Like Thelma & Louise

I started this back in October and it has sat as a draft ever since... Seeing as I'm out of town this week I thought it would be a perfect time to finish some old post and have them post while I'm gone..... all for your enjoyment of course!

So I am lucky enough to say that my mom is one of my best friends and it seems the older I get the closer we become. Maybe it's because I realize that maybe, just maybe, she isn't always wrong and maybe she is smarter than I gave her credit for during my teen-"I know everything"- years. Maybe its because we are alike but either way we always laugh together.

Today was no exception.

Today my Grandfather turned 89 a milestone that we planned to celebrate by cooking out. My mom, Grandpa, and Uncle had ventured out to a local festival and as I sat at mom's waiting on them to arrive a light bulb goes off. CRAP!!! I had borrowed the grill and it was now at my house 45 minutes away....... CRAP!!!! Its been raining and really I don't want to cram the grill in the back of the 4Runner so I figure I will take the old barn truck.

Like most great ideas ~ It sounds good in theory.

I go down to the barn and slide behind the wheel of the old 90's model Ford F250. I slide my purse behind me so that it gives my short legs just that extra boast to push the clutch all the way in.

I crank the key and it rumbles to life. My 5'0 flat midget self can barley see over the steering wheel so I'm sure to any observer I look rather strange barely peaking over the steering wheel.

I shift the old truck into first and head on my way. The needle hand is precariously close to E so I stop to get gas. I realize I don't have my wallet..... purse but no wallet. Can we say CRAP!! The Irish luck though reminds me I have $15 cash in my pocket. So I put $10 bucks in gas in the truck, keeping $5 in my pocket "just in case" (what I plan to do with $5 in an emergency I have no idea, but $5 seems better than $0).

I climb back in the truck... push in the clutch... turn the key..... and nothing. NOTHING. Will not crank.

I take a deep breath and try again.

Nothing. Not even a clunk.

CRAP!

I'm now sitting at the gas pump, in a beat up old farm truck that won't crank. There is a brand new Esclade at the next pump over. Yes in my barrel racing t-shirt, Ariet baseball cap, jeans, and tennis shoes I am setting a fine example of Southern goddesses.

I try again. Still nothing.

I call mom. She says they are about 10 minutes away.

I decide to give it one more go. I put the truck in neutral, one foot holding down the brake, I turn the key and start pumping on the gas as hard as my little leg can pump. VVVVRRRRMMMMMM it rumbles to life.

YES!!! I do a quick victory as I shift into first never letting my foot off the gas.

I call mom to tell her the good news. My mom is a worrier - plain, simple, cold hard fact. She tells me to wait there and she'll ride with me. What she thinks she can do if I break down is beyond me but I sit in the parking lot truck in neutral foot on the gas - and wait.

I look at the fuel gauge... its still on E. Damn it man! I curse in my head and then common sense kicks in and I realize the truck has 2 tanks and I put gas in the other tank. I flip the switch and miraculously have gas.

The family arrives. Mom climbs in the passenger seat and Grandpa and Uncle continue on to mom's house.

Mom and I started the drive to my house to get the grill. Things are going good. We get the grill and are heading back. Now mind you this is about a 40 minute drive one way.

I have the radio going singing along. Mom requests for me to stop at the same gas station as before so she can pick up some drinks for the cook-out.

I stop and sit in the car as she runs in. The truck starts puttering. I throw it in neutral and with one foot on the brake I start tapping the gas with the other. The engine roars in response. My mom comes out of the store a bewildered expression on her face as I wave my arms frantically telling her to hurry. Like a sinking ship I know the truck isn't going to last long. According to the battery gauge we are dying fast.

I throw it in first and gun it. We are seriously Thelma and Louise style as I peel out of the parking lot never taking my foot off the gas (even while shifting). Mom has a death grip on the "oh shit" handle with one hand and is frantically trying to fasten her seat belt with the other.... a task that would have been much easier if she would have let go of the handle, but oh no!

Now mind you we live in the mountains. Curvy roads and hills.

Now imagine a old pick-up truck racing around those with a driver so short all you can see is the knuckles on the steering wheel and a woman in the passenger seat holding on for dear life a look of utter panic on her face.

"Don't let off the gas!" My mom says as I start to tap the brakes at a curve.

We come out of the curve and start down a windy hill, "SLOW DOWN!!!" She cries.

"Well make up your mind!!" I yell.

We both laugh. I mean really what do you do.

We arrived at the barn safely. Both of us still laughing hard from the Thelma and Louise experience.

I love my mom.

Thelma, "Are you sure we should be driving like this, I mean in broad daylight and everything?"

~ Thelma and Louise ~

Bittersweet Goodbye

I sit at work (working hard obviously) anxious to start on my journey -- aka long ass car ride -- to base.

I look forward to a weekend with Marine but I dread the ending when we will say goodbye beside a Greyhound bus. Bittersweet.

Enough negative.
Focus only on the positive.

I'm still a little doped up on cold/flu medicine. I feel great except for my throat. Sand paper city. And to a girl that loves to eat this is like an unwelcome forced diet. One that will make my jeans fit a little better but other than that is absolutely good for nothing.

Cold medicine and an 8 hour car drive..... anyone else seeing this as a disaster waiting to happen? No? Maybe just me. It's ok though I got a cooler of Monster to counteract the cold medicine.

I could always wait and leave tomorrow morning, but that would be loosing a day. So I'm leaving today after work.

Marine and I will have a fun weekend, then his family will join us Tuesday.

Hopefully I will feel better soon. I'm so tired of this crud! But the sun shining outside keeps promising me that spring is just around the corner.

Have a great weekend everybody! Please keep Marine and the other troops in your thoughts and prayers!

It's That Time Already??!!

So I leave tomorrow to head up to base for Marine's deployment.

I can't believe it's that time already. I'm glad we will at least get to spend a few days together before he goes.

I can't believe how much my life has changed in just a year.

