New Year.

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I updated my blog! So much has happened, so I'll do a little update post right now.

The first few months of the year were pretty mellow. Just normal, everyday life. In April, I got a promotion at work, from cashier to Assistant Manager. It's a few more hours and a raise, but it's not too bad. Jenry and I also made a trip to New York City in April to see his family since we didn't go there over the holidays. We had a good time, catching up with his family and friends, and of course, taking in some new sights in the city. We went to the NY Mets home opener at Citi Field. It was our first time there since they closed Shea Stadium a few years ago. It was a nice place, but I still prefer the old stadium. We wandered around Times Square, went to Tim Horton's for the first time, went to a comedy club, saw a movie, and hung out with his friends.

In June, my closest friend here in Arizona, moved away. Her husband got out of the military, and they were planning on staying in the area, but he couldn't get a job. That was a really hard time for me, but luckily, my other two best friends, Ashley & Kelsey came to see me in July. I knew Ashley was coming, but she surprised me by bringing Kelsey along. We had a fun girls weekend (well, plus Jenry) and ate, drank, shopped, and just had fun.

In August, I went to San Diego, CA for the first time. I actually met a friend off the internet (sounds creepier than it is). We met on XBox Live a few years ago and became really good friends, so I went out there for his birthday and took in so many sights - San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Pacific Beach, Old Town San Diego, The Whaley House, and more that I'm probably forgetting! It was a fun weekend and I definitely plan on going back! Also in August, my friend who had moved away came back to AZ for her sisters wedding. It was 6 hours away from me, but I drove up to Snowflake, AZ and spent a day there with her. The drive up was so beautiful, so many mountains and canyons. It made me remember why I moved out here. We also adopted a dog this month, a girl German Shepherd whom we named Josie. She had some real issues (destructive and anxious), but she has improved a lot with medication and training.

In September, I flew out to North Carolina to help take care of my nephew while my sister had a c-section for the birth of my first niece, Fiona Lynn. I was nervous at first, because I hadn't spent much time with my nephew, but he took to me right away and I had fun playing with him and getting to know him. He is such a good boy, and so smart! Fiona was (and is) adorable. She's a good sleeper and eater and growing up so fast already!

Nothing much happened until December, when I went home to Michigan the week before Christmas to spend some time with my family. Jenry didn't go with, he stayed behind to work and take care of all the animals. It snowed when I was home, so that was exciting for me! I love snow! Jenry took the week of Christmas off work, and today is our last day before we go back to work tomorrow.

I hope to blog more this year.... I feel like I say that a lot, so who knows if I'll actually do it! Haha!

Update on Life.

I haven't blogged in a long time, and let's be honest, no ones surprised. I've never been one to be consistent with blogging. Life is pretty much the same. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's, Bronx and I make our way on post at about 9am, where we walk two or so miles with my friend Alexis and her bulldog, Sampson. After our walk, the dogs play for a few hours, and around 1pm, Bronx and I come back home, where I usually clean or do laundry until my husband gets home from work at either 3pm or 4pm, depending on his shift for the week. I'm still working at the thrift store on Tuesday and Thursday, from 9am-3pm. After I get off work, I come home, relax for an hour or so, then I start dinner. Weekends are usually low-key, the hubby and I usually hang out in our PJ's, or run errands. Sunday is my favorite day of the week - Date night! Every Sunday night after dinner, Jenry and I watch a movie on Netflix, followed by an episode or two of Quantum Leap (how he got me hooked on that show is beyond me).

This winter has been warmer than normal. We had one week of temperatures in the 30's, and even some snow flurries, but we're back up to the mid 60's. It's bittersweet though. I love the warm weather, but I still miss snow. As a Michigander, I'm accustomed to feet of snow - not inches.

Bronx celebrated his 1 year birthday in December, and we're thinking about getting another dog as a playmate for him, but we know it's a big commitment, so we're not rushing into it. We also plan to adopt a dog this go 'round. I definitely do not want another puppy. We're looking at medium sized dogs, and I would love a Corgi - they're adorable!

