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| Going |
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| Going |
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| Gone! |
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| The three amigos |
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| Waiting for Pilot Pete to get out of his plane |
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| Last flight in the squadron...a great tradition! |
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| East, baby! |
Friday, June 10, 2011
Our week in pictures
Thursday, June 9, 2011
One last day
Today was out last day in Fallon. It is so hard to believe that we have been here over three years now. When we moved here we were new parents (and under 30!) without a clue. We leave here older, wiser, and still clueless. As I drove to the base today for the last time the soundtrack to Out of Africa played in the background as I reminisced on all that has happened in the last three years. (I know - overly dramatic on my part!)
In the beginning of our marriage, we moved twice in less than two years. In those halcyon days, moving was exhilarating, challenging, and exciting. This time it's a little different, and I have a feeling that this is the new standard. It's no secret that I haven't loved living here, in the "Oasis of Nevada", and yet leaving is very bittersweet. This is the only home our child has ever known. He was a wee thing of three months when we moved out here, and despite living in two different houses over the past three years, moving across the country is a concept I'm not sure he fully comprehends. How do you explain to your child he won't see his two best buddies for a good long while? How do you explain that part of Daddy's job involves moving often? These are the questions we are beginning to face as a military family. The bottom line: I have no idea how to handle it. We're learning and making it up as we go. It's a constant battle and balance to figure out what he needs to hear and what he can handle. I think it will always be a challenge.
We've been so lucky to meet amazing people everywhere we've lived, and Fallon has been no exception. We've been able to spend a good deal of time with our two favorite families over the past few days. They have taken care of us like family, and we will miss them terribly. Tonight our imminent departure really sunk in, as Little Dude's friend E hugged him and said "I love you". I nearly lost it.
Tomorrow our adventure starts as we're finally on the road. I can't believe it's time.
In the beginning of our marriage, we moved twice in less than two years. In those halcyon days, moving was exhilarating, challenging, and exciting. This time it's a little different, and I have a feeling that this is the new standard. It's no secret that I haven't loved living here, in the "Oasis of Nevada", and yet leaving is very bittersweet. This is the only home our child has ever known. He was a wee thing of three months when we moved out here, and despite living in two different houses over the past three years, moving across the country is a concept I'm not sure he fully comprehends. How do you explain to your child he won't see his two best buddies for a good long while? How do you explain that part of Daddy's job involves moving often? These are the questions we are beginning to face as a military family. The bottom line: I have no idea how to handle it. We're learning and making it up as we go. It's a constant battle and balance to figure out what he needs to hear and what he can handle. I think it will always be a challenge.
We've been so lucky to meet amazing people everywhere we've lived, and Fallon has been no exception. We've been able to spend a good deal of time with our two favorite families over the past few days. They have taken care of us like family, and we will miss them terribly. Tonight our imminent departure really sunk in, as Little Dude's friend E hugged him and said "I love you". I nearly lost it.
Tomorrow our adventure starts as we're finally on the road. I can't believe it's time.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
And so it begins...
Our move officially starts tomorrow, and I think we're about as ready as we can be. Memories of our last move have been coming back to me over the last few weeks (we were definitely not prepared for the packers) so we've been trying to get as much done ahead of time as possible. Our bags are packed, the walls are bare, and now all we can do it wait for the madness of packing to begin. They've scheduled 2 days of packing and a day of loading the truck, so by Wednesday night this place should be empty. Such a strange thought. It's so hard to believe it's time.
Stay tuned...
Stay tuned...
Monday, May 30, 2011
Please pardon the interruption while we uproot our lives once more
Hi readers! It's been a while, hasn't it? What's that? What have I been doing instead of blogging? Truth is, not much. I wish I had a more interesting excuse, but mostly I've just been lazy. Of course there has been plenty going on around here. I could have told you about the trip we took back home to Florida. I could have told you about the fact that it was 50 degrees out for most of Memorial Day Weekend (crazy, right?). But instead I haven't told you anything. And, for a little while longer, I probably won't be telling you much of anything.
See, I had all these grand plans to keep blogging for the last little while, but our impending cross country move is requiring all my brain power. I haven't done much for it, but I sure am thinking about it an awful lot. This weekend was actually our first big push in terms of preparation. The movers will begin packing our house a week from today, and for the first time in almost 8 years and 5 moves, we plan to get out in front of it. We shredded 7.5 years worth of old documents we no longer need. We cleaned and organized our garage. We even washed and vacuumed the cars. This week's plans look to be even more exciting, filled with fun activities like cleaning out a few closets, taking everything off the walls, spackling, and painting the patches. Our last move felt a little frantic and hurried, so I have turned into a crazy lady trying to prepare for this one. My poor husband.
I am hoping to blog while we're on the road. We're taking 6 days to drive across the country, and while I'm sure much of it will be pretty boring, I have high hopes that some of it will be very exciting. I'm going to do my best to share with you the exciting bits (unless you really want to know the boring stuff too, and then, well, who am I to deny you?). The last time we did this we had a 3 month old who slept the whole time. This time we have a 3 year old who will undoubtedly want to stop to pee every 5 minutes. Yep, should be fun.