Thursday Review ~ Reveal The Goddess In You

Just a reminder my Thursday Reviews are 100% my opinion ~ I am not

being paid nor do I receive any free merchandise for doing them (bummer! lol).

Have you ever asked yourself, "Did I shave my legs for this?"





I have asked myself this on more than one occasion. Perhaps even more than I can count!






For any guys reading this, I'm sorry. Your probably not interested. Check back next week. I will try to review a product that may be of interest to you.






I'm sure by now you see where this is going. Weather we like it or not we all shave our legs (well all women anyway) on a regular basis. And with the wrong razor this can be a painful, and dreaded part of the morning routine.



I myself prefer to Reveal The Goddess within and use the Gillette Venus line.






I have yet to be brave enough to try the ones with the built in gel that advertise you won't need to use shaving cream. I have sensitive skin and those just scream trouble to me, but maybe one day I will get brave and try them!



I prefer the Gillette Venus Tropical line - myself. Fun colors, easy to grip, glides smooth, and leaves legs feeling sensational.



A few months back in my trying "to be cheap and save money faze" (who am I kidding I'm still in that faze) I decided to try Schick Xtreme3 Comfort Plus. I had a $5 coupon so that made a pack of four less than $3. Sounded like a good deal.



Boy was I wrong! They left my leg cut, and dry feeling. Pus it was not as comfortable in my palm, but I could overlook that. After disposing of the first razor. I decided to stick with it. Maybe because I'm such a Venus girl I wasn't giving Schick a fair shot.

Razor 2 from the 4 pack was no better. I used it twice and disposed of it and returned to the store for a pack of Venus Tropicals and a promise I would not stray again.

Now when doing these reviews I will normally try to include a coupon or discount being offered for the product. But after searching online I wasn't able to find one for Gillette Venus..... Sorry.

But trust me they are sssoooo worth the money!

Monica, "We were just waxing our legs."

Chandler, "*Off*? "

~ FRIENDS ~

Wordless Wednesday ~ A-Mason Center Pieces

The Engagement ~ Bloopers Edition

Ok awhile back I said I would post an Engagement Blooper Edition. In the previous post you got the good stuff of the night ~ The Fairy Tale Edition ~ so to speak.

Now here are the moments that make the Fairy Tale a little more realistic.....

Upon arriving at the apartment Marine and I decide to grab a bite to eat before meeting up with the other guys. The closest place that didn't look totally packed was Hooters. We go in and are immediately seated. A waitress approaches and takes our drink order and says our server will be right with us. Marine ordered a sweet tea, I my normal - Dr. Pepper. Maybe we would have been better off with a beer to dull the pain of the waitress.

She approaches. Cute, perky, tan - you know the typical Hooters girl. And then she opens her mouth..... out comes the fakest southern drawl you have ever heard. So exaggerated you knew it was fake. I mean take ten minutes to say a word, annoying!

Neither one of us is really that hungry so we decide to split the mini burgers - 4 mini burgers and fries. We tell her 2 of the burgers we want how they come and 2 we would like plain with just cheese (yes I'm the difficult one).

Our food arrives. Its wrong. All wrong. All the burgers are the same ~ all the way. I don't like to cause a fuss so I tell Marine I will just scrape the stuff off I don't like and eat them. At this point though Marine is totally aggravated with our waitress and says no we will send it back.

Marine nicely explains to the girl that our order is wrong. In her fake "oh wooos me" southern drawl she apologizes and takes the plate back.

We wait another ten minutes. She brings out our order. It's still wrong. Now all the burgers are plain. No cheese, no nothing.

I beg Marine to just eat it. But at this point its as if the dim-witt waitress has declared battle. Again he tells her they are wrong. He never looses his cool. He is friendly and if she would have paid attention she would have understood our 'not so complicated order'.

She again takes the plate.

"Our food is about to be spit on...." I mutter.

"This is ridiculous," Marine replies.

I have been a waitress, I know sometimes you can take the order correctly and then have the kitchen mess it up. It happens. I understand. But this girl was more worried about her fake drawl and her false boobs being pushed up just enough to keep the attention of the guy at the next table over who sat alone - eyes on her at all times.

She brings the burgers back. THEY ARE STILL WRONG!!! They are still plain, but now with cheese half way slapped on them.

I see smoke coming out of Marine's ears but hunger has won over. He dips his head in defeat and just thanks the waitress before she walks away.

Our eyes meet and we laugh. "Pass me the ketchup," he says.

We eat the burgers. Which at this point are burnt, cold, and not even remotely good.

We leave and head downtown to meet the other guys.

It's a warm evening, in my 3-quarter length sleeves I decide the air is warm enough not to take a jacket.

As Marine parks and we climb out of the 4Runner I say, "It's so warm I'm just going to leave my jacket in the car."

"Ok," he replies his jacket in hand.

"Why are you taking yours? You don't want to carry it all night."

"It may get cold later."

Again I tell him, "You don't want to carry it all night." what I really mean is 'I know you'll end up drunk and I'll have to carry it and I don't want to carry it all night!'

"Yeah it'll give us room to carry stuff. Give me your camera I'll put it in the pocket."

"It's ok I got my camera."

"Well I'm still going to bring it, I know you and you'll get cold later."

I sigh but as we get on the elevator I silently curse the jacket and the fact I know I will be lugging it around later.

Needless to say Marine does not let the jacket out of his grasp, much less his sight. And I am completely clueless!

So as we stood by the river and he pulled the ring box from the jacket, I understood the importance of the jacket.

And I felt like an ass for pretty much insisting he leave it behind :)

Of course there were other bloopers ~ but these were the highlights. Hope they at least made you laugh :)

Saying Goodbye

I drove Marine to meet his friend he was riding back to base with this evening.

As we sat in the car waiting on the friend we talked about the weekend, about things I needed to bring up to base with me next weekend, and then the conversation turned to deployment.

This time though we cover the "what if's" that we needed to talk about but words that would be easier left unsaid. He talked about if something were to happen. He tells me that me and his mom are the only ones who know the code to his gun safe and that his will and all is inside.

