Happy Friday

It is Friday, right? It's funny that since neither Will nor I have work, we just don't care what day of the week it is. Other than making sure that rent and bills are paid on time, we ain't got nuttin' to worry about. Well, other than the fact that I'm not used to this, so I constantly feel like I'm forgetting something. Hopefully not. While I have been living in this little bubble I've missed some fun little link ups, but I am a fond believer in the phrase better late than never, so I'm still going to put my two cents in. That's just the kinda girl I am...

The kinda girl who...

Always tries to look 'put together' when I leave the house.

Works out to eat more.

Dedicates every fiber to my marriage.

Can read people and use that to my advantage.

Doesn't cook every meal perfect, but can compete in the kitchen.

USED to be a 'career' minded woman.

Knows a lot about cars, can change a tire, and even my own oil!

Rarely curses.

Only loses my cool when I'm PMS'ing. That I'll admit.

Isn't afraid of guns.

What can I say? Shooting is for sport and for putting food on the table in my family. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm all about gun control...we have great control of our guns, hence why we are all a good shot in my family.

You may not want to watch the following, Kathy. I know you Canadians can't handle this, even though I think you'd be a bad@ss shot. 

Just sayin'.

And because blogging really is like reading Cosmopolitan these days and for the simple fact that I LOVE Erin...

I'm actually watching Sex And The City right now, which confirms my choice in Carrie. I wouldn't say I'm just like her, but I'd rather be the go-getter that gets Mr. Big {symbollic of Will to me} than neurotic, whorish, or meek like the others. 

Okay, enough play time, I have to go "work" on my closet room. Haha, who am I kidding here? I'm SO excited to work on the closet room! We are setting it up and updating it this weekend and I couldn't be happier. Don't worry, I'll share more once this house starts coming together. I want it all done right now, but I have to keep reminding myself that there's no time limit. Ain't got nuttin' but time. Happy weekend, all!

One Of My Favorite Places In The World

You know how normal people go to a dealership or shop locally for a car?
My husband is not normal. A few months ago, he decided that he wanted a particular GTO or what he calls a Goat, and he has spent countless hours scouring the Southeast for the right one. I knew this was going to be a pain in the ass because I would be the one driving him to wherever this car would show up, ergo I used it to my advantage and hinted that he search fun places. New Orleans was on the top of that list, so I didn't argue when he found his "dream" car there. He still admits that he used up every brownie point he's ever earned for allowing this insanity, but at least New Orleans kept him from going negative. Winkwink

We booked an awesome room at the Hotel Modern in Uptown New Orleans, which put us on a great parade route, right next to The Bar, and about a mile away from the French Quarter. Unfortunately, we didn't actually get to see a parade, but we did get to meet up with my friend from high school that I haven't seen in TEN years. As a matter of fact, other than Facebook, we haven't even spoken in ten years, which is a testament to our friendship.

As a local, she took us off the beaten path for a real NOLA experience. We went to Cafe 615 for dinner (where Catfish is the side dish for Gumbo), and we all had so much fun we decided to continue it on Frenchmen Street. Laurel and Chance wanted nothing to do with the tourists on Bourbon Street, so we got a VIP tour of the local bars. However, don't think we are too cool for school; we still called it a night before midnight. Geez that seems really sad now that I type it out. Hey, there's always next time.

The next morning was gorgeous, so we meandered down to the French Quarter for breakfast. We had lofty plans of eating at Cafe DuMonde, but considering about 1,000 other people decided on beignets, we ended up at the Gumbo Pot.

It was right off the river and allowed Weiser to sit on the porch with us, so it turned out to be an awesome substitution. As soon as my Eggs Creole hit my lips, I knew that I loved this place, in spite of the fact that it got bad ratings on Urban Spoon. Would I say it's a 'must eat'? No, but I would say it's good if you don't have time or patience to wait for a meal in the French Quarter.

We decided to take a different route back to the hotel, so we finally got to walk Bourbon Street. I was underage during my other visits to NO, so this was my first time physically walking the strip. It actually reminded me of the Red Light District in Amsterdam, minus the naked women in the windows. But close.

Bourbon Street, where the bums smell better than the drunks, the locals are more colorful than the tourists, and the cocktails are always to go.

One of the neatest things I saw was a Before I Die wall.

Before I Die is an interactive public art project that invites people to share their hopes and dreams in public space. Painted with chalkboard paint and stenciled with the sentence “Before I die I want to _______”, the wall becomes an enlightening way to get to know your neighbors and discover what matters most to the people around you. It creates a public space for contemplation and reminds us why we want to be alive in the world today.

This was an awesome mini trip, and now I just want to go back. Of course I'd rather go when we don't have to bring an extra vehicle home...even though the 'Goat' was totally worth it. {More on that later!} So, what would you write on the wall?

