Hi, guys.

Blogging. It's really hard to write sometimes- because, honestly, I just feel all over the place lately. It's hard to sit down and tell you something, when really, I'm just trying to figure out where I'm at myself. This last year has been such a whirlwind, and I feel like I'm trying to catch up with myself, in a way. There have been a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns. I may feel one way, one day, and completely different the next. As soon as I decide I have pinpointed something, my internal GPS recalculates itself. In the world of people who are focused, driven, and set on achieving specific goals, I feel like I drift from place to place, never fully settling.

But lets get past my little moment.

Let's talk about what everyone else is talking about...football season. Or wait, let's not, because honestly, it's just not my thing. It's fall though, and it's hard to ignore the day of football, when everyone else is so excited. I must admit, as much as I don't even pay the slightest attention to what is happening, the sound of
a football game on the TV does sound like fall. Yes, I'll sit and do my own thing, enjoying the smell of an Apple Cider candle and the taste of chocolate, while my husband proudly watches his 4-0 Chiefss

Babysitting- This "job" has been a blessing lately. I get to hang out with the coolest two-year-old and his wonderful mother a few times a week. Seeing life the way a two-year-old does helps lift my spirits.

Cold weather- you know you've gotten used to Virginia when 75 degrees feels cold! We've been having temperatures in the 70's for awhile now. It's beautiful, but I find myself pulling out the jeans, long-sleeves, blankets, and tea much more than I would have back in Minnesota or Iowa. Miss Zulu and I have been enjoying longer, leisurely walks and can't wait until the leaves start to change color. We also can't wait to see D.C. in the fall!

Unpredictability- That's the name of the game in life, but I think it's absolutely expected in the Marine Corps. Although Keagan's schedule has been a little more manageable than earlier in the POI, I'm still finding myself preparing to jump in the car at any moment and bring Keagan supper, because he won't be able to come home. Forget making anything that doesn't reheat well, because there's no way that casserole is going to come out of the oven at the right time. I just realized how much this section is focusing on food, but I guess that's the name of the game in the life and Marine Corps too. So...

Food- After a couple of wildly scheduled weeks, I finally got a "normal" week of cooking supper in last week. Lately, I've realized how awesome food is. Not only is food essential (duh), but cooking has become a relaxing task for me and a creative outlet. I love looking for new, fun recipes to try. Time together with Keagan is limited, so sitting and enjoying a meal together is more enjoyable now than ever before. Nothing says "Good Saturday Night" like a plate of nachos piled high with all the fixin's.

Adventuring- Keagan, Zulu, and I enjoyed frisbee golf at John Lee Pratt Park in Fredericksburg a couple Sundays ago. I hope to go back, soon. It was very different from the courses back home. We climbed up and down steep hills, crossed over creeks, and got pretty muddy. It was a great afternoon to be outside, though. A group of other wives and I enjoyed a morning hiking at Prince William State Park. As I mentioned before, the weather has been incredible, and I very much enjoy Virginia's landscape and scenery. We went about 5 1/2 miles; it was so nice to get out and enjoy time with other wives outside. I did feel a little less heroic than the others though, because every single one of them had a baby strapped to them. Hopefully we'll be doing more of this soon! Then, my sister-in-law and I wandered Fredericksburg National Military Park. It wasn't the most exciting tour we've ever done, but was enjoyable nonetheless. We did a short walking tour, and then a driving tour, visiting landmarks of civil war battles that took place in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania.

Classes- I've started classes to get national certification as an Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeping Specialist. Although the material is very dry right now, I'm enjoying having something "real" to do and accomplish again. The classes are all self-paced, so I'm doing what I can to get as far as possible before our next move.

Speaking of our next move, we realized we're only about two months away. These past four months in Virginia have gone by so slow and so fast all at the same time. It was a little crazy realizing that now is the time to start researching housing and moving options. Pensacola is not far off!

Learning to be a military spouse- This is no easy task, and I don't think I'll ever accomplish it. The world of military "spouse-ness" is very deep and complex. I'm trying to walk the road with grace and and an open mind. It's easy to get bitter and frustrated sometimes, but every day we get a little stronger and learn a little more.

Oofta. This got a little longer than I expected. I guess when one decides not to write for awhile, they feel as if they must write a long, somewhat awkward update that seems a little too much like a Christmas letter in September.