Your Questions Answered!

I held off on answering these for a few reasons, but the biggest was the events of Thursday. I came home from subbing, got my computer and sat down to write this post when I saw everything pop up on facebook about Fort Hood. After making sure that everyone we knew there was ok, I sat glued to the TV for the rest of the day, in complete shock. I don't have the right words (who really does, though?) so I'll just say that the families of those injured and killed, as well as the whole community have been in my prayers and thoughts constantly. I can't imagine what that day was like. May God comfort and heal those affected by this, and make those living there feel safe again.

There isn't good way to transition from that to questions, but here goes. You asked, I'm answering!

lmc asked: "What has been the hardest part of this deployment? And what has been easier than expected?"

It's hard to pick one for each of those. As for the hardest, last Christmas was definitely very hard, especially since he had just left two weeks before. The whole thing was still new and fresh, and having a major holiday right then was just difficult. There are many more things that I could mention, but I think the one that sums them all up is the inability to call him, or to get an instant response to any question, problem, or exciting thing that happened. For weeks after he left, I would call his cell phone without thinking. Old habits die hard, I guess. Waiting for an email response, or waiting for the phone to ring can be really frustrating when you have a simple question. I don't want to complain though, because overall I have been very, very lucky in terms of communication. I have been able to talk to him on average about twice a week. Some weeks more, some weeks not at all, but on the whole, we've been very lucky and I know not everyone has that.

As for the easiest, I think I've just been constantly surprised at the fact that the year actually does go by, no matter how many times it seems like it never will. I had many people tell me that it's "easier done than said" and I think that's the best way to describe it. It seems so daunting when they leave, but once you get into it and establish your routine, time does pass. I was very surprised with my ability to adapt, especially after R&R. It was easier than I expected to get back into my routine of him being gone. I think I went into it, as I'm sure many people do, thinking that it was going to be the worst year of my life. Hardest, at times? Yes. But not the worst. I had projects to keep me busy, friends to hang out with, and two puppies that keep me sane (though sometimes drive me insane...) That's a long, vague answer to the question, but overall, even though some days I hit that "I'm so over this" point, he will come home in about a month, and it will all be over, contrary to how it felt last December.

MG said: "I want to know if you are listening to Christmas music yet!"

I am one of those people who is against anything Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving. The last 2 years, Starbucks has brought out their red cups early, and I'm not happy about it. So, no, I'm not listening to Christmas music yet! I do have to say that I've been very tempted this year. Last year I was kind of a Scrooge about Christmas, and this year I'm like a little kid since Chris will be home. So, yes I've been tempted to start doing all things Christmas, but I'm holding out :).

She also asked: "What are you making for Homecoming dinner?"

I am very fortunate that my husband loves my cooking. Over R&R, he didn't request one meal at a restaurant, instead he emailed me a list the week before with his requests: pulled pork in the Crock-Pot, lasagna, meatballs, etc. So, I have a lot of his favorites to choose from. If he gets home in the afternoon or evening, I'm planning on putting a pork shoulder in the Crock-Pot so that it's ready and waiting for us when we get home. Otherwise, I'll plan a big meal for the next night. I haven't quite decided what yet, but I'm leaning toward either lasagna or fresh pasta, two of his faves.

And, "What are you wearing for Homecoming?"

A little part of me is sad that he's not coming home in warm weather, because I can't go out and get a cute sundress :). Haha, but seriously, his will be probably around the 7th homecoming I go to for our brigade, and I think I'm learning I should find a mix between comfortable and cute. I'm leaning toward my new jeans, and a cute top I have yet to find. I'm planning a Nashville shopping trip next week for that very item. We'll see how it goes!

Stacie asked: "What is the best thing about Clarksville?"

Hands down, I'd have to say my friends here. I have so many great women here that have made the two years I've been here so great. I'm so thankful for each and every one of them. As far as my favorite thing to do in Clarksville, I'd have to say Jazz on the Lawn. I love love love going to the winery with friends, drinking wine, listening to music, and just hanging out. Other than that, I love the Blackhorse restaurant, and being so close to Nashville.

She also asked: "Do you have an idea of where you'd want to go next?"

Well, we know we are headed to Ft. Rucker for the Career Course in April/ May. Beyond that, we really aren't sure. Dream posts would be Hawaii and Germany, and I'm really pulling for a spot to open up at Belvoir. While there are a few places we wouldn't really care to end up, I know we'd be fine anywhere and make the best of it. I'm just anxious to find out where we'll be going!

