I guess I better start off with an apology. It's been ages since I stopped by and actually wrote something. But life got in the way, I am sure you all can understand how that goes. Since my last blog, I got married and began my "official" life as the wife of a United States Marine ( that's not to brag, you'll understand in a moment). I there are so many people who just don't understand what it's like to do what I do, and I get a lot of " I don't know how you do its", but to be honest I don't know how I could NOT do it. For those of you who don't know what being a wife of a Marine, or ANY military service member, here is a little insight into my life.
Being a Marine Wife means:
1.) Spending many nights alone because husband is either training, working late, or deployed.
2.) Holding down the household day and night.
3.) If you have kids, like we do, playing the role of mommy AND daddy during those trainings, late nights and deployments.
4.) Writing down E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G you wanna tell your husband during the day so you don't forget anything when you get the chance to talk to him. ( Sometimes this is the hardest thing because we have to realize that life goes on, and my husband likes to know everything that goes on while he is gone.)
5.) Waiting minutes, hours, days, weeks, months to get that phone call, even if it cuts out 30 seconds into the conversation and all you get to say is I love you.
6.) Sitting in Legal making sure all your ducks are in a row, because something WILL go haywire when they are not here.
7.) Struggling with the sadness everyday you aren't together, but picking yourself up and continuing on with your day.
8.) Knowing EXACTLY how to fill out customs forms because you send so many care packages, and waiting forever in the line at the Post Office because you know how much all those things in that box mean to him.
9.) Explaining to everyone you meet why your husband ( or wife, or significant other) isn't here, and he's actually overseas and people saying " Oh I'm sorry". ( I hate this one, cause I'm not sorry he's not here, I just wish he could be so he could punch you for your stupidity.)
10.) Going to base and participating in activities and spending time with gals who know what you are going through.
There are many more things that I could go on and on about, but I just won't because unless you are here and experiencing this with me, you won't ever get it. That's not meant to be rude, but it's just true. Us wives of Marines ( or, like mentioned before, any service member) isn't easy. If it was easy, everyone would want to do it. I wouldn't trade this for the world, because it takes a strong group of ladies to do what we do. <3
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
God Works In Mysterious Ways
There are times in our lives where we are presented with problems, or circumstances, in which we don't have any control over. My mother in law was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in September of this year. This was not her first go around with breast cancer and we all knew what it meant that it was back again. I have to say, I was honestly shocked at the situation and what we were all about to face. My father in law was accepting a civilian job in Afghanistan and my fiance, her son, was still finishing out a tour in Japan. We all went about our lives and I planned the wedding and things were just normal.
Then, last Wednesday happened. I got the call that my mother in law was headed to the hospital and ICU nonetheless. I knew things hadn't been all smiles and rainbows and that the cancer had been progressing fairly quickly. But as i was planning a wedding and coordinating a move that just went to the back of my mind. That was, until I got the call she was in the hospital. I made sure I visited everyday she was at the hospital and it was worth every minute of. Things went downhill so quickly, and before I knew it, everyone began talking about hospice care, Red Cross messages and getting our boys home as soon as possible as my mother in law has only days to weeks left to live. It's a shock to have death in your face so suddenly and I didn't know how to face it. Just these past few days, I was asked to postpone my wedding, which has already been postponed 3 times before, and was told to get the focus on making my mother in law happy and comfortable before her time on Earth is over.
The thing is, and the tough part about all of this, my fiance is coming home. I should be completely happy and yet I can't. I am sad he has to come and face all of this. I have anxiety attacks over it, so I can only imagine what it will be like to see the shock of his ailing mother. I should be happy that one day him and I will be able to have our dream wedding. Instead, I was at my final dress fitting today and had my dress on and the reality is, I am not sure when I will get to wear this dress. It's hard to be happy about the future because the present is so uncertain. I am having a hard time coping with everything God has presented me. Forrest Gump said " Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get." and that couldn't be more true. I have no idea where this road is going to take me, I am not sure what is going to happen when my mother in law passes away. All I know is that, in a few weeks, I have to pack up all my things and make a 2,000 mile journey with my new husband, who will also most likely be mourning the loss of his mother, and keep it together. I have to be the strong one, and truth be told, I need help. I am not even sure how I am going to make it through this. All I can do is try and keep my chin up and support my family in all of this.