Always BELIEVE

I'm going to give you two truths and a lie as to why I almost forgot to post today.

#1 I'm still tired from NOLA

#2 I forgot was day it was

#3 I was distracted by ridiculously good sex with my husband last night

#4 Too many margaritas

Okay okay, so maybe this is a trick...there's no lie ;)

All I can say is that this was an amazing weekend. Great times, scrumdiddlyumtious food, good friends, a new toy, and we even had time to create the most amazing margarita mix that no one has ever seen or tasted. You just wait until I get the pictures loaded.

Uploading and blogging is going on my to do list with the rest of this:

+ Get the closet room set up.

+ Pick up some of the items we need to set up the new house.

Bathmats, rugs, shower caddies, storage drawers, etc.

+ Run, run, RUN, to get ready for a 5K on March 8th!

+Finish editing pictures from my last two photo shoots.
Only one a few pictures left, and I love how they are turning out!

+Still make time to relax together and soak in the new place.

You know how we are all waiting for the 'other shoe to drop' or the next disaster? I  think we should all be waiting for the next WONDERFUL thing, and I saw a  quote this morning that reinforced it. I'm going to actually try to begin wondering "What amazing thing is going to happen next" instead of imagining the worst, because things don't have to be 'too good to be true'. Yes, our lives are peppered with sadness, trials, and unavoidable problems, but that doesn't mean we should be in a constant state of worry. I'm going to amend the following quote by adding the latter, and I'm going to adopt it as my new mantra. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength...

Always
BELIEVE THAT
Something WONDERFUL
IS ABOUT TO Happen.

Now  I must bid you adieu. I suggest you now go read this article about love and marriage from the New York Times. Boy, is it on the money! We have the capacity to have better marriages than ever {if you are with the right person}, but you have to put EFFORT into it. For those of you that always ask how Will and I have such a great marriage, here is some insight.
You can thank me later.

NOLA For The Weekend? Why Not!

I hope staying up past midnight isn't a recurring theme, but tomorrow {Friday night} I know it's going to be a late night. You see, we have up and decided to hit the road for a quick trip to New Orleans! Long story short, I brought my truck and we trailered our '71 Monte Carlo, so now Will needs a daily driver. Unlike a normal person, he has decided to search every state around us, and has come up with a car in Covington, LA. I could care less about Covington, but any time I can slip in some time in The Big Easy, I'm all for it.

I've probably never mentioned it, but Will lived in Louisiana as an Air Force Brat. Mind you, he was very young at the time, and not ready to party it up on Bourbon Street, so this will be his first time in NOLA. Oooh doggie am I ready to pop his cherry. Bring on the Cajun food, Mardi Gras shenanigans, and Beignets! We only have about 24 hours {Why the heck didn't we plan to stay longer?}, but I'm positive we can have a rip roarin' good time. My goal is to be able to drive my truck home sans hangover. Maybe.

Here we are at the last parade we went to...

I swear I'm not a priss, however I will never say no to someone carrying me. C'mon, who wouldn't want to avoid crazy crowds, city blocks, and blisters on your feet? Ya know?

I have a feeling we will have just as much fun this weekend! Did I mention I love having time off...indefinitely? It is great being able to pick up and go whenever we want. A girl can definitely get used to this ;)

Have you ever been to Mardi Gras or New Orleans?

A Little Insight

I woke up in my own bed this morning, but we both agree that this still doesn't feel like home yet. As long as we have each other we are happy, but it's a process turning a new Military installation into 'home'. Plus, we know that we will only be here for two years, which makes us hold back on getting settled. Oh the joys of this life! 

Recently, sweet Caitlyn tagged me in some questions, and I love Q&A's. They just save the day when you don't have the energy to create a Pulitzer winning post, but still have the desire to share your words with the world. Don't ya think?

What is your dream job?
Author and/or Life Coach
Tell me about your first kiss.
His name was Kyle Black, and it was in the dark bathroom hallway. We were badass first graders, you might say.
Do you have a favorite song?  What is it?
I don't have one favorite, but Don't stop believin' is my go-to Karaoke song.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Travel, travel, travel.
I'm obsessed with dinosaurs.  What are you obsessed with?
Food. No joke.
When is the last time you took a bubble bath?
Last Thursday when I was dying. I already knew Epsom Salt was good for muscle soreness, and then I read that it's a good way to up your Magnesium intake. All important stuff, and I felt much better.
Would you rather live without TV or music?
I would ditch TV for sure. I didn't even want to get cable when we moved.
Where is your favorite place to shop?  Can be an actual store or online.
Any place that has a sale. I'm a TJMaxx/Ross/Marshall's champ.
Who is your bloggy crush?
Too many to name. I just love YOU ALL.
What is your favorite Mean Girls quote?
Um...I suck at quoting movies. I guess whatever the 'fetch' one is?
Are you excited about anything?
I'm excited for Will to start this new journey in his career, and taking that time to figure my future out. At this rate, our marriage can never grow stale, and that's pretty dang exciting in itself.

