Thirty By Thirty, Happy Birthday To Me!

First up, I want to show you my costume from Saturday! I wanted to be something creepy for the haunted house, and after a lot of pinning, I decided to be a Lolita Doll. I figured what's creepier than a doll? Plus I already had the dress, skirt, and accessories, so I just tweaked a few things, and voila! All in all, I thin it's one of my fave costumes ever.

Let me tell you, making a thirty by thirty list was hard. I kind of live life to the fullest on the reg, which doesn't leave a lot of room for new things. After looking at the lists of others, I realized I have no credit card debt, I don't need to lose a ton of weight, I snagged a hunky husband, I've done a lot of traveling, we have a pet {we even adopted}, etc. Plus I want it to be realistic. I could put that I want to go to Greece, that I want to take a cruise, or build a house, but our lives belong to the Army and we do as we are told. Anyways, here goes!

1...Write a first draft even if no one reads it.
2...Use my bike more for transportation.
3...Rock white after labor day.
4...Sell something I created.
5...Sing a karaoke duet with Will.
6...Skydive {again}.

7...Run a mudrun.
8...Run a half marathon or something better than a 5k.
9...Venture into writing short stories.
10...Learn to do a sexy headstand.
11...Invest in a rental property.
12...Continue blogging.
13...Make time to read.
14...Have a REAL Christmas tree.

via

15...Have a Vow Renewal.
16...Ride in a helicopter.
17...Support an organization that helps others.
18...Sell all of our 'used' stuff and donate the rest.
19...Blog all of my recipes.
20...Go to Mardi Gras or key west for Fantasy Fest.
21...Go back to the Harry Potter Park.

22...Master an easy, efficient way to curl my hair more often.
23...Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
24...Catch up our Bogert family cookbook.
25...Crochet my mustard yellow blanket.
26...Soak up family time before we move.
27...Take a dance class with Will.
28...Edit all my old posts, and organize my photos {external hard drive too}.
29...Attend the National Peanut Festival.
30...Keep our fairy tale alive.

Some easy, some hard...but all completely worth it. So what are you all being for Halloween? I have to rethink my costume for a second time, so I'm still up in the air.

Linking up with Helene

29 Facts Of Me

Two days away from my birthday I decided to do a "29 Facts Of Me" {coinciding with the 29th of Oct, of course}, but I just couldn't come up with 29 new things that you don't already know about me, I'm allowed to tell, and were actually interesting. I came up with six, but the jury's still out as to whether you'll think they are interesting.

...I can't scream. I think my voice is too low or something.

...I'm always covered in paint from projects and/or burns from cooking.

...I loathe scary movies, but love haunted houses.

...I'm super cheap, but you already know that.

...I've watched Frozen about twenty times {but who hasn't}.

...I've read hundreds of Nancy Drew books, and started in First Grade

In Other News...

+ I can't wait for the Nashville Christmas album to come out November 4th. I love the show, and I'm obsessed with Christmas, so it's an absolute necessity.

+ Now...not only am I the FRCSC Secretary, I was voluntold to take over the Publicity chair too. Our Publicity chair is moving to Korea or something, so we have to have someone step in to advertise our biggest event of the year. I'm actually happy about it and would rather be Publicity than Secretary, but it's still a tidge overwhelming. 

+ The haunted house was AMAZING. I have so much to share about it, but putting that recap together is going to take awhile. Allow me to introduce you to Sid...

+ We have even more planned this weekend, but I'll have to tell ya after. I'm sure I'll post a few pictures on the ol' Insta of Gram, though. 

+ The best part is I ditched my original {tight} costume for a more figure friendly one, so I can eat and drink whatever I want! I figured, hey...it's my birthday week and I deserve the cake Will made me, the whoopi pies my girl Karie made me, the cake Loni got the four of us that are celebrating birthdays this week, wing night tomorrow night, and the fact that everyone is making me drink on Friday. Well, the real reason was that the girls weren't fitting in my top right without a bra, but the gluttony thing is still a big bonus.

