KY drivers

While at Sylvan on Friday, I was talking to another teacher whose son is turning 16 this week-I asked if he was getting a car or his license and his mom replied with "I am not comfortable with him driving by himself yet..." I asked how much drivers training he had completed so far and she said "nothing! KY doesn't have drivers training...on your 16th birthday you go in, take a test, and get your license if you pass, otherwise you fix your mistakes and take it again..." This is where my mouth dropped to my chest- "That explains sooo much" I said... and it does... she agreed as she isn't from KY... No offense to anyone living or growing up in KY, but drivers here are crazy!! (that's being nice too!) Here is one example of this... this happened last June, but I figured I would enlighten you with my story (and one of the reasons WHY I am absolutely terrified to drive around KY...

I had gone home for Fathers Day- I hadn't been here for more than 2 weeks, and Caleb had been gone so I decided to go home... I first had to find a place to board Daisy- I called every place around here, but they were either booked or wouldn't take her as she wasn't potty trained (we had had her for a little over a week-and her not being trained was one of the reasons I didn't take her with me).. I finally found a place in Bardstown and it was cheap too- so I took a spot... Only to mapquest it and start driving an HOUR SOUTH/aka the OPPOSITE direction from MI... aghhhh... I dropped her off and had a great weekend back home with the family... I drove back and picked up my friend Emily to drive with me to pick up Daisy... picked her up no problem (she even got an "A" report card!) and headed home... while on our way home I drove through an intersection (it had been green/still was) when out of no where a car smahed into us (she went on a RED left turn!)- I tried to swerve but it was no use-she slammed into us, we spun several times- the airbags went off/window broke/gas/fumes everywhere/and the horn was stuck and going off... I hit my head on the window so was rubbing it as I opened my eyes- and noticed Emily bolting out of the car to the corner (we were in the middle of an intersection).. I grabbed our purses and got out... started heading to the corner, still holding my head/shaking/banged up... only to look back and see Daisy in th back window! She looked terrified and looked at me like "are you seriously going to leave me?!"- I ran back to her and grabbed her/her leash (that I found across the street-my car ended up being totaled so needless to say there was stuff everywhere!-I should also add tha we had just gotten this car 2 months before ;() by the time I sat down on the sidewalk clutching Daisy people had stopped/called the police/ambulance and were helping us- I will never forget the man who had a suit on (he was heading home from work) and took his jacket off to lay on the ground for me- then was kneeling on the ground by my friend Emily and I-we were both beaten up a bit and breathing hard (more so because we were just so shaken up)- I was still holding onto Daisy when the paramedics came and were putting me on the stretcher- an older woman came and took her and said she was going to follow us to the hospital and watch her- I cried and said I needed her, and she replied with "sweetheart I will be right behind you-you can't take her in the ambulance"-that's when I realized that I was taped down already/neck brace/being carried to the ambulance- at this point our friend Mekala was on her way and Emilys husband was on his (Caleb was in the field)- emotionally I was beat so instead of crying more, started to joke around- I had said that I was going to get my eyebrows waxed later that week, but didn't have to as the tape ripped out several!, and I kept asking about my teeth (so when I called my parents I Immediately said that all my teeth were in)... I haven't been as relieved as I was when Mekala walked into my hospital room and hugged me-she had called someone, who called someone else, who somehow got ahold of Caleb (all they told him was that I had been in a car accident and was in the hospital!-poor guy!- he didn't even know I had gone home since he had been training! Emily and I both got xrays and had to stay for a bit, but then we all headed back to Fort Knox- Daisy had been taken care of- when Mekala and I walked out, the woman was sitting with Daisy, feeding her, and Daisy had several cans of dog food (her food had been thrown all over in the accident), a bone/toy, water dish, and a 2-3ft tall "guardian angel"... Daisy was "living the life"... Caleb was home by the time we got home- I went on vicadin, and he left early in the morning (I didn't even remember him being home really!)- the next few days that followed were filled with amazing neighbors coming over to check on me/bring dinner/flowers/etc... as well as insurance papers started coming- I couldn't believe the bills that I wad getting (if I knew that neckbrace cost THAT much I would have saved it!)- the woman who hit us had to cover all of our costs-medical and car-our insurances figured things out and we "settled"... later, we learned from the police report that a NUN hit us- (no offense to these sweet women!) but she claimed that she "forgot to stop at the red light and went..." oh and the smoke- some of it was from MY pepperspray on my keychain-I got sprayed by my own pepper spray! (yeah that was cool-not!) so.... can you see why I might be a little scared (ok terrified) of driving?!- it makes sense now that they just "show up and take a test" on their birthday! I think I am even MORE scared now knowing this!! ;)

