Hello!

Okay, so I am way overdue for a blog post, but before I go and make up a whole bunch of excuses, I'll just be genuinely honest - I'm terrible at keeping up a blog. Tonight, though, I thought I'd drop in. Yes, I am still alive. No, my life is not exciting enough to keep you reading several posts a week. But hey, I'm drinking raspberry tea in celebration of spring-that's-almost-summer (even though it's pretty much the exact same thing as winter down here in Florida) and somehow it gave me the tiniest jolt of motivation.

Things have been good here in Florida since I last posted something of substance. We've had a lot of rain lately, but the temperature has been consistently just-about-perfect. We're trying to enjoy the weather, and the fact that we don't need air conditioning or heat, before the hot, humid summer works its way into our lives again.

Keagan finished Introductory Flight School (IFS), which ended in a solo flight. It was awesome for him to get back in the air again. Now, he is in the midst of Advanced Preflight Indoctrination (API), studying like crazy. He does get a little more down time than he did in Virginia, but he is still working very hard and I am very proud.

I've been volunteering at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society a few days a week and love every day of it. I finished my Bookkeeping and Administrative Assistant classes last week, and will take a certification exam next week. I've also had a whole bunch of job interviews...but I don't really want to go down that road right now. :)

We've both been enjoying a good amount of time together and also enjoy getting more involved with our Lifegroup at church (making new friends!).

Zulu suddenly decided that she likes learning (but most likely just the new treats we got her...) and has learned a bunch of new tricks. She also has become a lot more enjoyable to walk, thanks to our new walking collar. Seriously. It's the best puppy investment so far.

Our friend Petra came down from Minnesota to visit us for a week. We loved having company (and a guest room!) and enjoyed visiting the Pensacola lighthouse, Fort Pickens, a few different beaches, eating fish, and lots of catching up. If only we could keep her here... :)

I had a birthday, and enjoyed sweet messages, as well as some thoughtful gifts. Birthdays are okay sometimes. I treated myself, and bought a keyboard. Of course I had to let my mom know right away so she could send me my favorite piano books in the mail. Moms truly are the best.

Oh, and we are still talking about the HIMYM finale at least twice a week....

:) Happy Weekend!!

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. :)

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.

So far in Florida...

It's not as sunny as we expected. We've had a lot of rain and a couple of thunderstorms.

I'm amazed at how much sand gets trampled into our apartment.

We're laughing at how often we get teased for how we dress. Apparently 60° is not as warm as we think it is back home.

Keagan has not started Introductory Flight School yet (thanks to some miscommunication...of course). His start date is unknown.

Keagan has consequently been playing a lot of Halo. :)

We found a big Baptist church to attend.

We're slowly picking up Alabama accents thanks to the radio...

I'm spending a lot of time talking to customer service representatives. I think working as one last year makes it harder for me to sit through some of their antics..

We're laughing at the absolutely hideous military-issued glasses that Keagan is lucky enough to wear and realizing how expensive glasses really are (neither of us have had glasses before).

I'm trying to find a good recipe with churizo. Two have been disappointing so far.

We're fighting over the leftover guacamole.

I'm loving having extra time to read (for fun!) while waiting for my next class' book to come in the mail.

We're watching Parks & Rec, Modern Family, The Middle, and How I Met Your Mother. (I've never watched this much TV before!)

I'm trying to remind myself that having to paint everything back to white in a year or so is a very good reason not to paint the entire apartment...

I'm trying not to give up on the 1000 piece puzzle in the corner of our living room.

We're enjoying a year without a winter, although we might miss it eventually.

We're content with where we're at and making the most of the phase we're in.