Two more days until Halloween! I hope you all have your costumes picked out. You tell me what you are going to be, and I'll tell you ;)
Linking up with Helene!

A Lot Has Changed In Ten Years

At the reunion, our President had all kinds of goodies: Yearbooks, pictures from our last week of school, and these fabulous 'time capsule' questionnaires that we filled out high on hormones life and dreaming of freedom.

I giggled as I read the back of the envelope, "In 10 years I will be living in South Florida, having already started my career. I might be married, but I hopefully won't have kids yet." I had it all figured out, huh? I can say that a lot of my questionnaire still rings true, though.

What are your favorite phrases or sayings? Peace. For real. Don't be bitter.
Where is your favorite hangout? The beach
What is your favorite song? Anything by Sublime
What is your favorite Movie? Life Is Beautiful
If you could have any car what would it be? Elanor

How many children do you want to have? Two
Who will become President of the United States? Me, Janna
Who will be the wealthiest? Me! Just kidding
Where will you be working in ten years? My grandmother's company.

This life is completely different than my 18 year old young self expected, but when you let go...things can turn out better than you've ever dreamed. I don't really believe the whole 'these are the best days of our lives' nonsense. At every stage of my life I have enjoyed it to my fullest. Sure, I still have a long way to go, but I don't plan on ever settling for less than an adventure.

It's A Spider...It's A Dog...It's A Spider Dog!

Oh hey! Missed y'all on Wednesday. We are in full planning mode for our group birthday party Saturday, and I've been working from morning until the wee hours of the night for a week. Nothing new I guess, but it doesn't feel like work at all because the haunted house is turning out sick!! 250 feet of pure awesomeness, and we haven't even started the decorating process.

One of my favorite projects was creating Weiser's costume, and I just can't wait to share it! It turned out awesome, and it only took to tries to get it on him:

Not the best iPhone video quality, but you get the picture.

I get to pick Buck {Colorado Springs BFF} up from the airport tomorrow, and he's staying until we head to Jacksonville next weekend where my BFF Dani is meeting us. I can't believe they are both flying across the country for me, but it makes me feel super special! To be honest, I usually milk the whole month because Will always misses my birthday, but with us being so busy I haven't gotten any special treatment. Hhhhrrrrmmmppphhhhh, haha. He's lucky that having him here is the best gift I could ever get.

But for now...it's party time!!!

Just Like Riding A Bike

It is true that you can never forget how to ride a bike, however, it isn't near as easy as when you were young, energetic, and fearless. If anyone tells you different...they're liars.

I've been wanting a bike for awhile now, so when my dad offered me one I jumped at the chance. Since I had a bike, that meant we needed one for Will too, and two weeks later we had two bikes for a total cost of $25 bucks. You know how we roll. We are ready to hit the trails, bike around town, and more importantly...we can now go hang out with our friends and I won't have to DD! Just kidding, I still probably won't drink, but it's nice to have the option.

But just so you know, the first day on that bike KILLED my ass...literally. We went about ten miles, and it was aaaaall hills. I expected a lovely afternoon ride, indicated by my casual outfit, and instead I was huffin' and puffin' trying to keep my hat on. In spite of that, we laughed as we walked up a few of the steep ones, edited our route when we needed to, and really enjoyed the smoothies we picked up along the way.

I now think everyone should have a bike!

High School Reunion Time!

Recently, I had a 2nd Lieutenant  {straight out'a college}spouting off his high school GPA and SAT scores, and I was all like GTFO. As nicely as I could I said, "Listen, everyone here is at least ten years out of high school, and if you bring that nonsense around here, they will one-up you with their statistics: how many times they've deployed, how many holidays they've missed out on, and even better- how many combat awards they've received." I haven't seen him since.