It's good to be home

Wow does time fly! Tomorrow is our second anniversary! It doesn't seem like that long at all (but we haven't lived together the whole time with Caleb being gone for training/schools... Caleb has been wanting to stay at a hotel for a while now, so I said we could for our anniversary- we drove to Louisvill yesterday-got lost a few times as we missed our exit(s)- the roads are NOAT marked well at all... by the time we made it to our hotel (which had a horribly designed parking garage!) Caleb had had enough so we walked around for a bit, ate out (we never eat out so it was nice to!), and stayed for a (free!) concert- Blues Traveler played and Caleb has loved this band for a long time so that was awesome! We stayed for a few songs (my early bedtime was starting to kick in!) and walked down the block to our hotel- there was a thunderstorm with some cool lightening so we stayed outside for a bit... Caleb watched a baseball game on tv while I tried to sleep... it kept thundering and all we could think about was Daisy at our house- we realized that the king sized bed was way too big for us- we really missed her sleeping with us... I looked at Caleb and said "let's go home- I miss her!" (this was about 10:30ish) and he replied with, " are you serious?" (no answer from me) and a few seconds and a sigh later he said, "you are serious..." but don't worry too much- I fell asleep shortly after this brief conversation... and woke up around 4am... I literally crawled across the bed to Caleb it was so big(!) and just tried to go back to sleep, but I wasn't tired and really bored- the hotel was too big to walk around and the fitness center wasn't open for another couple hours... a little after 5am I woke Caleb up and said "cmon we made it through the night... Let's go home and be with Daisy..." he woke up and said "ok" (I was a bit surprised) so we got up/checked out and headed home... got Daisy, and Caleb and her cuddled up on the couch and fell asleep... it's good to be home ;)

I didn't know you could do that...

Yesterday I had an appointment to see a specialist in Louisville... I HATE driving to Louisville (anywhere in KY really, but especially Louisville!) so I left our house at 12-the appointment was at 1:45 but I figured that would give me PLENTY of time... I got off my exit for the specialist a few minutes before 1:00 only to drive into a city made completely of hospitals/dr offices/specialists... since I am a woman and have NO problem asking for help or directions, I pulled over and asked a woman where I needed to go-she pointed to the building behind her and said that she saw my dr-now I just needed to find a spot to park- I am horrible at parallel'ing and had no idea how long I was going to be there so my only choice was to find a parking structure-somewhat close to my dr... I parked at the Children's hospital- on the 8th/highest level... by this time it was 1:20.. when I got into the elevator there was a couple holding their son who was really sick and had been seeing specialists since he was born (he had no hair and tubes in his ears/nose... he was the sweetest little boy- I couldn't stop looking at him and admiring how precious he was- I smiled and talked to him-his parents smiled and chatted, but you could tell they were exhausted... I prayed for them as we all got off... I started walking the 5 blocks to the building the woman pointed to-but it didn't have any sign so I asked someone else-he was a dr and said that my specialist was around the corner and two more blocks down... I walked into a beautiful building and just felt relieved- I checked in at 1:30 and started reading magazines... when all of a sudden I realized that I had forgotten my records-in my car!!! I quickly calculated the distance and sighed-I needed those records and had a whole 'nother experience getting them!- (I went to get them at the hospital on post-they would be ready in 2 weeks- I told them that I had just gotten this appontment- I had 2 days and a weekend... I called the other specialist that I had seen a few weeks earlier and they too needed 2 weeks... no sooner did I hang up the phone with them that the woman from the post hospital called-she had stayed after work and pulled my records- she was my hero!- so after that, I NEEDED these records...) I walked up to the check-in window and told them my dilemma-she looked at the clock and said I had "10 minutes and might want to run"- oh sweeet... great, I will get right on that (I need to add that Caleb had a promotion ceremony that afternoon so I had dressed up-worn a dress and heels)- I picked up my shoes and booked it-around the corner-2blocks down and another 5 blocks-the hoofed the 8 flights as the elevator was on the 7th floor... finally got to my car, grabbed the records and headed back- I made it back in the office at 1:41 and ended up still having to wait about 10 minutes... got my blood pressure checked/weight/height/etc- my blood pressure (as always) was "extremely good"- and that was AFTER running! Then, another nurse took me to a room-looked exactly like a principal's office- a big desk, 2 chairs, and another chair for the nurse/dr... she asked me many questions and reviewed all of my records with me- I looked over to the empty chair (Caleb had to work)- I immediately wanted him by my side- I have been to so many drs lately that I figured I would be fine, but I suddenly wanted him with me- I got choked up and started crying... THEN SHE started crying! I made my doctor cry!- I didn't know you could do that... she was crying and passing me the kleenexes as she was reaching for them herself... that's when the dr came in- I wonder what he thought-entering a room with his nurse and a patient BOTH crying!- he said that's why there were kleenexes and then continued to reassure me that I was in good hands (there were posters/magazines/articles of him ALL over the place... and that everything was going to be ok... I composed myself and answered more questions and they ran some more blood work (PTL I have good veins that STICK OUT!) and left... I felt a bit relieved- for the first time in a long time... I still had to drive home (by now it was almost rush hour) but it was ok... and will be ok... on the elevator back to my car there was a "candy striper"- she was probably around 80 and you could tell she was exhausted but she had the biggest smile on her face- she had just spent the entire day with children who were in the "high risk" area (very, very sick kiddos)- I smiled and said another prayer for her and all the other nurses/ doctors who care and have a heart for helping people.