Carry on My Wayward Mind

Right now I'm listening to The Best of Kansas, eating chocolate ice-cream, and blogging. It wouldn't be so silly of me if it wasn't 8:10 PM and we move in three weeks and I need to find a place for us to live, figure out why my car sounded weird tonight, write a thank-you letter, clean my kitchen, catch up on my classes, and calculate if we can actually afford rent in Florida + that new car (or two...gosh, I hope not). But hey, I sat in traffic for way longer than I wanted to after trying on 12 pairs of jeans and finally saying, "Forget you, retail stores- my legs are not that hard to fit into a comfortable pair of jeans!" Ugh. At least the lady at Zales who cleaned my ring told me she loved it instead of telling me I need to "upgrade" like the nose-up salespeople usually do. Okay, I'll cheer up already. I'm really not that distraught, but somehow it feels good to dramatize it by typing it all out on my computer screen.

I promise I'll write a more significant blog post sooner rather than later (or maybe after I find us a place to live). But for now, just imagine (a slightly crazed version of) me listening to Kansas and taking a few minutes to say hello to you. (I love you, Mom! And for real...I'm okay. :) )

In the Midst of Fall

I feel like we're finally in the midst of fall. The temperatures have settled into the 'just right for jeans and a thin long-sleeve layer' range. It's my favorite- perfect for extra walks, open windows, crisp mornings, dawdling, and taking deeper breaths any time I set foot outside. We're hitting this stage later than we did back home. I am definitely okay with it, although I have begun to accept the fact that my internal calendar will never be un-confused again. Fall in Virginia really is lovely, but I miss the Midwest harvest- complete with endless fields changing colors and the sound of farm equipment drifting late into the night, leaving emptiness in their path.

~~~

The last two weeks were calm, yet hectic all at the same time. Keagan had two four-day weeks in a row, which was beyond wonderful. Our friend, Jared, trekked down from Pennsylvania to spend the long weekend with us, and Kiley came to enjoy a few days as well. The boys enjoyed re-living their college days, by playing Halo for hours. I spent my alone-time baking cookies, making the guys food, and catching up on homework. When Kiley came, we carved pumpkins, watched some "scary movies," and headed up to D.C.

While in D.C., we got to witness (and walk in the middle of) the 1 Million Vets Protest. It was interesting and inspiring to see so many people defend their right to protest and enjoy the monuments that were put up in honor of them.



After the long weekend, Keagan went back to work, and it was business as usual for me. We're turning on lamps a little sooner every night, enjoying a little more time together and with friends, and doing our best to prepare for our next move.

Drizzly October

It's cold and dreary out. I just put slippers on- and a second long-sleeve layer. The heat's not on, the a/c is off. It's only 60 degrees outside! I opened my windows this morning, but shouldn't have, because the chill is still hanging around. My toes are cold. It must be October.

Zulu is sitting on my lap-trying to help cure me of my writer's block, which seems to be around more often than not lately. We've got a cozy apple cider candle burning to warm us up- if that's possible, which I believe it is.

I got up early to finish my library book today- I had already renewed it twice and really just needed to finish it and turn it in on it's due date. It's a checklist-lover thing. I sat on my couch, with a mug of chai, and Zulu curled up next to me. It was a good way to spend a drizzly fall morning. But now, I'm still stuck in the rut of not accomplishing much. We made it to the library, got some crockpot chicken ready to go for supper, and got the kitchen cleaned. I tidied up a bit, but that's as far as I've gotten so far. How is it that I am so efficient some days and struggle so much the next? Oh well...I'll catch up on my homework tonight.

As for it being October, I still can't really believe it. Slowly, I'm easing into the chill. I've been using my cast iron skillet more, throwing meals in the crockpot more, smelling vanilla and cinnamon more, and confusing myself by alternating tea or ice-cream for an after supper treat.

