Three things I've realized about myself lately.

1. If there is anything slightly dangerous in an apartment, I will find it. I will not find it on purpose, but I will find it (examples: cutting my hand on a dryer door, grabbing a cutting board from a cupboard and jamming a screw under my fingernail, and stepping on five sharp objects in the first four days of moving in). how?

2. I have become a dog person. I have laughed myself to tears twice this week for dog-related incidents.

3. I need to get more sleep.

Throwing Stuff Into a Whirlwind and Watching it Spin Around

You know what's okay sometimes? Being busy. You know what's not okay sometimes? When the A T & T guy comes to hook up your internet and tells you that your cable is lost somewhere in the wall and that you need to talk to your maintenance guy. Then, you talk to your maintenance guy and they say they're working on the issue. Then, you get a bill from A T & T for service you can't even use yet because the cable is lost inside of the wall and the maintenance guy must have gotten lost in there too.

Moving and getting settled into a new place is always an adventure. It's exciting, sometimes. It's hectic, sometimes. Sometimes, you're not quite sure how you're going to do it all, but you do it all anyways. Things go wrong (inevitably), like getting a parking ticket in D.C. two days before you leave, having a mishap with the tow-dolly that scars your trusty old car (hey, at least it wasn't the new one), and having to run around a tourist-town at 9 PM (after driving 8 hours) to find a place where you can park your moving truck without it getting towed. (Note: don't text your husband to say, "I'm heading to the police station next." without an explanation...)

Then, when you finally arrive at your new "home," it takes awhile before it really feels like home at all. You deal with bills that make you go, seriously? Cancellation and set-up fees should totally be outlawed. So should the door-to-door college kids, asking you to buy a magazine subscription to help soldiers overseas. They don't take no for an answer, and they compliment you on how good the supper you are making smells, and they try to make you feel bad for them because they confused Ohio with Iowa and have ADHD. Oh, and don't forget the fact that you have to spend hours working on the paperwork to get reimbursed for the way-too-large amount of money that you spent getting to your new home and then spend too many days waiting to hear what you did wrong so that they have an excuse not to pay you.

Then, strangely, you realize that you kind of don't mind that everything is spinning around in a giant whirlwind. It's kind of fun to reach out and grab whatever you can and put the pieces where they belong. You look around you and realize that you're actually sort of making a nice little home for your little family and that you're blessed to have made it there safe and sound. And you know what? Not having internet at home means you have to get out and explore the area a little bit and spend a lot of time in a strangely rubbery library chair.

It's really not so bad. Challenging, yes. A test of patience, yes. Frustrating at times, yes. Time-consuming, definitely. But when you're sitting in your new home that has begun to feel like home, it feels okay. In fact, it feels more than okay. Before you know it, you don't even notice the whirlwind spinning in front of you and you can breathe easy again.

I feel like I can say, once again, we did it. No, we're doing it. 

Still in the midst of a little chaos.

The in between has never been a comfortable spot for me. Give me a project (or five), and I struggle to relax if it's only halfway done. Sometimes, this is a good thing, but often not. My focus locks in so tightly on the project to be completed that I can hardly focus on anything else- like writing this blog post, or calling my parents, for example. The dreaded in between is where I'm currently stuck. I really struggle taking things step by step and being patient as we settle in to our new home. It's like I can't see myself as having made progress until we're actually done.

And really, I shouldn't worry because we've made good progress. We've been here for four and a half days and: everything's unpacked and mostly put away, our used washer and dryer were purchased and hooked up, we painted, our internet service is arranged, our curtains and most of the decorations are hung, and I know how to get to the closet Walmart and Target. Yet,  I have to almost force myself to sit and stay in this chair instead of finish what I want to finish so bad. I'm driving my husband crazy. I'm driving myself crazy. I'm probably driving our dog and our neighbors crazy

I only made it a day and a half before buying paint. The long, white walls were making me sad, and I just had to make this place feel like less of a hallway and more of a home. We picked a soft gray and I feel so much more relaxed already. We also found a giant clock that goes perfectly over the fireplace- thanks, Lowe's, your half-price eye-catcher was too hard to pass up. The area rug? Yeah...that took some work. I probably looked at every rug that the internet and stores had to offer before deciding I just needed to pull one off the shelf, take it home, and only return it if I hated it.

As for Florida, I have yet to see the beach. That was on the agenda for today, but then it rained. It's really not that different in our neighborhood- but people care less about their cars than they did in Virginia. It's pretty warm, too. We've been in the 70s the last couple of days and the month of January is supposed to average around 60 every day. It think I can handle that!








Keagan checked in at his new command, but isn't doing much until he's ready to class up for Introductory Flight School (IFS). In the meantime, he has to report for formation Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and PT on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If he doesn't start IFS soon, we may be lucky enough to take leave for Christmas. YAY!