Working the System

For the past few weeks we have had a paper from our Internet/cable company- Caleb had been meaning to call them to see how much it would cost if we got rid of our "bundle" and had cable through them and got our Internet from someone else... well it has sat there long enough and since he has an actual job and is gone more than he is home (exaggerating a bit-he sleeps at home! ;)) I decided to just call (seeing how I am the one that thought we were paying a ridiculous amount of money for it.. so I was very cordial and just said that we were considering looking elsewhere because it was a bit pricey... the woman asked me to hold to do some calculations- she came back saying that it would be a bit more for cable because it wouldn't be "bundled" but if I chose to stay with them then we could get $10 off our total bill AND get the showtimes/movie channels FOR FREE... needless to say, she hooked me in and we went for her deal- but I am pleased to say that we now have more awesome channels (that I probably won't watch anyways!) for a discounted price- aghh once again I am awesome ;) Maybe one of these days I will sit down and enjoy one of those channels while eating my free popcorn (from calling customer services-got another coupon in the mail a bit ago!)

Used to it..

I woke up this morning to heavy/hot breathe in my face... and a wet pillow... I know that I am capable of drooling, but I knew I hadn't slept well enough to drool... opening my eyes I saw Daisy, who was passed out, under the covers, and sharing a pillow with me... guess that explains the wet pillow and black hair matting my face! While this scene isn't something I am used to... this is what I am used to (which is honestly sad, but I am glad that I have finally come to terms with it!)... last night I got out of work and raced home- Caleb had left for work in the morning and wasn't able to come home for lunch, so yes, I missed him and wanted to see him, so, I sped home... as I pulled into our neighborhood I didn't even notice his car NOT there... I walked in to our quite house to find Daisy in her crate... he wasn't home. I figured he was just across the street playing golf (he went several times this weekend, but didn't do as well as he usually does, so I figured he was trying to build his confidence back up)- but as I looked out our kitchen window, I didn't see anyone, and the clock read: 8:15pm so i realized he probably wasn't there either... as I sat on the couch to watch the one and only tv show I actually watch, my phone rang- it was Caleb- he was clearly upset and said he wasn't coming home tonight... or tomorrow night... and hoped to be home sometime Thursday... this was news to both of us! Before, this news would have upset me because the Army always changes things, but I have realized that I can't make plans and that I need to write everything in pencil... I was definitely bummed, but it's not like I can do anything, and I could sense Caleb's frustration... yes, the military runs our life. I am used to it now though- I am immune to these types of phone calls... used to making his favorite meal (I made it during the day for him so he could re-heat it for dinner while I was working)- only to have to throw it out or give it to neighbors to enjoy (it's not going to stay until Thursday-IF he even comes home that day!)... so as I let Daisy out, turned off the tv (I didn't even finish my show-that's how much I DON'T watch tv!), brushed my teeth, washed my face, and got into bed I couldn't help but think about the upcoming deployment... no sooner did I start to close my eyes to pray, Daisy nudged my chin (she sleeps with us-how that actually started I am not sure!)- she wanted under the covers (she sleeps like a person would-under the covers, and apparently likes to sleep on pillows too!)