio, Weds 6am Body Pump (awesome class, love it), Fri 5am cardio, and whatever I can do on the weekend. Of course, Biggest Loser on Tuesdays helps with the motivation factor. Sometimes, I can just hear Jillian screaming at me to push harder! Sidenote: if I was a bazillionaire, I'd totally hire her to kick my ass.
So there you have it. Ten pounds down, thirteen to go.
What workouts do you do that kick your ass?
10/5/10
Random Tuesday Thoughts
I'm on my third hour of Chuggington. It's a Disney show about trains and probably my least favorite Disney show. But LB is sick, so I'm indulging him.
Speaking of indulging him, I picked up a cute blue frosted whale cookie with sprinkles this morning on my way home from the gym. It's sitting on the counter on LB's plate next to the dishwasher. I spotted a blue droplet on the counter next to the plate, so I swiped it up with my finger and licked it, thinking it was a stray drop of frosting. Nope... it was a stray drop of Cascade. Yum.
JC is cutting his molars and is super cranky lately. LB, like I said, is sick. He has a cough and has been sleeping past 8am every morning for the past few days (very unusual for him). So this house has been quite stressful during the day!
I booked a hair appointment for December. Haven't had one since spring 2009. The reason I wait so long is that I won't see anyone else except Amy in NH. She's the only one that doesn't butcher my hair, but that also means I have to wait until my next NH trip to get my hair cut. Right now, it touches my butt. Crazy.
Is there anyone else out there that can taste and smell pesticides?? Maybe I just have super-sensitive tastebuds or something, but I can definitely tell the difference between regular and organic produce. Especially lettuce- the non-organic tastes like hairspray. And non-organic grapes smell like a campfire.
Hubby and I have recently overhauled our diets. We don't eat anything with aspartame or sodium benzoate, and try to eat as organic as possible. It's a little expensive, but I think it's worth it. Pretty scary what all this fake crap can do to us.
Not much is going on around here. My brain is so kid-oriented that I don't have many random thoughts. Hubby told me Sunday to get out and do something, and the only thing I could think of was going to the gym. That's my life right now- kids, household, and gym. Ugh, how boring!
10/4/10
It's raining, it's pouring
Finally!
It hasn't rained in months here. We've had a few cloudy days and a few cool days, but none that required indoor activities. But this morning, I found it to be very cloudy (those heavy gray clouds) and sure enough, it's raining! Yay!
I really like change in weather. Here's my philosophy: people have moods that change, so why shouldn't the weather? Although I like sunny days on end, I love a good rain, or a good storm, or a snowstorm, etc. I don't like the same old boring weather day after day, so I was elated this morning when it started to drizzle!
Now that it's fall, there are other things I'd like to do that require being indoors. I felt guilty doing them on sunny, warm days, but not on days like today. Right now, I'm making Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins. I'll post the recipe soon. And I'm going to clean out some paperwork (I'm finding stuff I've kept since 1996... hello, I'm a packrat) and watch some football. The Pats are playing tonight and I'm baking some stromboli for dinner. Such a good fall day!!
I guess I'm too used to NH weather. That really had some personality! Harsh, brutal winters, HHH summers, brilliant falls... Wow, I was really spoiled living there. Although we've lived in some beautiful and amazing places, my heart still belongs in NH. I wonder if that's going to be an issue when it's time to retire from the Navy...
It hasn't rained in months here. We've had a few cloudy days and a few cool days, but none that required indoor activities. But this morning, I found it to be very cloudy (those heavy gray clouds) and sure enough, it's raining! Yay!
I really like change in weather. Here's my philosophy: people have moods that change, so why shouldn't the weather? Although I like sunny days on end, I love a good rain, or a good storm, or a snowstorm, etc. I don't like the same old boring weather day after day, so I was elated this morning when it started to drizzle!