So bear with me over the next two weeks as we clean and pack. Hopefully I'll be back by the 10th (if not before) regaling you with the finer points of the all exciting Navy move.
See, I had all these grand plans to keep blogging for the last little while, but our impending cross country move is requiring all my brain power. I haven't done much for it, but I sure am thinking about it an awful lot. This weekend was actually our first big push in terms of preparation. The movers will begin packing our house a week from today, and for the first time in almost 8 years and 5 moves, we plan to get out in front of it. We shredded 7.5 years worth of old documents we no longer need. We cleaned and organized our garage. We even washed and vacuumed the cars. This week's plans look to be even more exciting, filled with fun activities like cleaning out a few closets, taking everything off the walls, spackling, and painting the patches. Our last move felt a little frantic and hurried, so I have turned into a crazy lady trying to prepare for this one. My poor husband.
I am hoping to blog while we're on the road. We're taking 6 days to drive across the country, and while I'm sure much of it will be pretty boring, I have high hopes that some of it will be very exciting. I'm going to do my best to share with you the exciting bits (unless you really want to know the boring stuff too, and then, well, who am I to deny you?). The last time we did this we had a 3 month old who slept the whole time. This time we have a 3 year old who will undoubtedly want to stop to pee every 5 minutes. Yep, should be fun.
So bear with me over the next two weeks as we clean and pack. Hopefully I'll be back by the 10th (if not before) regaling you with the finer points of the all exciting Navy move.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Three things for Thursday - the Mother's Day edition
In honor of Mother's Day, I thought today would be the perfect day to honor my mom by sharing with you my three favorite lessons learned from her. My mom has taught me so much, and is such a great force in my life. I know how lucky I am to have her and to be able to rely on her for advice and support. I'm sure she never expected to be in the operating room when I had the Little Dude, but there she was, holding my hand and telling me what a good job I was doing. There are so many wonderful moments in my life like that - I never questioned whether I was loved - I always knew it. I hope I can provide my child with the same feelings of love, safety and security.
Here's to you, Mom:
1. Everything happens for a reason. It may not sound very comforting, but somehow, whenever things went wrong, or didn't go according to my plans, this small statement always made me feel so much better. Her meaning was always crystal clear - though you may not realize why this is happening in this way at this time, eventually it will become clear. There is always a lesson to be learned, in both triumph and failure, so pay attention.
2. This too shall pass. Another huge comfort, hearing this always reminded me that while something may seem like a huge deal at the moment, everything has its time, and then, predictably, time marches on. This statement became especially helpful when I became a mom. Being able to realize that the sleepless nights, teething and growing pains, and other little annoying phases would all, eventually, pass, was a huge help.
3. You can be and do anything you put your mind to. This one's pretty simple, but immensely important. My mom isn't afraid to take on anything - she knows with enough study and practice, she can do it. She teaches by example, and it's a pretty great one. She's currently busting up ceramic tiles to make way for hardwood floor, which she and my dad will lay themselves. She's a real renaissance woman, and I am so proud to call her Mom.
Here's to you, Mom:
1. Everything happens for a reason. It may not sound very comforting, but somehow, whenever things went wrong, or didn't go according to my plans, this small statement always made me feel so much better. Her meaning was always crystal clear - though you may not realize why this is happening in this way at this time, eventually it will become clear. There is always a lesson to be learned, in both triumph and failure, so pay attention.
2. This too shall pass. Another huge comfort, hearing this always reminded me that while something may seem like a huge deal at the moment, everything has its time, and then, predictably, time marches on. This statement became especially helpful when I became a mom. Being able to realize that the sleepless nights, teething and growing pains, and other little annoying phases would all, eventually, pass, was a huge help.
3. You can be and do anything you put your mind to. This one's pretty simple, but immensely important. My mom isn't afraid to take on anything - she knows with enough study and practice, she can do it. She teaches by example, and it's a pretty great one. She's currently busting up ceramic tiles to make way for hardwood floor, which she and my dad will lay themselves. She's a real renaissance woman, and I am so proud to call her Mom.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Over the weekend
Did you have a nice weekend? I certainly hope so! We had a full and exciting weekend, including the return of Pilot Pete and a visit by the Easter Bunny, and capped off by a trip to the traveling carnival.
On Saturday Pilot Pete returned from a work trip. I always think that as Little Dude gets older, the separations from his dad will get easier - he'll have a better handle on the passage of time, and I'll be better able to explain why dad is away. Unfortunately, our experience seems to be the exact opposite. I'm finding my older toddler to be more emotional and less rational than I had hoped. I know that this phase will pass, and we will one day get to a place where he does understand and accept (or at least tolerate) these separations better. For now, a lot of snuggling, reassuring, and a few special treats delivered by dad upon his return home seem to help.