... Panzer joined in on the action too- our queen sized bed definitely feels like a twin with these two and Caleb isn't even in the bed! How these two small critters sprawl out and make themselves appear so much larger is beyond me! I woke up a few times only to reach across the bed (I usually do this while I sleep and hang on to Caleb's arm) but as I reached out I felt a rather hairy leg-Daisy... and I smiled. I missed Caleb, but Daisy was there, as she always is... she seems to know just what I need- when I need it... she truly is "man's best friend"- whenever I am sick she stays by my side (which sometimes gets annoying as I am sick and want to just curl up with a pillow!) and genuinely seems interested and invested in what we're doing-whether it be jumping into the car to run errands with us, standing in the MIDDLE of my garden as I TRY to weed, or sit in the kitchen as I make Caleb his favorite meal... she is wonderful (I will have to re-read this blog the next time I come home to a shredded blind/curtain/rug/couch-all of which I have! ;) so... she has helped me overcome my anger towards the Armys "unexpected"- it's when I get that phone call/text from Caleb saying he won't be home for a few days that I look up and see her face and her big floppy ears perk up-she tilts her head as if questioning why I seem upset... then scooches over to me and wants to be petted-it's going to be ok ;) I haven't learned this lesson that easily-it's taken a long time- too many tears shed, one too many sleepless nights, calls to friends/my mom crying about how "once again I can't believe the Army did this!-we HAD plans!", and a lot of kicking/screaming/dragging my feet to realize that the Army does control our lives and we are just along for the ride- I need to be flexible and be supportive of Caleb because as I am throwing a grown-up tantrum about how I can't plan anything, he is torn- his wife is upset, but he can't do anything, and if anyone should be upset/frustrated, it's him... I am used to it now... I am also used to friend's coming and going... it seems like the moment I start to become good friends with someone that they get orders and have to move- I am a friend-person: I have always had many, close friends, and never had to reall say goodbye to any of them (until I had to move-which broke my heart!)- I got a message yesterday, from not just one of my friends, but TWO, stating that they got orders and are moving in the next month... I replied with "let me know what I can help with!" and thus the baking, packing, moving details/business starts and once again I find myself saying goodbye... again, I am used to it- I could kick and scream like I used to, but I don't-it's not something new, and I know I will have to do this many more times... I also know that there is a reason for everything- God is in control and knows what he is doing (thankfully HE does because I sure don't!)... so I will continue to pray that I am flexible and pray for patience, but thank God for giving me good friends, Daisy, Caleb, and all the memories that I AM able to share/spend with each of them... and maybe throw in a prayer about Uncle Sam being a little more considerate towards the families and their lives/plans ;)

A kid at heart...

Ok... so I have heard that "some people never grow up"... many people use that term in a negative view... but I would like to make you reconsider this... as I am one of those people that REFUSES to grow up... or, maybe it's just that I am a bit "immature"... or work with kids... or have a younger brother whom I adore/hang out with and he rubs off on me... or maybe, I don't have an excuse... :) I DO however have an amazing husband who accepts me and doesn't think I'm foolish to get excited about little things... or act like a kid every now and then. Take for example- a few weeks ago, we were at an FRG meeting... Caleb is admired/respected/in charge of a group of men, so he is in the spotlight... so, he acts his age... I on the other hand did not want to sit in a meeting... and decided to play... with a child. The meeting is going on... Caleb stands up... blah blah blah... and I'm having the time of my life coloring/banging my car keys around/etc... Caleb, bless his heart didn't mind (or so he told me!) (I will be coming back to this meeting, so there is a point in telling you this...)

