Weekend Recap

Well, another weekend of me being a blog slacker!

Here's what I've been up to this weekend:

-Went on a walk with Dana and her little boy J. I brought Boomer and we spent an enjoyable walk taking pictures and discovering this AWESOME villa. Too bad it's only open for special events. I want to get on the grounds so bad and take tons of pictures. It's that pretty.



Just one of many buildings on the Villa's property

A few sights along the way:





On Friday, Dana, J and I went to Vo. It's a pretty vineyard, with a great selection of wine and they also serve yummy cheese, bread and meats. I think I came away with 2 boxes of wine. Don't judge.



Some of the salami I munched on at the vineyard.

While at the vineyard we saw a German who was a Stanley Tucci look-alike. I was greatly amused by the resemblance and somehow managed to snap a somewhat blurry photo of him. If it were higher quality I'd share it with you guys.



Some old wine barrels that now serve as props.

Friday night I went with friends to a local restaurant. I've eaten there once before and both times I've not been disappointed. This time I had spaghetti with clams, bruschetta and a crepe with Nutella for dessert. So delish! Unfortunately I ate everything too fast to take pictures of it.

Today, Boomer and I went on a walk. I took the camera as I knew there are a ton of little flowers right now and I was not disappointed.





What did you do this weekend?

The Weekend

My favorite picture of the weekend:



We went bowling this weekend with some friends. I caught Sean as he was throwing. Once again I didn't break 100. :(

Free Friday

Yesterday I spent helping with a Sesame Street Live tour that was here on-post. For the most part it was ok. We do have an older lady who volunteers that seriously acts as if she does a line of coke because she's so hyper and rah rah the entire day. Yesterday she informed a guy she "was like a fine wine that only got better with age" and then later sang "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk". Interesting day I tell you.....

Today I'm working and then I should have the rest of the weekend off. Thank goodness! We're going over one of our friend's homes tomorrow for a sort of "couple day". Should be interesting. I'm taking potato casserole and spinach dip, we should be grilling out as well.

As for the "free" part of Friday I'm giving away an extra copy of Sex and the City Season 6 Part I, that I happen to have. It's never been opened and I have no use for it. So...if you want it, then leave me a comment and tell me so. If there's several people that want it then I'll do a drawing for it.

So...what are your weekend plans?

Getting Things Done

I've accomplished a lot the last two days.

Yesterday I met two Bloggers. I had coffee with Dana and her adorable son Jericho and then later Becca stopped by the USO to say hello. I always love meeting fellow bloggers in person.

I ran by housing because they called Sean to tell him our landlord had changed his bank account and so we needed to have our bank update the info. Come to find out he sold our apartment to someone (which is legal) and I had to give the bank her info. I'm hoping she's a better landlady than he was. While I was there I told them we still don't have a stove hood and there is a water stain that has appeared in our kitchen. Sean and I lament the fact we chose this apartment, but our only option is to pay out of pocket to move and that's too expensive.

I went to the bank this morning. Bought fuel coupons for the car, filled the car up, stopped by the auto shop to ask if they would sell me a tire gauge tip as mine had fallen off (which they gave me for free) dropped off trash, worked out (45 minutes of free weights) bought groceries and made it home all before noon.

I also was very excited when I got on the scale today and saw the lowest weight since perhaps high school? Guess this running and free weights is doing some good.

Boomer and I just finished tanning and I think this evening will involve shrimp fettucine (low-cal of course) working on my college scrapbook, photo editing ( if time) and Forrest Gump.

Oh..and last night I almost punched a guy in the face. I dropped by the bar on-post to drop off a volunteer (and close friend's) laptop to him. I stayed for about 15 minutes talking to my friend and several other volunteers who all happen to be men. A guy walked up to me and asked if I'd play pool with him. I flashed my ring, told him I wasn't interested and continued talking to my friends. He walked back over, not once, but twice and the last time informed me that because I was with friends that meant I didn't love my husband very much. I finally told him to get out of my face before I called the MP's on him for harrassment. Seriously? I can't even stop by a place for 15 minutes to chat with friends? I really think that's none of your business.

Some people!

What are your weekend plans?