So yeah, high school doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Good ol' Buck says a high school diploma is like every kid getting a trophy at the end of the season, and he's kind'a right. However, now that it's time to go to my reunion, it's humble brag time. I'm sure we will reminisce about the good ol' days, but you know everyone wants to talk about what they've accomplished since. I'm sure I'll get a few snub noses now that I'm an SAHW, but I'm pretty bad@ss  at it, so I have no problem embracing it. Since ye old high school days, I have...

+ I graduated from Florida Atlantic University.

+ I'm a proud Deepher.
+I'm still super close with my family...closer even.
+ I snagged a super Hunky husband and have a really good marriage.

+ I love being a military spouse.

+ I'm a kick ass SAHW, but I work for the government on the side. For fun.
+ I was published in a Chicken Soup book.
+ I have maintained a blog for {almost} FOUR years.

+I'm such a good volunteer that I was VOM.

+ And in general, I just live life to the fullest.

Although, I feel like I'll feel super awkard talking about stuff like this so I'll probably just listen, enjoy my two free drinks, eat some yummy food, and hit up that photo booth. #BasicB@tches LOVE photo booths, am I right? Unfortunately, I won't be taking my biggest asset {my hunky soldier} to show off because the pup is sick. Thank goodness I blast him all over my blog and Facebook, or they wouldn't believe how wonderful he is. Heck, they probably still won't believe it, and I can hear it now, "They marriage can't be as perfect as it is online..."

But seriously, have you been to a reunion? Is it as bad as people say? I'll have fun either way {did I mention free drinks}, but I would like to know what I'm getting in to. I should have asked y'all what to wear, but it's too late now. Why I waited until the last minute for an outfit is beyond me. Wish me luck!

Childhood Memories of Pet Squirrels AND The Time The FBI Interrogated Me

I recently saw a story about a guy that rescued a squirrel and how 'amazing' it was. To this I say, been there, DONE that. I found an orphaned baby squirrel when I was little, and of course I made him my pet. My grandpa built a cage that allowed him to go in and out, while keeping predators away, and he actually stuck around. He could forage for his own food and be free, but when he saw me he'd come a runnin', and we would play or he'd watch tv on my shoulder.

I love that my grandma still has the following hanging on her fridge, and in case you've ever wondered- yes, my head has always been bigger than my body.

Now let's fast forward to seventeen year old Janna working in a jewelry store. It seemed like the perfect summer- piece of cake-job...until the FBI showed up to my house. Imagine my surprise when they informed me that I had been accused of stealing half a million in jewelry. Thankfully they had an ounce of brain power, because they thought that seemed a tidge fishy. But still, can you imagine the FBI questioning you in front of your grandmother? She told them her grandchildren want for nothing, and more importantly, I wasn't getting much off the Black Market if I still had to ask for pocket change to got to the movies. Long story short, the very same woman from the boutique that had accused me turned out to be the real thief. That charlatan had worked there for years and had been pocketing jewels for just as many!

At the time, I didn't find it funny. Luckily, now I can look back and it's as entertaining to share as my pet squirrel. Linking up with Helene! {I'm on a roll}

The Marriage Advice I Live By

I have been given a lot of advice in my life, and unlike most, I soak up every bit of it. The good as well as the bad can teach you about life and humanity, as long as you can decipher between the two. My favorite advice, though, involves anything to do with marriage. No matter how much love you have, it takes effort and communication to find the fairy tale.

You may find this hard to believe, but a preacher bestowed this gem upon us:

"When you and your spouse are in a fight, juuuust get nekid. No fight can last when someone's in their Adam & Eve suit." Amen to that brotha'!

And the other bit that runs through my mind constantly is the idea that Our husbands aren't out to get us. When I first started blogging I followed a lovely blogger named Megan, and one day she retold a story about a fight she had with her husband. She shared it because it made her come to the realization that her husband was not out to get her, even though we all seem to jump to that conclusion. It makes marriage so much easier when you connect the dots and realize that your spouse isn't trying to piss you off when they do things like leave the dog food container open, leave his drawers on his dresser wide open {ahem...obviously my pet peeves}, or any old thing that happens during an argument really.