Back to what I was really getting at (like a little kid... my mind wanders... and I start going off on tangents...) With every holiday that comes around, (NOT including Valentine's day... which is NOT a holiday)... I get very excited and tell Caleb, "THIS is my FAVORITE holiday..." and he replies, "I thought Halloween/Christmas/Thanksgiving/Fourth of July/fill in the holiday... was"... and I reply with- "well... I like that one too... but THIS is my favorite..." (did I mention that my husband puts up with a lot?!)- ok, so here it goes- my ALMOST TWO favorite holidays are coming up... it's like a whole week of celebrating for me... APRIL FOOL'S DAY... AND EASTER... hokey pete, how lucky can a girl get- TWO HOLIDAYS IN ONE WEEK!??!!? So, yesterday I came home from the gym/school and saw... AN EASTER BASKET!!! YES!!! Caleb has to work next weekend so decided to celebrate a bit early... (thanks for the memo Cabe!) Not only did I get an Easter basket... but he has HIDDEN eggs around the house... I HAVE AN AMAZING HUSBAND. PERIOD. While I have been busy googling April Fool's pranks, he's out preparing my Easter basket...

Going off of Easter baskets... I have gotten a basket (yes, even at 20 years old...) and still get excited about it... probably more-so than Nate... and even gave my parents their own last year (I tried acting grown up!) :)

Mmm.... Pickles!

So the other day I was at the commissary and decided to get out of line to buy those Tabasco flavored pickles for Caleb that he loves... yeah- those are the pickles that I NEVER buy because the smell alone makes me gag... Caleb loves them so when I am feeling really nice or want to surprise him or for special occassions I will buy them... so that's why I stepped out of the already long line to buy them for his Easter basket... this morning we were lounging around and what do you know- it's lunchtime already(!) so I ask him what he wants... he asks what there is- I JUST went grocery shopping for the week so in my head asked myself "what isn't there?!"- I started rambling off some choices in which he wasn't too thrilled about... Any of them... sooo I got a bit annoyed... that's when he came into the kitchen and gave me a huge hug and said not to worry about it because he would figure something out... I was still being a bit grumpy as I was preparing something in the crockpot-let me pause here and add that I have used my crockpot a total of 4 times and have tried a different recipe each time, but I think I have a defective one because it cooks everything way too fast and always burns everything... but I figured I would try it again-this time using one of Caleb's mom's recipes (she's really a great cook) but as I was mixing the apple pie filling with the BBQ sauce to cover the pork (we do NOT eat any type of pig-seriously-we just don't-and we don't have a reason-yeah we are kind of weird I guess)... so as I am questioning this recipe Caleb looks over and starts questioning it as well... and just about the time that I am seriously about to lose it/throw it all out/forget about trying something new- Caleb opens the jar of pickles- TRIES to I should add... pickle juice goes everywhere!- even on poor Daisy who is now licking herself... it's all over our entire silverware drawer (it was open as he was using a jar opener)... and that's when I... laugh hysterically (did you think I was going to say lose it/yell?!)- I about died... it was hilarious and probably the best thing that could have happened in that exact moment... Daisy is going to need a bath for sure and now the kitchen smells like those pickles... and I probably won't be able to walk through the kitchen/dining room without having to hold my breath or gag... but it will be ok... as for the new recipe in the crock pot?- we will see... but until then... I am still snickering and next year when Caleb is gone today and I am missing him I will start laughing about those pickles all over again ;) Happy Fourth of July!!!!

My other half..

