My Husband Is a Cougar Attraction

As I mentioned Monday, we scoured the Emerald Coast for a hotel and we got super lucky to manage a room at the Sandestin Resort in Miramar Beach, Fl. I felt like we won the lottery, because it is one of the most fun resorts I've ever been to, and Will flirted us into a heck of a deal on a room. I wish we didn't have to share said room with two other dudes, but hey, it can't always be a honeymoon. At least it was two of our favorite dudes!

Dustin {blue shorts} came all the way from North Caroline to see us, so we had to show him how to party down in the South, and no, it's nothing like that show. We drank relaxed on the beach, dined in fancy restaurants, and tried to soak in everything that the Sandestin had to offer. Shoutout to one of my favorite people in the world, because Dustin reads the blog too. He may have been Will's best friend first, but since we are married, he's my family now too.

After the beach, I had to RUSH to get ready being the only girl with three boys in one room, and even left without drying my hair. I guess I could complain, but it made my life easier and I didn't want to keep my three dates waiting too long. I won't go into every detail of the night or weekend, but I will say that we all let loose and made a lot of friends. I'm talking free entry to every bar, free drinks, and infiltrating a bachelorette party who bought us even more drinks keeping us out way past our bedtime. Carpe Noctum, I guess.

Sandestin seems to be popular for families, bachelorette parties, and reunions, so we weren't surprised by all the cougars we came across. We tried to get Joel to dance in the lion's den, but Will was the only one man enough. Boy, did they EAT.HIM.UP. Maybe I should have been upset by all the women pinching his tush, but I really can't blame them. But don't you worry, I got a dance or two in with him, because I can't resist him either.

As you can imagine, we all woke up pretty hungover the next day. We went to breakfast, I attempted to lay by the pool, and Will ended up having to drive us all home. Since we like to keep it PG around here, you'll have to visit Facebook to get a sneak peak at the rest. For now, enjoy a very rare hangover shot of yours truly. Don't get used to it.

Where There's A Will There's A Way

One thing you may not know about military life is that even when they are off on nights and weekends while stateside, they could be called in for cleaning, duties, Honors, and pretty much any reason that the command deems necessary. Not that I'm complaining because yes, we 'signed up for this', but it does make planning ahead extremely hard. For example, we have been 'planning' to go to Panama City to celebrate the homecoming for MONTHS, but nothing could be set in stone until we got the official okay on Friday. Do you know how hard it is to get a hotel on the beach with that short of notice in the middle of the summer?

However, where there's a will...there's ALWAYS a way. Will, Dustin, and I spent all afternoon checking every website and making phone calls, and we managed to finagle a room at the AMAZING Sandestin Resort in Miramar Beach. It was perfect timing too, because we were just about to give up. Well, we never give up, but we definitely wanted to. Anywhosit, the boys needed some beers after that, so Drinking Jenga seemed like a good idea. I wasn't drinking, but I decided to play, and I think I regret it. If you watch the following video, you will see why.

Joel actually cheated, so I could have said no, but it was the principle of the matter, and I just solidified my title as the best wife ever. I would tell you more about the weekend, but I'm still recuperating. Let's just say, there is a reason I swore off Rumple Minz years ago. Hey...it was free because I got kicked out of the bar mistakenly, and you all know I can't say no to free. I'll fill in all the details soon, but now I'm going back to sleep.

Nine Months Or Three Weeks, I Still Miss Him

I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that this homecoming was harder than the last deployment. You'd think nine months would trump a measly twenty-one days, but I was able to talk to him throughout the deployment, had an idea of his mental state, and didn't have three weeks of irrational thoughts and fear running around my brain.

But let's go back, because the planning for the homecoming actually started before the school began. As we've been learning lately, his new position comes with spousal responsibilities that I have not had prior experience with, and one such 'job' finds us responsible for throwing a homecoming for the class. It was a little surprising to know that a group of about ten of us would have to come up with the funds, plan, and execute a homecoming for 80 soldiers, but it turned out to be a bonding experience and helped us pass the time while they were all gone.

