You Asked...I Answered

Thanks for the questions everyone!

First up are the military related questions.

Expat Girl asked: How, as a couple, you guys are handling the deployment so far? Is it making you stronger etc?

I think we are handling the deployment well. That's not say there haven't been a few bumps along the way, but I think that's normal. I will admit that there are days that I just want to be mad and I pick fights. Learn from me, do NOT do this. All in all, I think we will come out of this deployment as a stronger couple.

The Mrs. In Stilettos asked: What's one thing that you do just for you that keeps you motivated and happy during deployments?

Well...I like to have lazy days when I do nothing but what I want to do, no errands, no working out, no cleaning. On those days I like to watch my favorite shows, read for long periods of time and maybe even scrapbook a page or two.

Josi asked: What advice would you give to a soon to be military wife?

Roll with the punches. The military in general changes all the time and one day you'll be told something and you'll feel like the world is crashing down and then a few days later that changes. If you can handle change then you'll do great! Also...the military life in general seems to be very drama-filled, you can do what I do and laugh about it or you can get your feelings hurt. Last, but not least...read other military blogs, ask questions, research where you are PCSing to, get out and there and enjoy where you are stationed. Don't waste opportunities!

K asked: What advice/tips would you give to someone that is about to experience their first PCS?

Take pictures of all your important goods and even video if need be. Be there with the packers are and watch what they are doing so you make sure things don't go unpacked (we had that problem with a few items in our kitchen) Keep ALL receipts and paperwork in a handy folder that has lots of pockets, that makes it tons easier. Research where you are PCSing to so you know what you expect. Try to find women either by forums or blogs that are already stationed there and ask them questions. Most of us are more than happy to give you tips to help you get settled.

JG and Sarah Ann asked similiar questions: What is on my wish-list for future posts and where do I want to go after Italy.

This is kind of a tough question for me to answer. Mainly because we are unsure right now whether Sean is stayin in after this next re-enlistment is up. We are tossing around the idea right now of staying in Europe and if that is the case, we will most likely finish out our time in the Army in Italy. If not...well then I would love to either go to Ft. Carson or back to Ft.Polk. Louisiana really grew on me while we were stationed there. Bascially I've told Sean I'm ok with any post but Ft. Bragg. I just don't want to be stationed there.

Taylor asked: Are you and Sean making plans for what you are going to do when he gets back?

Yep. We are planning to go back to the States for Christmas this next year and as far as other travel plans go we want to go to Normandy to see some of the WWII sites. Ireland is also big on our list.

Now for the Life in General Questions!

Patience asked: Have you decided if you are going back to school?

I have decided I am, but I've been very lazy about actually going about getting into school. For starters I need to take my GRE and the thought of studying for it kind of overwhelms me. I'd love for my photography business to take off, but in the meantime I'd like to have a back-up plan. Hence where going back to school comes in.

Jessica asked via email: What is your signature dish?

Well the one that is requested the most by other people is my chocolate chip cookies (which I got that recipe from Andrea over at Sgt. and Mrs. Hub) but the most requested dish from Sean which is probably my signature dish is Taco Soup!

Abbie asked: What is my favorite part of living in Italy and what is the worst?

Favorites: the travel opportunities, the cheap wine, the delish food and experiencing what life in a foreign country is like. Living in Italy also makes me appreciate how much I love the States, because once you live abroad it's very apparent how good we have in the States when it comes to convience items.

Least favorites: the culture can be difficult to adjust to, inconvience (no getting gas at 2a.m. no late night Wal-Mart runs, no fast food, no closets(which is a huge thing for me) and the language barrier. I'm still working on my Italian, but it could be much, much better.

Stefanie asked: What places in Europe have you visited so far?

Well..I've visited Naples, the Amalfi Coast,Portofino, Volterra, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Torino (briefly), Verona, Venice, Florence and few close smaller towns near us here in Italy.

Munich,Germany....Innsbruck, Austria.....Lake Bled and Ljubljana, Slovenia.

This year my goal is to see 5 new countries. I think I can make that happen!

JG also asked: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a trapeze girl in the circus. No lie!

What's your favorite movie?

Saturday Night Fever...hands down. I've watched it a million times and could watch it a million more.

Brittany asked: How are you enjoying the fashion overseas? What about the food?

The fashion is....interesting. I've seen some wonderful things and I've seen some hideous outfits. I love the shoes here, but I have yet to buy any because they are so expensive!

As far as food goes, I've enjoyed it immensely. Italy has wonderful fresh seafood and I've really enjoyed sampling it. I love the little Mom and Pop places we stumble upon. Those are so much better to me than some of the places in the big touristy places. When I leave Italy I will fondly remember the food!

Crazy Shenanigans asked: What's your favorite snack item?

Oh..I'm a foodie so this is going to be tough. Honestly? When I reward myself I have a Dr.Pepper anda Reeses. Those are my go to items when I feel like I deserve something good.

Penny asked me to do a sort of Honest Scrap where I tell things you don't know about me. So, I'll do 5.
1. I can be extremely shy
2. I hate irnoning and since Sean no longer wears his OG's as a type of uniform, I don't iron at all!
3. I'm one of those people who live to eat. Seriously..I'm always planning my next meal.
4. I'm very odd about numbers. If I set my alarm clock it has to end in a 0 or 5 and I cannot get up out of bed unless it says 0 or 5 on the clock.
5. I'm horrible at math. If you asked me to do an algebra problem there's a 99.9% chance I'd have no idea how to do it.

And my dear friend Kebi asked:
Top 5 Most Favorite Books...A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Summer Sisters, Looking for Alaska, Gone With the Wind and Litte House on Plum Creek.
Top 5 Most Favorite Comedy Films...Talladega Nights, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Anchorman, The Money Pit, Office Space
Top 5 Most Favorite photos that you've taken