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.

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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.

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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.

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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!!

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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.

A Quick Weekly Roundup

1. Drinking. Tea every morning. I used to dislike tea, so I'm not sure what prompted me to give it another try, but I'm enjoying it! What's your favorite kind and how do you drink it?

2. Tasks. Babysitting, vet trip (last set of shots, yay!), trying to fix my old computer/look for a new one, backing up all of my files. Hopefully having everything settled by the time I start classes!

3. Cookies. Since the Marines had another tough week in the field, a group of us got together to bake, package, and deliver cookie boxes to the rooms of all 250 Marines in Delta Co. It was SO much fun and I'm sure the Marines were quite happy to come back to such a surprise.

4. Brunch. I'm excited to have some friends over for brunch tomorrow! I'll be spending today cleaning and making granola, egg bake, and coffee cake. I'm so excited for what my kitchen is going to smell like!

5. Technology. It rocks. I skyped/talked on the phone with so many people back home this week.

6. Puppy problems. After having a great last couple of weeks, I think the teething is getting to her. She's been extra clingy and whiny this week and apparently forgot that she was potty-trained. Let's hope she feels better soon!

7. Reading. Home to Holly Springs. Can't stop thinking about this quote, "Loving God is our only hope."

8. Wishing. For this cookbook. Drooling over the preview and catching Summer's contagious excitement.

9. Trying. To clean a crockpot that had BBQ Pork in it waaaay too long. =( Right now it's filled with water, 1/4 c. baking soda, and a little dish soap, "cooking" for 4 hours. Any tips???

10. A little nervous about all of the talk about Syria. Being this close to D.C. and surrounded by so many military families makes it all a little more real. Keep praying for wisdom!

And finally....to make your day better, I've been enjoying these things lately:

Wake Me Up. This song: so energizing, and catchy!

What the Fox Say? If you haven't seen/heard this yet...you absolutely have to. Keagan came home at 2 AM this morning, showed this to me, and whether it was the lack of sleep, or actual amusement...we couldn't stop laughing!

For a good laugh, or genuine "awwww," here's a charming video that went viral this week.

And finally, this picture of a very happy puppy this morning. After walking, playing, and a good, long, tummy rub...I thought she might start to cry because she was so happy!

How was your week??

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!

Weekly

Oh dear, I am getting bad at this weekly updating thing. This week, though, I have a good excuse! I had my post all typed up and ready to go, and then wham. My laptop charger decided to short out, cause a giant spark, and scare me half to death. So, I've been waiting, laptop-less, to get my charger in the mail. Everything in that post now seems so outdated, and really, nothing out of the ordinary happened. I got sick of looking at the post, trying to decide how to spice things up, so I scratched it out and started over.

The last couple of weeks have been very, "normal"... at least in the TBS way. What once seemed unusual and hard to get used to, has now become the way of life. " The normal in our lives is, quite honestly, abnormality. Our life together is no longer the routine way that we used to live in Iowa- working during the day, supper together at 7:00, playing pool, watching The Office, going to bed, and doing whatever we pleased on the weekends. It's not Thursday suppers at Dave and Kay's with the whole family, or going to church at the same time every Sunday. Now, it's adjusting to the schedule of the Marines and making the most of every minute we get together. What does that look like? Well, in the past week (and a half, now), we have:

• Enjoyed 5 minutes together, in my car, in the parking lot on base, because Keagan's company got released late and he only had time for me to bring him supper and sleep in the barracks.
• Enjoyed a very quickly put together supper of brats, mac and cheese, and canned green beans, while watching Psych at 3 AM, because that's when Keagan got home, and he was hungry. 
• Enjoyed sitting next to each other all day on Sunday, even though Keagan was working on his orders for Field Exercises all day.
• Enjoyed meals that were made two days earlier, but due to unforeseen schedule changes, Keagan wasn't able to come home.
• Enjoyed a spontaneous hour or so walking around Fredericksburg on a Sunday.

If you see a pattern, our time together often centers around food. :) Honestly, I'm starting to not mind this "schedule" of ours so much. At first, it was really frustrating for me, being a schedule-junkie. I didn't like not knowing if Keagan would be home at 6, 7, 8, 9, or the next night. I didn't like making meals because we heard the guys would be coming home early, and then putting them in the fridge to reheat later when Keagan finally got news he could head home. At first, everything was really frustrating. Now, it's just an "oh well." The schedule does get very tiring and I don't like seeing Keagan so tired all the time, but I do like how hard he works, with minimal complaining. My respect for him has flown through the roof the past couple of months. Yes, I think we're both ready for TBS to be over and to move on to the next phase of training- one that applies more towards what Keagan will actually be doing and will hopefully be more organized, but we're trying to enjoy this part while we're here.

For me, I'm starting to come to grips with the insecurities and emotions that come with being home alone so often, without a real job or even solid plans for what's next for me. I plan to write more on this later, but I've been enjoying the little things that each day in this season of life brings. I've been learning to enjoy the power of "choosing" what to accomplish (I've never had this in my life before, at least to the same extent). I've been working on letting go of the guilt that I feel when I shouldn't. New things are in the works for me, and new things have begun. I've been able to start baby-sitting for another military spouse fairly regularly, which has been a blessing. I'm just trying to focus on the here and now and the blessings it brings.

We're working on the flexibility, adaptability, and perseverance...characteristics that the Marines are obviously trying to instill in us through how TBS is run. Welcome to the Marine Corps- Semper Gumby.

P.S. I promise to put up a post with pictures...soon.

Weekly

Another week gone by. I've decided I need to start taking more pictures of things that seem "common," but might spice up my weekly tales a bit. Afterall, black and white words really don't do Virginia justice. This last week seemed to draaaaag on and on. I spent most of the week getting back on track after vacation. Why is that always so hard? I caught up with laundry, unpacking, housework, bills, etc. and also started a new "get-out-of-the-apartment" opportunity, which was great! Keagan had a long week too- nothing big, but just a draining, long, week.

Sunday, we enjoyed a little time away from the apartment and wandered downtown Fredericksburg. I know I've mentioned it before on the blog, but it was great to go back and visit. I could seriously spend days there wandering from shop to shop and looking at all of the neat buildings.

Other than that, the week was pretty uneventful. We're shocked at how fast, yet how slow, time seems to be going. We're about 3 months in, and Keagan graduates shortly before Thanksgiving. This schedule and training are getting a little bit tiring, but we're trying to stay positive and encouraged. Virginia has been a wonderful place to spend our summer so far. I love going for daily walks with the puppy and enjoying the trees and landscape. Driving around is also fun- we really love the architecture and variety of businesses and scenery. Fall is coming soon, and I'm really looking forward to the lower temperatures, changing colors, and hopefully more exploration!