I don't really want to talk about it. I want to change the subject. But he won't let me.

He tells me that I will be taken care of and that I have to go back to school and get my masters.

"You'll be back before you know it," I tell him.

He smiles, "Yeah I know it."

We both try to stay positive and these few minutes are the only negative words we have ever spoken out loud.

His buddy pulls up and I get out of the 4Runner and help Marine move his bags. We hug, exchange I love you's and goodbyes.

Then I get back in the 4Runner and start on my long drive home. As I pull out of the parking lot the first tear slides down my cheek.

Each time it gets harder to say goodbye.

Location, Location, Location

Saturday morning Marine and I were enjoying laying in bed and being lazy, when his phone went off. The day before we had parked his truck at his mom's office and placed a for sale sign in the window. Marine figures that since he'll be gone for 8 months he won't be needing it so he may as well sell it and put the money in the bank and buy something else when he gets back.

The call when was someone wanting to look at the truck. So Marine jumps out of bed and heads to town. Leaving me with plenty of time to get ready. I take a long, hot shower - enjoying the fact I don't have to be in a hurry. I call the Mom's and set up a meeting time and then finish getting ready.

Marine and I then meet our Mom's and his little sister and head to a local place for lunch. Our Mom's have hit it off and get along great. The day is beautiful!! The temperature in the low 60's teasing us that spring is just around the corner.

After lunch we spend the day looking at possible wedding locations. We visited two locations, the first one being a local ranch that we are friends with the owners. It has beautiful fields with a river running along the edge. It is beautiful and peaceful. Perfect for the low-key wedding we have planned. Plus I have a feeling it will be more in our budget. Here are a few pictures, but keep in mind our wedding will be in May when everything is green and blooming.

This is the river, this is what will be behind the arch. The pretty field is behind me and out of shot in this pic. Us and the Mom's ~ Sticker Sunglasses added

Now the next place we went to was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I mean absolutely amazing! As we pull through the gated entrance Marine starts saying, "We can't afford this...... We so can't afford this."

Gated Entrance

I think all of our mouths are dropped in amazement. Our Mom's and lil sis in the backseat are oh and awe -ing and I am just staring in wonder. Marine drives forward still mumbling, "We can't afford this..."

He parks the car and we all pile out. The Mom's are quickly making plans, pointing where we can put the chairs for the ceremony - as they walk toward the lodge.

Marine and I follow behind, he takes my hand, "This place is beautiful," He leans over and kisses my head, "But you know we can't afford this."

"I know." I reply, "But we can still look...."

We walk around the grounds for a minute. My mom insisting on taking pictures of Marine and I on the bridge and by the falls.

This place was beautiful. The lake, the creek, the falls, the bridge that crosses the lake that is lit up at night, the lodge - the list is endless. This would be the dream wedding location.

For the dream wedding we would rent out the entire lodge - it only has 4 bedrooms - and we would set up chairs for the ceremony out by the lake and there was a spot we could put up a tent for the reception.

But this is a new place and we are told they are not doing weddings. At least not yet.

Oh well Marine's right, we probably couldn't afford it anyway.

We only looked at the two locations today, not having enough time to visit any others. There are others I may go look at the Mom's with another day, but at least now I kinda know what Marine likes and doesn't like.

I think either way we will more than likely go with the first location. It was beautiful, simple and very "us". I mean the second place would definitely be the Dream Wedding Location but let's face it, it was so not "us". It was very formal and uptight - and which we are not.

The first place is definitely more suited for us and the fun wedding we are hoping to have.

Many months left to decide.

Saturday night we were planning on going to a concert. But I was still sick so we ended up eating diner with Marine's Best Friend and then spending a cozy night at home.

Also great news - Marine's truck sold in less than 24 hours. Crazy, huh?

Overall it was a great day, one that I hated to see end.

Museum woman, "Can I help you?"

Rachel, "Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt. It's such a beautiful space. Do you do a lot of weddings here?"

Museum woman, "Yes, we're very popular. There's a two-year waiting list. Sorry."

Rachel, "Monica, you should totally put your name on the list."

~ Friends ~

Open Mouth Insert Foot

I tend to stick my foot in my mouth.

A lot.

And sometimes that is putting it mildly.

Friday Marine picked me up from work and we went to eat Japanese with his parents. Chicken hibachi and fried rice, yum yum! After lunch Marine and I went on our way.

I won't tell you the sordid details, so let's just sum it up = open mouth insert foot.

We are in his truck. We are driving (well ok he's driving, I'm riding). We pull into the oil & lube place and I ask Marine what we are doing. "Picking up your 4Runner," He simply states.

The 'ol 4Runner has been in dire need of new rotors for........... well............. about the last 6 months. And yes I can be a tad bit of a procrastinator at times. He has had the oil changed, tires balanced and rotated, and had new rotors put on the 4Runner.

I didn't even have to ask.

Yep, at this point I officially started choking on my foot.

Marine has already paid for all of the work, we are just picking it up now that it is done. I try to pay him back. He won't let me. He tells me he doesn't want to have to worry about me breaking down while he's deployed and then adds something along the lines - "your daddy would never let you marry me if he knew I was letting you drive around with your car that bad." [for new readers my dad passed away several years ago from cancer - I will always be a daddy's girl.]

At this point I feel like a complete a-double-s.

Marine is always so considerate and so wonderful and very patient when it comes to me.

So when you know you've messed up (or stuck your foot in your mouth) and need to make amends there is no way to get your guy to forgive you sooner than by coloring [not familiar with the term ~ Check here]. Women know this - kinda like an unspoken rule. And it works every time.

That evening we went to went to diner with Giggles, Giggles Fiance, and then Married Couple friends.

After diner Giggles and her Fiance accompanied Marine and I to the bowling ally.We played one game, at which I pretty much sucked, and then said good night. It was still early. But I was still sick and Marine was tired from having drove all night so we returned home.