Then, last Wednesday happened. I got the call that my mother in law was headed to the hospital and ICU nonetheless. I knew things hadn't been all smiles and rainbows and that the cancer had been progressing fairly quickly. But as i was planning a wedding and coordinating a move that just went to the back of my mind. That was, until I got the call she was in the hospital. I made sure I visited everyday she was at the hospital and it was worth every minute of. Things went downhill so quickly, and before I knew it, everyone began talking about hospice care, Red Cross messages and getting our boys home as soon as possible as my mother in law has only days to weeks left to live. It's a shock to have death in your face so suddenly and I didn't know how to face it. Just these past few days, I was asked to postpone my wedding, which has already been postponed 3 times before, and was told to get the focus on making my mother in law happy and comfortable before her time on Earth is over.
The thing is, and the tough part about all of this, my fiance is coming home. I should be completely happy and yet I can't. I am sad he has to come and face all of this. I have anxiety attacks over it, so I can only imagine what it will be like to see the shock of his ailing mother. I should be happy that one day him and I will be able to have our dream wedding. Instead, I was at my final dress fitting today and had my dress on and the reality is, I am not sure when I will get to wear this dress. It's hard to be happy about the future because the present is so uncertain. I am having a hard time coping with everything God has presented me. Forrest Gump said " Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get." and that couldn't be more true. I have no idea where this road is going to take me, I am not sure what is going to happen when my mother in law passes away. All I know is that, in a few weeks, I have to pack up all my things and make a 2,000 mile journey with my new husband, who will also most likely be mourning the loss of his mother, and keep it together. I have to be the strong one, and truth be told, I need help. I am not even sure how I am going to make it through this. All I can do is try and keep my chin up and support my family in all of this.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A Survivor's Story.....
I don't mean to burst your bubble, this isn't about surviving something horrific or anything like that. Not even about battling cancer, but it's something I know that people can relate to. I've been thinking a lot about the past two years, how quickly they've gone by and everything that has happened....
This time, almost exactly 2 years ago, I remember being so excited for a homecoming. That of my boyfriend who I hadn't even seen in YEARS. Coming home from North Carolina after engineer school for the Marines. Talk about being a NERVOUS WRECK! Him being home was amazing, but short-lived because he had to head off to Japan. Let's fast forward a bit to this time last year.... Another homecoming, this one much more dramatic than the last, because I had survived a 7 month deployment to Afghanistan. My now fiance was home safely! Again, another short lived trip home and he was back to Japan. Now it's the present, and I am 9 days away from my soon to be husband coming home for good.
You never know what you are capable of doing until you actually do it. i would have never thought I would be this good at a long distance relationship. Two years in Japan, and a tour to Afghanistan have not been the easiest to overcome. Those of you reading who have been through much, much more than this, I commend you. But that fact is, we have all survived being away from our loved ones and it's a challenge that we all had to face at some point. Being a military spouse is so not easy and it certainly is not for everyone. It takes more courage than I ever thought I had, and I can't believe I SURVIVED.
Chances are, this won't be the last time I am away from him, but for now I made it through the longest time being away from someone I had ever had to deal with. I did it because I love my fiance, and no it's not easy to do it, but I do and that's what matters. Don't come up to me and tell me you know how it is unless you are a fellow military spouse, cause you really don't. And don't ask me how I can do it, because the real question is HOW COULD I NOT?
Joshua Shakeshaft, I love you so much! 12/21/11
This time, almost exactly 2 years ago, I remember being so excited for a homecoming. That of my boyfriend who I hadn't even seen in YEARS. Coming home from North Carolina after engineer school for the Marines. Talk about being a NERVOUS WRECK! Him being home was amazing, but short-lived because he had to head off to Japan. Let's fast forward a bit to this time last year.... Another homecoming, this one much more dramatic than the last, because I had survived a 7 month deployment to Afghanistan. My now fiance was home safely! Again, another short lived trip home and he was back to Japan. Now it's the present, and I am 9 days away from my soon to be husband coming home for good.
You never know what you are capable of doing until you actually do it. i would have never thought I would be this good at a long distance relationship. Two years in Japan, and a tour to Afghanistan have not been the easiest to overcome. Those of you reading who have been through much, much more than this, I commend you. But that fact is, we have all survived being away from our loved ones and it's a challenge that we all had to face at some point. Being a military spouse is so not easy and it certainly is not for everyone. It takes more courage than I ever thought I had, and I can't believe I SURVIVED.
