Military Homecoming, the embarrassing truth.

I NEVER go overboard with the homecoming attire (oh how I wish this statement could end here.) However, since this is homecoming number 632 (sarcasm, but not that far off base,) I thought I’d spice things up a bit. Ha. First mistake! I wore a black and while polka dot number with some sexy black wedges -second mistake and covered up the bursting cleavage with a cute crop cardigan buttoned up- gotta keep it PG ladies. I had my hair and nails done in advance and arranged for a friend sleep over at the house with the kids, as it was suppose to be a 0400 ceremony.

He calls me at 1230 saying they were leaving location X and its only about a hour long flight so I needed to start making my way over to the ceremony location, STAT. wtf, over.

The time ended up being bumped to a 0130 ceremony, which totally messed up my time management planning. This should have been a sign that things were not going to go as I had hoped.

So I jump up out of bed (was trying to get a little pregame rest) and quickly got dressed, put on a little make up, flipped my hair over in hopes of bringing some life and bounce back to the curls, then darted out the door.  I stopped in the lobby to talk to the hotel receptionist for a minute, verifying that I’m not actually a prostitute leaving all dolled up at 1am even though I will be returning with a man. She laughed. I needed a little lighthearted humor.

By the time I made it to the ceremony location the parking lot was FULL. Was I the last to be informed of the time change? Man, I miss the good old days of FRG leaders actually making it their duty to make sure everyone knows where to go and called with time changes. Here in 2013 we have to click refresh on Internet browser to see if the webpage has been updated with changes, which it rarely is. So I parked my car, give my lips a little color, tried to tame the now unruly bedhead curls, and I took off in almost a sprint- clearly forgetting I went sans flats this time. Immediately I caught a rock awkwardly with my heel and twisted my ankle. Twisted my fucking ankle and fall in the parking lot at 0130, skinning up my knee a bit on the loose gravel. I was mortified, crushed, humiliated to the max! How could I forget I was 4 inches taller than normal?

With all the courage I could muster, I stood up, brushed myself off, and gingerly headed to the gate with a conspicuous limp. My ankle, now very weak, wobbling, and throbbing, my knee scraped and bleeding, my pride depleted.

I trudged forward.

I had a man to watch exit the plane, signifying the end of a deployment. I am determined to walk it off and not let the throbbing pain interfere. Just as I’m approaching the building, my ankle gave out. It completely gave out on me with no advance notice. There I go, falling again, only this time in front of some 4 soldiers on redeployment bag detail.  At this point, it was all I could do not to bust out in tears. My ankle is the size of a engorged orange, all pride and self-confidence – shattered. I just wanted to get my man and leave. And that’s exactly what I did. I took off those beautiful godforsaken damn shoes, waited patently for him to find me, we both got a good laugh out of my misfortune, and he helped me back to the car.

All the pain and embarrassment I had endured was nothing compared to finally feeling whole again. My partner in crime is back from another deployment. My heart is happy.

Apparently this should be my theme song...
 

Ode to the thrifters

I cant stop listening to this song.

No lie.

I’m gonna pop some tags
Only got 20 dollars in my pocket
I, I, I’m hunting, looking for a come-up
This is fucking awesome.

The day my husband cried

and it went a little somethin like this... 

me: we need to get rid of the mustang 

to which he typically responses with: 

"I have a buyer lined up. A kid a work..."

(crickets chirping)

A little back story 

We bought the Mustang at the worse possible time; right before a PCS and buying a house. We didn't need the car, we wanted the car. It was a 'welcome back from deployment #839, we missed you. Heres a cool car to show we care.' kinda thing. Completely irresponsible and impulsive and exactly what the military tells you NOT TO DO. And man was it fun... for a little while. Then reality set in. The military only allows you  2 vehicles if living on post (which we were in post housing at that time) and only compensates you for 2 vehicles during a PCS move. We had to come completely out of pocket for the trailer to pull the car across country causing many delays in our travel here. It was a huge pain in the booty. Then it sat in the garage. Just sat there. Started regularly, but we put maybe 20 miles on in it the past year. It was a pointless added expense. 

Yea, it was cool. Yea, it was all manly and he loved to brag about having it, but it was POINTLESS.

Fast Forward

{Yesterday}

me: we need to get rid of the mustang 

him: sell it

(crickets chirping... keyboard clicking) 

me: a guy will be here in 2 hours to look at it.

him: wait, what? what did you do? ... 

me: you told me to sell it. I did. 

awkward silence.... 