To add my two cents, I list off the wonderful things about my husband when I'm upset, which allows me to calm down before I 'communicate' my issues and maintain a level head. Try it, it's really hard to be mad at someone while you think about how hard they work for your little family, that they work on your truck, pose for all your couples pictures, do the dishes, and specifically ask to have dinner and date nights with you while other husbands go to happy hour. I'm not saying you should just forget about your problem, but don't approach it with the mindset that he's 'out to get you' or even wrong. There is no right and wrong person in a marriage as long as you put each other first and care about the needs of one another.

What is your favorite marriage advice?
Linking up for #Blogtober14!

I Was On The News...NBD

I'm a big kid now, so I follow the local news stations via social media. They always ask for stories or pictures, like recently they requested Halloween pictures, and they picked mine to be shown! You can see the clip on WTVY here. Afterwards, I realized I had better ones from the zombie shoot I did, so I'll just show y'all those instead.

If you want the full story, here's the original post, but I'm actually here to apologize. For those of you that follow me on Pinterest, I've been over-pinning lately and that's because we got a deep freezer, and I had no clue what to do with it! Well, obviously you buy stuff and uh...freeze it, but I wanted to do it the most efficient way which also entailed meal-planning, couponing, and deal shopping. I'm happy to report it's paying off, though.

I've now got that sucker full and I got most of it BOGO. Whoop whoop. I hope some of you are mildly interested, because I will be documenting a bit about it soon. I learned too much not to share, and I'm a bit obsessed. As in, I am surprised that Will is indulging me at this point. I half expected him to be questioning my sanity when I came home with $%^&'s worth of groceries, but he smiles and says he's proud. He may be changing his tune when I share the totals I've spent with y'all, but as long as I keep him fed and happy, I'm sure he'll be fine.

I would tell you happy Columbus Day, but it's a pretty bogus holiday. I'm happy that it gets Will off for the day, but still bogus. Just enjoy your weekend, whether it be two or three days.

Blogtober Roundup #1

I will never blog every day within a month, but I do enjoy the prompts and fellowship of blog challenges. Luckily, there is no rule against combining the prompts as I see fit.



+ Dream job when I was little:

Well, other than wanting to be a famous singer, I've been a 'writer' as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be the next Carolyn Keene.

+ One thing I can't live without:

There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that my dear William is the only thing I can't live without. We have the kind of love that transcends all, and even when he is away for training or deployed he's still in my heart and a part of me. I also made him promise that I could die first, because I don't EVER want to live without him.

+ Favorite photo on Instagram:
I happen to think all of my IG pictures are the cat's meow, but here is one that just speaks to my soul. You mix the right angle, colors, and my love for the beach, and it's a winner!

Loading

Home.

View on Instagram

+ Fall Bucket List:

Drive In Theater...check.
Homemade Applebutter...double check.
New Fall Family Pictures {Preferably in a cotton field somewhere}
Family Reunion
Ten Year High School Reunion
Epic Halloween Shindig
Football, and specifically Florida/Georgia trip to J-Ville
Dothan Peanut Festival

Mostly, I will be relishing in the fact that we won't be getting any snow. Coloradans are already cranking their heaters, while we throw open the doors and windows to welcome a 'cold front'. Technically we don't throw them, but you get the picture. Is it cold where you live?

Kickin' It Old School

In Colorado we had a secret place of sorts. It was a park off the beaten path that Will found near our house. We would take the pup and walk the park to clear our heads, get some fresh air, and spend quality time unplugged. This weekend, I think we found our new unpluggin' spot, and it is quite a pretty one. I'd tell you where it is, but I'd have to kill ya.

But that was the ONLY respite we had the whole weekend. I helped Will study, we went to the local Drive In theater, and we started clearing the brush from the woods behind our house for the Haunted House that is totally going down in a few weeks. It's going to be epic.