~~~

Last week was the week of organization. Other than reading and studying for my classes, I really had no other responsibilities. Keagan was gone all week, Zulu was spayed and had to take it easy all week, and I didn't babysit. So, out came the nerd in me. First, I started by pulling out a little fall decoration. Nothing big; I just switched out the brighter colors with lighter colors, for more mellow-fall-feel. I swapped out a couple lamps for additional coziness, and bought a new candle- because that's what I do. Then, I tackled every little cupboard, box, and drawer that needed a little organizing TLC and went to work. And finally, I took care of some long-lost to-do-list items. You guys, that's my favorite thing to do. Zulu just jumped off my lap- she knows how lame I am.

~~~

Getting a dog spayed is a very interesting experience for someone who's never had a real pet before. I was nearly in tears when I left her at the vet- in a cold building with a slippery floor that she really didn't like. The vet tech was not personable. Without saying a word, or looking me in the eyes, she took Zulu out of my arms, slipped a leash around her, and whisked her away. I finished filling out paperwork, hearing Zulu cry the whole time, and then had to leave her there for four whole hours. It was miserable. After picking her up, she whined non-stop for a couple hours, before finally allowing herself to fall asleep- her head balancing awkwardly on the cone she had to wear. She was pitiful the first day, but was ready to get back to real-life the second day. Sorry, Zulu. We still have a few days before you can run, jump, climb stairs, and play. We're almost there!!

~~~

As for having fun...don't worry...I didn't just organize. I went for a walk with a friend, had supper with a bunch of military wives, and spent Sunday in Richmond with Kiley and Keagan. We went to a very Southern Baptist-y church, enjoyed some food (of course), and swam in the James River. It was almost 90 degrees, believe it or not! I guess the Midwest isn't the only place with bi-polar weather.

So far, the current week has been lovely. Keagan has been getting off at a decent supper-time, and we're looking forward to enjoying a long Columbus Day Weekend.

And the best news? It's 3:24 and I just got a text saying Keagan is on his way home!! What a treat. TBS you're being nice this week.

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.

Sunsets

Seven forty-five is too soon for the sun to set, just like any time is too soon for good company to leave.

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In the past, I've been thrilled about September. I could feel the change of season in the air. In the Midwest, it seemed that September came, and always brought with it a gentle breeze that blew in the wonder of fall. Oh, I couldn't wait for that breeze to come. I always had a fresh schedule, I couldn't wait for the trees to begin to turn, and I lived for walks outside in the comfortable temperatures. Out came the jeans, out came the candles to burn, and apples, oh yes, apples.

This year just seems...off. The air still feels very much summery and not a bit fall-like. We're all still wearing shorts and tank tops 99% of the time. Giant bugs are still flying everywhere. The pace of life has not changed. Every year, up until last year, September meant the beginning of school. Last year, meant the beginning of married life. This year, I'm in Virginia, on the same schedule I've had for months now. This year, September just seems like another month of summer, with the sun setting too early.

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I am a very nostalgic person. It's in my nature, as much as I try to put it behind me. I'm also a major thinker. I get lost in my own thoughts way too often. Sometimes, I view these characteristics as non-threatening, and sometimes I have to curb them from taking over my present joy.

The past week was a week that I wanted to hold onto forever, but unfortunately, I could not. Wrapped in that week was our first anniversary and a week with Keagan's parents and sister. I truly wanted to write so much. I wanted to write about a year ago, the time leading up to the wedding, the wedding, and the early life after. I wanted to write about this year, our anniversary, and the fun we had all week. Unfortunately, my writing impulses were slowed once again-- thank you, laptop, for biting the dust.  Now, I have Keagan's laptop as a temporary substitute, but going back on writing impulses never seems to work for me.

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Like unpacking a suitcase after vacation, putting an apartment back together after having company is emotionally deflating. Normally, I like a neat, clean, apartment with everything in it's place. But having company means blankets in a stack, air mattresses against the wall, suitcases in the corner, coffee cups on the counter, and towels hanging all over the bathroom. Putting each thing back in it's place just means....our apartment is empty again. I like quiet, I like order, but having good company throws those likes to the back burner.