As of today, we have one month until WOC {Warrant Officer Candidacy} school, and that means we have one month left of just us. No work, no Army, just family time. Do you know how I know I love my husband? He's the only person I can be around 24-7, and it's still not enough. I just realized that 'Food' was the wrong answer to that obsession question. 'My husband' would probably be the more obvious answer. #SorryI'mNotSorry

He {Almost} Tricked Me For Valentine's Day

Now that I don't feel like I'm dying anymore, let's recap a perfect Valentine's Day that I didn't think was going to happen. I didn't tell y'all because the internet wasn't hooked up yet, but last Wednesday was the anniversary of the day we began dating and our proposal. We usually do dinner, cards, and such, but this year the 'rents were in town and we had a million things going on. I got him a card, and he got me a big fat nothing because he didn't remember. I didn't make a big deal about it, but I definitely let him know that I was disappointed.

Cue to Valentine's morning, and I woke up half expecting a card, flowers, or some other indication that he didn't forget. Instead, he comes in, mumbles happy Valentine's Day, and asks if I want to do anything tonight. Ummmmwhaaaaa? I was instantaneously PISSED. He forgot Wednesday, put ZERO effort into VDay, and expected ME to come up with some type of plan as an afterthought? I think not. I sat there boiling and unwilling to say anything, but as I usually do when I'm mad, I typed it up in an email and sent it to him. This may seem strange, but I can be more clear, honest, and not so mean if I communicate via written word in moments of anger. You could say it's our 'love language'.

Guess who was trying to trick me and had everything all planned out? Guess who also learned that it's not a good idea to pretend like absolutely nothing was planned? That's right, sir William. He apologized for lending me to believe that he had forgotten, and {for once} he didn't give the surprises away, just told me to be patient. {For once} I was patient, and simply enjoyed the rest of the day. It wasn't extravagant, but it couldn't have been ANY more perfect. I guess you could say that the crisis was averted!

In other news, we hopped in the truck, and this post is coming to you live from Pensacola, Florida. Spending the weekend at home was definitely the icing on the cake, and we still have two days here. Cheers to the simple life, sweet tea, home-cooked meals, and front porch sittin'. The next two years are going to R-O-C-K.

How was your Valentine's Day?

I Finally Hit A Wall

And boy did I hit it hard.
Other than a few irrational moments, I've been trucking along trying to take this whole move in stride. I actually thought I had avoided the big melt down, but in doing so, it must have taken a toll on my body. How do I know this? I have been left physically immobile today. Yes, I'm sore from going to the gym after a week off, but I have NEVER been so sore and physically drained for no apparent reason. I don't seem to be sick <yet>, so Will grounded me to the couch for a much needed respite today. The in-laws are gone, the house is quiet, and Netflix is the height of my entertainment.

I must say, this move was easier than the last. We worked like a well oiled machine no matter what was thrown at us, and you know I'll follow Will to the ends of the Earth, it's just that sometimes we all forget that we are mere mortals and have to allow ourselves a 'moment' and time to process in stressful situations such as these. Perhaps if I had given myself a break instead of trying to remain cool, calm, and collected, it wouldn't have hit me all at once causing this debilitating condition. Oy vey, I swear I'm not looking for pity, just admitting that I don't have it all together, and I'm ooooookay with that.

Anywho, the following was the highlight of my day because everyone loves a visual in blogging, and I'm not about to post a picture of myself laid up with my legs wrapped in a heating blanket, {but for reference, it definitely helped the muscles}.

This transition is going to be well worth these little hiccups, and luckily I have the most amazing and supportive husband by my side. Good news, is that the in-laws left just in time for Valentines' Day, 'cuz as we all know, it's not exactly a family holiday. Aw sookie sookie. Happy Valentine's Day and mental health to all! I plan to be tip top shape by then ;)

Sneak Peak of The New House

Four days and some twenty-seven hours of drive time later, we made it to our destination! Don't think I was a passenger either...I had to drive my truck, so I put in my fare share for this trip. The vintage Monte Carlo got to ride with Will, but his loving wife that keeps moving cross country for him aaaalways has to drive herself. Hehe, it's my own fault. I refused to get rid of my truck, so really I can't complain. Although, I can complain about the fact that my truck is a stick and doesn't have cruise control. Awful, just awful, I tell ya.

But I know what you are all really here for; take a gander at our new place!

How stinkin' cute is it??