This past Saturday, my congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, was shot in the head in Tucson, about an hour northwest of here. It has been a real shock to Southern Arizona and I can't really describe how it feels to be so close to such evil. I'm hoping the Giffords makes a full recovery, and it seems like she will.

Anyway, my life is pretty uneventful, which is exactly how I prefer it!

The Concrete Jungle.

This weekend, I was on a quest for some queso de freir (cheese for frying) since the website I found for ordering was sold out, the hubby and I came across a Mexican store the reminded me of the bodegas in New York City. If you've never been to or heard of a bodega, it's basically a tiny grocery store, like the size of a gas station convenience store. It has all your basics, but then it has fruit, meat, beer...everything. Here's a picture of a typical bodega:

So the bodega didn't have my cheese, but we did buy some carne asada with marinade to grill out with. But it really got me thinking, about New York and how much I love it.

I can't even count how many times I've been to the City now, but every time we cross The George Washington Bridge into the City, it reminds me of my first time. Jenry videotaped it and I was just awestruck by the lights and all the buildings. The energy changes immediately after you get out of Jersey and into the City...I can't even describe it.

My husband always wanted to go back to New York, or even just the East Coast, but I knew he'd have better luck finding work out here in Arizona. We have discussed moving to New York, probably within the next 10 years. If he makes the same amount of money as he does now, we could afford decent housing there. He'd be home, I'd be closer to home.

And most importantly, I wouldn't have to look so hard for this damn queso de freir :p

I'm Boring.

Which is why I haven't blogged in ages. Life is seriously so uneventful. I now have a job 2 days a week, so that keeps me occupied some of the time. The days I don't work, I go to my friends house where we take our dogs on a walk & then let them play. Yes, a playdate for dogs. But it seriously helps Bronx get out some of his energy! The hubby and I bought a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2 weeks ago, so now my husband drives himself to and from work - which is truly amazing if you know my husband! Since he's now driving, it is imperative that he makes his new ride cool - so this weekend he & some friends tinted the windows and bought a new CD player for it (he's driving the Vibe to work since it gets better mileage). The CD player is waiting on a mount kit to come in the mail since that car has the weirdest dash ever:

Notice the little 12V plug on the bottom right - I love that thing!

I talked to my parents on Sunday and they informed me that they're coming out west next Spring! They'll most likely meet us in Vegas and spend some time there, then drive down to AZ and hang out with us here for for a while. I am very excited!

Other than that, life is pretty boring - and boring is good in my book :]

From Small Space to Large Space.

If there's anything I've learned in the past three months since becoming a homeowner is that it's expensive. My husband and I went from an 800 square foot apartment to a house more than double that. And now I am finding I need more furniture. Yesterday the hubby and I made a stop at Lowes since we had a gift card from my parents as a housewarming gift. We'd decided long ago that we wanted an outdoor fire pit. We looked around, and a few caught my eye. But we decided to get a chiminea instead, which are very popular out here. Here is a picture of the one we bought:

So that's one thing off the list of things we need to buy! In my kitchen, there is a counter that overhangs into the dining room, so now we need bar stools. These are the ones I'm considering:
I like the red because that is the color theme we are going for in the kitchen, and I also wanted stools with backs on them. The material is microfiber, which I know is a good fabric for cat owners. While I like them a lot, the hubby is not sold on them (yet!).

Another piece of furniture we need - a table for the front entry way. It really needs one, it is so empty by the door! I really like this one from Target:

Nothing fancy - just something to put there!

There are so many other things we want to buy - patio furniture, a grill, and God knows what else. It's expensive moving from a smaller place to a larger place and buying the furniture to fill it up. I keep telling myself that it doesn't all have to happen at once. I can buy a piece here, buy a piece there, and one day it will all come together!

I'm Thankful.