As usual, I also spent weeks working on his pile'o goodies, and I may have outdone myself...The beer selection was impeccable, there were snacks galore, and I pricked my fingers a million times on those dang roses. You know my motto: "Let the wife make the husband glad to come home & let him make her sad to see him leave." 

Obviously, I take it seriously...

I found the banana idea on Pinterest, but my little sayings are the best part. Just sayin'. "Report for booty and peel me like a banana" and "Your Banana is banana's for you" are quite appropriate if I do say so myself.{ Insert self high five}

Okay, so after we spent a month and a half working on this homecoming, guess what happened? It stormed all morning. We were already extremely nervous picking up our husbands from the hardest training they will EVER experience, and we probably weren't even going to be able to show them what we had worked so hard on. You'd think after all the planning, volunteering, baking, and legitimate blood, sweat, and tears we would be devestated, but between the relief of having our soldiers home and realizing that the whole process brought us all closer together, we understood that it was all worth it regardless.

And you know what? Seeing the smiles on their faces when they laid eyes on us showed that we were what they were looking forward to, and then hearing that thoughts of us were what got them through the rough times made it ALL worth it. It was clear that the traditions and goodie bags were the last things on their mind, and we really can't complain about that. You can't complain about much of anything when they wrap their arms around you ;)

You'd think I couldn't love my husband anymore, and then he goes and slips the following into a conversation we were having: "As I walked through the woods talking to a Tech about being away from you, I told him 'I was thinking it sucks to be away, but then I get to fall in love with her all over again when I come home."

I mean, I feel this way every time he comes home, but I didn't know he did or at least that he would have voiced the feelings to a stranger in public. Just when I think he can't be anymore perfect on the scale of human perfection, he makes me woozy like a school girl... That's how you keep love alive, people!

One last final shout out out to thank Chik-fil-A for their amazing generosity in donating thirty gift cards to a bunch of soldiers that had to forage in the woods for weeks at a time. They were happy when they got to eat in the DFAC {dining facility}, so you can only imagine how excited a warm, hearty chicken sandwich could make them. And to the Army...you may take my husband away more than I like, but I can't deny that I enjoy falling in love with him over and over again. 

What The Hell Pinterest?

I was simply searching for arm exercises, and the next thing I knew, I feel like I'm going to throw up. I clicked on the following pin, and couldn't believe that it led me to a side of Pinterest that I have never seen. A dirty, scary side.

I'd like to keep Pinterest pretty clean in general, but there should not be a question as to whether  media promoting Eating Disorders are allowed. Freedom of Speech, shmeedom of shmeech, that doesn't apply when it's an influential site pushing ED on easily influenced pinners, and this isn't speech, it's just pictures! Pinterest may not be 'pushing' it exactly, but they obviously aren't stopping it.

How has Pinterest allowed media pushing Eating Disorders to run so rampant? Has there been no uproar about this? I hope I'm not the only one asking these questions, and I hope that something can be done. I am a Pinterest addict just like everyone else, but it's hard to support any site that 'supports' self harm directly or indirectly.

But let's not end on the negative. I was also inspired by Colbie Caillat's video that tells us all we are beautiful just as we are. It got me to thinking that we all have insecurities, and yet we think that our insecurities set us apart. How can that be if we all have them, and why do we always focus on our negative attributes? I still don't know the answer to that, but I think we all need to quit thinking that our 'problems' set us apart, and realize that it's our talents, hopes, and dreams, that make us special. You know I'm right.

If anyone has any suggestions about how to get Pinterest to remove all the horrid images, feel free to share. For now, I just hope I don't seem crazy for getting upset about this. Please tell me I'm not crazy, even if we all know I care too much at times.

He's Home!!

I have a million, billion emotions running through my mind, and oh so much to say, but for now...We are a little 'busy'. Bowchickawowow. In case you don't follow me on Instagram, here is my new favorite photo EVER. I'm sure you can understand why.

To my very own personal superhero,

I say welcome home, lover. Let's forget about the world and lose sight of anything but each other. With you home, the house will feel whole again and I will be whole again. I don't need you to complete me, but I am grateful for the fact that you do.