Chances are, this won't be the last time I am away from him, but for now I made it through the longest time being away from someone I had ever had to deal with. I did it because I love my fiance, and no it's not easy to do it, but I do and that's what matters. Don't come up to me and tell me you know how it is unless you are a fellow military spouse, cause you really don't. And don't ask me how I can do it, because the real question is HOW COULD I NOT?
Joshua Shakeshaft, I love you so much! 12/21/11
Sunday, December 4, 2011
I do.
There are like 3 tangents I could go off on before I even start this blog and list my reasons of why no one should ever get divorced, and honestly, I think you have to hear at least two to understand where I am coming from. Are you ready? Okay!
Okay, so the first is that I am a court transcriber and recently I have had to type up and listen to a few court cases that involve divorces. All sorts of divorces... Nice ones, Military ones, and pure NASTY ones. People are god AWFUL, and yet it makes me laugh!
TWO, I was just watching Teen Mom 2 ( which will be whole other blog at a different date and time) and it was last season's finale with the wedding of Leah and Corey. If you don't follow this, they are divorced now! WTF? Really. And it's not just them in reality TV who have gotten divorced recently, we can add Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, and anyone else you can think of while you are reading this you can add in your head.
ANYWAYS... The point of this is why get divorced?! Or if you don't think it's going to work, why even get married? This is pure common sense, and I think these days people are getting married because of the social stigma ( or money depending on who you are) more than actually loving the person they are with. I am getting married in 2 and half weeks and I must say I am so excited. We work as a team and he's seriously my BEST FRIEND. That's how it should be. Following are several reasons you should not get married are reasons people get divorced:
1. Your Spouse is Suicidal or Homocidal: Yes, I have done a transcript about this. If your spouse is either one of/ both of these. RED EFFIN' FLAG.
2. Money: If you are marrying someone for their money you might as well jsut sign the divorce papers along with your marriage license.
3. Military: Oh goodness, don't marry someone just because they are in the military. You have no idea what you are doing. If you love them and they happen to be in the military, go for it <3
Getting divorces are costly people, it's not worth it, and it's selfish! I've listened to enough cases to know that things get nasty, people don't like to share and you are bound to be worse off than you were before. Wait for the right person to come along and enjoy your marriage. Seriously.
Okay, so the first is that I am a court transcriber and recently I have had to type up and listen to a few court cases that involve divorces. All sorts of divorces... Nice ones, Military ones, and pure NASTY ones. People are god AWFUL, and yet it makes me laugh!
TWO, I was just watching Teen Mom 2 ( which will be whole other blog at a different date and time) and it was last season's finale with the wedding of Leah and Corey. If you don't follow this, they are divorced now! WTF? Really. And it's not just them in reality TV who have gotten divorced recently, we can add Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, and anyone else you can think of while you are reading this you can add in your head.
ANYWAYS... The point of this is why get divorced?! Or if you don't think it's going to work, why even get married? This is pure common sense, and I think these days people are getting married because of the social stigma ( or money depending on who you are) more than actually loving the person they are with. I am getting married in 2 and half weeks and I must say I am so excited. We work as a team and he's seriously my BEST FRIEND. That's how it should be. Following are several reasons you should not get married are reasons people get divorced:
1. Your Spouse is Suicidal or Homocidal: Yes, I have done a transcript about this. If your spouse is either one of/ both of these. RED EFFIN' FLAG.
2. Money: If you are marrying someone for their money you might as well jsut sign the divorce papers along with your marriage license.
3. Military: Oh goodness, don't marry someone just because they are in the military. You have no idea what you are doing. If you love them and they happen to be in the military, go for it <3
Getting divorces are costly people, it's not worth it, and it's selfish! I've listened to enough cases to know that things get nasty, people don't like to share and you are bound to be worse off than you were before. Wait for the right person to come along and enjoy your marriage. Seriously.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
They Totally Taste D-I-F-F-E-R-E-N-T
The other night I went out with friends to a restaurant and, granted this happens EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. I go out, I was eating ranch dressing with some fries and thinking to myself " Why does restaurant ranch taste so much better than at home?!"
I totally don't understand this concept and I turned to both my friend and my cousin to ask them if they thought the ranch here tasted different than what we tend to put in our refridgerators. The reason you ask? HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH SUCKS!!! I hate it, it tastes gross and my family thinks I am nuts, but it tastes awful. The fact is, I steal ranch dressing from restaurants all the time just so I can have it at home. So after asking around and pretty much taking a vote about this ranch dressing everyone agreed that the ranch at restaurants is way better. Most of said we hated Hidden Valley, and even I, will buy generic ranch dressing just because that tastes better too.