Weekend Wrap-Up

This weekend has been great. I've been so excited to have Sean back and he's been cooking up a storm! To be honest I haven't really cooked for myself since he's been gone. I've mostly been existing on cereal, microwave meals and sandwiches...yeah, not the best meal plan. Anyway, yesterday Sean made us burgers complete with mushrooms and cheese on mine, home-made macaroni and cheese with cream cheese, Velveeta and green chilies. Last but not least we had fried potatoes with onions and peppers in them. Simply scrumptious! I'll be the first one to say that I got lucky marrying a man who can cook...AND cook well.

Other than that we've just been watching some baseball (mainly Cubs) and finally watching Entourage Season 4. We ordered it about a month ago and it came in while Sean was gone. Like the good wife that I am, I refrained from watching it until he got home.

My online shopping sprees have not gone unnoticed though. Sean went through our USAA homepage and the first words out of his mouth? "What all did you buy at Forever21, Amazon, Old Navy and Target?" Oops! I did tell him though that I got him a present from Amazon, I'm not sure that took the heat off me though.

It appears that the short months we have left together before the deployment may be cut down by another month. Sean has gone unpromoted for the last year and it's more than high-time that he should be promoted. His 1st Sergeant noticed this as well and and wants to send Sean to WLC so that he can get his next rank. That means he'll be away for an entire month for that. I'm hoping he can do that in June, as my mom and brother will be here for two weeks during that time and so it wouldn't be quite as lonely. If he does it in July then we'll miss out on block leave and our trip to Ireland will have to be put on the back-burner, which we really don't want to happen.

Well, I hope you ladies all had a fab weekend! What did you end up doing?

Funny Signs and Stories

First of all, a big thank you to two ladies for giving me a wonderful award.

Kebi and Running in Stilettos both gave me the Love Ya award. Thank you ladies both so much!

I think it's been passed around to most people I read, so anyone who hasn't been tagged for it, consider this my gift to you. Because I enjoy reading every single blog that's on my massive list.

I'm on post for just a couple of hours today while Sean finishes his last exam for his EMT class. He did do well on his practical the other day, in fact he aced it. Now he had to take an online final and he'll be EMT certified.

I need to go to housing, but I doubt I'll do that until Monday. Our water problem has been solved. (Thank God) But we have two weeks worth of trash in our garage because our landlord hasn't given us our recycling containers yet. Recycling over here is a beast! I don't mind doing it, but the rules of things that go where is insane. I seriously have to consult the list they gave us before I throw anything in the trash, it's that confusing!

Here's another random Europe question for you guys. Does anyone know why there are cords in the showers and bathtubs that if you pull them they sound a buzzer that is out in the living room? I'm not sure if it's supposed to be some kind of distress signal or what. I'm still trying to figure that one out. Any help on that topic would be appreciated!

While at the PX parking lot the other day I noticed the most hilarious sign for parking. It has a stick figure with a walking stick, a little man hunched over and a pregnant stick figure showing who can park in the places closest to the entrance. Next time I have my camera with me I'll be sure to take a pic so you guys can see it. I laughed for about five minutes when I first saw it. I mean...who makes a stick figure pregnant? It's just funny!

Speaking of funny, I was getting ready for bed last night and Sean was still in the living room studying. I walked back into the living room and spied Boomer coming from over by the trash with a pudding cup in his mouth. He saw me...stared at me, then slowly dropped the container on the ground and acted if he had no idea how it got there. It was hilarious! I told Sean if we'd videotaped it I was sure it would win $10,000 on America's Funniest Home Videos....that's still a show right?

I haven't watched TV in so long, although we've been watching a ton of TV series on our laptop. Entourage, Six Feet Under, Californication, Brothers and Sisters....the list is endless! I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I actually long for AFN right now. Even the horrible PSA's don't seem to bad when you've been faced with no TV for several weeks.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend! I think Sean and I are just planning another low-key weekend. We have a neighborhood butcher shop down the road and I know he's eager to go there and maybe I can actually brave the stares and go into the cute little bakery.

Ciao!

Busy as a Bee

I wanted to thank everyone who voted on what pictures to enter in the photography contest. After lots of thought I decided on #2, #4 and #8. I'll try to keep you updated if anything comes of that.

How is everyone's weekend going?

