and #4

HUSH YOUR MOUTH! You should just sit back & enjoy this........

NEWSFLASH!!!!!

OH MY GAWD.....I blogged twice in one day.....OH WAIT.....three times, three times now. I need to get off the caffine! CURSE YOU COCA COLA!!!!

My How the Tables Have Turned....

Nothin' like acting a damn fool and doing a little jig around the living room in your pajama bottoms & tee-shirt to put you in a feisty mood.

All the cares of the world have melted away and I......I am tingling with the freshness of a new dawn....that or someone slipped something in my drink at the movies. hmmmmm........

In that case....Thank you movie ticket *slash* refreshment man. You have made my evening. Now turn up the Taking Back Sunday and.....LET'S DANCE!

Quick & Painless

Writing something quick & not so meaningful.

I am in the middle of cleaning house. Not "cleaning", but CLEANING house. Everything needs to be thrown away. Everything needs to be re-organized for packing (even if I am 3 1/2 months out). So, I am utilizing my days....or trying to.

Right now, what I would really L-O-V-E is a Mocha Frappachino with a shot of caramel....no whipped cream. My taste buds are reeling, but alas....leaving the house means I will accomplish nothing at all. I know this of myself.

I also am fairly sure I have a brand spanking new vacuum sitting at the post office awaiting my pick-up. And as much as I would adore running that new baby over my carpets....it isn't as if I have no vacuum at all. The Dyson will have to wait....Dirt Devil lives one more day.

Besides all that, I also need quite desperately to make a commissary run. And unfortunately, I am not one of those people who can consciously unload groceries into an unclean house. Can you say....PSYCHO? Yes, I am aware that I have issues. Probably far more than any one woman should have, but still....you love me. So what does that say about you?! HEHEHEHE! Alright, I'm out! TOODLES!

Everything...

as a killer video....but am tired of hearing it every time i log on....so i've deleted it! MUAH!

Cha Ching!!

I am currently without vehicle. Well, not really. I am driving Al's, but I might as well be without. YUK!!

In preparation for my parents visit I decided it to be the perfect time to take my van in for a few minor adjustments. Like the brakes....which over the last month have become increasingly unreliable. And the left brake light which always seem to burn out...not good at all. Also needing adjustment was the belt that seemingly overnight became so squeaky I had to turn OFF my van at a drive thru just to hear the speaker. And finally, the air-conditioning, every summer I have to charge that stinking thing. Every single summer. But I can't be without it in this heat. Now it would seem they have switched fuels (or something of the sort) so I am stuck paying extra for some switch over since my van is older & uses the old fuel....OH-KAAAAYYYYY. So this is gonna cost me a little cash...or Yen, as I take my van off-base for repairs. CHA CHING!

Whatever, I just want my van back. I hate...let me repeat...H-A-T-E Al's van. It is old, rusty, mildew-y, smelly, and ugly. Not that my van is a Rolls Royce mind you....but trust me...it's better than his monstrosity. I miss my van. I miss my radio that doesn't short out, and my little nut pill box that hangs from the rear view mirror. I miss "Wilson" (the volleyball) sitting atop the dash, and the sound of that diesel engine when it starts up. It isn't lovely like our van in the states...but it has been mine for the last four years...and I want it back!

That is...until September when I'll have to pay to JCI that dang thing again just so we can sell it. Who on earth would buy a vehicle with it's JCI due? Ah well, such is life.

At Peace....or getting there.

After much discussion with "my girls" I think I am finally coming to terms with my impending move to Washington. I love this island. I love my friends. But reality is...K and I have a relationship that will long outlast the distance that separates us and Okinawa will always be here. Besides...I'm ready for this change. It's time...

So now the real work begins. My curb is quickly bearing the brunt of our 4 years on this rock. I toss virtually everything when we move. I simply can't stand to have all this clutter fill my life. My dear friend J told me this weekend that moving is the best way to cleanse our lives...not only physically, but emotionally. She'll never know the volumes that comment spoke in me. Those words are what made this bearable. They are what opened my eyes to the POSSIBILITIES that lie ahead. Not just the loss.

Thanks woman! Your wisdom during this time (and all others for that matter) has been invaluable! Safe travels to you and yours. You will be missed!

And The Countdown Begins....

Four months and one day. This is all I've left on my little island. Am I pleased about this? I should say yes....I know that a good many of you want to hear yes. And perhaps I should smile a sweet little smile and nod for you....but I would be lying.

Moving is a colossal pain in the arse. So here I am, four months out, tossing out everything I don't want to unload on the other end....and then some. Besides the fact that we are...quite unfortunately, headed back to Washington. This is NOT my idea of a good time. Do I even have clothes to accommodate the rainy, freezing weather that awaits us? No. I am fairly sure I don't even own a pair of closed toe shoes. And sweaters. We are back to wearing sweaters....good grief!