Easter Sunday was our busy day - we had some friends over for brunch and an egg hunt, and then we followed up with a trip to the carnival that set up shop in the empty, old Walmart parking lot. Little Dude and I noticed the carnival on Thursday. Actually, I noticed it Wednesday as they were setting up, and made a mental note to not drive by again until they were gone. Sadly, I forgot, and found myself passing by again the next day. While I was silently hoping he wouldn't notice, I heard a little voice from the backseat. "Hey...what's that over there?" "Umm, I don't know buddy..." "Well, I think it's a carnival." "Oh, ok I guess that's what it is then." "Yep. I will go there with Daddy when he comes home. You can come too." I'm glad I scored an invite - we had a fun time.
Enjoy the scenes from our weekend:
On Saturday Pilot Pete returned from a work trip. I always think that as Little Dude gets older, the separations from his dad will get easier - he'll have a better handle on the passage of time, and I'll be better able to explain why dad is away. Unfortunately, our experience seems to be the exact opposite. I'm finding my older toddler to be more emotional and less rational than I had hoped. I know that this phase will pass, and we will one day get to a place where he does understand and accept (or at least tolerate) these separations better. For now, a lot of snuggling, reassuring, and a few special treats delivered by dad upon his return home seem to help.
Easter Sunday was our busy day - we had some friends over for brunch and an egg hunt, and then we followed up with a trip to the carnival that set up shop in the empty, old Walmart parking lot. Little Dude and I noticed the carnival on Thursday. Actually, I noticed it Wednesday as they were setting up, and made a mental note to not drive by again until they were gone. Sadly, I forgot, and found myself passing by again the next day. While I was silently hoping he wouldn't notice, I heard a little voice from the backseat. "Hey...what's that over there?" "Umm, I don't know buddy..." "Well, I think it's a carnival." "Oh, ok I guess that's what it is then." "Yep. I will go there with Daddy when he comes home. You can come too." I'm glad I scored an invite - we had a fun time.
Enjoy the scenes from our weekend:
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| Examining a Lightning McQueen shaped easter egg |
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| Anxiously waiting for the start of the egg hunt with his girlfriends |
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| On the hunt |
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| A fighter pilot in training? |
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| Or a land based speed demon? |
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Three things for Thursday - the swimwear edition
It's that time of year again...the dreaded season where we all dust off last year's swimwear and hope to God it still fits. You would think that after nearly 10 years of wearing tight Lycra outfits for figure skating, wearing a bathing suit would be no sweat for someone like me. Not so fast. Even then, when I was strapping on a tiny little leotard and tights on a daily basis to wear to the rink, I still hated swimwear. Something about the fact that I feel like I'm wearing a fancier version of underwear. I don't even like to look at myself in underwear - why would anyone else want to see that?
When I was a little girl my mother insisted on one piece swimsuits. There was no negotiating. She'd find me a sporty Speedo or Jantzen one piece at TJMaxx and that would be it. End of story. I bought my first two piece in high school, when I had a part time job and a little money. I can't remember the brand, but it was black and the bottoms were boy shorts. Even then I was overly self conscious about my hips and thighs. Now that I'm over 30 and a mom, there is no way in the world that I would wear anything but boy shorts, and certainly never a bikini (unless I looked like this, or this, or this. In any of these cases, I'd probably just live in a bikini.).
So here are my three things this Thursday - three one piece swim suits I consider highly mom friendly. Longer legs to cover any trouble spots, full coverage to hide any jiggle, and ruching to slim and shape.
When I was a little girl my mother insisted on one piece swimsuits. There was no negotiating. She'd find me a sporty Speedo or Jantzen one piece at TJMaxx and that would be it. End of story. I bought my first two piece in high school, when I had a part time job and a little money. I can't remember the brand, but it was black and the bottoms were boy shorts. Even then I was overly self conscious about my hips and thighs. Now that I'm over 30 and a mom, there is no way in the world that I would wear anything but boy shorts, and certainly never a bikini (unless I looked like this, or this, or this. In any of these cases, I'd probably just live in a bikini.).
So here are my three things this Thursday - three one piece swim suits I consider highly mom friendly. Longer legs to cover any trouble spots, full coverage to hide any jiggle, and ruching to slim and shape.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Another year...how did that happen?
Exactly three weeks after we moved to Nevada Pilot Pete celebrated his birthday. Well, here it is, three years later, and he's celebrating another birthday. Shocking, I know. These things do come along once a year. What is shocking, at least to me, is that we've now known each other for 18 birthdays. We haven't always been together on this day, but it's a day I never did, and never could, forget. It is a great day, to be treasured and celebrated.
Happy Birthday to an extraordinary person - a great father, husband, and man. My life is better because of you.
We sure have come a long way!
