Monday:Pick-Me-Up

Since getting back to the Land of Aloha, I've been doing things here and there around the house. I hung some frames starting a gallery wall going up the stairwell, I re-organized my living room, have been de-cluttering, and just finished planting this last night:

The tins I got on clearance after Christmas, and yes they each had tea in them, I simply ziplocked and labeled the tea so I could us the tins. I am excited and hope they continue to grow...basil, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, & parsley! I also hope I can control the ants that seem to sneak their way into that window... by the hundreds... *sigh* 

What is brightening your mood today?

No wine for you... no liquor too...

Evidently alcohol was not in my immediate future last night... I wanted a glass of wine with my dinner. I tried over and over to get my wine opener to do it's job - OPEN my wine. Is that too much to ask? Yes... yes it is... take a look:

Then, to top it off as I was closing the {non-useful} opener, the corkscrew part snapped down on my pointer finger resulting in a pretty deep cut right next to the finger nail... I washed it, wrapped it in a paper towel until the bleeding slowed down, then neosporin and a band-aid were applied.

We have a bottle of cafe liquor from Mexico. So, I figured if I couldn't have wine... why not sip this? One problem... the bottle has never been opened. So I unwrapped the plastic and went to pull the cork out... the wood piece attached to the cork came off. No way I was going to try the wine opener again... so... if you're keeping score:

Wine opener - 2

Wine bottle - 1

Liquor bottle - 1

Skinnie - big fat zero

Ultimately, I drank water and after dinner ate some dark chocolate squares. So, I guess it wasn't a total loss. Right?

The 11 Q&A {tag you're it!}

I got tagged not once. Not twice. But three times by these wonderful ladies-

1. Ines from The Few The Proud The Wife

2. Taryn from Iron and Wine
3. Allie from My Marine and Me

So...basically you're going to get to read a lot about me...

If you choose to do so that is.

The rules-

1. You must post the rules. (and link up who tagged you)
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4. Tag however many people you want
5. Let them know you've tagged them!

11 facts about me 

1. I refuse to watch scary movies. Refuse.
2. I like to change things often... I just re-organized my living room, yesterday.
3. I like Sanrio's Tuxedo Sam & Nintendo's Yoshi - they're so cute!
4. I really want a dog, I'll settle for a guinea pig, I may not get either.
5. I eat 4-6x a day.
6. I have to have the closet door closed to sleep at night.
7. I want to run a 5k, but I hate running.
8. I really want to buy a SUP.
9. I'm terrified to have children.
10. Dark chocolate is my happy place.
11. I love my family.

 Ines' questions for me-

1. Coke or Pepsi? Neither, I don't drink soda.

2. Best book that you have read recently? I just finished "Get it On!" by Keni Thomas, a former Army Ranger that lived through Black Hawk Down.

3. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Uhhhh... are athletic shoes included? Because I own two pairs of rock climbing shoes, two pairs of running shoes, soccer cleats.... ohhh, we'll just say around 35ish? In comparison to a lot of women that's not bad.

4. Whats your favorite wine? Birbet or Chocolate Shop

5. Mac or Pc? Funny story, we have both.

6. Whats your favorite meal? Authentic Mexican tacos, black beans, rice, and homemade salsa & chips.

7. Whats your favorite quote? "Just start by doing something good, you're destined for greatness."

8. Dream vacation? You can actually see that here.

9. Do you have an agenda? If so, is it on your phone or do you own an actual agenda? I have a day planner notebook that goes with me in my purse & a calendar on the fridge with appointments and such written down.

10. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl, hands down.

11. Favorite holiday? Christmas.

Taryn's questions for me-

1. What time do you like to get up on Saturday mornings? If we don't have a day-trip planned, whenever I roll out of bed.

2. Where would you visit if time & resources were no object? See Ines' question #8 above.

3. What is your favorite fragrance? To wear? Um, I'm allergic to perfume... but I love my husband's cologne, Banana Republic's Slate.

4. Do you enjoy people watching? Why or why not? If yes, where is your favorite location to "watch" ? Yes, I think people are so interesting and it's fun to people watch with my husband or close friends to make silly comments. I would say my favorite location would have to be the mall or down in Waikiki.

5. What did you want to be when you were little? A veterinarian.

6. Cats or Dogs? Dogs. Cats like me a lot, but I think it's because they know I don't like them.

7. Describe your favorite pizza. Hmmm.... CPK has so many delicious ones... but I like when we make homemade Hawaiian... cheese, ham, bacon, and pineapple.