While waiting in line at the commissary I send Caleb a text message:"were you able to return the redbox movie yet today?-if not, want to go with me and return it?-go on a long-er bike ride to Walmart to?" I hit "send" thinking "no way is he going to be up for it" so I quickly texted again before he replied, "I haven't ridden with you in a long time... and would love to" but just as I was about to send it I got "sounds good!"... . I was pumped... and a bit surprised... the last time we rode bikes together was about a year ago on our anniversary- we went "geocaching" on our bikes-it should have been really fun, but this was what it ended up being: Caleb getting off his bike to go hike to the box while I waited for him, and that was after the fact that I literally threw my bike down on the ground and said I was "done,"- and I meant it! I did... Really... I had pictured us going for an "easy-stroll-type ride" so before we left our house I got my camera, only to walk outside and see Caleb filling our trunk with hiking type equipment and a bag of stuff... that's when I got a bit nervous as I looked at my shiney Huffy bike (that Caleb washed while I was inside!)... and looked back at his bike-the couple-HUNDRED dollar bike he had to get-the really nice kind that you have to buy the shoes the lock onto the pedals... he had the whole biker look down: special shoes, helmet, shorts, etc... and here I am... standing next to my (purple) Huffy bike with flip flops... after going inside to change shoes I came back out to him waiting for me in the car-when we got to the park area Caleb pulled out the map/locations of the caches that were in the area-with a range of difficulty level we had about 9- I had never done this before so expected it to be like an Easter egg hunt (which by the way, I am AWESOME at!)- oh no... Nothing like that... and the "bike trails" had been covered with fallen trees that had yet to be picked up/removed from the paths-so as my eve-amazing/always-excels-at-everything husband is jumping over LOGS like a pro-biker, I am getting off of my bike, trying to lift it over a log/getting caught on branches/getting back on my bike-only to see yet ANOTHER log 5 feet in front of me... Ugh! I felt bad for Caleb because he was really enjoying it, and as hard as I tried to keep smiling every time he stopped to look back at me and wait I had had enough... I was good for about another half hour but as Caleb kept wanting to do more (we did one maybe two caches together)- and work on the more difficult caches I threw my bike down... he found another cache and said we could go back home... that about sums up our last biking experience together... I totally forgot about it until I came out of the house, again, in flip flops and a pink bow in my hair/cute sunglasses on and saw Caleb putting air into my tires (after he had washed it!)- he again had on his bike outfit and filled a water bottle-yeah Walmart is off post and on the opposite end, but "is all of this needed?"-to return a movie? I had envisioned us riding side by side leisurely to Walmart... but as Caleb started the timer on his garmin/gps watch I knew it wasn't going to be exactly what I had thought... you see, Caleb is goal/task-oriented (which is why he excels at everything and is constantly raising the bar/standards and is an exceptional leader-yes, I am an extremely proud wife!) I am more into taking my time or just enjoying the trip/journey and the task will get done when it gets done... our bike ride wasn't as bad as the last one but I was trying my hardest just to keep up with him-at some point I even questioned him as to why he couldn't slow down a bit and enjoy it- but here's the thing:he was already going slow (for him) and being so patient with me... I just smiled to myself and thanked God for giving me him-he completes me and encourages me- supports me and in every way my better half-time and time again he is the one I go to for advice and look to... Caleb is my best friend and I know that we are two completely different people (you should have see us yesterday looking totally opposite-him in his outfit and me in mine...) I couldn't imagine not being with him and going through life's challenges, opportunities, and blessings... even while I was sweating and getting frustrated for not keeping up and having him have to wait I remembered how blessed I am- Caleb has been there for me through so much-walking side by side-leading the way-looking back and checking in with me... Encouraging me and cheering me on... if something doesn't seem right he stops-waits and won't go forward until everything is fine... I sometimes forget that going through everyday stuff and my "routine" that I needed that bike ride to step back and see that-remember just HOW he cares for me and HOW he completes me... God is good and put us together.... I thank him every morning and night for him... but last night as I was having my evening talk with the "man upstairs" I couldn't stop repeating "thank you for giving me Caleb-for giving me my other/better half-he completes me perfectly- thank you!"

Happy Easter!!