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Monday, April 11, 2011
Over the weekend
Happy Monday friends! Hard to believe the halfway point of April is upon us, isn't it? I swear, the one thing (and pretty much the only thing) that people seem to forget to mention when you're expecting a baby is how much faster time will seem to move once you actually have the baby. Seriously, I really didn't need the gory details of the birthing process, or being endlessly told how tired I'd be. What I really needed was someone to tell me how fast it would go. I guess it wouldn't really have mattered if someone had told me. It's not like I can do anything about it. But still. A little warning would have been nice. (Disclaimer - someone probably did warn me, but I was too busy being grossed out by all the TMI birthing stories to remember). (Disclaimer #2 - No babies on the way here - I'm just referencing my pregnancy with Little Dude).
Our weekend was a quiet one, as weekends out here generally seem to be. We took it easy on Saturday. I should amend that. I took it easy on Saturday. Pilot Pete and I have this lovely arrangement where he gets up with Little Dude and lets me sleep in. Not that we get up particularly early during the week. But my night owl/vampire tendencies require a normal bedtime of about 3 AM, so getting to sleep an extra few hours on the weekend is heavenly. For dinner on Saturday I roasted some chicken, mashed some potatoes, and cooked some green beans. This is particularly noteworthy, because I detest cooking chicken (don't mind eating it though), so home cooked chicken is definitely a rarity around here.
Sunday found us, as it usually does, in the big city. I needed to hit up the Ann Taylor to make an exchange, so we bribed Little Dude into being good by taking him to the National Automobile Museum, which is one of his favorite stops. We spent a good long while talking cars, engines, and rumble seats. I definitely built up enough capital to spend a decent amount of time in the Ann Taylor changing room. The fact that they have a water fountain didn't hurt either. You have to love the ability kids have to entertain themselves with the most ordinary things. We capped off the day at one of our favorite restaurants, where Little Dude informed us as we sat down that he wanted ice cream. Damn illustrated kids menus!
I hope you had a fun and restful weekend. Enough some scenes from ours:
Our weekend was a quiet one, as weekends out here generally seem to be. We took it easy on Saturday. I should amend that. I took it easy on Saturday. Pilot Pete and I have this lovely arrangement where he gets up with Little Dude and lets me sleep in. Not that we get up particularly early during the week. But my night owl/vampire tendencies require a normal bedtime of about 3 AM, so getting to sleep an extra few hours on the weekend is heavenly. For dinner on Saturday I roasted some chicken, mashed some potatoes, and cooked some green beans. This is particularly noteworthy, because I detest cooking chicken (don't mind eating it though), so home cooked chicken is definitely a rarity around here.
Sunday found us, as it usually does, in the big city. I needed to hit up the Ann Taylor to make an exchange, so we bribed Little Dude into being good by taking him to the National Automobile Museum, which is one of his favorite stops. We spent a good long while talking cars, engines, and rumble seats. I definitely built up enough capital to spend a decent amount of time in the Ann Taylor changing room. The fact that they have a water fountain didn't hurt either. You have to love the ability kids have to entertain themselves with the most ordinary things. We capped off the day at one of our favorite restaurants, where Little Dude informed us as we sat down that he wanted ice cream. Damn illustrated kids menus!
I hope you had a fun and restful weekend. Enough some scenes from ours:
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| One can only guess what they're discussing, but I'll bet it's about cars |
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| Just cruising |
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| Taking a break while waiting for a table for dinner |
Friday, April 8, 2011
Flashback Foto Friday
It's been quite a week out here. We're coming off of a glorious 10 days with Pilot Pete home on vacation. He headed back to work Monday, and things are slowly starting to return to normal. Wednesday marked the first day of the last class he'll teach as an instructor out here. Looking back at our pictures from the last three years, it's definitely bittersweet. A lot of things have happened and changed, but we're excited to be embarking on a new phase of our lives in two months.
On a sad and sobering note, our Naval Aviation community lost two of its members in a tragic crash on Wednesday. This is the very worst part of this life, and you never get used to it. Please, take a moment today to remember these two outstanding officers whose loss is felt by many. My wish is that their family and friends will find comfort in this most difficult time, and remember that their loss will never be forgotten, and will be honored always.
Here's our flashback foto - three years ago Wednesday, Pilot Pete set off for his first day of "class" at TOPGUN. We had just moved into our rental (incidentally, we no longer live there) and Little Dude had just started rice cereal a few days earlier:
On a sad and sobering note, our Naval Aviation community lost two of its members in a tragic crash on Wednesday. This is the very worst part of this life, and you never get used to it. Please, take a moment today to remember these two outstanding officers whose loss is felt by many. My wish is that their family and friends will find comfort in this most difficult time, and remember that their loss will never be forgotten, and will be honored always.
Here's our flashback foto - three years ago Wednesday, Pilot Pete set off for his first day of "class" at TOPGUN. We had just moved into our rental (incidentally, we no longer live there) and Little Dude had just started rice cereal a few days earlier:
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| Look at my boys...time flies. |
Friday, April 1, 2011
Foto Friday
Sorry, no April Fools pictures from us, just a little boy "reading the instructions" for his "frozen meal".