I'm actually in love, and I haven't even seen it with my own eyes yet. We meet with the leasing company this morning, and I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning! Plus the 'rents are coming, so we are going to have a whole gang to help us unload. Part of me wants to unload and savor the experience with Will, but I'm sure I won't be complaining once we get it all done. Luckily, we have GREAT families, so if nothing else, we will have lots of  laughs. I can't wait to squeeze my grandma. I know that will completely calm me down and kick this move to Alabama off right! Y'all...we are really here ;) Pinch me!

Alabama Here I Come, Right Back Where I Started From

When I found out we would be moving closer to home, I called my grandmother, and she broke into this song with tears in her eyes. I agree grandma, It really is a gift being sent back to the East coast, even if it is only two years! Well, it's not going to be all sunshine and rainbows with Will having serious training, but we will do our best, and our best is pretty good.

Let me tell ya, it took two days of packing, one day of cleaning, three tired amigos, and a Penske mechanic to make this trip happen. Yes, you read that right...as we were about to hit the road, the truck wouldn't start. Luckily, Will was smart enough to start it up early and the mechanic was quick, so it didn't put us too behind. Now the check engine light is on, though...yeesh. Crossing my fingers about that one.

We drove about two hours, and decided to start looking for a town to stop for the night. I found a pet friendly hotel in Raton, NM, so that looked like a good plan. It's just too bad, we drove right past the town after a little miscommunication. Okay, so on to the next town, which turned into another hour and a half. New Mexico- you need to put signs up warning people of these things! I've never been so happy to see a Super 8 and McDonald's in the middle of the night. Not even during my drunken college days.

Random Thoughts During My Drive

It's cold as fuuuuh...

Weiser is being so good!

Bleh...now it smells like doggie gas.

New Mexico has mountains?

How did New Mexico get it's name?

We just missed our hotel...

Are we EVER going to find a hotel?

SUPER 8, you are my HERO.
McDonald's Habanero Ranch is the shizz.

Those of you that know me, know that I NEVER eat fast food, unless it's Chikfila or something. I guess when you are in the middle of nowhere and starving, beggars can't be choosers. I will say, their Sante Fe Chicken Salad is quite delicious. When in Rome New Mexixo...

Grandma, we are almost there! Only less than a 1,000 miles ;)

The Move Has Begun During Winter Storm Nika

Originally, today was going to be the day we got the moving truck, but somehow we were smart enough to move it up a day. It sucked kicking off our packing in a snow storm, but there is no way in h-e-l-l we would have departed on time. Plus, the snow from yesterday was better than the single digit temperatures we have to look forward to today.
Colorado- 1, Us- 0

I could complain for hours, but I'll save you and share some of our going away shenanigans. As you know, Friday was my last day of work, and it couldn't have gone ANY better. Sam chauffeured me to work, the whole place was decorated, AND they even decked me out with a tiara and tutu. Do these people love me or what? I actually think they do ;)

Not to brag or anything, but our Regional Manager and Marketing Director drove FOUR HOURS in a blizzard to see me off, and on top of that~ they brought a brownie-ice cream cake AND a Tiffany&Co bracelet. Holy blow my mind...My first Tiffany and the first time I've been called a "Legacy". I guess I've done a good job the last five years ;) Plus I'm really good at kissing butt...Don't hate the playa', hate the game.

After work, the plan was to have a few adult beverages and call it a night, buuut a few turned into many. I knew it was the last "Happy Hour- Turned Night Out" ever, and I wanted to enjoy every minute I could with all my girls. Plus, it's not like Will and Buck were complaining.

I hadn't cried all day, but once I was home~ shedding my crown and my tutu~ I realized that it was the end of an era. I cried like I haven't cried since the Deployment, but at least this time I had Will to console me. He may not remember consoling me in the state that he was in, but he still gets credit. We are both going to miss this place, and the crazy memories we've created the last three years. We basically spent the first three years of our marriage here and that adds an emotional attachment I didn't expect. I think Colorado will always have a place in our hearts for that reason, so thanks Colorado ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, we were both slightly hungover, so we decided that Denny's would give us enough energy to make it to Denver in a snow storm. Too bad, it didn't. Instead, we let our old people-ness take over again and decided to stay home. Mind you, we had already paid for the hotel and tickets, and we STILL wanted to cancel. Luckily, I called the Priceline and Comedy Works {both of which don't do cancellations} and got all of our money refunded. Don't worry about how I promised I would never tell, just know that it was meant to be, haha.

 We did offset our old people-ness by playing toy guns with Buck all afternoon. Do you see that damn pink gun? Buck has been threatening to buy me a pink gun for years, but luckily {for him}, he ended up buying a toy. Will questioned his dedication for not buying the real thing, but Buck admitted to being scared that I would shoot him with a real one.
Yeah...you just remember that Buckaroo...

Moral of the story:
Snow is kicking our butt this week. I'll be SO thankful when we head due South on Thursday...Well, let's hope we leave on Thursday!