8. Where would you like to retire?? Here. Maybe. I'm not sure... someplace we can afford and enjoy.

9. Best memory? Just one?! The day my dad was told he was in remission. The day my husband proposed. Walking down the aisle at our wedding locking eyes with him.

10. Which store would you choose to max-out your credit card? Banana Republic.

11. Describe your ideal vacation. ...again, refer above.

Allie's questions for me-
1. If you had to eat one thing for breakfast for the rest of your life, what would it be? LIFE Cereal.
2. What is the one chore you despise doing? Cleaning toilets!
3. Are there any books you can pick up and reread over and over again? I re-read Killer Angels and the Chronicles of Narnia every now and then.
4. Who would play you in the movie of your life? Hmmm, Emma Stone? AZ girl!
5. If you had to rename your blog for any reason what would be its new name? "Ever-changing Life"
6. What is your favorite outfit to wear? Sandals, jeans/shorts, and comfy tee/tank.
7. If I gave you $100 what completely non practical thing would you spend it on? But I need practical things... okay, fine... a really pretty dress/heels for homecoming... even though I'll probably just be in a sundress and sandals, haha.
8. What is your favorite childhood memory? Climbing trees in our neighbors front yard for hours!
9. If you could be an instant expert in any subject matter, what would you choose? Theology, I would love to have the Biblical knowledge to back my faith up!
10. What is your favorite joke? When I read this question so many popped up in my head, but I really didn't deem any of them worthy of being a "favorite."
11. Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? With Waldo!

My questions for the bloggers I've tagged-
1. If you had to pick one word to define your life currently, what would it be?
2. Camping in the woods or a beach trip?
3. What is your favorite candy bar?
4. The best date you've been on (or your ideal date night)?
5. One day without technology- no phone, no tv, no internet. What would you do?
6. Did you/do you have a favorite stuffed animal, what is the story behind it?
7. Lipstick, lipgloss, or chapstick?
8. What is your favorite form of exercise?
9. Candles or Scentsy?
10. Good news or bad news... who is the first person you call?
11. What is your favorite way to unwind after a stressful day?

Blogger's I'm tagging-
1. YOU! I feel like I'm behind in the game... most of you have been tagged, but if you haven't and would like to play along tell them "Skinnie" tagged you, then join in the fun. PLEASE?! **Comment and let me know you're playing, I would love to read your answers.

Monday:Pick-Me-Up

Instead of focusing on all of the unpacking I didn't finish yesterday or all of the cleaning I need to do since the house sat empty for so long... I am going to remember:

-I just spent an amazing 6wks with my family.
-I had a great flight [2 seats to myself, a 2hr nap, breakfast was included, and I got to watch Dolphin Tale]
-I am waking up in the land of Aloha.

How is your Monday going?

Pray. Honor. Remember.

The media will keep showing you those Marines who were stupid and dishonorable. Over and over they will replay that terrible video. But when military spouses and children are at risk or when we lose six of our own... you have to search the internet or live in the direct community affected. The American people only see what the media allows them to see... *sigh*

Please stand with me in praying for the families and friends of the six Marines we lost out of Hawaii today... some of our friends are waiting to hear if one of the men lost is their neighbor. I can't imagine sitting in the kitchen with your close friend waiting to hear if her husband has been killed... what do you do? How do you approach that situation accurately, sensitively, correctly?


I thought I was ready to go back to Hawaii.
Now I will arrive just in time for every single funeral & memorial.
And you know what.
Even though I don't know any of them.
I just may go to each one.
Because these men deserve to be honored. remembered. loved.
Who cares how much I cry.
They are worth it.

*Edit: January 21st.

They have released the names...

Capt. Nathan R. McHone, 29, CH-53 pilot.
Capt. Daniel B. Bartle, 27, CH-53 pilot.
MSgt. Travis W. Riddick, 40, crew chief, survived by his wife and six children.
Cpl. Joseph D. Logan, 22, aerial observer, survived by his wife.
Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard, 25, crew chief.
Cpl. Jesse W. Stites, 23, crew chief, survived by his wife.

Christmas Care Package

I totally forgot to share my first deployment (for my husband- I've sent them to my cousin & our friends) care package! I think I did pretty well...