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Three things for Thursday
I may have mentioned that we've moving soon. I may also have mentioned that we have no idea when. Yes, that's right, still no clue. Sometime in the next few months. That's about all I know. Well, that's not exactly true. I know a bit more, but it's a long, complicated story fraught with complications built on top of dueling personalities and ideas. Enough said.
Anyway, in the spirit of my new and nearly full time pastime, online house hunting, here are the three things that for me are essential when searching for a new home from 2700 miles away:
1. Zillow. I'm just going to go ahead and assume that everyone in America has visited this website, and if you haven't, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? If you're like me, and you love yourself a good episode of "House Hunters" (maybe even a bad one, you know, where the buyers are REALLY annoying), then Zillow was made for you. On this website, I get to be a legitimate stalker without feeling creepy. Market statistics, purchase history, square footage and number of rooms, what more could a girl ask for? The listing my realtor send me are great, but I seem to always check Zillow after for just a few more facts.
2. Google Maps street view. What did the world do before Google? I love their maps for one simple reason - street view! There's no better way for me to check out a neighborhood than through Google Maps. Sadly, not every map of every neighborhood has it, but for my purposes, most do. Even though I know the city we're moving to, it definitely helps to get a 360° view of the area.
3. Ikea. For help in picturing all the things I'll need to round out our new home, I can't wait to have an Ikea within driving distance again. I mean, it will be a 3.5 hour drive, but still.
Anyway, in the spirit of my new and nearly full time pastime, online house hunting, here are the three things that for me are essential when searching for a new home from 2700 miles away:
1. Zillow. I'm just going to go ahead and assume that everyone in America has visited this website, and if you haven't, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? If you're like me, and you love yourself a good episode of "House Hunters" (maybe even a bad one, you know, where the buyers are REALLY annoying), then Zillow was made for you. On this website, I get to be a legitimate stalker without feeling creepy. Market statistics, purchase history, square footage and number of rooms, what more could a girl ask for? The listing my realtor send me are great, but I seem to always check Zillow after for just a few more facts.
2. Google Maps street view. What did the world do before Google? I love their maps for one simple reason - street view! There's no better way for me to check out a neighborhood than through Google Maps. Sadly, not every map of every neighborhood has it, but for my purposes, most do. Even though I know the city we're moving to, it definitely helps to get a 360° view of the area.
3. Ikea. For help in picturing all the things I'll need to round out our new home, I can't wait to have an Ikea within driving distance again. I mean, it will be a 3.5 hour drive, but still.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Over the weekend
I'm back! I think...I probably shouldn't make promises I may or may not keep. Blogging has definitely proven to be a challenging venture for me. On the one hand, I know that I need to make an effort to post multiple times a week, even if I really don't feel like it. On the other hand, I am hesitant to post on the days that I am feeling less than inspired. The end result is that I hit weeks where I don't post at all. All I can say about this is that it's a work in progress, like much of life.
We had some great family time this weekend, topped off by a surprise spring snow shower which afforded us an extra day to our weekend. Little Dude enjoyed harassing the dog, playing with his cars, and a trip to the big city to see "Mars Needs Moms" at the movie theater. He seemed to enjoy the movie well enough. As for me, I just can't get over the strangeness of motion-capture animation. It would probably explain why I have never seen "The Polar Express". Coming back from the movie on Sunday night the snow storm hit. What a way to celebrate the first day of Spring!.
Enjoy some snapshots from our weekend!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the tragedy that has been unfolding in Japan. My heart goes out to all those affected. If you can give, do. The Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity are excellent places to start. Please also keep all the military families involved in you thoughts. The Red Cross is helping military dependents in the voluntary evacuation of the area. You can go here to read more about supporting military families in Japan.
We had some great family time this weekend, topped off by a surprise spring snow shower which afforded us an extra day to our weekend. Little Dude enjoyed harassing the dog, playing with his cars, and a trip to the big city to see "Mars Needs Moms" at the movie theater. He seemed to enjoy the movie well enough. As for me, I just can't get over the strangeness of motion-capture animation. It would probably explain why I have never seen "The Polar Express". Coming back from the movie on Sunday night the snow storm hit. What a way to celebrate the first day of Spring!.
Enjoy some snapshots from our weekend!
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| Our poor, sweet dog. He stayed under there with her for nearly an hour. |
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| I mean seriously, don't all toy cars need platforms? |
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| Little feet and legs at the movies |
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| Heaven. Although he was concerned that the hood didn't open. |
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the tragedy that has been unfolding in Japan. My heart goes out to all those affected. If you can give, do. The Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity are excellent places to start. Please also keep all the military families involved in you thoughts. The Red Cross is helping military dependents in the voluntary evacuation of the area. You can go here to read more about supporting military families in Japan.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Foto Friday
It's still Friday here out West - better late than never!