Well, it's back to try and finish up this decorating thing. Wish me luck as I try to come up with a wall arrangement that's "de-symmetricalized." (Yes, it is more fun to say de-symmetricalized than asymmetrical).

Clear Tape and Cardboard Boxes

Clear tape and cardboard boxes. This is our life lately. Oh, and giant messes, because everyone knows that in order to organize, you have to create a giant mess first...right? What? That's just me? Oh.


Can I tell you a secret? I kind of like moving and packing...when I have the time to focus on it. It's kind of fun taking things off the wall, out of drawers, and off shelves, and then trying to fit everything in boxes. It's like a puzzle. The organizer in me gets a chance to shine as I take care of all the little things one has to take care of when moving states away. I get to slap together a moving binder with emergency numbers, move-in paperwork, orders, and so on. I get to write so many lists...to-do lists, cleaning lists, lists of things to pack separately. I get to pack a box that I call the "First-Box-to-Unpack-Box." It consists of toilet paper, towels, a shower curtain, pillows, blankets, an air mattress, puppy stuff, paper plates and silverware, and something to snack on. You know, so the first night at our new place is somewhat comfortable. I'm enjoying this and so ready.


Let me be honest though, that's on the good days.




Normally, the organizer in me does really enjoy it, but sometimes, I'm a normal human too. Moving can be downright crazy. There's a lot of loose-ends to tie up and paperwork to make sure you complete correctly. Your mind is spinning with a million different tasks you absolutely can't forget about. You forget that your husband will be home in an hour and you're still responsible to feed him. Sometimes, you simply can't make all of the arrangements and have to trust that things will fall into place once you get there. You start to realize what things you're going to miss and how you're going to have to learn a new place all over again. You worry about your favorite fish-shaped platter breaking because you are no doubt going to drop a box down three flights of cement stairs.

Honestly, some days you just go crazy. Don't forget that you're totally capable though. You're able to adapt and get everything done. Sail through those days that your motivation is running free, and push through the days where you just want to sit in the middle of the cardboard boxes and hug your puppy. Remember, you're becoming kind of awesome at this packing and moving thing.



We can do it, you guys. We really can. It's another adventure and we're ready.

Lately

Our time in Virginia is slowly coming to an end and we're enjoying it thoroughly. I realize my posts don't have much meat to them lately, but sitting down to write is becoming harder and harder. There's so much going on, but I still don't want to forget it. Since we're going to hit the road right before Thanksgiving (no turkey and potatoes for us!), and wanted to spend more time with Kiley and Jared while we are able to, we had a "Thanksgiving Weekend" a week ago. 

We enjoyed a couple of walks in the slightly cooler, but still beautiful Virginia weather. We walked at Government Island (with our very impatient dog who stole the attention of nearly everyone we passed on the trail) and explored Stafford's Civil War Park.

We saw a bird. And ate a bird.

And, we sat down and enjoyed a delicious meal like a family would- complete with a fresh-baked apple pie from Kiley.

 It was a great weekend- we're very lucky to have been close to a friend and a family member, even after moving across the country. The next weekend was the birthday ball. Every November, the Marines celebrate the anniversary of their "birth." This year, we celebrated the 238th Birthday at a ball in Richmond. All TBS students and staff were there, from several companies. This meant a huge crowd- almost 3000 in attendance. 

It was the first ball for both of us and we truly had a great time. We enjoyed the traditional ceremonies, a meal, socializing, and "dancing." I think those of us associated with Delta Company were also enjoying a "last hurrah" and pre-celebration since we were so close to the end of the POI. Soon, we'll all be heading in different directions as our husbands complete training for their MOS.




























Two great weekends in a row...and now we're finishing up all of the details of our move. These six months have gone by so fast, but we're gearing up for Florida!

Great Weekend at Great Falls.

Fall in Virginia is one of my new favorite things. I could live outside, the weather is always so lovely. So of course, I have to drag my husband out of the house every chance I get.

Great Falls is by far one of my favorite places in Virginia. We went for the first time shortly after we moved out here and I definitely wasn't going to let the fall pass without visiting again. We went on a perfect Sunday afternoon- the leaves were at their peak and just about to fall. The temperature was absolutely perfect. We actually had a nice, relaxing weekend to enjoy. Unfortunately, everyone else in the area had the same idea. As we pulled onto the road leading to the park, there were cars backed up for almost a mile. When we finally got into the park, we were a little disappointed because there were so many people swarming. We're definitely more small-crowd people.

As soon as we broke free from the main area, however, we had the most perfect afternoon.

We climbed up and down the crazy rock formations, I took a million pictures, and Keagan explored the nooks and crannies to find me some shiny shells. It was the perfect mixture of relaxing and adventurous.