I took nasty medicine and was cornered and made to use Vick's Vapor Rub (which I hate) in hopes I would feel better this morning. Not sure if it worked or not. Either way I still have no voice.

Monica: [after bumping Ben's head on the ceiling, Monica & Rachel are thinking of ways to distract Ross from the bump on Ben's head] I've got it! The second that Ross walks in that door I want you to take him back to your bedroom and you do whatever it is that you do that makes him go, "Reee!"

Rachel: "Or... We could put a hat on his head."

~ FRIENDS ~

Love Is A Funny Thing

First just a side note my Thursday Reviews are just something fun I wanted to do, I'm not being paid to do them (but oh wouldn't that be nice!). It's just my honest opinion on products. I love to read, as I think you all know, so figured I would share some book reviews. And I am always trying new products so may as well tell you the good and the bad - what to use and what to avoid. ~~~ Just thought I would address this since someone had asked (hi GUYS!). And if you know how I can get paid to do these reviews please share! haha I mean I'm pretty broke and any extra wedding fund money would be greatly appreciated.


So with that out of the way lets get to today's post.


It's Friday!!! YAY!! I ♥ ♥ ♥ Friday! But I mean really who doesn't?


This will be Marine's last weekend home before deployment [insert sad face here]. He arrived in last night, or perhaps I should say this morning, about 3:30. I am still sick and when sick I like my space, yeah I'm a bitch like that. So instead of driving the extra 30 minutes to my house last night, he slept at his mom's. But we met this morning for breakfast before I had to be to work.



I was running a few minutes late and when I arrived at Chick-fil-a I found Marine in a booth with the food all ready. He knew exactly what to order me without being told, Chicken minis and Dr. Pepper ~ Great way to start the day!



The sun is shining - thank goodness - and no snow is predicted for what seems like the first time in weeks! Yes today holds the promise of what will surely be a wonderful weekend.


I'm working today till 1 and then Marine and I are going to spend some time together, maybe go see a matinee...... ahem..... ahem..... (muttering).... Valentine's Day.


Tomorrow hopefully it will be pretty and we can look at Wedding Locations. But we'll see. For his last weekend home I want Marine to have a wonderful one doing things he loves to do.


I can't believe that deployment is almost here. I've known it was coming and have tried to prepare. And I can think I'm ready and say I'm ready till I'm blue in the face, but when that moment comes I know I won't really be ready.


I try to think positive. It's not goodbye, it's see you in eight months. But if you watch the news or read articles like this (or this one about MARJAH, Afghanistan) you can see why I can't help but worry. I know this is his job and I also know he's good at it. Still though......


So many feelings; hopes and fears that I write about cause I'm just not really sure how to talk about them. I want to be positive and put on the brave face for Marine - I know he knows I worry but why speak the words out loud. It's almost as if then I'm saying I have doubts or fears about him returning home. I have faith though and pray each night that God will watch over him. Eight months will pass quickly and he will be home before I know it.


But these last two weeks we will have fun and live each day to the fullest. Something we should be doing anyway. The life of a Marine fiance....... I knew it wouldn't be easy..... but I smile because I know the hard times will pass. Love is a funny thing; it calms fears, brings smiles, makes anything seem possible. And it always has a way of finding you when you least expect it......

“It has been said that we need just three things in life: Something to do, Something to look forward to And someone to love."

~ Unknown ~

Introducing Thursday Review

I'm sure you've noticed the new look.... yeah. I'm not sure if I like it or not yet. I thought 3 columns would make things flow better and be more organized. Instead though I almost feel that it appears cluttered? What do you think?!


Another new feature ~ for those of you who may follow but don't like to leave comments this is for you ~ Reactions. At the bottom of every post there is a Reactions spot and 3 boxes to choose from. Check one. Let me know what you think.


Ok enough about that (but seriously let me know what you think).


Maybe I'm just in a new mood this week. Wanting to shake things up a bit, perhaps. Maybe it's the flu meds. But I have been tossing an idea around now for a few weeks. Most of the blogs I follow tend to have weekly, or at least regularly, topics they cover. I like this idea and would like to have a regular column. So I have decided to add Thursday Reviews to the randomness that is my life.


If you haven't noticed I review things all the time on here (check out Stuff I Love); books, movies, make-up ---- pretty much anything that amazes me at the moment and these reviews are also tucked nicely into a normal post. Now they will just have their own.


Really I'm an advertisers dream. A snappy commercial or ad and I'm hooked. I have to try it. I like trying new things (most of the time).


So welcome to the very first Thursday Review!


Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening



As I made my way down the aisle at Wal-Mart I was just in search of toothpaste. I reach for my usual tube when this new product catches my eye. I don't know if it was the remembrance of the commercial or the sale sticker that made me reach for Aquafresh Iso-Active or maybe it was the unique canister that stood out from the competition --- either way I reached for it. I pick it up, I read the box. Even on sale it is $1.50 more than my usual brand (I know a $1.50 isn't much but I try to budget and $1.50 here and there adds up).


Impulsively I throw it into my buggy and quickly walk away before I can change my mind.


That night I go to brush my teeth before bed and must admit I have a little problem working the new, fancy, toothpaste contraption. But once that was overcome it was pure toothbrusing bliss. The gell foamed in my mouth, the appearance in the mirror seemed to scream rabies there was so much foam, I continued to brush. The taste was pleasing as well as the feel. I rinsed.............. wow...................... my teeth feel really clean............. fresh actually................ I run my tongue over my teeth again. Yes this new toothpaste definitely makes them feel cleaner. And it leaves a clean feeling taste behind as well. I like it.


This is my best new find. It's a little more pricey then some of the other toothpastes out there but I like it so much I doubt I will go back to my old paste any time soon. Right now Aquafresh is offering a coupon for it --- click here --- So with the Wal-Mart special and the coupon it is definitely worth a try.


So Thursday Review...... Love it or hate it?


Let me know.

Joey, "I don't get it. Why can't we use the same toothbrush? We use the same soap."

Chandler, "That's different. The toothbrush has been in my mouth."