Sean and I have had a decent weekend. Friends came over Friday night for some poker, but since I don't play (I just don't get poker) I just hung out and played with the baby.

Saturday brought organization of our unaccompanied baggage and lost of college football. We watched Florida beat Alabama and Oklahoma beat Missouri. I can't say I was suprised with the outcome in either of those games. Sean wants the National Championship to be Oklahoma vs. Texas, but we are thinking it might be Oklahoma vs. Florida. All that will be decided tonight.

Other than that I'm off to get my stitches taken out today and then I'll probably finish some packing that needs to be done. Busy week ahead ladies, so if I'm not blogging or commenting as much, please don't forget about me!

18 Days Until Christmas!

Forgive and Forget

I have to admit that I have difficulty with forgiving and forgetting. Not so much with the forgiveness part, but with forgetting.

I was alone with my thoughts last night and a few situations that I've dealt with this past year just kind of overwhelmed me and the waterworks started. I think I actually scared Boomer because I was crying so hard. I realized that although I had forgiven this person for what they had done to me, that I still haven't forgotten it. Believe me, I have tried many, many times. It's almost as if the situation is burned into my memory banks. It crosses my mind at least once a day if not more.

That's not healthy and I realize this. After that good, cleansing cry last night I realized something. I HAVE to forget this or I'm never truly going to be happy again. Scary thought right? So after a quick prayer that I can begin to forget these situations I felt better.

I know it's not going to be easy, but I'm really going to try my hardest to deal with this and get it out of my mind. Please wish me luck on this! I can use your support.

I went to the PX last night and bought some new make-up. I was watching Carmandie on What Not to Wear do a makeover and it inspired me. I got some new waterproof mascara, few new eyeshadows, some new brushes and a new lipstick. It's sort of a peach shade and it looks really good on me. I have a tough time choosing lipsticks. Usually it either turns out too dark or too pink. I like something in between that's flattering. I also bought that Harajuku Baby perfume that I mentioned a few days ago. I just love the bottle! I eagerly sprayed it on this morning when I was getting ready and I'm already enjoying smelling it.

One more thing I bought was a sampler Yankee candle of Christmas Wreath. Oh my goodness...if you love the smell of Christmas trees then this is the candle for you! I can already tell I'm going to have to go back and buy a big candle.

I actually heard from Sean this morning on my way to turn in my Visa paperwork. I didn't recognize the number, but I guess he had borrowed a phone from a friend. He asked me where I was going, evidently they were on-post to stop by the shoppette and their van passed me. He said they might be home tomorrow, but realistically it was going to be Sunday night before they got home. It was just a quick conversation, but it was good to hear from him.

Since I didn't really have time for breakfast this morning at the house I stopped by Sonic to grab something. (Not helping with my weight loss I know) I got the french toast sticks with milk and they are so good! Not healthy for you, but very good!

Since it's casual day at the office I'm wearing my new clogs for the first time and boy are they comfy!



Mine are a little lighter brown than the ones in the picture, but they are super cute with jeans. Did I mention they were comfy?

Oh and before I forget, go check out Life in Germany's awesome giveaway. She's giving away the cutest German ornaments. Go check her out!

So what's everyones weekend plans?

I'm going to:
1. Perhaps go to dinner with a friend
2. Work out
3. Watch TV
4. Work on my scrapbook
5. Cheer on my Oklahoma State Cowboys agains the Texas Longhorns. It'd be a longshot for us, but I'm hoping for a win.

Battalion Picnic and Babies

Wow! Looks like everyone loved the sweater dress as much as I did! Thank you to everyone that responded to what color and style of shoes I should wear with it too. You guys were a huge help! I know who to come to now when I have a fashion question.

I do have another question for all of you out there. Maybe you can help.

I like to pull my hair back like this:



I don't know what it's called, but the little hair bump, whatever. Anyway, as much as I try to get it right, it never turns out like I see other people's hair turn out. It's got a slight bump to it where the hair isn't laying like it should or something along those lines. What am I not doing right? Is it my bobby pin placement? do I need to spray my hair before doing it? Any suggestions?

Last night ended up being pretty fun. I didn't get to watch Survivor as planned, but I did go to Sean's Battalion picnic and awards ceremony. As I had mentioned they had squad competition this entire week and last night was the wrap-up of it. Everyone was there and it was neat getting to see the entire battalion and their familes, although as usual, I was reminded of the fact that I appear to be the ONLY married woman who is not pregnant or has a child. It's a weird feeling actually to look around and realize that.