{Just like ripping off a band aide, it was over before he knew it} 

A kid, smiling from ear to ear, showed up at our door with his parents. Once we started up the car for them, it was over. The guy was in love. His dad was in love. And his mom couldn't control her smiles as she watched her oldest son and husband beginning to bond over this classic beauty already. It melted my heart to see them all so happy.

Ironically, the kid is an 18 year old new recruit to the Army. He saved up every penny from basic training to buy a car before leaving for AIT.  I can't put into words just how perfect the whole experience felt. Here my husband is, an 'old vet' at this point, and on crutches to top it off, handing over the keys to his beloved 1969 Mustang GT to a brand new soldier. It was a sad day for the Mr.

"Treat her well, kid. Treat her well." 

I'll leave you with this catchy tune to start your weekend.
The song currently on repeat on my phone because my kids FREAKIN LOVE IT!

Eels - Flyswatter

oh is that stuck in your head now? you're welcome :)

Miscellany

A day in my life is far from exciting, but here it is.

6am: Coffee for me, 7am: food for the pup, 8am: walking the big kids to school, 9am: getting dolled up, 10am, ready to take on the day, 11am: Mah Jong like a boss, Noon: the beast must eat again, 1pm: Mall time alone, 2pm: at the eye doc, 3pm, driving around in the Mr's big old dirty pick up truck, 4pm: taking some time to smell the roses, 5pm: admiring my lovely earrings found at the mall earlier (2 pairs are going to SGT for a bday present, ya know, since I always remember hers), 6pm: ZENNI! gotta get those cheap glasses since I had to get a new script from the doc.

There you have it. A day in the life of...

And now for a little Monday music - -

Oh Monday...

We had such an amazing Spring Break that I did not want to see it end. Redd has already left for school & the Mr off to work, but I'm still kinda in denial. I want them back. I want to go out and explore more and have more fun making memories together. 

I feel like yesterday was robbed from us. 

It was gross. I am still coughing. I now have hours worth of cleanup to do today because of it.

Ever hear of a HABOOB? yea, me either until I moved to the Southwest.
Basically its a disgusting sandstorm type thingy. 

Top photo was taken this morning after the sand settled. 

Bottom one is from most of yesterday.

No joke. - El Paso, you are killing me.

So this manic Monday music song choice is... drum roll please.....

El Paso by Marty Robings
"Wild as the West Texas wind." <--- truth

Hey Monday, Bring It On!

Hello Spring Break! 

To start the morning off, its time for some tunes.  
This one is only because the hubs had it on this weekend and its fresh in my mind. I apologize in advance. This is his twisted style. This is a "love song" he has dedicated to me on numerous occasions. I dig it because I dig him, but it is a tad twisted. You've been warned :)


Enjoy your mundane Monday!!

Say Anything- A Walk Through Hell

 

Manic Monday Music

ADELE

need I say more?

"Real Adele fans know her from Chasing Pavements not Rolling In The Deep" couldn't have said it better myself, Twitter. 

Manic Monday Music

As I am in the midst of getting kids up, ready and off to school, I have the music BLASTING before I'm off for a lovely doctors appointment, blah. I'm in need of an intervention, I admit it. I truly think I need help. I am head over heels completely and madly in love with the music that Mr. Jack White is part of. I mourn the loss of The White Stripes; I guess Meg & Jack White just we're meant to be. Love can be such a fickle thing. At least he has not stopped making music. Check out the 13 Best Jack White Collaborations [here]

The way this man can manipulate guitar strings- Amazing.

Now, Drop what you're doing & listen to Jack White's new track Love Interruption from his debut solo album 'Blunderbuss'.

And I want love to, change my friends to enemies, change my friends to enemies Show me how it's all my fault.

hmm is this a dig at ex-wife, Meg White?
Random fact: Jack took Meg Whites last name when they were married. Now, if that's not love, I don't know what is. 

I need more. More. MORE!

Manic Monday Music

Whew, it is a manic Monday around here, for sure! Non Stop Madness! The only upside to my crazy day is that I have spent a lot of time in my toaster car and that means that I have had a lot of time to listen to my beloved iPod. 

Ya know how some artist can make your ears smile, so to speak, as soon as you hear them?! Jenny Lewis does this for me. I love the sound of her voice. I cant help it, I wish she would do another solo album.

The album, Acid Tongue, has an indie rock / alternative country feel to it. Coincidentally my favorite song of hers is also Acid Tongue. It is amazing both lyrically and vocally [in my opinion.]