We made some bangin' food, as usual, so I also thought I'd throw in an awesome dinner we had. It was easy and A-Mazing, so it could be a last minute dinner or even to wow some guests. Let me introduce you to Steak Pinwheels and  copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad a.k.a. the only Bleu Cheese I will EVER eat. I normally HATE Bleu Cheese, but it is mmhmmh good in this salad.

Steak Pinwheels

2 lb Flank steak (trimmed)

Seasoning (options: S&P, Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper, Molasses Bacon, etc.)

Fresh Spinach

Cheese (options: Mozzarella, Gueyere, Feta, Bleu, etc.)

Butcher's Twine or Skewers

Assemble, Roll, tie, slice, grill, DONE.

(Four minutes each side)

Fuji Apple Salad

Thinly Sliced Apples

Chopped Red Onion

Bleu Cheese Crumbles

Crushed Pecans

Bacon Bits

Panera's Fuji Apple Dressing

Spinach and/or Romaine Lettuce

As you can see, these are pretty customizable, so sub in your favorite seasonings and cheeses. Although, you really should try the Bleu Cheese for the apple salad. I mean it when I say that this is the ONLY dish that I will ever enjoy Bleu Cheese in. Will seconds that, and he hates it just as much as I do. Either way, try this real soon, because it's some good eats!

I'm Infected :(

I've been trying to write a blog post for over an hour, but I have some stupid viral advertisement flashing at me. I've managed to sleuth out the virus causing it, but for the LIFE OF ME I can't find whatever software it piggy backed on to my laptop. Thus far, Will uninstalled some nonsense software, I've done two system restores, and now I've gone through uninstalling even more software that I'm not entirely sure I should have deleted {whoops!}, which leaves praying I didn't do more harm than good. #firstworldprobs

Other than that, I'm stuffed from homemade Chicken'n Waffles {yeah, that totally happened tonight}, and happy to be sitting down. I have a loooot of catching up to do after working for three weeks, and that's even with my sweet hubby helping out. It was a short gig, but that's what made it perfect. Anymore than that, and I'd be hiring someone to come clean the house. You'd think I'd be too cheap for that, but I have higher standards now that I'm getting older. It was fine to have dust, dirty baseboards, and clutter when I was younger, but now it ain't cute.

Oh SNAP, it's past my bedtime. I'm turning comments off, because you shouldn't waste time commenting when I can't even get my laptop to create a good post. Plus that gives me more time to read your blogs! I've been missing my blog reading time somethin' fierce, so hopefully I can start catching up this weekend. T-G-I-M-EFFIN'-Friday!

Update: The last System Restore seems to have done the trick! Hallelujah. Now it's reeeeaaaaally past my bedtime. Nighty-night!

Happy Birthday Month To Me!

I typically hate my birthday, and before you go there- it's not because I don't like getting older. Simply put...the extra attention makes me feel super-dee-duper awkward. I'm not saying I don't like the attention, I just feel so awkward that I don't know how to have fun. Well, that was until my amazing husband came in to my life. Ever since, birthdays have been soooo much more special, and that's saying something considering he's usually off playing soldier when it rolls around. Not this year, though! He is stuck with me ;)

There is one more element that will make this year extra special, and that's the fact that two of our best friends will be celebrating their birthdays in the same week. That means I get to happily share the limelight, and plan 'OUR' birthdays. I HATE planning my own, but I have no qualms about planning a party {or lets be real...part-IES} for all three of us.

As such, I am informing everyone {including Will} that I don't want presents for my birthday...just scary Halloween decor, booze, gift cards, and/or other forms of dinero, because I have a party to plan! I just have to keep reminding myself not to go too crazy...this needs to be F-U-N and not give me an aneurysm. Oh, who am I kidding? We all know I'll go crazy. Twenty-eight years on this Earth has at least taught me that.

Sidenote: Cookie cakes, Carrot cakes, Chocolate covered strawberries, and other delectables do not count as gifts, and will be accepted. Please and thank you.