I haven't been feeling very creative this week, hence the lack of posts. Here's hoping my little mini getaway this weekend with Pilot Pete helps!
In the meantime, enjoy a scene from our Friday night. (I know, we're so exciting!)
I haven't been feeling very creative this week, hence the lack of posts. Here's hoping my little mini getaway this weekend with Pilot Pete helps!
In the meantime, enjoy a scene from our Friday night. (I know, we're so exciting!)
Friday, March 4, 2011
Foto Friday
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| "I have to do my homework on my computer Mommy." |
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Three things for Thursday - the burnout edition
So, we're moving. Again. Soon. When, you ask? Well...I don't know. See, that's the thing about military moves. Sometimes they're quick and unexpected. Other times they're expected, planned, and executed perfectly. Most often though they're chaotic and uncertain. Even when you know your exact move date, you're never ready. For us, this move is proving to be the most complicated so far. There are varying ideas about when we should depart, and none of the interested parties can come to an agreement. There's the added complication of a shortage of federal funds for military moves (we can thank Congress for refusing to pass a Defense budget - that's right, it's March and the fiscal year started in October). As of this moment, all I know is that we're moving.
After living in a rental for the last three years, I am beyond excited as the prospect of becoming a homeowner again. I have been scouring the real estate listings in our new/old city. Since we're lived there before (for the three years before we moved to Nevada) this house hunt will prove to be a little easier since we're familiar with the area, and know where we want to live. That doesn't mean I haven't made myself cross eyed looking a listing after listing, trying to figure out floor plans and deciding whether it's a house we could call a home. So I'm a little burned out. I close my eyes and see pictures of the interiors of other people's houses. I dream about what kind of an offer we'll make, and how the closing will go. Yeah, I'm only a little obsessed. Needless to say, this hasn't left a lot of time for me to look at anything else online this week. So here's my list of three things - three things I have discovered this week in lieu of three things I'm loving:
1. My child really wants to go to preschool. Pilot Pete and I were discussing taking a trip to go house hunting. A little voice from the back seat of the car piped in with "Of course we need to go there. Because we need to find me a school because I'm ready to go to school. I need to do some learning." Well, okay then.
2. I really hate Walmart. I know that a lot of people feel the same way. I know others (like my mom) love it. After living in a very small town for three years with no other alternative but Walmart, I can safely say that I will not be frequenting Walmart when we move. There are so many things to say about this, but I think I'll just leave it at that. You get the picture.
3. I really wish that people who work in drive thrus would not hand me my coin change on top of a dollar bill or a receipt. I just lost 31 cents tonight because someone thought it was a good idea to put the money on top of the receipt and hand it to me like that (of course the change fell). I know I could've opened my door to pick it up off the pavement where it dropped, but it was dark and cold and I was annoyed. I know I could have made the girl open the register and get the change she just dropped, but there were other people in line behind me, and it was only 31 cents. All I ask is this: hand me the coins, then the bills or the receipt. That's all. I know working the drive thru is a thankless job, but come on, help a tired lady with a cranky three year old out.
After living in a rental for the last three years, I am beyond excited as the prospect of becoming a homeowner again. I have been scouring the real estate listings in our new/old city. Since we're lived there before (for the three years before we moved to Nevada) this house hunt will prove to be a little easier since we're familiar with the area, and know where we want to live. That doesn't mean I haven't made myself cross eyed looking a listing after listing, trying to figure out floor plans and deciding whether it's a house we could call a home. So I'm a little burned out. I close my eyes and see pictures of the interiors of other people's houses. I dream about what kind of an offer we'll make, and how the closing will go. Yeah, I'm only a little obsessed. Needless to say, this hasn't left a lot of time for me to look at anything else online this week. So here's my list of three things - three things I have discovered this week in lieu of three things I'm loving:
1. My child really wants to go to preschool. Pilot Pete and I were discussing taking a trip to go house hunting. A little voice from the back seat of the car piped in with "Of course we need to go there. Because we need to find me a school because I'm ready to go to school. I need to do some learning." Well, okay then.
2. I really hate Walmart. I know that a lot of people feel the same way. I know others (like my mom) love it. After living in a very small town for three years with no other alternative but Walmart, I can safely say that I will not be frequenting Walmart when we move. There are so many things to say about this, but I think I'll just leave it at that. You get the picture.
3. I really wish that people who work in drive thrus would not hand me my coin change on top of a dollar bill or a receipt. I just lost 31 cents tonight because someone thought it was a good idea to put the money on top of the receipt and hand it to me like that (of course the change fell). I know I could've opened my door to pick it up off the pavement where it dropped, but it was dark and cold and I was annoyed. I know I could have made the girl open the register and get the change she just dropped, but there were other people in line behind me, and it was only 31 cents. All I ask is this: hand me the coins, then the bills or the receipt. That's all. I know working the drive thru is a thankless job, but come on, help a tired lady with a cranky three year old out.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Three things for Thursday
I'm having one of those weeks. The ideas just aren't flowing like they usually do. I think it's because I'm in that late February rut, where it seems like spring is never going to come, it's never going to warm up, and there's just nothing very exciting on the horizon. In reality, none of these things are actually true. Spring will be here soon enough, and then quite soon after that I'll be complaining about how hot it is. And as for exciting events on the horizon, in no time at all I'll be wishing things would just calm down. To tide myself over, I've been doing a lot of cooking, internet browsing and working out. Gotta stay busy!