Of course, people had to naturally ask us (AGAIN) when we were going to have children. I finally just told them that neither of us were ready and that quite honestly I wanted to tour Europe for awhile without a child.

This is their response: "Why can't you tour with your baby?"

Me: "Because touring Europe with a baby is drastically different than touring Europe solo"

Maybe because they are men they don't quite understand? I'm not sure. At any rate I let it be well known that I'm not ready for a child just yet. Don't get me wrong, I love babies, I love holding our friends babies and I really want children...just not at the present moment. I am tired of people assuming that because I'm 25 I'm getting up there and should start immediately. 25 is not old! My own mother didn't have me until she was almost 28, I wish people would give it a rest.

Anyway, other than that it was a good time. Here are a couple of pictures from it.



That's Sean and his friend Robert.




This is Sean's, I'm tired and want to go home NOW face.

This weekend I am:

1. Cheering on my Oklahoma State Cowboys against Missouri. I'm really hoping we can pull out a win.
2. Going out to dinner with two other couples to a new restaurant in a neighboring town. Should be a good time.
3. Steam cleaning my carpets and extensively cleaning my home.
4. Going with a friend to her husband's welcome home ceremony (he's returning from being deployed) to take pictures of her and him.
5. Working out
6. Making my grandma's delish banana pudding. It's the recipe she uses for her basic pie fillings, you just use a little less flour for the pudding.

Here it is:

8-9 T. flour (9 for pie filling-- 7 for pudding) That's what I use.
3/4 + C. sugar (1-2 tsp. over 3/4)
2 C. milk
2 egg yolks
2 caps (2 tsp.) vanilla

1.Mix sugar & flour together; add eggs & milk & vanilla; beat with a jiffy beater until smooth
2.bring this to a boil (hard boil--lots of bubbles all over surface) STIRRING FAST CONSTANTLY with wooden spoon until thick.
3.Take off heat and stir to cool slightly
4.If making banana filling cool until only warm then cut 2 bananas into pudding.

It's delicious! My Grandma makes the best pies, I kid you not. She's famous for her pies back home and has people all the time putting in orders for her pies.

Weekend plans everyone?

Please, no neighbors!

I think I gained 20 lbs in the last hour.

One of my co-workers and I went to the local county fair to get some lunch for the office. I came away with a meat pie and shared half a funnel cake (complete with powdered sugar and cinnamon). I am stuffed! It was all worth it though, especially the funnel cake.

How I love fair food.

I wanted to thank everyone on weighing in with their opinions on Sean and I's dishwasher debate. I'll have to share y'all's opinions with him, though I doubt it will sway him.

Yesterday, as I was decorating our house in the fall decor I purchased, Sean decides to drop this bomb on me.

"So X Couple are moving to North Fort"

Me: (Dropping the leaf strand I was holding) WHAT?!

Let me explain a little. X Couple are acquaintances of ours. The husband of X couple is a kind of friend of Sean's. I use the term friend loosely here. Even Sean has admitted in the last few weeks that he really doesn't enjoy hanging around with him anymore. Out of that family, their baby is my favorite. Does that tell you something? Anyway, X Couple are moving to North Fort (our section of Fort Polk) because their apartment complex in South Fort, is being torn down/renovated. The husband of X Couple actually asked Sean if we had a neighbor sharing our duplex because if not they wanted to move in. Do you know what kind of hell that would be? Let's put it this way. If they moved in beside us, I'm not sure I could survive the remaining two months I have here at Fort Polk. X Couple fight, argue and name-call in front of Sean and I, they are immature and honestly not the best parents. I get along with most people and I do make nice to them, but having X couple as my neighbors is something I really don't want to experience. EVER

I was playing around with Yearbook Yourself today and I think I found my favorite look.



How funny is that?

I have a couple of really good things to report. First of all, the baby pictures that I took a few weeks ago, well the parents of the baby I took those of want me to take more pictures and they said they want to pay me this time! Second good news is that Sean told me yesterday that his unit decided not to pursue trying to kick him out because of the failed PT test. As some of you know, that was a big concern of mine a few weeks ago. I'm not sure if it's because he's been doing so much better with running (although he hasn't taken another PT test) or if it was something else. At any rate I'm very glad and I know he's a lot less stressed. Looks like plans for Italy are moving right along! Yay!

