Flori-bama

Sometimes I forget that we live in Florida, because it doesn't always look or feel like it. Pensacola is a far cry from Orlando or Miami, and we're reminded constantly that even though we're in Florida, we're basically Alabama. But lately, the weather here has reminded me that we are, indeed, in Florida. It has been absolutely dreamy, like - leave the patio door open all day, dreamy. I'm loving how our electric bill is going to look already. I'm going for longer and more leisurely walks and embracing the fact I can wear jeans or shorts, whatever I feel like. I'm so satisfied with the fact that we've had thunderstorms lately- they feel like home.

Since I've written, life has been good. It's been comfortable. It's been peaceful. I've felt spoiled. But, it's also been hard. For some reason, my energy and motivation have just been pulled from my body and every day I have to focus harder on my attitude. So, I'm sorry that I haven't written much, but I'm trying to get my balance back. I've been flipping through my 50 Promises memory verse cards (designed by my inspiring friend, Summer). They have reminded me over and over again where true joy and security is found and helped redirect me to a better attitude.

After three cancelled flights, Keagan finally (literally two minutes ago) finished his first flight at IFS! Oh, man. He isn't even home yet, but I'm excited to hopefully see him excited. We have been waiting awhile for this. He has passed through the drudgery of the "book" portion of IFS and now has 15 hours of flight to complete. Then, hopefully they'll be able to have him start Stage 2 of 3 here in Pensacola: API. Oh, and he made us the most delicious meal on Valentine's Day. I would take that over chocolates and flowers any day.

Volunteering has been going so well. I really appreciate the people that I work with and found an unexpected friend. It's so nice to work with people who have gone through the military life and can offer advice and encouragement. I'm really appreciating this opportunity and hope that it will help me gain good experience for the daunting job search.

The last couple days of February and dwindling down and I can't believe it. We've been here almost three months and the time is going so much faster than it did for us in Virginia.

To all of my friends and family back home - stay warm...or come visit. :)

Writing in Order to Function.

There are times where I simply can't function properly until I sit down and write. And a lot of the times, it's not even anything important, or the tiniest bit interesting. So, most of the time I don't publish the nonsense that passes from my brain, to the tips of my fingertips, typing away at my little black laptop. But somehow, it feels good to write. Just to get thoughts from point A to point B. Just recording a little bit of normalcy onto a blank slate.

I don't know why; I just do it, because once I do it, then I can move on to sorting the papers piling up in the office, mailing our tax forms, working on my classes, and vacuuming the rugs. Note: I cannot spell vacuum right...like ever.

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I'm almost always cold. Even when our apartment is 72°, without the heat on, or the air conditioning on. I'm still cold. So, on go the cheetah print slippers and the blue fuzzy robe.

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I went to get groceries today. I tend to put off this task, until I can't anymore. Then, the day that I have to go is of course the drizzliest, grayest, coldest, grossest, day. It really never fails. It may seem strange (and a little bit invasive), but I love looking at what other people put in their shopping carts. Something about seeing the food items they select, gives me a little inspiration. I try to guess what they're making that week. I try to guess if they have kids at home or not. I get ideas for what I should make next week. I see an item I sort of forgot existed, and then I get really excited about Zucchini again.

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Ah, now that I've jotted a few thoughts down, I feel like I can vacuum. (I spelled it right the first time, this time). See, not important. Not the tiniest bit interesting. But it's done.

Just dropping in

A week and a half ago, Pensacola had an ice-storm. Well, it was basically just ice, but in a city that's not built for or prepared for ice...everything shut down. The schools had closed for two days before the temperatures even dropped into the 40's and there was only a chance of ice. It was strange looking out the windows and seeing cars covered in ice. No one had scrapers to clean their windshields, the city didn't have trucks to salt the roadways, all of the bridges were shut down (even when the temperature was back to 50° and the sun was shining), and no one went to work. No one. The power went out in parts of town. We went outside, scraped the car off like pros, and tried to run errands. However, we were stopped when we came to a tiny little bridge that the police were blocking off. So, we went home and enjoyed our "ice day." Florida is a funny place to live.

Because of the ice-storm, Keagan started IFS on Friday the 31st, instead of Wednesday. Rather, he got to help me take care of 3 kids and 2 dogs for 3.5 days. Yep, we got to play "Mom" and "Dad" for awhile, while our friends took an anniversary trip to Tampa. Let me tell you, the pace we're used to was thrown out the window, but it wasn't so bad. We had fun stepping back to the land of fairy tales, dress-up, "hot lava", and more.

This past week, started out with Keagan reporting every day (and taking a few tests), and me interviewing and attending orientation for a new volunteer opportunity. We're both excited to move on to our new schedules, but are still enjoying the amount of "free-time" we get to spend together. The studying isn't so bad for Keagan yet, so I'm enjoying that while it lasts.

Other than that, things are pretty casual here. I've been looking for nice walking trails, and trying to train my dog not to throw all her good habits out the door as soon as we cross paths with someone else. (tips???) Keagan is trying to be as patient as possible while waiting to hop in a plane and fly. We're both watching bits and pieces of the Olympics and I was able to identify one of the skier's Minnesota accents and felt like a total dork.

Life's good here in Florida. It really is. We can't believe that a year ago we were still living in Iowa, not knowing when Keagan's career would start. So much has happened since then, and now, we're enjoying every second and every stage.