Joey, "OK. But next time you're in the shower, think of the first place you're washing, and the last place I washed."

~ FRIENDS ~

If It's Not Broke Don't Fix It

Yes, I am the worlds worst at trying to fix things that are not broken.

I have a system. It works. But perhaps there is a better way! So I try new things. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it simply doesn't.

Today I was playing around with layout. Trying to get fancy. I was editing the code, making changes. I hit "preview". Doesn't look quite right, I've missed something somewhere. I'm trying to make 3 columns instead of 2. I know its something simple. Just got to find my error.

And then Blogger saves it.

Crap.

To late to go back to the old layout.

I continue to type.

The phone rings.

I get distracted.

Something goes wrong.

I've messed up somewhere.

So I decide to reset. Bear with me. I'll have my nice pretty layout back soon!

I like to keep things fresh, therefor I change my background probably more often than I should.

Perhaps next time I should remember - If it's not broke, don't fix it!

Sure would save myself some time!

But then that would so not be me....... so get ready ~ I have made the big leap and purchased my own domain name. Yes you read that right. After much delebration I decided what the hell and went for it.

So ----->>>> ADVENTURESOFSTARTINGOVER.COM ------>>> Coming soon!

Get ready!

The VDAY Flu

So the weekend didn't go like I had planned.

At all.

Not even in the least bit.

Ok well maybe a little bit, but mother nature sure did throw a big cog in the wheel.

What's with all the snow? Normally I love snow. But Friday with Marine driving home I was crossing my fingers and praying to the snow god's that the snow would hold off at least till he arrived home. Either they didn't hear me or they decided I that since I haven't seen him over a month and a half I could wait one more day. Either way the snow god's continued on there merry way sprinkling snow here and there and anywhere they saw the need.

Marine and Marine1 were able to make it a little over half way when the snow forced them to stop and rent a hotel room for the night.

Sigh..... there goes night 1 of the 96 { see how I'm learning military lingo? ☺}.

Marine arrived home Saturday afternoon. It was to late in the day and the roads were not clear enough for us to adventure out to look at wedding locations. Perhaps this was for the best - cause I mean picking a location for a summer wedding when there is snow on the ground? Really? Anybody see a slight problem with that, maybe? lol

Saturday evening the weather did not keep us indoors. We bundled up and headed out for diner with friends. Not everybody was able to make it, but there were still about 12 of us that gathered for drinks and a good diner. I could tell Marine was happy to see his friends, and I was happy that he has hit it off so well with Giggles's finance and Blondie's boyfriend.

Sunday we met with our Mom's and had lunch. This was the first time Marine's mom and mine had met. Lunch went great! The mom's got along (which we knew they would) and wedding talk was good and everyone seemed on the same page. Afterward the weather was still to bad to go in search of a location so instead we walked around downtown and checked out the antique stores and what not.

That evening we had already planned to eat diner at Marine's grandparents house with his family, so shortly after dark we headed that way.

I really like all of Marine's family. Diner was wonderful but shortly after diner Marine and excused ourselves to head home. We were both feeling sick. Marine had thought he was coming down with a cold and I was thinking he had given it to me as well.

On the way home we stopped by the store and stockpiled on medicine, Kleenex, juice, and a few movies.

I think my mom jinxed us. Friday night I was over at her house and after diner we were watching Two and a Half Men. The episode story line was that Charlie's fiance was sick..... very sick..... and very gross looking. I mean aren't we all kinda gross when sick?!

So my mom being the comedian she thinks she is asks if Marine has seen me gross.

At this point you know my life story so really what secrets do we have, I ask you. I am lactose intolerant. And I love, LOVE cheese. Which in turn doesn't love me.

I reply and say, "He's been with me after we've went and ate mexican."

Enough said.

She laughs.

I don't.

But the episode got me to thinking, when sick I am very gross. I mean no make-up (which really who wears make-up when sick anyway?), hair in a pony tail, want to just lay in bed and watch re-runs with a box of Kleenex beside me - gross.

Well my mother need not worry because this weekend Marine got to see me... gross.

Sunday night we arrived home and and we each took a dose of Tylenol Multi-Flu (The liquid = Nasty, yucky, liquid), put in a movie, and snuggled under the covers. Within a matter of minutes the medicine had kicked in and we were both asleep.

Of course I got up a zillion times during the middle of the night to empty my teeny-tiny bladder of all the fluids Marine was insistent I drink and to blow my nose.... aka sound the fog horn that was in the place of where my nose used to be.

And every time I got up poor Marine, the light sleeper he is, would wake up also.

Mid-night we took some more of the liquid elixir that held the key to sleep..... and it worked! Very unlike us Marine and I slept until the sun was making its way up into the sky. It was a little after 10:30 when we finally rolled out of bed.

My head was stopped up and spinning, my whole body ached, and there was a ringing in my ears that normally only happens after a night of drinking way to much.

I was beyond sick!

I took a shower hoping it would ease the pain..... or wash away the flu.

It didn't.

Marine took me to get my comfort food for lunch ~ Chinese egg drop soup (goes back to a dad story). After that I felt somewhat better. Not much though.

So we returned home curled up and tried again to watch the movie we had feel asleep during the night before, Couples Retreat. The Flu medicine knocked us both out though so both attempts at watching the movie were in vain.

This morning we awoke early, well 6 a.m. is early to me anyway, and met his mom and step-dad for breakfast at I-Hop. And then I dropped him off with Marine1 so they could head back to base and I headed for the orthodontist.

The braces came off today! I was excited............ but dread the root canal I know have to schedule. Hopefully my smile will be back to normal soon. And this year Horse and I will try not to butt heads!

The big V-Day. Hope everyone's went well!

Mine was pretty much just another day.... but I loved just the same!! I was just happy to spend the day with Marine. That's what the day is really about. Spending it with the one's you love. Weather that be a significant other, friends, or family - share the day with someone you love and let them know how much you appreciate them.

So due to weather our V-Day was put on hold ~ well the gift part anyway. The love part I think we got.