This year I have a lot to be thankful for.
My Husband

My husband is probably one of the greatest people I've ever met in my life. He is incredibly giving and kind, not only to me, but to everyone. I'm thankful for all the hard work he does to provide for us, which allows me to go to school. I'm thankful for his eight years of sacrifice in the military, to include three deployments, to ensure the safety of Americans. Most of all, I'm thankful for his love and companionship. He is truly my best friend, lover, and life partner.

My Family

My dad, my two sisters, my step mothers, and my three nephews are an amazing part of my life. My sisters are truly my best friends and my father is one of my heroes. My step-mother and I had a difficult relationship when her and my father married when I was 12, but we have come a long way and I love her. My family is very close, my husband often tells me he wishes his family were as close as mine is. I wish we all lived closer, but it is not a possibility and we make the best of it.



My Best Friends



I really don't know how I would survive without these three ladies in my life. Rachelle (bottom picture) and I met when I was 18 and she was 19. I had just arrived to my unit at Fort Bragg, NC and didn't know anyone. Rachelle showed up at my door one day and invited me to hang out. We were inseparable after that. We went to Iraq together and she is one of the reasons I made it through. Ashley and I (left picture) met when I was 21 and she was 19 - through MySpace of all places. I had been living in TN for almost a year and my husband had been in Iraq for the majority of it. I felt very alone and had few friends, but Ashley and I had a great connection and a lot in common and we became besties very quickly. We endured two deployments (as wives) together and spent many a nights together, laughing, crying, and supporting one another. The friendship between Kelsey and I (right picture) was completely unexpected. We met in January 2006 in a biology class. We sat at the same lab table and when I made a stupid error with a gradulated cylinder, she made fun of me - not even knowing me. After a few more labs together, we were school friends, until she invited me to a hockey game. I had never been a hockey fan, but that first game, I fell in love with it, and so our bond grew the more classes we took together and the more hockey games we attended. All three of thesee ladies hold a special place in my heart and I love them dearly.

There are many more things I am thankful for - comfy P.J.'s, reality t.v., video games, my cats, and the list could go on. But I believe there is nothing more important in this life than family, friends, and love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

When Your Back is Turned.

If you didn't know, my husband and I are currently living with one of his good friends and his wife. They offered to let us stay here rent free until the hubby got a job. Now, we're not moochers, we pay for 1/2 the food and all that. We offered to give them money for rent, but they said no. Last week, they got their electric bill (the 2nd one since we've been here) and it was like $250 or something. Apparently they weren't expecting that much of an increase. I offered right then and there to give them money for the bill, but they again said no, so I didn't think anything of it. My husband happens to be really good friends with Alexis' sisters husband and he called last night to talk to the hubby. Apparently, she was bitching to her sister about how the increase in the electric bill was our fault, since we stay up later than them and use the light and have the TV on. My husband didn't tell me about this conversation because he knew I'd be fuming. Well, when he told me about it this morning, I almost lost it. I sort of had a feeling they wanted us to pay for some of it when Tyler came home this afternoon saying he was going to get a second job to pay for the electric bill. I thought he was kidding, but apparently not. It just really irritated me that she went behind my back to talk about it, and then blamed it all on us. First of all, my husband worked on generators in the Army and knows quite a bit about electricity and the way it works. There is no way that 1 light and a TV could cause such an increase. The likely culprit? The fact that they leave their a/c on 70 all day and night when it's 100+ degrees out. I mean common sense tells me, if it's getting hotter and your keeping your a/c on the same temperature, it's going to take more energy to keep the house cool. Right? So I went to the bank, took out $100, and gave it to them. Whatever, how hard is it to ask? I would've had no problem, but when you talk shit behind my back, I don't appreciate it.

Another reason why this irks me? Tyler lived with us for a year and he paid $200 a month and helped with groceries. When he proposed, he bought a huge ring and then told me he couldn't pay the $200, and would have to go down to $100. He told us when we moved in here that we could stay for free because he owed us from that. I also buy random things for them. I bought that stupid baby test -- $40, and other random things, like the $75 dinner we paid for when the hubby got his job.