Fear not... You are NOT going crazy... it's July 3 and for most people it is NOT Easter... but if you haven't noticed yet-let me catch you up to speed:Caleb and I are not "most people"... just like many things (think cleaning out our kitchen!) I "up and decided" that we are going to celebrate all the holidays for next year early... as you know, Caleb will be serving this next year, and I don't want to "miss out" on any memories, and when the holidays roll around next year, I don't want to sulk because he won't be with me-instead, I want to look at the pictures of us celebrating the holidays together (early)- so, that's why, today is Easter ;) As usual, Caleb is going along with all of this- what a great guy huh?! Yup- I somehow snagged the most amazing guy ever! Yesterday I went to he commissary to pick up stuff for his basket (cmon, it is Easter- did you really question if our "early holiday" would include all the trimmings?!- I already have his eggs filled... about to hide them and will later decorate eggs ;) ... so, yesterday (how do I get off on tangents so easily?!)- I was at the commissary-BIG MISTAKE!- not only was payday the other day (see previous blog on love/hate relationship with the comm.) so it was- a ZOO... absolute madness as it usually is righ after payday... but wait a second- it seems a bit too chaotic just for payday... (is that really the end of the line-in aisle 11?!?!).... that's about the time I realized that by most people's calendars this isn't "Easter" but... the 4th of July weekend... Oh.My.Gosh... great idea Sarah (as I am kicking myself standing in the longest line ever-think "day after Thanksgiving line-at Kohls-and everything is half off and everyone ahead of you is buying something for everyone in their family (ok, so it wasn't thaaaat bad, but you get the picture)... I look down at my BASKET that holds only a few things- enough to fill an Easter basket... but while I am about to moan again I realize that I am celebrating Easter with my husband... and I find myself smiling... then step out of line to grab a few more goodies for his basket (like those Tabasco flavored pickles that he adores-the smell alone seriously makes me gag!)-why am I reaching for those pickles and why did I get out of line?- because next year I won't have the opportunity to smell that Tabasco-gross-pickles... and I may just miss it! So yeah- I got out of the already long line... and found myself laughing and smiling and grateful for everything I have in my life... you see, the pickles are an aisle over from the cereals- I walked down the row to grab a box when I saw this little boy holding two boxes-he was deep in thought and almost looked distressed-that's when he called out to his dad- "dad:I need your help!"- his dad looks at him but doesn't so much as move... "dad-this is serious... do I get the box of cereal that's my favorite OR do I get the box that includes a toy?!-my favorite cereal never has toys in it...so should I get the one with the toy?!- it looks like a really cool toy!- I... I just don't know what to do?!?"... the dad again doesn't move and is now looking at Pop-Tarts not really paying much attention to his son... that's when I go up to the little guy-kneel down and say: "go for the toy... it's so worth it- finding the toy in the box is THE BEST WAY to start your day... and who knows, you might just like this cereal better! Go for the toy- not many "cool" cereals have toys in them anymore!" He looked at me (somewhat surprised that someone answered his question...) "Really? You think so?" he asked... "I KNOW so... and here's a hint... (warning:spoiler alert!): if you FLIP the box OVER and open it from the bottom, you will most likely get the toy out quicker... it usually goes to the bottom..." I smiled as the little boy then replied "gee-thanks!!!" That's what it's all about-going against the "normal" thing to do-step out of your comfort zone or away from what everyone else is doing (like not celebrating Easter today) and enjoy life's little blessings- you never know what's in store- you never know what toy is in THAT box of cereal... as I walked further through the commissary (back-tracking and AGAINST the flow of people) to get Caleb an energy drink (I do NOT support those drinks!-but know he likes them, and hey, it's Easter-it will be ok!) I saw a woman in an electric scooter trying to look at shampoos.. she then tried to get up/out of it to see them up close and smell them- she was struggling (but trying not to look like it)-I went over to her-grabbed the shampoos that she was looking at and handed them to her... she looked stunned (has anyone really not helped her before?!?)- she said thanks and that she didn't know which one to buy- I am not always this outgoing but after my encounter in the cereal aisle, and since the line was still really long I figured I could stay a bit longer and help her... "well, if they both do the same thing or you don't need volume/shine... definitely go for the smell..." she laughed... "that's the most difficult decision when it comes to buying shampoo or soap" I said... if you don't like the smell, you're not going to be too happy until the shampoo finally runs out-and that can be a long time if you don't like it!"... that's when we opened the bottles and smelled them-talking about the differences-she ended up choosing the one that I would NOT have gone for, but to each their own I guess... I put back the other bottle and wishes her a great holiday weekend... then stood in the ever-extending line... which didn't really seem to take that long- I couldn't stop smiling thinking about the little boy who seemed so confused on one of the biggest questions he has had to ponder in his life... and one of the littlest/pointless question that the woman faced...