Like all weekend with Marine, this one also went by way to fast. But I'm sure my Mom will be happy to know that Marine and I can handle each other through the "gross" times.

Charlie [about sick Chelsea]: "I should have known, the second you give them a ring, they fall out of warranty."

~ Two and a Half Men ~

All Week Long We Look Forward To The Weekend

Marine is on his way home! I'm so excited!

Well despite the following snow outside that will hopefully not become a problem for his travels. Like an impending doom though my email MSN horoscope this morning said....

If you find yourself dealing with some disappointments today, E, try not

to let it get you down. You may receive a letter or a phone call that brings

less than favorable news. Perhaps someone you were hoping to have a

visit with someone who won't be able to make it or a friend has to turn down

an invitation to a party you're having. Try not to let this spoil your mood.

These things happen. Keep yourself busy and enjoy your day.

Yeah kinda of an impending doom, especially when I look out the window and see the snow falling - but ever the optimist I keep my spirits up that he will make it home tonight.

This is going to be a great weekend - jam packed full!

Tomorrow is going to be - Wedding Location day. Yes, even though the wedding is over a year away we are going to look at locations tomorrow. Marine deploys soon so this will be the last chance we will have to go together and look at places.

We are also using this as an opportunity for our Mom's to meet. We are meeting them both for lunch and then the four of us will go look at possible locations. As of now I have four on the list for us to look at. All local and all will be budget friendly.

I know that our mom's will hit it off. I'm looking forward to meeting them and spending the day with them. Marine and I are both family oriented and close to our mom's, so it should be a fun day. If the weather cooperates!

Then Saturday night we are going out to diner with friends. All of my usuals, along with Marine's group of friends. It is his deployment send off diner. I'm sure drinks will be involved and it could turn into a late night.

Sunday is V-Day. Not sure what exactly we are going to do that day, but I can guarantee you will hear about it later. Sunday evening Marine and I will attend a family diner at his grandparents house. I love his family and I look forward to being a part of it.

And Monday. Monday is our day. I have taken off work and we have no plans! And I am ssssssssssooooooooooo looking forward to it!! We are going to spend the day just us. Sleep in late, get up and do whatever we so choose. Go to a matinee or stay in and cuddle on the couch and watch re-runs ~ either way I'm looking forward to a slowdown.

And Tuesday morning Marine will head back to base and I'm off to the orthodontist to get my braces off! Can't believe it has been almost a year since the accident ~ and they said I'd only wear braces 3 months - pssh - right!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! Can't wait to hear you V-Day Stories!

~ Love Is In The Air ~

So the countdown has begun. It is mere days to what is sure to be the most disappointing day of the year to any woman in a relationship.

Yes you read that right. And yes I am talking about the big V-day a.k.a. Valentine's Day.

On Valentine's Day most women get their hopes up - thanks to crafty commercials that portray men as wonderful, thoughtful creatures (sorry guys I know you mean well) - and then when their significant other doesn't live up to those expectations they become disappointed.

So much pressure for just one day.


Know with that stated I love Valentine's Day. I'm not really sure why, but I do. Even as a single girl I looked forward to V-Day, and last year was a great V-Day spent with Vivi. Maybe its the hope that it brings. The hope of love and of good things to come.

I am excited cause Marine will be coming home this weekend (I haven't seen him in over a month)! That is the best Valentine gift I could have asked for. We have both agreed that what we decide to do will depend on the weather. We were hoping for a sunny day in which we could saddle the horses and go for a ride and a picnic. But the weatherman shattered that perfect image with the promise of snow in the forecast.


Marine and I decided we would play it by ear, but knowing that all restaurants will be packed we said we would celebrate Valentine's Day when I go up there in a few weeks. It's not when you celebrate anyway, it's what you celebrate. Celebrate each other and the love you have.

Ahh but Marine is always a little sneaky and he said he had something in mind that we could do Sunday. Of course he won't tell me what it is, because I think we have all learned he is the master of surprises!

But that's ok I have a few surprises of my own. I got the pictures back from the photo shoot and they turned out excellent! Who knew I had a sexy look? I for one didn't! Now perhaps I should state these pictures are very tasteful, everything is covered up and they are artistically done.

Marine knew about the photo shoot but he doesn't know of the different things I wore, such as his dress blues jacket *wink, wink*! So he is sure to be surprised.

"We were dressed from head to toe in love... the only label that never goes out of style."

~ Carrie, SATC ~

Plan: Reading My Way Thru March

With so much going on I have yet to get to post why we are approaching what is one of my favorite months of the year: March.

"Why March?" -- You ask.

I mean it's still cold outside, not quite winter but not yet spring. What can be so exciting about March?

Well let me explain - March is always the month that some my favorite authors release new books.


It is kinda of a cruel joke perhaps, that they should all release books within a matter of a few days of each other. I mean do you realize just how hard it is to pick which one to read first??

My March Reading List, in no particular order:

• Nancy Martin ~ Our Lady Of Immaculate Deception - Release date March 2nd
  

I ♥ Nancy Martin!! Her Blackbird Sisters Series is: witty, entertaining, suspenseful, and just an overall pleasure to read. Martin's snappy titles are what first caught my eye several years ago. I was a college student spending some spare time in between classes wondering thru the aisles of Barnes and Noble. I was in search of a new friend, one who I hoped would bring some excitement and mystery to my life. I wandered thru the Mystery Section scanning the covers, and I know they say never to judge a book by it's cover - but that is what I was doing. "How to Murder A Millionaire", the title caught my eye. The demur figure that was seated beside the title, her eyes hid by the over sized hat that set upon her head, seemed to call to me. I picked it up and scanned the back. I had found the friend I had been in search of.

I have been a fan ever since. Reading all of Nancy's books (numerous times), and this newest edition promises to be just as good as the one's before it. It offers a new twist and a new character - one who I am anxious to meet.