My bff Kelsey is coming to stay with us in October and we plan to be out of their apartment by then. Well, it was also said she thought it was rude I invited my friend out here when we might not have a house by then. I guess she thought my friend would end up staying here with them and us. Uh, I don't think so. If we can't buy a house soon, then we'll rent. And if it came down to it, I'd put Kelsey up in a hotel and I'd stay there with her. I would never just invite someone into their house. Seriously! So what did we do today? We went to the a realtor office to get the ball rolling. He told us that they usually like to have 2 or 3 pay stubs before they do all the loan stuff, but he was a realtor and not a mortgage broker. So he made us an appointment for tomorrow morning at 10am to talk with one. If anything, we can atleast get the ball rolling on our VA loan. And perhaps his offer letter with his salary can help us.

Sorry for such a long blog, but I was so furious today and found it hard to bite my tongue and not say anything. Living here was going well, but now I feel hurt and anger toward someone who I thought was so nice. So now I'm just going to be cordial and try to get the hell out of here.

Quick Update.

Last week after my husband had his phone interview, they told us we should know more in the following two weeks. I felt that meant his chances were pretty low and I knew it was going to be hard to wait that long to hear something. Lucky for us though, because they called three days later and offered the hubby a job! We were beyond ecstatic and totally relieved. He starts on August 24th and in the past week had a drug test and physical. The time is going slowly now, because we have so much to look forward too. I am excited for him to start his job, and probably even more excited to start house hunting. Also, my bff Kelsey is planning on visiting in October. We had plans on hold until the hubby for sure had a job, but now he does, so it's looking more likely that she'll make an appearance. Anyway, that's my small update for now, hope to write more later this week.

Fingers Crossed

My fingers have been crossed since Friday when my husband had a job interview with AAI Corporation, which is a UAV company which the Army has contracts with. The interview seemed to go great, and it really sounded like the hubby pretty much had the job. He was supposed to have another interview over the phone today with the human resources division of the company (based in Maryland) at 10am, but they never called, which pissed me off to be honest. I'm hoping it was just some clerical error and we'll hear something soon. The hubby is supposed to call the guy who interviewed him on Thursday if he hasn't called him by then.

I really hope this works out. I have been looking at houses out here, and while they're not my dream homes, I have found quite a few that I really like. If the hubby does indeed get this job, he'll be making almost double what he did while enlisted, so we can do things we've been wanting, for starters a house, secondly: getting the hubby the dog he's always wanted (we've decided on a german shepherd).

Perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself, but being true to my zodiac, I'm a dreamer, a hoper, a wisher, a seer of good things. My hubby tends to be pessimistic, which maybe a better way to look at things, but for right now, my hopes are high.

Definitely, Maybe.

The hubby and I have been in Arizona now for a little over a month, and while we're enjoying staying with friends, we're getting a little anxious to find a place of our own, mainly for the sake of of poor cat Mitters who is terrified of their dog. Every morning, my husband wakes up, searches for jobs, applies for jobs, and waits to hear back from people. Right now, we have a few options. The first one is a generator job in Phoenix. The hubby has been in contact with someone up there for a while, but the person who does the interviewing has been on vacation, but he was asked if he could make it up there for an interview next week, so we should know more then.

The other option is a little more radical: Border Patrol. Today they opened up applications for the Northern border, which really wasn't where he (nor I) wanted him to do BP, but he went ahead and applied and has a test date for August 24th in Idaho. Yes, 1200 miles was the closest testing station for the northern BP. We're hoping the Phoenix job, or a different one opens up for him and we don't have to make our way that far just to test. Another downer -- the training schedule. It would require 5 months basic training in New Mexico, 15 months on the job training in the southern border, and then finally going to your job on the northern border, which we requested Eastern New York/Vermont.

In all honesty, I hope the Phoenix job works out. It's very affordable to live there, and the job pays well. And there is a hockey team near by, which isn't a necesity, but a definite plus.

I would like to apologize for my extended absence from blogging. My computer was sent in to be repaired three weeks ago and I usually get on my hubbys' computer every morning for a bit, but haven't even logged in here for a week or so. Anyway, that's all the updates I have for now. Hopefully I'll have good news soon!