Baby Weight

Growing up I hated running... in fact I loathed it... it seems like the only times I really ran was the "mile" run in gym or when I was literally running for my life-either from my sister or from someone who threatened to tickle me... which just so happened to also be my sister most of the time, and yes, being tickled was the ultimate near-death experience in my mind... and still is... it's the worst feeling in the world to me and instantly brings me to tears, scratch that-it brings me to an all out crying/bawling/screaming-mode... it all starts out as an innocent "let's tickle Sarah" and for the first few split seconds I may laugh, but I am instantly crying... you don't need to ever try this-please don't-just take my word on it-if you do try to tickle me you may or may not get a fist in the face/gut... I am just protecting myself as I see it... in elementary when we had to run the mile I also cried... that was by far the worst day(s) in school- even if I faked sick I would still be expected to run it the next gym day... I was stuck... its not that I was THAT bad at running or that slow (well, I wasnt that fast either-ok, so maybe I got a gold slip for "trying my best" but whatever- I am over it)... one time I missed the mile run by no joke a few seconds.... which meant that I had to run at recess and eat with the first graders (I was short so probably looked like I fit in with them) but it was awful- I did however run my fastest time at the "re-do"- all I could picture was a.my sister behind me/chasing me and b.my gym teacher at the finish line (who at that point I was running full-speed towards out of pure anger-so yes, I ran that mile pretty quickly)... Over the years I started running for sports and then continued through college and somewhere fell in love with it... just tie up my laces, put on my music, and head out- I am in my own world and come back with a clear head... it's an awesome feeling, really... sometimes I just keep going and forget about how long/far I have ran for... yes, I love to run. Last week my brother was here- he is active and is quite the runner (I don't run with him or Caleb- they actually "run" whereas I just jog/putz-around...) but we went to the gym to play baskeball (he's awesome and I highly suggest getting his autograph-seriously-he's going to be a star-mark my words!)- while at the gym I told him we were running suicides... that's when he looked at me like I used to look at my gym teacher back in the day ("you want me to do what?!")-while running the suicides (note:on his summer break/in 95 degree humid gym) he called me a Jillian Michaels... Mission complete- I love her and have considered being a personal trainer (but every time I bring it up get a mixed review-yeah, so my max lifting is 8lbs... Who says I have to lift- I am a trainer- I would tell others to do it... And yeah, I am not mean, but who says you have to yell to get a person to do something?)... I hadn't ran for a few weeks before doing those suicides so was a bit sore the next day... Well!!!!!- yesterday I ran to meet another woman whose husband is in Calebs squadron... then we ran together... it wasn't too hot and felt so good to just run... and chat with this wonderful lady... oh but that's not the end of the story, I didn't mention that since her husband was in the field that she had to take her two precious boys (under 2) with us-I love these boys but oh my gosh.. she was running with this shopping cart of a running stroller-one of those double seated/heavy duty/semi truck tire strollers... she wanted me to push her a bit but after a mile and a half she was sweating... I didn't think she was going to be able to run much longer and we were no where by either of our houses so I figured "what the heck-it's a stroller and I have always wanted one of these types for later on... Might as well test it out"... she gladly gave me the stroller... that's when I started (trying to run) and couldn't move! She laughed and said that the stroller itself weighs 50+lbs and the boys together weight another 35+... what?!? Well, I finally started to get going and the wheels slowly started turning (we're moving!-I looked around to see if anyone was as impressed as I was that I was pushing this thing!)... That's when I noticed the slow/long incline of a hill that we were headed towards... Please, you have got to be kidding me! Not only am I trying to run (uphill) and carry a conversation, but I am also pushing 70+lbs... I actually started to sweat (which I don't at all-seriously)... I am proud to say that I ran another one and a half plus miles to our starting position (the playground)... I am not going to mention our pace but I was impressed, not just by me pushing that "stroller"-more like a semi! but that this woman (and many others run with this all around post!- I always say "good for them" when I see someone running- next time I see a woman pushing one of these things while running I may just pull over/run up to them-shake their hand and tell them they are my hero... bless them as they try and get "rid of the baby weight" by doing this... Yikes!! After we got back to the playground we took her older (2yr old) out and I played with him on the jungle gym for awhile... then started to run back home to eat dinner... That's when I grabbed my phone (out of my bra!-my grandma used to store money while traveling so I don't see why I should put my phone anywhere else while running-it probably looks a little weird to people driving by who see a rectangle coming out of my chest(!) but it works)-I called Caleb (woke him up) and nicely asked him to come get me-what a great husband to drive the (maybe) mile to pick me up-I was that tired... I joked about me being sore this morning... Yikes!- I feel like some mom ran me over by her semi-stroller!!!