• Victoria Laurie ~ Ghouls Gone Wild - Release Date March 2nd
  

I don't quite recall how I stumbled upon Victoria Laurie, but it has been love ever since first read. She has two series, Ghost Hunter Mysteries & Physic Eye Mysteries, that I am just a pinch shy of addicted to. Both feature gutsy and entertaining main characters that always seem to get them self into some kind of trouble. The new release in March is for the latest from the Ghost Hunter series, which features MJ Holliday, ghost busting extraordinaire. She kicks ass and doesn't bother taking names. I can't wait for what is sure to be an adventure!

• Kate White ~ Hush: A Novel - Release Date (you guessed it) March 2nd

I was introduced to Kate White when I received one of her books as a Christmas gift. X's aunt and I had always been close (and still continue to be) so leave to her to give me what was sure to become on of my favorite gifts that Christmas. "Over Her Dead Body", with a title like that how could you not love it? Based on some of my wish list books she had found this book by an author I was not familiar with. After reading it I was hooked and quickly purchased other books in the series.

Kate White is the editor-in-chief for Cosmo - so of course she has flair! Now this book is not in her Bailey Weggins series but I'm sure this stand alone thriller will not disappoint!

~~~~~

So there is my list. I know I'm forgetting something, but for the life of me can't recall what or who it is. All my other authors seem to be releasing new books in June. But until then I have a feeling March will be just cool and crisp enough that I will look forward to spending nights at home curled up with a Dr. Pepper, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, and a good read.

Anybody else have any good recommendations?

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.

~ Author Unknown ~

I Want To Have Kids Someday...... Scratch That I USED To Want To Have Kids Someday

So a few weeks ago I got a high dose of birth control. Enough to push back my desire for kids and buy Marine at least a good five years before I even mention the thought of us having them.

Hollywood and I went out for a late lunch/early diner. Just me, her, and her son (for this post I will call him Little Man). Little Man is in the terrible two's, which thus far have not seemed to rear their ugly head. Diner goes great! We sit, we eat, we enjoy.... everything is going good. The waitress has brought our checks, we have paid and are now just waiting on change.

Hollywood announces she needs to use the restroom before we leave. She asks Little Man if he wants to go with her. Little Man is coloring on the restaurant provided mat and is telling me a story about the family dog. He has no interest in accompanying her to the bathroom.

So she exits the booth leaving me alone with Little Man. Now me and Little Man are close, he continues talking telling me his story but then mid sentence he turns and realizes Hollywood is no where in sight.

"Mama?" It starts out as a soft question.

"Mama will be back in a minute Little Man," I say reassuringly.

"Mama!!" he says a little louder this time.

"Little Man look why don't you color with this," I try to hand him the red crayon, "Your Mama will be right back."

"MAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He yells climbing out of his boaster seat and heading for the end of the booth.

I was sitting across from him and quickly scoot out and slide into the other side to cut off his exit. "It's ok......" I say soothingly as I slide in.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" He screams as he stumbles backwards away from me.

"Little Man," I try to demand his attention.

He screams louder.

I scoot closer to him. I have NO CLUE what to do!!! "Look Little Man lets color." I pick up the crayons and point to the paper.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" He is no longer just yelling, he is now screaming bloody murder and everyone is staring.

Now mind you we are sitting in one of those big booths so 4 people could fit on one side. He steps back away from me and I see him trip. I reach out to catch him. He screams louder and kicks at me.

Panic has set in. The crayons didn't work. My eyes scan the table and land on the Oreo cookie that came with his kid's meal.... for a split second I entertain the idea of shoving it in his mouth. Anything to get him to stop screaming!

I try to take charge of the situation, "Little Man!" I reach for him planning on pulling him up into a sitting position at least.

"NO - insert my name here -" he kicks at me again and is still screaming at the top of his lungs.

All of a sudden we hear a firm voice that makes us both freeze, "LITTLE MAN!"

I don't know if I got out of the booth or if Hollywood pulled him up and past me but the next thing I know she has him in her arms and is marching toward the restroom a very stern look on her face.

The hole ordeal in reality only lasted about two minutes.......... but to me it had felt like at least thirty.

I had become one of those people. The person who could not control the kid in public. Yes all eyes were on me. Some were looks of sympathy, some of understanding, and others of disbelief.

Granted he wasn't my kid but these people didn't know that.

I met the eyes of one couple close by that were still openly staring at me silently. I shrug my shoulders and apologize, "I'm so sorry! I didn't know what to do! He realized his mom was gone and he panicked!"

The lady starts laughing, "We thought you hit him!"

The waitress chooses to finally return with our change. I apologize to her, and everybody that I pass on the way out the door. I am so embarrassed and this has officially gone on record as one of my top 3 most embarrassing moments.

As we walk to the car Hollywood says "Little Man you owe E an apology."

"I'm sorry....." he says in his little voice, his face still tear-streaked from the spanking he received in the bathroom.

"What are you sorry for?" She demands.

"I sorry I was ugly."

"And..."

"I sorry I kicked you E," he responds, "I wuv you."

Yeah how can you stay mad at that?

But seriously.... in that situation I had no clue what to do!! And he knew it, I tell ya kids can sense fear.

Ross, "You know, we should probably ask the doctor if she even knows how to deliver a baby that's half human, half *pure evil*!"

~ FRIENDS ~

Tis The Year of Weddings & Babies

This year seems to be the year of weddings and babies. At least in my small corner of the world.

Giggles is getting married May 29th and Vixen June 12th. Yes that is two weeks apart for those of you without a calendar close by. Also dear Conscious is pregnant and her due date is June 26th. Lots of stuff going on in less than 30 days!

For the weddings I am honored (or cursed depending on how you look at it - lol just kidding) to be both Giggles and Vixen's Maid Of Honor.

This past weekend was spent at David's Bridal, a mad house this time of the year as Brides and bridesmaids bustle about trying to find sizes, styles, and colors that will be just right for the upcoming big day. Saturday I accompanied Giggles, her mother, and sister to the Bridal War Zone in search of bridesmaids dresses. The place was one big room of energy and movement, so packed we couldn't have really looked for dresses if we had tried. Luckily Giggles came with catalogue in hand already knowing which dress she was wanting for us.