Here are the three things I'm loving this week:
1. Slow Simmered Meat Sauce from Cooking Light, March 2011. I tweeted (twittered?) about this earlier in the week. It does not disappoint. We had it two nights in a row, plus enough leftover to freeze for another time. It's super easy to make and so delicious. I love anything I can throw in my Crock Pot, and after making this I will never buy sauce in a jar again.
2. Rikshaw Design's Kurtas. Southern Living magazine featured Rikshaw founder Catherine Fitzsimmons and her mom in their March 2011 issue. I've been in love with Indian wood-block printing ever since a trip to Singapore back in 2006. Rikshaw's kurtas are gorgeous! I can't wait to own one of my own.
3. Adele, 21. Ooohh - this new album came out on Tuesday, and I'm in love! It's amazing. My apologies to all The Cure purists out there, but I am loving her cover of Lovesong. I wouldn't say I like it better, but it's a fresh take on an old favorite, and is probably the reason I bought this album. But it's not the only reason I am so smitten. There's not a single song on it I find the need to skip, and I think that says a lot.
Here are the three things I'm loving this week:
1. Slow Simmered Meat Sauce from Cooking Light, March 2011. I tweeted (twittered?) about this earlier in the week. It does not disappoint. We had it two nights in a row, plus enough leftover to freeze for another time. It's super easy to make and so delicious. I love anything I can throw in my Crock Pot, and after making this I will never buy sauce in a jar again.
2. Rikshaw Design's Kurtas. Southern Living magazine featured Rikshaw founder Catherine Fitzsimmons and her mom in their March 2011 issue. I've been in love with Indian wood-block printing ever since a trip to Singapore back in 2006. Rikshaw's kurtas are gorgeous! I can't wait to own one of my own.
3. Adele, 21. Ooohh - this new album came out on Tuesday, and I'm in love! It's amazing. My apologies to all The Cure purists out there, but I am loving her cover of Lovesong. I wouldn't say I like it better, but it's a fresh take on an old favorite, and is probably the reason I bought this album. But it's not the only reason I am so smitten. There's not a single song on it I find the need to skip, and I think that says a lot.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Over the weekend
Aren't three day weekends glorious? We rarely get to enjoy them, because despite the fact that Pilot Pete works for the federal government, he hardly ever seems to get federal holidays off of work. Strange.
We took full advantage of the weekend, sleeping late (well, one of us slept late), watching movies, and playing outside. I thought both "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "Despicable Me" were adorable/hilarious. I'm proud of Little Dude for sitting through an entire movie in the theater quietly and without needing a potty break or having an accident. It's the little things in life, don't ya know?
Whether you had Monday off or not, I hope you got to enjoy your weekend and take some time for yourself. Enjoy a few snapshots from our weekend:
We took full advantage of the weekend, sleeping late (well, one of us slept late), watching movies, and playing outside. I thought both "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "Despicable Me" were adorable/hilarious. I'm proud of Little Dude for sitting through an entire movie in the theater quietly and without needing a potty break or having an accident. It's the little things in life, don't ya know?
Whether you had Monday off or not, I hope you got to enjoy your weekend and take some time for yourself. Enjoy a few snapshots from our weekend:
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| Still enough snow for snowballs. |
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| "I'm just digging like Clifford, Mommy." |
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| I finally got him in appropriate clothing! It was cold! |
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| What can I say? |
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Three things for Thursday
It's a dreary day here in Northern Nevada, and the word on the street is there's snow on the way. This is a quite a change from the near 60 degree weather of last weekend. On this Thursday I'm dreaming of spring - weddings, garden parties, and twinkle lights in a backyard garden. Here are a few favorites that would surely set the mood:
1. BHLDN. This recently launched wedding fashion site courtesy of Anthropologie has a unique and original take on wedding fashions and accessories. BHLDN (beholden...get it? It took me a few minutes) aims to help a woman create "an event that reflects her own unique perspective". Even if, like me, your wedding planning days are in the past, they also offer exquisite dresses, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
2. French Enameled Lockets. I can see pairing one of these with many of the gorgeous gowns at BHLDN.
3. And finally, to set the mood for our imaginary soirée, a little Madeleine Peyroux. Her voice...just...wow. If you like jazz, check her out. Even if you don't consider yourself a jazz fan, check her out. You won't be sorry.