Acid Tongue

Album: 

Acid Tongue 2008
Lyrics: 

I went to a cobbler
To fix a hole in my shoe
He took one look at my face 
And said, "I can fix that hole in you"        [<-- First 4 lines had me hooked.]

I beg your pardon
I'm not looking for a cure
Seen enough of my friends
In the depths of the godsick blues

You know I am a liar
You know I am a liar
Nobody helps a liar

Because I've been down to Dixie
And dropped acid on my tongue
Tripped upon the land
Until enough was enough

I was a little bit lighter
And adventure on my sleeve
I was a little drunk
And looking for company

So I found myself a sweetheart
With the softest of hands
We were unlucky in love
But I'd do it all again

We built ourselves a fire
We built ourselves a fire
But you know I am a liar
You know I am a liar

And you don't know what I've done

By the rolling river is
Exactly where I was
There was no snake oil cure
For unlucky in love

To be lonely is a habit

Like smoking or taking drugs             [<---Amazing]

And I've quit them both
But man, was it rough

Now I am tired
It just made me tired
Let's build ourselves a fire
Let's build ourselves a fire

its starting...

I saw this on To Make Love Stay and, since I too, am a total sucker for these memes I am playing along.  If you decide to do this as well, please leave me the link in your comment so I can check it out too! 

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? As if there is a doubt, Hot Cocoa.  

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa simply just places it under the tree, this mom & dad duo does the wrapping in this house.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? That’s a hard one. I say white lights on a purple tree. The hubs says colored lights on a fresh tree. How are we still married?

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Haven’t but I’m not oppose to it.

5. When do you put your decorations up? We will start pulling out the festive décor this weekend. Will also start all those many holiday crafts Pinterest has inspired.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? My grandma Joan used to make the most delicious chocolate pie. I miss it, I miss her more.  

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? As a child, I remember staying at my grandparents house, laying in bed & staring out my window. The night was bright from the moon light hitting the fresh snow, and I just knew if I stayed awake long enough, I would see the big guy. Alas, sleep prevailed. I woke to a scrumptious breakfast and to find a new bike waiting for me.  

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I honestly can’t recall. Perhaps it was so traumatizing that I blocked it out? Who knows?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. We were always allowed (at my grandparents) to open gifts from the grownups only. Now I’m one of the grownups. This is still weird to me.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Randomly.
I tried to do a color theme, but once you have kids, no theme necessary. Kids make things and you want to hand em up!

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I long for the day we celebrate a white Christmas again. We are Midwestern natives, the Army positioned us coastal for almost 10 years and now we are in the Southwest. One day we will go back to the places where we feel the most at home.

12. Can you ice skate? Psh, I have. I don’t. I wouldn’t count on my abilities to skate to save my life.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I remember when my mom gave me my 1^st CD player!! I was soooo excited until I realized she failed to get a CD to go with it. Instead I got disk shaped GUM. How cruel is that? #MomFail. Yea, I still remember this, Mom.  

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my husband and our little family. I wish we could be with our “extended” family back home, but at least my husband is home with me & the kiddos again this year. This is important. This I am thankful for.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My Aunt Patty makes some wicked good fudge!  

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We are still trying to find our niche on what will be OUR holiday tradition; the one we want our kids to remember and carry on.

17. What tops your tree? Only the brightest sparkling star will do.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I enjoy giving, mostly to my kids. Receiving isn’t important anymore.

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yummy Yum Yum-o!   

20. Favorite Christmas show? How bout movie? “You’ll shoot your eye out” A Christmas Story & “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” ELF!!

21. Saddest Christmas Song? HappyChristmas (war is over) by John Lennon. That being said, it is still one of my favorites. This one hit close to home. He does sing, ‘a very merry Christmas/and a happy new year/let’s hope its a good one’ and all that. However, I think he knew the idea of war wasn’t over and we would unavoidably be in another one sooner rather than later. He was right. Our war still isn’t over.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? White Christmas by Bing Crosby. To this day, I cannot hear it without tearing up and being taken aback to memories my grandparents house again. As a child of divorced parents, my grandparents, in place of my dad, usually got me on Christmas Eve and because of this, majority of my Christmas memories revolve around their lovely home in the country. Grandma would let me have control of the record player and free run of the Christmas records. Bing was always one of the first ones I’d grab.

Random Thoughts Of The Day

1.       Harry Potter marathon on abc family + cat naps + ice cream = one of the most relaxing and enjoyable Sundays I have had in a long time.