Bonus, here's a recipe I came up with for the BEST croutons ever. I know, I know. You can't claim recipes are the best based on personal opinion, but once you try them you will understand. It's a magical addition to your salad.

While those are cooking, simply grill up some chicken, cut Romaine Hearts in half lengthwise, brush with olive oil mixed with the same seasonings as the croutons on the cut side, and grill the lettuce for two minutes, as well. Top with croutons, Caesar dressing, and voila! You have an incredible dinner. Just make sure you heed the 250 temperature...low and slow is the key.

Somehow, I don't have a single picture of the final product, so this was the first time we experimented with grilled lettuce. It is now my most favorite way to make a salad, and the only way we do Caesar's around here. If you think salads are boring, you need to come to my house. In love, life, and food...I don't do boring.

While The Boys Are Away, The Girls Will Play

I planned on sharing some of my favorite products today, but that just wasn't where my heart was. Maybe it's that Will is gone or perhaps I'm just feeling cheesy, but my 'Favorite' today, is the community that I've found here in Enterprise. You see, this situation we are in- a small town, tight community, hard curriculum, and unknown territory for us all- lends itself to creating a bond that I never expected. Just as our soldiers are experiencing this process of becoming Pilots, we wives are having to adjust and learn as well. I know their bonding is happening in the field, but ours is happening over arts and crafts and wine nights.

One of my 'favorite' nights was our craft night with our FRG {Family Readiness Group}. You give me chocolate and a paint brush, and I will be your best friend. If our last FRG had done so, perhaps I would have been a lot more involved *winkwink. But seriously, we have so much fun together that it should be illegal.

Flight Class 14-014

I am truly blown away by our time in Enterprise so far, and I can't wait to see what the next year or so holds for us. Only THREE more days and I get my soldier back!! He's obviously my other favorite ;) Forever and always ha has no choice.

Ugh...I Feel Like A Cow!

A ChikFilA cow, that is! I have wanted to participate in #Cowappreciationday for years, and I finally got to. I ended up going all by my lonesome, but that sure wasn't going to stop me. I grabbed an old top from my donation pile, sharpie'd on spots and udders, and a cow was born. It was a little strange walking around as a cow, but it was TOTALLY worth the effort. I got a chicken wrap, side salad, and a lemonade FO'FREE.

From there, it was time to get my hair did, and that went pretty well too. {She didn't wash it, so don't judge my three-day hair.} I like this chick because I showed her pictures of what I was looking for, she was honest about how it would work on my hair, and came up with a happy medium. I know it doesn't look like we did that much, but we managed to thin it out SO much and there are a lot of layers that she snuck in to create volume when I curl it.

At that point, I was going to a Painting Party with the girls, and thought the rest of the weekend would be spent at home. Boy, was I wrong. Each night ended in the wee hours of the morning, there were BBQ's, Brunch, and the World Cup Finals, and it was all as exhausting as it sounds. I almost feel guilty about having so much fun lately, but we spouses are really supporting each other like I've never seen. Technically, Joel is not a spouse, but he most certainly gets all the perks of hanging out with all of us.

In closing, I'll tell you my favorite part of the weekend. We were at the bar on Saturday {I was totally sober as the DD}, and this guy asked me if my skirt was a skirt or shorts. Instead of just telling him it was a skirt and moving on, I whipped a safety pin out and made Steve Urkel shorts. It went over so well that people were asking to take pictures with me, and I've heard the pictures are already floating around Facebook. Good times.

Life is short, and there is nothing wrong with acting a fool.

I May Never Make Calzones Again

Today, I am taking a leap of faith. I am getting my hair done by a stylist in the middle-of-nowhere, Alabama. I was going to wait until next time we go home, but it's gotten so ridiculous that I'm practically sitting on it.  1970 called, and they want their hair back. Not really sure what to do with it, or if I really trust a stylist in the middle of nowhere, but we shall see. 

Other than that...

+ Weiser still has something wrong with him. I knew that the medicine they gave him was just masking whatever issue was really happening, but I guess it was worth a try. It still could be the food or treats we give him being that he's not lethargic, and now I have to decide whether to take him to the vet again. I don't want to rush him in if it's the treats, so I'm going to monitor him for the next few hours. If only he could talk!