Getting Out.

Yesterday, my husband didn't have to work and I only had one class, so we decided to take advantage of the military walk-in policy at the Nashville USCIS instead of waiting for his actual appointment on the 30th. We got there without getting lost, thanks to my Garmin. I love that thing, let me tell you, but that's for another blog, another day. So anyway, he got his fingerprints or biometrics as the government likes to call it, and now we're just waiting for him to have his interview date, and hopefully he'll be a citizen in no time!

After that was done, we decided to hit up Opry Mills since my hubby has never been there. Aside from going to and from the airport, in the 3 1/2 years we've lived here, he's never been to Nashville. Granted 2 years of his time here has actually been spent in Iraq, he still hadn't been. We didn't buy much, just a few books, some video games, and I bought a dress from American Eagle. Don't ask me how I managed to fit into a small, but I did. It's actually very cute & comfy and I think I'm going to wear it on Monday. We actually needed to buy new sneakers for the hubby, since he burnt his in a campfire during a fishing trip, but we weren't able to find anything he liked.

After three hours of walking around Opry Mills, we were pretty hungry. The hubs really wanted to try 'The Aquarium', and after browsing the menu, I thought it sounded good. I should've been prepared for the overpricing of the menu, but I wasn't and was shocked to see the most everything on the menu was $18+. After my shrimp scampi, his salmon, and 2 salads & soft drinks, our total was $68 (with tip). It's okay though, because it really was his first time to Nashville, so he's allowed to act a little like a tourist :] After dinner, we made our way home and of course the hubs fell asleep on the drive home (he does this frequently, haha). We both crashed pretty early that night, around midnight, which is our weeknight bedtime, not our weekend one.

I just had a wonderful day with my husband, outside our home, and I loved every minute of it!

Back to Reality.

Today was the first day of classes after Spring Break last week, and needless to say, it was an unwelcome return to the daily grind. I actually had a fabulous Spring Break, even though I didn't do much of anything. I saw Bestie a few times, which was really nice actually, I miss being able to hang out all the time. I also celebrated my 25th birthday on Friday the 13th. Hubby had the day off, so we did some shopping and had a nice lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant. We actually ventured out to purchase my birthday present, a new Coach bag I had been eying, but it wasn't at the PX when we got there. I may still purchase one from the mall or when I go home for Easter, but I'm in no rush. With it being a costly purchase, I like to make sure I buy one I really like, and not one just to have one. So even though I didn't get that gift, I got some other great ones. Kelsey got me a Legwand t-shirt which I couldn't find all season, Jenn gave me a puck signed by Legwand that she won at a game, Ashley got me the sweetest Willow Tree figurines, and I got money/gift cards from my parents, sister, and Grandma.

It's hard to believe that I am actually 25! I remember thinking when I was younger, all the things I'd do by the time I was 25, and I haven't done any of them. I have no children, which is something I thought I'd have by now, and honestly, I'm not even disappointed that I don't! I am a firm believer that things will happen when they are supposed to, I am not interested in doing crazy things to conceive. If it happens, I will welcome it, if it doesn't, it's not meant to be.

Well, this blog took a totally different route than I planned. I'm 25 and even though life isn't how I expected, it's a million times better than I could ever have hoped for.

Weekends = Love.

I am so glad the weekend has arrived. Every Monday morning, I wake up with a feeling of dread that another week has crept up on me and that another weekend has passed so quickly. This week was a little more stressful than the previous few weeks, as I had three tests this week. On Tuesday, I had my Geology lab test, which to my delight, I got a 97% on. Wednesday I had the test for my Geology lecture class, which I received a 75% on. Normally a C wouldn't satisfy me, but when 45% of the class got D's & F's, I took my C and ran with it. Science of any sort isn't my strong area, add the fact that it was over 4 chapters, I felt like I did okay. Thursday I had my Spanish test, but I won't find out those results until Monday. I am not good at that class and it really is hard to learn another language, especially since I took the first half online. But I genuinely want to learn, so I am trying my hardest.