All of the goodies I purchased (minus the hard candies I got later to fill the paper goody bags). Mini tree, mini ornaments, starburst candy canes, red/white garland, andes peppermint cruch and regular mints, mini stockings, nutella, small Christmas "magic" towels, snowman sign, and paper goody bags.

Right before I packed up the box and added my personal card for my hubby. I made a stocking for each guy in his team and put candy in the paper goody bags to be used as "presents" under the mini tree.

Finally, managed to fit it all in a medium sized flat rate box, which I wrapped the insides with fun penguin/snowman paper. I made sure to add Luke 2:11 so he would be reminded of the true reason for Christmas.

So, what's the verdict?

Monday:Pick-Me-Up

So, just about everyone I know enjoys getting a good deal. I mean couponing went from being a money saver to a sport, then a straight up obsession! I am not a black friday shopper, a day after Christmas shopper, nor am I one that cuts coupons and buys only what I have coupons for. BUT, I do love a deal! I went to Michaels' (since we don't have them in Hawaii) with my mom and rummaged through the $1 bins. Cute notepads, stamps, sticker, mugs, candles, eeeeee! *Sidenote- I need another suitcase, or a box...a big box...* I had forgotten nail clippers and found a cute manicure set in the bottom of one of the $1 bins so I snatched it up.

While checking out I like to watch each item as it is rung up in case of mistake and especially when I'm purchasing items at certain percentages off. Well she got to the mini-manicure set and it rang up as: $.01 yes, you read that right. ONE CENT. I stopped her and asked "is that really a penny?" She looked, rang it up again and said, "evidently so!"

Need proof?

Deal of the year!

Have you gotten any great deals lately?

conflicted

I'm feeling so conflicted and torn lately it's ridiculous. The worst part - it's all coming from me. ME.

First. This blog.
I love this blog- I love that I have entered a community all it's own. The military spouse blogging community. I love reading your comments, your advice, your input, then hopping over to yours and doing the same. But, this blog didn't start out as a military spouse blog. It started out as my inspiration blog (think pinterest 3yrs before it's time, haha), then as I found you wonderful ladies I thought I'd found a "niche." I'm not so sure. I feel conflicted (there's that word again), like I'm dipping my feet into the water and not ready to make the jump. Not that I can fully... you will never be able to see my husband's face or learn our names. That's just a fact. But, I feel like because of this there is so much I can't share with you/won't share with you. I have a personal blog for my family and close friends, so it's not killing me. But I often wonder- why is "Skinnie Piggie" even out there? Why do people read, follow, actually comment on someone they can {probably} never truly know? *I say probably because I have met up with three lovely ladies, they just know that in the blog world I will forever be known as Skinnie.

Second. Home.
Some people would say that I am currently home. And while, in the sense that I was born, raised, and my family is still here, yes... Arizona is and forever will be considered "my home." However, I'm talking about going home... to Hawaii. I consider wherever I am living with (or without) my husband to be my current home. Right now the conflict (yep, again) with this is... seeing the uniforms, hair cuts, tattoos, buses, vehicles, hearing the weapons from the range on the hill, and not breaking down because my short-haired-uniform-and-tatooed-hottie-of-a-husband-left-on-a-bus-is-using-a-humvee-and-toting-around-a-couple-of-those-guns-I'll-be-hearing-up-the-hill. Here in Arizona-land I haven't completely escaped the "military life" but it's definitely not so in your face as living on base and waking up to an empty house.


Third. Pets.
In exactly one week it will mark a year since we gave away Beans & Twix. In my entire life (save 3-6mo with the internship/getting married/moving) I've never gone so long without having a furry friend. We grew up constantly having two dogs in the house. When I was nine years old I decided I was responsible enough for my own pet and the guinea pig epidemic began. With my family I have lived through four dogs (#5 is still kicking & now they have #6 who is ridiculously cute) and four guinea pigs. Then add on the two guinea pigs my husband and I had when we first got married and that's quite a lot of animal love. I miss having a fur-baby to cuddle up with, especially when my husband is away. Enter my conflicting ( I promise this is the last one) thoughts about getting another pet: I don't have a yard and that almost instantaneously rules out a dog. Hubby and I like BIG dogs and big dogs only, we need a yard and preferably a doggie door. Yes, it could work without a yard and without a door... but that seems unfair to such a large and free roaming animal. A guinea pig is also much easier to find a sitter for when you go on vacation- which we tend to like and since we live so far away it tends to be for a long period of time. They are also pretty clean.