So I am not going to lie here, I spent a good half hour yesterday, or on my lunch break at work, Googling homemade ranch dressing recipes. I am seriously thinking about making my own and perfecting it. It seems pretty easy and if it tastes better than Hidden Valley, I am totally down for the challenge!
If you can't tell the difference between the ranch dressings and you are reading this thinking I am dumb, I will you this THEY ARE DIFFERENT, THEY TASTE DIFFERENT AND THERE IS NO DENYING IT. So now, I must continue to Google ranch recipes and soon develope my own so I NEVER have to use Hidden Valley again.
ADDED***
Shortly after posting this blog me and my friend Anne found an AMAZING recipe for making Chili's Ranch Dressing, So I made it and it's currently setting in the fridge. Here is the recipe for those followers who want it! Mind you I added an ingredient but everything is pretty close to the recipe I got.
CHILI'S RANCH DRESSING:
I totally don't understand this concept and I turned to both my friend and my cousin to ask them if they thought the ranch here tasted different than what we tend to put in our refridgerators. The reason you ask? HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH SUCKS!!! I hate it, it tastes gross and my family thinks I am nuts, but it tastes awful. The fact is, I steal ranch dressing from restaurants all the time just so I can have it at home. So after asking around and pretty much taking a vote about this ranch dressing everyone agreed that the ranch at restaurants is way better. Most of said we hated Hidden Valley, and even I, will buy generic ranch dressing just because that tastes better too.
So I am not going to lie here, I spent a good half hour yesterday, or on my lunch break at work, Googling homemade ranch dressing recipes. I am seriously thinking about making my own and perfecting it. It seems pretty easy and if it tastes better than Hidden Valley, I am totally down for the challenge!
If you can't tell the difference between the ranch dressings and you are reading this thinking I am dumb, I will you this THEY ARE DIFFERENT, THEY TASTE DIFFERENT AND THERE IS NO DENYING IT. So now, I must continue to Google ranch recipes and soon develope my own so I NEVER have to use Hidden Valley again.
ADDED***
Shortly after posting this blog me and my friend Anne found an AMAZING recipe for making Chili's Ranch Dressing, So I made it and it's currently setting in the fridge. Here is the recipe for those followers who want it! Mind you I added an ingredient but everything is pretty close to the recipe I got.
CHILI'S RANCH DRESSING:
- 1/4 cup Mayo ( I used Best Foods cause I already had it, just make sure NOT to use Miracle Whip)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon milk ( I used 2%, but the recipe called for buttermilk, I say use whatever floats your boat)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon basil ( this was not in the original recipe but was in another I looked at, so I added it.)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ( I am a pepper freak so feel free to change that to your liking)
Directions:
- Combine mayonnaise, sour cream and dill pickle juice in a medium sized bowl.
- Add in buttermilk.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
- Chill for about 30 minutes.
- Enjoy.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
You're Not Going Out Like That!!
The thing with fashion is that to really understand it, and to have it be effective, you can't make mistakes. And yes there are plenty of people who make mistakes. I mean I am a mom and on more than one occasion I have committed fashion suicide. But there are a few things that NO ONE should ever, ever do! and yes, this will be making fun of people so if you chose to not read any farther that is quite all right. But if you are about to read on farther I am sure you will get a giggle. :)
Sandals With Socks: This completely defeats the purpose of the sandal. If you are going to wear socks, remind yourself to not put on a sandal, cause you will look ridiculous and I will make sure you know it!
Tennis Shoes Without Socks: I don't get this! Really people? This why some smart person created no show socks!! If you choose to do this and I catch you. You can stay far, far away from me.
When Your Toes Hang Off of Your Flip Flops/Sandals: BUY A NEW PAIR OF FREAKING SHOES!!! I think that's all I can say about that.
Mini Skirts With Ugg Boots: Personally, I don't see this as a fashion statement at all. If you have to wear Uggs with your skirt, chances are it's too cold to wear the skirt and go put on some pants.
Belly Shirts: Not cute on any one. And It often seems the people who have bellies, are the only ones who wear these. GROSS!!!
Leggings On Bigger Folks: I'm not sure how to be anything but un-polite about this one. Don't do it. I would appreciate not seeing your rolls, crack, or camel toe. KTHANKS.
Highwater Pants: These are no considered "ankle jeans". They make you look ridiculous and it means THEY DON'T FIT!!!