Now that it's fall, there are other things I'd like to do that require being indoors. I felt guilty doing them on sunny, warm days, but not on days like today. Right now, I'm making Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins. I'll post the recipe soon. And I'm going to clean out some paperwork (I'm finding stuff I've kept since 1996... hello, I'm a packrat) and watch some football. The Pats are playing tonight and I'm baking some stromboli for dinner. Such a good fall day!!
I guess I'm too used to NH weather. That really had some personality! Harsh, brutal winters, HHH summers, brilliant falls... Wow, I was really spoiled living there. Although we've lived in some beautiful and amazing places, my heart still belongs in NH. I wonder if that's going to be an issue when it's time to retire from the Navy...
10/1/10
MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #15
1. What is the silliest get-up you have ever worn outside of a Halloween party? (from To The Nth)
I thought I was wicked fly in my Skidz, but hey, that was in the late 80s / early 90s.
2. What is something that you gave up in order to live the military lifestyle? (from Pennies from Heaven)
Lots. A career, seeing my family and friends often, having the hubby home every night... but the Navy's not forever. Push-ups for five more years 'til retirement!
3. If money wasn’t a factor and you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? And why? (from Life and Times of a Displaced Jersey Girl)
Oh my god, too many places! Spain is a reality, so besides that, I would say Italy, Germany, France, England, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Austria... the list is very lengthy. Maybe I would do a year long trip around Europe. And why? Well, why not??? Those places are gorgeous, and I'd love to see in Italy where my family is from, and of course I'd love to visit Mozart's birthplace, and maybe take in all the excellent cuisine, etc.
4. If you were going to join the military, what branch would you join? Or which MOS/rating would you choose? (from And You Never Did Think)
I actually thought about joining the military while I was in high school. I didn't know which branch then, but now I would probably say Air Force. Their bases are pretty great and from my completely uneducated view, it appears their schedules are not as strenuous. Air Force wives, you can feel free to give me a reality check about AF life! :)
5. What is your favorite thing to make for dinner? (from Armendinger Party of 4)
Oooh, that's a tough one... I've fallen in love with cooking. My favorite thing to make for the boys is homemade chicken nuggets, because they always eat them. But for an adult meal, I like making a big batch of homemade stromboli and freezing them- instant meal for busy days. And of course, no dinner would be complete without dessert, and my favorite fall dessert in the entire world are these Pumpkin Spice Bars. Seriously, click on the link and try making them- too amazing for words (and really easy)!
Head on to Wife of a Sailor to link up!
I thought I was wicked fly in my Skidz, but hey, that was in the late 80s / early 90s.
2. What is something that you gave up in order to live the military lifestyle? (from Pennies from Heaven)
Lots. A career, seeing my family and friends often, having the hubby home every night... but the Navy's not forever. Push-ups for five more years 'til retirement!
3. If money wasn’t a factor and you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? And why? (from Life and Times of a Displaced Jersey Girl)
Oh my god, too many places! Spain is a reality, so besides that, I would say Italy, Germany, France, England, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Austria... the list is very lengthy. Maybe I would do a year long trip around Europe. And why? Well, why not??? Those places are gorgeous, and I'd love to see in Italy where my family is from, and of course I'd love to visit Mozart's birthplace, and maybe take in all the excellent cuisine, etc.
4. If you were going to join the military, what branch would you join? Or which MOS/rating would you choose? (from And You Never Did Think)
I actually thought about joining the military while I was in high school. I didn't know which branch then, but now I would probably say Air Force. Their bases are pretty great and from my completely uneducated view, it appears their schedules are not as strenuous. Air Force wives, you can feel free to give me a reality check about AF life! :)
5. What is your favorite thing to make for dinner? (from Armendinger Party of 4)
Oooh, that's a tough one... I've fallen in love with cooking. My favorite thing to make for the boys is homemade chicken nuggets, because they always eat them. But for an adult meal, I like making a big batch of homemade stromboli and freezing them- instant meal for busy days. And of course, no dinner would be complete without dessert, and my favorite fall dessert in the entire world are these Pumpkin Spice Bars. Seriously, click on the link and try making them- too amazing for words (and really easy)!
Head on to Wife of a Sailor to link up!
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