+ I had Loni and Joel over for dinner and a movie last night. I wanted to make Calzones to use up things in my fridge, and I sure as heck wasn't going to eat them all by myself. But I must tell you, all those pins on Pinterest that taut 'easy' Calzones are liars. There is no such thing. Delicious, yes. Easy, no. I planned on sharing a recipe for it today, and thought better of it. No one except for your Italian grandma wants to spend two days making these things like I did.

+ For anyone that has DirectTV, did you know you have access to Frozen for FREE?! Well, technically it's the Sing-A-Long version, but I love me a good Sing-A-Long and I love free. Look for it on OnDemand. If you don't have DirectTV, think about getting it, and we can both get money off of our bills. Do it!

I just need the next ten days to go by very quickly...If Weiser and I can make it ten days, all will be right with the world. I also need this hair appointment to go well, because I'm still gun shy from my last hair cut. I would say that's why I waited six months for a haircut, but we all know it's because I'm cheap. Hope you guys have a great weekend!

Let it go, Let it goooooooooo...

Life's A Beach, And I'm On One

Much like Birthdays, I rarely spend fourth of July with my husband. Facebook allowed me to hop through my timeline today to find out that we have missed five of the seven Independence day celebrations, and this actually surprised me. I guess I never noticed, because it's not my birthday or my most favorite holiday, and I still get to celebrate. I do however, feel bad that he's missed so many Fourth festivities when he's the one that's still fighting for our freedom. I think we are going to have to make next years celebration one for the books to make up for it. For now, at least I can say that this year's was a success.

Thursday, we kicked off the festivities with my first official FRCSC event as the Secretary! Obviously I didn't set up the tables as you can see the boxes underneath, but no one at Freedom Fest cared, and they bought all of our memorabilia.

Some of the other wives came, so I got to enjoy the festival with them, and then we watched the biggest fireworks show I've ever seen. Fort Rucker does a great job on Freedom Fest as a whole, but apparently they had left over fireworks from last year. Double fireworks? Heck yes. Triple, if you count going to Joel's after for sparklers and roman candles.

Does anyone else think that fireworks are magic?

I don't think it really hit me that Will is gone until the morning of the fourth, though. I was alone, I had no plans, and I was wishing I had gone home for the holiday. I kept telling myself {out loud, mind you} that I should just text everyone to see what they were doing, but I thought that some would be doing family things, some were out of town, and I was just being a baby. I guess I wasn't the only one feeling alone, though, and the next thing I knew, we were having girls night with wine and some of the best pizza I had ever had. I could have ended the fun right then and there, but the weekend only got better.

The boys are away, so the girls {and Joel} will play! I was brave saying yes to go to the beach not knowing if I have solved my face issue {clue: I think I have}, but I am SO glad that I joined the fun. We relaxed, chatted away, met some fun bartenders, and even found my favorite bathing suits on sale at Ron Jon's. Funny story, I had told everyone how much of a lightweight I was, and then after about four sips of my margarita, I was slurring my words. Sure, our new friend Dennis made it extra strong, but c'mon...four sips? Needless to say, I was happy to only have one seeing as I was driving home six hours later.

Oh, but the food...We had planned on looking for something a little more authentic, but when you are starving with a slight buzz, Pompano Joe's will do. Actually, my Grouper Reuben was one of the best things I've ever eaten, and that wasn't just the buzz talking.

The other two hadn't been to Dick's Last Resort, so we popped in there and it didn't disappoint. For those of you that haven't heard of it, it's one of those places where they...well, act like dick's. I'll just let you read the hats. Our bartender started off mean, but it didn't take long for us to crack him. By the time we left, he was begging us to stay. We win.

To say that this was much needed fun, would be an understatement. No drama, Bahama Mama, good for the soul kind of day, and seems like a turn in the right direction for me. Now we just can't wait to take the gang back when they get home. If we had that much fun in one day, it's going to be epic next time. Countdown: 12 days!