That's it :). Hope everyone is having a great Saturday!

Miscellaneous

My mother-in-law sent me this today, and I got a good laugh out of it. Whoever made this is quite clever with Photoshop!

Sorry jlc, I had to ;)

Yes, I realize the Phillies are down 3-2 in the series and are going to have to play the game of their lives tonight, but a girl can dream, right?

Last night, I went to yoga for the first time in a while. I used to go all the time last winter and spring, but for some reason got out of it over the summer. I forgot how much I liked it, and how much better I feel afterwards. I generally work out 4-5 times a week, so it's feels good to take a break and relax a little. I like that this class is at night (7pm) so when the hour is over, I'm ready to come home and go to bed!

For Chris's birthday and homecoming, his parents got us a new TV. It's a Samsung 46" LED-LCD, which according to Chris (and Consumer Reports) is the new big thing in TVs. All I know is that it's Energy Star rated, so yay for saving on our electric bill! While his mom and sister were here this past weekend, we got it all set up. I have to say, I feel a little guilty watching the World Series on his birthday gift, when he's yet to see it. Sorry, honey. Superbowl party at our house this year?

On another note, both of my grandparents (Dad's parents) had surgery in the last week. My grandmother's was for cataracts, but my grandpop's was a little more serious and required a few days in the hospital. Thankfully, both went well and they are home now, but it's things like this that make it hard to live so far away. I'm sure many of you have dealt with similar issues, as such is the life of an Army family.

Lastly, I'm trying to decide if I want to as for a food processor or a Le Creuset dutch oven for Christmas. I'm pretty sure I would use either one a lot, but I just can't decide. Any thoughts?

(Oh, and I'm still taking questions... I've gotten some great ones so far! What else do you want to know about me? Here's your chance!)

Sign #2

Today I helped to assemble and deliver over 700 bundles for single soldiers in our brigade. Towels, shampoo, toothpaste, snacks, banners, etc, were placed in each barracks room for them to have upon their arrival. We had a huge assembly line going, and were able to package them all in a few hours. As I was manning my place at the chips and granola bars station, I got to thinking about how soon they are actually coming home. Assembling these bundles was what I refer to as Major Sign #2. Major Sign #1 being the return of ADVON last week. What will Major Sign #3 be? I hope to find out soon!


P.S. Keep the questions coming! I'll be answering them soon!

100th Post!

I admit it, I'm not the best blogger. I'll go for a week or two of regular posting, then I'll take a long hiatus. I'm working on it though, I really am. Nevertheless, this is my 100th post. I started this blog a little over a year ago, and had no clue what I was doing at the time!

So, in the tradition of many others, I am taking any and all questions. Once I get enough, I'll post them. So, ask away-- what do you want to know about me?

Homecomings, Visitors, and a Birthday!

It's been a busy week here, hence the lack of posts. First, our ADVON came home on Tuesday night. It was so good to see families reunited, and also made me excited for the rest of them to get here! Here are a few pictures:

Here they come!

A reunited family!

On Thursday, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law came to visit for a long weekend. We had a great time, watching the Phillies (even though they lost, ugh), got massages and facials, went out to eat, and just hung out. It's always good to see family!

Today is Chris's 27th birthday! I'm sad that I can't spend it with him, or actually even talk to him since he has changed location and doesn't have phone access. But, we will celebrate even more next year! So, happy birthday Chris!!!!

How Could You Ever Be Mad At These Two?

Seriously though... they drove me crazy all day. Digging in the dirt where my veggie garden used to be, wrestling, etc. But then I look down and see this, and how could I be mad?

There's Nothing Like a New Pair of Jeans.

See, I have this thing with jeans. Most just don't fit me. I don't think I have a weird body shape or anything, it's just that most are usually too short, or if they are long enough, they don't fit anywhere else. It was a problem that plagued me through all of high school. Then, years ago, I tried on my first pair of Seven jeans, and I was sold. From then on, I resigned myself to the fact that I would never again be able to get away with paying a reasonable amount for jeans. But, as I have coerced him into believing explained to my husband, it all evens out in the end: the better the quality, the longer they last, the less you have to buy over time. (I think he just humors me and acts like he agrees...)

Anyway, when these (see below) came in the mail today, it's an understatement to say it made my day. Thank you to my mom for the early Christmas gift!

*If you go to 7forallmankind.com, and sign up for their e-newsletter, you get 20% off your purchase!