1. BHLDN. This recently launched wedding fashion site courtesy of Anthropologie has a unique and original take on wedding fashions and accessories. BHLDN (beholden...get it? It took me a few minutes) aims to help a woman create "an event that reflects her own unique perspective". Even if, like me, your wedding planning days are in the past, they also offer exquisite dresses, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
2. French Enameled Lockets. I can see pairing one of these with many of the gorgeous gowns at BHLDN.
3. And finally, to set the mood for our imaginary soirée, a little Madeleine Peyroux. Her voice...just...wow. If you like jazz, check her out. Even if you don't consider yourself a jazz fan, check her out. You won't be sorry.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Athena
We have a dog. Her name is Athena, and she's a 5 year old hound mix. We found her at the pound in Virginia Beach when she was about 8 weeks old, and she was adorable. She stepped over the other dog in the kennel (who just happened to be her sister) to come see us. Pilot Pete said, "That's the one I want - she has personality." Little did we know...
Never having owned a dog, I was excited/terrified of the prospect of adopting her. But Pilot Pete's first deployment, a 7 month stint, was upon us, and I had a feeling a furry friend would make it a little easier. I didn't think I was up for two dogs, and I was worried about her sister. Luckily, another woman was there looking to adopt as well, and told us if we didn't want her, she surely did.
So we signed the papers and paid the fee, and the next thing I knew, we were driving away, Pilot Pete in the passenger seat next to me, with a little puppy on his lap. That night as she lay sleeping in her new crate, I had the "what the hell have we done" feeling. That feeling would visit again a year and a half later, when we found out I was pregnant.
Pilot Pete left on cruise a few months later, and Athena and I toughed it out together. We took an obedience class, an agility class, and went on long walks several times a day. The deployment was hard, but I had my constant companion and a reason to get out of the house every day. Pilot Pete came back at the end of the year to discover a large dog who now slept in our bed. The price of doing business I explained. Sometimes you just have to do whatever you have to to get by.
Eight months later Pilot Pete left for another 5 month deployment. My buddy Athena was again there for support. Three months pregnant when he left, I wasn't as up for our thrice daily walks, but she stuck by me. Somehow she knew I wasn't feeling up to par, and she spent a lot of time just staying close, never asking too much and always being on alert.
Five years after we picked her out from all the other dogs in the pound, she remains an integral part of our family. She weathered the integration of another human like a pro, and now serves as Little Dude's faithful friend and sidekick. She's gentle and patient with him, the most important characteristics of a childhood dog. I know that when Pilot Pete leaves for deployment again in the near future, she'll be by my side, one of the most important parts of my support system.
Never having owned a dog, I was excited/terrified of the prospect of adopting her. But Pilot Pete's first deployment, a 7 month stint, was upon us, and I had a feeling a furry friend would make it a little easier. I didn't think I was up for two dogs, and I was worried about her sister. Luckily, another woman was there looking to adopt as well, and told us if we didn't want her, she surely did.
So we signed the papers and paid the fee, and the next thing I knew, we were driving away, Pilot Pete in the passenger seat next to me, with a little puppy on his lap. That night as she lay sleeping in her new crate, I had the "what the hell have we done" feeling. That feeling would visit again a year and a half later, when we found out I was pregnant.
Pilot Pete left on cruise a few months later, and Athena and I toughed it out together. We took an obedience class, an agility class, and went on long walks several times a day. The deployment was hard, but I had my constant companion and a reason to get out of the house every day. Pilot Pete came back at the end of the year to discover a large dog who now slept in our bed. The price of doing business I explained. Sometimes you just have to do whatever you have to to get by.
Eight months later Pilot Pete left for another 5 month deployment. My buddy Athena was again there for support. Three months pregnant when he left, I wasn't as up for our thrice daily walks, but she stuck by me. Somehow she knew I wasn't feeling up to par, and she spent a lot of time just staying close, never asking too much and always being on alert.
Five years after we picked her out from all the other dogs in the pound, she remains an integral part of our family. She weathered the integration of another human like a pro, and now serves as Little Dude's faithful friend and sidekick. She's gentle and patient with him, the most important characteristics of a childhood dog. I know that when Pilot Pete leaves for deployment again in the near future, she'll be by my side, one of the most important parts of my support system.
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| Adoption day, February 2006 |
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| A few weeks after coming home, and she had already grown! |
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| A boy and his dog, 2008. |
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| A boy and his dog, 2011. |
Monday, February 14, 2011
Over the weekend
Happy Monday friends! I hope you had a spectacular weekend. Ours was quite lovely. We spent Saturday hanging out around the house. Our dog Athena had her annual check up and shots, so we stayed close to home to make sure she didn't have a reaction to the shots. On Sunday we made the big trip to Sacramento to do some shopping and have an early Valentine's dinner. It's so nice to get out of town every once and a while. I hope you're having a wonderful Valentine's Day!
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| The balloon I bought him to replace the one I lost from his first dentist visit. |
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| Jumping. (I think). |
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| His chocolate "mish-asche" |
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| "But I don't want to go to bed." Ahh, the agony... |
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| My two loves. |
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