We savored every last breath of perfect fall air before the sunset, and then headed to a cute little restaurant in Old Town Alexandria- Bilbo Baggins. It was the perfect weekend before the busy storm- finding a place to live (we did it!), finding a car to buy (we did it!), and finishing out the last couple weeks of TBS (almost there!).

The Home of The Commandants

One of the bonuses of being married to a Marine who is going through TBS and stationed so close to D.C.? The Marine Corps decides you're worth something and invites you to tour the Home of the Commandants and meet the First Lady! A couple weeks back, the spouses of Charlie and Delta Companies got to hop on a bus and have a lovely day in D.C. As you will soon discover, I think this place is super awesome...it's almost an obsession...



 For those of you who are not affiliated with the Marine Corps, I hope to share a bit about this awesome landmark and piece of history in D.C. For those of you who are affiliated with the Marine Corps, learn about this place and the people who have lived there! It's fascinating. The Home of the Commandants is the oldest continuously occupied building in Washington, D.C. The site for the original barracks and the home was chosen by President Thomas Jefferson and the 2nd Commandant of the Marine Corps, Lieutenant Colonel William W. Burrows on March 31, 1801. The home itself, was built in 1806, by the Marines of course (the budget was so small that they were payed in liquor). Remember learning about the British raid in D.C.? Yep, in 1814 they burned the Capitol, the White House, and most of the public buildings. The Barracks and the Home of the Commandants were spared...and as the Marines like to believe, it was because the British thought they were stunningly awesome. ;)

This home has since housed every Commandant of the Marine Corps. Portraits of all of the previous Commandants (except for the 4th Commandant, who did something despicable...) hang throughout the house. What's really neat about the portraits, is that they are painted to show the change in uniform as well as to include a unique item or symbol that each Commandant chooses to be displayed in their portrait. For example, one Commandant chose a Bible and one chose a picture of him and his wife (after being told she couldn't pose with him). The current Commandant gets to decide where they want each portrait to hang, so if a former Commandant is unlucky, he might end up in the basement.

See that couch with it's back toward you? Yep, I sat on that as we were being introduced to the First Lady, only to be told that it is nicknamed "The Dead Couch." Brigadier General Archibald Henderson apparently took a little nap on the sofa in this room and passed away quietly in his sleep. Ever since, it is rumored that Henderson's ghost has occasionally caused mischief throughout the home. From causing odd noises until his portrait was moved to the 1st floor, to throwing his portrait to the floor at the mention of women serving in the Corps, to causing leaky faucets and visitors to faint, Henderson (who resided in the home for 39 years) still believes the home is his to do whatever he wants with.

 Throughout the home, many unique pieces of furniture and decorations catch the eye. There are so many stories in this home, as well as an incredible amount of history and character. In the photo below, the Music Room is shown. The room features a tribute to John Philip Sousa- former conductor of the Marine Band, in case you didn't know. One of the features is that lamp...which you should never go near, because it is worth $2.5 million dollars (or something like that). We also learned all about fireplace shields and how the phrase, "Mind your own beeswax!" came about. For real...look it up.

 The home was beyond beautiful. I loved how nearly every item had a story to tell.

I will totally sit out here every morning when Keagan is Commandant. ;)

 For you other military families out there who have heard endless horror stories about TMO...guess what? The Commandant's House has it's own story. A plate that is displayed in the dining room was apparently damaged by TMO and glued back together. Whether that was just a joke the docent threw out there, or actual truth, I don't know. (I can be gullible, sometimes).

 In case Keagan and I need some space someday when he's Commandant and I'm stressed out, we can just sit at opposite ends of this ridiculously long table. ;) Okay, I'll stop talking about Keagan being Commandant now and instead tell you something I found kind of funny. Apparently, four enlisted Marines are assigned to the home to cook for the Commandant and guests.

 Just look at this ridiculously gorgeous home...

 And Keagan's the Commandant's Study.

 We were even able to peek into the bedroom. It was roped off, because apparently in the past someone thought it'd be funny to climb up on the bed and take a picture. Not cool, dude. How weird would it be to have guests look into your bedroom like it was on display?

This sunroom? Perfect. And what's extra cool, is that the doors open up towards the parade deck of the barracks. So much history. So much ceremony.

 And Bonnie Amos? She was stunning. Really. What a charismatic, genuine, and humorous lady. She was so open and inviting, and definitely helped increase our pride in our role as supporter to our husbands, the Marines. I felt so spoiled and inspired. Bonnie encouraged us to "enjoy life, enjoy it!" She is a true example of what a wife should be- even in the midst of a crazy lifestyle.

As I'm sure you can tell, I really enjoyed this opportunity. (I may have gotten a little carried away on this post). But for real. It was so awesome. I love history and hearing stories that come alive, and this was a wonderful place to experience that. Thank you, to the Marine Corps, for having an interesting history, as well as traditions and pride that continue today.