I'm ready for the weekend, but it looks my only weekend plans at the moment are going to Shreveport with Sean on Saturday. I've heard there's a really good Greek restaurant there that I want to try. Working-out and finishing up my fall decorations is on the list of things to do. Not sure if the decorations will get worked on, but we'll see. I really wish I had a little more Martha Stewart creativity when it comes to decorating.

What are your weekend plans?

Edit: This is for you Megan! (Megan posted about a website where you can upload pics of you and your SO and it predicts what your baby will look like) I'm a little scared of mine.

Friday Fun Questions Volume 6 and Survivor

Is anyone watching Survivor this season? Sean and I watched it last night and I think I'm already hooked. I already have my favorites (Marcus) and those that I cannot stand (Jillian, Charlie) thank goodness Jillian was already voted off. Her accent and know it all attitude were making me crazy! Where they are at is beautiful though. I really want to go to Africa sometime in the near future. I can't find anyone who wants to go with me though. Where's everyones sense of adventure? Huh?

Today is Boomer's (our Min-Pin) first birthday. Yes, I'm one of those people who celebrate their pets birthdays. Sean had to take him to the groomer today to get his nails clipped, but I told Boomer I'd make it up to him by getting him a Happy Meal. No, I'm not going to let him eat the ENTIRE Happy Meal.

Time for some Friday Fun Questions!

1. Three websites you frequent the most?
2. What's one thing you really want for Christmas?
3. Any shows this season you are already addicted to?
4. Are there any foods that you were hesitant about trying, but then did and loved them?
5.What room in your house is your favorite and why?

My answers:
1. Blogger.com, armywivesforums.com and hotmail.com
2. I really want a laptop for Christmas, but I know I'm not going to get it, so the second thing I really want is a Chi straightener.
3. I already mentioned Survivor, but I'm also liking Dancing With the Stars
4. My first cruise I was hesitant about escargot, but I tried them and love them! I try to order them every time I can. Delicious!
5. I think my favorite room in our house is the bedroom. Mainly because that's where Sean and I relax the most and just have fun watching TV together.

I'd love to hear your answers!

My list of things to do this weekend:
1. Take pictures of surrounding area and funny signs around town
2. Go to Hallmark and buy a new Yankee candle. I really want that chocolate cupcake one!
3. Cheer on my Oklahoma State Cowboys. I'm hoping for a 4-0 start.
4. Buy a new nose stud. I'm tired of the pink one I have in.
5. Make something tasty this weekend. I'd like to make some kind of apple tart. Does anyone have a good recipe?

So what are your weekend plans?

Weekend Plans?

It's Friday! I can't think of a better way to celebrate then sitting back and having a few Margaritas. OK technically I can't do that until after I'm off work, but the thought is nice. Actually, even when I'm off work I won't have any Margaritas. I very rarely drink now. I'm not a fan of the calories that come with those tasty little concoctions! Although I will bend sometimes and have a White Russian. Now those are tasty.

Anyway, my jaw is killing me today. I think the culprit might be those pesky wisdom teeth of mine that haven't come out yet. I'm just dreading having that whole procedure done. For starters, I hate the dentist. My dentist back home was the nicest man, but I just hate going. I'll confess something, I have weak teeth. Which translates into me having extensive work always being done. When my mom told me she'd rather go through the pain of childbirth then get her wisdom teeth taken out again, I knew I'd be in for some pain. So, I've been putting it off, but I really do need to take care of it before we move, if that does happen.

I'm excited about this weekend. We don't have anything big going on, but some friends of ours, the Darlings, are dropping their baby off with us for a couple of hours on Saturday. I volunteered to do this the other day because I think couples need some time off from their babies from time to time and I enjoy taking care of babies, so it's a great plan!

Time for some cute winter clothes! Here are a couple of things that I like from where else, but Forever 21!



I like the cheeriness of the coat, it's so vibrant!



This looks comfy and classy at the same time.

So what does everyone have planned for the weekend? Any fun plans?