Last night I went to probably one of the most amazing hockey games I've ever been to. We (Nashville Predators) played the St. Louis Blues. The Blue are in last place in the Western Conference, but we're were only ahead of them by a few points. Theoretically, it should've been an easy win, but for some reason, we suck against them. During the third period, the game was 3-2, STL. As the period wound down, I was becoming more and more certain that this would be yet another loss to the Blues, but some miracle must've happened, because with 3 seconds remaing, we scored to tie the game. That of course meant overtime, which isn't terrible, because we atleast get one point, either way. After playing for 5 minutes, the game was still tied and it went into a shootout. I was a little nervous, but to my amazement, we scored and ended up with the win. It was a great game & a great ego boost for the Preds!

Anyway, the weekend is here and I am rather excited to sleep in tomorrow (fyi: sleeping in now means sleeping till 10am, it used to mean noon, haha). One of the hubby's best friends is getting out of the Army and this is his last weekend here, so we're heading over to his house tonight to cook steaks on the grill & have a few drinks. I plan on buying some Mike Hard Pomengrate Lemonade to bring. I love thos things, best bottled girly drinks ever :] Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, but with it being a payday and a holiday, we don't intend to go out, we'll probably save it for another day when the urge to punch someone in the face won't come over me. I did however receieve pretty flowers today, which all three of my cats have attempted to eat for the 4 hours that they've been in my home.

This may have been my longest blog on here, I'm proud. I know my blogs aren't as insightful or creative as BFF's, but they're good for the people the matter. As for now, I'm off to fold some laundry (most dreaded chore, next to dusting), and wait for the hubby to get home from PetSmart. Hopefully I'll blog sometime this week.

Blah.

The past week I haven't really felt well. I was super hungry, and then when I'd eat, I feel sick afterward. I've also been feeling a little queasy. I'm not sure exactly what it is, perhaps it's just the extreme change in the weather, who knows? Along with that, I've been super busy studying for school. I had a Geology lab test today, a Geology lecture test tomorrow (err today), and a Spanish test on Thursday. I already can't wait for the weekend! The hubby has to work a 24 hour shift tomorrow, so that should give me ample time to study for Spanish. Anyway, I'm off to bed, just wanted to update real quick, longer update this weekend.

Beep, beep!

There's nothing like being awoken by a beep beep. Not the beeps of a passing car, honking obnoxiously or the repetitive beeping of our stupid alarm clock, but rather the beeping of the smoke detector as our apartment regains power. Yesterday and today, our electricity has been anything but consistent. It likes to come on for a few hours and trick me into thinking it's here to stay, so I get comfortable. I start a load of laundry or the dishwasher, only to be interrupted by yet another power outage!

Yesterday we had an ice storm, and while my classes were canceled, the hubby still had to go into work. Afterward, he went to the gym and asked me to pick him up, yes I was venturing out into the crazy world that is southern drivers in bad weather. The power had went out again, so I was happy to get into my heated car. I drove to the end of our street only to see that the traffic light had lost power as well. Now, when this happens, you're supposed to treat the intersection as a 4-way stop. Well, I treated it as such, but about 90% of the drivers on the road didn't. After sitting there for about 5 minutes, people finally let me make my left hand turn & I was on my way. Going to post didn't take long at all, but coming back was a nightmare. We stopped to get dinner on our way home because of the bad power situation, so yes, I ate bad yesterday, it felt pretty good too.

My school was on a '2 hour delay' today and was set to open at 10, but I received a text at about 7:30am telling me campus was closed yet again. The hubby has already been told not to come in until 9am, but they called to tell him not to come in till noon, which really didnt matter either way since we again had no freaking power. He was on his way to work when they called to tell him not to come in at all. That may seem insignificant to most, but I found it extremely annoying!

Anyway, the power has still been glitchy today, so I'm getting off here & going to fold some laundry. Adios!