I am sure we could all go on and one about things we see they people shouldn't wear. It's really out of control. Feel free to add your own, and if you see someone committing these huge mistakes, be a good samaritan and let them know!
Sandals With Socks: This completely defeats the purpose of the sandal. If you are going to wear socks, remind yourself to not put on a sandal, cause you will look ridiculous and I will make sure you know it!
Tennis Shoes Without Socks: I don't get this! Really people? This why some smart person created no show socks!! If you choose to do this and I catch you. You can stay far, far away from me.
When Your Toes Hang Off of Your Flip Flops/Sandals: BUY A NEW PAIR OF FREAKING SHOES!!! I think that's all I can say about that.
Mini Skirts With Ugg Boots: Personally, I don't see this as a fashion statement at all. If you have to wear Uggs with your skirt, chances are it's too cold to wear the skirt and go put on some pants.
Belly Shirts: Not cute on any one. And It often seems the people who have bellies, are the only ones who wear these. GROSS!!!
Leggings On Bigger Folks: I'm not sure how to be anything but un-polite about this one. Don't do it. I would appreciate not seeing your rolls, crack, or camel toe. KTHANKS.
Highwater Pants: These are no considered "ankle jeans". They make you look ridiculous and it means THEY DON'T FIT!!!
I am sure we could all go on and one about things we see they people shouldn't wear. It's really out of control. Feel free to add your own, and if you see someone committing these huge mistakes, be a good samaritan and let them know!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Things I will NOT miss about Colorado
With my move to North Carolina 5 weeks away, I've decided to write a list of the things I will NOT miss about Colorado. My goal is to make it to 30, but the more I start thinking about this I may not make it.
Drum roll please ( make your own sound effects here):
1. Snow
2. The fact that I can have all 4 seasons in a matter of two days
3. Snow
4. Driving in the snow
5. Drivers who do not know how to drive in the snow ( including myself)
6. Wind on the days it only snows in the mountains
7. Snow
8. Hurricane force winds with no hurricane
9. Snow
10. Temperatures so cold my car has to warm up for an hour before I can even get in it
11. Driving in the mountains
12. Driving in the mountains when there is snow on the road
13. Drivers who have no idea how to drive in the rain ( I am from WA, I know how to do that)
14. Being cold
15. Snow
16. Being in Tornado alley
17. Snow
18. Snow in the Summer months ( yes, it DOES happen)
19. Snow in any time of the year that is NOT WINTER
20. Scraping snow off my car
21. Having every single thing in town OPEN even when there is 20 inches of snow outside
22. Being cold
23. Having to wear multiple layers just to stay warm.
24. Snow
25. Rush hour during a Broncos game
26. Driving to Denver
27. Snow
28. Snow
29. Snow
30. Lots of snow
There are all 30 things I WILL NOT miss about this state. granted, there are a few things I will miss ( friends and family not included, because that's a huge DUH!) But that is for another blog. Chances are, if you don't live in Colorado or you don't know me, you won't find this hilarious in any way, shape or form. But for those of you who do live in Colorado and/or do know me. ENJOY :)
Drum roll please ( make your own sound effects here):
1. Snow
2. The fact that I can have all 4 seasons in a matter of two days
3. Snow
4. Driving in the snow
5. Drivers who do not know how to drive in the snow ( including myself)
6. Wind on the days it only snows in the mountains
7. Snow
8. Hurricane force winds with no hurricane
9. Snow
10. Temperatures so cold my car has to warm up for an hour before I can even get in it
11. Driving in the mountains
12. Driving in the mountains when there is snow on the road
13. Drivers who have no idea how to drive in the rain ( I am from WA, I know how to do that)
14. Being cold
15. Snow
16. Being in Tornado alley
17. Snow
18. Snow in the Summer months ( yes, it DOES happen)
19. Snow in any time of the year that is NOT WINTER
20. Scraping snow off my car
21. Having every single thing in town OPEN even when there is 20 inches of snow outside
22. Being cold
23. Having to wear multiple layers just to stay warm.
24. Snow
25. Rush hour during a Broncos game
26. Driving to Denver
27. Snow
28. Snow
29. Snow
30. Lots of snow
There are all 30 things I WILL NOT miss about this state. granted, there are a few things I will miss ( friends and family not included, because that's a huge DUH!) But that is for another blog. Chances are, if you don't live in Colorado or you don't know me, you won't find this hilarious in any way, shape or form. But for those of you who do live in Colorado and/or do know me. ENJOY :)
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