I'm sure I'm thinking too much into all of these.
But these are major concerns of mine lately.
Sigh. Such is life.

Monday:Pick-Me-Up

So if you didn't know, I'm sick. But that's not what I'm going to write about, because that's not uplifting! I'm grateful for my momma since she went and got me nyquil, cough drops, zicam, and boxes of kleenex. I don't have a car here so I would have needed to borrow hers anyway, it was super nice to just sleep and have someone else take care of me (which is not the norm during a deployment).

So yesterday was spent sleeping, eating, drinking water, and repeating multiple times. When I was awake I was popping Halls like a mad woman... about 5 cough drops in I noticed the following:

Talk about a kick in the pants! Haha... I love all the phrases:

• A pep talk in every drop
• March forward!
• You got it in you.
• Keep your chin up.
• Don't try harder. Do harder!
• Power through!
• Bet on yourself.
• Let's hear your battle cry!
• Put your game face on.

Others not in this picture, that I found throughout the day:

• The show must go on. Or work.
• Seize the day.
• Be unstoppable.
• You've survived tougher.
• Don't waste a precious minute.
• Be resilient.
• Go for it.
• Get back in there champ!

Talk about motivation from the most unlikely of sources... these are great little quotes that don't just apply to getting through a cold/flu! I hope one of them resonates with you this morning. Which are your favorites? Mine are in maroon.

Have a great week!

the thing about colds

...it's been a:

couch

kleenex box

blankie

still in my pjs at 3pm

netflix

lots of h2o

cold toes

endless coughing

achy

kind of day.

I'm looking forward to:

a nyquil

actual sleep

kind of night.

Colds don't care where you are, if you're on vacation, and they especially don't care if you're suppose to be enjoying time with your family. Darn you colds! For today, I will rest. Then, I will power through this and hang out with my family and friends tomorrow... no matter what.

The Elusiveness of Sleep

I've made it a little over a month now... I'm still having trouble sleeping. I'm sure most of you would think it has to do with being worried about my husband's safety, the fact that I rarely hear from him, and that I have no idea what he actually does.... but, you'd be (mostly) wrong. And that fact, makes me feel like a terrible wife.

It's not that I don't worry for him, I do. I pray everyday that God keeps him safe. I would love to hear from him more, I mean really hear his voice and not just see his name pop-up on my computer/phone, but such is life. I can't do anything about being more knowledgeable about his job, that's a big no-no.

After I've laid down for the night, gotten all comfy, said my prayer, read my book, and turned off the lights... it's like the wheels in my head take that as the "go-sign" to start turning. I think about everything! Missing my husband is usually the first thing, but then a whole slew of other items jump on the crazy-thought train: Going back to Hawaii and dealing with an empty house, both cars needing oil changes, re-arranging the living room, getting a new guinea pig, figuring out how to file our taxes correctly while he deployed, if I want to paint our bedroom wall, what bills are due when, my friend coming to visit and making sure the guest room is complete, getting rid of things we don't need, mosaics I want to make, it's a voting year and I don't know which state I'm allowed to register in, plans for our lanai, wanting to start a "deployment dinners club," as well as wanting to start a Bible study for wives going through deployment, hoping my boss gives me a promotion like we discussed before my vacation, then worried about the hours for the new work, and on and on...

I toss & turn the clock creeps by... 1am, 2am, 3am... if I'm still awake at that point my real anxiety kicks in and I feel the beginnings of a panic attack forming. The lights go back on to deter a fulll-on attack, then I start the routine over. Try to get comfortable, say another (different) prayer, read the next chapter in my book, and try turning the lights off again.

What on earth is wrong with me? 

I just want to sleep.

Monday:Pick-Me-Up

So, I wasn't too thrilled about not having a good Monday:Pick-Me-Up for the very first Monday of 2012. I mean, I figured if I didn't start it off right, it just wouldn't be any fun! I know it's coming really late, but I am so glad my family headed up to the lake today, because boy do I have a treat for you...

Right now I bet you're thinking one of the following:
1- this is totally super-imposed
2- was someone actually that stupid?
3- this looks like some weird natural disaster movie

It is actually a boat-car... I believe the kind in the top black and white photo on this page.

This really does look like a scene out of a movie... I kept expecting JAWS to appear.

I know it's late, but feel free to join in the link-up if you wish... I will do better about posting them early so everyone can join in... making our Monday's a little brighter, happier, and lighter!