All those things aside, my greatest fear is leaving K. She is my other half (much to our husbands dismay). She and the kids have been our family for the last (almost) 9 years. I've left my family before...it isn't by any means an easy transition. And living without her may very well break me completely. We shall see.

On the brighter side of things...well, I haven't quite figured those out yet...but when I do you'll be the first to know *grin*. Until then...keep on livin' L-I-V-I-N

Happy Mother's Day

Cleaning and scrubbing
Can wait till tomorrow,
For babies grow up
We've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs,
Dust go to sleep,
I'm rocking my baby,
And babies don't keep.

- Author Unknown.


Happy Mother's Day to all who choose to rock their babies. I miss you mama. ~Love Forever~

My Idol...

Alright. I am bowing down. All week long I have been insisting to my friend K that although I really like Elliott (on American Idol) without a full blown miracle, he would be the next to get voted off. And now after watching tonights show, I would like to be the first to say...that miracle had arrived. Katharine was horrible. If she doesn't get voted off tonight I'll have no faith what-so-ever in the American Telephony Voting System.

I really can't stand Katharine, but to be honest I must admit the girl can sing. Elliott, quite unfortunately, just isn't all that consistent. We all love him...sure. But is he fantastic? Is he spectacular? Is he the next American Idol? Surely not. All that aside, tonight Elliott did beautifully and Katharine STUNK!

So who is gonna win? Oh pah-leeze. Anyone who watches AI knows Chris has this in the bag. Taylor is boisterous and a ton of fun, but should probably be singing at Branson. He is hardly "Idol" material.


Elliott, as I stated before, just isn't all that consistent. Sweet, but still...

And Katharine I am voting against by default. Before tonights performance I had her placed at #2. Oh well, Se La Vis sweetie! HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!!!! (insert evil laugh)

Chris, Chris, Chris. This year it's all yours. Run with it! I'll be one of the first ones in line at the release of your album. WOO HOO!!!

Anniversary Photos

Dinner was great. K & I stuffed ourselves unmercifully. After that we went for coffee. Obviously we thought it a stellar idea to add a bit more to the already bloated fullness that lie within. Then we walked over to Carnival Park where we took sticky pictures. This, for those of you who are unaware, is a favorite Japanese past time. Hehehehe! All in all it was a great night. Thank God for K! Don't know where I'd be without her!!!

Happy Anniversary

12 years today. Ah, the power of love. Being without Al today has spurred me to think back on all our past anniversaries. Like our first. Al was stationed in Colorado, and I was finishing up school in Kansas. So that anniversary was spent at the movie theater with 4 of my girlfriends. I still have the pictures.

#2 Al was in California. #3 we were moving to NC, so we literally passed eachother in the hallway just before our final inspection...pecked eachother on the lips and went about our business. Four, I do believe Al was at Phase 3. I got roses for that one....I do remember that. 5, he was in Thailand, me....Washington.

It was either 6 or 7 that we finally did get to spend together, but for the life of me I don't recall what we did. Pretty sure he was deployed to the PI both 8 and 9. Year 10 he was here and gave me his grandmothers sapphire. I bought him Oakleys that he left on a plane shortly thereafter. 11 and 12....back in the PI. Nice stint, huh!

So this morning Al called bright and early, just to be sure he was the first to voice the words "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY"!!!! Every year, every holiday, every occasion, this is our great competition. Who will be the first to wish the other a Happy so-and-so. I have to admit...he wins far more than I think is necessary. I'm betting on the day the man becomes senile & can't remember to utter the words first. On the other hand, it won't be much fun if he doesn't know why I'm rubbing it in his face. Damn double edged sword! Hehehe!

The kids made me breakfast in bed. Only it wasn't quite "in bed" because I chose this morning to be the morning that I decide to crawl out of bed before the striking of 10:00.

Our big plans for the day? Gonna do laundry, clean house, buy groceries, play a few board games, and maybe nap. K is taking me to Arin Krin tonight for dinner. That should be nice. Maybe I'll snap a few photos & post them for all to enjoy. Hope your day is golden. Much love to all!!

Heya!

Ah. 7:00am and me still sitting here in my gym clothes....eeeeewwwwwww! All is well in the world. I once again haven't been doing much. One would think I could utilize my time by cleaning...doing laundry...or perhaps blogging. But oh no, I choose to hold the phone to my ear and talk to the woman with whom I spend all my "non-phone" moments with. For heavens sake...I need a life! Anyhooie, this is just my round about way of saying that not a dang thing is going on here. We're just counting down the days till summer smacks us in the face and continuing to hold tight to this ever spinning earth. Love to all!

By the way - HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY, KATIE ANN! *smooches*

Weeeeellllll, that's nice to know.