2.       Cannot spend two Sundays in a row on my bum. Next week, we are going for another hike.

3.       Glasses: I need them, I own them, I hate to wear them.

4.       Pinterest, if you give me any more damn 404 errors when trying to edit all my many boards and pins, I am likely to cancel my account or scream at my computer. Who am I kidding, it would be the latter.

5.       Socialization, I miss it. In Savannah, I would often run into people I knew near every time I left the house. I miss that...

6.       Turns out I’m a bit on the competitive side. Who knew?  I had never thought of myself as competitive before, but I entered a Valspar contest and I am in 3^rd place and it is driving me insane not being 1^st! It goes by votes only. You can vote once an hour until 30 November. It’s not like it is a talent competition or anything but it's bugging the shit out of me still the same. Shameless plug  -----> http://bit.ly/tUIfrS

7.       Time to think about Christmas trees. Should we go real or fake? Personally, I’m down with a tacky white tree or even pink, but my hubs a much more boring uninteresting traditional style.

8.       Dyslexia. It has been determined that Redd has dyslexia. Can you believe that the public library did not have a single book on this? Off to Barns and Noble tomorrow to find The Gift of Dyslexia Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read and How They Can Learn.By Ronald D. Davis with Eldon M.Braun.

9.       When filling out your Christmas cards this year take ONE CARD and SEND it to this address: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20307-5001.

10.   The trouble with spending so much time alone is that my mind tends to run wild and over think so many things.'Nuff said.

11.   I would give anything for someone to wash all the sand and dust off my car. I was not meant to be a southwestern kinda girl.

12.   Oh I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair ☮ (<---♪ ♫ ♬ )

⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘⌘
Ooo and one more thing before I go:

I like change. I get bored easily. Blame my ADD.

BG will have a new look complete with awesome new buttons coming soon!

Up To ~ Tuesday

Miss Sweet Green Tangerine has started this awesome little tidbit for Tuesdays that I am joining this week. Learn more about her "Up To" here, its good stuff :)

Today I am Up To:

Listening To:

Now, I know this isn't a new soundtrack and I have listened to it a bazillion times before. We go through phases around here & when my little doll face daughter requests THE BEATLES
'Dear Prudence'  

(covered by Dana Fuchs, Joe Anderson, Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood)

how can I deny her?

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

 

Reading:

I'm kinda embarrassed that I am not finished with this book yet.The World Series is on! Life gets in the way sometimes. ah, Shame on me. I'll finish it today!

Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

 Working On:

Well, I was working on using some old coffee cans as Halloween decorations,

but its not going to well. 

(thank you Pinterest)

This is what the end result should look like:

Loving:

(thank you Pinterest)

Designs on the ceiling! 

Now I just have to work on getting rid of all that pesky popcorn ceiling crap.
Who the heck thought that gross stuff was a grand idea to begin with? I want to slap him-hard.

Wanting:

This living room. Love everything about it and we seriously need new furniture.

Shenanigans

"Savannah would be better for you. You'll just get in trouble in Atlanta."
Gone with the Wind
Mammy to Scarlett O'Hara

 Lucky for me, the past few years, I have had a wicked cool, partner in crime, 

making it possible 

to get into trouble in both 

Savannah and Atlanta.

Atlanta Trip:

 

If I could move to ATL, 

I'd want to move as close to 

Little 5 Points as possible!

Keep it classy, SGT. 

Keep. It. Classy. 

I Love Zombies :)

 

View from our room [54th floor]

We thought we were going to see 

A Fine Frenzy, but she was in the hospital with the flu. BOO :( 

Anywho, we were able to meet 

Landon Pigg- um, SCORE!

---------------------------------------

and now, just a couple from our most recent Savannah adventure:

Live music for SGT's bday.

1st The Low Anthem

:::Sooo Good:::

then it was time... time for some 

Iron & Wine!

Ooo Yea! 

I wont be mad if you're jealous :)

This album is so good, my 4 yr old daughter 

sits in the back seat nodding her head like, yeah

when it is playing. 

No Joke!

 Ahh, what am I going to do when I move? I don't want to have to make friends again. Do you know how hard it is to find normal, down to earth, people? Have any of you moved recently?

For more on our exciting evening, check out SGT's post: live music heaven

Playlist: Go Where You Want To Go

In honor of my new Talulah the Toaster, 
I have a new playlist for 

little toaster trips 
thanks to Soul-Flower Blog!

Soul-Flower Blog: Playlist: On the Road...: "We asked our buds on facebook for some roadtrip tunes, and we got some awesome suggestions! So this summer when you're on the road (headed c..."