It was a short summery dress in clover. Very cute! The picture really doesn't do it justice. And it is definitely a dress that I will wear again. In fact I think it may be a perfect dress to wear for my own rehearsal diner next year (see already planning multiple uses for it).



Afterward we went to eat Bahama Breeze, which is one of my absolute favorite places. The kabobs are nothing short of spectacular. It was great to sit and laugh with Giggles family, all of which I am very fond of.



Sunday was nearly a repeat of Saturday. I awoke and dressed preparing for another day in the Bridal War Zone. I picked up Conscious and we headed south to meet up with Vixen, Vivi, Giggles, and Blondie for yet another day of bridesmaids dress shopping. This time we were in search of dresses for Vixen's upcoming wedding.



The place was once again packed, but not nearly as bad as it had been the day before. In a struggling economy I think its safe to say that David's Bridal is not feeling the recession at all if this weekend is any indication!



Vixen had narrowed it down to two dresses. Both very formal dresses. Where as Giggles dress had been summery and casual, Vixen's would be long and very formal. We gathered around the rack as the associate tried to help us locate all the required sizes. Finally with our arms full we headed to the dressing rooms.



We laughed as we all attempted to get into the dresses and at the funny site we were because of course the only sizes they had were off the wall colors like bright blue and hot pink. We were all able to determine our sizes and placed our order for our full length, solid black dresses. Pretty, but will I wear it again? Honestly probably not.

After everything was settled Vixen, Vivi, Conscious and myself went to Taco Mac for good food and even better conversation. It was great to catch up with Vivi and Conscious. These are my two friends that I don't get to see as often.

Overall I guess you would say that it was a successful weekend. Both dresses have been ordered. Now just got to get to planning baby and bridal showers and the bachelorette party's.

Rachel, "Wha... married?"

Ross, "Well, yeah, I think we should get married!"

Rachel, "What? Because that's your answer to everything?"

~ FRIENDS ~

The Key To A Happy Marriage

Bored and killing time I decide to start looking up Honeymoon destinations. Marine and I have already said that we want to take a nice honeymoon, and spend less on the wedding. And since we will be paying for it we may as well do what we want. Before he left for training we also concluded that a cruise was probably going to be the best way to go. Cause cruises are a deal right now!

Also Marine and I are outdoorsy people so of course we want to do excursions. Two of things we agreed we would like to do is: 1. See the Mayan Ruins and 2. Zip line thru the forest.

So searching online (way in advance mind you) I find a great deal! May 2011 (told way in advance) 7 day cruise, Western Caribbean - going all the places we want to go. I look at the excursions and create a list of prices, time, etc so that Marine and I can discuss it when he gets back from training.

I am giddy though with excitement and despite the fact I know he may not get my text I send him one anyway, "Ok I know your phone is dead so your not going to get this for awhile cause your phones dead yada, yada! lol but I'm to excited I found us a great honeymoon cruise...." I continue to tell him the price and a few of the details.

Several hours later, to my surprise, he replies, "Hey Sweetie thats great use my card and book it! Where does it leave from and what day in May? I love you!"

Wait.... that was way to easy.....

I reply, "That's it? Lol you don't even look at it and you tell me to book it?! haha we gotta talk about it a little more than that."

His response, "Ur my future wife and I trust you, It sounds fun and its something we both wanna do."

We discuss it a little more and I explain there are 2 cruises for the same price with just slightly different stops. So we agree to discuss it when he returns.

I have to admit though, I think Marine has learned the first rule of a happy marriage....... give her anything she wants - as long as she's happy, you'll be happy!

lol just kidding :)

Ticket Agent,"Okay, Mr. Bing, you'll be in 25J,and Mrs. Bing, you're in 25K."
Monica, "Oh, no, you see, um, we're on our honeymoon. So, um, can you do you're little thing and bump us up to first class?"

Ticket Agent, "I'm sorry, all the first class seats are taken. That couple got the last two."

Monica, "You see, if we'd gone around them like I said, then she would have given us those tickets! Damn it!"

Chandler, "25J and K. Any chance those aren't together?"

~ Friends ~

Bittersweet

Today I booked a beach condo for deployment week.

It was very bittersweet.

I mean beach condo (sweet!).... deployment (not as sweet).

Marine's roommates wife called me yesterday to inform me of a great deal she had found. Beach condos on base for $27 a night. Yes you read that right, walk-out-the-door-step-on-the-beach-condo. Twenty-seven dollars a night. Can't beat that.

So this morning I called to make a reservation. I was equipped with all of Marine's information.... or so I thought.

By the end of my conversation this lady had me questioning if I really even knew my own name. I had given her Marine's social, his company, his unit number, his barracks number and pretty much the promise of our first born child (or so it felt) and still she needed more.

"What's his room number?"

Crickets chirping.... "I can tell you where the room is, does that count?" I want to ask but bite my tongue and reply instead with, "I'm not sure."

"What's his work number?"

I have no clue. Work number? He doesn't have a work number. I mean come on it's not like he has an office job here. I falter, "I don't know...."

Heavy sigh on the other end of the phone.

"Well I'm gonna need that information."

I want to tell her that she has his social and everything else can she not possibly look it up but I'm a firm believer that you get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar, so I keep my cool. I explain that he is away for training so it will be a few days before I can get the information.

Apparently my niceness has rubbed off and she says she will go ahead and book it for me but to just call back later with the additional information.

I plan on going up and spending five days with Marine before he deploys. We will have three days, just the two of us. It will be nice to sleep in, walk on the beach and just enjoy the last few days together. Then his mom and sister will join us a few days before the deploy date.

I look forward to seeing him and I look forward to the time together. But I know saying goodbye isn't going to be easy.

But I will hold my head high and I will smile and focus on the positive and worry about the rest later.

"It is a mistake to look to far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time."

~ Winston Churchill ~