You Are 48% Abnormal

You are at high risk for being a psychopath. It is very likely that you have no soul. You are at high risk for having a borderline personality. It is very likely that you are a chaotic mess. You are at medium risk for having a narcissistic personality. It is somewhat likely that you are in love with your own reflection. You are at low risk for having a social phobia. It is unlikely that you feel most comfortable in your mom's basement. You are at low risk for obsessive compulsive disorder. It is unlikely that you are addicted to hand sanitizer.

How Abnormal Are You?

I Know, I Know!

Alright, I'm slacking again....we all know this. But I swear, as soon as I get five minutes to come up with something terribly witty & amusing....ya'll will be the first to know. Until then...CHEERS!

Easter

late...

It's late. I'm dreaming of the smell of a wood burning stove and listening to music outside a little white church. I miss you baby. Every day I miss you. forever...

Coloring Eggs

The night prior...a quick color job!

Exhaustion Taketh Over

I ran today. No doubt this would seem a small feat to most, however allow me to put this in perspective for you. I RAN today, and I haven't ran since I was 12 years old. Yikes.

Even in High School gym class I refused to run. When we were being tested I would simply walk the track. Each lap I would have to listen to my P.E. teacher tell me to speed up, move faster, RRRUUUUNNNNN FOREST RRRRUUUUNNNNN!!!! But I was the stronger one. Sticking to my ideals, my beliefs, my laziness. I would not run, no matter the cost. Give me a D in P.E., so my GPA would suffer. No matter....I was a walker.

Now, at the ripe age of 28, I do indeed get my cardio in daily...by walking (quickly). In fact I walk so quickly that I probably should be jogging, but again, sticking to my guns, I will my legs to W-A-L-K at an unnatural pace simply to stand firm (or flabby, depending on how you look at it).

At 3:45 this morning I strolled up to the track, preparing myself for the very worst. And sure enough, just as I thought, Armageddon rained down upon me. I lapped once at a respectable speed. Hands pumping above my heart to increase speed & heart rate. Then the second lap was upon me.

I began to jog. Okay, this isn't too bad. I can totally handle this. Third lap. Holy crap I am sweating buckets. Fourth lap. My chest is heaving ridiculously. Four & 3/4. My heart is going to beat out of my chest. By lap five I am fairly sure flames were shooting from my calves and thighs, but I drove on. For 40 minutes I carried on like this. Eventually I began running up and down the bleachers as I came to them. Insanity exudes.

My final 20 minutes I walked....quickly. And as if that wasn't enough I decided to do another mile when my girlfriends B & G showed up. Just a mile though, I was SMOKED. Besides, that mile was far more fun for me. I could laugh between gasps for breath. Thankful for good friends.

My thighs are killing me at present. I could fall asleep at any moment. I dread crawling out of bed in the morning...I may need a walker. Tomorrow is a new day. I don't even have to think about running again until next Wednesday (as this is the new game plan...YUK!)

My positive thoughts? I did it...I ran. I didn't puke, I didn't pass out, I didn't give up, and I didn't die. Am I a runner? HECK NO!!!! But I'll never say never. Far weirder things have happened in my lifetime. Let's just say the verdict is still out on that one & it probably will be for a good long while.

Ah Spring!

Spring is in the air! That means time to RENEW!!! The kids and I spent the day cleaning and re-arranging rooms. This was not only due to the fact that their rooms were in desperate need of a good scrub but also my prepping for yet another furniture shopping spree (imagine that).

This year I'll be resting peacefully in my NEW BEDROOM. Unfortunately the sheer enormity of the set makes my bedroom computer virtually null and void. This added to the fact that I'll be purchasing a massive roll top for my husband...well, I'm sure you can imagine my dilemma. Either we tweak the bedroom situation or add-on. Thinking that may not go over well with housing.

So, that being said, we have combined bedrooms to once again make way for an office, nay...study. And this time there will be no guest bed, no toys, no TV's, no dresser overflow. Just my books, my writing desk (recently purchased), the roll-top, a stunning Kok Fung screen (yet another recent purchase), a few candles, and a reading chair. The study will be my haven (well another haven). Yes, I admit, it would seem my entire home is becoming my great escape. But I'll not apologize for it. I adore the comfortable atmosphere I've created here. Isn't that the way it should be?

My greatest desire is for family and friends to feel as at home here as I do. However, don't come knocking on my door just yet. The house is in an uproar with bunkbed parts lining the walls of my hallway, bedding covering the floor of my laundry room, dressers and closets in the midst of being shifted and purged, and walls being scrubbed and painted (at least touched up). What a nightmare! In fact, if you were to come over right now I'd likely ignore the doorbell for fear you would step into this black hole never to be heard from again...or at least not until next spring.

Much Love to All and Happy Spring!