Independence is good- I like it. I am good at it. But a lot changes when your favorite company is across the country. It's a good thing, to have people worth missing, but it's also hard to bounce back from the treasured days spent together. Yet, we move on. We enjoy those days, enjoy the present days, and look forward to the days ahead. We accept that sometimes the sun sets sooner than we want it to, but it's all a part of the change of seasons. The wonderful, hopeful, change of seasons.

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On a Walk with Zulu

I love that our apartment complex is big enough and pretty enough to enjoy puppy strolls. Usually, we walk the sidewalk loop- about 3/4 of a mile and then head to the backs of the buildings, where they mow the grass...yay! I let Zulu have more of her leash and she runs around to explore every sight and smell possible. The hills help me get a good workout too! I love getting fresh air for an hour each day and I appreciate the effort the apartment owners put into keeping the grass, trees, and plants looking so beautiful. This doesn't feel like concrete rows of buildings...instead the sights are pleasant. It feels wonderful to get out and walk the pup. Here's a little picture of our walks together.

"Hurry up, I'm waiting!!" We know she's anxious when both ears are sticking straight up.

Our apartment complex has some really neat trees and plants, filled with butterflies.

"Seriously? You're taking pictures? I want to run!"

Walking the perimeter- beautiful wooded areas.

And believe it or not, a creek runs through the complex! I would have never known if I didn't walk so much with Zulu.

I love that we have trees in our apartment complex.

Gazebo/Pool area

More plants

Front of our building

The grassy areas behind the apartments are perfect for burning off puppy energy.

Little puppy, big world.

Can you spot the puppy?

She thinks she's in charge.

Living life on the edge.

Back upstairs and back inside. 

Weekly

This week was a whirlwind...and I think that is a good thing. I had ambitious plans for the week, knowing that I would be spending the majority of it on my own. What does one do when preparing for a week alone? Well, if you're me, you go to the library (for fun, for the first time in years) and pick out some awesome books (some for learning, some for fun). You go to Walmart, and pick out simple, cheap picture frames (for projects that have been waiting for completion). You survey the fridge and cupboards (to write a list of simple meals you can make without going to the grocery store). And finally, you make a to-do list and build a "project stack" (that waits, with anticipation, on your desk).

Yes, my life is just that exciting.

I wish I could say that I got everything done that I wanted to...but I didn't. I did, however, get a lot more done than I do on a usual week...and I enjoyed every day that passed. 

One of my main goals this week was to let myself enjoy my time. I tried to make an effort to get out each day and enjoy friendship as well as alone time. I tried to let myself sit and enjoy reading without feeling guilty. I tried to let myself stretch my creative abilities. Really...it worked well. This week was the best week I've had in a long time. I'm thanking the Lord for the ability to enjoy the way that he created me as well as the simple things in life.

Monday, I remembered to take out my camera. Enjoy a few pictures of what a typical day here looks like!

Dishes...and lots of them! I prefer to spend my weekends enjoying down-time with Keagan. So Monday comes and it's catch up time!

After a dog walk, tidying up, and devotions...it's time for lunch at the desk!

Having the apartment to myself  = Project Piles!

Tackling the project list and puppy naps. :)

Wall addition #1!

Another new wall addition in progress. I've been waiting on this one for awhile!

Puppy time.

This week also included:

• Babysitting a sweet little man and a good time chatting with a friend.
• A trip to the vet with Zulu. She was so good!
• A poolside brunch with lovely military spouses that ended in sunburn (but it felt good).
• Lots of walks in the grass around our apartment complex.
• Rainy nights/days. I don't know about you, but I love sitting in silence and listening to the rain fall at night. It's magical.
• A Greek-diner experience with Keagan on Friday night. So good. And the cake I got for dessert was so huge that I snacked on it five more times after taking it home.
• A lovely day trip to Richmond to visit Kiley: exploring Carytown and eating lots of food.
• A new career goal! I should be starting online classes in just a few weeks and it feels so good! :)

Here's to a week that's hopefully just as good as the last!